2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (P1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (C3) Chicago Blackhawks

It was a battle of heavyweights in the Western Conference Finals. The Ducks had little trouble getting to this point, as they disposed of the Jets and Flames. The Blackhawks had some trouble against the Predators, but bounced back to sweep the Wild in the next round. This series ended up being back-and-forth, as Anaheim would win, then Chicago bounced right back with a win of their own. It was also a long one, as three games needed overtime (with two of them needing multiple OT periods). Chicago won out in the end, as they eliminated Anaheim in seven games, and get to play in the Stanley Cup Final.

Games

Chicago Blackhawks 1 - Anaheim Ducks 4

It was mostly Chicago in the first, as they dominated the shot counter, 16-7. Despite the shot disparity, it was Anaheim who escaped the first period with a lead, as Hampus Lindholm scored midway through the period. The Ducks struck early in the second to extend their lead. A pass from Nate Thompson was deflected by Corey Crawford and ended up on the stick of Kyle Palmieri. Palmieri wasted no time getting a shot off, as he put it over Crawford's shoulder and into the net. The Blackhawks finally got on the board late in the second. A solo effort by Brad Richards saw him cause a turnover, take the puck, and beat Frederik Andersen blocker side. Chicago looked to tie the game early in the third, but they could not beat Andersen. The Ducks had chances of their own, and would end up getting another goal. Andrew Cogliano's shot was stopped by Crawford, but Thompson was in the right spot to put home the rebound. Jakob Silfverberg capped it with an empty net goal. Anaheim won the first game of the series.

Chicago Blackhawks 3 - Anaheim Ducks 2 (3OT)

Chicago looked to rebound after Game 1's lost, and did just that early in the first. A powerplay almost two minutes into the game helped the Blackhawks open the scoring, as Andrew Shaw tipped Duncan Keith's point shot past Andersen. Just minutes later, Chicago found itself on another man advantage. This time, it was Marian Hossa who got credited with the goal, as his stick was the last Chicago one to touched the puck before Simon Despres accidentally swatted it into the Ducks net. Anaheim did get one back minutes later, as Thompson's shot bounced off Cogliano's skate and into the net. A review determined there was no distinct kicking motion, as the goal stood, making it a 2-1 game. The Ducks had a chance to end the period tied up, but Ryan Getzlaf shot hit the corner of the post. Anaheim pressed for a tying goal in the second, and would find it. Corey Perry tipped Getzlaf's shot past Crawford, tying the game 2-2. Both teams had chances in the third, but neither one could break the deadlock. Overtime was needed to solve this game. Anaheim had the better chances in the first overtime, but could not beat the post. Things got a little crazy in the second overtime period. Shaw managed to headbutt the puck out of the air and into the Ducks net. While almost everyone thought it was over (Chicago was celebrating on the ice), the refs reviewed the goal. The goal ended up being disallowed, as it was determined Shaw intentionally acted on the headbutt (instead of the puck just bouncing off his helmet). With the goal not standing, overtime was resumed. Chances kept coming for both teams in the period, but Crawford and Andersen kept the door shut. A third overtime period was needed, and it was when the Blackhawks got redemption for the Shaw no-goal. Just over 16 minutes into that period, Marcus Kruger put home a rebound, winning the game for the Blackhawks. Chicago's Game 2 win tied the series up at 1-1.

Anaheim Ducks 2 - Chicago Blackhawks 1

Both teams swapped chances early in the first, but no goals would be scored. Anaheim received a powerplay midway through the period. The man advantage was useful, as Patrick Maroon tipped Lindholm's point shot past Crawford and into the net. The Blackhawks managed to tie the game up late in the period, as Patrick Kane's spinning backhand shot beat Andersen blocker side. The second saw shots, shots, and more shots, as both teams combined for 25 shots in the period. Only one found the back of a net though, and it ended up being Chicago's net. Just under a minute left in the period, Maroon's one-timer was too quick for Crawford, as he could not get over fast enough to stop the shot. It slowed down a bit in the third, as Chicago pressed for an equalizer. Their attempts were unsuccessful, as the Ducks hung on to the 2-1 lead. Anaheim's win once again put them in the series lead.

