Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, ........................
Are the Detroit Redwings about to fill the blank above and become only the 4th team in history to come from 3 games down and win a series? After Tuesday night's game 6 they have left themselves with a hell of a chance of doing so.
They looked down and out only a few days ago as San Jose took a 3-0 advantage in the series yet they have managed to fight off elimination 3 times now to set themselves up with the chance of meetig Vancouver in the Western Conference Final.
In game 6 they outplayed and outshot the Sharks through period 1 and 2. They had taken 32 shots on goal to San Jose's 13 yet the game remained 0-0 as Niemi played extremely well throughout and also had a bit of luck, with Clearly hitting the post with a breakaway after dekeing round the netminder and only needing to stuff it home.
All of a sudden at the start of the 3rd period the Sharks had come to life and looked like the were going to steal the game as Couture sneaked a wrist shot through Howard that just crept over the line only 3.54 into the period. This gave San Jose some confidence and they started to play the better hockey for a few minutes and they had more of the puck.
The Redwings managed to level the game though at 10.38 as Filppula controlled the puck in the circle and passed back to the point to Kronwall and as he skated in and took the slap shot it was Zetterberg in front that tipped it past Niemi to tie the game.
This sent the fans inside the Joe wild and they got what they wanted, a 2-1 lead at 12.32. This time it was Filppula scoring as he first jumped up and stol a chipped pass mid ice, skated into the attacking zone and gave it to Datysuk who then returned it across ice on the back hand to find him wide open with half the net to fire the puck into.
It was 2 goals in just under 2 minutes and it completely swung the play back Detroit's way. Even a 2 minute penalty on Abdelkader didn't give the Shark the equaliser they needed and Darren Helm finished the game off with an empty net goal with 1.05 left on the game.
That has sent us into a game 7 tonight and it promises to be another cracking match back in the Shark Tank.
Ryan Clowe missed game 6 for San Jose as did Franzen for Detroit and both players are likely to be out again in game 7. Mcginn played for San Jose and Modano played for Detroit and it's likely both players will be in the lineup tonight.
Niemi had a huge game 6 and if the Redwings come out and attack like the same tonight he will again need to be big for the Sharks. At the other end, Howard had one of his quieter nights of this series and was only really put under any pressure for a spell in the 3rd period. He still managed 24 saves though and if he can keep the Sharks down to just a single goal again he will be giving his team a great chance of going through.
San Jose somehow need to find a way of getting themselves back to winning ways. There hasn't been much between the 2 teams all series and that is reflected in the scorelines of the matches. Somehow they have to work out how they get back to the team that gets the extra goal. They have given up early 3rd period leads in the last 2 games now so if they are in that position again they need to find a way to close out a game and hold on to what they have got. They have been a much better team this season when chasing teams and being under pressure to get back into games - look at the game against LA coming back from 4 and they have also chased a 3 goal deposit down in this series, only to lose that late on.
Detroit have improved as this series has gone on and now stand on the brink of being that 4th team in history to come back from a 3-0 deposit. Can they do it? We will know after tonight's game. What will be for sure is there won't be a lack of effort from anyone on that ice tonight.
As you would expect, Datsyuk and Zetterberg are leading the scoring for the Wings in this series and along with the help of Lidstrom have combined for 7 of the 16 goals scored and have a combined 21 points. These are the players Detroit will be looking to tonight to get them over the line and into the Conference Final.
Whichever team makes it - they face a trip to Vancouver on Sunday for the start of that Western Conference Final. Teams are then only going to be 8 wins away from landing themselves the ultimate prize - Lord Stanley's Cup.
Thursday 12 May 2011
Tuesday 10 May 2011
San Jose Sharks v Detroit Redwings Game 5 Review and Game 6 Preview
Detroit went into San Jose looking to win their 2nd game in a row and take the series back to the Joe.
They didn't make things easy for themselves as they allowed San Jose to dominate the first 2 periods and gave up a 2 goal lead.
It wasn't until 17.18 of the 1st period until San Jose made their dominance count as Boyle threw a wrist shot in from the point and Setoguchi tipped it in through the legs of Howard.
at 15.32 of the 2nd period Clowe and Pavelski went in 2 on 1 from the blue line and Clowe's pass found the stick of Pavelski who tipped it in over Howard to make it 2-0.
Detroit got straight back into the game though at 16.25 as Datsyuk controlled the puck and skated around to create space for Kronwall who pushed up and was found with a perfect pass. He wristed it in past the stick side of Niemi and the lead was down to 1 goal going into the 3rd.
San Jose couldn't have started the 3rd period any better as Couture was allowed to skate in on Howard unchallenged and he deked to his backhand side and slid the puck into the net.
Detroit seemed down and out but all of a sudden remembered how to play and turned in a performance to match that of the 1st period of game 4.
At 3.43 Datysuk tried to centre a pass from the boards to Zetterberg and he didn't get a one time shot off but the puck bounced out to Ericsson who wristed the puck into the net from close range.
It was 3-3 at 5.29 as Kronwall jumped up into the attack again, firing a shot wide that Cleary picked up behind the net and brought out to the front where he managed to jam it home as Niemi tried to keep his pad tight to the post.
Detroit then got a winner at 13.52 as Datysuk again made an amazing play, fighting off 2 San Jose attempts to knock the puck off his stick and dishing the puck back to Lidstrom who fired in a shot on goal. Holmstrom got the tip infront and shocked the Sharks as Detroit had pulled back from 2 down to lead 4-3.
It was a remarkable come back with Detroit not knowing the meaning of down and out. They had one foot on the golf course but now come back tonight to face a game 6 on home ice.
They will need a much better start to tonight's game than they had in game 5 as i can't see the Sharks giving up another 2 goal lead if they get infront. For all of San Jose's great work in the first 40 minutes of game 5 they just seemed to crumble after a great start to the 3rd period and Detroit took full advantage and turned the heat up on them.
Back at the Joe, Detroit will have the fanatical support of their fans and really have a great shout of taking this series to a game 7. Doubts about Datsyuk before game 5, saying he had a bad wrist were proven wrong with some good strong play on setting up a couple of the goals, even though he didn't take a face off all night.
Franzen was clearly in pain during this game though after taking a knock to his bad ankle and must be a doubt to start tonight. Surely it would be better to get Mike Modano in and have a fully fit player than one that has looked out of sorts all of this series.
San Jose will be hoping for better netminding from Niemi in this game as he didn't look great in game 5. They will also be hoping that the team can keep their head up and go out and produce a killing performance and not have to go back to home ice for a game 7.
All 5 games in this series have now been won by just the 1 goal and i'd be suprised if it was any different in game 6. Both teams have shown nerve and bottle to come through by the 1 goal and whichever one can show it tonight will be the one with the W at the end. Either way, it will either be a deciding game 7 on Thursday or a Canucks v Sharks Western Conference Final to look forward too.
They didn't make things easy for themselves as they allowed San Jose to dominate the first 2 periods and gave up a 2 goal lead.
It wasn't until 17.18 of the 1st period until San Jose made their dominance count as Boyle threw a wrist shot in from the point and Setoguchi tipped it in through the legs of Howard.
at 15.32 of the 2nd period Clowe and Pavelski went in 2 on 1 from the blue line and Clowe's pass found the stick of Pavelski who tipped it in over Howard to make it 2-0.
Detroit got straight back into the game though at 16.25 as Datsyuk controlled the puck and skated around to create space for Kronwall who pushed up and was found with a perfect pass. He wristed it in past the stick side of Niemi and the lead was down to 1 goal going into the 3rd.
San Jose couldn't have started the 3rd period any better as Couture was allowed to skate in on Howard unchallenged and he deked to his backhand side and slid the puck into the net.
Detroit seemed down and out but all of a sudden remembered how to play and turned in a performance to match that of the 1st period of game 4.
At 3.43 Datysuk tried to centre a pass from the boards to Zetterberg and he didn't get a one time shot off but the puck bounced out to Ericsson who wristed the puck into the net from close range.
It was 3-3 at 5.29 as Kronwall jumped up into the attack again, firing a shot wide that Cleary picked up behind the net and brought out to the front where he managed to jam it home as Niemi tried to keep his pad tight to the post.
Detroit then got a winner at 13.52 as Datysuk again made an amazing play, fighting off 2 San Jose attempts to knock the puck off his stick and dishing the puck back to Lidstrom who fired in a shot on goal. Holmstrom got the tip infront and shocked the Sharks as Detroit had pulled back from 2 down to lead 4-3.
It was a remarkable come back with Detroit not knowing the meaning of down and out. They had one foot on the golf course but now come back tonight to face a game 6 on home ice.
They will need a much better start to tonight's game than they had in game 5 as i can't see the Sharks giving up another 2 goal lead if they get infront. For all of San Jose's great work in the first 40 minutes of game 5 they just seemed to crumble after a great start to the 3rd period and Detroit took full advantage and turned the heat up on them.
Back at the Joe, Detroit will have the fanatical support of their fans and really have a great shout of taking this series to a game 7. Doubts about Datsyuk before game 5, saying he had a bad wrist were proven wrong with some good strong play on setting up a couple of the goals, even though he didn't take a face off all night.
Franzen was clearly in pain during this game though after taking a knock to his bad ankle and must be a doubt to start tonight. Surely it would be better to get Mike Modano in and have a fully fit player than one that has looked out of sorts all of this series.
San Jose will be hoping for better netminding from Niemi in this game as he didn't look great in game 5. They will also be hoping that the team can keep their head up and go out and produce a killing performance and not have to go back to home ice for a game 7.
All 5 games in this series have now been won by just the 1 goal and i'd be suprised if it was any different in game 6. Both teams have shown nerve and bottle to come through by the 1 goal and whichever one can show it tonight will be the one with the W at the end. Either way, it will either be a deciding game 7 on Thursday or a Canucks v Sharks Western Conference Final to look forward too.
Vancouver Canucks v Nashville Predators Game 6
Vancouver were looking to be the first team through to the Western Conference Final whilst Nashville hoped to take this series through to a game 7.
Henrik Sedin took a high sticking penalty just 50 seconds into the game to give Nashville an early powerplay and the chance to take the lead. Luongo managed to fight off a couple of Predators shots including a one from Kostitsyn from right infront of him and the game remained scoreless.
Kesler and Weber had an altercation at 4.33 as Kesler drove to the front of the net and took Rinne out into the back of the net. It looked like Weber had actually taken him into the keeper but the call was for goaltender interference on Kesler whilst Weber and Bieksa took roughing penalties. It was another powerplay chance for Nashville but again they failed to get much going and it was another kill for the Canucks.
Mayson Raymond gave the Canucks the lead at 7.45 as Suter made a defensive error, trying to pass to Weber as Kesler pressured him near the net. Kesler read the pass and played it out infront to Raymond who went backhand around Rinne to slide it into the net.
At 8.52 Tootoo took a penalty for embelishment as he tried to win an oscar for a theatrical dive after barely being hit. A bad penalty to take as it took less then 30 seconds for Daniel Sedin to tap the puck into the net as Rinne missed a backhand centre from Henrik Sedin that was deflected by Kesler to get past the netminder.
There was a 3rd powerplay chance at 11.35 for the Predators as Edler went for a cross check but this was wiped out only 29 seconds later as Erat took 2 minutes for tripping.
A slashing call with 3.49 left on Higgins gave Nashville a final powerplay chance of the period but with only 1 shot on net during it they failed again to get a goal.
Nashville had started the game well but didn't get the powerplay going and then shot themselves in the foot twice to give up soft goals that gave the Canucks their 2-0 1st period advantage.
Nashville scored a lucky goal with 3.31 gone in the 2nd as Legwand through the puck from the side of the net at Luongo. The netminder made the save with his paddle and layed back into his net to try and cover the puck. The referee pointed for the goal straight away indicating the puck had crossed the line and after review it was given as good.
Fisher had a great chance to level the game a minute or so later but sent his shot high over the net as he got free in the circle on a partial 2 on 1.
An interference call at 8.09 on Erat gave the Canucks a powerplay chance to get back their 2 goal lead but only managed 2 shots that were comfortable dealt with by Rinne.
Erat had a chance on a partial brekaway but as he bore down on Luongo in the Canucks net a defenceman got back to make a good check and he failed to get a decent shot away.
A late powerplay chance in the period for Nashville saw them produce their best one of the game but they still couldn't tie the game up and it headed into the 3rd with Vancouver still leading by a goal.
The third period started as a very defensive affair with the Canucks limiting the Predators to having to dump and chase the puck, giving them no easy access into the zone to set anything up. Vancouver were happy just to keep chipping the puck out of their zone were focusing on keeping their 1 goal lead.
This continued for most of the period and it headed into the final 5 minutes with no penalties called in the period and no clear cut chances for either team to add to the scoreboard.
With 2.58 remaining Tootoo put the first good shot of the period on net but Luongo got square to it and covered it in his padding.
Nashville pulled Rinne with 1.30 left and struggled to get the puck out of their own zone and were lucky not to concede the 3rd goal. They ended up icing the puck though and with 40 seconds left Rinne was back in the net as they had to face off in the defensive zone.
Weber took a couple of blasts at the net in the dying seconds but couldn't get anything through and Nashville's playoffs ended as the Canucks went through to the Western Conference Final.
Nashville outshot the Canucks 24-19 but for me they just didn't go for it as i would have expected in that 3rd period. They had only 6 shots in the last 20 minutes and im not sure if it was due to good defending by Vancouver to limit them or if they had just run out of ideas come the end. They missed their early powerplay chances and gave up 2 bad, bad goals that ultimately cost them this game and the chance of a game 7.
Being fair though, they did extremely well to get themselves into this postion and have just had their best playoff run in franchise history. Congratulations to the Vancouver Canucks though who have now battled through 2 very tough match ups and will face a 3rd in the Conference Final be it against the Sharks or the Redwings.
Henrik Sedin took a high sticking penalty just 50 seconds into the game to give Nashville an early powerplay and the chance to take the lead. Luongo managed to fight off a couple of Predators shots including a one from Kostitsyn from right infront of him and the game remained scoreless.
Kesler and Weber had an altercation at 4.33 as Kesler drove to the front of the net and took Rinne out into the back of the net. It looked like Weber had actually taken him into the keeper but the call was for goaltender interference on Kesler whilst Weber and Bieksa took roughing penalties. It was another powerplay chance for Nashville but again they failed to get much going and it was another kill for the Canucks.
Mayson Raymond gave the Canucks the lead at 7.45 as Suter made a defensive error, trying to pass to Weber as Kesler pressured him near the net. Kesler read the pass and played it out infront to Raymond who went backhand around Rinne to slide it into the net.
At 8.52 Tootoo took a penalty for embelishment as he tried to win an oscar for a theatrical dive after barely being hit. A bad penalty to take as it took less then 30 seconds for Daniel Sedin to tap the puck into the net as Rinne missed a backhand centre from Henrik Sedin that was deflected by Kesler to get past the netminder.
There was a 3rd powerplay chance at 11.35 for the Predators as Edler went for a cross check but this was wiped out only 29 seconds later as Erat took 2 minutes for tripping.
A slashing call with 3.49 left on Higgins gave Nashville a final powerplay chance of the period but with only 1 shot on net during it they failed again to get a goal.
Nashville had started the game well but didn't get the powerplay going and then shot themselves in the foot twice to give up soft goals that gave the Canucks their 2-0 1st period advantage.
Nashville scored a lucky goal with 3.31 gone in the 2nd as Legwand through the puck from the side of the net at Luongo. The netminder made the save with his paddle and layed back into his net to try and cover the puck. The referee pointed for the goal straight away indicating the puck had crossed the line and after review it was given as good.
Fisher had a great chance to level the game a minute or so later but sent his shot high over the net as he got free in the circle on a partial 2 on 1.
An interference call at 8.09 on Erat gave the Canucks a powerplay chance to get back their 2 goal lead but only managed 2 shots that were comfortable dealt with by Rinne.
