Thursday, December 31, 2020

2020 NHL Stanley Cup Series Review: (2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3) Dallas Stars

The Final came down to two teams that both started from the round robin portion of the playoffs, as the Tampa Bay Lightning (East) took on the Dallas Stars (West). Both teams were looking for their second Cup win, having won it once before (Dallas in 1999, Tampa Bay in 2004). Only one southern State-based team walked away champions though, as the Tampa Bay Lightning won in six games to win the 2020 Stanley Cup.

Games

Dallas Stars - 4
Tampa Bay Lighting - 1
 
The scoring was opened from an likely player: Joel Hanley. About six minutes into the first, the Stars forward took a pass from Roope Hintz and shot it over the blocker of Andrei Vasilevskiy to put Dallas in the lead. Jamie Benn had a chance to extend the lead moments later, thanks to an awkward bounce, but was not able to convert. A scrum a few minutes later resulted in play becoming 4-on-4. While the Lightning didn't get a shot during that time, they did use to to gain some momentum. It paid off later on, as a point shot from Blake Coleman was stooped, but rebounded off the skates of Yanni Gourde and Hintz before entering the Stars net. The period ended tied at 1-1, as neither team managed much in the way of shots after the Lightning's goal. The early part of the second period saw Tampa Bay get into some penalty trouble, as twice Blake Coleman was sent to the box (slashing and hooking respectively). Dallas wasn't able to capitalize on the man advantage though, as the closest they got was an Alex Radulov shot that hit the post. The Stars kept up the pressure though. Just over 12 minutes into the period, Radulov would find an open Jamie Oleksiak. The Stars defenseman's first shot was stopped, but he managed to get the rebound and lift it over a sliding Vasilevskiy to put Dallas back in the lead. It was them Tampa Bay's turn to put on the pressure, but failed to result in an equalizer. Just under 30 left i the period, it was Dallas' breakout star of the playoffs, Joel Kiviranta, who managed to beat Vasilevskiy to extend the Stars lead. The period didn't end overtly peaceful though, as Patrick Maroon shot the puck into the Stars bench at the buzzer (he was assessed a misconduct penalty for the action). The third period started off with Tampa Bay in control, as they managed five shot sin the first three minutes. Even an early powerplay though wasn't able to help the Lightning solve Anton Khudobin. Just over seven minutes into the third period, the Stars would get their first shot on net in the period. Tampa Bay's dominant play continued, but their efforts (along with two powerplays) went unrewarded. Jason Dickinson capped off the scoring with an empty netter (it was also the second, and last, shot Dallas had in the third). The 4-1 win gave Dallas the lead in the series.

Dallas Stars - 2
Tampa Bay Lighting - 3

Dallas got a few shots to start the game, but the story early on was Nikita Kucherov. The Lightning forward was banged up in the early going, taking a bad collision then a high-stick shortly after. A collision at the board minutes later though would cause him to go to the locker room (he would return to the game). The Lightning powerplay would come alive midway through the first. It was Brayden Point first, as his one-timer from the slot fluttered past the glove of Khudobin. Three minutes later, it was Ondrej Palat's turn, as he beat a sliding Khudobin (to note, Kucherov got the primary assist om both goals). The powerplay's momentum fed into their even strength play, as less than a minute later, Kevin Shattenkirk's point shot found it's way through a couple bodies (tipping off Esa Lindell) and into the Dallas net. A late powerplay didn't help the Stars much though, as the Lightning's 3-0 lead stood to end the period. Both teams exchanged powerplays early in the second, but neither could capitalize on them. Play did shift Dallas's way in the second, as the Stars looked to get on the board. They would do so later in the period, as on the powerplay, John Klingberg's shot was tipped by Joe Pavelski on it;s way into the Lightning net. Things got rough soon after, as a hit on Blake Comeau by Ryam McDonagh was followed by goaltender interference by Patrick Maroon. Jawing after the whistle also resulted in a couple players from each team getting sent off for roughing. Dallas failed to score on the powerplay, as the period ended with Tampa Bay still up by two. Play was rough to start the third, but things would calm down (surprisingly, with no penalties called). Mattias Janmark scored just over five minutes into the period, as he redirect a pass inform Klingberg into the Lightning net. Tampa Bay looked to have restored their tow-goal lead midway through the period, as Mikhail Sergachev's point shot found its way through a screened Khudobin. However, a challenge by Dallas showed that the play was offside, resulting in the goal being neglected. Dallas had a short offensive burst afterwards, but it was mostly Tampa Bay the rest of the way. Even with the net empty for an extra attacker, the Stars could not find the tying goal. Tampa Bay. The Lighting took the game 3-2, tying the series at a game a piece.
 