Anaheim Ducks 4 - Chicago Blackhawks 5 (2OT)

Chicago put the pressure on Anaheim in the first, and would be rewarded late in the period. It was all Brandon Saad on the first goal, as he took the puck from the Blackhawks zone, managed to get a breakaway, and beat Andersen blocker side (all while Chicago was shorthanded) to put the Blackhawks up 1-0. The Ducks looked to tie the game in the second. They manage to do just that, as Palmieri's shot bounced off Emerson Etem and into the net. Craziness happened in the third. Just two-and-a-half minutes into the period, Jonathan Toews scored to put the Blackhawks up 2-1. Seabrook's blast five minutes later extended Chicago's lead. That all went away, as Anaheim scored three times in 37 seconds to take a 4-3 lead. Kane scored on a powerplay three minutes later, tying the game at 4-4. While the chances kept coming, the goals stopped, meaning overtime was needed to decide a winner. There were a couple of close calls in the first overtime period. The first was midway through, when Crawford lost the puck in his equipment and almost knocked it into his own net. A powerplay by the Blackhawks was of little use, as Shaw rang a shot off the cross bar. Patrick Sharp had a good chance late in the period, but his breakaway attempt was stopped by Andersen. The game needed a second overtime period. Unlike last overtime game, two extra frames were enough. Five minutes into the period, Antoine Vermette's initial shot would be blocked, but he grabbed the loose puck and put it past a laid out Andersen. Chicago's second overtime win of the series helped them tie the series 2-2.

Chicago Blackhawks 4 - Anaheim Ducks 5 (OT)

The shot attempts were even early on, but it was the Ducks who manage to find the back of the net. Just five minutes in, Cam Fowler's shot bounced off the post and into the net. Half-a-minute later, Ryan Kesler deflected Silfverberg's shot past Crawford to make it 2-0 Anaheim. The Ducks kept pressing later in the period, and it would pay off. A won faceoff in the offensive zone went right to Sami Vatanen, who blasted a shot that went under Crawford's arm and into the net. The tides turned in the second period, as it was Chicago's turn to score. Just over a minute in, Teravainen cut into the hight slot and released a shot that beat Andersen five hole. The Blackhawks had a couple of chances later in the period, but it wasn't until the last minute that they capitalized on one. Teravainen's pass from behind the net found an open Brent Seabrook, who wasted no time putting the puck past Andersen. Chicago pressed for a tying goal early in the third period, but were unsuccessful. Just over five minutes left in the third, Maroon would finish off a tic-tac-toe play, tapping the puck into a gapping net. With about two minutes left and time ticking away, it became the Jonathan Toews Show. Captain Serious started off by one-timing a pass from Hossa over Andersen's shoulder and into the net, pulling Chicago to within a goal. With about 40 seconds left, Toews struck again. His shot from the corner (and on the goal line) hit Andersen's skate and went into the Ducks net, tying the game. For the third time in this series, overtime was needed. It would not be multi-period like the other two though (it wasn't even multi-minute). Just 45 seconds in, Matt Beleskey put home a rebound to end the game. Anaheim's win gave them a 3-2 series lead, and pushed Chicago closer to elimination.

Anaheim Ducks 2 - Chicago Blackhawks 5

The first period was a back-and-forth affair, but both teams ended the first empty-handed, as it was scoreless after one. The floodgates would open midway in the second. It started over eight minutes in, as Saad scored on a partial breakaway to put Chicago ahead 1-0. The Blackhawks struck again just two minutes later. A couple of pump fakes by Keith was enough to get Andersen to bite, as Keith dished it over to Hossa who wasted no time putting the puck into the net. Minutes later, Kane's shot managed to squeak by Andersen, making it 3-0 for the Blackhawks. A powerplay for Anaheim was what they needed, as Maroon redirected Fowler's shot into the net, putting the Ducks on the board. The third period started off in Anaheim's favour. Clayton Stoner's point shot beat Crawford, but it wasn't without some controversy, as Silfverberg may have prevented Crawford's glove from stopping the shot. Anaheim almost tied the game on a powerplay minutes later, but Keith was there to clear the puck from possibly trickling into the net. Andrew Shaw scored with minutes to go in the third, giving Chicago a 2-goal lead. Shaw added an empty net goal minutes later to cap it. The win by Chicago pushed the series to a Game 7.