Erat had a chance on a partial brekaway but as he bore down on Luongo in the Canucks net a defenceman got back to make a good check and he failed to get a decent shot away.
A late powerplay chance in the period for Nashville saw them produce their best one of the game but they still couldn't tie the game up and it headed into the 3rd with Vancouver still leading by a goal.
The third period started as a very defensive affair with the Canucks limiting the Predators to having to dump and chase the puck, giving them no easy access into the zone to set anything up. Vancouver were happy just to keep chipping the puck out of their zone were focusing on keeping their 1 goal lead.
This continued for most of the period and it headed into the final 5 minutes with no penalties called in the period and no clear cut chances for either team to add to the scoreboard.
With 2.58 remaining Tootoo put the first good shot of the period on net but Luongo got square to it and covered it in his padding.
Nashville pulled Rinne with 1.30 left and struggled to get the puck out of their own zone and were lucky not to concede the 3rd goal. They ended up icing the puck though and with 40 seconds left Rinne was back in the net as they had to face off in the defensive zone.
Weber took a couple of blasts at the net in the dying seconds but couldn't get anything through and Nashville's playoffs ended as the Canucks went through to the Western Conference Final.
Nashville outshot the Canucks 24-19 but for me they just didn't go for it as i would have expected in that 3rd period. They had only 6 shots in the last 20 minutes and im not sure if it was due to good defending by Vancouver to limit them or if they had just run out of ideas come the end. They missed their early powerplay chances and gave up 2 bad, bad goals that ultimately cost them this game and the chance of a game 7.
Being fair though, they did extremely well to get themselves into this postion and have just had their best playoff run in franchise history. Congratulations to the Vancouver Canucks though who have now battled through 2 very tough match ups and will face a 3rd in the Conference Final be it against the Sharks or the Redwings.
Sunday 8 May 2011
San Jose Sharks v Detroit Redwings Game 5 Preview
Another game another 1 goal victory. This time though game 4 went the way of Detroit and they fought off the sweep. Now they need to win on away ice to fight it off again and take the series back to the Joe for game 6. The series has followed the same pattern as last years with the Sharks winning the first 3 then losing game 4. Last year they won game 5 and will be hoping to do the same this year.
Detroit have got better game by game and the 1st period of game 4 was some of the best hockey in this year's playoffs. If they can put together 3 periods of hockey similar to that then this series will see game 6. A good start for the Redwings is a must. If they are chasing the Sharks i can see them struggling and going out tonight. However, Detoit chased down a lot of teams in the regular season after bad starts so have the experience and know how if they are in that position tonight.
San Jose will want to finish the game on home ice and give themselves the advantage of extra days rest over the eventual winner of the other Semi Final. They showed good fighting qualities to come back from a 3-0 deposit in the 1st period of game 4 to tie the game and almost take it into another overtime period and you can never write the Sharks off even if the opponent has a lead over them during the game. They will not want to start as badly though this time round and if the game is close going into the 3rd period don't be suprised if San Jose nick it by 1 goal again to get them into the Conference Final.
Lidstrom has 4 goals already in this series so expect San Jose to be looking to try and stop or block him from getting his shots through on net. They will be hoping Ryan Clowe continues his point scoring as he has been nothing short of outstanding so far with 12 points in 10 games.
My key to the game is whether Detroit can get that 2 or 3 goal lead. If they can i think they will be going to game 6. The closer the game, the more i can see San Jose taking it with a late goal or an OT winner.
Detroit have got better game by game and the 1st period of game 4 was some of the best hockey in this year's playoffs. If they can put together 3 periods of hockey similar to that then this series will see game 6. A good start for the Redwings is a must. If they are chasing the Sharks i can see them struggling and going out tonight. However, Detoit chased down a lot of teams in the regular season after bad starts so have the experience and know how if they are in that position tonight.
San Jose will want to finish the game on home ice and give themselves the advantage of extra days rest over the eventual winner of the other Semi Final. They showed good fighting qualities to come back from a 3-0 deposit in the 1st period of game 4 to tie the game and almost take it into another overtime period and you can never write the Sharks off even if the opponent has a lead over them during the game. They will not want to start as badly though this time round and if the game is close going into the 3rd period don't be suprised if San Jose nick it by 1 goal again to get them into the Conference Final.
Lidstrom has 4 goals already in this series so expect San Jose to be looking to try and stop or block him from getting his shots through on net. They will be hoping Ryan Clowe continues his point scoring as he has been nothing short of outstanding so far with 12 points in 10 games.
My key to the game is whether Detroit can get that 2 or 3 goal lead. If they can i think they will be going to game 6. The closer the game, the more i can see San Jose taking it with a late goal or an OT winner.
Vancouver Canucks v Nashville Predators Game 5
Nashville were looking to win this one in Vancouver to keep their fading Playoff hopes alive and take the series back to home ice for a game 6. The Canucks needed a win to be the first team into the Western Conference Final.
Nashville took the lead at 3.42 as Ward stole the puck shorthanded and put Legwand clean in on net and he fired under the blocker arm of Luongo and in.
Vancouver were level at 5.59 as Hansen stole a puck in the offensive end and got the puck across for Raffi Torres to slide into an open net as Rinne tried to dive across to save it.
Kesler had the Canucks in the lead at 15.10 as he and Raymond went on a 2-1 breakaway and Kesler beat Weber in a foot race to get to the front of the net and Raymond slid across a perfect pass for him to tip the puck into the net.
Kostitsyn should have levelled near the end of the period but LaPierre made a diving play to get his stick on the puck and block the chance as it looked like the puck was going to be tapped into the net by the Nashville forward.
Nashville levelled less than a minute into the 2nd with a freak goal. A simple battle for the puck behind the net saw it chip up and over the net and it hit Edler on the arm infront and go into the net.
Joel Ward gave Nashville a 3-2 lead 1.4 in the 3d period as Fisher gt a take away and fired the puck fromoneside of the ice to the other to find Ward who one timed the shot blocker side on Luongo as the netminder slid across.
Ward gave Nashville their first 2 goal lead of the series as the Vancouver defence failed to clear a puck and allowed the Preds to jump on it infront, Ward firing a quick wrist shot past Luongo.
Kesler pulled one back with 3.46 left on the 3rd,firing a wrist shot through a screen from the top of the circle.
The Canucks put pressure on the Predator net in the remaining minutes but couldn't find a way through and Nashville took the game 4-3 and back to Nasvhille on Monday night they head.
Best game of the series so far and Nashville up their game to stave off elimination. Rinne kept them in it at times but they managed to find a few more goals with Joel Ward coming up big and they have the chance to tie the series 3-3 on home ice.
Nashville took the lead at 3.42 as Ward stole the puck shorthanded and put Legwand clean in on net and he fired under the blocker arm of Luongo and in.
Vancouver were level at 5.59 as Hansen stole a puck in the offensive end and got the puck across for Raffi Torres to slide into an open net as Rinne tried to dive across to save it.
Kesler had the Canucks in the lead at 15.10 as he and Raymond went on a 2-1 breakaway and Kesler beat Weber in a foot race to get to the front of the net and Raymond slid across a perfect pass for him to tip the puck into the net.
Kostitsyn should have levelled near the end of the period but LaPierre made a diving play to get his stick on the puck and block the chance as it looked like the puck was going to be tapped into the net by the Nashville forward.
Nashville levelled less than a minute into the 2nd with a freak goal. A simple battle for the puck behind the net saw it chip up and over the net and it hit Edler on the arm infront and go into the net.
Joel Ward gave Nashville a 3-2 lead 1.4 in the 3d period as Fisher gt a take away and fired the puck fromoneside of the ice to the other to find Ward who one timed the shot blocker side on Luongo as the netminder slid across.
Ward gave Nashville their first 2 goal lead of the series as the Vancouver defence failed to clear a puck and allowed the Preds to jump on it infront, Ward firing a quick wrist shot past Luongo.
Kesler pulled one back with 3.46 left on the 3rd,firing a wrist shot through a screen from the top of the circle.
The Canucks put pressure on the Predator net in the remaining minutes but couldn't find a way through and Nashville took the game 4-3 and back to Nasvhille on Monday night they head.
Best game of the series so far and Nashville up their game to stave off elimination. Rinne kept them in it at times but they managed to find a few more goals with Joel Ward coming up big and they have the chance to tie the series 3-3 on home ice.
Friday Night Game Reviews
A little bit late in putting this one up but there were 2 big games on Friday night as both Detroit and Philadelphia needed to win to keep their Playoff challenges alive.
Boston had home ice advantage against the Flyers and made full use of it, winning the game 5-1 and sweeping the Flyers 4-0. Their were no mistakes this time around and they have had slayed their demons after last years collapse at this stage.
Lucic gave the Bruins a 1-0 lead at 12.02 in the 1st with a powerplay goal. Good work from Krejci got the puck to Horton at the side of the net and he tapped it quickly for Lucic to fire the wrist shot into the net.
The Flyers levelled the game in the 2nd period with Richards blocking a puck and racing out of his zone, 2 on 1 with Versteeg and feeding the latter a pass that allowed him a clear path in on Thomas. A quick deke and backhand shot got the puck into the net and the game level. The extra space on the ice coming as it was a 4 on 4 goal.
It was a Bruins blitz in the 3rd period though as they scored 4 unanswered goals, 2 of them being empty netters at the end.
Boychuk fired a rolling puck high gloveside on Bobrovsky with only 2.42 of the period gone and then Lucic got his 2nd of the game at 15.03 as the Flyers lost the puck on their own blue line and he skated in unchallenged and wristed the puck through the netminder.
Marchand wristed the puck into the empty net at 18.05 from outside the offensive zone after his 1st attempt hit a defenceman's skates infront of him and then Paille with 25 seconds left was stood near the crease and stole Campbell's goal as he put it on net and Paile touched it in with his stick.
A comprehensive win and a comprehensive white wash in the series. Scores of 7-3, 3-2, 5-1 and 5-1 saw the Bruins through, out scoring their opponents 20-6 in total. If Tampa Bay were impressive the way they managed to beat the Conference winning Caps in 4 games then this was just as impressive as Boston didn't just win games by the odd goal, in 3 of them they battered the Flyers.
Boston Bruins v Tampa Bay Lightning is the Eastern Conference Final then and boy, that is going to be a hell of a series.
Detroit also needed a win to keep their hopes alive after losing 3 games to the Sharks by 1 goal and 2 of them in overtime. However, this time it was the Redwings who got the win by 1 goal even though at one point it looked like they were going to repeat last years game 4 and blow out the Sharks by more.
A blistering start saw the take a 3-0 lead inside 18.01 of the 1st period. First Bertuzzi made a fantastic move as he skated from the red and into the offensive zone, pulled a spin-o-rama and backhanded the puck from the circle that went right up into the top corner past Niemi's glove.
Lidstrom then blasted in a slap shot as Niemi kicked a long rebound from a Cleary play right onto the Detroit captain's stick. Boyle got tangled up with Niemi and stopped his own netminder getting across quick enough to the shot.
Lidstrom then added a 3rd on the powerplay as he controlled a chipped pass from Zetterberg on his pads and batted the puck out of the air and into the net.
A perfect period was slightly ruined 15 seconds later as Couture got one back for San Jose as he fired a shot from behind the goal line, the puck squeezing under the blocker arm of Howard and in.
This was the start of a steady come back by the Sharks as they came out in the 2nd a different team and played much better than they had in the 1st. Boyle got the score to 3-2 at 13.44 as Wellwood made a good play behind the net, skating the puck out and waiting for the defenceman to skate in unmarked at the back door. A simple feed across as Detroit's defence left Boyle unmarked and he fired it in past Howard.
It was 3-3 on ly 1.14 into the 3rd period as Heatley was just left free infront of the Redwings net and Clowe found him with a pass from the boards behind the net. With all the time in the world, Heatley put it quickly past Howard on his stick side.
It looked as if we were heading to another overtime period when Detroit upped their game again in the last 5 minutes and found the game winning goal with just 1.27 left on the clock.
Brian Rafalski took a shot that was blocked infront of the net and Eaves picked up the puck and made a pass across to Darren Helm who one timed the puck past a sprawling Niemi to send the fans at the Joe wild. (And sent me jumping off the sofa and around the room).
Another good game that saw the Redwings play outstanding for 20 minutes before San Jose picked their game up and gradually get themselves back into the game. In coming from 3 down it gave the Sharks all the momentum until that last 5 minutes where Detroit got back to playing like they did at the start of the game and got the all important goal.
Sunday night for game 6 back in San Jose then. It will be interesting to see if Detroit can get another back or if they will bow out at the same stage as they did last season.
Boston had home ice advantage against the Flyers and made full use of it, winning the game 5-1 and sweeping the Flyers 4-0. Their were no mistakes this time around and they have had slayed their demons after last years collapse at this stage.
Lucic gave the Bruins a 1-0 lead at 12.02 in the 1st with a powerplay goal. Good work from Krejci got the puck to Horton at the side of the net and he tapped it quickly for Lucic to fire the wrist shot into the net.
The Flyers levelled the game in the 2nd period with Richards blocking a puck and racing out of his zone, 2 on 1 with Versteeg and feeding the latter a pass that allowed him a clear path in on Thomas. A quick deke and backhand shot got the puck into the net and the game level. The extra space on the ice coming as it was a 4 on 4 goal.
It was a Bruins blitz in the 3rd period though as they scored 4 unanswered goals, 2 of them being empty netters at the end.
Boychuk fired a rolling puck high gloveside on Bobrovsky with only 2.42 of the period gone and then Lucic got his 2nd of the game at 15.03 as the Flyers lost the puck on their own blue line and he skated in unchallenged and wristed the puck through the netminder.
Marchand wristed the puck into the empty net at 18.05 from outside the offensive zone after his 1st attempt hit a defenceman's skates infront of him and then Paille with 25 seconds left was stood near the crease and stole Campbell's goal as he put it on net and Paile touched it in with his stick.
A comprehensive win and a comprehensive white wash in the series. Scores of 7-3, 3-2, 5-1 and 5-1 saw the Bruins through, out scoring their opponents 20-6 in total. If Tampa Bay were impressive the way they managed to beat the Conference winning Caps in 4 games then this was just as impressive as Boston didn't just win games by the odd goal, in 3 of them they battered the Flyers.
Boston Bruins v Tampa Bay Lightning is the Eastern Conference Final then and boy, that is going to be a hell of a series.
Detroit also needed a win to keep their hopes alive after losing 3 games to the Sharks by 1 goal and 2 of them in overtime. However, this time it was the Redwings who got the win by 1 goal even though at one point it looked like they were going to repeat last years game 4 and blow out the Sharks by more.
A blistering start saw the take a 3-0 lead inside 18.01 of the 1st period. First Bertuzzi made a fantastic move as he skated from the red and into the offensive zone, pulled a spin-o-rama and backhanded the puck from the circle that went right up into the top corner past Niemi's glove.
Lidstrom then blasted in a slap shot as Niemi kicked a long rebound from a Cleary play right onto the Detroit captain's stick. Boyle got tangled up with Niemi and stopped his own netminder getting across quick enough to the shot.
Lidstrom then added a 3rd on the powerplay as he controlled a chipped pass from Zetterberg on his pads and batted the puck out of the air and into the net.
A perfect period was slightly ruined 15 seconds later as Couture got one back for San Jose as he fired a shot from behind the goal line, the puck squeezing under the blocker arm of Howard and in.
This was the start of a steady come back by the Sharks as they came out in the 2nd a different team and played much better than they had in the 1st. Boyle got the score to 3-2 at 13.44 as Wellwood made a good play behind the net, skating the puck out and waiting for the defenceman to skate in unmarked at the back door. A simple feed across as Detroit's defence left Boyle unmarked and he fired it in past Howard.
It was 3-3 on ly 1.14 into the 3rd period as Heatley was just left free infront of the Redwings net and Clowe found him with a pass from the boards behind the net. With all the time in the world, Heatley put it quickly past Howard on his stick side.