Tampa Bay Lighting - 5
Dallas Stars - 3

The story before this game was Steven Stamkos, as the Lightning forward made his playoff debut after being out since February with a core muscle injury. It took just over five minutes the first big mistake of the game to be a costly one. A turnover by Miro Heiskanen proved to be costly, as the puck went right to an open Kucherov. Kucherov skated in on a breakaway and snap it past Khudobin to make it 1-0 Lightning. Less than two minutes later, it was Stamkos who extended the lead, as he took the puck, slid past a Stars defender, and beat Khudobin blocker side. Dallas got a powerplay minutes later, but despite moving the puck well, was not able to solve Vasilevskiy. The powerplay was cut short though, as Kiviranta was called for interference. It ended up working out for Dallas though, as Jason Dickinson scored shorthanded to put the Stars on the board. Dallas started to take over from there, as they peppered Vasilevskiy with shots, looking for the tying goal. There was in interesting moment later in the period, as Dickinson had dislodged the Lightning net, however, as the Lightning had control of the puck, play resumed for about another 30 seconds before being whistled. Tampa Bay held on though, and escaped the period leading 2-1. Starting the second period on the powerplay, it didn't take long for the Lightning to add to their lead. Victor Hedman's snapshot from the slot beat Khudobin, making it 3-1 Lightning. It was a sign of things to come, as the period was dominated by Tampa Bay. Despite this, it did take them until the 12-minute mark to get another goal. This time, it was Point, who finished off a 3-on-1 by one-timing it past a sliding Khudobin. Palat capped off the scoring for the Lightning late in the period, burying a rebound to make it 5-1. New period, new goalie for Dallas, as Jake Oettinger relieved Khudobin in the Stars net. The third was less about shots and more about beating each other up, starting three minutes in with Palat and Janmark getting roughing penalties. 40 seconds later, it was Jan Rutta and Benn who were penalized after wrestling each other. The Stars did get one, as Heiskanen 's shot bounced off and over Vasilevskiy before trickling into the net. Dallas had two powerplays later on, but were not able to score on either. Just under two minutes left, things started to boil over, starting with Pavelski cross-checking Goodrow, and devolved to both teams having players sent off for roughing. Tampa Bay ended the game with a powerplay, but didn't do much with it. The 5-2 win put Tampa Bay in the series lead.   
 
Tampa Bay Lighting - 5 (OT)
Dallas Stars - 4

Tampa Bay looked to continue their momentum in this one, as they had the puck for most of the early part of the game. It was Dallas who opened the scoring though, one their first shot of the game. Just over seven minutes in, Klingberg had his first shot attempt blocked, but managed to get it back and quickly fired off a shot that went past the glove of Vasilevskiy. Dallas remained in control for a short time after, but it wasn't until late in the period when they found the back of the net again. Benn would pass to a streaking Pavelski, who finished off the play by quickly shooting it past a sliding Vasilevskiy. Just a minute later, the Lightning answered back. Palat sprung Point on a breakaway, and the Lighting forward made no mistake in deking out Khudobin and chipping a backhander into the Stars net. The first period ended shortly after, as Dallas went into the intermission up 2-1. A powerplay early in the second helped Tampa Bay tie the game. It was Point once again, as he batted the puck out of the air and into the Dallas net. Things got worse for Dallas, as minutes later, Roope Hintz would trip over a stick and crash into the boards. The Stars forward did get up, but was assisted off the ice and would not return to the game. Dallas did managed to regain the lead though, thanks to their counter attack. Tyler Seguin would fight off a check as he went to the Lightning net. He managed to slide the puck past Vasilevskiy and into the crease, where a streaking Corey Perry got just enough of the puck to push it past the goal line. Once again, a goal gave the Stars momentum, as they looked to extend their lead. Nick Caamano came close, but could not lift the puck over the outstretch pad of Vasilevskiy. A powerplay wasn't much help to the Stars either. The Lightning did tie the game late in the period, thanks again to another powerplay of their own. Yanni Gourde put home a deflected puck to tie the game. The score remained for the rest of the period, as both teams entered the intermission tied 3-3.It stayed tied for the first six minutes of the third. That was when Alex Killorn's shot managed to find a way over Khudobin's shoulder and right into the top corner of the net. While Dallas wasn't able to convert on a powerplay midway through the period, it didn't take long after it for them to do so. Pavelski's shot bounced off Vasilevskiy, hit the knee of Shattenkirk, and went into the Lightning net. Near the end of the period, Perry (hooking) and Point (embellishment) were called for penalties. Regulation time ended with both teams at 4 goals each, meaning overtime was needed. Early in the extra frame, Sergachev was called for holding, giving the Stars the man advantage. Much like the rest of the game though, Dallas'  powerplay expired without a goal. Minutes later, it was the Lightning's turn on the powerplay, as Benn was called for tripping. Much like the rest of the game, Tampa Bay's powerplay converted. Shattenkirk snapped a shot that beat a screened Khudobin. winning the game in the process. The 5-4 win put Tampa Bay up 3-1 in the series, leaving them one win away from winning the Cup.