Chicago Blackhawks 5 - Anaheim Ducks 3

Chicago struck early in the decisive game. Just over two minutes in, Toews buried home a rebound to put the Blackhawks up 1-0. A powerplay opportunity midway through the period helped Chicago extend their lead. It was Toews who once again scored, as his shot went over Andersen and into the net. The Ducks looked to get a goal before the period ended, but would fail to do so. Just over a minute into the second, Saad scored make it 3-0 for the Blackhawks. Hossa added to the lead midway through the period, as a rebound bounced off his skate and into the net. The Ducks would break the shutout late in the period. Kesler tucked a shot over Crawford's shoulder and underneath the bar, as Anaheim finally got on the board. Chicago looked to add more early in the third, but could not. Midway through the period, the Ducks scored again. Perry finished off a pass from Maroon, as it pulled Anaheim to within two goals. A penalty by Fowler set back Anaheim's attempt at a comeback. Seabrook scored on the man advantage to put Chicago's lead back to three goals. All Anaheim could muster was a powerplay goal late in the period (courteous of Beleskey). Chicago hung on to win the game, and as a result the series, and are now onto the Stanley Cup Final.

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. That sucks Shaw's headbutt goal is against the rules. Should have counted just for sheer creativity/awesomeness.
2. Toews was incredible in this series
3. Now that his team is done, Beleskey now has to make the tough decision of figuring out if he wants $8-million over seven years or eight years.

Picture of the Series

The Ducks probably could have used this guy.



(Image via Teemu Selanne)

Highlight of the Series

This should have counted as a GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!

2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (M1) New York Rangers vs. (A2) Tampa Bay Lightning

The Rangers were back in the Eastern Conference Final for the second year in a row, this time they faced an up-and-coming Lightning team. Despite both teams having good (Ben Bishop) to great (Henrik Lundqvist) goaltending, goals were to be had in this series. Four of the games in this series involved at least one team scoring five times. While Bishop's playoffs have been yo-yo-ish in the fact he has good and bad games, it seemed uncharacteristic for Lundqvist. Bishop would win out in the end, earning two shutouts along the way. Tampa Bay eliminate New York in seven games, and move on to the Stanley Cup Final.

Games

Tampa Bay Lightning 1 - New York Rangers 2

The first saw the Rangers have the majority of chances, but they could not capitalize on them. Chances were a bit more even in the second, but it stayed scoreless until very late in the period. Chris Kreider's shot from the slot could not find its way past a mass of bodies, but it did bounce to an open Derek Stepan. Stepan put the puck over Bishop and into the net, as the Rangers took a 1-0 lead with 12 seconds left in the period. A powerplay in the third period help the Lightning tie the game. A tic-tac-toe play resulted in Ondrej Palat one-timing the puck past Lundqvist. The game remained tied until late in regulation, as a series of bounces was needed to score the go-ahead goal. Kevin Hayes shot would hit Bishop, bounce off Dominic Moore's skate, and into the Lightning net. The Rangers held on for the final two-and-a-half minutes, as they take the game by a score of 2-1. The win put New York ahead 1-0 in the series.