It looked as if we were heading to another overtime period when Detroit upped their game again in the last 5 minutes and found the game winning goal with just 1.27 left on the clock.
Brian Rafalski took a shot that was blocked infront of the net and Eaves picked up the puck and made a pass across to Darren Helm who one timed the puck past a sprawling Niemi to send the fans at the Joe wild. (And sent me jumping off the sofa and around the room).
Another good game that saw the Redwings play outstanding for 20 minutes before San Jose picked their game up and gradually get themselves back into the game. In coming from 3 down it gave the Sharks all the momentum until that last 5 minutes where Detroit got back to playing like they did at the start of the game and got the all important goal.
Sunday night for game 6 back in San Jose then. It will be interesting to see if Detroit can get another back or if they will bow out at the same stage as they did last season.
Friday 6 May 2011
Friday Night Game Previews
San Jose Sharks v Detroit Redwings
For Detroit now is the time to start getting results. They need to win 4 straight against the Sharks to advance and that is going to be a tough feat against a team that now has the better of the 11 out of the last 13.
The Redwings improved in game 3 but still managed to go down to another overtime winner from San Jose who have become the masters of winning in the extra period this playoffs. What can Detroit do to get themselves back into this series? Well, they need to get scoring from the likes of Bertuzzi, Franzen and Cleary who all played big parts in seeing off the Coyotes yet have failed to register so far against the Sharks. Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Lidstrom are carrying the Redwings scoring so far with most of it coming on the powerplay. They need to get a good start in this game and get their 5 on 5 play going. If they can get into a 2 goal lead they should take this series back to San Jose.
The Sharks will be looking to end the series quickly and are always going to be dangerous going forward. Niemi has been a lot better this series than he was against L.A and is looking more like the Stanley Cup winning netminder he was last year. This is good news for the Sharks and they will want him to keep up the form he has had in the series.
Neither team has an injury doubts for this game and i expect to see the same lineups as last time out, meaning no place still for Mike Modano in Detroit's line up.
If the game goes into the last 5 minutes tied or goes into another extra period then don't be suprised if San Jose finish this series tonight. They have a knack of getting late winners and have become masters of it. They seem to be able to find something out of nothing and win the tight games so Detroit need to be aware and try to get a good advantage before leaving it too late.
Philadelphia Flyers v Boston Bruins
Yet again on Wednesday night Boucher was chased from the Flyers goal in the 2nd period as Boston took a 4-0 lead in the game. They went on to win it 5-1 and now find themselves with a 3-0 series lead against Philadelphia. Sound Familiar? Surely Boston can't blow it for the 2nd year running and allow the Flyers back into this one? They have been comprehensive in 2 of the 3 games so far with 7-3 and 5-1 blowouts and snook a 3-2 win in game 2. If Boston can get a lead in this game i can't see them losing it. It hurt to much last year and this is the redemption they were seeking. They haven't lost a game in the playoffs when getting a lead and the Flyers have only managed to win 1 when conceeding first.
For the Flyers it will be another tough decision of who to start with in net. Surely Boucher being chased twice in the series so far means Bobrovsky will get his chance to start? I really don' t think it matters as both have been as bad as each other and the Flyers must rely on their defence improving and either denying Boston shots or blocking them and making sure rebounds are cleared. They must start making smart plays to clear the zone and cut out any errors that might give Boston good scoring opportunities. If they can do this then they will give themselves a chance. Philadelphia have taken plenty of shots going forward, they will be hoping Thomas has a couple of off nights himself so they can get back into the series but with the form he is on i just can't see that happening.
Both teams could be missing a players as McQuaid for Boston and Pronger for Philadelphia are likely to be missing again, impacting the Flyers more as Pronger is a top defenceman when fit.
We could have the Eastern Conference Final match up come the end of this one, or we could be at the start of another miracolous come back.
For Detroit now is the time to start getting results. They need to win 4 straight against the Sharks to advance and that is going to be a tough feat against a team that now has the better of the 11 out of the last 13.
The Redwings improved in game 3 but still managed to go down to another overtime winner from San Jose who have become the masters of winning in the extra period this playoffs. What can Detroit do to get themselves back into this series? Well, they need to get scoring from the likes of Bertuzzi, Franzen and Cleary who all played big parts in seeing off the Coyotes yet have failed to register so far against the Sharks. Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Lidstrom are carrying the Redwings scoring so far with most of it coming on the powerplay. They need to get a good start in this game and get their 5 on 5 play going. If they can get into a 2 goal lead they should take this series back to San Jose.
The Sharks will be looking to end the series quickly and are always going to be dangerous going forward. Niemi has been a lot better this series than he was against L.A and is looking more like the Stanley Cup winning netminder he was last year. This is good news for the Sharks and they will want him to keep up the form he has had in the series.
Neither team has an injury doubts for this game and i expect to see the same lineups as last time out, meaning no place still for Mike Modano in Detroit's line up.
If the game goes into the last 5 minutes tied or goes into another extra period then don't be suprised if San Jose finish this series tonight. They have a knack of getting late winners and have become masters of it. They seem to be able to find something out of nothing and win the tight games so Detroit need to be aware and try to get a good advantage before leaving it too late.
Philadelphia Flyers v Boston Bruins
Yet again on Wednesday night Boucher was chased from the Flyers goal in the 2nd period as Boston took a 4-0 lead in the game. They went on to win it 5-1 and now find themselves with a 3-0 series lead against Philadelphia. Sound Familiar? Surely Boston can't blow it for the 2nd year running and allow the Flyers back into this one? They have been comprehensive in 2 of the 3 games so far with 7-3 and 5-1 blowouts and snook a 3-2 win in game 2. If Boston can get a lead in this game i can't see them losing it. It hurt to much last year and this is the redemption they were seeking. They haven't lost a game in the playoffs when getting a lead and the Flyers have only managed to win 1 when conceeding first.
For the Flyers it will be another tough decision of who to start with in net. Surely Boucher being chased twice in the series so far means Bobrovsky will get his chance to start? I really don' t think it matters as both have been as bad as each other and the Flyers must rely on their defence improving and either denying Boston shots or blocking them and making sure rebounds are cleared. They must start making smart plays to clear the zone and cut out any errors that might give Boston good scoring opportunities. If they can do this then they will give themselves a chance. Philadelphia have taken plenty of shots going forward, they will be hoping Thomas has a couple of off nights himself so they can get back into the series but with the form he is on i just can't see that happening.
Both teams could be missing a players as McQuaid for Boston and Pronger for Philadelphia are likely to be missing again, impacting the Flyers more as Pronger is a top defenceman when fit.
We could have the Eastern Conference Final match up come the end of this one, or we could be at the start of another miracolous come back.
Vancouver Canucks v Nashville Predators Game 3
Another Crowd full of gold at the Bridgestone arena as Nashville looked to level this series at 2-2.
Barry Trotz will have been happy with his team's start to this game as Nashville exerted pressure on the Vancouver end from the start, getting the puck towards the net and creating a couple of good scoring chances. They were winning all the face offs and causing Vancouver to ice the puck and take long shifts.
However, Klein got called for 2 minutes after cross checking Higgins in front of the net and Vancouver went on the powerplay to try and get themselves into the game at 4.01 Nashville killed it off with a couple of important shot blocks and the game stayed even.
Vancouver were now in the game but neither team were getting many shots on goal. Through the first 10 minutes Vancouver had taken 3 and Nashville just the 1, most of the attempts being blocked before getting on net.
Ehrhoff gave the Canucks the lead at 15.00 with what was quite a strange goal. He just threw the puck on goal with a soft wrist shot, Burrows stood infront of Rinne but clear of the crease by a distance and Rinnejust didn't pick it up. The netminder spun and made out he was hit by the forward but Burrows just seemed to have good position in front of the net.
Salo took a 2 minute delay of game penalty with 1.42 left on the 1st to give Nashville their chance to get a powerplay equaliser. They got this with 41.6 seconds left as Ward tipped a Franson shot from the point into the pads of Luongo then getting the rebound and jamming it home infront.
A scuffle at the buzzer infront of the Nashville net meant the 2nd period would start with 2 minutes of 4 on 4 as Bieksa and Weber served 2 minute penalties. Neither team could take advantage of the open ice though and the game returned to 5 on 5.
4.30 gone in the period and O'Brien took a high sticking call to give the Canucks a 2nd powerplay chance of the game but they failed to get anything going and it was a good kill by Nashville.
With just over 6 minutes gone Nashville should have taken the lead. A huge scramble infront of Luongo and as the netminder lost his goal stick he still managed to sprawl about in his crease to deny Hornqvist what looked like a tap in to the net.
It was the Canucks who took the lead though at 9.43 as Ehrhoff played the puck through a crowd from behind the net to Kesler, his stick broke but Edler fired it back through the crowd, low on net and it went straight through Rinne and in.
With 6.02 left in the period LaPierre went for a 2 minute rest for interference. Nashville did a nice job to keep the puck moving around in the offensive end looking to create a good scoring opportunity but didn't find a play. What they did get was a 5 on 3 chance when Rome took 2 minutes for slashing with 4.49 left. The Canucks killed off the 47 seconds being 2 men down and eventually the 5 on 4 as well and they retained their 2-1 lead going into the 3rd period.
It was a similar story to the previous games through 2 periods of this as Nashville had only taken 13 shots to Vancouver's 21 and they hadn't created many clear cut chances.
There was confusion over the Predators equaliser as Franson fired the puck from the point through the crowd and low through Luongo's legs. The puck stuck in the netting, which never moved and under the camera. It took everyone 10 seconds or so to realise where the puck had gone with a few Predators raising their arms thinking it had gone in before the goal siren was sounded and the spotlight used to signal that it was actually in.
Rinne then pulled off a magificent pad save straight after to stop Burrows infront of him from jamming the puck past his right leg.
The Canucks went on the powerplay at 6.21 as Suter took a holding penalty infront of his own net. Kesler got Vancouver back in front on it as he skated the puck in over the blue line himself, made a move backhand to forehand through 2 defencemen and wristed it stick side on Rinne.
Nashville still struggled to find any offence going forward and didn't create that chance to get themselves back into this game. With 20 seconds left Henrik Sedin got his 1st goal of the playoffs on the empty netter after winning a face off in his own zone, Kesler clearing it and Sedin picking it back up to skate to the blueline and put it in.
Only 21 shots for the Predators all game and now they have to go back to Vancouver to try and win to keep the series alive after losing both games on home ice.
Barry Trotz will have been happy with his team's start to this game as Nashville exerted pressure on the Vancouver end from the start, getting the puck towards the net and creating a couple of good scoring chances. They were winning all the face offs and causing Vancouver to ice the puck and take long shifts.
However, Klein got called for 2 minutes after cross checking Higgins in front of the net and Vancouver went on the powerplay to try and get themselves into the game at 4.01 Nashville killed it off with a couple of important shot blocks and the game stayed even.
Vancouver were now in the game but neither team were getting many shots on goal. Through the first 10 minutes Vancouver had taken 3 and Nashville just the 1, most of the attempts being blocked before getting on net.
Ehrhoff gave the Canucks the lead at 15.00 with what was quite a strange goal. He just threw the puck on goal with a soft wrist shot, Burrows stood infront of Rinne but clear of the crease by a distance and Rinnejust didn't pick it up. The netminder spun and made out he was hit by the forward but Burrows just seemed to have good position in front of the net.
Salo took a 2 minute delay of game penalty with 1.42 left on the 1st to give Nashville their chance to get a powerplay equaliser. They got this with 41.6 seconds left as Ward tipped a Franson shot from the point into the pads of Luongo then getting the rebound and jamming it home infront.
A scuffle at the buzzer infront of the Nashville net meant the 2nd period would start with 2 minutes of 4 on 4 as Bieksa and Weber served 2 minute penalties. Neither team could take advantage of the open ice though and the game returned to 5 on 5.
4.30 gone in the period and O'Brien took a high sticking call to give the Canucks a 2nd powerplay chance of the game but they failed to get anything going and it was a good kill by Nashville.
With just over 6 minutes gone Nashville should have taken the lead. A huge scramble infront of Luongo and as the netminder lost his goal stick he still managed to sprawl about in his crease to deny Hornqvist what looked like a tap in to the net.
It was the Canucks who took the lead though at 9.43 as Ehrhoff played the puck through a crowd from behind the net to Kesler, his stick broke but Edler fired it back through the crowd, low on net and it went straight through Rinne and in.
With 6.02 left in the period LaPierre went for a 2 minute rest for interference. Nashville did a nice job to keep the puck moving around in the offensive end looking to create a good scoring opportunity but didn't find a play. What they did get was a 5 on 3 chance when Rome took 2 minutes for slashing with 4.49 left. The Canucks killed off the 47 seconds being 2 men down and eventually the 5 on 4 as well and they retained their 2-1 lead going into the 3rd period.
It was a similar story to the previous games through 2 periods of this as Nashville had only taken 13 shots to Vancouver's 21 and they hadn't created many clear cut chances.
There was confusion over the Predators equaliser as Franson fired the puck from the point through the crowd and low through Luongo's legs. The puck stuck in the netting, which never moved and under the camera. It took everyone 10 seconds or so to realise where the puck had gone with a few Predators raising their arms thinking it had gone in before the goal siren was sounded and the spotlight used to signal that it was actually in.
Rinne then pulled off a magificent pad save straight after to stop Burrows infront of him from jamming the puck past his right leg.
The Canucks went on the powerplay at 6.21 as Suter took a holding penalty infront of his own net. Kesler got Vancouver back in front on it as he skated the puck in over the blue line himself, made a move backhand to forehand through 2 defencemen and wristed it stick side on Rinne.
Nashville still struggled to find any offence going forward and didn't create that chance to get themselves back into this game. With 20 seconds left Henrik Sedin got his 1st goal of the playoffs on the empty netter after winning a face off in his own zone, Kesler clearing it and Sedin picking it back up to skate to the blueline and put it in.
Only 21 shots for the Predators all game and now they have to go back to Vancouver to try and win to keep the series alive after losing both games on home ice.
Thursday 5 May 2011
Wednesday Night Review and Canucks / Preds Preview
Due to lack of internet access last night / this morning im just going to round up last nights games rather than do a full game review on 1 of them. I shall then bring you my views on tonights game as the Preds look to use home ice advantage to level their series 2-2.
First of all though i must congratulate any Tampa Bay Lightning fans out there. Their team finished off the Washington Capitals last night, winning 5-3 and completing a 4-0 series whitewash of the Eastern Conference's 1st seed.
In game 4 the Caps never got themselves into a lead and were chasing the game from th moment Ryan Malone put the Bolts ahead at 12.34. They did manged to level the game before the end of the period but 2 goals from Bergenheim within 13 minutes of the 2nd meant Washington were chasing a 2 goal deposit that was impossible to pull back. Bergeron and St Louis scored in the 3rd as well to make it a 5 goal game for Tampa bay, Washington had markers from Erskine in the 2nd and Carlson in the 3rd but were never troubling the Lightning enough.
I said from the start of the series that Washington had underperformed in round 1 and could get caught out here. They were. They got past the Rangers because New York had nothing going forward and they could win 2-1, 2-0 and not have to score 4 or 5. Against a free flowing forward line they would need to score more themselves to be in with a shout and they couldn't do it. Alas, lets not critiscise Washington and praise Tampa Bay as they have now won 7 in a row after being on the wrongside of a 3-1 series deposit to Pittsburgh and are in the Conference final for the first time since lifting Lord Stanley's Cup in 2004. They have been one of the most entertaining teams so far in this playoffs and whether it is the Flyers or the Bruins they play, it should be an entertaining series.
That leads nicely on to the Flyers and Bruins who played their game 3 last night in Boston. The Flyers didn't give themselves much of a chance from the start in this one as they conceeded 2 goals in 1 minute 3 seconds. Chara ripped one in after being left all alone infront and Krejci added a 2nd and his 4th of the series. 2 more goals in the 2nd period saw Boucher chased from goal again, 4 goals being allowed on 20 shots. Boston went on to eventually win 5-1.
