Both these teams came into this off gruelling 7 game series in the last round and it would be a case of who had the more jump in them after those who would come out winners.
The Bruins got off to a good start in this one with Krejci picking up a rebound off a Horton shot and backhanded it in low past Boucher. It was only 1.58 into the game.
The Flyers took around 6 or 7 minutes to get any sort of pressure on the Bruins net and even then Thomas made a comfortable save from the ice and the pressure was dispersed.
Pronger and Paille took the first penalties of the game at 9.36, the foremost for slashing and the latter for tripping. This led to a spell of 4 on 4 and an equaliser for Danny Briere. A puck thrown on the net by Coburn seemed like it was going to be comfortable for Thomas to cover but Briere got infrot of the Bruins netinder and took it off his stick. He then was able to settle it down and put it in on the forehand.
The pace of the game picked up after this, the teams starting to go end to end and hitting each other a bit harder. Thomas made a good save on Van Riemsdyk, sliding post to post to get his pad to the one time shot.
The Bruins got the 1st powerplay of the game with Rinaldo going to the bench for goaltender interference with 5.54 left on the period. The Flyers killed it off comfortably and the Bruins were still looking for their first powerplay goal of this years playoffs.
With 36 seconds left it was Horton who got the Bruins back into the lead after some bad defensive zone play by Philadelphia. Seidenberg with a nice play to take the puck to the back of the net and feed it infront for Horton to put it past Boucher.
At the end of the 1st the Bruins were outshooting their opponents 12-8.
The Bruins extended their lead in the 2nd to 3-1 with Boucher letting a shot by Recchi slip through him at 2.34. He had already made a save from him but the rebound went straight back to the players stick. No defenceman really pressured Recchi and he had all the time in the world to get both shots away.
The Bruins kept the pressure on the Flyers, Boucher having to make a pad save to stop it going 4-1 and the Flyers started to get frustrated and slash at Bruins players. A call was missed on Giroux but Versteeg was calld at 5.11. The Bruins powerplay was still struggling and the game remained at 3-1.
They were given another chance almost straight away as Briere was called for tripping at 7.42. The Flyers penalty kill was looking good, about the only part of their game that was so far. Their own powerplay would get it's chance next as Marchand took a slashing call at 9.58.
The Flyers created a good chance almost straight away but Thomas just about covered up after 2 or 3 jam attempts by Richards infront. He then pulled a decent save on Van Riemsdyk as the Flyers forward took the puck to the net.
The Bruins were having their own penalty troubles now with Boychuk picking up a high sticking call at 12.37.
Philadelphia hadn't scored a powerplay goal against the Bruins in their regular season games and they did nothing on this 2nd one to look like breaking that duck.
The Bruins added a 4th straight off a face off with 4.24 left as Mcquaid received the face off back from Krejci and wristed in from blueline. Krejci got a defelction on the puck and Boucher didn't even move as he was still standing bolt up in net as the puck went past his glove.
It was 5-1 with 2.44 left, a soft shot from Ference deflected infront by Bergeron onto the toe of Boucher and Marchand flipped it glove side past the keeper. This signalled the end for Boucher as he was pulled and replaced by Bobrovsky.
Straight away the Flyers got an offensive zone face off and Van Riemsdyk put a wrister past Thomas gloveside to get it back to a 3 goal lead.
With 1.48 though the Flyers took a penalty with Giroux getting called for slashing this time after the ref's misse one by him earlier. A pentulant play after his team had just scored, putting the pressure right back on them. It was Thomas though making 2 great shorthanded saves that saw the period nearly end with the Flyers getting it back to a 2 goal game.
The Flyers started the 3rd at pace and with less than 2 minutes gone there was some open ice to work with as Peverly took 2 for cross checking and Hartnell 2 for slashing. This meant the game went 4 on 4 for the 2nd time this game. Neither team could take advantage of this although Thomas nearly juggled one over his own goal line on a glove save.
Another spell of Flyers pressure 8.30 into the period lead to Giroux firing a shot high over the net after a couple of good stick handling moves. The Bruins Ference took a hooking call on the move and the Flyers got another powerplay. They created no shots on this though, not getting set up at all and spending most of 2 minutes skating around in their own zone or chasing the puck back into it.
An easy kill for Boston but they would have to kill another almost straight away as Krejci took a slashing call with 9.03 left. The Flyers managed some zone possesion and a shot early on the man advantage but Briere shot it straight into the midrift of Thomas
Marchand then got a tripping call as he tried to pull a move on Pronger, missed the puck and took the defenders legs from under him. This gave the Flyers just under a minute of 5 on 3 play but they couldn't take advantage.
They did on the 5 on 4 though, with Richards taking the puck out of a crowd of players in the corner and skating infront to shoot his wrister short side on Thomas. There was still 6.58 left in the period.
With 5.01 left Marchand made it 6-3. He came from behind the net unmarked and the puck just seemed to bounce off a Flyers defender and straight to him to sweep into the net.
That goal was a backbreaker for the Flyers and any hope of a comeback was quashed with it. Meszaros took a slashing penalty and sent the Bruins on a powerplay with 4.30 left. Lucic and Rinaldo also picked up 10 minute misconduct calls as they had a push and shove match.
Boston made it 7-3 with 2.21 left just as the powerplay time ticked off the clock. A great pass from behind the net by Krejci found Campbell to the side of the crease and he just outworked the defence to keep his stick on the ice and tap in past Bobrovsky.
Man of the match for me was Krejci from the Bruins. He seemed to be involved when the Bruins created good chances and he picked up 2+2.
However, it was an awful Flyers performance that let the Bruins in so many times. In a tough series against the Sabres they seemed to defend a lot better even if the netminders were all having nightmares. This time the netminders were hung out to dry with bad performances and no help from the defence. Boucher let pucks through him, Bobrovsky was just given no chance when his defence literally didn't get near the scorers or gave them the puck.
Saturday 30 April 2011
Vancouver Canucks v Nashville Predators Game 2 Preview / Game 1 Review
Due to missing the 1st game in the Canucks / Predators series there was no match review written up on this site for it.
The Canucks took the game 1-0 with a Higgins goal half way through the 2nd period. Luongo only faced 20 shots for his shut out whilst Rinne fended of 29/30 but still couldn't get the win for his team. It was a lacklusture performance from the Predators that saw them being outshot 26-11 after 2 periods and they only woke up with 10 minutes left in the 3rd when they tried to get a game tying goal.
Game 2 they will need to be more awake and alert and looking to get something from the start. I expected lack of scoring ability in their line up to be a problem for Nashville but they need to get that team effort back that saw off the Ducks. You can't just rely on defence if you are 1-0 down in a game, you need to force the issue and take some risks to get back in a game. That's why i think in game 2 they will be looking for something in the 1st. They will want to get into that 1 goal lead themselves and then try to catch Vancouver as they chase the game. Of couse, they have to be careful not to take too many risks and allow the Canucks any easy goals.
Vancouver will want to get a 2-0 series lead going into Nashville and will also be looking for more offensive output in game 2. Luongo didn't have to be at his best in game 1 but a shut out will boost his confidence up again so the Canucks might edge towards attacking a bit more if his jitters have gone. Like Nashville though, if they take risks early on and go a goal down they know this Nashville team have the defensive set up to sit and stop the Canucks getting back ito the game. This could bring a stalemate situation to the game.
Because of this im expecting a defensive affair and another game that will be low scoring and won by the odd goal. I'll shout for a Canucks 2-0 series lead. If they do go a goal down i think they have enough to get back into the game whereas if the Preds go down early on, i think they will struggle again.
The Canucks took the game 1-0 with a Higgins goal half way through the 2nd period. Luongo only faced 20 shots for his shut out whilst Rinne fended of 29/30 but still couldn't get the win for his team. It was a lacklusture performance from the Predators that saw them being outshot 26-11 after 2 periods and they only woke up with 10 minutes left in the 3rd when they tried to get a game tying goal.
Game 2 they will need to be more awake and alert and looking to get something from the start. I expected lack of scoring ability in their line up to be a problem for Nashville but they need to get that team effort back that saw off the Ducks. You can't just rely on defence if you are 1-0 down in a game, you need to force the issue and take some risks to get back in a game. That's why i think in game 2 they will be looking for something in the 1st. They will want to get into that 1 goal lead themselves and then try to catch Vancouver as they chase the game. Of couse, they have to be careful not to take too many risks and allow the Canucks any easy goals.
Vancouver will want to get a 2-0 series lead going into Nashville and will also be looking for more offensive output in game 2. Luongo didn't have to be at his best in game 1 but a shut out will boost his confidence up again so the Canucks might edge towards attacking a bit more if his jitters have gone. Like Nashville though, if they take risks early on and go a goal down they know this Nashville team have the defensive set up to sit and stop the Canucks getting back ito the game. This could bring a stalemate situation to the game.
Because of this im expecting a defensive affair and another game that will be low scoring and won by the odd goal. I'll shout for a Canucks 2-0 series lead. If they do go a goal down i think they have enough to get back into the game whereas if the Preds go down early on, i think they will struggle again.
Washington Capitals v Tampa Bay Lightning Game 1
Tampa Bay took 2.12 to get on the board and in the lead. Downie did some great work along the boards, battled to keep the puck deep in the zone and took the puck to the net. Neuvirth got his pad down to his attempt but didn't cover it and Bergenheim jammed it in.
Malone had a brilliant chance with 4 minutes gone to make it 2-0. The puck rolled out infront to him and as it looked like he had a wide open net to fire into he couldn't control the puck. Once he had managed to get it under control and turn to shoot it was cleared infront of the net.
Semin made it 1-1 8 seconds later. A bad clearance by Clark trying to get the puck out of the zone was blocked by Sturm and Semin wristed the rolling puck through Roloson.
Gagne took a hard hit into the boards at 7.22 which left him lying on the ice hardy moving. With the medical teams on the ice and the stretcher he managed to get up with some help and skate off the ice. The hit was clean by Hannan, Gagne had fallen awkwardly, almost vertically onto his back.
Jeff Schultz picked up the 1st penalty of the series at 10.28 for delay of game sending Tampa Bay on the powerplay. The Caps comfortably killed it off, their penalty kill continuing how it did against the Rangers in the 1st round.
Washington thought they had gone 2-1 up with 6.26 left on the period. Mike Green lasered a shot wide which went around the boards to Erskinne. He fired another shot on goal which Laich controlled with his foot and tried to tip in. He missed the puck with his stick and the goal was called off after review, the call being he kicked the puck into the net.
The Caps got their 1st powerplay chance with 5.28 left, Downie getting called for elbowing. Semin had a great chance on it, firing a wrist shot against the post. Clark took a delay of game penalty 8 seconds after the Downie penalty had finished. It was Bergenheim on the shorthand having the best chance of the 2 minutes, skating in 2 on 1 from the blueline and taking a wrist shot the Neuvirth got his body infront of and covered up.
1.51 into the 2nd period and Fehr had the Caps 2-1 up. Straight from the face off Chimera got the puck to into the corner and out in front and Fehr simply got free and was unchallenged as he put it above above the glove of Roloson.
A penalty was called at 6.38 on Gordon for slashing and the Lightning had the 1st powerplay of the 2nd period and the chance to tie the game up. LeCavalier had a great chance to do so, Malone getting the puck to him infront of the net bt Neuvirth taking the backhand shot into his pads and covering up.
A mad scramble infront of Roloson at the halfway point saw the netminder make a good save and then the puck bounce back infront, about 6 players trying to either get it into the net or keep it out, Brewer blocking the puck almost on the line to stop it going in.
Downie had the game level at 16.17, throwing the puck to the front of the net on the backhand from down on the goal line and the puck deflecting off a defenceman's stick and past Neuvirth.
Stamkos gave the Lightning a 3-2 lead with 31 seconds left of the period. With Chimera sittng 2 minutes on a roughing call it was Brewer who got free on the wing and got the puck in tight to Stamkos and he got his backhand on it to jam it into net whilst on the doorstep. Kubina had been shook up when Chimera took the roughing call and he headed straight to the Tampa Bay dressing room.
Clark went for holding at 5.58 in the 3rd to give the Caps a powerplay chance to tie the game up. Some great play by Bergenheim and then Ohlund on the penalty kill meant the Lightning killed it off without giving up a shot.
Another powerplay chance for the Caps with 5.58 left as Purcell got his stick on Hannan trying to chase down an icing and getting called for hooking. This time the Caps managed a couple of shots but they were from the outside and both comfortable for Roloson to save.
The Lightning added a 4th goal on the empty net. Moore winning a race down the ice after Hall had shot it down ice and against the post.
A brilliant away win from the Lightning, their 3rd line being dominant on the scoreboard. The Caps again failing to get going upfront and being limited to only the 2 goals. Tampa Bay take the series lead 1-0.
Malone had a brilliant chance with 4 minutes gone to make it 2-0. The puck rolled out infront to him and as it looked like he had a wide open net to fire into he couldn't control the puck. Once he had managed to get it under control and turn to shoot it was cleared infront of the net.
Semin made it 1-1 8 seconds later. A bad clearance by Clark trying to get the puck out of the zone was blocked by Sturm and Semin wristed the rolling puck through Roloson.
Gagne took a hard hit into the boards at 7.22 which left him lying on the ice hardy moving. With the medical teams on the ice and the stretcher he managed to get up with some help and skate off the ice. The hit was clean by Hannan, Gagne had fallen awkwardly, almost vertically onto his back.
Jeff Schultz picked up the 1st penalty of the series at 10.28 for delay of game sending Tampa Bay on the powerplay. The Caps comfortably killed it off, their penalty kill continuing how it did against the Rangers in the 1st round.
Washington thought they had gone 2-1 up with 6.26 left on the period. Mike Green lasered a shot wide which went around the boards to Erskinne. He fired another shot on goal which Laich controlled with his foot and tried to tip in. He missed the puck with his stick and the goal was called off after review, the call being he kicked the puck into the net.
The Caps got their 1st powerplay chance with 5.28 left, Downie getting called for elbowing. Semin had a great chance on it, firing a wrist shot against the post. Clark took a delay of game penalty 8 seconds after the Downie penalty had finished. It was Bergenheim on the shorthand having the best chance of the 2 minutes, skating in 2 on 1 from the blueline and taking a wrist shot the Neuvirth got his body infront of and covered up.
1.51 into the 2nd period and Fehr had the Caps 2-1 up. Straight from the face off Chimera got the puck to into the corner and out in front and Fehr simply got free and was unchallenged as he put it above above the glove of Roloson.
A penalty was called at 6.38 on Gordon for slashing and the Lightning had the 1st powerplay of the 2nd period and the chance to tie the game up. LeCavalier had a great chance to do so, Malone getting the puck to him infront of the net bt Neuvirth taking the backhand shot into his pads and covering up.
A mad scramble infront of Roloson at the halfway point saw the netminder make a good save and then the puck bounce back infront, about 6 players trying to either get it into the net or keep it out, Brewer blocking the puck almost on the line to stop it going in.
Downie had the game level at 16.17, throwing the puck to the front of the net on the backhand from down on the goal line and the puck deflecting off a defenceman's stick and past Neuvirth.
Stamkos gave the Lightning a 3-2 lead with 31 seconds left of the period. With Chimera sittng 2 minutes on a roughing call it was Brewer who got free on the wing and got the puck in tight to Stamkos and he got his backhand on it to jam it into net whilst on the doorstep. Kubina had been shook up when Chimera took the roughing call and he headed straight to the Tampa Bay dressing room.
Clark went for holding at 5.58 in the 3rd to give the Caps a powerplay chance to tie the game up. Some great play by Bergenheim and then Ohlund on the penalty kill meant the Lightning killed it off without giving up a shot.
Another powerplay chance for the Caps with 5.58 left as Purcell got his stick on Hannan trying to chase down an icing and getting called for hooking. This time the Caps managed a couple of shots but they were from the outside and both comfortable for Roloson to save.
The Lightning added a 4th goal on the empty net. Moore winning a race down the ice after Hall had shot it down ice and against the post.
A brilliant away win from the Lightning, their 3rd line being dominant on the scoreboard. The Caps again failing to get going upfront and being limited to only the 2 goals. Tampa Bay take the series lead 1-0.
San Jose Sharks v Detroit Redwings Game 1
Detroit headed into their first game in 8 days after seeing off the Coyotes in 4, the Sharks were looking to carry on with the momentum gained after an overtime game 6 win against LA.
This game started with both team finishing checks and a scuffle mid ice with Miller and Eager exchanging some face rubbing against the boards. Nichol and Ferrio getting calls for San Jose and Miller for the Redwings givng Detroit an early powerplay chance.
It was the Sharks who had the best chances shorthanded, Wallin getting a blast from the top of the circle that Howard saved with the glove and Heatley trying a wraparound that was thwarted by a combination of the Redwings defence and Howard's pad.
The penalty kill brought the crowd into the game and the Sharks were on top through the 1st 7 minutes, coming at the Redwings with speed and generating pressure in the Detroit end.
The Redwings took the lead at 9.30 with Lidstrom getting free centre ice and skating onto a Datsyuk pass and firing the puck low gloveside on Niemi.
Wellwood had a great chance to equalise with 8.40 left on the period, skating in on Howard 2 on 1. He fired the shot high over the bar but a hooking call was made on Ericsson to give the Sharks their 1st powerplay of the game. San Jose controlled the puck in the Detroit end but couldn't get much going, putting in a couple of long range shots that Howard handled.
The Sharks had taken some of the Detroit momentum away but were given the chance to get some back with Thornton going for tripping with 3.58 left in the 1st. A better powerplay than their 1st, controlling the zone but again failing to create that clear cut chance.
The Sharks started the 2nd period with all the pressure, registering at least 5 shots. Howard stood firm and was getting infront of everything, the best save being a big glove save off Pavelski with around 5 minutes gone.
San Jose got some more momentum as Hudler went for tripping at 6.33. The Sharks got in some shots from range but Howard was still seeing everything. The Sharks were into double figure shots on the period by the halfway point of it but hadn't found an equaliser.
Howard took exception to Pavelski giving him a snow shower as he made another save and showed him, both players getting 2 minutes for roughing in a fracas afterwards. Howard lucky not to put his team back on the penalty kill as the call on Pavelski was a weak call.
The game settled down a bit and Detroit managed to get back into it the 2nd half of the period as the Sharks failed to get on the scoreboard. Todd Bertuzzi looked like he took a knock to a wrist or hand as he skated off holding it with around 6 minutes of the period remaining. He was back on the ice 2 or 3 minutes later with the problem not being bad as first thought.
The period ended with Detroit having a couple of chances, one bouncing behind Niemi and almost along the goal line and the netminder making a save off Hudler in the last 50 seconds.