Tampa Bay Lightning 6 - New York Rangers 2

It looked bad for Tampa Bay early in the game, as penalties by Brian Boyle (holding) and Jason Garrison (puck over glass) saw the Lightning playing two men down for a minute. Just as the first penalty was expiring, the Lightning took advantage of a Rangers mistake. Martin St. Louis stumbled when receiving a pass, allowing for Alex Killorn to gather the puck and pass to Tyler Johnson. Johnson's breakaway attempt was stopped by Lundqvist, but the rebound bounced off Johnson and into the net. The initial call was no goal, but a review overturned the ruling, as the Lightning went up 1-0. The Rangers powerplay made good on their mistake minutes later, as Krieder buried a rebound to tie the game. Midway through the period, it was the Lightning's powerplay that struck. Johnson beat Lundqvist glove side to put Tampa Bay in the lead once again. Johnson ended up completing his hat trick in the second, putting on a rebound after the Lightning failed to convert on a 2-on-1. It was mostly the Rangers after that. A powerplay was what New York ended up needing. Stepan was initially stopped by Bishop, a but banked his next shot off of Braydon Coburn and into the net. The Rangers kept up the pressure, and managed to keep the Lightning off the shot counter for 10 minutes, but could not find the tying goal. Tampa Bay struck early in the third, as Hedman's pass found Killorn, who shot the puck past a diving Lundqvist and into the net. A Tampa Bay powerplay minutes later resulted in Stamkos tipping Coburn's shot into the Rangers net. It took 10 minutes for the Lightning to get another shot off, but that one also found the back of the net. Another powerplay saw Killorn score on a loose puck near the net, as Tampa Bay's sixth goal was enough for them. The 6-2 win tied the series for Tampa Bay.

New York Rangers 5 - Tampa Bay Lightning 6 (OT)

Looking to rebound from last game, the Rangers struck early in this game. A powerplay opportunity seconds into the game lead to Brassard blasting one past a screen Bishop, putting New York up 1-0. While the Lightning kept the shot attempt advantage, it was the Rangers who scored the next goal. Midway through the period, Jesper Fast was sprung on a breakaway, and proceeded to beat Bishop with a backhand shot. Tampa Bay struck back just over a minute later, as a 2-on-1 saw Killorn fanned on the shot, but Stamkos getting the loose puck and burying it. Both teams put up shots, but it remained 2-1 for the Rangers after the first. The Lightning did tie the game midway through the second. A give-and-go resulted in Palat getting open and beating Lundqvist blocker side. The goals kept coming for Tampa Bay, as Johnson and Killorn scored four minutes apart to put the Lightning up by two. Their lead was cut seconds later, as Fast scored his second of the game to pull the Rangers to within a goal. A powerplay early in the third helped the Rangers tie the game, as Ryan McDonagh scored with the man advantage. The Lightning regained the lead with six minutes left, as Palat beat Lundqvist. New York looked for the tying goal, and would get it with two minutes left in regulation. Keith Yandle's point shot was stopped, but the rebound bounced over to Dan Boyle, who swept the puck into the net to tie the game. Overtime was needed for this high-scoring affair. The Rangers came out firing in the extra frame, but it was the Lightning who ended it early. Three-and-a-half minutes in, Kucherov skated into the Rangers zone and beat Lundqvist with a shot from above the circles. The overtime win pushed Tampa Bay ahead 2-1 in the series.

New York Rangers 5 - Tampa Bay Lightning 1

Tampa Bay looked to keep their winning streak going, as they had a few chances early in the game. Lundqvist had other ideas though, as he stopped them. New York got on the board first. Late in the period, Nash would skate into the Lightning zone, cut in near the crease, and slide a backhand past Bishop's outstretched pad. The Lightning pressured for the tying goal in the second, and eventually were awarded with it. Midway through the middle frame, Stamkos would one-time the puck past Lundqvist, tying the game 1-1. The tie lasted minutes, as Kreider buried a rebound four minutes later to put the Rangers back in the lead. It was extended two minutes later, as Yandle's point shot deflected off Hedman's shin pad and bounced past Bishop, making it 3-1 for New York. Martin St. Louis was all around early in the third. First, he drew a high-sticking period against Nesterov. A minute later he scored on the powerplay, extending the Rangers lead. A another powerplay later in the period lead to Nash scoring his second of the game. Things got heated in the last half of the third, as on three separate occasions either roughing or misconduct (unsportsmanlike or otherwise) The game ended 5-1 in favour of New York, as the win tied the series at 2-2.

Tampa Bay Lightning 2 - New York Rangers 0

Unlike most of the games in this series, Game 5 saw both goalies perform well. Both Bishop and Lundqvist turned aside any chances the Rangers and Lightning (respectively) had in the first period. It continued early in the second, as Lundqvist made a spectacular glove save on Stamkos. The goalless game finally ended later in the period. Valtteri Filppula snapped a shot from the slot, beating Lundqvist blocker side to put the Lightning up 1-0. Tampa Bay struck again late in the period thanks to a powerplay chance. A tic-tac-toe play ended with Stamkos redirecting the puck into the net, making it 2-0 Lightning. The Rangers pushed in the third to get a goal, but Bishop stood tall (literally and figuratively). He made 26 saves in the shutout effort, as the 2-0 win put Tampa Bay ahead 3-2 in the series.