Dallas Stars - 3 (2OT)
Tampa Bay Lighting - 2

It was back-and-forth early one, with both teams getting shots but failing to hit the back of the net. After a lot of play with very few whistles, it was the Dallas Stars who opened the scoring. Oleksiak started the play by keeping the puck in the Lighting zone and passing it to Seguin. Seguin tried to get by a defender, but it was Perry who took the puck and snapped it past Vasilevskiy. Perry's goal was the lone one of the period, as Dallas led 1-0 after 20 minutes. Perry had a chance early in the second, but his one-timer was stopped by Vasilevskiy. Four minutes into the period, Tampa Bay tied the game. Palat took a pass from Kucherov, cut across the crease, and tucked it by the pad of Khudobin. Tampa Bay continued to pressure after the goal, looking to take the lead. Dallas did get a few chances of their own in the period, thanks to a powerplay. Neither team though could break the tie, as the second period ended with the score at 1-1. IT didn't take too long in the third for the tie to be broken. Just over three minutes in, a point shot from Sergachev found it's way through a screened Khudobin and into the Stars net. Dallas looked to catch a break when they got a powerplay midway through the period. However, it was shortly after it expired when they struck, as Joe Pavelski buried a rebound to toe the game. The Lighting almost regained the lead moments later, as Anthony Circelli's shot took a deflection and bounced off the post. That ended up being the closest either team got, as the third period end 3-3, leading to overtime being needed for a second game. Tampa Bay was in control for most of the period, as they had have majority of the shots in the period. There was a bit of unseen controversy late in the extra frame, as Dallas was called for icing, but upon the broadcast review, the puck had actually hit the toe of Vasilevskiy. Not being reviewable, or noticed by anyone, the play was considered an icing. The Stars did get their first shot of the period 17:53 into it. Tampa Bay end the extra frame leading in shots 7-2, but none of them resulted in the winning goal. A second overtime period was needed. The second overtime was more even in play, as both teams had spurts on offense to being the period. This period needed all of 9:23 before it ended. A point shot from Klingberg was blocked, but Perry was in front of the net, and would eventually put the puck into the Lightning net. Perry goal gave the Stars the 3-2 win, and kept them alive in the series.

Tampa Bay Lighting - 2
Dallas Stars - 0

Neither team looked good in the being, highlighted by the fact there were three shots combined in the first six minutes. The Lightning were awarded a powerplay, but failed to register a shot on net. They were back on the powerplay minutes later though, and this time the outcome was different. Point had is initial shot stopped, but managed to pounce on the rebound and whack it past Khudobin. Tampa Bay looked much better after the goal, as they continued to pressure, looking to extend lead. Dallas did get a powerplay of their own late in the period, but only managed to take a few shots. Tampa Bay ended the first period up 1-0. The second started similar to the first, as it was relatively uneventful. Seven minutes into the period, that changed. A giveaway to a changing Lightning bench led to them entering the Stars zone. Cedric Paquette found Coleman with a cross-ice pass, which the Lightning winger one-timed past a sliding Khudobin. Dallas did get a powerplay a minute later, but again failed to capitalize on it. The powerplay didn't last the full two minutes though, as Perry was called for goaltender interference, resulting in 4-on-4 for a short time before Tampa Bay went on the man advantage. Between the powerplay and sustained pressure afterwards, the Lightning were unable to extend their lead. The Lightning remained in the lead as the second period ended, as they entered the second intermission up 2-0. Dallas came out in the third playing with more urgency, and ended up controlling play for most of the period. Vasilevskiy and the Lightning defense stood tall though, not letting the Stars find their way onto the scoreboard. Vasilevskiy himself stopped 22 shots in the shutout effort. The Tampa Bay Lightning's 2-0 win was their fourth of the series, making them Stanley Cup Champions.