The Sharks heavily outshot the Redwings 18-9 in the 2nd after the 1st had been pretty even, 9-8 in the Sharks favour.
It was Detroit who had the jump at the start of the 3rd period, keeping the play in the Sharks zone for the majority of the opening 4 minutes without getting many clear shots in on Niemi.
It was Pavelski for the Sharks who had the game levelled up at 10.22, scoring a tip in on a rebound off Howard. San Jose were on the powerplay as Bertuzzi sat for Boarding. Thornton got the shot away from centre ice that Howard got his pad to but Pavelski was quickest to act, batting the puck from around knee height into the net.
Eaves took a penalty for the Redwings at 13.52, being called for a slash as the Sharks cleared their zone. Detroit managed to kill this one off and the 3rd period headed into the last 4 minutes.
San Jose had all the late pressure but couldn't find a winner yet and the period ended with both teams all square. The Sharks went into overtime for the 4th time in 7 games already in this playoff year.
The overtime period began where the 3rd ended as the Sharks had the jump. Wallin was hit bya high stick at 2.43 which cut his chin and meant Abdelkader went for 4 minutes to the penalty box.
An excellent penalty kill from Detroit saw them limit the Sharks 2 shots on the powerplay but as Abdelkader returned to the ice the Redwings couldn't clear the zone and get line change. With tired players on the ice it was Ferrio for the Sharks firing a puck on net from the top of the circle that deflected off the skate of Stuart and through the five hole of Howard.
The Sharks edged an enthralling game and if it wasn't for Howard they probably would have won more comfortably. He made 44 saves through almost 3 and 1/2 periods and was my man of the match in this game. If this series continues with games as good as this it will prove to be the barnstormer we are all hoping for.
This game started with both team finishing checks and a scuffle mid ice with Miller and Eager exchanging some face rubbing against the boards. Nichol and Ferrio getting calls for San Jose and Miller for the Redwings givng Detroit an early powerplay chance.
It was the Sharks who had the best chances shorthanded, Wallin getting a blast from the top of the circle that Howard saved with the glove and Heatley trying a wraparound that was thwarted by a combination of the Redwings defence and Howard's pad.
The penalty kill brought the crowd into the game and the Sharks were on top through the 1st 7 minutes, coming at the Redwings with speed and generating pressure in the Detroit end.
The Redwings took the lead at 9.30 with Lidstrom getting free centre ice and skating onto a Datsyuk pass and firing the puck low gloveside on Niemi.
Wellwood had a great chance to equalise with 8.40 left on the period, skating in on Howard 2 on 1. He fired the shot high over the bar but a hooking call was made on Ericsson to give the Sharks their 1st powerplay of the game. San Jose controlled the puck in the Detroit end but couldn't get much going, putting in a couple of long range shots that Howard handled.
The Sharks had taken some of the Detroit momentum away but were given the chance to get some back with Thornton going for tripping with 3.58 left in the 1st. A better powerplay than their 1st, controlling the zone but again failing to create that clear cut chance.
The Sharks started the 2nd period with all the pressure, registering at least 5 shots. Howard stood firm and was getting infront of everything, the best save being a big glove save off Pavelski with around 5 minutes gone.
San Jose got some more momentum as Hudler went for tripping at 6.33. The Sharks got in some shots from range but Howard was still seeing everything. The Sharks were into double figure shots on the period by the halfway point of it but hadn't found an equaliser.
Howard took exception to Pavelski giving him a snow shower as he made another save and showed him, both players getting 2 minutes for roughing in a fracas afterwards. Howard lucky not to put his team back on the penalty kill as the call on Pavelski was a weak call.
The game settled down a bit and Detroit managed to get back into it the 2nd half of the period as the Sharks failed to get on the scoreboard. Todd Bertuzzi looked like he took a knock to a wrist or hand as he skated off holding it with around 6 minutes of the period remaining. He was back on the ice 2 or 3 minutes later with the problem not being bad as first thought.
The period ended with Detroit having a couple of chances, one bouncing behind Niemi and almost along the goal line and the netminder making a save off Hudler in the last 50 seconds.
The Sharks heavily outshot the Redwings 18-9 in the 2nd after the 1st had been pretty even, 9-8 in the Sharks favour.
It was Detroit who had the jump at the start of the 3rd period, keeping the play in the Sharks zone for the majority of the opening 4 minutes without getting many clear shots in on Niemi.
It was Pavelski for the Sharks who had the game levelled up at 10.22, scoring a tip in on a rebound off Howard. San Jose were on the powerplay as Bertuzzi sat for Boarding. Thornton got the shot away from centre ice that Howard got his pad to but Pavelski was quickest to act, batting the puck from around knee height into the net.
Eaves took a penalty for the Redwings at 13.52, being called for a slash as the Sharks cleared their zone. Detroit managed to kill this one off and the 3rd period headed into the last 4 minutes.
San Jose had all the late pressure but couldn't find a winner yet and the period ended with both teams all square. The Sharks went into overtime for the 4th time in 7 games already in this playoff year.
The overtime period began where the 3rd ended as the Sharks had the jump. Wallin was hit bya high stick at 2.43 which cut his chin and meant Abdelkader went for 4 minutes to the penalty box.
An excellent penalty kill from Detroit saw them limit the Sharks 2 shots on the powerplay but as Abdelkader returned to the ice the Redwings couldn't clear the zone and get line change. With tired players on the ice it was Ferrio for the Sharks firing a puck on net from the top of the circle that deflected off the skate of Stuart and through the five hole of Howard.
The Sharks edged an enthralling game and if it wasn't for Howard they probably would have won more comfortably. He made 44 saves through almost 3 and 1/2 periods and was my man of the match in this game. If this series continues with games as good as this it will prove to be the barnstormer we are all hoping for.
Thursday 28 April 2011
Western Conference Semi Final Previews
Vancouver Canucks (1) v (5) Nashville Predators
Nashville are maybe the suprise team into these Conference Semi Finals, nullifying the Ducks and getting though with a game to spare. It is the first time in franchise history that the Predators have got this far so they are heading out into the unknown for them.
Rinne will need to play better than he did in the first round that is for sure.His GAA for the series against the Ducks was 3.29, almost a goal a game higher than what he acheived during the regular season. The Predators don't have many recognisable goal threats going forward so defence is going to be key as well as team scoring. They will need contributions from all lines if they are going to give the Canucks any sort of challenge in this series.
Vancouver will be coming off the euphoria of finally getting past Chicago in the playoffs having been knocked out by them the last 2 years. They are also coming off a gruelling 7 game series and have had less time to prepare than Nashville. If the Preds can get the jump on them and take advantage of some weary bodies and minds then maybe they can work themselves into a position to win the series.
I think they will come up against a Canucks team with something to prove. Vancouver won't want to make the same mistakes they did against the Blackhawks and will be up for this challenge more than ever. Their names took a battering after nearly seeing a 3-0 series lead slip and the likes of Luongo especially will want to put people straight.
Expect the Predators to battle hard each game but the Canucks clearly have the better talented players and should come through this. My series prediction is 4-1 Canucks
San Jose Sharks (2) v (3) Detroit Redwings
This time last year Detroit headed into the 2nd round to face the Sharks after coming off a 7 game series against the Coyotes and were drained. They didn't compete and San Jose took a comfortable 4-1 win. This time around they will have had the luxury of almost 10 days off without a game by the time game 1 comes around. Is this a good thing or bad thing? There will be some questions as to whether they will be rusty in the opening games but the break has allowed time for both Franzen and Zetterberg to try and get themselves back fit for the series. Zetterberg didn't feature in the 4-0 whitewash of the Coyotes so he has had plenty of time to recover from a knee injury that has seen him missing since the last week of the season. Franzen took a hard hit from Doan in game 2 and is trying to shake off a lower body injury.
San Jose came through their 1st round matchup with the LA Kings 4-2, playing out a series that had more twists than a Formula 1 race track. Even though it didn't get to 7 games it was still gruelling contest that saw 3 of the games that the Sharks won going to overtime. They didn't get great netminding through the series, conceding 20 goals in the 6 games. They will need to tighten up if they are to defeat the Redwings. Scoring was a problem for them in a couple of games due to the outstanding Quick in the Kings net but in other games they got hatfuls. They certainly weren't shy of putting the puck on net anyway amassing 52 shots in 1 game alone. The Sharks certainly have the firepower in their ranks to beat Detroit in this series so one of the keys is going to be how Jimmy Howard copes with his 2nd visit to the 2nd round. Consistancy from the Sharks is going to be another key. If they can play a high tempo game and keep getting high amounts of shots on goal it will benefit them immensely. Detroit will be wanting to control the puck and build their attacks methodically as they have done all season.
A very tight series to call again, I think this could go down to whether the Redwings can steal one of the first 2 games on away ice. If they can, i can see them going through.
My prediction 4-2 Redwings.
Nashville are maybe the suprise team into these Conference Semi Finals, nullifying the Ducks and getting though with a game to spare. It is the first time in franchise history that the Predators have got this far so they are heading out into the unknown for them.
Rinne will need to play better than he did in the first round that is for sure.His GAA for the series against the Ducks was 3.29, almost a goal a game higher than what he acheived during the regular season. The Predators don't have many recognisable goal threats going forward so defence is going to be key as well as team scoring. They will need contributions from all lines if they are going to give the Canucks any sort of challenge in this series.
Vancouver will be coming off the euphoria of finally getting past Chicago in the playoffs having been knocked out by them the last 2 years. They are also coming off a gruelling 7 game series and have had less time to prepare than Nashville. If the Preds can get the jump on them and take advantage of some weary bodies and minds then maybe they can work themselves into a position to win the series.
I think they will come up against a Canucks team with something to prove. Vancouver won't want to make the same mistakes they did against the Blackhawks and will be up for this challenge more than ever. Their names took a battering after nearly seeing a 3-0 series lead slip and the likes of Luongo especially will want to put people straight.
Expect the Predators to battle hard each game but the Canucks clearly have the better talented players and should come through this. My series prediction is 4-1 Canucks
San Jose Sharks (2) v (3) Detroit Redwings
This time last year Detroit headed into the 2nd round to face the Sharks after coming off a 7 game series against the Coyotes and were drained. They didn't compete and San Jose took a comfortable 4-1 win. This time around they will have had the luxury of almost 10 days off without a game by the time game 1 comes around. Is this a good thing or bad thing? There will be some questions as to whether they will be rusty in the opening games but the break has allowed time for both Franzen and Zetterberg to try and get themselves back fit for the series. Zetterberg didn't feature in the 4-0 whitewash of the Coyotes so he has had plenty of time to recover from a knee injury that has seen him missing since the last week of the season. Franzen took a hard hit from Doan in game 2 and is trying to shake off a lower body injury.
San Jose came through their 1st round matchup with the LA Kings 4-2, playing out a series that had more twists than a Formula 1 race track. Even though it didn't get to 7 games it was still gruelling contest that saw 3 of the games that the Sharks won going to overtime. They didn't get great netminding through the series, conceding 20 goals in the 6 games. They will need to tighten up if they are to defeat the Redwings. Scoring was a problem for them in a couple of games due to the outstanding Quick in the Kings net but in other games they got hatfuls. They certainly weren't shy of putting the puck on net anyway amassing 52 shots in 1 game alone. The Sharks certainly have the firepower in their ranks to beat Detroit in this series so one of the keys is going to be how Jimmy Howard copes with his 2nd visit to the 2nd round. Consistancy from the Sharks is going to be another key. If they can play a high tempo game and keep getting high amounts of shots on goal it will benefit them immensely. Detroit will be wanting to control the puck and build their attacks methodically as they have done all season.
A very tight series to call again, I think this could go down to whether the Redwings can steal one of the first 2 games on away ice. If they can, i can see them going through.
My prediction 4-2 Redwings.
Eastern Conference Semi Final Previews
Well people, we have made it to round 2 - Conference Semi Finals. Here is my low down on the match ups and my predictions for them.
First though, im going to look back at my original predictions and see how badly i did with my 1st round assumptions!! My predictions in black, the actual result in red!!
Flyers v Sabres 4-3 4-3
Caps v Rangers 4-2 4-1
Penguins v Lightning 2-4 3-4
Bruins v Canadiens 4-1 4-3
Redwings v Coyotes 4-2 4-0
Sharks v Kings 4-2 4-2
Canucks v Blackhawks 4-1 4-3
Ducks v Predators 4-0 2-4
Looking back at that now, i am quite chuffed with my predictions, calling 7/8 winners and getting 2 spot on.
So here we go for the Confernce Semi Finals!
Washington Capitals (1) v (5) Tampa Bay Lightning
The Capitals have had a nice break since finishing off their Series v New York early. Can they come into game 1 of this series with a spring in their step and continue where they left off against the Rangers?
Tampa Bay are going to provide a much different test to what the Caps faced in round 1. They have more going forward than the Rangers do and this will prove a sterner test of Washington's defence and in particular, netminder Neuvirth. That Washington defence was the key to get through the 1st round as they struggled themselves to find offence at times and they will need the likes of Backstrom and Ovechkin to up their game another level. Ovechkin had moments in the Rangers series but the Caps will be looking for a lot more of them this time round.
Tampa Bay are coming off a physically draining game 7 against the Penguins but will be hoping that the momentum they have gained staving off elimintion 3 games running will carry through to the start of this series.
I have said from the start of the playoffs that i don't rate Roloson as a netminder. He seems to concede too many soft goals for me at times and isn't a Lundqvist, Miller or Price in my eyes. Boy, he proved me wrong in that game 7. I don't think he gave up a bad rebound all night and when the puck did bounce off him there were 4 Lightning players next to him to clear it. Tampa Bay showed they can play defensive hockey when needed as well as go out and blitz teams with their potent attacking players. If they can put these 2 elements together for 4 of the next 7 games they could be heading through to the Eastern Conference finals.
My predicton is they will be able to do this, Lightning to take the series 4-2.
Philadelphia Flyers (2) v (3) Boston Bruins
Ladies and Gentlemen, here it is, the series you all wanted. The Bruins have the chance for sweet, sweet revenge on the Flyers after they blew a series lead of 3-0 and a game 7 lead of 3-0 last year against them.
Boston will certainly not be wanting to repeat that performance.
Both teams were taken the distance in the first round with Philadelphia comfortably winning their game 7 with Buffalo, despite being 3-2 down in the series. Boston had it a bit tougher, only getting by after overtime in their game 7 against Montreal.
Boston will need to get their powerplay firing after failing to get a single goal on it against Montreal. They will surely be working on it before heading into game 1 here.
The Flyers will likely start with Boucher in net after he had a decent performance in game 7 against the Sabres but don't expect him to be in for every game if things aren't going the Flyers way. Im wondering ho many more netminders the Flyers have to call upon from the minor leagues if this series goes the way of the Bruins forwards.
Boston have the solid Tim Thomas and he will be their go to guy for all the games here. He is coming off the back of some standout performance agaisnt the Canadiens and is in good form this playoffs so far.
Expect this to be a tough battle, both teams have size in their roster and both hit hard. There is also that revenge element for the Bruins so expect it to get ugly at times.
A tough series to call this one, both will be worthy Eastern Conference Finalists if they make it through. I think the Flyers might just nudge this. They have the home ice advantage and finally some of their star players woke up in game 7 and they might now carry this through. Expect the Bruins to take it to a game 7 though.
Flyers 4 v 3 Bruins
First though, im going to look back at my original predictions and see how badly i did with my 1st round assumptions!! My predictions in black, the actual result in red!!
Flyers v Sabres 4-3 4-3
Caps v Rangers 4-2 4-1
Penguins v Lightning 2-4 3-4
Bruins v Canadiens 4-1 4-3
Redwings v Coyotes 4-2 4-0
Sharks v Kings 4-2 4-2
Canucks v Blackhawks 4-1 4-3
Ducks v Predators 4-0 2-4
Looking back at that now, i am quite chuffed with my predictions, calling 7/8 winners and getting 2 spot on.
So here we go for the Confernce Semi Finals!
Washington Capitals (1) v (5) Tampa Bay Lightning
The Capitals have had a nice break since finishing off their Series v New York early. Can they come into game 1 of this series with a spring in their step and continue where they left off against the Rangers?
Tampa Bay are going to provide a much different test to what the Caps faced in round 1. They have more going forward than the Rangers do and this will prove a sterner test of Washington's defence and in particular, netminder Neuvirth. That Washington defence was the key to get through the 1st round as they struggled themselves to find offence at times and they will need the likes of Backstrom and Ovechkin to up their game another level. Ovechkin had moments in the Rangers series but the Caps will be looking for a lot more of them this time round.
Tampa Bay are coming off a physically draining game 7 against the Penguins but will be hoping that the momentum they have gained staving off elimintion 3 games running will carry through to the start of this series.
I have said from the start of the playoffs that i don't rate Roloson as a netminder. He seems to concede too many soft goals for me at times and isn't a Lundqvist, Miller or Price in my eyes. Boy, he proved me wrong in that game 7. I don't think he gave up a bad rebound all night and when the puck did bounce off him there were 4 Lightning players next to him to clear it. Tampa Bay showed they can play defensive hockey when needed as well as go out and blitz teams with their potent attacking players. If they can put these 2 elements together for 4 of the next 7 games they could be heading through to the Eastern Conference finals.
My predicton is they will be able to do this, Lightning to take the series 4-2.
Philadelphia Flyers (2) v (3) Boston Bruins
Ladies and Gentlemen, here it is, the series you all wanted. The Bruins have the chance for sweet, sweet revenge on the Flyers after they blew a series lead of 3-0 and a game 7 lead of 3-0 last year against them.
Boston will certainly not be wanting to repeat that performance.
Both teams were taken the distance in the first round with Philadelphia comfortably winning their game 7 with Buffalo, despite being 3-2 down in the series. Boston had it a bit tougher, only getting by after overtime in their game 7 against Montreal.
Boston will need to get their powerplay firing after failing to get a single goal on it against Montreal. They will surely be working on it before heading into game 1 here.
The Flyers will likely start with Boucher in net after he had a decent performance in game 7 against the Sabres but don't expect him to be in for every game if things aren't going the Flyers way. Im wondering ho many more netminders the Flyers have to call upon from the minor leagues if this series goes the way of the Bruins forwards.
Boston have the solid Tim Thomas and he will be their go to guy for all the games here. He is coming off the back of some standout performance agaisnt the Canadiens and is in good form this playoffs so far.
Expect this to be a tough battle, both teams have size in their roster and both hit hard. There is also that revenge element for the Bruins so expect it to get ugly at times.