New York Rangers 7 - Tampa Bay Lightning 5

Facing elimination, the Rangers needed a good start to this game. They did just that, as Brassard slid a shot through Bishop over three minutes in to put New York up 1-0. The Lightning had chances to tie it, including a great one by Stamkos near the net, but Lundqvist was there to keep the Rangers in the lead. New York extended their lead later in the period, as Yandle's point shot bounced off a body in the slot and ended up in the net. Tampa Bay did get one back minutes later thanks to a powerplay chance. Stralman sprung Callahan on the breakaway, as Callahan beat Lundqvist with a backhand shot. There were chances and close calls in the second period, but neither team could find the back of the net. The third period made up for the lack of scoring in the second. It kicked off three minutes into the period, as an amazing save by Bishop was soon forgotten seconds later, as Brassard banked a pass off J.T. Miller's skate and into the net. New York struck again three minutes later, as James Sheppard tucked home a rebound to put the Rangers up 4-1. Brassard scored a minute later to make it 5-1 for New York. Tampa Bay would respond, as Kucherov scored to close the gap. A powerplay midway though the period helped the Rangers regain a 4-goal lead, as Nash jammed home a rebound on the man advantage. That 4-goal lead lasted a bit longer, as Kucherov scored his second of the night three minutes later. Brassard capped off the goalfest with an empty netter late in the period. New York won Game 6 on the road, making it 3-3 and forcing a Game 7.

Tampa Bay Lightning 2 - New York Rangers 0

Game 7 was more like Game 5, as goals were elusive in this contest. Both Bishop and Lundqvist were up for the challenge, stopping everything they faced in the first two period. The Rangers did have some concerns outside of scoring though, as McDonagh left in the first period before coming back minutes later. The games first goal came early in the third period. Killorn worked his way from the wall to the slot, where he released a backhand. The shot found a way to squeeze through Lundqvist's pads and into the net, as Tampa Bay went up 1-0. Midway through the period, the Triplets worked their magic. Johnson entered the Rangers zone and hit Palat with a pass. Palat proceeded to skate in and beat Lundqvist glove side, extending the Lightning's lead to two. The Rangers pressed, but could not beat Bishop. The 22 save shutout by Bishop was enough, as Tampa Bay won Game 7 to move on to the Stanley Cup Final.

Two Thoughts on the Series

1. Who would have thought that, out of Lundqvist and Bishop, it would be Bishop with two shutouts in the series (hint: not me).
2. Nice to see Stamkos producing.

Picture of the Series

I couldn't remember/think of anything good, so here is Stamkos with the Prince of Wales Trophy

Highlight of the Series

From GOAT to goat, the Ben Bishop Story.

2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions - The Final

It all starts tonight, as the Chicago Blackhawks take on the Tampa Bay Lightning to see who will be crowned Stanley Cup Champions.

Stanley Cup Final

(A2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (C3) Chicago Blackhawks

Brad: Tampa Bay Lightning
MDK: Tampa Bay Lightning

Instead of doing a written preview, here is a video one (sorry both the sub-par editing and for how low I talk)

After Round 3

Brad: 12-2
MDK: 4-10

2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (M1) New York Rangers vs. (M2) Washington Capitals

The series that seems mandatory for every playoffs happened in second round this year, as the Rangers and Capitals faced each other (once again). Coming off a Game 7 win against the other New York team, it looked like a different Washington team, one with a killer instinct and a chance to break though the second round. It looked good for them in the first half of this series, as they managed to beat the Rangers in three of the first four games. All they needed to do was win one more to finish off another New York team. Instead, what showed was the same old Washington team, the team (whether through bad luck, bad play, not getting breaks, or all three) could not find a way to close out the series. The Rangers, led by Henrik Lundqvist in net, managed to avoid getting eliminated in three straight game, and ended up eliminating the Capitals in heartbreaking fashion. New York eliminated Washington in seven games, and move on to the Eastern Conference Final.