Three Thoughts on the Series
  1. It was pretty cool that the Stanley Cup was positioned above the ice. Although security may want to keep an eye on it though.
  2. I didn't realize Vasilevskiy's agent was Allan Walsh.
  3. The Lighting won because they SHOOT!
  4. It does suck that the pandemic limited plans for the players regarding having their day with the Cup.
  5. I know they talked about it, but the NHL should have piped in boos for Bettman. Here a proper version of the Cup being awarded.
  6. And finally: The Stars - unlike their captain - finally went down.

Picture of the Series

The Lightning win their first legitimate second Cup in their franchise's history.


Highlight of the Series
 
Since the Lightning won, Steven Stamkos' time on ice of 2:47 will likely be stuff of Stanley Cup lore. Here's his lone goal in the playoffs.
 

 
 

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

2020 NHL Stanley Cup Series Review: (2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (6) New York Islanders

A well-rested Tampa Bay Lightning faced off against a plucky underdog in the New York Islanders. The rest-versus-rust debate was settled after the Lightning blowout in Game 1, while the rest of the series was - for the most part - closer than expected. It may have taken a few games more than they would have liked, but the Tampa Bay Lightning got by the New York Islanders in six games, earning a spot in the Stanley Cup Final. 

Games

New York Islanders - 2
Tampa Bay Lightning - 8
 
It didn't take long for the Lighting to get on the board, as a minute in Brayden Point's power move at the net led to him reaching past Thomas Greiss and sliding the puck into the net. A powerplay minutes later helped the Islanders tie the game. Matt Barzal's shot was block (by teammate Anders Lee), but Jordan Eberle managed to fish out the loose puck and put it past Andrei Vasilevskiy. Tampa Bay would get a powerplay goal of their own four minutes later, as Victor Hedman blasted one by the blocker of Greiss. Tampa Bay's defense kept up it's offense, as Ryan McDonagh beat a screened Greiss moments later to extend the Lightning's lead. Early in the second, Patrick Maroon would skate around Semyon Varlamov and tried to pass it out front. Yanni Gourde was there for the loose puck, but it initially looked like Andy Greene got his stick in the way of a sure goal. Play went on for about 15 seconds before the horn of doom sounded, as the play was reviewed. It  was determined the puck fully went in before being knocked out by Greene's stick. Gourde was given the goal as Tampa Bay was now up 4-1. Later in the period, a powerplay led to the big three for Tampa Bay (Nikita Kucherov, Hedman, and Point) connecting for a goal. Tampa kept up the scoring in the third. Just under six minutes in, Point and Kucherov went in on a 2-on-2 rush, resulting in Kucherov redirecting Points pass into the Islanders net. New York did one back minutes later, as Nick Leddy snapped one past the glove of Vasilevskiy. Just a minute later, a turnover in the Islanders zone resulted in another Lightning goal, as Ondrej Palat got around Varlamov and tucked it into the net. Yanni Gourde capped off the scoring for Tampa Bay later in the period, getting his second of the game on a powerplay. The game was never in doubt for the Lightning, as they blow out the Islander 8-2 to take the first game.

New York Islanders - 1
Tampa Bay Lightning - 2
 
New York looked to put the last game behind them, and a quick goal to start the game help them do just that. Matt Martin chipped the puck over the shoulder of Vasilevskiy to give the Islanders their first lead of the series. About six minutes in, Tampa Bay would lose Alex Killorn for the game, as he was given a five-and-a-game for boarding Brock Nelson. The Islanders couldn't do much on the five minute powerplay though, as the game remained 1-0. It sayed that way until late in the first, when Tampa Bay won an offensive zone faceoff back to Hedman. The Lightning defender didn't take long to got a shot off, as it found its way through a mass of bodies, hit the post, and bounced into the net to tie the game. Things got rougher in the second, starting with Martin and Luke Schenn getting into a fight. Minutes later, Gourde was penalized for punching Scott Mayfield. Nelson returned to the game, but was hit and cross-checked by Barclay Goodrow. This led to Martin and Pat Maroon getting into a shoving match. Things were a little more peaceful in the third, as both teams continued to look a for a go-ahead goal. As the third period was coming to a close, Tampa Bay put on the pressure. Eventually, McDonagh found Kucherov with a cross-ice pass, and Kucherov connected on it. Varlamov wasn't able to stop it, as the puck enter the Islanders net. The goal with just over eight seconds left sealed the victory for Tampa Bay, as they take a two game series lead.