A tough series to call this one, both will be worthy Eastern Conference Finalists if they make it through. I think the Flyers might just nudge this. They have the home ice advantage and finally some of their star players woke up in game 7 and they might now carry this through. Expect the Bruins to take it to a game 7 though.
Flyers 4 v 3 Bruins
Boston Bruins v Montreal Canadiens Game 7
With both the Bruins / Canadiens and Pittsburgh / Tampa Bay games starting around the same time i was only able to take in the 1st period of this one live before having to switch to the other.
In that time, or should i say, the 1st period the Bruins had managed to forge a 2-1 lead.
Boychuck had given the Bruins a 1-0 lead only 3.31 into the game, slapping a puck past Price as he was trying to see around the screen of Bergeron infront of him.
It was 2-0 at 5.33 as Recchi got off a shot from between the circles that went in high on Price.
Yannick Weber got the Canadiens back into the game with a powerlay goal at 9.49, a wrist shot going glove side on Thomas after a lovely feed from Cammalleri circle to circle.
It was 5.50 into the 2nd period when Plekanec had the game tied up at 2 with a shorthanded goal. As the Bruins brought the puck up ice he made a takeaway move and skated clean in on Thomas, going low agaisnt the grain to beat the Bruins netminder.
A backhander at 9.44 in the 3rd from Kelly had the Bruins back into the lead. Peverley took the puck in over the blue line and dropped a pass that Ference skated onto and he took a wrist shot at net. The puck deflected down infront and right onto the backhand of Kelly who was on top of Price and put it in.
PK Subban blasted the Canadiens into overtime with just 1.57 left on the clock. It was a powerplay goal, Plekanec firing back from near the goal line out to the top of the circle for the defenceman to one time the puck high over Thomas's glove.
It was Nathan Horton though, 5.43 into the overtime period that was Boston's hero. Having already scored an overtime winner earlier in the series, this time he took a pass from Lucic around the Stanley Cup logo and drifted towards the wing as he fired a slapshot across Price, low gloveside, beating the netminders pads and sending the Bruins into round 2.
Absolutely gutted i couldn't watch this game in full with tonights matchups both overlapping each other. It didn't matter which way i worked it, one game would have always kept popping up the score in the other and after missing the last Pittsburgh / Tampa Bay game i was always destined to follow that tonight.
This looked like another fantastic game and as i predicted, it went to overtime. It was always going to be close to call but the Bruins have now given themselves a shot at the Flyers and a chance to face some demons from last years playoffs.
In that time, or should i say, the 1st period the Bruins had managed to forge a 2-1 lead.
Boychuck had given the Bruins a 1-0 lead only 3.31 into the game, slapping a puck past Price as he was trying to see around the screen of Bergeron infront of him.
It was 2-0 at 5.33 as Recchi got off a shot from between the circles that went in high on Price.
Yannick Weber got the Canadiens back into the game with a powerlay goal at 9.49, a wrist shot going glove side on Thomas after a lovely feed from Cammalleri circle to circle.
It was 5.50 into the 2nd period when Plekanec had the game tied up at 2 with a shorthanded goal. As the Bruins brought the puck up ice he made a takeaway move and skated clean in on Thomas, going low agaisnt the grain to beat the Bruins netminder.
A backhander at 9.44 in the 3rd from Kelly had the Bruins back into the lead. Peverley took the puck in over the blue line and dropped a pass that Ference skated onto and he took a wrist shot at net. The puck deflected down infront and right onto the backhand of Kelly who was on top of Price and put it in.
PK Subban blasted the Canadiens into overtime with just 1.57 left on the clock. It was a powerplay goal, Plekanec firing back from near the goal line out to the top of the circle for the defenceman to one time the puck high over Thomas's glove.
It was Nathan Horton though, 5.43 into the overtime period that was Boston's hero. Having already scored an overtime winner earlier in the series, this time he took a pass from Lucic around the Stanley Cup logo and drifted towards the wing as he fired a slapshot across Price, low gloveside, beating the netminders pads and sending the Bruins into round 2.
Absolutely gutted i couldn't watch this game in full with tonights matchups both overlapping each other. It didn't matter which way i worked it, one game would have always kept popping up the score in the other and after missing the last Pittsburgh / Tampa Bay game i was always destined to follow that tonight.
This looked like another fantastic game and as i predicted, it went to overtime. It was always going to be close to call but the Bruins have now given themselves a shot at the Flyers and a chance to face some demons from last years playoffs.
Pittsburgh Penguins v Tampa Bay Lightning Game 7
The Pens were on home ice infront of a fantastic crowd that belted out the national anthem at the start. The Lightning were hoping to steal the game and get themselves into round 2.
An upbeat start saw the Pens hitting hard and the Lightning trying to get the puck in deep without either team creating an outstanding chance. The game was 6 minutes in as Letang crashed the net and took Roloson into it with him, the netminder keeping the puck out and no call made on the play.
A hit on Talbot by Ohlund sent him into the ledge around the boards but there was no call made. Talbot stayed down on the ice and when the Penguins finally touched the puck the whistle was blown for him to get some attention. The crowd not liking the non call for boarding.
An interference call at 11.23 was made against Brewer and sent the Penguins on the powerplay. They had most of this time in the Tampa Bay zone, getting 4 shots on as well as a few blocked shots but the Lightning held firm and killed it off.
Pittsburgh went back on the powerplay with 5.10.left in the period as St Louis was called for trippng. However, the stuttering Pens powerplay still couldn't get anything going and they now only had 1 goal to show for over 30 chances in the series.
The Lightning were weathering the early Penguins storm, being outshot through the 1st period 15 to 7 but not letting anything through. Pittsburgh yet to give away a penalty and staying disciplined in their defensive end.
Stamkos got a tripping call just 1.22 into the 2nd, diving to try and block Staal from shooting inbetween the circles and catching the defenceman with his feet. Roloson took good position on 2 or 3 Penguin chances, not allowing a rebound and killing off the 3rd powerplay.
Both teams started the 2nd with a jump and the Lightning started to get some pressure around the net. They got the lead at 5.41 with Bergenheim getting the puck past Fluery after a clever reverse pass from Moore as he was skating one way around the net and passed the puck infront the other way.
Tampa Bay got their first powerplay chance at 7.48 with Orpik taking a hooking call. The Lightning were 6 for 14 already on away ice. Fluery though was to pull off the save of the series with 6 seconds left on the penalty, bringing the crowd to their feet and back into the game. It was a Kubina shot from the bottom of the circle that the netminder got an acrabatic glove to as he was sliding across the net to keep it down to only 1 goal for the Lightning.
The Penguins took another penalty almost straight after with Neal going for slashing at 10.41.The Penguins killed their 2nd straight with some desperation hockey but the game remained with only 1 goal difference.
Pittsburgh were getting back into the game after killing the 2 penalties but still not getting that clear chance they needed to tie the game up. Either the defence were blocking the shots or Roloson was covering them.
The game would go into the 3rd period with the Lightning 1-0 up.
Roloson was called into action less than 2 minutes into the period as Letang rushed in with the puck and fed it to Kennedy for a couple of whacks infront that the netminder got something on. He then absorbs a couple of long shots into his pads to get the whistle and the Penguins were still finding it hard to find a way past him.
The Lightning took a penalty for too many men on the ice at 5.25, Downie jumping on the ice with no one looking to come off. Again, the Penguins failed to generate much and they went 0 for 24 on home ice with the man advantage.
The Lightning were certainly looking just to try and see this game out with good defensive hockey. They weren't taking any risks to try and get forward and were nullifying the Penguins as they came forwards. Letanf was trying his hardest for the Penguins to get something going but it wasn't happening as the clock read 6.36 left.
Fluery pulled off a good save from Hall with the inside of his blocker arm to keep the Penguins in with the chance of tying the game but time was running out as the clock got below the 2 minute mark. The Lightning were playing the simple game of getting the puck out of their own zone and getting it deep into the Pittsburgh end.
With 1.33 left on the period, Thompson got called for slashing as Kunitz stick broke in his hand on a face off in the offensive zone. Fluery was pulled to make it a 6 on 4 to give the Penguins a 2 man advantage but an empty net at the other end.
Pittsburgh called their time out with just over 30 seconds left after Roloson had yet again smothered another puck on a long range shot.
The Penguins couldn't get one final big chance to tie the game and the Lightning killed off the period and powerplay to take a 1-0 win and cap a superb comeback in the series. After being 3-1 down they won 3 straight and will face the Washington Capitals in the next round.
Roloson was immense with 36 saves and a well deserved shut out. Nothing bounced off him. He just didn't give up a big rebound all night. Pittsburgh badly missed the creative flair of Malkin and Crosby all series and just didn't have anyone to step up to the plate. Asham tried his hardest and was the Penguins player of the series but Tampa Bay managed to score goals when they needed to in games 5 & 6 and were able to call on 4 or 5 big players and played a magnificent defensive game after going 1-0 up in this one.
An upbeat start saw the Pens hitting hard and the Lightning trying to get the puck in deep without either team creating an outstanding chance. The game was 6 minutes in as Letang crashed the net and took Roloson into it with him, the netminder keeping the puck out and no call made on the play.
A hit on Talbot by Ohlund sent him into the ledge around the boards but there was no call made. Talbot stayed down on the ice and when the Penguins finally touched the puck the whistle was blown for him to get some attention. The crowd not liking the non call for boarding.
An interference call at 11.23 was made against Brewer and sent the Penguins on the powerplay. They had most of this time in the Tampa Bay zone, getting 4 shots on as well as a few blocked shots but the Lightning held firm and killed it off.
Pittsburgh went back on the powerplay with 5.10.left in the period as St Louis was called for trippng. However, the stuttering Pens powerplay still couldn't get anything going and they now only had 1 goal to show for over 30 chances in the series.
The Lightning were weathering the early Penguins storm, being outshot through the 1st period 15 to 7 but not letting anything through. Pittsburgh yet to give away a penalty and staying disciplined in their defensive end.
Stamkos got a tripping call just 1.22 into the 2nd, diving to try and block Staal from shooting inbetween the circles and catching the defenceman with his feet. Roloson took good position on 2 or 3 Penguin chances, not allowing a rebound and killing off the 3rd powerplay.
Both teams started the 2nd with a jump and the Lightning started to get some pressure around the net. They got the lead at 5.41 with Bergenheim getting the puck past Fluery after a clever reverse pass from Moore as he was skating one way around the net and passed the puck infront the other way.
Tampa Bay got their first powerplay chance at 7.48 with Orpik taking a hooking call. The Lightning were 6 for 14 already on away ice. Fluery though was to pull off the save of the series with 6 seconds left on the penalty, bringing the crowd to their feet and back into the game. It was a Kubina shot from the bottom of the circle that the netminder got an acrabatic glove to as he was sliding across the net to keep it down to only 1 goal for the Lightning.
The Penguins took another penalty almost straight after with Neal going for slashing at 10.41.The Penguins killed their 2nd straight with some desperation hockey but the game remained with only 1 goal difference.
Pittsburgh were getting back into the game after killing the 2 penalties but still not getting that clear chance they needed to tie the game up. Either the defence were blocking the shots or Roloson was covering them.
The game would go into the 3rd period with the Lightning 1-0 up.
Roloson was called into action less than 2 minutes into the period as Letang rushed in with the puck and fed it to Kennedy for a couple of whacks infront that the netminder got something on. He then absorbs a couple of long shots into his pads to get the whistle and the Penguins were still finding it hard to find a way past him.
The Lightning took a penalty for too many men on the ice at 5.25, Downie jumping on the ice with no one looking to come off. Again, the Penguins failed to generate much and they went 0 for 24 on home ice with the man advantage.
The Lightning were certainly looking just to try and see this game out with good defensive hockey. They weren't taking any risks to try and get forward and were nullifying the Penguins as they came forwards. Letanf was trying his hardest for the Penguins to get something going but it wasn't happening as the clock read 6.36 left.
Fluery pulled off a good save from Hall with the inside of his blocker arm to keep the Penguins in with the chance of tying the game but time was running out as the clock got below the 2 minute mark. The Lightning were playing the simple game of getting the puck out of their own zone and getting it deep into the Pittsburgh end.
With 1.33 left on the period, Thompson got called for slashing as Kunitz stick broke in his hand on a face off in the offensive zone. Fluery was pulled to make it a 6 on 4 to give the Penguins a 2 man advantage but an empty net at the other end.
Pittsburgh called their time out with just over 30 seconds left after Roloson had yet again smothered another puck on a long range shot.
The Penguins couldn't get one final big chance to tie the game and the Lightning killed off the period and powerplay to take a 1-0 win and cap a superb comeback in the series. After being 3-1 down they won 3 straight and will face the Washington Capitals in the next round.
Roloson was immense with 36 saves and a well deserved shut out. Nothing bounced off him. He just didn't give up a big rebound all night. Pittsburgh badly missed the creative flair of Malkin and Crosby all series and just didn't have anyone to step up to the plate. Asham tried his hardest and was the Penguins player of the series but Tampa Bay managed to score goals when they needed to in games 5 & 6 and were able to call on 4 or 5 big players and played a magnificent defensive game after going 1-0 up in this one.
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Wednesday Night Game Previews
Boston Bruins v Montreal Canadiens
After winning 2-1 at home last night, the Candiens have dragged this series into a decider back in Beantown.
Both netminders have been the story of this series, Thomas for the Bruins has a GAA of 2.16 and SP of 0.927% whilst Price is 1.85 GAA and 0.942% SP.
It wouldn't suprise me if this one is close again and a low scoring affair. No team has won a game by more than 2 goals, with Montreal taking the 1st 2-0 and Boston taking the 3rd 4-2 (with an empty net goal to boot).
Keys to this game other than the netminders will be Boston's powerplay - if and when they get it going. 0 for 19 so far in the series, at some point you would think it would click. If it does, they should go through.
Mike Cammalleri leads both teams in points in the series with 3 goals and 6 assists. He is Montreal's go to guy and they will be looking to him to either create or score their goals tonight.
Way to tight to call again, like it has been all series. I think Boston will get this done though, possibly in overtime and they will be in the Conference Semi Finals.
Pittsburgh Penguins v Tampa Bay Lightning
First and foremost i must apologise to any fans of these teams for the lack of a game 6 review in my blog. Travelling back from my holiday yesterday to the other end of the UK where i reside and a pounding headache left me short on time to get the review written and up online.
Tampa Bay took that game 4-2 to leave us with tonights do or die game for both teams. It will be another game 7 that Pittsburgh really shouldn't be playing after taking a 3-1 series lead with 2 brilliant wins on away ice. However, the Lightning have rallied. They have outscored the Penguins 12-2 over game 5 & 6 and have the momentum going into game 7.
Another evenly balanced series which is tough to call. There have been blowouts and close games in this series and no one knows what to expect tonight. If the Lightning can get their scoring going early, they could steal this on enemy territory. If the Penguins play hard and get the crowd behind them, they could be the ones heading into the next round.
Keys for me are where the Penguins scoring is going to come from. Asham, a 4th line player currently leads them in points and without Crosby and Malkin they need Kovalev and Kunitz to step up and get some points.
Tampa Bay have some wonderful attacking talent in their line up with St Louis, Gagne and Lecavalier leading the way for them. If these players can click one more time this series they should be heading through to the next round.
I said from the start i expected the Lightning to shock the Penguins and win this series. Im not a man for going back on my thoughts so i am going to stick with that prediction, even though my head is drawn to the fact Pittsburgh will be on home ice and determined not to let a 2 game lead slip.
After winning 2-1 at home last night, the Candiens have dragged this series into a decider back in Beantown.
Both netminders have been the story of this series, Thomas for the Bruins has a GAA of 2.16 and SP of 0.927% whilst Price is 1.85 GAA and 0.942% SP.
It wouldn't suprise me if this one is close again and a low scoring affair. No team has won a game by more than 2 goals, with Montreal taking the 1st 2-0 and Boston taking the 3rd 4-2 (with an empty net goal to boot).
Keys to this game other than the netminders will be Boston's powerplay - if and when they get it going. 0 for 19 so far in the series, at some point you would think it would click. If it does, they should go through.
Mike Cammalleri leads both teams in points in the series with 3 goals and 6 assists. He is Montreal's go to guy and they will be looking to him to either create or score their goals tonight.
Way to tight to call again, like it has been all series. I think Boston will get this done though, possibly in overtime and they will be in the Conference Semi Finals.
Pittsburgh Penguins v Tampa Bay Lightning
First and foremost i must apologise to any fans of these teams for the lack of a game 6 review in my blog. Travelling back from my holiday yesterday to the other end of the UK where i reside and a pounding headache left me short on time to get the review written and up online.
Tampa Bay took that game 4-2 to leave us with tonights do or die game for both teams. It will be another game 7 that Pittsburgh really shouldn't be playing after taking a 3-1 series lead with 2 brilliant wins on away ice. However, the Lightning have rallied. They have outscored the Penguins 12-2 over game 5 & 6 and have the momentum going into game 7.
Another evenly balanced series which is tough to call. There have been blowouts and close games in this series and no one knows what to expect tonight. If the Lightning can get their scoring going early, they could steal this on enemy territory. If the Penguins play hard and get the crowd behind them, they could be the ones heading into the next round.
Keys for me are where the Penguins scoring is going to come from. Asham, a 4th line player currently leads them in points and without Crosby and Malkin they need Kovalev and Kunitz to step up and get some points.
Tampa Bay have some wonderful attacking talent in their line up with St Louis, Gagne and Lecavalier leading the way for them. If these players can click one more time this series they should be heading through to the next round.
I said from the start i expected the Lightning to shock the Penguins and win this series. Im not a man for going back on my thoughts so i am going to stick with that prediction, even though my head is drawn to the fact Pittsburgh will be on home ice and determined not to let a 2 game lead slip.
Philadelpia Flyers v Buffalo Sabres Game 7
It was Brian Boucher who got the start for the Flyers in goal as we went to this first game 7 of this years Stanley Cup. Roy, Hecht and Sekera were in for the Sabres, Connolly, Kaleta and Montador out.
It only took 2.57 for the first penalties to be called in this one, Briere and Gragnani going for roughing.
The Flyers had the first great chance through Giroux. He skated down on Miller and deked past him, the netminder sprawled in the crease. He went to slide it in as he was running over the goal line to the side of the net and could only manage to put it against the post. A couple of Flyers following up the play had 2nd chances but hit the puck against Miller as he was prone.
All the early pressure was by the Flyer with Briere being robbed on the wrap around attempt, the Flyers outshooting the Sabres 7-1.
The Sabres got the 1st powerplay chance with 4.37 left in the period, Briere going for boarding but it was Giroux and Richards breaking out on the shorthand that created the best chance. Giroux found Richards rushing to the net and he redirected just wide as Miller moved side to side.