Games

Washington Capitals 2 - New York Rangers 1

Both teams started off well, exchanging chances to open the scoring. It wasn't until late in the first when the back of the net was found. A powerplay for the Capitals led to Alex Ovechkin skating in and released a shot from the top of the faceoff circle. It went over Lundqvist and into the net, as Washington took a 1-0 lead. Just like the first, both teams had chances in the second to score, but failed to put the puck in the net. The Rangers pressed early in the third, looking for the equalizer. They would net get it until later in the period though. Under five minutes remaining in the period, Jesper Fast got enough of Kevin Hayes shot to tip it past Braden Holtby. Time was winding down, as overtime looked like it was certain. With seconds left in the period, Dan Boyle protected the puck in the corner in hopes of killing off remaining time. That attempt was short-lived, as Nicklas Backstorm hit him, loosening the puck. Ovechkin collected the puck and dished it to Joel Ward near the crease, who wasted no time shooting it past Lundqvist. The Rangers argued the hit should have been a boarding call, but to no avail. The last second goal gave Washington the win, putting them ahead 1-0 in the series.

Washington Capitals 2 - New York Rangers 3

Looking to right the wrong from last game, it didn't take long for the Rangers to strike. Chris Kreider put home a rebound 38 seconds into the opening frame, giving New York a 1-0 lead. Washington had a great chance minutes later, but Ovechkin could not put the puck over an outstretched Lundqvist. A hooking penalty later in the period by Ward was costly for the Capitals. Dan Boyle kept the puck in on a clearing attempt and blasted one at the net. The puck managed to beat Holtby, who was screened on the play. Midway though the second, the Capitals had a chance to tie the game. Ovechkin found a wide open Evgeny Kuznetsov, who quickly got off a shot. Lundqvist got over in time, making a highlight reel save on the shot. Kuznetsov got the last laugh minutes later, as he finished off a rebound to put the Capitals on the board. That was the only goal in the period, as both goalies kept the puck out of the net. That changed six minutes into the third period. Martin St. Louis' pass eventually found Derick Brassard near the net, who proceeded to beat Holtby 5-hole. The Rangers' extended lead was short-lived. Minutes later, Ovechkin skated in, beat two Rangers defenders, and shot the puck while falling down. His shot beat Lundqvist's blocker side, and pulled the Capitals to within a goal. Washington made a late push to tie the game, but could not beat Lundqvist for a third time. New York held on to win Game 2, tying the series at 1-1.

New York Rangers 0 - Washington Capitals 1

The series shifted to Washington for Game 3. It looked to a goalie duel, as Lundqvist and Holtby stopped every shot they saw. It took until seven minutes into the second period when the deadlock was finally broken. Jay Beagle's initial shot was stop, but he was able to collect the rebound. His wraparound attempt banked off Keith Yandle's skate, Lundqvist's skate, and into the Rangers net, giving the Capitals a 1-0 lead. That lucky bounce ended up being the only goal of the game, as neither team could solve the other's goalies. Holtby stopped 30 shots in the shutout effort. Washington's win put them back in the series lead.

New York Rangers 1 - Washington Capitals 2

Game 3 looked to shift over to Game 4, as Lundqvist and Holtby were solid in the first period. Brassard ended the tie in the second, getting behind the Capitals defense, receiving a pass from St. Louis, and beating Holtby glove side. Washington tied the game later in the period. Andre Burakovsky caused a turnover along the wall, skated into the slot, and shot the puck past Lundqvist's blocker. Burakovsky had the chance to make it 2-0 minutes later, but his shot missed the net. Burakovsky had another chance early in the third, and this time he made good on it. Skating in on a partial breakaway, Burakovsky cut in and beat Lundqvist with a backhand shot. It was almost 3-0, as Jason Chimera had a prime chance under a minute later. However, this time Lundqvist managed to make the save. The Ranger's best chance of the period came midway through the period, as Carl Hagelin drew a penalty shot. He could not convert on the attempt, as Holtby made the glove save to preserve Washington's lead. A tying goal was not meant to be, as the Capitals hung on to win Game 4. The win put Washington up 3-1 in the series, and pushes New York to the brink of elimination.