Chara ended with a couple of goals, Horton, Paille and Krejci. Krejci ended with 2 assists as well and has been impressive in the 3 games against the Flyers.
Philadelphia were just outplayed. The Bruins won 43 / 55 face-offs and had some huge hits on the Flyers players. The Flyers did outshoot Boston 38-28 but Thomas and his defence were excellent once again. Boston now have to learn from last year and finish this series off as soon as possible because if the Flyers start to get games back then the demons will start creeping in.
I've purposely left the San Jose v Detroit game till last because i am personally gutted after seeing the highlights and reading about the game. I got up early to watch this before heading to work, knowing if i didn't i wouldn't last all day without either finding out the score or accidentally seeing it. Gutted when my internet access was off this morning and even more gutted after knowing Detroit are now 3-0 down in the series. Yet another 1 goal winning margin for the Sharks. Yet another overtime winner. I seriously don't know how they do it but they have a knack of getting the big goal when needed.
It seems to me Detroit were a lot better in this game and had 2 or 3 great opportunities early on in the OT period to win the game. The player who got the game winner and will take all the accolades though is Devin Setoguchi, whose strike 9.21 into the extra period completed his hat-trick in this 4-3 win.
Both teams exchanged PP goals in the 1st period as Setoguchi put the Sharks 1 up and Lidstrom equalised. Eaves had Detroit in the lead in the 2nd but Setoguchi levelled again until Datsyuk put the Redwings 3-2 up with less than 2 minutes of the 2nd remaining. Boyle levelled the game with less than 5 minutes left in the 3rd that brought about the overtime period. Detroit outshot their opponent 41-38 and Niemi pulled off some big saves when it looked like the Redwings were going to score. It's now the 5th game in overtime the Sharks have won in these playoffs and the 7th playoff game in 2 seasons against Detroit they have won by 1 goal.
Somehow they have the knack of just doing enough to get the win. Huge game Friday night now for Detroit to try and some way claw themselves back from the abyss.
This leaves me with just the Vancouver v Nashville game to preview tonight as that series moves into game 4 and the 2nd at Bridgestone Arena. Nashville will be looking to tie it at 2-2 so they go back to Vancouver level. They hve played sound defensively so far in this series and will need to do the same again tonight.
Each game so far has been wn by just 1 goal and the last 2 have both gone into overtime. Nashville will need to keep it close again to have a chance of winning as they haven't found the path past Luongo easy so far. Vancouver will be hoping to build on the 3 goals of game 3 and see if they can finally find some sort of fluent scoring rhythm that will send them 3-1 up heading back home for game 5. They will be looking for the Sedin's to get on the board as only Daniel has registered 1 assist in the series so far.
Nashville need to get the puck on net from early on and apply some pressure from the off. Vancouver outshot them 47-30 in game 3 and some help from the powerplay would be welcome too. It hasn't registered yet in 3 games and didn't in the regular season against the Canucks either. If Nashville can play their game and shut down the Canucks like they did in game 2 then they could take the series 2-2. I believe Vancouver will be pumped to take that 3-1 lead and could take this game by 2 or 3 goals and give themselves the golden chance of ending the series at home on Saturday.
21 year old Colin Wilson will come into the Preds line up for Sullivan who took an injury in game 3 and is unlikely to return this series whilst Sami Salo is still day to day for the Canucks.
Hopefully the internet will be on when i awake in the morning so i can watch and bring you the game review as well!
First of all though i must congratulate any Tampa Bay Lightning fans out there. Their team finished off the Washington Capitals last night, winning 5-3 and completing a 4-0 series whitewash of the Eastern Conference's 1st seed.
In game 4 the Caps never got themselves into a lead and were chasing the game from th moment Ryan Malone put the Bolts ahead at 12.34. They did manged to level the game before the end of the period but 2 goals from Bergenheim within 13 minutes of the 2nd meant Washington were chasing a 2 goal deposit that was impossible to pull back. Bergeron and St Louis scored in the 3rd as well to make it a 5 goal game for Tampa bay, Washington had markers from Erskine in the 2nd and Carlson in the 3rd but were never troubling the Lightning enough.
I said from the start of the series that Washington had underperformed in round 1 and could get caught out here. They were. They got past the Rangers because New York had nothing going forward and they could win 2-1, 2-0 and not have to score 4 or 5. Against a free flowing forward line they would need to score more themselves to be in with a shout and they couldn't do it. Alas, lets not critiscise Washington and praise Tampa Bay as they have now won 7 in a row after being on the wrongside of a 3-1 series deposit to Pittsburgh and are in the Conference final for the first time since lifting Lord Stanley's Cup in 2004. They have been one of the most entertaining teams so far in this playoffs and whether it is the Flyers or the Bruins they play, it should be an entertaining series.
That leads nicely on to the Flyers and Bruins who played their game 3 last night in Boston. The Flyers didn't give themselves much of a chance from the start in this one as they conceeded 2 goals in 1 minute 3 seconds. Chara ripped one in after being left all alone infront and Krejci added a 2nd and his 4th of the series. 2 more goals in the 2nd period saw Boucher chased from goal again, 4 goals being allowed on 20 shots. Boston went on to eventually win 5-1.
Chara ended with a couple of goals, Horton, Paille and Krejci. Krejci ended with 2 assists as well and has been impressive in the 3 games against the Flyers.
Philadelphia were just outplayed. The Bruins won 43 / 55 face-offs and had some huge hits on the Flyers players. The Flyers did outshoot Boston 38-28 but Thomas and his defence were excellent once again. Boston now have to learn from last year and finish this series off as soon as possible because if the Flyers start to get games back then the demons will start creeping in.
I've purposely left the San Jose v Detroit game till last because i am personally gutted after seeing the highlights and reading about the game. I got up early to watch this before heading to work, knowing if i didn't i wouldn't last all day without either finding out the score or accidentally seeing it. Gutted when my internet access was off this morning and even more gutted after knowing Detroit are now 3-0 down in the series. Yet another 1 goal winning margin for the Sharks. Yet another overtime winner. I seriously don't know how they do it but they have a knack of getting the big goal when needed.
It seems to me Detroit were a lot better in this game and had 2 or 3 great opportunities early on in the OT period to win the game. The player who got the game winner and will take all the accolades though is Devin Setoguchi, whose strike 9.21 into the extra period completed his hat-trick in this 4-3 win.
Both teams exchanged PP goals in the 1st period as Setoguchi put the Sharks 1 up and Lidstrom equalised. Eaves had Detroit in the lead in the 2nd but Setoguchi levelled again until Datsyuk put the Redwings 3-2 up with less than 2 minutes of the 2nd remaining. Boyle levelled the game with less than 5 minutes left in the 3rd that brought about the overtime period. Detroit outshot their opponent 41-38 and Niemi pulled off some big saves when it looked like the Redwings were going to score. It's now the 5th game in overtime the Sharks have won in these playoffs and the 7th playoff game in 2 seasons against Detroit they have won by 1 goal.
Somehow they have the knack of just doing enough to get the win. Huge game Friday night now for Detroit to try and some way claw themselves back from the abyss.
This leaves me with just the Vancouver v Nashville game to preview tonight as that series moves into game 4 and the 2nd at Bridgestone Arena. Nashville will be looking to tie it at 2-2 so they go back to Vancouver level. They hve played sound defensively so far in this series and will need to do the same again tonight.
Each game so far has been wn by just 1 goal and the last 2 have both gone into overtime. Nashville will need to keep it close again to have a chance of winning as they haven't found the path past Luongo easy so far. Vancouver will be hoping to build on the 3 goals of game 3 and see if they can finally find some sort of fluent scoring rhythm that will send them 3-1 up heading back home for game 5. They will be looking for the Sedin's to get on the board as only Daniel has registered 1 assist in the series so far.
Nashville need to get the puck on net from early on and apply some pressure from the off. Vancouver outshot them 47-30 in game 3 and some help from the powerplay would be welcome too. It hasn't registered yet in 3 games and didn't in the regular season against the Canucks either. If Nashville can play their game and shut down the Canucks like they did in game 2 then they could take the series 2-2. I believe Vancouver will be pumped to take that 3-1 lead and could take this game by 2 or 3 goals and give themselves the golden chance of ending the series at home on Saturday.
21 year old Colin Wilson will come into the Preds line up for Sullivan who took an injury in game 3 and is unlikely to return this series whilst Sami Salo is still day to day for the Canucks.
Hopefully the internet will be on when i awake in the morning so i can watch and bring you the game review as well!
Wednesday 4 May 2011
Vancouver Canucks v Nashville Predators Game 3 Review
Nashville had the chance to take the series lead on home ice after sharing the 2 games in Vancouver 1-1.
It was the Predators who took the lead in this one as well. It was Legwand who stole the puck behind the net as the Canucks tried to mount a powerplay attack and as he took it to the net on a wraparound the loose puck was picked up by Suter, fired across to the opposite wing to Spaling who then made the pass back across the crease to find Legwand now free to knock the puck in. It had taken just over 10 minutes of the 1st period.
It stayed this way until the start of the 2nd period when Kesler tied the game up 1-1. There was a turnover in the attacking third by Nashville that led to a 2 on 1. This ended as a 4 on 3 and some neat passing between Daniel Sedin and Ehrhoff led to the defenceman getting to the goal line and putting it back infront for Kesler to tap it in behind Rinne. it was a powerplay goal and Nashville had got caught with too many players going forward.
The Canucks were outshooting the Predators 24-12 by the end of the 2nd period as Nashville again were struggling to get pucks on net.
Vancouver were 2-1 up just 3 minutes into the 3rd period as Higgins got the puck behind his defenceman and skated in on Rinne from the wing, took it to the net and lost control but Kesler beat the netminder to it and with Rinne out of position, Kesler fed it back to Higgins and he swivelled and put the puck into a mostly unguarded net.
The game was heading into its final 7 minutes when Nashville got the game back equal. It was Ward who picked up a loose puck from an offensive zone face off, took the puck around the net and swept it under Luongo and into the net.
The series headed to overtime for the 2nd game running but this time there was a different outcome.
10 minutes in and with Shea Weber sitting in the Nashville penalty box, Kesler got a tip on a Samuelsson wrist shot and sent the puck between Rinne's legs to give Vancouver a 3-2 win.
Rinne was superb again, making 44 saves throughout the game. Nashville managed 30 but 14 of them came in the 3rd period alone. There is a saying if you don't shoot, you don't score. This may be the downfall to Nashville in this series. They have got to find a way to create more chances and get more of the puck on net. If they can do this they at least give themselves the chance of picking up deflected goals or rebound chances.
Nashville now need to get the next game at Bridgestone arena to ensure they head back to Vancouver at least level.
It was the Predators who took the lead in this one as well. It was Legwand who stole the puck behind the net as the Canucks tried to mount a powerplay attack and as he took it to the net on a wraparound the loose puck was picked up by Suter, fired across to the opposite wing to Spaling who then made the pass back across the crease to find Legwand now free to knock the puck in. It had taken just over 10 minutes of the 1st period.
It stayed this way until the start of the 2nd period when Kesler tied the game up 1-1. There was a turnover in the attacking third by Nashville that led to a 2 on 1. This ended as a 4 on 3 and some neat passing between Daniel Sedin and Ehrhoff led to the defenceman getting to the goal line and putting it back infront for Kesler to tap it in behind Rinne. it was a powerplay goal and Nashville had got caught with too many players going forward.
The Canucks were outshooting the Predators 24-12 by the end of the 2nd period as Nashville again were struggling to get pucks on net.
Vancouver were 2-1 up just 3 minutes into the 3rd period as Higgins got the puck behind his defenceman and skated in on Rinne from the wing, took it to the net and lost control but Kesler beat the netminder to it and with Rinne out of position, Kesler fed it back to Higgins and he swivelled and put the puck into a mostly unguarded net.
The game was heading into its final 7 minutes when Nashville got the game back equal. It was Ward who picked up a loose puck from an offensive zone face off, took the puck around the net and swept it under Luongo and into the net.
The series headed to overtime for the 2nd game running but this time there was a different outcome.
10 minutes in and with Shea Weber sitting in the Nashville penalty box, Kesler got a tip on a Samuelsson wrist shot and sent the puck between Rinne's legs to give Vancouver a 3-2 win.
Rinne was superb again, making 44 saves throughout the game. Nashville managed 30 but 14 of them came in the 3rd period alone. There is a saying if you don't shoot, you don't score. This may be the downfall to Nashville in this series. They have got to find a way to create more chances and get more of the puck on net. If they can do this they at least give themselves the chance of picking up deflected goals or rebound chances.
Nashville now need to get the next game at Bridgestone arena to ensure they head back to Vancouver at least level.
Wednesday Night Game Previews
Washington Capitals v Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay go into this game with a healthy 3-0 series lead after last nights 4-3 win. They could finish the series off tonight and be the first team through to a conference final. They are now on a 6 game winning streak so would you bet against them? I certainly wouldn't.
They will be on home ice and will have 20,000 fans behind them again but will have to start better than they did in last nights game. Washington certainly had the better of periods 1 & 2 yesterday and could have been further ahead than 3-2. The thing is the Lightning kept it close and then just came out and played one seriously good, solid period of hockey and took the game. That's all it needed in game 3 but Washington will be looking to up there game again so they might not get away with just playing 1 period tonight. I can't see it being a problem for this team to score goals though against Washington and that should see them through.
Both teams have to deal with playing back to back, so this shouldn't advantage or disadvantage either. Washington just have to bring an A game to the table and score 4 or 5, which they haven't been able to do in the playoffs so far. The good news for them is that Ovechkin has raised his game and played well last night. Now others around him need to do the same.
It looks like both Gagne and Kubina will still be missing from the Lightning's line up. Mike Green took a knock last night and missed most of the 3rd period, it is doubtful if he will be fit for the Caps.
Philadelphia Flyers v Boston Bruins
Boston head back to Beantown with a handsome 2-0 series lead after shocking the Flyers twice in their own barn. Now Philadelphia have to come back and do the same to the Bruins.
The Flyers had 54 shots on net in game 2 and surely if they put the same pressure on goal they are due to get a game back. But then again, tell that to Tim Thomas. The Boston netminder was amazing last time out and has been most of the season. A hot netminder certainly helps a team when on a playoff run and Thomas is certainly helping the Bruins at the minute. If only the Flyers could get that sort of performance out of Boucher or Bobrovsky. No idea which one of these 2 will be in from the start tonight but without going into too much about the Flyers well documented netminder issues, whoever it is will need a big game.
Star performers in this series so far for the Bruins have been Krejci who has bagged 3+2 so far and Marchand who has also got 3 goals. Boston will want these two on the scoreboard again tonight to give them the chance of that 3-0 lead.
Van Riemsdyk was superb for the Flyers on Monday and was unlucky to end on the losing side. He got both the Philadelphia goals and was unfortunate on a few occasions not to get his hat-trick. Richards had 10 shots in game 2 but couldn't infiltrate the superb Thomas. If Boston do take a 3-0 series lead tonight will last seasons collapse from the same scoreline against the same team then play a part in the match up? Well, we've got to get to that 3-0 scoreline before we go there.
San Jose Sharks v Detroit Redwings
San Jose have won 10 of the last 12 meetings with Detroit that includes the 4-1 series win at this stage last year. It also has them 2-0 up so far this time around. Detroit need a win and they need it tonight.
Both teams have been pretty even so far but the Sharks have just had that edge in both games to get the win. I think both teams can play better than what they have, especially the Redwings and they will be looking for a better performance on home ice tonight. Babcock might be tempted to change the lines around and split up Zetterberg and Datsyuk from the start tonight to see if they can ignite their forwards. On home ice and desperately needing a win they can hopefully pull themselves back into the series.