Richards had a similar chance with 40 seconds left and a 3rd opportuniy with less than 30 seconds left, this time firing into the chest of Miller. It was all the Flyers in the 1st period, and they got the go ahead goal with 19 seconds left on the period. Coburn fired a soft wrister in from the blueline and Grier reached to try and block it. He changed the path of the puck and sent it through the five hole of Miller as he was moving to try and get in line with the shot.
The Flyers were outshooting the Sabres 16-2 at the end of the period, Buffalo really hadn't got going.
The Sabres got their 1st powerplay chance right at the start of the 2nd period and it started with some early pressure around Boucher but no one able to poke the puck into the net.
Ennis then got a chance at the side of the net but he couldn't get the puck from backhand to forehand quick enough to put it past the prone Boucher.
A penalty on Myers at 4.40 saw the Flyers go on the powerplay and get their 2nd goal as Richards drove a puck hard to the net with a slapshot and it deflected infront off a crowd right to Briere who tapped the puck in beyond Miller. Myers came out the box and had words at the ref, clearly feeling he was cheaply called on that one.
Another Philadelphia powerplay led to another goal. With Butler sitting for hooking, Van Riemsdyk got the 3rd on a redirect infront of the net. Giroux hit the snapshot as Van Riemsdyk got a great stick on the puck infront of Miller to send it high into the corner.
Buffalo had a great chance with just over a minute left, Buffalo taking the puck to the net and Stafford getting the puck from behind the net and jamming it near post, Boucher getting his pad down to that shot and then to Hecht on the follow up as well.Carle took a penalty infront holding Gerbe and sending the Sabres on the powerplay. There were 2 more penalties only 14 seconds later that kept the game at 5 on 4 going into the 3rd.
The Flyers were outshooting the Sabres 27-14 and the Sabres needed a huge 3rd period to get back into this game.
Leino made the Sabres task almost impossible 1.59 into the period, skating down the wing and absolutely lasering a shot across Miller and into the far top corner of the net. Ruff pulled Miller at this point for Enroth as the Flyers crowd upped the noise level inside the Fargo Centre.
Buffalo got back into the game with a Myers goal at 6.33 gone in the period, Stafford playing the perfect feed back from the bottom of the circle to the slot to find the oncoming defenceman who shot the puck in to break Boucher's shut out.
It wasn't to be the start of the great comeback though as Carcillo got the Flyers 5th. Enroth made the save on the forehanded wrist shot but couldn't stop the follow up backhand as Carcillo was falling to the ice. There was still 10 minutes left but the Sabres were back to needing 4.
They got the difference down to 3 with 4.39 remaining. A powerplay goal with Timmonen sitting a Holding call. Myers played a hard pass from the point to Derek Roy who centred it to Boyes and he tapped it in with the backhand.
Enroth made a great save with the glove on a 2 and 0 break which would have seen the Flyers dispose of any nerves they may still have had heading to the end of the game. If there was any nerves, their needn't have been. The Flyers had already done enough in this game in getting that 3-0 lead through 2 periods. They had been dominant for almost the entire game and the Sabres just couldn't match their skill levels.
Ennis took a slashing penalty for the Sabres with just under a minute left as the crowd stood for the reamainder of the game to cheer their heroes on. The Sabres ended with Butler taking another slashing penalty at 59.41, the Flyers playing out a 5 on 3 behind their own net as they progressed to the Eastern Conference Semi Finals.
Take nothing away from the Sabres, they played a fantastic series having come into it as massive underdogs. They had shut down the Flyers in 2 games and kept all the others close. Having led 3-2 and having game 6t on home ice to go through themselves they had set up their chance but lost in the overtime period and game 7 was just a game too far. The Flyers hadn't performed as well as you might have expected and i felt they were due a big game at some point. This was it. They stopped the Sabres getting anything going forward in the early stages and got the lead that would see them through.
A great series with the best team deservedly coming through in the end.
It only took 2.57 for the first penalties to be called in this one, Briere and Gragnani going for roughing.
The Flyers had the first great chance through Giroux. He skated down on Miller and deked past him, the netminder sprawled in the crease. He went to slide it in as he was running over the goal line to the side of the net and could only manage to put it against the post. A couple of Flyers following up the play had 2nd chances but hit the puck against Miller as he was prone.
All the early pressure was by the Flyer with Briere being robbed on the wrap around attempt, the Flyers outshooting the Sabres 7-1.
The Sabres got the 1st powerplay chance with 4.37 left in the period, Briere going for boarding but it was Giroux and Richards breaking out on the shorthand that created the best chance. Giroux found Richards rushing to the net and he redirected just wide as Miller moved side to side.
Richards had a similar chance with 40 seconds left and a 3rd opportuniy with less than 30 seconds left, this time firing into the chest of Miller. It was all the Flyers in the 1st period, and they got the go ahead goal with 19 seconds left on the period. Coburn fired a soft wrister in from the blueline and Grier reached to try and block it. He changed the path of the puck and sent it through the five hole of Miller as he was moving to try and get in line with the shot.
The Flyers were outshooting the Sabres 16-2 at the end of the period, Buffalo really hadn't got going.
The Sabres got their 1st powerplay chance right at the start of the 2nd period and it started with some early pressure around Boucher but no one able to poke the puck into the net.
Ennis then got a chance at the side of the net but he couldn't get the puck from backhand to forehand quick enough to put it past the prone Boucher.
A penalty on Myers at 4.40 saw the Flyers go on the powerplay and get their 2nd goal as Richards drove a puck hard to the net with a slapshot and it deflected infront off a crowd right to Briere who tapped the puck in beyond Miller. Myers came out the box and had words at the ref, clearly feeling he was cheaply called on that one.
Another Philadelphia powerplay led to another goal. With Butler sitting for hooking, Van Riemsdyk got the 3rd on a redirect infront of the net. Giroux hit the snapshot as Van Riemsdyk got a great stick on the puck infront of Miller to send it high into the corner.
Buffalo had a great chance with just over a minute left, Buffalo taking the puck to the net and Stafford getting the puck from behind the net and jamming it near post, Boucher getting his pad down to that shot and then to Hecht on the follow up as well.Carle took a penalty infront holding Gerbe and sending the Sabres on the powerplay. There were 2 more penalties only 14 seconds later that kept the game at 5 on 4 going into the 3rd.
The Flyers were outshooting the Sabres 27-14 and the Sabres needed a huge 3rd period to get back into this game.
Leino made the Sabres task almost impossible 1.59 into the period, skating down the wing and absolutely lasering a shot across Miller and into the far top corner of the net. Ruff pulled Miller at this point for Enroth as the Flyers crowd upped the noise level inside the Fargo Centre.
Buffalo got back into the game with a Myers goal at 6.33 gone in the period, Stafford playing the perfect feed back from the bottom of the circle to the slot to find the oncoming defenceman who shot the puck in to break Boucher's shut out.
It wasn't to be the start of the great comeback though as Carcillo got the Flyers 5th. Enroth made the save on the forehanded wrist shot but couldn't stop the follow up backhand as Carcillo was falling to the ice. There was still 10 minutes left but the Sabres were back to needing 4.
They got the difference down to 3 with 4.39 remaining. A powerplay goal with Timmonen sitting a Holding call. Myers played a hard pass from the point to Derek Roy who centred it to Boyes and he tapped it in with the backhand.
Enroth made a great save with the glove on a 2 and 0 break which would have seen the Flyers dispose of any nerves they may still have had heading to the end of the game. If there was any nerves, their needn't have been. The Flyers had already done enough in this game in getting that 3-0 lead through 2 periods. They had been dominant for almost the entire game and the Sabres just couldn't match their skill levels.
Ennis took a slashing penalty for the Sabres with just under a minute left as the crowd stood for the reamainder of the game to cheer their heroes on. The Sabres ended with Butler taking another slashing penalty at 59.41, the Flyers playing out a 5 on 3 behind their own net as they progressed to the Eastern Conference Semi Finals.
Take nothing away from the Sabres, they played a fantastic series having come into it as massive underdogs. They had shut down the Flyers in 2 games and kept all the others close. Having led 3-2 and having game 6t on home ice to go through themselves they had set up their chance but lost in the overtime period and game 7 was just a game too far. The Flyers hadn't performed as well as you might have expected and i felt they were due a big game at some point. This was it. They stopped the Sabres getting anything going forward in the early stages and got the lead that would see them through.
A great series with the best team deservedly coming through in the end.
Vancouver Canucks v Chicago Blackhawks Game 7
Chicago went into this game hoping to emulate the Maple Leafs, Islanders and Flyers and become only the 4th team in history to come back from a 3-0 series deposit and win 4-3. Vancouver needed a huge performance on home ice. They had Luongo back between the pipes to start the game.
This one only took 2.43 to get going on the scoreboard and it was the home fans at the Rogers Arena that were up on their feet. Kesler skated into the circle and played the perfect pass to Burrows who was rushing down centre ice. He just wristed it low past Crawford who never got set on the play and the Canucks were 1-0 up.
The Canucks had started this game being very aggresive, laying a lot of hits on the Blackhawks, everyone of them being cheered enthusiastically by the fans.
Kesler took a puck to the head off his own players shot around the 11 minute mark but he skated to the bench on his own and was fine to continue.
Louongo was in the zone. He pulled off a good save from Toews infront. As the centre tried to sweep the puck in he got a strong pad down to it. Luongo was smothering most things fired at him and not giving rebounds or letting things under arms / through him. He had started well.
The Canucks got the 1st powerplay of the game with 3.39 left in the period. A cross check by Seabrook on Kesler. Most of the 2 minutes were spent with Vancouver controlling the zone but Crawford fended off what was thrown at him. That meant the Canucks came out of the 1st with a slim 1-0 lead. It had been a tight period, the Canucks starting superbly but the Blackhawks getting back into it as the period went on.
The Blackhawks got their 1st powerplay chance with 9.42 left in the period, Hansen going for tripping. The Canucks penalty kill was aggresive and Raymond had a great chance shorthanded. He stole the puck behind the net and went short side on Crawford who made a great save, just as it looked like Raymond had him coming off his near post. A great kill from the Canucks.
Edler created another good chance with a slapper from the point, Crawford making the save and Daniel Sedin trying to get the rebound out of his feet and slam it home but just failing as the netminder covered up.
The Canucks had another great period of sustained pressure infront of Crawford going into the last 3 minutes. The Blackhawks defence struggled to clear their zone and were greatful their netminder was seeing all the shots coming in and making the saves.
The 3rd period started with Keith pulling down a clear Burrows, crashing him into the net. Burrows got awarded the penalty shot with the period just 21 seconds in. Crawford came out high to the top of his crease as Burrows skated down on him and he took away the net superbly giving the forward nothing to shoot at and making the save.
8 minutes into the period Henrik Sedin found himself free in the slot after Seabrook made a bad play with the puck but instead of taking the clear shot he passed it to the side of the net to Burrows for a one time play. Burrows wasn't expecting the pass and never got it on his stick cleanly, the play being cleared by the Blackhawks defence.
Luongo was still getting himself infront of everything that the Blackhawks were throwing at him, even though some of the saves were slightly unorthodox. The Blackhawks were shooting the puck in on him more this period but still not getting through.
Crawford then made another big save with 5 minutes left, sprawling in his crease and getting his glove to a Kesler rebound, the forward just not able to get the desired lift on the puck.
Burrows got his legs going down the wing with just over 3 minutes left and shot high shortside, Crawford getting his blocker and stick up to the puck but Keith taking a 2 minute penalty for hooking as he tried to hold Burrows back.
The Rogers Arena all got to their feet going into the last 2 minutes as again the noise level rose, their team now close to getting through into the next round.
Toews killed that mood. It was the first shorthanded goal of the playoffs so far. He stole the puck centre ice and skated against 2 Vancouver defencemen as he tried to get the puck to the front. He went down and lost control of the puck. Hossa slid it towards net and off the pads of Luongo and as Toews was trying to get up in infront of the net the puck bounced infront of him, he dove and sticked it to the back of the net with just 1.54 left.
The Canucks still had 30 seconds left on the powerplay but again couldn't get passed Crawford and that saw this game go into overtime.
The overtime period started with a penalty being called on the Canucks. Burrows called for holding just 24 seconds in. Luongo made a good save just 20 seconds into with Sharp having a shot from a tight angle close in. Sharp not getting as much as he would have liked on it with it being a rolling puck.
The crowd raised the noise again as the Canucks killed the penalty and Hamhuis made a big hit in the defensive end on Toews.
Burrows won the game for Vancouver 5.22 into the overtime period. A bad play from Campoli trying to clear the zone was gloved down by Burrows on the blueline and he skated in, blasting a slapshot high stick side and into the top corner.
You could feel the relief in the building as the fans roared and the Vancouver bench piled onto the ice and on top of each other. The Canucks had managed to get past the Blackhawks for the first time in 3 years.
The Blackhawks were oh so close to coming back from that 3-0 series deposit. Even going into the last 2 minutes of the game 1-0 down and on the penalty kill they just didn't give up and managed to tie it. Both netminders were superb tonight and the closest game of the series was also the most tense.
Someone had to win it and after Burrows had scored what looked like the winner early in the game, then missed a penalty shot to go 2-0 up he finally got the game done in the OT period.
This one only took 2.43 to get going on the scoreboard and it was the home fans at the Rogers Arena that were up on their feet. Kesler skated into the circle and played the perfect pass to Burrows who was rushing down centre ice. He just wristed it low past Crawford who never got set on the play and the Canucks were 1-0 up.
The Canucks had started this game being very aggresive, laying a lot of hits on the Blackhawks, everyone of them being cheered enthusiastically by the fans.
Kesler took a puck to the head off his own players shot around the 11 minute mark but he skated to the bench on his own and was fine to continue.
Louongo was in the zone. He pulled off a good save from Toews infront. As the centre tried to sweep the puck in he got a strong pad down to it. Luongo was smothering most things fired at him and not giving rebounds or letting things under arms / through him. He had started well.
The Canucks got the 1st powerplay of the game with 3.39 left in the period. A cross check by Seabrook on Kesler. Most of the 2 minutes were spent with Vancouver controlling the zone but Crawford fended off what was thrown at him. That meant the Canucks came out of the 1st with a slim 1-0 lead. It had been a tight period, the Canucks starting superbly but the Blackhawks getting back into it as the period went on.
The Blackhawks got their 1st powerplay chance with 9.42 left in the period, Hansen going for tripping. The Canucks penalty kill was aggresive and Raymond had a great chance shorthanded. He stole the puck behind the net and went short side on Crawford who made a great save, just as it looked like Raymond had him coming off his near post. A great kill from the Canucks.
Edler created another good chance with a slapper from the point, Crawford making the save and Daniel Sedin trying to get the rebound out of his feet and slam it home but just failing as the netminder covered up.
The Canucks had another great period of sustained pressure infront of Crawford going into the last 3 minutes. The Blackhawks defence struggled to clear their zone and were greatful their netminder was seeing all the shots coming in and making the saves.
The 3rd period started with Keith pulling down a clear Burrows, crashing him into the net. Burrows got awarded the penalty shot with the period just 21 seconds in. Crawford came out high to the top of his crease as Burrows skated down on him and he took away the net superbly giving the forward nothing to shoot at and making the save.
8 minutes into the period Henrik Sedin found himself free in the slot after Seabrook made a bad play with the puck but instead of taking the clear shot he passed it to the side of the net to Burrows for a one time play. Burrows wasn't expecting the pass and never got it on his stick cleanly, the play being cleared by the Blackhawks defence.
Luongo was still getting himself infront of everything that the Blackhawks were throwing at him, even though some of the saves were slightly unorthodox. The Blackhawks were shooting the puck in on him more this period but still not getting through.
Crawford then made another big save with 5 minutes left, sprawling in his crease and getting his glove to a Kesler rebound, the forward just not able to get the desired lift on the puck.
Burrows got his legs going down the wing with just over 3 minutes left and shot high shortside, Crawford getting his blocker and stick up to the puck but Keith taking a 2 minute penalty for hooking as he tried to hold Burrows back.
The Rogers Arena all got to their feet going into the last 2 minutes as again the noise level rose, their team now close to getting through into the next round.
Toews killed that mood. It was the first shorthanded goal of the playoffs so far. He stole the puck centre ice and skated against 2 Vancouver defencemen as he tried to get the puck to the front. He went down and lost control of the puck. Hossa slid it towards net and off the pads of Luongo and as Toews was trying to get up in infront of the net the puck bounced infront of him, he dove and sticked it to the back of the net with just 1.54 left.
The Canucks still had 30 seconds left on the powerplay but again couldn't get passed Crawford and that saw this game go into overtime.
The overtime period started with a penalty being called on the Canucks. Burrows called for holding just 24 seconds in. Luongo made a good save just 20 seconds into with Sharp having a shot from a tight angle close in. Sharp not getting as much as he would have liked on it with it being a rolling puck.
The crowd raised the noise again as the Canucks killed the penalty and Hamhuis made a big hit in the defensive end on Toews.
Burrows won the game for Vancouver 5.22 into the overtime period. A bad play from Campoli trying to clear the zone was gloved down by Burrows on the blueline and he skated in, blasting a slapshot high stick side and into the top corner.
You could feel the relief in the building as the fans roared and the Vancouver bench piled onto the ice and on top of each other. The Canucks had managed to get past the Blackhawks for the first time in 3 years.
The Blackhawks were oh so close to coming back from that 3-0 series deposit. Even going into the last 2 minutes of the game 1-0 down and on the penalty kill they just didn't give up and managed to tie it. Both netminders were superb tonight and the closest game of the series was also the most tense.
Someone had to win it and after Burrows had scored what looked like the winner early in the game, then missed a penalty shot to go 2-0 up he finally got the game done in the OT period.
Boston Bruins v Montreal Canadiens Game 6
Boston were looking to end this series on away ice, having already won the previous 2 games at the Bell Centre. Montreal needed a big performance to get back in this series and take it to a game 7.
The Canadiens had the lead on a 5 on 3 powerplay at 10.54 after the Bruins had run into penalty trouble. First they were called for too many men on the ice and just 4 seconds later Seidenberg was called for slashing to give Montreal almost 2 full minutes of 5 on 3. They took 69 seconds with Cammelleri firing in a one timer of a feed from Subban.
The Bruins had the game at tied at the start of the 2nd period and Seidenberg made up for his earlier indiscipline. He won a battle in behind the Montreal net and got a wrap around shot in at the near post of Price with just 48 seconds gone.