Tampa Bay Lightning - 3
New York Islanders - 5
 
Both teams came out firing in this one, but it took a little longer for one of them to open the scoring. Midway through the first, Cal Clutterbuck took a loose puck and shot it between the post and Vasilevskiy's blocker to give New York the lead. The lead didn't last too long, as less than four minutes later, Mikhail Sergachev lifted a backhand over Varlamov to tie the game. This time, it was the Islanders getting the go-ahead goal. Midway through the second, a quick passing play resulted in Adam Pelech getting the puck. The Islander defenseman proceeded to snap a shot under the glove of Vasilevskiy to give New York the lead. The play wasn't over though, as a battle in front of the net saw Lee and Cedric Paquette get sent off for roughing. Two minutes later, Nelson circled the Lighting net and fed Anthony Beauvillier in the slot, whose quick shot snuck past Vasilevskiy. Now down two, Tampa Bay looked to crawl back in this one. They got a break with a powerplay early in the third, as Palat redirected Kucherov's pass into the Islanders net. Ten minutes later, Tyler Johnson deflected Erik Cernak's point shot past Varlamov to tie the game. New York managed to retake the lead minutes later, as this time it was Beauvillier finding Nelson with a pass that the latter put into the net. J-G Pageau added in empty netter late in the period, which also saw Sergachev hack Pageau's leg in the during the play. Once the goal was scored a scrum ensued, resulting in a handful of misconduct penalties (Pageau and Sergachev being two of them). Seconds later, Martin and Goodrow capped off the night with a fight. The game ended with the Islanders winning 5-2, giving them their first win of the series.
 
Tampa Bay Lightning - 4
New York Islanders - 1
 
The Lightning looked to correct things from last game, but even with the shot advantage, could not get anything by Varlamov in the first. The ending of the first wasn't a friendly though, as a shot after the buzzer by Martin resulted in both teams getting into a scrum. Things would pick up in the second, as midway through the period, Nelson snapped one over the glove of Vasilevskiy to open the scoring. The Islanders lead would last all of 15 second, as Blake Coleman was sprung on a breakaway, deked out Varlamov, and tucked it into the Islanders net. Just 12 seconds after that, the Lightning took the lead. Palat took Kucherov's pass in the slot and fired it on net, and while Varlamov got a piece of it, the puck still found its way past the post and into the net. Both teams swapped powerplays later in the period, but neither manage to make much of them. Early in the third, it was Palat's time to set up a goal. The Lightning forward would feed Point in the Islanders crease, as all Point needed to do was redirect the pass into the net. New York's efforts to get back into it would fall short. Patrick Maroon added an empty netter to finish it off, as Tampa Bay took the game 4-1, and became one game closer to a spot in the Final. 

New York Islanders - 2 (2OT)
Tampa Bay Lightning - 1
 
The start was slower in this one, neither team getting anything of quality early. A powerplay later in the period did open things up for the Islanders, as Ryan Pulock's one-timer found the back of the Lighting net. Tampa Bay's responded early in the second period. Coleman's initial shot would be stopped, but a trialing Hedman pounced on the rebound and blast it past Varlamov to tie the game. Carter Verhaeghe looked to have put the Lightning in the lead halfway though the second, snapping it over Varlamov. A challenge by the Islanders begged to differ, as a review showed the play was offside. The go-ahead goal was negating, as the game stayed tied at one each. Tampa Bay had a chance to once again in a game in the dying minutes, as Beauvillier was given a double-minor for high sticking with about a minute-and-a-half left in regulation. Their powerplay couldn't get much going though, as regulation came to a close. For the first time this series, overtime was needed. Still on the powerplay, Kucherov did get an early chance for the Lighting, but Varlamov managed to get his pad in the way. For the extra 20 minutes, the four shots each team managed did not get past the goal line. A second overtime was required. Once again, it was Kucherov getting an early chance, but the Lightning forward would be stifled by the post this time. Later in the period, a turnover at the Islanders blueline ended up being costly for the Lighting. Lee would take the puck and skate down on a 2-on-1. He passed it over to Eberle, whose one-timer beat a sliding Vasilevskiy for the win. The 2-1 win kept the Islanders in the series, and helped them extend it at least one more game.