The Sharks will also be looking for way to get their forwards going whilst still having the edge over their opponents. Both games so far have been tight and low scoring, maybe not what you'd expect from the Sharks but they have done it well. Niemi has played well without having to be superb so if the Redwings do test him further tonight then San Jose will be hoping he is up to the test.
I haven't liked to call any of the games so far in this series and i wouldn't like to call it again. If San Jose do go 3-0 up i really can't see a way back in for Detroit. If it goes to 2-1 then it really is GAME ON. Hopefully, just hopefully the outcome will be the latter of these 2 and we have a prolonged and interesting series.
We will see.
Tampa Bay go into this game with a healthy 3-0 series lead after last nights 4-3 win. They could finish the series off tonight and be the first team through to a conference final. They are now on a 6 game winning streak so would you bet against them? I certainly wouldn't.
They will be on home ice and will have 20,000 fans behind them again but will have to start better than they did in last nights game. Washington certainly had the better of periods 1 & 2 yesterday and could have been further ahead than 3-2. The thing is the Lightning kept it close and then just came out and played one seriously good, solid period of hockey and took the game. That's all it needed in game 3 but Washington will be looking to up there game again so they might not get away with just playing 1 period tonight. I can't see it being a problem for this team to score goals though against Washington and that should see them through.
Both teams have to deal with playing back to back, so this shouldn't advantage or disadvantage either. Washington just have to bring an A game to the table and score 4 or 5, which they haven't been able to do in the playoffs so far. The good news for them is that Ovechkin has raised his game and played well last night. Now others around him need to do the same.
It looks like both Gagne and Kubina will still be missing from the Lightning's line up. Mike Green took a knock last night and missed most of the 3rd period, it is doubtful if he will be fit for the Caps.
Philadelphia Flyers v Boston Bruins
Boston head back to Beantown with a handsome 2-0 series lead after shocking the Flyers twice in their own barn. Now Philadelphia have to come back and do the same to the Bruins.
The Flyers had 54 shots on net in game 2 and surely if they put the same pressure on goal they are due to get a game back. But then again, tell that to Tim Thomas. The Boston netminder was amazing last time out and has been most of the season. A hot netminder certainly helps a team when on a playoff run and Thomas is certainly helping the Bruins at the minute. If only the Flyers could get that sort of performance out of Boucher or Bobrovsky. No idea which one of these 2 will be in from the start tonight but without going into too much about the Flyers well documented netminder issues, whoever it is will need a big game.
Star performers in this series so far for the Bruins have been Krejci who has bagged 3+2 so far and Marchand who has also got 3 goals. Boston will want these two on the scoreboard again tonight to give them the chance of that 3-0 lead.
Van Riemsdyk was superb for the Flyers on Monday and was unlucky to end on the losing side. He got both the Philadelphia goals and was unfortunate on a few occasions not to get his hat-trick. Richards had 10 shots in game 2 but couldn't infiltrate the superb Thomas. If Boston do take a 3-0 series lead tonight will last seasons collapse from the same scoreline against the same team then play a part in the match up? Well, we've got to get to that 3-0 scoreline before we go there.
San Jose Sharks v Detroit Redwings
San Jose have won 10 of the last 12 meetings with Detroit that includes the 4-1 series win at this stage last year. It also has them 2-0 up so far this time around. Detroit need a win and they need it tonight.
Both teams have been pretty even so far but the Sharks have just had that edge in both games to get the win. I think both teams can play better than what they have, especially the Redwings and they will be looking for a better performance on home ice tonight. Babcock might be tempted to change the lines around and split up Zetterberg and Datsyuk from the start tonight to see if they can ignite their forwards. On home ice and desperately needing a win they can hopefully pull themselves back into the series.
The Sharks will also be looking for way to get their forwards going whilst still having the edge over their opponents. Both games so far have been tight and low scoring, maybe not what you'd expect from the Sharks but they have done it well. Niemi has played well without having to be superb so if the Redwings do test him further tonight then San Jose will be hoping he is up to the test.
I haven't liked to call any of the games so far in this series and i wouldn't like to call it again. If San Jose do go 3-0 up i really can't see a way back in for Detroit. If it goes to 2-1 then it really is GAME ON. Hopefully, just hopefully the outcome will be the latter of these 2 and we have a prolonged and interesting series.
We will see.
Washington Capitals v Tampa Bay Lightning Game 3
Tampa Bay headed into this one knowing a home ice win would put them 1 game away from the Eastern Conference Final and in a commanding position. Washington needed to get a game on the board.
It was Tampa Bay who opened the scoring in this one 11.03 into the game as Bergenheim got his 5th goal of the playoffs so far. A defensive turnover led to Bergenheim and Moore baring down on net and a quick one-two play allowed Bergenheim to tuck it in low past Neuvirth.
This was after the Caps thought they had already taken the lead earlier on through Knuble but his backhand shot that had squeeed past Roloson was disallowed as they had too many men on the ice.
The 2nd period was only 59 seconds old when Knuble got another goal that stood this time and Washington were level. Ovechking skated in at speed on Roloson but fired his shot wide and as he retrieved it from the corner he threw it back on net where Knuble prodded it in past the sprawled netminder at the near post.
Washington then took the lead at 7.58. Chimera did some good work taking the puck around the net and switched quickly from backhand to forehand to get the puck out infront. It managed to deflect it's way back to Carlson's stick at the Stanley Cup Playoffs sign and he wristed a low hard shot through traffic and between the legs of Roloson.
LeCavalier had the game back level at 11.51 as he tipped in a St Louis centre from the boards through the legs of Neuvirth.
Ovechkin gave the Caps the lead again with 2.33 left on the period. With both Clark and Hall sitting in the penalty box, Mike Green's shot from the top of the circle was saved by Roloson but resulted with a scramble for the rebound and with the 3 Lightning players down in the crease trying to get the puck clear it squirted out for Ovechkin to pick it up between the circles and put it into the net high on the netminder.
Stamkos got Tampa Bay level 6.23 in the 3rd as he ripped a brilliant wrist shot high pastNeuvrth short side from the point. The Caps failed to clear the puck down the boards as Hedlund pinched in the block the chip out and keep the puck in the zone.
Just 24 seconds later Malone got the Lightning the lead as Thompson came down the wing and centred the puck across the crease on the backhand and Malone hustled Carlson infront, the puck hitting the defenceman's skate then the forwards and going into the net. There was no kicking motion as both players were just battling infront for position and the goal was good.
That was to be the end of the scoring as Tampa Bay take a 3-0 series lead with game 4 being played tonight as the teams go back to back. Despite outshooting the Lightning 27-15 through the first 2 periods and going into the 3rd a goal up Washington couldn't find the winning post. Their effort at the start of the game was excellet but they were never in that 3rd period as the Lightning just upped there game to the max. If it was for Neuvirth pulling off 4 or 5 great saves it could have been won by more and now Washington have a huge uphill task if they are to get through to the Conference Final.
It was Tampa Bay who opened the scoring in this one 11.03 into the game as Bergenheim got his 5th goal of the playoffs so far. A defensive turnover led to Bergenheim and Moore baring down on net and a quick one-two play allowed Bergenheim to tuck it in low past Neuvirth.
This was after the Caps thought they had already taken the lead earlier on through Knuble but his backhand shot that had squeeed past Roloson was disallowed as they had too many men on the ice.
The 2nd period was only 59 seconds old when Knuble got another goal that stood this time and Washington were level. Ovechking skated in at speed on Roloson but fired his shot wide and as he retrieved it from the corner he threw it back on net where Knuble prodded it in past the sprawled netminder at the near post.
Washington then took the lead at 7.58. Chimera did some good work taking the puck around the net and switched quickly from backhand to forehand to get the puck out infront. It managed to deflect it's way back to Carlson's stick at the Stanley Cup Playoffs sign and he wristed a low hard shot through traffic and between the legs of Roloson.
LeCavalier had the game back level at 11.51 as he tipped in a St Louis centre from the boards through the legs of Neuvirth.
Ovechkin gave the Caps the lead again with 2.33 left on the period. With both Clark and Hall sitting in the penalty box, Mike Green's shot from the top of the circle was saved by Roloson but resulted with a scramble for the rebound and with the 3 Lightning players down in the crease trying to get the puck clear it squirted out for Ovechkin to pick it up between the circles and put it into the net high on the netminder.
Stamkos got Tampa Bay level 6.23 in the 3rd as he ripped a brilliant wrist shot high pastNeuvrth short side from the point. The Caps failed to clear the puck down the boards as Hedlund pinched in the block the chip out and keep the puck in the zone.
Just 24 seconds later Malone got the Lightning the lead as Thompson came down the wing and centred the puck across the crease on the backhand and Malone hustled Carlson infront, the puck hitting the defenceman's skate then the forwards and going into the net. There was no kicking motion as both players were just battling infront for position and the goal was good.
That was to be the end of the scoring as Tampa Bay take a 3-0 series lead with game 4 being played tonight as the teams go back to back. Despite outshooting the Lightning 27-15 through the first 2 periods and going into the 3rd a goal up Washington couldn't find the winning post. Their effort at the start of the game was excellet but they were never in that 3rd period as the Lightning just upped there game to the max. If it was for Neuvirth pulling off 4 or 5 great saves it could have been won by more and now Washington have a huge uphill task if they are to get through to the Conference Final.
Tuesday 3 May 2011
Tuesday Night Game Previews
Vancouver Canucks v Nashville Predators
The series heads into Bridgestone Arena, Nashville evenly poised at 1-1. Both teams are currently struggling to score goals and both will be hoping they can break that trend later tonight.
The Predators will be looking for the same work ethic from their players that they got in game 2, tying the game late then withstanding 18 overtime shots before getting the winner in a 2nd extrsa period. With Pekke Rinne in superb form they might only need a couple of goals to give themselves a fighting chance of going 2-1 up on their Western Conference rivals. What i wouldn't expect is some sort of blow out like Chicago managed against the Canucks. Expect the Predators to try and keep the game tight and within touch of Vancouver. If they can do this they will have a chance of nipping in and taking the win. They managed it in game 2 and gave themselves a similar chance in game 1.
Vancouver must be wondering when they are going to start finding the net in these playoffs. After that promising start in the Chicago series both Sedin's have struggled to get anything going and it is showing in the goal column for the team. They will need to pick it up again at some point and after losing one of the opening 2 home games tonight would be a good time to start. If they can up their game and get amongst the goals that should be enough to get them back the home ice advantage and back on track for the cup. Easier said than done though as the one man standing between them and lighting the lamp is in spectacular form and on a mission to single handedly take the Preds as far as he can. Rinne at the minute is THE factor in this series. If he shows anything like the form he has of games 1 & 2 then Nashville could be extending their best ever playoff run.
Washington Capitals v Tampa Bay Lightning
This series heads into Tampa Bay with the Lightning having stunned the Capitals in both games 1 & 2 to put themselves 2-0 up. They are the form team at the minute in these playoffs as they have now won 5 straight to come from 3-1 down and on the verge of extinction against Pittsburgh to being 2 wins away from an Eastern Conference Final. They are scoring goals as well as getting huge performances in goal from Roloson. It looks like they will be missing Gagne and Kubina again after both players suffered injuries during game 1 but Blair and Randy Jones came in and were suitable replacements in game 2. If it was St Louis who was the Bolts best player in the series against the Penguins it has to be LeCavalier so far in this one, registering 2 assists in game 1 and getting 2 goals including an overtime winner in game 2. If these two and Stamkos all perform like recently i can't see past a 3-0 lead come the end of this game.
Washington just haven't impressed me at all through the playoffs so far. I keep saying it and i keep will, they have become boring. Don't get me wrong, i can understand why they have gone to that system and defensive systems often win leagues / cups. It's just they posess arguably the best skilled attacking player in the league and some others that are pretty good as well as some good offensive defencmen. None of these (Ovechkin being the excpetion even though im sure if let off the leash he would be scoring more) are getting on the board and therefore the team are struggling for goals. They struggled against the Rangers and are struggling again against Tampa Bay. The difference between the Rangers and the Lightning are that the latter can hurt you offensively and in those close, low scoring games can do enough to be the team with the extra goal. Im not saying go back to all out gun-ho attacking but there has got to be more of a balance to get the flair of Backstrom, Johannson, Laich and Semin coming through. If they don't get this in the next 2 games then they will be heading home early again.
The series heads into Bridgestone Arena, Nashville evenly poised at 1-1. Both teams are currently struggling to score goals and both will be hoping they can break that trend later tonight.
The Predators will be looking for the same work ethic from their players that they got in game 2, tying the game late then withstanding 18 overtime shots before getting the winner in a 2nd extrsa period. With Pekke Rinne in superb form they might only need a couple of goals to give themselves a fighting chance of going 2-1 up on their Western Conference rivals. What i wouldn't expect is some sort of blow out like Chicago managed against the Canucks. Expect the Predators to try and keep the game tight and within touch of Vancouver. If they can do this they will have a chance of nipping in and taking the win. They managed it in game 2 and gave themselves a similar chance in game 1.
Vancouver must be wondering when they are going to start finding the net in these playoffs. After that promising start in the Chicago series both Sedin's have struggled to get anything going and it is showing in the goal column for the team. They will need to pick it up again at some point and after losing one of the opening 2 home games tonight would be a good time to start. If they can up their game and get amongst the goals that should be enough to get them back the home ice advantage and back on track for the cup. Easier said than done though as the one man standing between them and lighting the lamp is in spectacular form and on a mission to single handedly take the Preds as far as he can. Rinne at the minute is THE factor in this series. If he shows anything like the form he has of games 1 & 2 then Nashville could be extending their best ever playoff run.
Washington Capitals v Tampa Bay Lightning
This series heads into Tampa Bay with the Lightning having stunned the Capitals in both games 1 & 2 to put themselves 2-0 up. They are the form team at the minute in these playoffs as they have now won 5 straight to come from 3-1 down and on the verge of extinction against Pittsburgh to being 2 wins away from an Eastern Conference Final. They are scoring goals as well as getting huge performances in goal from Roloson. It looks like they will be missing Gagne and Kubina again after both players suffered injuries during game 1 but Blair and Randy Jones came in and were suitable replacements in game 2. If it was St Louis who was the Bolts best player in the series against the Penguins it has to be LeCavalier so far in this one, registering 2 assists in game 1 and getting 2 goals including an overtime winner in game 2. If these two and Stamkos all perform like recently i can't see past a 3-0 lead come the end of this game.
Washington just haven't impressed me at all through the playoffs so far. I keep saying it and i keep will, they have become boring. Don't get me wrong, i can understand why they have gone to that system and defensive systems often win leagues / cups. It's just they posess arguably the best skilled attacking player in the league and some others that are pretty good as well as some good offensive defencmen. None of these (Ovechkin being the excpetion even though im sure if let off the leash he would be scoring more) are getting on the board and therefore the team are struggling for goals. They struggled against the Rangers and are struggling again against Tampa Bay. The difference between the Rangers and the Lightning are that the latter can hurt you offensively and in those close, low scoring games can do enough to be the team with the extra goal. Im not saying go back to all out gun-ho attacking but there has got to be more of a balance to get the flair of Backstrom, Johannson, Laich and Semin coming through. If they don't get this in the next 2 games then they will be heading home early again.
Philadelphia Flyers v Boston Bruins Game 2 Review
The Flyers stuck with Brian Boucher as their starting netminder but were missing Pronger and Carter from their lineup. Jody Shelley was in.
It took the Flyers 29 seconds to start to exorcise the demons of game 1 as Van Riemsdyk and Giroux went in 2 on 1 on Thomas. Giroux got the pass through the defenceman and Van Riemsdyk tipped it under the goalie to score.
48 seconds in and Thomas took a 2 minute penalty as the Flyers attacked again and he batted the puck out of the air and straight over the boards. Philadelphia failed to convert but had dominated the first 3 minutes of play.
Shelley took a bording call at 3.37 to give Boston a chance to get some momentum going in this game but they were still looking for their 1st powerplay goal of the playoffs as it was killed off by the Flyers.