Washington Capitals 1 - New York Rangers 2 (OT)

Both teams came out firing in the first, with the Rangers leading the way in shot attempts. Both goalies kept the door shut though, as the first period ended with a 0-0 tie. There were a couple of close calls in the second. New York's best chance came 12 minutes into the period, as Kreider's shot trickled past Holtby and came close to the goal line. Luckily for Washington, Matt Niskanen was there to clear the puck before it touched the line. The Capitals looked to have scored with minutes left in the period. Niskanen's point shot bounced off of Ward and into the net. It was waved off though, as it was determined Ward interfered with Lundqvist. An actual goal eventually happened. Midway through the third, Curtis Glencross found himself on a breakaway. His initial shot was stopped, but his second shot bounced its way into the Rangers net. Time would tick away, as the Rangers tried to find an equalizer. It finally happened with under two minutes to go in regulation. Kreider's one-timer from the top of the faceoff circle beat Holtby to tie the game. Overtime was needed to solve the game. It took nine and a half minutes until a goal was scored. Derek Stepan dropped a pass for Ryan McDonagh, who snapped it past Holtby. New York's overtime win pulled them to within a game in the series.

New York Rangers 4 - Washington Capitals 3

It didn't take long for the Rangers to take the lead in Game 6. Kreider fended off Niskanen and backhanded the puck past Holtby. New York kept the pressure up, but Holtby was able to turn aside those chances. The teams were almost shot-for-shot in the first, as the Rangers put up 20 to the Capitals 17. The last shot of the period was by the Ranger, specifically Kreider, as he scored with 0.3 seconds left. It was the Capitals turn to strike early in a period. Just 28 seconds into the second period, Jason Chimera poked home a loose puck to pull Washington to within a goal. The Capitals kept up the shots in the second, and got multiple chances. Lundqvist was up to the task though, stopping Washington for the remainder of the period. It was another period, another quick goal in the third. Rick Nash cut across and beat an outstretched Holtby, putting the Rangers up 3-1. A Dan Boyle one-timer minutes later made it 4-1 Rangers. That was the last shot New York managed in the period, as it was all Washington after that. Kuznetsov scored minutes after Boyle thanks to a turnover in the Rangers zone. Ward put home a rebound midway through the third, as it pulled the Capitals closer to tying the game. Despite Washington's pressure, they could not produce an equalizer. New York won Game 6, forcing the series to go the distance.

Washington Capitals 1 - New York Rangers 2 (OT)

Both teams came out firing in the all-decisive Game 7. It was Washington who managed to strike first. Ovechkin's shot hit part of Lundqvist's glove and went into the back of the net. New York had a great chance to tie it up late in the period, as Nash went in alone on a breakaway. His shot was stopped by the stick of Holtby though, as the score remained 1-0 for Washington. The second was not a good one for Mike Green, as he took a couple of penalties, putting the Capitals in shorthanded situations. While the Capitals managed to kill off the first penalty, they could not kill off the second. J.T. Miller found Kevin Hayes near the net, as Hayes redirected the pass into the net to tie the game. Chances were exchanged in the second and third period, but neither team could find the go-ahead goal. Overtime was needed to decide a series winner. Washington had the better chances early in the extra frame, but could not convert. A couple of icings 11 minutes into overtime was costly for the Capitals. The Rangers won the draw and got it to Dan Girardi, who let go a point shot. Holtby stopped the shot, but the puck went right to an open Derek Stepan. Stepan quickly corralled the puck and put it on net. A desperate attempt to save the puck by Holtby proved unsuccessful, as it went into the net. Stepan's goal sealed the game, and the series, for New York, as they eliminated Washington.

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. Another 3-1 series lead, another series loss for the Capitals (well documented by Down Goes Brown)
2. Henrik Lundqvist is pretty consistent when Game 7 is played on May 13.
3. I really wanted Ovi's "guarantee" to happen.

Picture of the Series

Right behind Sad Thornton, Sad Ovi.

Highlight of the Series

Nice goal by Ovi.