The Canadiens got their 2nd goal and the game winner 5 minutes later with the Bruins yet again getting into penalty trouble. Lucic was called 5+game misconduct for boarding after drilling Spacek head first into the boards. The Canadiens defenceman was shaken as he was helped off the ice but returned later in the game.
Then Bergeron fired the puck over the glass 16 seconds later to make it another 5 on 3 advantage to Montreal. This time Gionta got the goal, Cammelleri having his blast saved by Thomas and the winger shovelling the loose puck into the net.
That was sweet justice for Gionta who seemed to have a perfectly good goal disallowed in the 1st after Thomas didn't cover the puck. The ref's hadn't seen the loose puck though and whistled as he put the puck in.
It didn't matter in the end, Montreal had secured a 2-1 win and this was another series that was heading for a game 7.
The Canadiens had the lead on a 5 on 3 powerplay at 10.54 after the Bruins had run into penalty trouble. First they were called for too many men on the ice and just 4 seconds later Seidenberg was called for slashing to give Montreal almost 2 full minutes of 5 on 3. They took 69 seconds with Cammelleri firing in a one timer of a feed from Subban.
The Bruins had the game at tied at the start of the 2nd period and Seidenberg made up for his earlier indiscipline. He won a battle in behind the Montreal net and got a wrap around shot in at the near post of Price with just 48 seconds gone.
The Canadiens got their 2nd goal and the game winner 5 minutes later with the Bruins yet again getting into penalty trouble. Lucic was called 5+game misconduct for boarding after drilling Spacek head first into the boards. The Canadiens defenceman was shaken as he was helped off the ice but returned later in the game.
Then Bergeron fired the puck over the glass 16 seconds later to make it another 5 on 3 advantage to Montreal. This time Gionta got the goal, Cammelleri having his blast saved by Thomas and the winger shovelling the loose puck into the net.
That was sweet justice for Gionta who seemed to have a perfectly good goal disallowed in the 1st after Thomas didn't cover the puck. The ref's hadn't seen the loose puck though and whistled as he put the puck in.
It didn't matter in the end, Montreal had secured a 2-1 win and this was another series that was heading for a game 7.
Tuesday 26 April 2011
Tuesday Game Previews
Boston Bruins v Montreal Canadiens
Montreal have let this series slip out of their grasp. After taking the game 1 & 2 in Boston they have lost the 2 home games and now an overtime game which has put the 3-2 down. They will need a big peformance on home ice to take this series to a game 7. They have been outworked by the Bruins in the last few games. Boston have been playing the puck in deep, forechecking hard and winning the battles in deep. They have also had some great netminding off Thomas, even if he has been fortunate at times as well. Boston have the momentum going their way and that might be the crucial factor for them.
The Canadiens will have to raise their game and try and turn this series on it's head. Price has kept them in this at times and they will need another outstanding effort from him. Cammalleri failed to score in game 5 for the first time of the series and Montreal will be hoping he can get back on the scoresheet.
Boston's powerplay has been attrocious through 5 games, not finding the net once up to now and if the Canadiens can stop them again they could take this to game 7. Expect another low scoring affair, possibly another overtime game and another fantastic atmosphere inside the Bell Centre.
Buffalo Sabres v Philadelphia Flyers
The first game 7 of the playoffs so far and there will be one team celebrating and one team playing golf come Wednesday. That team celebrating could be the Flyers if they get the situation in between the pipes correct. They have now used 3 netminders again this series and it will be interesting to see who gets the start. Statistically, Boucher hasn't had a bad record so far. A GAA of 2.11 and an SP of 0.935% is quite impressive. Where he wasn't impressive is game 4 where he conceeded 3 1st period goals and was chased after 16 minutes. The thing is, Buffalo have really only managed to get goals in the 1st period. They have 11 in the 1st, 2 in the 2nd, 2 in the 3rd and the game winning goal in OT from Ennis. If Buffalo have jumped out to early leads, they certainly haven't held on to them every game. If they get infront again tonight they will have to try and give Miller the back up to pull off another shut out.
This has been an enthralling series and i wouldn't expect another other than a close game that will swing in momentum a couple of times before the end of 60 minutes. If Miller can stand tall, the Flyers might steal another away win and get into the next round. Roy will be back in for the Sabres but they will be missing Connolly, who is out after taking a hit from Richards in the last game. Philadelphia have the mometum after that overtime win and they have the home ice. Philadelphia must be favourites to take this one out.
Vancouver Canucks v Chicago Blackhawks
I don't think anyone would have predicted the path that this series was going to take when previewing the playoffs. The Blackhaws, despite being reigning Stanley Cup champions had struggled to make the top 8, sneaking in at the last minute and the Canucks had comfortably won the Presidents Trophy. Many predicted that the Canucks would come through this series victorious. That's the way this series was going. 3 games in and the Canucks had won them all. They were on the verge of sweeping the Blackhawks and having a rest before heading into round 2. Just what happened next, no one knows and no one expected it. The Canucks crumbled. They forgot how to play hockey, their netminder decided he wasn't going to make the kind of saves he had been making all season and all the momentum the team had was lost. The Blackhawks suddenly became demons. They blasted the Canucks off the ice in 2 consecutive games, beating them 7-2 and 5-0, the heaviest scores of any playoff series this round. Although the Canucks showed back up in Chicago for game 6 they were still unable to kill off the Blackhawks and that overtime winner from Smith means we are now at game 7 and back in Vancouver.
Am i going to call this game? I'm not sure. My heart is telling me Chicago as i love a good underdog story and boy this was one. To complete a 4 games comeback will be nothing short of a miracle. It will also mean Detroit will face Nashville in the next round and i would prefer to play them than the plucky San Jose Sharks. My head is telling me Vancouver haven't lost 4 in a row all year and they won't want to start doing it now.
Bickell will be a loss for Chicago as he is set to miss out due to injury but there is no news from Vancouver whether Salo will be able to take part. He took knock in the 1st period of game 6 and didn't return by the end of it.
This is going to be one big game that i will be watching tonight. A Can't miss game for any big hockey fan!
Montreal have let this series slip out of their grasp. After taking the game 1 & 2 in Boston they have lost the 2 home games and now an overtime game which has put the 3-2 down. They will need a big peformance on home ice to take this series to a game 7. They have been outworked by the Bruins in the last few games. Boston have been playing the puck in deep, forechecking hard and winning the battles in deep. They have also had some great netminding off Thomas, even if he has been fortunate at times as well. Boston have the momentum going their way and that might be the crucial factor for them.
The Canadiens will have to raise their game and try and turn this series on it's head. Price has kept them in this at times and they will need another outstanding effort from him. Cammalleri failed to score in game 5 for the first time of the series and Montreal will be hoping he can get back on the scoresheet.
Boston's powerplay has been attrocious through 5 games, not finding the net once up to now and if the Canadiens can stop them again they could take this to game 7. Expect another low scoring affair, possibly another overtime game and another fantastic atmosphere inside the Bell Centre.
Buffalo Sabres v Philadelphia Flyers
The first game 7 of the playoffs so far and there will be one team celebrating and one team playing golf come Wednesday. That team celebrating could be the Flyers if they get the situation in between the pipes correct. They have now used 3 netminders again this series and it will be interesting to see who gets the start. Statistically, Boucher hasn't had a bad record so far. A GAA of 2.11 and an SP of 0.935% is quite impressive. Where he wasn't impressive is game 4 where he conceeded 3 1st period goals and was chased after 16 minutes. The thing is, Buffalo have really only managed to get goals in the 1st period. They have 11 in the 1st, 2 in the 2nd, 2 in the 3rd and the game winning goal in OT from Ennis. If Buffalo have jumped out to early leads, they certainly haven't held on to them every game. If they get infront again tonight they will have to try and give Miller the back up to pull off another shut out.
This has been an enthralling series and i wouldn't expect another other than a close game that will swing in momentum a couple of times before the end of 60 minutes. If Miller can stand tall, the Flyers might steal another away win and get into the next round. Roy will be back in for the Sabres but they will be missing Connolly, who is out after taking a hit from Richards in the last game. Philadelphia have the mometum after that overtime win and they have the home ice. Philadelphia must be favourites to take this one out.
Vancouver Canucks v Chicago Blackhawks
I don't think anyone would have predicted the path that this series was going to take when previewing the playoffs. The Blackhaws, despite being reigning Stanley Cup champions had struggled to make the top 8, sneaking in at the last minute and the Canucks had comfortably won the Presidents Trophy. Many predicted that the Canucks would come through this series victorious. That's the way this series was going. 3 games in and the Canucks had won them all. They were on the verge of sweeping the Blackhawks and having a rest before heading into round 2. Just what happened next, no one knows and no one expected it. The Canucks crumbled. They forgot how to play hockey, their netminder decided he wasn't going to make the kind of saves he had been making all season and all the momentum the team had was lost. The Blackhawks suddenly became demons. They blasted the Canucks off the ice in 2 consecutive games, beating them 7-2 and 5-0, the heaviest scores of any playoff series this round. Although the Canucks showed back up in Chicago for game 6 they were still unable to kill off the Blackhawks and that overtime winner from Smith means we are now at game 7 and back in Vancouver.
Am i going to call this game? I'm not sure. My heart is telling me Chicago as i love a good underdog story and boy this was one. To complete a 4 games comeback will be nothing short of a miracle. It will also mean Detroit will face Nashville in the next round and i would prefer to play them than the plucky San Jose Sharks. My head is telling me Vancouver haven't lost 4 in a row all year and they won't want to start doing it now.
Bickell will be a loss for Chicago as he is set to miss out due to injury but there is no news from Vancouver whether Salo will be able to take part. He took knock in the 1st period of game 6 and didn't return by the end of it.
This is going to be one big game that i will be watching tonight. A Can't miss game for any big hockey fan!
San Jose Sharks v LA Kings Game 6
Niemi reamained as the starting netminder for the Sharks as they looked to eliminate the Kings on their own ice. Quick remained in between the pipes for LA, he has remained in there all series so far.
The game took a while to get going, the Sharks having the best of the early exchanges. Everything they were throwing on net though was being seen by Quick and anything he was gving up a rebound on was being cleared infront by the Kings defence.
It was a quick 1st period with no penalties called and hardly any whistles. The Sharks contiued where they left off in game 5, outshooting the Kings 16-5. They were still finding it hard to get anything past Quick in the Kings net.
It took only 18 seconds in the 2nd period for the 1st penalty of the game to be called, Mitchell called for slashing. This gave the Sharks a chance to improve on their powerplay which had only got 2 on 24 attempts so far this series.
Kyle Wellwood gave the Sharks the lead at 2.58 of the period as they finally managed to beat Quick. The netminder had lost his stick and Thornton got the puck to Wellwood in between the circles. He got the puck up high gloveside and the puck flew into the roof of the net. The Sharkshad taken 71 shots between their last goal in game 5 to this one in game 6 to get a puck past the Kings netminder.
Greene shot the puck straight into the crowd at 6.44 to give the Sharks their 2nd powerplay chance of the game and to keep all the pressure on the Kings net. Despite controlling the puck they couldn't find the 2nd goal.
By the halfway stage of the period the Kings were being heavily outplayed and outshot 25-7. They couldn't get anything going and the Sharks were having all the chances, Quick keeping LA in this game by only allowing the 1 goal.
They did get their 1st powerplay chance at 11.13 with Thornton taking 4 minutes for high sticking even though it was an LA Kings player that lifted his stick into Richardson's face.
This gave the Kings some momentum and brought Niemi into the game for the first time, the netminder making big saves in the first 30 seconds of the kill with Johnson and Doughty firing shots in. The Kings got the game tied up at 1-1 though on the 2nd of the penalties. Johnson fired in a soft shot across Niemi from the wing looking for a rebound off a pad. He got exactly this as Williams picked it up on the opposite side and had half the net open to fire in the equaliser.
The Sharks had the lead back with 3.08 left on the period. Pavelski did some great work along the boards and he managed to get the puck across to an on rushing Demers who fired high, stick side on Quick.
Smyth had a big chance less than 30 seconds later as he rushed down on Niemi from the wings. He had to juggle the puck in his skates and to his stick but his shot was gloved by Niemi.
At the end of the 2nd the Sharks were outshooting the Kings 29-18 and were now 2-1 up on the scoreboard. The Kings would need a big 3rd period.
It took the Kings just 18 seconds of that period to level the game up for the 2nd time. Smyth played a drop pass to Stoll on the Stanley Cup sign and he took a shot that Niemi saved with the toe but in a flash it was up and in behind him as Smyth had followed the puck to the net.
Heatley gave the Sharks the lead for the 3rd time as the Kings D failed to clear and easy puck from the zone. The puck was fluttered up into the air and over the blueline and instead of clearing the puck the Kings tried to control it, got robbed and Heatley picked up the loose puck and lasered it stick side, off the post and in.
LA got a powerplay chance almost straight after with Demers taking a 2 min interference penalty at 9.43
They failed to get set up for the majority of the powerplay and just as it looked like the Sharks would kill it off comfortably, Stoll sent a wrister towards the net which was blocked infront by Wallin and deflected right onto the stick of Lewis and he tapped it in to tie the game for a 3rd time.
The next spell of pressure was to come from the Sharks as Doughty sat 2 minutes for high sticking. The Kings players threw themselves infront of everything, blocking and clearing the puck, the Sharks not getting a shot through on Quick. That kill left 4 miutes on the clock when Doughty returned to the ice.
Mcginn then took a 5 minute penalty for charging at such a critical time, this giving the Kings the rest of the period on the powerplay and, if needed, the first minute and half of overtime on it as well.
The Kings got the powerplay set up towards the end of the period and Williams fanned on a shot sending it wide and Smyth had a couple of chances right infront of Niemi that produced mad scrambles in the crease. Brown had a shot into the midrift of the Sharks netminder with 8 seconds left that he covered up. That was it for the 3rd period and the game went into overtime for the 3rd time this series.
The Sharks managed to see through the reamaining minute and half of the 5 minute penalty at the start of the overtime period and Thornton won them the game and the series with 2.22 gone.
Setoguchi skated the puck around the net and tried to play the pass to Marleau who was streaking to the slot. He didn't control it, the puck deflected and went right to Thornton who swivelled and put the puck into a wide open net. He went sliding down the ice on his back to celebrate as the Sharks avoided a game 7 and won it on the road.
A fantastic series that i would have loved to have seen go to a game 7. Alas, it wasn't to be. The Kings really took it to San Jose at points and were not that far from pulling off an upset. The Sharks must love overtime, winning 3 of their 4 games in the extra period. The certainly were able to step up in the close games and get themselves over the line.
The Western Conference is now just waiting for one more team. With Detroit, Nashville and San Jose all through it is down to Vancouver or \Chicago this evening to make up the 4.
If Chicago get through it will be Detoit v Nashville and San Jose v Chicago. If Vancouver win through it will be the Canucks who face Nashville and Detroit will face San Jose.
The game took a while to get going, the Sharks having the best of the early exchanges. Everything they were throwing on net though was being seen by Quick and anything he was gving up a rebound on was being cleared infront by the Kings defence.
It was a quick 1st period with no penalties called and hardly any whistles. The Sharks contiued where they left off in game 5, outshooting the Kings 16-5. They were still finding it hard to get anything past Quick in the Kings net.
It took only 18 seconds in the 2nd period for the 1st penalty of the game to be called, Mitchell called for slashing. This gave the Sharks a chance to improve on their powerplay which had only got 2 on 24 attempts so far this series.
Kyle Wellwood gave the Sharks the lead at 2.58 of the period as they finally managed to beat Quick. The netminder had lost his stick and Thornton got the puck to Wellwood in between the circles. He got the puck up high gloveside and the puck flew into the roof of the net. The Sharkshad taken 71 shots between their last goal in game 5 to this one in game 6 to get a puck past the Kings netminder.
Greene shot the puck straight into the crowd at 6.44 to give the Sharks their 2nd powerplay chance of the game and to keep all the pressure on the Kings net. Despite controlling the puck they couldn't find the 2nd goal.
By the halfway stage of the period the Kings were being heavily outplayed and outshot 25-7. They couldn't get anything going and the Sharks were having all the chances, Quick keeping LA in this game by only allowing the 1 goal.
They did get their 1st powerplay chance at 11.13 with Thornton taking 4 minutes for high sticking even though it was an LA Kings player that lifted his stick into Richardson's face.
This gave the Kings some momentum and brought Niemi into the game for the first time, the netminder making big saves in the first 30 seconds of the kill with Johnson and Doughty firing shots in. The Kings got the game tied up at 1-1 though on the 2nd of the penalties. Johnson fired in a soft shot across Niemi from the wing looking for a rebound off a pad. He got exactly this as Williams picked it up on the opposite side and had half the net open to fire in the equaliser.
The Sharks had the lead back with 3.08 left on the period. Pavelski did some great work along the boards and he managed to get the puck across to an on rushing Demers who fired high, stick side on Quick.
Smyth had a big chance less than 30 seconds later as he rushed down on Niemi from the wings. He had to juggle the puck in his skates and to his stick but his shot was gloved by Niemi.
At the end of the 2nd the Sharks were outshooting the Kings 29-18 and were now 2-1 up on the scoreboard. The Kings would need a big 3rd period.
It took the Kings just 18 seconds of that period to level the game up for the 2nd time. Smyth played a drop pass to Stoll on the Stanley Cup sign and he took a shot that Niemi saved with the toe but in a flash it was up and in behind him as Smyth had followed the puck to the net.
Heatley gave the Sharks the lead for the 3rd time as the Kings D failed to clear and easy puck from the zone. The puck was fluttered up into the air and over the blueline and instead of clearing the puck the Kings tried to control it, got robbed and Heatley picked up the loose puck and lasered it stick side, off the post and in.
LA got a powerplay chance almost straight after with Demers taking a 2 min interference penalty at 9.43
They failed to get set up for the majority of the powerplay and just as it looked like the Sharks would kill it off comfortably, Stoll sent a wrister towards the net which was blocked infront by Wallin and deflected right onto the stick of Lewis and he tapped it in to tie the game for a 3rd time.
The next spell of pressure was to come from the Sharks as Doughty sat 2 minutes for high sticking. The Kings players threw themselves infront of everything, blocking and clearing the puck, the Sharks not getting a shot through on Quick. That kill left 4 miutes on the clock when Doughty returned to the ice.
Mcginn then took a 5 minute penalty for charging at such a critical time, this giving the Kings the rest of the period on the powerplay and, if needed, the first minute and half of overtime on it as well.
The Kings got the powerplay set up towards the end of the period and Williams fanned on a shot sending it wide and Smyth had a couple of chances right infront of Niemi that produced mad scrambles in the crease. Brown had a shot into the midrift of the Sharks netminder with 8 seconds left that he covered up. That was it for the 3rd period and the game went into overtime for the 3rd time this series.