The Flyers got their 2nd powerplay at 8.49 as Campbell went for Holding. Van Riemsdyk took advantage of this as he got his 2nd goal of the game. Timonen took a shot from the point which Thomas saved with his pads and first Briere jammed at it and then Van Riemsdyk who got it into the net off a defenders leg.
he Bruins had it back t 2-1 at 12.50 as Peverly skated into the zone and made a drop pass between the circles to Kaberle. He fired in a shot which Boucher saved but first Ryder had the rebound attempt and then Kelly put it in the net with the wrister.
It was 2-2 only 1.25 later as Marchand took a feed from Bergeron and he fired a wrist shot low glove side from between the circles that beat Boucher and levelled the game.
The game went to 4 on 4 for 2 minutes at 15.04 as Krejci was called for roughing and Versteeg was called for holding.
Thomas made a big save on Timonen as he came to the edge of his crease to get his pads on a blast and the rebound bounced out and sent Paille clear 1 on 1 with Boucher but he stood firm and made a save with his leg.
Mcquaid took a nasty run into the boards which left him prone on the ice for a few minutes and having to be helped off the ice by team mates. He was trying to make a hit on Richards at the side of the net but the Flyers player made a move away from the hit and he went crashing head first into the boards. He was later sent to hospital to be checked out.
It was an entertaining 1st period which ended tied 2-2 but the Flyers had thrown away their good start and early advantage and let the Bruins right back into this one.
The 2nd period didn't quite have the electrifying start that the 1st period did as both teams battled to try and get themselves a lead. It was an even start as both teams went end to end with the netminders seeing off what was thrown at them.
Boucher seemed to pull something in his leg when making a routine pad save around the halfway mark of the period. This lead to a netminding change for a different reason this time as Bobrovsy entered the game between the pipes.
Thomas robbed Zherdev with just over 7 minutes left as Van Riemsdyk made a pass across the crease as he was falling to the ice and as Zherdev tried to sweep the puck in Thomas got his pad across left to right to make the save.
Kerjci then had a chance infront of the Flyers net as he turned and fired a puck backhanded against the post. Bobrovsky had left the net wide open and was nowhere near the shot as he tried diving back over to save it.
Van Riemsdyk then got in behind the Bruins defence and took the puck to his forehand and shot it back against the grain but just wide of Thomas' net.
With just over 2 minutes left the Bruins set up inside the Flyers zone almost like a powerplay and were firing shot after shot on net, Bobrovsky pulling off 3 decent saves to keep the game tied at 2.
Hartnell took a slashing penalty with 1.33 left on the period but despite getting good possesion in the Flyers zone they couldn't create the clear cut chance to take the lead. They would go into the 3rd period with 27 seconds of the man advantage remaining.
Boucher returned to the Flyers net at the start of the 3rd period, the injury he suffered in the 2nd obviously not as bad as first thought and him coming off must have just been a precaution whilst he was checked out.
Van Riemsdyk was close to his hat trick again at the start of the period as he got in behind the Bruins defence again. This time he pulled a similar move to the one he put wide earlier but with the backhand and Thomas made the pad save.
Marchand went for a cross check at 3.21 to give the Flyers their first powerplay chance of the period. Briere had a great chance right at the end of it as Briere skated in alone from the blue line but he didn't get a good shot away and Thomas smothered the puck and covered it up.
The 3rd period was much the same as the 2nd as both teams were still going end to end without getting that real big chance to stick the puck away and get the ever so important 3-2 lead. Van Reimsdyk was playing superb and was being double shifted as everytime he was on the ice the Flyers were creating something.
It was Lucic for the Bruins who had the next big chance as he forced Boucher into a good pad save close in from a Horton feed and the game was still tied going into the final 5 minutes.
With 2.39 left on the period Chara was called for roughing with a hit on the 5ft 10 Briere. The Flyers couldn't take full advantage of the chance though.
With 4 seconds left Van Riemsdyk shot the puck straight after a face off win was pulled back to him and Thomas made a toe end save, the rebound just going underneath Briere's stick as the net was wide open and the game headed into overtime. The Flyers had taken 22 shots in the period but not found a way past Thomas.
It was the Flyers who were doing all the pressing at the start of the overtime period as they were continuing to lay seige on Thomas in the Bruins net. Richards clipped the top of the bar with a backhand shot and Thomas was fighting everything else off any which way he could.
Peverly hit the post from just past the Stanley Cup logo as the Bruins put a rare shot on net in this overtime period, nearly stunning the Flyers crowd.
Krejci hammered a one timer up over the blocker shoulder of Boucher right on the hash mark and won the game with 6 minutes of overtime left. The shot was the hard and fast it flew in and out of the net and play continued as the ref behind the net didn't call the goal. However, as soon as there was a whistle the goal was called and the Bruins took a 2-0 series lead.
A fantastic game and a much better effort from the Flyers. They would have won comfortably if it wasn't for the efforts of Thomas and the Bruins defence. The netminder made save after save, 52 in total and the defence just didn't give the Flyers a sniff when it came to 2nd chances on rebounds. It's an uphill task now for the Flyers as they head to Boston looking to get back into the series but if they play like they did tonight for the remainder of this series they will be in with a good chance of pulling this back.
It took the Flyers 29 seconds to start to exorcise the demons of game 1 as Van Riemsdyk and Giroux went in 2 on 1 on Thomas. Giroux got the pass through the defenceman and Van Riemsdyk tipped it under the goalie to score.
48 seconds in and Thomas took a 2 minute penalty as the Flyers attacked again and he batted the puck out of the air and straight over the boards. Philadelphia failed to convert but had dominated the first 3 minutes of play.
Shelley took a bording call at 3.37 to give Boston a chance to get some momentum going in this game but they were still looking for their 1st powerplay goal of the playoffs as it was killed off by the Flyers.
The Flyers got their 2nd powerplay at 8.49 as Campbell went for Holding. Van Riemsdyk took advantage of this as he got his 2nd goal of the game. Timonen took a shot from the point which Thomas saved with his pads and first Briere jammed at it and then Van Riemsdyk who got it into the net off a defenders leg.
he Bruins had it back t 2-1 at 12.50 as Peverly skated into the zone and made a drop pass between the circles to Kaberle. He fired in a shot which Boucher saved but first Ryder had the rebound attempt and then Kelly put it in the net with the wrister.
It was 2-2 only 1.25 later as Marchand took a feed from Bergeron and he fired a wrist shot low glove side from between the circles that beat Boucher and levelled the game.
The game went to 4 on 4 for 2 minutes at 15.04 as Krejci was called for roughing and Versteeg was called for holding.
Thomas made a big save on Timonen as he came to the edge of his crease to get his pads on a blast and the rebound bounced out and sent Paille clear 1 on 1 with Boucher but he stood firm and made a save with his leg.
Mcquaid took a nasty run into the boards which left him prone on the ice for a few minutes and having to be helped off the ice by team mates. He was trying to make a hit on Richards at the side of the net but the Flyers player made a move away from the hit and he went crashing head first into the boards. He was later sent to hospital to be checked out.
It was an entertaining 1st period which ended tied 2-2 but the Flyers had thrown away their good start and early advantage and let the Bruins right back into this one.
The 2nd period didn't quite have the electrifying start that the 1st period did as both teams battled to try and get themselves a lead. It was an even start as both teams went end to end with the netminders seeing off what was thrown at them.
Boucher seemed to pull something in his leg when making a routine pad save around the halfway mark of the period. This lead to a netminding change for a different reason this time as Bobrovsy entered the game between the pipes.
Thomas robbed Zherdev with just over 7 minutes left as Van Riemsdyk made a pass across the crease as he was falling to the ice and as Zherdev tried to sweep the puck in Thomas got his pad across left to right to make the save.
Kerjci then had a chance infront of the Flyers net as he turned and fired a puck backhanded against the post. Bobrovsky had left the net wide open and was nowhere near the shot as he tried diving back over to save it.
Van Riemsdyk then got in behind the Bruins defence and took the puck to his forehand and shot it back against the grain but just wide of Thomas' net.
With just over 2 minutes left the Bruins set up inside the Flyers zone almost like a powerplay and were firing shot after shot on net, Bobrovsky pulling off 3 decent saves to keep the game tied at 2.
Hartnell took a slashing penalty with 1.33 left on the period but despite getting good possesion in the Flyers zone they couldn't create the clear cut chance to take the lead. They would go into the 3rd period with 27 seconds of the man advantage remaining.
Boucher returned to the Flyers net at the start of the 3rd period, the injury he suffered in the 2nd obviously not as bad as first thought and him coming off must have just been a precaution whilst he was checked out.
Van Riemsdyk was close to his hat trick again at the start of the period as he got in behind the Bruins defence again. This time he pulled a similar move to the one he put wide earlier but with the backhand and Thomas made the pad save.
Marchand went for a cross check at 3.21 to give the Flyers their first powerplay chance of the period. Briere had a great chance right at the end of it as Briere skated in alone from the blue line but he didn't get a good shot away and Thomas smothered the puck and covered it up.
The 3rd period was much the same as the 2nd as both teams were still going end to end without getting that real big chance to stick the puck away and get the ever so important 3-2 lead. Van Reimsdyk was playing superb and was being double shifted as everytime he was on the ice the Flyers were creating something.
It was Lucic for the Bruins who had the next big chance as he forced Boucher into a good pad save close in from a Horton feed and the game was still tied going into the final 5 minutes.
With 2.39 left on the period Chara was called for roughing with a hit on the 5ft 10 Briere. The Flyers couldn't take full advantage of the chance though.
With 4 seconds left Van Riemsdyk shot the puck straight after a face off win was pulled back to him and Thomas made a toe end save, the rebound just going underneath Briere's stick as the net was wide open and the game headed into overtime. The Flyers had taken 22 shots in the period but not found a way past Thomas.
It was the Flyers who were doing all the pressing at the start of the overtime period as they were continuing to lay seige on Thomas in the Bruins net. Richards clipped the top of the bar with a backhand shot and Thomas was fighting everything else off any which way he could.
Peverly hit the post from just past the Stanley Cup logo as the Bruins put a rare shot on net in this overtime period, nearly stunning the Flyers crowd.
Krejci hammered a one timer up over the blocker shoulder of Boucher right on the hash mark and won the game with 6 minutes of overtime left. The shot was the hard and fast it flew in and out of the net and play continued as the ref behind the net didn't call the goal. However, as soon as there was a whistle the goal was called and the Bruins took a 2-0 series lead.
A fantastic game and a much better effort from the Flyers. They would have won comfortably if it wasn't for the efforts of Thomas and the Bruins defence. The netminder made save after save, 52 in total and the defence just didn't give the Flyers a sniff when it came to 2nd chances on rebounds. It's an uphill task now for the Flyers as they head to Boston looking to get back into the series but if they play like they did tonight for the remainder of this series they will be in with a good chance of pulling this back.
Monday 2 May 2011
Philadelphia Flyers v Boston Bruins Game 2 Preview
Philadelphia will have spent the last day looking back at how they managed to implode in game 1, allowing 7 goals on home ice and giving the Bruins all the early momentum of the series. Hopefully they will have learnt a lot defensively otherwise they are going to get blown out again later today. They must make the simple plays, clear the zone and stop taking bad individual penalties if they are to get anything out of game 2. Oh, and a performance from a netminder wouldn't go a miss either. Who are they going to go with this time around though? Boucher was at fault for some of the Boston goals in game 1 but can't take all the blame when the players in front of him were just as bad. However, he was pulled after 5 of them and replaced by Bobrovsky. He didn't get much help on the 2 he conceeded either but didn't do enough to be able to make the starting spot a definate for himself. Does this mean Leighton will start after not even making the bench in that 1st game? The only thing that is a definate for game 2 is that unless the Flyers can offer their starting netminder some support in the defensive zone they will be struggling to leave Philadelphia equal in this series.
Boston will be wanting more of the same from their forwards in game 2 as they got scoring from 3 different lines in game 1. Krejci was excellent getting 2+2 from the 1st line and Marchand bagged a couple of goals for the second line as well. What they will be hoping to get going is the powerplay which has falted all the way through the playoffs so far and was 0-5 in the first game of the series. Boston might be heading for a 2-0 series lead but if they get to that point and take the 3rd game as well how much will last years collapse get into their heads? They will be looking for all their lines to keep contributing and Thomas to remain big in goal if they are going to make the Conference Final again.
The Flyers can't allow themselves to perform like they did in game 1 and i think they will step their play up in this one and get the series back level heading into Boston.
Boston will be wanting more of the same from their forwards in game 2 as they got scoring from 3 different lines in game 1. Krejci was excellent getting 2+2 from the 1st line and Marchand bagged a couple of goals for the second line as well. What they will be hoping to get going is the powerplay which has falted all the way through the playoffs so far and was 0-5 in the first game of the series. Boston might be heading for a 2-0 series lead but if they get to that point and take the 3rd game as well how much will last years collapse get into their heads? They will be looking for all their lines to keep contributing and Thomas to remain big in goal if they are going to make the Conference Final again.
The Flyers can't allow themselves to perform like they did in game 1 and i think they will step their play up in this one and get the series back level heading into Boston.
Washington Capitals v Tampa Bay Game 2 Review
The Capitals welcomed Knuble back to the lineup but both Gagne and Kubina were missing for the Lightning after suffering injuries during game 1.
The game started with both teams defences on top as through the first 6 minutes the Caps had generated 4 shos, Tampa Bay just the 1. With 7.14 gone Knuble took the 1st penalty on Washington and the Lightning's powerplay had the chance to get the lead. They couldn't really get set up though an with under 20 seconds left on the powerplay Downie took a holding penalty to send the game 4 on 4 briefly before the Caps would get the 1 man advantage. Roloson made a couple of decent saves but Washington also failed to generate much and there was about 8 minutes left on the period.
With 7.49 left it was Blair Jones to the box for Tampa Bay to put the Capitals straight back on the powerplay. With 3 seconds left of the powerplay Clark took another 2 minutes for cross checking to give Washington their 3rd powerplay in a row.
Bergenheim on the shorthand had the best chance as he went in on Neuvirth but he made a comfortable save. The Caps with almost 6 consecutive minutes of man advantage and Roloson was dealing with everything being thrown at him. Most of the shots coming in were from long range though and the Caps hadn't created anything clear cut.
The final 2 minutes would see Tampa Bay go on the powerplay as Ovechkin went for high sticking. The Lightning took the lead as St Louis made a passover to LeCavalier in the face off circle and he one timed his shot past the glove of Neuvirth nearside and into the net.
That was to be the way the 1st period ended as the Caps outshot their opponents 10-5 but found themselves 1-0 down.
Both teams had early chances in the 2nd period with Neuvirth and Roloson both making saves. Washington had an early powerplay as Malone sat for high sticking. That penalty was killed off but Bergeron was to take another as a scramble infront of Roloson saw him called for hooking as he pulled a Washington forward down as he looked to put the puck in. Another good kill from the Lightning as they killed it down to 15 seconds when Green took a roughing call to give the Lightning their own powerplay.
Downie took a knock as a puck was fired at him from close range along the boards and he struggled as he go back onto the bench. Bergenheim took 2 minutes for hooking to send Washington back to the powerplay again. Roloson pulled off a great save on Knuble as Johansson passed the puck across to the front and forward tipped it on net only to find the netminder blocking his attempt.
Finally the Caps managed to get an equaliser Backstrom skating between the circles and firing the puck at the net. Roloson blocked it but it rolled off his shoulder and Laich jammed it in as the forwards crashed into the crease.
Schultz got called for holding with 4.32 left in the period but it was more like a clothes line on Bergenheim. The best chance once again came to the shorthanded team as Strurm went on a 2 on 1 but he chose to shoot on the backhand rather than make the pass across the crease and the shot was wide.