The Sharks managed to see through the reamaining minute and half of the 5 minute penalty at the start of the overtime period and Thornton won them the game and the series with 2.22 gone.
Setoguchi skated the puck around the net and tried to play the pass to Marleau who was streaking to the slot. He didn't control it, the puck deflected and went right to Thornton who swivelled and put the puck into a wide open net. He went sliding down the ice on his back to celebrate as the Sharks avoided a game 7 and won it on the road.
A fantastic series that i would have loved to have seen go to a game 7. Alas, it wasn't to be. The Kings really took it to San Jose at points and were not that far from pulling off an upset. The Sharks must love overtime, winning 3 of their 4 games in the extra period. The certainly were able to step up in the close games and get themselves over the line.
The Western Conference is now just waiting for one more team. With Detroit, Nashville and San Jose all through it is down to Vancouver or \Chicago this evening to make up the 4.
If Chicago get through it will be Detoit v Nashville and San Jose v Chicago. If Vancouver win through it will be the Canucks who face Nashville and Detroit will face San Jose.
Monday 25 April 2011
Monday Night Game Previews
Pittsburgh Penguins v Tampa Bay Lightning
After the game 5 blow out of the Penguins, Tampa Bay bring the 6th game back looking for a better result than previous attempts on home ice. The Penguins took both game 3 and 4 by a 3-2 scoreline.
Steve Stamkos finally got going in game 5, picking up his first ever playoffs goals. Stamkos, Gagne and Kubina all bagged a brace and Tampa will be looking for more contributions across the team rather than all the scoring coming from St Louis. They didn't start particularly well against the Penguins last time out but somehow managed to get themselves infront. They will need to start better and not rely on luck. They have the players and they will have the fans behind them so i can't see this being a problem.
The Penguins will want to get their powerplay going for once as they have got only 1 goal in 24 attempts so far. If they can start picking up goals on this, they will see the series out. They will be worried that Fluery has looked shakier as the series has gone on, being chased out after 4 goals in game 5. I can't see them going with Johnson for game 6 as he conceeded 4 after replacing Fluery himself. You just hope he doesn't suffer the same fate as Luongo did, being pulled after a blow out and following it up by being chased again in another blow out the game after.
I think that could be the key area in this game. I don't like Rolson. I don't think he is a good enough netminder to lead a charge to the finals. He has never been a top end netminder and i think the Lightning didn't have many options when looking for a netminder who could possibly do a job for them.
Fluery has looked good one game and then bad the next. He is a top end netminder however and has the ability to pull out the game winning performance. If Roloson manages to get his team through game 6, don't expect him to be able to get them through game 7. Tampa Bay will need another blow out.
San Jose Sharks v LA Kings
Another series that could hang on the performances of the netminders. Quick was absolutely awesome in game 5, saving 51 of 52 shots to give the Kings a 3-1 win in San Jose. They will need another performance along those lines if they are to keep the Sharks forwards at bay. LA Are another team, who after stealing a win in the first 2 away games blew their 2 home games and faced an elimination game in game 5. They staved that one off and now have to get their 1st win on home ice to get this to a game 7.
In the last 2 previews of the Kings i have said Doughty and Johnson are important to get the Kings scoring. I still think this is the case but they have got goals from all over the team so far with 12 different goal scorers. If they can keep doing this that will subsudise the fact Doughty and Johnson haven't contributed with goals in the last few games.
The Sharks are always going to be a danger going forward and will still be scratching their heads how after 52 shots they only came up with 1 goal. Clowe and Pavelski have been the most dangerous so far but Thornton still has to get firing on all cyclinders, so does Heatley. Niemi was chased from the net last game after conceeding those 3 Kings goals on 4 shots and it will be interesting to see if he starts in game 6. is GAA is 4.30 at the minute and his SP 0.855%. Nittymaki in his brief time in goal is at 0.967%, conceeding 1 on 30 shots and could be ready for a start.
I'd expect goals in this one again. If LA can play defensively like they have in the 2 games in San Jose where they have won 4-0 and 3-1 they could win this. Like i say though, i expect goals and if the Kings get involved in a shoot out, the Sharks will outscore them. I can see the Sharks going through in game 6.
After the game 5 blow out of the Penguins, Tampa Bay bring the 6th game back looking for a better result than previous attempts on home ice. The Penguins took both game 3 and 4 by a 3-2 scoreline.
Steve Stamkos finally got going in game 5, picking up his first ever playoffs goals. Stamkos, Gagne and Kubina all bagged a brace and Tampa will be looking for more contributions across the team rather than all the scoring coming from St Louis. They didn't start particularly well against the Penguins last time out but somehow managed to get themselves infront. They will need to start better and not rely on luck. They have the players and they will have the fans behind them so i can't see this being a problem.
The Penguins will want to get their powerplay going for once as they have got only 1 goal in 24 attempts so far. If they can start picking up goals on this, they will see the series out. They will be worried that Fluery has looked shakier as the series has gone on, being chased out after 4 goals in game 5. I can't see them going with Johnson for game 6 as he conceeded 4 after replacing Fluery himself. You just hope he doesn't suffer the same fate as Luongo did, being pulled after a blow out and following it up by being chased again in another blow out the game after.
I think that could be the key area in this game. I don't like Rolson. I don't think he is a good enough netminder to lead a charge to the finals. He has never been a top end netminder and i think the Lightning didn't have many options when looking for a netminder who could possibly do a job for them.
Fluery has looked good one game and then bad the next. He is a top end netminder however and has the ability to pull out the game winning performance. If Roloson manages to get his team through game 6, don't expect him to be able to get them through game 7. Tampa Bay will need another blow out.
San Jose Sharks v LA Kings
Another series that could hang on the performances of the netminders. Quick was absolutely awesome in game 5, saving 51 of 52 shots to give the Kings a 3-1 win in San Jose. They will need another performance along those lines if they are to keep the Sharks forwards at bay. LA Are another team, who after stealing a win in the first 2 away games blew their 2 home games and faced an elimination game in game 5. They staved that one off and now have to get their 1st win on home ice to get this to a game 7.
In the last 2 previews of the Kings i have said Doughty and Johnson are important to get the Kings scoring. I still think this is the case but they have got goals from all over the team so far with 12 different goal scorers. If they can keep doing this that will subsudise the fact Doughty and Johnson haven't contributed with goals in the last few games.
The Sharks are always going to be a danger going forward and will still be scratching their heads how after 52 shots they only came up with 1 goal. Clowe and Pavelski have been the most dangerous so far but Thornton still has to get firing on all cyclinders, so does Heatley. Niemi was chased from the net last game after conceeding those 3 Kings goals on 4 shots and it will be interesting to see if he starts in game 6. is GAA is 4.30 at the minute and his SP 0.855%. Nittymaki in his brief time in goal is at 0.967%, conceeding 1 on 30 shots and could be ready for a start.
I'd expect goals in this one again. If LA can play defensively like they have in the 2 games in San Jose where they have won 4-0 and 3-1 they could win this. Like i say though, i expect goals and if the Kings get involved in a shoot out, the Sharks will outscore them. I can see the Sharks going through in game 6.
Anaheim Ducks v Nashville Predators Game 6
The Predators head out onto home ice knowing that a win would put them into the 2nd round for the first time in the clubs history. The Ducks hadn't played well defensively all series, although they had been scoring goals.
It was Anaheim who looked like they were going to take the 1st period 1-0 after Teemu Selanne scored his 6th goal in the series. He skated around the net and threw the puck near side with his back hand. Rinne couldn't stop it and the Ducks had the lead 10.22 in.
That was the way it stayed until 28 seconds from the end when a bad play along the boards allowed Tootoo the time to pick out Spalding infont of the goal and he wristed a shot past Emery.
The Ducks found themselves chasing the game after 3.28 of the second when Sullivan gave Nashville the lead. Again it was bad defending by Anaheim as they missed a simple chipped puck mid ice, Dumont crossed the blueline with both D going towards him and he just found Sullivan coming at speed who went in and around Emery to back hand it in.
They did get level towards the end of the period through Blake on the powerplay. It was Ryan who skated down the boards and fired the shot in towards the net and Blake who tipped it infront.
Nashville had their 2nd lead of the game early in the 3rd period tough when Spalding got his 2nd of the game. Great speed from Tootoo saw him going across infront of Emery. He poked checked the puck but couldn't do anything as Lilea crashed into him and Spalding picked up the loose puck and fired high past netminder and defender.
This time there was no way back for the Ducks. They had 1 further powerplay in the 3rd period that they couldn't make anything of and Koivu took a 2 minute minor for interference with 30 seconds left, meaning the Ducks had no advantage in pulling the netminder.
It was fitting that the 1st ever player draftet by the Nashville franchise was the one to fire in an empty net goal to seal the win 4-2. David Legwand firing it in from just over the red line.
The Predators deserved this series. They outbattled the Ducks and played well as a team. They have no stand out star player. They aren't the most finessed attacking team. They work hard and they take chances where they can. Different players took the step to be heroes where they could, not least in this game Spalding who got 2 goals.
All that said, if Anaheim had been able to defend it could have been the Ducks in the next round. They got plenty of scoring from their big players. Perry finished with 2+6, Selanne 6+1, Koivu 1+6 andGetzlaf 2+4. Heck Ryan and Blake both scored 3 a piece as well. Unfortuately Emery had a 3.20 GAA and a SP of less than 0.900%. That isn't going to get you into the 2nd round. You can't just lay the blame on Emery, the defence hung him to dry a few times by simply not clearing the zone. You cant help but feel though with a top end netminder, they could have won through this.
Lets not take anything away from Nashville though, its taken 12 years for them to make the 2nd round of the playoffs. They will now face the Redwings or Canucks. Whichever team they face, its going to be tougher for them and they will need to apply the same work ethic that has got them this far.
It was Anaheim who looked like they were going to take the 1st period 1-0 after Teemu Selanne scored his 6th goal in the series. He skated around the net and threw the puck near side with his back hand. Rinne couldn't stop it and the Ducks had the lead 10.22 in.
That was the way it stayed until 28 seconds from the end when a bad play along the boards allowed Tootoo the time to pick out Spalding infont of the goal and he wristed a shot past Emery.
The Ducks found themselves chasing the game after 3.28 of the second when Sullivan gave Nashville the lead. Again it was bad defending by Anaheim as they missed a simple chipped puck mid ice, Dumont crossed the blueline with both D going towards him and he just found Sullivan coming at speed who went in and around Emery to back hand it in.
They did get level towards the end of the period through Blake on the powerplay. It was Ryan who skated down the boards and fired the shot in towards the net and Blake who tipped it infront.
Nashville had their 2nd lead of the game early in the 3rd period tough when Spalding got his 2nd of the game. Great speed from Tootoo saw him going across infront of Emery. He poked checked the puck but couldn't do anything as Lilea crashed into him and Spalding picked up the loose puck and fired high past netminder and defender.
This time there was no way back for the Ducks. They had 1 further powerplay in the 3rd period that they couldn't make anything of and Koivu took a 2 minute minor for interference with 30 seconds left, meaning the Ducks had no advantage in pulling the netminder.
It was fitting that the 1st ever player draftet by the Nashville franchise was the one to fire in an empty net goal to seal the win 4-2. David Legwand firing it in from just over the red line.
The Predators deserved this series. They outbattled the Ducks and played well as a team. They have no stand out star player. They aren't the most finessed attacking team. They work hard and they take chances where they can. Different players took the step to be heroes where they could, not least in this game Spalding who got 2 goals.
All that said, if Anaheim had been able to defend it could have been the Ducks in the next round. They got plenty of scoring from their big players. Perry finished with 2+6, Selanne 6+1, Koivu 1+6 andGetzlaf 2+4. Heck Ryan and Blake both scored 3 a piece as well. Unfortuately Emery had a 3.20 GAA and a SP of less than 0.900%. That isn't going to get you into the 2nd round. You can't just lay the blame on Emery, the defence hung him to dry a few times by simply not clearing the zone. You cant help but feel though with a top end netminder, they could have won through this.
Lets not take anything away from Nashville though, its taken 12 years for them to make the 2nd round of the playoffs. They will now face the Redwings or Canucks. Whichever team they face, its going to be tougher for them and they will need to apply the same work ethic that has got them this far.
Vancouver Canucks v Chicago Blackhawks Game 6
The Blackhawks welcomed back Brent Seabrook to the defensive line after being out since the Torres hit in on him in game 3. The Canucks made a suprise move by putting Schneider into the net to make his 1st start of the playoffs, even though they had been saying in the build up that Luongo would definately start.
Daniel Sedin got the Canucks off to the perfect start in this game at 2.07. Hjalmarsson tried to clear the puck down centre ice from behind the net and the Canucks forecheck jumped on it. Henrik Sedin sent it back round the boards to Daniel and he stepped out and got a wrap around attempt in behind Crawford.
Stallberg missed a glorious chance with just over 5 minutes gone in the period as a funny bounce of the boards brought the puck back out infront with Schneider already going round the net anticipting stopping the puck behiend. He fired the puck into the side netting with the net gaping.
The Canucks were sent on the 1st powerplay at 6.04 with Kane taking a high sticking penalty. The Canucks had good possesion but couldn't get anything through on Crawford. Kane coming out of the penalty box had the best chance as he skated out and behind the Canucks defence. He took the puck to his backhand but Schneider stuck with him and saved the puck with his pads.
9.59 saw Chicago get their first powerplay. Kesler going for slashing after another good chance, this time for Toews. He took the puck in towards the net but Schneider got the save with his paddle. The Blackhawks failed to register a shot on the powerplay as the Canucks penalty killers played a good 2 minutes.
The Blackhawks had the game tied at 14.57 with Bolland absolutely burying Hamhuis behind the net as he tried to get the puck out. This hit sent the puck off the side of the net and out infront and Bickell skated in to put it high past Schneider.
At this point, the Canucks hadn't had a shot in the last 13 minutes as Chicago were beginning to get some momentum. In fact, neither team had taken many shots at all through the 1st.
The Canucks did get another shot with 1.12 left that went in behind Crawford. A turnover in the high slot being wristed in by Burrows to give the Canucks a 2-1 lead at the end of the period.
Into the 2nd period and the opening exchanges were even as both teams were hitting hard but only generating chances from range. The Canucks got a powerplay chance with Brouwer sitting 2 for high sticking at 7.05. Burrows had the best chance on this, rattling the puck off the far pipe with a gaping cage to aim at.
Torres ended that sequence with a goaltender interference penalty to send the Blackhawks on the powerplay. A hooking call only 17 seconds into the Torres penalty on Raymond send Chicago on 1.43 of 5 on 3. The Canucks went with 2 forwards and 1 defenceman and this worked on giving Chicago no lanes to get a clear shot through, the few chances they created were dealt with by Schneider in the net and the Canucks saw off the powerplay chance.
The Blackhawks had the game tied up again with 4.52 remaining in the period.A mistake by Schneider behind the net, playing a bad pass straight to Kane who put it right on Bolland's stick infront and he fired it in before the netminder could get back across to it.
With 2.38 remaining Hodgson chipped the puck straight into the crowd to give the Blackhawks the chance to end the period on the powerplay. It was another strong kill from the Canucks though and the game would head into the 3rd all square. Both Henrik Sedin and Campbell were called on the buzzer for 2 minute minors and the 3rd period would start 4 on 4
The Canucks had their 3rd lead of the game 58 seconds into the 3rd. Raymond whacked a shot in from the wing the Crawford got his pads on but generated a big rebound and Bieksa had a simple backhand as he went to the net.
2.31 in Frolik got clear with a strech pass bounced off the boards and Hamhuis tripped him down as he went in on Schneider and penalty shot was awarded. He skated down on the netminder from centre ice, made a couple of small dekes and put it into the net, tying this one at 3-3. Schneider went down in instant agony after trying to make the save and he had to be escorted off the ice and down the tunnel. He was writhing in agony on the ice and Luongo had to come off the Canucks bench and back into the series.
Both teams were tentative with the next goal likely to be a game winning goal. The Blackhawks were not getting enough shots on the Canucks net and with less than 7 minutes left they had only the penalty shot and one other on the board.
With just over 5 minutes left it was Higgins turn to rattle the pipes, firing a quick shot from the slot against the left hand post of Crawford's net.
Going into the last minute the Blackhawks had great pressure in the Canucks end but they couldn't get an open lane to get a shot through on Luongo and the period ended and the game went into overtime for the first time this series. The shots at this point were only 23-22 in favour of the Canucks.
Toews had the 1s clear chance of the overtime period with Kane finding him cutting behind the Canucks defence but Luongo getting a pokecheck and knocking the puck away.
Lapierre then went 2 on 1 in on Crawford with Higgins. He chose to shoot but Crawford made a good pad save to keep Chicago in the game.
It took until 15.30 of the period to get a winner. Hjalmarsson's shot from the blueline was seen late by Luongo and it seemed to handcuff him. It hit him in the blocker / stick and bounced right out infront to Ben Smith who got his backhand on the puck to lift it in over Luongo.
The Blackhawks bench jumped up and went wild, the crowd were going ballistic and Chicago had pulled it back from 0-3 in the series to tie at 3-3 and send the game to Vancouver for game 7.
Daniel Sedin got the Canucks off to the perfect start in this game at 2.07. Hjalmarsson tried to clear the puck down centre ice from behind the net and the Canucks forecheck jumped on it. Henrik Sedin sent it back round the boards to Daniel and he stepped out and got a wrap around attempt in behind Crawford.
Stallberg missed a glorious chance with just over 5 minutes gone in the period as a funny bounce of the boards brought the puck back out infront with Schneider already going round the net anticipting stopping the puck behiend. He fired the puck into the side netting with the net gaping.
The Canucks were sent on the 1st powerplay at 6.04 with Kane taking a high sticking penalty. The Canucks had good possesion but couldn't get anything through on Crawford. Kane coming out of the penalty box had the best chance as he skated out and behind the Canucks defence. He took the puck to his backhand but Schneider stuck with him and saved the puck with his pads.
9.59 saw Chicago get their first powerplay. Kesler going for slashing after another good chance, this time for Toews. He took the puck in towards the net but Schneider got the save with his paddle. The Blackhawks failed to register a shot on the powerplay as the Canucks penalty killers played a good 2 minutes.
The Blackhawks had the game tied at 14.57 with Bolland absolutely burying Hamhuis behind the net as he tried to get the puck out. This hit sent the puck off the side of the net and out infront and Bickell skated in to put it high past Schneider.