The Lightning had only taken 9 shots through 2 periods and the Caps were on top in the game. Tampa Bay weren't playing well against a sound defensive Washington team and would need to up their game in the 3rd.
The Bolts started the 3rd with a shot by Stamkos that was comfortably gloved by Neuvirth. Other saves off Purcell and Stamkos again were made as Tampa Bay started a lot more livelier.
Tampa Bay got back in the lead as St Louis threw a puck across the crease looking for LeCavalier and it hit the skate of Mike Green and went in behind Neuvirth at 7.35.
Green then took a roughing call at 8.32 to give the Lightning the powerplay chance. Neuvirth smothered the first chance on it from LeCavalier. Despite some further pressure with the man advantage the game remained 2-1 going into the final 10 minutes.
St Louis had another 2 chances to make it 3-1 with Neuvirth making saves and Malone just missed the stick of Stamkos with a pass through the crease which if any touch had been made would surely have gone in the net. The Lightning were playing their best hockey of the game so far.
The Capitals got an offensive zone face off with under 2 minutes to go, took their timeout and pulled Neuvirth. They got the puck in the zone and managed to keep the pressure on and Ovechkin roofed the puck from the top of the crease as Laich got the puck out infront with 1.07 left.
That sent the game into overtime in which the Caps crowd came to life. The first time in the playoffs that the atmoshere in the Verizon Centre was raised to it's highest level.
That atmosphere was killed dead though as LeCavalier won it for the Lightning 6.19 into OT. A bad line change allowed him to get free infront and as Purcell made the pass from the wing, LeCavalier controlled the puck and put it high gloveside on Neuvirth.
Through 2 periods this game had been nearly all the Caps. They were outshooting their opponents 27-9 at the end of it, 3 shots to 1. Somehow they just couldn't get the clear openings to get in the lead and despite their dominance in play they were chasing the scoreboard all game. A bad start to the series for them, losing 2 straight at home and heading into Tampa Bay needing to get a game on the board.
The game started with both teams defences on top as through the first 6 minutes the Caps had generated 4 shos, Tampa Bay just the 1. With 7.14 gone Knuble took the 1st penalty on Washington and the Lightning's powerplay had the chance to get the lead. They couldn't really get set up though an with under 20 seconds left on the powerplay Downie took a holding penalty to send the game 4 on 4 briefly before the Caps would get the 1 man advantage. Roloson made a couple of decent saves but Washington also failed to generate much and there was about 8 minutes left on the period.
With 7.49 left it was Blair Jones to the box for Tampa Bay to put the Capitals straight back on the powerplay. With 3 seconds left of the powerplay Clark took another 2 minutes for cross checking to give Washington their 3rd powerplay in a row.
Bergenheim on the shorthand had the best chance as he went in on Neuvirth but he made a comfortable save. The Caps with almost 6 consecutive minutes of man advantage and Roloson was dealing with everything being thrown at him. Most of the shots coming in were from long range though and the Caps hadn't created anything clear cut.
The final 2 minutes would see Tampa Bay go on the powerplay as Ovechkin went for high sticking. The Lightning took the lead as St Louis made a passover to LeCavalier in the face off circle and he one timed his shot past the glove of Neuvirth nearside and into the net.
That was to be the way the 1st period ended as the Caps outshot their opponents 10-5 but found themselves 1-0 down.
Both teams had early chances in the 2nd period with Neuvirth and Roloson both making saves. Washington had an early powerplay as Malone sat for high sticking. That penalty was killed off but Bergeron was to take another as a scramble infront of Roloson saw him called for hooking as he pulled a Washington forward down as he looked to put the puck in. Another good kill from the Lightning as they killed it down to 15 seconds when Green took a roughing call to give the Lightning their own powerplay.
Downie took a knock as a puck was fired at him from close range along the boards and he struggled as he go back onto the bench. Bergenheim took 2 minutes for hooking to send Washington back to the powerplay again. Roloson pulled off a great save on Knuble as Johansson passed the puck across to the front and forward tipped it on net only to find the netminder blocking his attempt.
Finally the Caps managed to get an equaliser Backstrom skating between the circles and firing the puck at the net. Roloson blocked it but it rolled off his shoulder and Laich jammed it in as the forwards crashed into the crease.
Schultz got called for holding with 4.32 left in the period but it was more like a clothes line on Bergenheim. The best chance once again came to the shorthanded team as Strurm went on a 2 on 1 but he chose to shoot on the backhand rather than make the pass across the crease and the shot was wide.
The Lightning had only taken 9 shots through 2 periods and the Caps were on top in the game. Tampa Bay weren't playing well against a sound defensive Washington team and would need to up their game in the 3rd.
The Bolts started the 3rd with a shot by Stamkos that was comfortably gloved by Neuvirth. Other saves off Purcell and Stamkos again were made as Tampa Bay started a lot more livelier.
Tampa Bay got back in the lead as St Louis threw a puck across the crease looking for LeCavalier and it hit the skate of Mike Green and went in behind Neuvirth at 7.35.
Green then took a roughing call at 8.32 to give the Lightning the powerplay chance. Neuvirth smothered the first chance on it from LeCavalier. Despite some further pressure with the man advantage the game remained 2-1 going into the final 10 minutes.
St Louis had another 2 chances to make it 3-1 with Neuvirth making saves and Malone just missed the stick of Stamkos with a pass through the crease which if any touch had been made would surely have gone in the net. The Lightning were playing their best hockey of the game so far.
The Capitals got an offensive zone face off with under 2 minutes to go, took their timeout and pulled Neuvirth. They got the puck in the zone and managed to keep the pressure on and Ovechkin roofed the puck from the top of the crease as Laich got the puck out infront with 1.07 left.
That sent the game into overtime in which the Caps crowd came to life. The first time in the playoffs that the atmoshere in the Verizon Centre was raised to it's highest level.
That atmosphere was killed dead though as LeCavalier won it for the Lightning 6.19 into OT. A bad line change allowed him to get free infront and as Purcell made the pass from the wing, LeCavalier controlled the puck and put it high gloveside on Neuvirth.
Through 2 periods this game had been nearly all the Caps. They were outshooting their opponents 27-9 at the end of it, 3 shots to 1. Somehow they just couldn't get the clear openings to get in the lead and despite their dominance in play they were chasing the scoreboard all game. A bad start to the series for them, losing 2 straight at home and heading into Tampa Bay needing to get a game on the board.
Sunday 1 May 2011
San Jose Sharks v Detroit Redwings Game 2 Review
Detroit were hoping to steal a game away from home and level the series, the Sharks were hoping for a 2nd consecutive home win. Modano was still a healthy scratch for Detroit as the lineups remained the same.
The Redwings started well with Zetterberg getting a couple of shots in nearside that Niemi comfortably saved within 30 seconds. Clowe then made a high hit on Rafalski behind Howard and was called for roughing after 59 seconds. Niemi managed to fend off 2 or 3 more shots on the penalty kill but Detroit had started well.
That momentum was killed at 3.11 as Abdelkader took an offensive zone penalty, not seeing Couture coming and catching him in the face with his stick. Ian White punished Detroit for taking this penalty as he just blasted a slapshot through traffic high stick side on Howard at 4.54
The Redwings came back and put more pressure on the Sharks net with all 3 forwards scrambling to knock the puck home at one point infront of the San Jose net. Just after this Abdelkader was hit by Ferriero's stick and he drew a 4 minute double minor as Abdelkader was cut.
It took Detroit almost 2 minutes to get control inside the Sharks zone and looking at setting something up and when they did Datsyuk could only rattle the post with a shot from the face off dot. Nearly 8 minutes of the opening 11 had been powerplay time and San Jose were the ones who had taken advantage of their chance and had the 1-0 lead. As the Sharks killed off the 4 minutes Howard pulled a comfortable glove save off on a Boyle shot.
Finally there was a period of 5 on 5 which went end to end as both teams tried to get a foothold in the game and get on top.
Both number 44's were called for penalties with 3.52 left in the period to open the ice as the teams went 4 on 4. Zetterberg picked up a high sticking call with 2.33 left to give the Sharks around 40 seconds of 4 on 3. Howard took a shot in the mask and had to get the game stopped as the clip on his mask had broke. This took the game to the point where Bertuzzi and Vlasic could return and the teams played out the rest of the penalty to Zetterberg and the rest of the period.
Franzen had the 1st chance of the 2nd period, snapping a shot from the circle but straight into Niemi. Detroit were getting the early pressure again but took a penalty in the offensive zone as Holmstrom got called for holding. Helm got a steal at mid ice and went 1 on 1 with Niemi at the start of the penalty but couldn't put it through the netminders legs. Miller nearly had another break away with just over a minute of the penalty gone but he was stopped illegally by Pavlski and he took 2 minutes off the ice.
Detroit had good minute on their end of the powerplay but Niemi made 1 good pad save and the Sharks still had the 1-0 lead 6 minutes into the period.
Eager and Bertuzzi scuffle near bench, both get roughing minors.
As both players came back on and Niemi covered up a puck, Eager tried to engage Bertuzzi again. He had no interest in going with Eager and the San Jose player took 10 minute misconduct call.
Rafalski was the next player to the penalty box at 9.33 as he fired the puck straight into the penalty box and he went for delay of game. Howard and his defence came up big for the Redwings as the Sharks had nearly the full 2 minutes in their zone trying to force in a 2nd goal.
Howard continued to make the saves, a big pad save off a Heatley tip with 7 minutes left was his next good oe. The Sharks defence fired the puck in wide of the net looking for the tip, almost reminissant of a Redwings play.
The Sharks got another puck past Howard with just under 5 minutes left as Murray took the puck to the front of the net and sneaked it through his pads. However, as it trickled to go over the line Datsyuk got his stick on it to clear it.
San Jose were getting more going and putting the Redwings under pressur for most of the period once the penalties were all out of the way. It took Detroit until the final 2 minutes to trouble Niemi again but he came up with a couple of good scrambling saves that meant the score stayed at 1-0 going into the 3rd.
The Sharks had the pressure on Howard again for the start of the 3rd period and they took a 2-0 lead as Wallin fired an innocent looking shot coming down the wing and as the netminder tried to fight it off with his glove he seemed to knock it against his own mask and it went over and in behind him.
Thornton took a 2 minute penalty for interference at 2.50 of the period and Detroit now needed a huge powerplay goal after their earlier ones had failed. Lidstrom took a blast from the point which Niemi saved but Holmstrom got in a scuffle infront and got a roughing call to cancel the powerplay chance.
Setoguchi had a great chance on Howard as he got in behind the Detroit defence but he slipped the puck across the netminder and just wide.
Niemi then made a couple of great saves with his pads, 1 from a Lidstrom blast and another as Datsyuk tried to stick in the rebound. A 3rd save was made as Zetterberg hit the puck at the netminder was prone on the floor and the net came off as puck bounced clear of the net.
There were then a couple of 2 on 1 breaks for the Sharks, the first one resulting in a shot rattling off the post and the second smothered by Howard on the pass across the crease.
A slashing call against Setoguchi with 6.38 left gave Detroit their 6th powerplay chance off the game. They finally got themselves on the board and back in the game as a perfect feed Datsyuk from the wing found Zetterberg skating in between the circles and snapping it home.
Lidstrom hit an absolute rocket on a wrist shot that rattled the near post on Niemi with 2.30 left and the Sharks kept their 2-1 lead.
Detroit pulled Howard for just under the last minute of play but despite forcing an offensive zone face off with just over 13 seconds remaining they couldn't stop San Jose registering their second 2-1 win of the series.
Hugely dissapointed tonight as a Wings fan. Again they didn't turn up for long periods and the powerplay just never looked like scoring. San Jose did enough to win the game and probably should have scored more. It had looked promising at the start but a penalty littered first 30 minutes took away any early promise and now Detroit will have to get the job done at home.
The Redwings started well with Zetterberg getting a couple of shots in nearside that Niemi comfortably saved within 30 seconds. Clowe then made a high hit on Rafalski behind Howard and was called for roughing after 59 seconds. Niemi managed to fend off 2 or 3 more shots on the penalty kill but Detroit had started well.
That momentum was killed at 3.11 as Abdelkader took an offensive zone penalty, not seeing Couture coming and catching him in the face with his stick. Ian White punished Detroit for taking this penalty as he just blasted a slapshot through traffic high stick side on Howard at 4.54
The Redwings came back and put more pressure on the Sharks net with all 3 forwards scrambling to knock the puck home at one point infront of the San Jose net. Just after this Abdelkader was hit by Ferriero's stick and he drew a 4 minute double minor as Abdelkader was cut.
It took Detroit almost 2 minutes to get control inside the Sharks zone and looking at setting something up and when they did Datsyuk could only rattle the post with a shot from the face off dot. Nearly 8 minutes of the opening 11 had been powerplay time and San Jose were the ones who had taken advantage of their chance and had the 1-0 lead. As the Sharks killed off the 4 minutes Howard pulled a comfortable glove save off on a Boyle shot.
Finally there was a period of 5 on 5 which went end to end as both teams tried to get a foothold in the game and get on top.
Both number 44's were called for penalties with 3.52 left in the period to open the ice as the teams went 4 on 4. Zetterberg picked up a high sticking call with 2.33 left to give the Sharks around 40 seconds of 4 on 3. Howard took a shot in the mask and had to get the game stopped as the clip on his mask had broke. This took the game to the point where Bertuzzi and Vlasic could return and the teams played out the rest of the penalty to Zetterberg and the rest of the period.
Franzen had the 1st chance of the 2nd period, snapping a shot from the circle but straight into Niemi. Detroit were getting the early pressure again but took a penalty in the offensive zone as Holmstrom got called for holding. Helm got a steal at mid ice and went 1 on 1 with Niemi at the start of the penalty but couldn't put it through the netminders legs. Miller nearly had another break away with just over a minute of the penalty gone but he was stopped illegally by Pavlski and he took 2 minutes off the ice.
Detroit had good minute on their end of the powerplay but Niemi made 1 good pad save and the Sharks still had the 1-0 lead 6 minutes into the period.
Eager and Bertuzzi scuffle near bench, both get roughing minors.
As both players came back on and Niemi covered up a puck, Eager tried to engage Bertuzzi again. He had no interest in going with Eager and the San Jose player took 10 minute misconduct call.
Rafalski was the next player to the penalty box at 9.33 as he fired the puck straight into the penalty box and he went for delay of game. Howard and his defence came up big for the Redwings as the Sharks had nearly the full 2 minutes in their zone trying to force in a 2nd goal.
Howard continued to make the saves, a big pad save off a Heatley tip with 7 minutes left was his next good oe. The Sharks defence fired the puck in wide of the net looking for the tip, almost reminissant of a Redwings play.
The Sharks got another puck past Howard with just under 5 minutes left as Murray took the puck to the front of the net and sneaked it through his pads. However, as it trickled to go over the line Datsyuk got his stick on it to clear it.
San Jose were getting more going and putting the Redwings under pressur for most of the period once the penalties were all out of the way. It took Detroit until the final 2 minutes to trouble Niemi again but he came up with a couple of good scrambling saves that meant the score stayed at 1-0 going into the 3rd.
The Sharks had the pressure on Howard again for the start of the 3rd period and they took a 2-0 lead as Wallin fired an innocent looking shot coming down the wing and as the netminder tried to fight it off with his glove he seemed to knock it against his own mask and it went over and in behind him.
Thornton took a 2 minute penalty for interference at 2.50 of the period and Detroit now needed a huge powerplay goal after their earlier ones had failed. Lidstrom took a blast from the point which Niemi saved but Holmstrom got in a scuffle infront and got a roughing call to cancel the powerplay chance.
Setoguchi had a great chance on Howard as he got in behind the Detroit defence but he slipped the puck across the netminder and just wide.
Niemi then made a couple of great saves with his pads, 1 from a Lidstrom blast and another as Datsyuk tried to stick in the rebound. A 3rd save was made as Zetterberg hit the puck at the netminder was prone on the floor and the net came off as puck bounced clear of the net.