At this point, the Canucks hadn't had a shot in the last 13 minutes as Chicago were beginning to get some momentum. In fact, neither team had taken many shots at all through the 1st.
The Canucks did get another shot with 1.12 left that went in behind Crawford. A turnover in the high slot being wristed in by Burrows to give the Canucks a 2-1 lead at the end of the period.
Into the 2nd period and the opening exchanges were even as both teams were hitting hard but only generating chances from range. The Canucks got a powerplay chance with Brouwer sitting 2 for high sticking at 7.05. Burrows had the best chance on this, rattling the puck off the far pipe with a gaping cage to aim at.
Torres ended that sequence with a goaltender interference penalty to send the Blackhawks on the powerplay. A hooking call only 17 seconds into the Torres penalty on Raymond send Chicago on 1.43 of 5 on 3. The Canucks went with 2 forwards and 1 defenceman and this worked on giving Chicago no lanes to get a clear shot through, the few chances they created were dealt with by Schneider in the net and the Canucks saw off the powerplay chance.
The Blackhawks had the game tied up again with 4.52 remaining in the period.A mistake by Schneider behind the net, playing a bad pass straight to Kane who put it right on Bolland's stick infront and he fired it in before the netminder could get back across to it.
With 2.38 remaining Hodgson chipped the puck straight into the crowd to give the Blackhawks the chance to end the period on the powerplay. It was another strong kill from the Canucks though and the game would head into the 3rd all square. Both Henrik Sedin and Campbell were called on the buzzer for 2 minute minors and the 3rd period would start 4 on 4
The Canucks had their 3rd lead of the game 58 seconds into the 3rd. Raymond whacked a shot in from the wing the Crawford got his pads on but generated a big rebound and Bieksa had a simple backhand as he went to the net.
2.31 in Frolik got clear with a strech pass bounced off the boards and Hamhuis tripped him down as he went in on Schneider and penalty shot was awarded. He skated down on the netminder from centre ice, made a couple of small dekes and put it into the net, tying this one at 3-3. Schneider went down in instant agony after trying to make the save and he had to be escorted off the ice and down the tunnel. He was writhing in agony on the ice and Luongo had to come off the Canucks bench and back into the series.
Both teams were tentative with the next goal likely to be a game winning goal. The Blackhawks were not getting enough shots on the Canucks net and with less than 7 minutes left they had only the penalty shot and one other on the board.
With just over 5 minutes left it was Higgins turn to rattle the pipes, firing a quick shot from the slot against the left hand post of Crawford's net.
Going into the last minute the Blackhawks had great pressure in the Canucks end but they couldn't get an open lane to get a shot through on Luongo and the period ended and the game went into overtime for the first time this series. The shots at this point were only 23-22 in favour of the Canucks.
Toews had the 1s clear chance of the overtime period with Kane finding him cutting behind the Canucks defence but Luongo getting a pokecheck and knocking the puck away.
Lapierre then went 2 on 1 in on Crawford with Higgins. He chose to shoot but Crawford made a good pad save to keep Chicago in the game.
It took until 15.30 of the period to get a winner. Hjalmarsson's shot from the blueline was seen late by Luongo and it seemed to handcuff him. It hit him in the blocker / stick and bounced right out infront to Ben Smith who got his backhand on the puck to lift it in over Luongo.
The Blackhawks bench jumped up and went wild, the crowd were going ballistic and Chicago had pulled it back from 0-3 in the series to tie at 3-3 and send the game to Vancouver for game 7.
Sunday 24 April 2011
Philadelphia Flyers v Buffalo Sabres Game 6
Buffalo were looking to win this series infront of another sell out crowd at the HSBC Arena, the Flyers were just looking for a result to take it to a game 7.
The game started with some crunching hits and Buffalo having some pressure in behind the net. Gaustad and Hartnell both dropped the gloves only 1.21 in and a bit of wrestling ensued. Both players getting 2 for roughing.
Only 2.13 had gone when Neidermeyer gave theSabres a 1-0 lead. Leighton beaten by a wrist shot glove side that he really should have got a piece of. The goal coming with the teams 4 on 4.
Miller pulled off a couple of good saves after that goal, the Flyers looking for a quick response.
The Sabres went on the 1st powerplay of the game at 7.50, Carcillo taking 2 minutes for cross checking. This led to the Sabres going 2-0 up. Some good passing allowed the Sabres to work the puck towards the net and Stafford hit a wrist shot that was deflected by Vanek and into the net. Goal was timed at 8.41.
The Flyers got their first powerplay soon after and the first chance for Pronger to try and get this faultering powerplay unit firing. Gerbe was called for holding the stick but the Flyes couldn't get anything going.
However, Briere got the Flyers back into the game at 14.53 Miller allowed a shot by Hartnell from between the circles to bounce off his pads and Briere was all alone infront to get the puck up high over the netminder. The Flyers had been getting the better chances and they deserved to get back into this one.
The Flyers went on their 2nd powerplay with 3.47 of the period left, Connolly getting a cross checking minor. It took them over a minute to get the puck set up before they could get a couple of shots through but Miller was playing well. A delay of game call at 17.38 gave the Flyers a potential 36 seconds of 5 on 3 as Butler fired the puck straight into the crowd. The Flyers lost their heads though as Pronger was called for Slashing at 18.02 and Meszaros was called for high sticking at 18.14 to turn what was a potential 5 on 3 for the Flyers to a powerplay for the Sabres.
The Sabres took full advantage. Vanek managed to get the puck at the side of the net, close to Leighton and he dragged the puck between his legs and flicked it through 5 hole of the Keeper. Leighton didn't have his paddle down and it was another goal he wouldnt have wanted to give up. This came with just 33 seconds left on the period and swung the momentum back in the Sabres direction. The scoreboard didn't reflect the 1st period as the Flyers outshot the Sabres 17-8 and somehow had managed to get themselves 3-1 down.
Leighton was pulled for the start of the 2nd period as Boucher came back into the series after being pulled himself last time out.
It only took the Flyers 49 seconds to get it back to 3-2. Straight off an offensive zone face off for Philadeplhia the puck scrambled to inbetween the circles and Van Reimsdyk snapped it past Miller. The crowd were stunned into silence after finishing the period wildy celebrating that 3rd goal.
The Flyers continued to press and hound the Sabres and were creating some really good chances, Miller like a rock between the pipes.
They got the game tied up at 8.40 with a powerplay goal, Briere allowed to control the puck and get take as much time as he wanted to wind up the slapshot and Miller stood no chance. The fans were in disagreement with the penalty that was called to allow the Flyers that chance. Leopold had been called for Holdaing and after the goal there was heavy booing from the crowd.
The Sabres hadn't come out of the changing rooms in the 2nd and it took them until the latter end of the period to get any offence going. They started to throw pucks on Boucher from any angle to try and create pressure around the net. This led to the crowd getting going again and another powerplay chance with Versteeg going for slashing at 13.06. The pressure was immense on the powerplay but Boucher was infront of everything for the first 50 seconds of it. It was turned to a 5 on 3 at this point, Richards taking 2 minutes for boarding. An awful shove on Connolly that sent his head into the glass.
Shots from Myers and Gragnani were brilliantly saved and the 5 on 3 somehow killed off followed by the remaining minute of 5 on 4.
The pressure was all coming from the Sabres now though and Gerbe sent a wrist shot on goal that seemed to be misjudged by Boucher and went softly passed him glove side. Boucher had been brilliant killing off the powerplays and as soon as they Flyers had got back to 5 on 5 he made that mistake and the Sabres were up 4-3 with 3.51 left in period.
The Sabres had managed to level the shots a little with all that powerplay time, shots on goal for the 2nd period being 18-14 in their favour.
Connolly was suffering after that hit into the boards late in the 2nd and he didn't return to the ice for the start of the 3rd period.
3.42 into the period a 2 on 1 breakaway by Ennis and Stafford led to Stafford hitting the post as he tried to get the bouncing pass up over the sliding Boucher.
The Sabres Butler got the first penalty of the 3rd period, a 2 minute holding call at 8.39. The Flyers spent most of the powerplay in the Sabres zone, controlling the puck on the outside but not getting many shots through to the front of the net.
The powerplay ended and the Flyers got the equaliser at 10.43. Miller making a save down at his post but not covering the puck and Richards got the puck infront of the net to Hartnell who put it past an out of position keeper.
It was the Flyers who had the jump in the 3rd and they were the team getting all the shots on goal to this point.
A passage of play with between 3 and 4 minutes left saw both teams go end to end, the Sabres having a partial break and shooting wide before the Flyers had 2 good looking odd man breaks. First it was Brier's pass deflecting of a Sabres stick and then Hartnell's attempt to get the puck to Briere was also deflected away.
The game would finish 4-4 after 3 periods to see this series go to overtime for the 2nd game running. The Flyers had been dominant on the clock shot in the period and were now leading 45-32.
The Flyers won the game 4.43 into the OT period. A scrambled goal that Leino managed to poke past Miller. Versteeg hit 2 shots from the point, 1 blocked and the other deflected down infront by Richards. This meant Miller was out of position and as he dove to get either his glove or stick on the puck, Leino beat him to it to put it in and silence the crowd.
A fantastic comeback from 2-0, 3-1 and 4-3 down to take the series to a deserved game 7.
The game started with some crunching hits and Buffalo having some pressure in behind the net. Gaustad and Hartnell both dropped the gloves only 1.21 in and a bit of wrestling ensued. Both players getting 2 for roughing.
Only 2.13 had gone when Neidermeyer gave theSabres a 1-0 lead. Leighton beaten by a wrist shot glove side that he really should have got a piece of. The goal coming with the teams 4 on 4.
Miller pulled off a couple of good saves after that goal, the Flyers looking for a quick response.
The Sabres went on the 1st powerplay of the game at 7.50, Carcillo taking 2 minutes for cross checking. This led to the Sabres going 2-0 up. Some good passing allowed the Sabres to work the puck towards the net and Stafford hit a wrist shot that was deflected by Vanek and into the net. Goal was timed at 8.41.
The Flyers got their first powerplay soon after and the first chance for Pronger to try and get this faultering powerplay unit firing. Gerbe was called for holding the stick but the Flyes couldn't get anything going.
However, Briere got the Flyers back into the game at 14.53 Miller allowed a shot by Hartnell from between the circles to bounce off his pads and Briere was all alone infront to get the puck up high over the netminder. The Flyers had been getting the better chances and they deserved to get back into this one.
The Flyers went on their 2nd powerplay with 3.47 of the period left, Connolly getting a cross checking minor. It took them over a minute to get the puck set up before they could get a couple of shots through but Miller was playing well. A delay of game call at 17.38 gave the Flyers a potential 36 seconds of 5 on 3 as Butler fired the puck straight into the crowd. The Flyers lost their heads though as Pronger was called for Slashing at 18.02 and Meszaros was called for high sticking at 18.14 to turn what was a potential 5 on 3 for the Flyers to a powerplay for the Sabres.
The Sabres took full advantage. Vanek managed to get the puck at the side of the net, close to Leighton and he dragged the puck between his legs and flicked it through 5 hole of the Keeper. Leighton didn't have his paddle down and it was another goal he wouldnt have wanted to give up. This came with just 33 seconds left on the period and swung the momentum back in the Sabres direction. The scoreboard didn't reflect the 1st period as the Flyers outshot the Sabres 17-8 and somehow had managed to get themselves 3-1 down.
Leighton was pulled for the start of the 2nd period as Boucher came back into the series after being pulled himself last time out.
It only took the Flyers 49 seconds to get it back to 3-2. Straight off an offensive zone face off for Philadeplhia the puck scrambled to inbetween the circles and Van Reimsdyk snapped it past Miller. The crowd were stunned into silence after finishing the period wildy celebrating that 3rd goal.
The Flyers continued to press and hound the Sabres and were creating some really good chances, Miller like a rock between the pipes.
They got the game tied up at 8.40 with a powerplay goal, Briere allowed to control the puck and get take as much time as he wanted to wind up the slapshot and Miller stood no chance. The fans were in disagreement with the penalty that was called to allow the Flyers that chance. Leopold had been called for Holdaing and after the goal there was heavy booing from the crowd.
The Sabres hadn't come out of the changing rooms in the 2nd and it took them until the latter end of the period to get any offence going. They started to throw pucks on Boucher from any angle to try and create pressure around the net. This led to the crowd getting going again and another powerplay chance with Versteeg going for slashing at 13.06. The pressure was immense on the powerplay but Boucher was infront of everything for the first 50 seconds of it. It was turned to a 5 on 3 at this point, Richards taking 2 minutes for boarding. An awful shove on Connolly that sent his head into the glass.
Shots from Myers and Gragnani were brilliantly saved and the 5 on 3 somehow killed off followed by the remaining minute of 5 on 4.
The pressure was all coming from the Sabres now though and Gerbe sent a wrist shot on goal that seemed to be misjudged by Boucher and went softly passed him glove side. Boucher had been brilliant killing off the powerplays and as soon as they Flyers had got back to 5 on 5 he made that mistake and the Sabres were up 4-3 with 3.51 left in period.
The Sabres had managed to level the shots a little with all that powerplay time, shots on goal for the 2nd period being 18-14 in their favour.
Connolly was suffering after that hit into the boards late in the 2nd and he didn't return to the ice for the start of the 3rd period.
3.42 into the period a 2 on 1 breakaway by Ennis and Stafford led to Stafford hitting the post as he tried to get the bouncing pass up over the sliding Boucher.
The Sabres Butler got the first penalty of the 3rd period, a 2 minute holding call at 8.39. The Flyers spent most of the powerplay in the Sabres zone, controlling the puck on the outside but not getting many shots through to the front of the net.
The powerplay ended and the Flyers got the equaliser at 10.43. Miller making a save down at his post but not covering the puck and Richards got the puck infront of the net to Hartnell who put it past an out of position keeper.
It was the Flyers who had the jump in the 3rd and they were the team getting all the shots on goal to this point.
A passage of play with between 3 and 4 minutes left saw both teams go end to end, the Sabres having a partial break and shooting wide before the Flyers had 2 good looking odd man breaks. First it was Brier's pass deflecting of a Sabres stick and then Hartnell's attempt to get the puck to Briere was also deflected away.
The game would finish 4-4 after 3 periods to see this series go to overtime for the 2nd game running. The Flyers had been dominant on the clock shot in the period and were now leading 45-32.
The Flyers won the game 4.43 into the OT period. A scrambled goal that Leino managed to poke past Miller. Versteeg hit 2 shots from the point, 1 blocked and the other deflected down infront by Richards. This meant Miller was out of position and as he dove to get either his glove or stick on the puck, Leino beat him to it to put it in and silence the crowd.
A fantastic comeback from 2-0, 3-1 and 4-3 down to take the series to a deserved game 7.
Sunday Game Previews
Philadlphia Flyers v Buffalo Sabres
The main talking point on everyone's lips for this one must be just who are the Flyers going to start with in goal? They have now used 3 different netminders in 2 consecutive years and go into this game 6 needing to put in one that is going to get them a W. Bobrovsky hasn't been seen since being pulled in game 2. Leighton now has his name in the frame after Boucher was pulled in game 5. Whoever it is might just be entitled to some help from the Flyers forwards. In 2 of the games both Bobrovsky and Boucher have kept the Sabres down to 1 goal, only to lose those 2 games with the Flyers being shut out by Miller. Carter and captain Richards haven't been dominant in this series and its about time for them to up their game and start getting some points.
Buffalo will be with Pominville after he suffered a cut in game 5. This will be a big loss as he had been goo defensively and is 2nd on the Sabres scoring with 1+4. However, top line centre Derek Roy or Jocan Hecht might be ready to return to the line up to replace him. Miller will be looking for his 3rd shut out of the series, his 2nd on home ice to lead the Sabres to a 4-2 series win. Expect another close, combative, hard fought game. If the Sabres can get something going early i can see them holding on and taking out the series. For the Flyers to take this to game 7 they will need to be firing on all cylinders and can't afford for the netminder to conceed soft goals, whoever it is they decide to go with.
Anaheim Ducks v Nashville Predators
In my preview of the Western Conference i predicted a sweep for the Ducks in this series. Oh how wrong could i be. The Predators have impressed me with their ability to get scoring from almost all their team. No one players has led the way for them, they have all contributed and they really do play as a unit. Erat missed game 5 and is listed as day to day still but there are no other injury worries for the Predators. This series has produced goals in every game so if Nashville can get a big performance from Rinne on home ice they might just have a chance of sealing this in 6.
Anaheim were 30 seconds from being the team 3-2 up. They must be hurting at the minute and will want their revenge later today. Like Chicago and Tampa Bay, Anaheim have forwards with the ability to blow teams out if all of them click. Will they be able to produce a performace similar to take this to a game 7 and swing the series back into their favour? Ruutu is available after suspension if they wish to use him to get under the Predators skin but i can see the Ducks wanting to limit any powerplay time they give Nashville so expect him to remain out of the line up. If the Ducks get some substantial powerplay times themselves then expect to see high numbers on the scoreboard. They are current running at 35% on the PP.
I think this series has a game 7 in it. As a neutral, i think we deserve one.
Vancouver Canucks v Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago are awful. Vancouver are playing the best hockey of the playoffs, full of confidence and will be comfortably be in round 2. Those were my thoughts after the Canucks had taken a 3-0 series lead a week ago. All of a sudden Vancouver are awful, Chicago are playing the best hockey of the playoffs, full of confidence and have created some momentum that could ultimately put them into round 2. If the Chicago crowd are anything like they were in game 4 it will be like having a 6th player on the ice for the home team.
The Blackhawks have outscored the Canucks 12-2 in the last 2 games and will be looking for more goals to see off Vancouver again. Duncan Keith is leading the team from the D with 4 goals and 6 assists, Sharp and Hossa are now in amongst the leading goal scorers, Kane is getting assists. Chicago just need Toews to get going in game 6 and this will be heading back to Vancouver for that game 7.
I have no idea what the Canucks must be thinking and talking about in their dressing room. Luongo has now been pulled 2 games in a row. The Sedin's, who were brilliant during the first 3 games have dissapeared since. The Kesler/Samuelsson/Higgins line which played well isn't getting into the game, the 3rd and 4th lines haven't produced either. Luongo will be back to start the game and he needs a really big performance to get some confidence back. He will need to make saves early. If Chicago get on top in this one the heads will drop and they players will be thinking "here we go again".
The winner of this one will be whoever can jump out into a lead. If Chicago can there just won't be a way back for Vancouver. If the Canucks can get a couple in front they will not want to let Chicago back in again.
The main talking point on everyone's lips for this one must be just who are the Flyers going to start with in goal? They have now used 3 different netminders in 2 consecutive years and go into this game 6 needing to put in one that is going to get them a W. Bobrovsky hasn't been seen since being pulled in game 2. Leighton now has his name in the frame after Boucher was pulled in game 5. Whoever it is might just be entitled to some help from the Flyers forwards. In 2 of the games both Bobrovsky and Boucher have kept the Sabres down to 1 goal, only to lose those 2 games with the Flyers being shut out by Miller. Carter and captain Richards haven't been dominant in this series and its about time for them to up their game and start getting some points.
Buffalo will be with Pominville after he suffered a cut in game 5. This will be a big loss as he had been goo defensively and is 2nd on the Sabres scoring with 1+4. However, top line centre Derek Roy or Jocan Hecht might be ready to return to the line up to replace him. Miller will be looking for his 3rd shut out of the series, his 2nd on home ice to lead the Sabres to a 4-2 series win. Expect another close, combative, hard fought game. If the Sabres can get something going early i can see them holding on and taking out the series. For the Flyers to take this to game 7 they will need to be firing on all cylinders and can't afford for the netminder to conceed soft goals, whoever it is they decide to go with.
Anaheim Ducks v Nashville Predators
In my preview of the Western Conference i predicted a sweep for the Ducks in this series. Oh how wrong could i be. The Predators have impressed me with their ability to get scoring from almost all their team. No one players has led the way for them, they have all contributed and they really do play as a unit. Erat missed game 5 and is listed as day to day still but there are no other injury worries for the Predators. This series has produced goals in every game so if Nashville can get a big performance from Rinne on home ice they might just have a chance of sealing this in 6.
Anaheim were 30 seconds from being the team 3-2 up. They must be hurting at the minute and will want their revenge later today. Like Chicago and Tampa Bay, Anaheim have forwards with the ability to blow teams out if all of them click. Will they be able to produce a performace similar to take this to a game 7 and swing the series back into their favour? Ruutu is available after suspension if they wish to use him to get under the Predators skin but i can see the Ducks wanting to limit any powerplay time they give Nashville so expect him to remain out of the line up. If the Ducks get some substantial powerplay times themselves then expect to see high numbers on the scoreboard. They are current running at 35% on the PP.
I think this series has a game 7 in it. As a neutral, i think we deserve one.
Vancouver Canucks v Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago are awful. Vancouver are playing the best hockey of the playoffs, full of confidence and will be comfortably be in round 2. Those were my thoughts after the Canucks had taken a 3-0 series lead a week ago. All of a sudden Vancouver are awful, Chicago are playing the best hockey of the playoffs, full of confidence and have created some momentum that could ultimately put them into round 2. If the Chicago crowd are anything like they were in game 4 it will be like having a 6th player on the ice for the home team.
The Blackhawks have outscored the Canucks 12-2 in the last 2 games and will be looking for more goals to see off Vancouver again. Duncan Keith is leading the team from the D with 4 goals and 6 assists, Sharp and Hossa are now in amongst the leading goal scorers, Kane is getting assists. Chicago just need Toews to get going in game 6 and this will be heading back to Vancouver for that game 7.
I have no idea what the Canucks must be thinking and talking about in their dressing room. Luongo has now been pulled 2 games in a row. The Sedin's, who were brilliant during the first 3 games have dissapeared since. The Kesler/Samuelsson/Higgins line which played well isn't getting into the game, the 3rd and 4th lines haven't produced either. Luongo will be back to start the game and he needs a really big performance to get some confidence back. He will need to make saves early. If Chicago get on top in this one the heads will drop and they players will be thinking "here we go again".
The winner of this one will be whoever can jump out into a lead. If Chicago can there just won't be a way back for Vancouver. If the Canucks can get a couple in front they will not want to let Chicago back in again.
Boston Bruins v Montreal Canadiens Game 5
This was the only game 5 to be played on Saturday that wasn't a potential series decider, with both teams already having taken 2 games a piece. Montreal had taken a 2-0 series lead in this one but would find themselves 3-2 behind come the end of it.
This was a game of goaltending, with both Price for Montreal and Thomas for Boston making outstanding saves and keeping their team in the game at certain points. It may come as no suprise to you then that this game was 0-0 going into the 3rd period. The Bruins were outshooting the Canadiens 21-16 with both teams having only taken 6pims each so far. What might have been a suprise is that the save of the game so far had been made by Ryder of the Bruins and not Thomas. He had made a street hockey play infront of the net, diving infront of an empty net to get his hand to a puck that Thomas was nowhere near saving.
It was the Bruins who took the lead 4.33 into the 3rd period with Marchand getting his 1st ever playoff goal.
He had originally made a pass infront to Recchi who fired the puck wide and as it was recycled back behind the net, he then put a pass in front for Bergeron. His stick broke on the shot, deflected off a skate and came across the crease to the front of the net where Marchand had followed the play to and he had a wide open nt to put the puck into. Their was nothing Price could do about this one and the Boston crowd went into raptures.
The Canadiens didn't lose hope though and with 6.04 left on the period they got the game tying goal. It was Jeff Halpern in his 2nd game of the series that ended with the puck on his stick at the top of the crease and he wristed it up past Thomas. Bad play along the boards by the Boston defence ending with Eller getting that puck and putting it to the front of the net.
The game went into not 1 but 2 overtime periods and there was no lack of action in them. Boston could have been awarded a penalty shot when Bergeron got in behind Sopel and the defenceman pulled him down. The referee only saw it as a 2 minute tripping penalty and the Bruins couldn't take advantage of the man advantage.
Price pulled of the save of the game with under 2 minutes of the 1st overtime period remaining. Krejci picked up a great pass from Lucic and went 1 on 1 with the netminder. He deked to his forehand and tried to get the puck into the nearside of the net but price had stayed low and got his leg and pad against the post to shut the door on him.
Thomas then outdid his opposite number when Moen set Gionta up on a 2 on 1 breakaway with just under 5 minutes gone in the 2nd overtime period. Thomas moved from post to post to somehow get a pad across as Gionta must have been close to celebrating.
It was down to Horton to win it for Boston at 9.03. Ference fired in a weak wrist shot from the top of the circle that seemed to hit Lucic infront and he got it to Horton who fired into an open net to send the TD Garden crowd wild. Price had faced 51 shots whilst Thomas had 45 fired on him. The netminders had set the tone of the game and the series had seen another close game only won by 1 goal.
This was a game of goaltending, with both Price for Montreal and Thomas for Boston making outstanding saves and keeping their team in the game at certain points. It may come as no suprise to you then that this game was 0-0 going into the 3rd period. The Bruins were outshooting the Canadiens 21-16 with both teams having only taken 6pims each so far. What might have been a suprise is that the save of the game so far had been made by Ryder of the Bruins and not Thomas. He had made a street hockey play infront of the net, diving infront of an empty net to get his hand to a puck that Thomas was nowhere near saving.
It was the Bruins who took the lead 4.33 into the 3rd period with Marchand getting his 1st ever playoff goal.
He had originally made a pass infront to Recchi who fired the puck wide and as it was recycled back behind the net, he then put a pass in front for Bergeron. His stick broke on the shot, deflected off a skate and came across the crease to the front of the net where Marchand had followed the play to and he had a wide open nt to put the puck into. Their was nothing Price could do about this one and the Boston crowd went into raptures.
The Canadiens didn't lose hope though and with 6.04 left on the period they got the game tying goal. It was Jeff Halpern in his 2nd game of the series that ended with the puck on his stick at the top of the crease and he wristed it up past Thomas. Bad play along the boards by the Boston defence ending with Eller getting that puck and putting it to the front of the net.
The game went into not 1 but 2 overtime periods and there was no lack of action in them. Boston could have been awarded a penalty shot when Bergeron got in behind Sopel and the defenceman pulled him down. The referee only saw it as a 2 minute tripping penalty and the Bruins couldn't take advantage of the man advantage.
Price pulled of the save of the game with under 2 minutes of the 1st overtime period remaining. Krejci picked up a great pass from Lucic and went 1 on 1 with the netminder. He deked to his forehand and tried to get the puck into the nearside of the net but price had stayed low and got his leg and pad against the post to shut the door on him.
Thomas then outdid his opposite number when Moen set Gionta up on a 2 on 1 breakaway with just under 5 minutes gone in the 2nd overtime period. Thomas moved from post to post to somehow get a pad across as Gionta must have been close to celebrating.
It was down to Horton to win it for Boston at 9.03. Ference fired in a weak wrist shot from the top of the circle that seemed to hit Lucic infront and he got it to Horton who fired into an open net to send the TD Garden crowd wild. Price had faced 51 shots whilst Thomas had 45 fired on him. The netminders had set the tone of the game and the series had seen another close game only won by 1 goal.
San Jose Sharks v LA Kings Game 5
Could San Jose finish off LA and be the 2nd team of the day to go into the Conference Semi Finals? They were in front of their home crowd to try and do so.
It was the away team that took the game by storm though, scoring 3 goals on their first 4 shots, chasing Neimi out of the Sharks net.
It was Simmonds at 3.36 who put the Kings into the lead. Neimi shot the puck against the boards but failed to clear the zone and the puck was fed over to Scuderi. He fired the puck on net, it being tipped first by Clifford and then by Simmonds before it settled in behind the netminder.
If some thought that Clifford had scored the 1st goal there was no doubting that he scored the 2nd. It was a 2 on 1 break with Simmonds taking the puck towards the net and shooting across Neimi. He got a good low leg pad / glove on it but couldn't hold the puck and Clifford swept the rebound in. It was only 7.14 into the game.
Around a minute and a half later it was 3-0 as Penner fired in a wrist shot from inbetween the circles that beat Neimi low glove side. The 3rd goal on 4 shots and Nittymaki was up from the bench and sent onto the ice.
Somehow the Kings had built themselves a 3-0 1st period lead even though they were being outshot 19-6 at the end of the 1st period. Quick had been superb in stopping everything the Sharks were throwing at him.
The Kings didn't need reminding that they had been in a similar position already in this series and they must have been fearing the worst when Marleau got the Sharks on the board 5.43 into the 2nd.
It was a bad defensive play Doughty that lead to the goal, Thornton picking his pocket and taking the puck around the net and leaving the puck in the circle for Wallin to skate onto. He wristed the puck on goal and found Marleau on top of the crease and he jammed the puck in past the skate of Quick.
A minute or so earlier Couture should have scored, hitting the near side post on a big slapshot from the bottom of the circle when it seemed easier to put the puck in. Handzus had his shot for LA also bounce off the post later in the period.
The Kings didn't collapse on this occasion though, despite again being outshot in the 2nd 15-12. The Sharks had already had 34 shots on net at this point but only had Marleau's marker to show for it.
The Sharks continued into the 3rd to try and find away of reducing the game to 1 goal, taking another 18 shots on Quick but never finding a way through. The Kings penalty kill unit standing strong on 2 occasions.
LA had managed to pull off a steal, winning the game 3-1 after being heavily outshot 52-22 overall. Jonathon Quick had been remarkable in between the pipes and the Kings had managed to hold onto their lead on away ice similar to how they had done back in game 2. The series now heads back to Los Angeles for game 6 with the Kings hoping they can put in a better performance than their previous 2 home games.
It was the away team that took the game by storm though, scoring 3 goals on their first 4 shots, chasing Neimi out of the Sharks net.
It was Simmonds at 3.36 who put the Kings into the lead. Neimi shot the puck against the boards but failed to clear the zone and the puck was fed over to Scuderi. He fired the puck on net, it being tipped first by Clifford and then by Simmonds before it settled in behind the netminder.
If some thought that Clifford had scored the 1st goal there was no doubting that he scored the 2nd. It was a 2 on 1 break with Simmonds taking the puck towards the net and shooting across Neimi. He got a good low leg pad / glove on it but couldn't hold the puck and Clifford swept the rebound in. It was only 7.14 into the game.
Around a minute and a half later it was 3-0 as Penner fired in a wrist shot from inbetween the circles that beat Neimi low glove side. The 3rd goal on 4 shots and Nittymaki was up from the bench and sent onto the ice.
Somehow the Kings had built themselves a 3-0 1st period lead even though they were being outshot 19-6 at the end of the 1st period. Quick had been superb in stopping everything the Sharks were throwing at him.
The Kings didn't need reminding that they had been in a similar position already in this series and they must have been fearing the worst when Marleau got the Sharks on the board 5.43 into the 2nd.
It was a bad defensive play Doughty that lead to the goal, Thornton picking his pocket and taking the puck around the net and leaving the puck in the circle for Wallin to skate onto. He wristed the puck on goal and found Marleau on top of the crease and he jammed the puck in past the skate of Quick.
A minute or so earlier Couture should have scored, hitting the near side post on a big slapshot from the bottom of the circle when it seemed easier to put the puck in. Handzus had his shot for LA also bounce off the post later in the period.
The Kings didn't collapse on this occasion though, despite again being outshot in the 2nd 15-12. The Sharks had already had 34 shots on net at this point but only had Marleau's marker to show for it.
The Sharks continued into the 3rd to try and find away of reducing the game to 1 goal, taking another 18 shots on Quick but never finding a way through. The Kings penalty kill unit standing strong on 2 occasions.
LA had managed to pull off a steal, winning the game 3-1 after being heavily outshot 52-22 overall. Jonathon Quick had been remarkable in between the pipes and the Kings had managed to hold onto their lead on away ice similar to how they had done back in game 2. The series now heads back to Los Angeles for game 6 with the Kings hoping they can put in a better performance than their previous 2 home games.
Saturday 23 April 2011
Washington Capital v New York Rangers Game 5
After that last game between the Penguins/Lightning i made the decision not to do a full review on this game, so this is just end of period thoughts and goal descriptions. I needed a break after that 8-2 scoreline!!
So off we went with another game 5 that the higher seed was 3-1 up in and on home ice to win it!!
The first period only had the 1 goal and it was the home team who took the lead. Mike Green got it with a powerplay goal at 5.59 of the 1st, stuffing a puck towards the net, a diving Girardi seemingly getting it stuck underneath him and it appearing over the line and in the net.
There were 12 minutes of penalties handed out but 10 of those all came at the same time as the goal, both teams getting tangled up in a bit of after whistle frivolities. Prust / Boyle / Avery were the only line from New York that were bringing it to this game. Gaborik was almost non existant again and no one else was stepping up. The Caps were dominating in what looked to be a defensive game again. They were outshooting the Rangers 13-6 come the end of the period.
Ovechkin got the Caps a 2nd goal 7.04 into the 2nd, beating Staal for pace and holding him off as he went from forehand to backhand to put the puck high past Lundqvist. Despite conceeding 2, Lundqvist still looked impressive. Infact, i think both the netminders in this matchup have been doing well. The Rangers woke up after the 2nd goal had gone in but were still struggling to get a guilt edge opportunity. They had 2 powerplay chances they failed on leaving the PP% around 5% for the series. Washington were still hitting hard and blockng almost everything. Green returned to the bench after having taken a puck to the head in the 1st but saw no ice time. Ovechkin was playing awesome. Shots were 10-6 that period.
The Rangers only had 2 shots in the first 10 minutes of the 3rd - hardly the way to pull back a 2-0 deposit. Washington grew as the period clock ticked down. The crowd were standing everytime the Caps went forward and it was the home team looking the most likely to score.
It was the home team who got their 3rd goal with 3.37 left on the period, Johannson leading a 2 on 1 breakaway, sliding the puck across to Semin to beat Lundqvist short side.
New York did get one with 32 seconds left, Avery getting the puck from behind the net to McCabe. His shot from the point was rebounded by Neuvirth to Wolski's stick and the shut out was broken. A scuffle ensued after the goal was awarded but this was just Rangers frustration at an early playoff exit.
The Rangers best shift of the game was the 1st one of the game and they never emulated that throughout the rest of the game. To be fair, New York had blown this when giving away a 3-0 lead last game and their was no way Washington were going to blow a 3-1 series lead after last year.
Chicago maybe on their way back against Vancouver and Tampa Bay blew out Pittsburgh earlier but the Rangers don't have the offence like those 2 teams so it was always going to be more difficult for them. Washington the 2nd team into a Conference Semi Final and we shall see if San Jose can be the 3rd later.
So off we went with another game 5 that the higher seed was 3-1 up in and on home ice to win it!!
The first period only had the 1 goal and it was the home team who took the lead. Mike Green got it with a powerplay goal at 5.59 of the 1st, stuffing a puck towards the net, a diving Girardi seemingly getting it stuck underneath him and it appearing over the line and in the net.
There were 12 minutes of penalties handed out but 10 of those all came at the same time as the goal, both teams getting tangled up in a bit of after whistle frivolities. Prust / Boyle / Avery were the only line from New York that were bringing it to this game. Gaborik was almost non existant again and no one else was stepping up. The Caps were dominating in what looked to be a defensive game again. They were outshooting the Rangers 13-6 come the end of the period.
Ovechkin got the Caps a 2nd goal 7.04 into the 2nd, beating Staal for pace and holding him off as he went from forehand to backhand to put the puck high past Lundqvist. Despite conceeding 2, Lundqvist still looked impressive. Infact, i think both the netminders in this matchup have been doing well. The Rangers woke up after the 2nd goal had gone in but were still struggling to get a guilt edge opportunity. They had 2 powerplay chances they failed on leaving the PP% around 5% for the series. Washington were still hitting hard and blockng almost everything. Green returned to the bench after having taken a puck to the head in the 1st but saw no ice time. Ovechkin was playing awesome. Shots were 10-6 that period.
The Rangers only had 2 shots in the first 10 minutes of the 3rd - hardly the way to pull back a 2-0 deposit. Washington grew as the period clock ticked down. The crowd were standing everytime the Caps went forward and it was the home team looking the most likely to score.
It was the home team who got their 3rd goal with 3.37 left on the period, Johannson leading a 2 on 1 breakaway, sliding the puck across to Semin to beat Lundqvist short side.
New York did get one with 32 seconds left, Avery getting the puck from behind the net to McCabe. His shot from the point was rebounded by Neuvirth to Wolski's stick and the shut out was broken. A scuffle ensued after the goal was awarded but this was just Rangers frustration at an early playoff exit.
The Rangers best shift of the game was the 1st one of the game and they never emulated that throughout the rest of the game. To be fair, New York had blown this when giving away a 3-0 lead last game and their was no way Washington were going to blow a 3-1 series lead after last year.
Chicago maybe on their way back against Vancouver and Tampa Bay blew out Pittsburgh earlier but the Rangers don't have the offence like those 2 teams so it was always going to be more difficult for them. Washington the 2nd team into a Conference Semi Final and we shall see if San Jose can be the 3rd later.
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