There were then a couple of 2 on 1 breaks for the Sharks, the first one resulting in a shot rattling off the post and the second smothered by Howard on the pass across the crease.
A slashing call against Setoguchi with 6.38 left gave Detroit their 6th powerplay chance off the game. They finally got themselves on the board and back in the game as a perfect feed Datsyuk from the wing found Zetterberg skating in between the circles and snapping it home.
Lidstrom hit an absolute rocket on a wrist shot that rattled the near post on Niemi with 2.30 left and the Sharks kept their 2-1 lead.
Detroit pulled Howard for just under the last minute of play but despite forcing an offensive zone face off with just over 13 seconds remaining they couldn't stop San Jose registering their second 2-1 win of the series.
Hugely dissapointed tonight as a Wings fan. Again they didn't turn up for long periods and the powerplay just never looked like scoring. San Jose did enough to win the game and probably should have scored more. It had looked promising at the start but a penalty littered first 30 minutes took away any early promise and now Detroit will have to get the job done at home.
Sunday Night Previews
San Jose Sharks v Detroit Redwings
After a narrow 2-1 ovetime win in game 1 the Sharks will be looking to extend their lead in the series to 2-0.
They certainly had the jump over Detroit last time out and will want the same effort all over the ice.
This game is a Mid-day face off over on the west coast of America so both teams will have to deal with the fact they are starting around 8 hours earlier than they usually would. This shouldn't be a problem for the teams as a practice would start around this time, the players should be used to skating early.
Thornton has begun to pick up some points the last few games and is becoming more of a threat as the playoffs go on. Detroit will need to be aware of this him as well as Pavelski, who always seems to manage to get big goals against the Wings. If they can shut the form players on the Sharks down it will mean that they will have to look elsewhere for goals. The problem is, there are many players on the Sharks roster able to step in and contribute.
Detroit will be looking for their own star players to come up big in game 2. Zetterberg was rusty in game 1 after missing the entire 1st round. Cleary and Franzen were kept quiet all game and Datsyuk didn't have the influence he would have wanted in the game. Should Zetterberg and Datysuk be split up? The perennial question that the anwer looks like will be no for game 2. The keys for the Redwings to win this game will be to get more pucks on net and create more chances, the star players coming through with big games to get them the goals and another big performance from Howard wouldn't go a miss. The netminder was great in game 1 and looks a lot more comfortable in the playoffs this year. Detroit really needed 1 of the away games at the start of this series. They have one chance to get that later on.
Washington Capital v Tampa Bay Lightning
Both teams sustained injuries to players in game 1 and it will be interesting to see who is back and who isn't. There is no news whether Simone Gagne will play after he fell hard to the ice after a hit but Pavel Kubina should be back into the lineup for Tampa Bay. Washington's Carlson should be back but it looks like they will be missing Mike Knuble still who has been out since round 1.
The Lightning have been fantastic away from home this playoffs having won 3 times in Pittsburgh and now in Washington. a 4-1 record could become 5-1 tonight if the Caps can't find a way to stop Tampa Bay's scoring. That scoring has come in part from a very good looking 3rd line of Bergenheim/Downie/Moore, all 3 getting a goal in game 1. Not only will the Caps have to worry about the star names of St Louis, LeCavalier and Stamkos they will have to shut this line down too.
Washington held a 2-1 lead in that 1st game and got away from their defensive set up to allow Tampa 3 unanswered goals. They had been getting the slender leads against the Rangers and then shutting the games down and if it is this defensive style that will get them through the series then they will have to go back to it. The Caps have struggled for scoring whilst the Lightning have knocked in 8's and 5's in games so the last thing they want to do is get into a shootout against their opponents. If they can control the game and make it hard for the Lightning to enter the zone they might be able to shut them down. How about they mirror the 1-3-1 tactic that Tampa Bay played so well in game 1 to try and beat them at their own game?
No idea who will win this game. Tampa Bay seem to be the team who are on a roll at the minute and would love a 2-0 lead going back home. Im still waiting for Washington to impress me this playoffs, that game has got to come soon.
After a narrow 2-1 ovetime win in game 1 the Sharks will be looking to extend their lead in the series to 2-0.
They certainly had the jump over Detroit last time out and will want the same effort all over the ice.
This game is a Mid-day face off over on the west coast of America so both teams will have to deal with the fact they are starting around 8 hours earlier than they usually would. This shouldn't be a problem for the teams as a practice would start around this time, the players should be used to skating early.
Thornton has begun to pick up some points the last few games and is becoming more of a threat as the playoffs go on. Detroit will need to be aware of this him as well as Pavelski, who always seems to manage to get big goals against the Wings. If they can shut the form players on the Sharks down it will mean that they will have to look elsewhere for goals. The problem is, there are many players on the Sharks roster able to step in and contribute.
Detroit will be looking for their own star players to come up big in game 2. Zetterberg was rusty in game 1 after missing the entire 1st round. Cleary and Franzen were kept quiet all game and Datsyuk didn't have the influence he would have wanted in the game. Should Zetterberg and Datysuk be split up? The perennial question that the anwer looks like will be no for game 2. The keys for the Redwings to win this game will be to get more pucks on net and create more chances, the star players coming through with big games to get them the goals and another big performance from Howard wouldn't go a miss. The netminder was great in game 1 and looks a lot more comfortable in the playoffs this year. Detroit really needed 1 of the away games at the start of this series. They have one chance to get that later on.
Washington Capital v Tampa Bay Lightning
Both teams sustained injuries to players in game 1 and it will be interesting to see who is back and who isn't. There is no news whether Simone Gagne will play after he fell hard to the ice after a hit but Pavel Kubina should be back into the lineup for Tampa Bay. Washington's Carlson should be back but it looks like they will be missing Mike Knuble still who has been out since round 1.
The Lightning have been fantastic away from home this playoffs having won 3 times in Pittsburgh and now in Washington. a 4-1 record could become 5-1 tonight if the Caps can't find a way to stop Tampa Bay's scoring. That scoring has come in part from a very good looking 3rd line of Bergenheim/Downie/Moore, all 3 getting a goal in game 1. Not only will the Caps have to worry about the star names of St Louis, LeCavalier and Stamkos they will have to shut this line down too.
Washington held a 2-1 lead in that 1st game and got away from their defensive set up to allow Tampa 3 unanswered goals. They had been getting the slender leads against the Rangers and then shutting the games down and if it is this defensive style that will get them through the series then they will have to go back to it. The Caps have struggled for scoring whilst the Lightning have knocked in 8's and 5's in games so the last thing they want to do is get into a shootout against their opponents. If they can control the game and make it hard for the Lightning to enter the zone they might be able to shut them down. How about they mirror the 1-3-1 tactic that Tampa Bay played so well in game 1 to try and beat them at their own game?
No idea who will win this game. Tampa Bay seem to be the team who are on a roll at the minute and would love a 2-0 lead going back home. Im still waiting for Washington to impress me this playoffs, that game has got to come soon.
Vancouver Canucks v Nashville Predators Game 2 Review
One of the maddest introductions i've ever seen for this game as Elvis Costello started it by playing out to the crowd from what looked like one of the executive boxes at the back of the arena.
To the action and Kesler had a good shot early on but fired it straight at Rinne and he was able to cover up. Vancouver were having the majority of the puck early on but not creating too much through the first 5 minutes. Nashville had started better than in game 1 but were still being outplayed by the Canucks.
Erat had a good chance with 7 minutes gone, taking the puck to the net on his backhand but Luongo did well to stave of the threat.
An almighty scramble infront of Luongo after to minutes almost saw the Predators take the lead as their forwards crashed the net to try and jam the puck into the net as it was uncovered in the crease, the netminder twice getting a piece of it to keep it out.
The first powerplay of the game went to Nashville as Samuelsson went for interference with 13.07 gone in the period. The Predators struggled to get any possesion in the Canucks zone though and the penalty was easily killed off.
The period ended 0-0 but the Predtors were playing better. They outshot the Canucks 12-6 and were competing for the puck much better.
The Canucks had the lead at just 2 minutes into the 2nd as they got a short handed goal through Burrows. Ehrhoff was off for hooking but that made no difference as Burrows made a nice 1 to with Kesler and as he tried to get it back to Kesler it hit the defenceman's leg and quickly back to Burrows stick who fired it in near post on Rinne who was moving across his net to anticipate the attempted pass. Thats what gave Burrows the room at the near post.
A busy powerplay as Erat got whacked in the ear by Shea Weber blast, Kesler and Burrows went on another shorthanded breakaway that was broken up and sent back to the Vancouver end in a 3 on 1 as Fisher was stopped by Luongo and the 2nd period had started with both teams going end to end.
Vancouver got the next powerplay with Tootoo taking a tripping call at 7.33. The Predators killed this one off pretty comfortably and the game moved towards the end of the 2nd still at 1-0 to the Canucks.
Both teams wer still creating shots on goal but nothing was troubling either netminder and the score reamaind 1-0 come the end of the 2nd period. Luongo had now not conceeded in the series so far and we were at the same position as we were in game 1.
Less than 3 minutes into the period the Predators were putting pressure on the Canucks net with there being acouple of scrambles infront and Smithson just missing out on getting the game level. A couple of blasts, one by Weber were also saved comfortably by Luongo who just wasn' giving anything up.
Almost a full minute of Nashville pressure halfway through the period still couldn't see them get the equaliser as they swarmed the Vancouver net, moving the puck from deep to the point for shots as well as trying some moves to take it to the net to get it in as well.
Tootoo made a steal mid ice and went 1 on 1 with Luongo and yet again the netminder was the one to win the duel, making the save with his legs as Tootoo opted for the quick shot rather than trying a deke move.
The Predators finally managed to get a puck past Luongo and into the net with 1.07 left on the period. Nashville dumped the puck in deep to allow them to get Rinne off at the other end and as Suter chased it behind the line he just threw it back towards the net and managed to get it in off the skate of Luongo. The netminder had made 35 saves to this point and would have been dissapointed that such a soft one got past him.
Vancouver nearly came straight back to win it before overtime with a pass through the crease just missing the far post as forwards drove the net to try and get a tip on it as well. However, it would be overtime that the game would head into. This was no more than the Predators deserved as they outshot the Canucks 36-15 through the first 3 periods.
It was then to be the Rinne show in overtime as he 1st made a good save from Henrik Sedin infront on a rebound, getting a leg onto his shot and deflecting the puck away.
Rinne absolutey robbed Bieksa diving across the crease after Daniel Sedin found him wide open at the back door and it looked for certain Bieksa would tap it into the net to win the game. He made another save on LaPierre with less than a minute left as the forward had created some space for himself between the circles with a lovely deke.
There was a 2nd overtime period in which Daniel Sedin had a chance early on off a rebound but Rinne was equal to that as well. The netminder had now pulled off 3 or 4 top saves to keep his team in the game.
It was because of this stellar netminding the Predators were still in it to get a winner deep into the 2nd overtime period as Halischuk took a pass from Spaling and wristed it high glove side past Luongo from inside the circle at 14.51.
The Predators had upped their game and were on top for most of the game and had now levelled the series 1-1. The Canucks created the better chances come the overtime stage but after firing in 18 overtime shots they still hadn't penetrated Rinne and Nashville stole an away ice win.
Both netminders were superb. Luongo looked to have given his team another 1-0 win until that late lasp meant the game into overtime. Rinne, after being quiet through 3 periods was then called upon to make the big saves he has been making all season and he didn't fail, really keeping his team in with the chance of the win.
An interesting series now heads to Nashville in a couple of days for game 3.
To the action and Kesler had a good shot early on but fired it straight at Rinne and he was able to cover up. Vancouver were having the majority of the puck early on but not creating too much through the first 5 minutes. Nashville had started better than in game 1 but were still being outplayed by the Canucks.
Erat had a good chance with 7 minutes gone, taking the puck to the net on his backhand but Luongo did well to stave of the threat.
An almighty scramble infront of Luongo after to minutes almost saw the Predators take the lead as their forwards crashed the net to try and jam the puck into the net as it was uncovered in the crease, the netminder twice getting a piece of it to keep it out.
The first powerplay of the game went to Nashville as Samuelsson went for interference with 13.07 gone in the period. The Predators struggled to get any possesion in the Canucks zone though and the penalty was easily killed off.
The period ended 0-0 but the Predtors were playing better. They outshot the Canucks 12-6 and were competing for the puck much better.
The Canucks had the lead at just 2 minutes into the 2nd as they got a short handed goal through Burrows. Ehrhoff was off for hooking but that made no difference as Burrows made a nice 1 to with Kesler and as he tried to get it back to Kesler it hit the defenceman's leg and quickly back to Burrows stick who fired it in near post on Rinne who was moving across his net to anticipate the attempted pass. Thats what gave Burrows the room at the near post.
A busy powerplay as Erat got whacked in the ear by Shea Weber blast, Kesler and Burrows went on another shorthanded breakaway that was broken up and sent back to the Vancouver end in a 3 on 1 as Fisher was stopped by Luongo and the 2nd period had started with both teams going end to end.
Vancouver got the next powerplay with Tootoo taking a tripping call at 7.33. The Predators killed this one off pretty comfortably and the game moved towards the end of the 2nd still at 1-0 to the Canucks.
Both teams wer still creating shots on goal but nothing was troubling either netminder and the score reamaind 1-0 come the end of the 2nd period. Luongo had now not conceeded in the series so far and we were at the same position as we were in game 1.
Less than 3 minutes into the period the Predators were putting pressure on the Canucks net with there being acouple of scrambles infront and Smithson just missing out on getting the game level. A couple of blasts, one by Weber were also saved comfortably by Luongo who just wasn' giving anything up.
Almost a full minute of Nashville pressure halfway through the period still couldn't see them get the equaliser as they swarmed the Vancouver net, moving the puck from deep to the point for shots as well as trying some moves to take it to the net to get it in as well.
Tootoo made a steal mid ice and went 1 on 1 with Luongo and yet again the netminder was the one to win the duel, making the save with his legs as Tootoo opted for the quick shot rather than trying a deke move.
The Predators finally managed to get a puck past Luongo and into the net with 1.07 left on the period. Nashville dumped the puck in deep to allow them to get Rinne off at the other end and as Suter chased it behind the line he just threw it back towards the net and managed to get it in off the skate of Luongo. The netminder had made 35 saves to this point and would have been dissapointed that such a soft one got past him.
Vancouver nearly came straight back to win it before overtime with a pass through the crease just missing the far post as forwards drove the net to try and get a tip on it as well. However, it would be overtime that the game would head into. This was no more than the Predators deserved as they outshot the Canucks 36-15 through the first 3 periods.
It was then to be the Rinne show in overtime as he 1st made a good save from Henrik Sedin infront on a rebound, getting a leg onto his shot and deflecting the puck away.
Rinne absolutey robbed Bieksa diving across the crease after Daniel Sedin found him wide open at the back door and it looked for certain Bieksa would tap it into the net to win the game. He made another save on LaPierre with less than a minute left as the forward had created some space for himself between the circles with a lovely deke.
There was a 2nd overtime period in which Daniel Sedin had a chance early on off a rebound but Rinne was equal to that as well. The netminder had now pulled off 3 or 4 top saves to keep his team in the game.
It was because of this stellar netminding the Predators were still in it to get a winner deep into the 2nd overtime period as Halischuk took a pass from Spaling and wristed it high glove side past Luongo from inside the circle at 14.51.
The Predators had upped their game and were on top for most of the game and had now levelled the series 1-1. The Canucks created the better chances come the overtime stage but after firing in 18 overtime shots they still hadn't penetrated Rinne and Nashville stole an away ice win.
Both netminders were superb. Luongo looked to have given his team another 1-0 win until that late lasp meant the game into overtime. Rinne, after being quiet through 3 periods was then called upon to make the big saves he has been making all season and he didn't fail, really keeping his team in with the chance of the win.
An interesting series now heads to Nashville in a couple of days for game 3.
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