Tampa Bay Lightning - 2 (OT)
New York Islanders - 1
 
The Islanders didn't take as long to get on the board this time. Just over four minutes in, some sustained pressure in the Lighting zone led to Devon Toews getting the puck and being able to put home a wraparound attempt. Two minutes later, it was Hedman responding for Tampa Bay. The Lighting defender once again capitalized on a rebound, snapping it past the blocker of Varlamov. Much like last game, once it was tied it would stay that way for a while. Tampa Bay had control of the shot counter during regulation, as they were eager to put the series away. For the second game in a row, overtime was required. The Lightning would start the extra frame on the powerplay, as late in the third Greene was called for double-minor high stick on Kucherov. The Lighting could not capitalize on the extended man advantage though. It might have been New York who had the best chance during that time, as Nelson caused a turnover and went in on a breakaway. Vasilevskiy stood tall though and made the save. The Islanders got a powerplay of their own later in overtime, but failed to score on it. It took just over 13 minutes, but the Lightning would get the winning goal. Cirelli too a feed from Goodrow in front of the net and snapped it over the shoulder of Varlamov. The win was Tampa Bay's fourth of the series, as they move on to the Stanley Cup Final.

Three Thoughts on the Series
  1. Have to give credit to the Islanders for making it this far. I know their style of hockey isn't very entertaining, but damn if it doesn't work for them.
  2. Vasilevskiy angling for that Pull-Ups endorsement.
  3. Varly shooting meme. That is all.

Picture of the Series

Prince of Wales Trophy Family Portrait (Steven Stamkos Sighting!)




Highlight of the Series
 
Lets go with Eberle's overtime goal. Him scoring such a big goal in an Orange and Blue jersey is what we all pictured when he was drafted in 2008 right?
 
 

Monday, October 19, 2020

2020 NHL Stanley Cup Series Review: (1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (3) Dallas Stars

A couple of teams from the round robin portion of the playoffs meet again, as the top-seeded Vegas Golden Knights took on the third-seed Dallas Stars. Unlike the round robin though, the results would be much different. Thanks to (among other things) strong goaltending, Dallas managed to knock off Vegas in five games, and earned a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals.
  
Games

Dallas Stars - 1
Vegas Golden Knights - 0

Dallas managed to get an early lead in this one. Minutes into the period, Jamie Benn's shot would be blocked, but John Klingberg was there to take the loose puck and wrist it past Marc-Andre Fleury. Shot were traded during the first, but the score would remain the same. Nick Cousins may have had the best chance to tie the game for Vegas, but he could not bury the rebound attempt. Dallas would control most of the second, while it took Vegas about nine minutes to get their first shot of the period. Roles reversed in the third, as Vegas dominated the shot counter while Dallas was limited in their attempts. Khudobin was up to the task though, as the Stars goaltender ended up saving 25 shots in the shutout effort. Klingberg's goal ended up being the lone one of the game, as Dallas taking the first game of the series.
 
Dallas Stars - 0
Vegas Golden Knights - 3

A relatively uneventful first gave way yo a much better second period. The Golden Knights finally got on the board in the series, as about five minutes into the second, Paul Statsny redirected a pass from Max Pacioretty in to the Stars net. Dallas soon were getting into penalty trouble, which would cost them. One one of their powerplays, William Karlsson wrist shot found its way under the pad of Khudobin to extend Vegas' lead. The Golden Knight looked to have another powerplay goal minutes later, as Shea Theodore's one-timer beat Khudobin. The goal was challenged by the Stars though, as Pacioretty bumped into Khudobin during his save attempt. The challenge proved to be successful for Dallas, as the goal was waved off. Vegas ended up getting their third goal later in the period, as Tomas Nosek finished off a 3-on-1, tic-tac-toe play. Dallas changed goalies to start the third, as Jake Oettinger made his NHL debut. The rookie netminder did well, stopping five shots and letting none get by him. The other end saw Lehner stay perfect through the 60 minutes, stopping 24 shots for the shutout. The 3-0 win helped Vegas tie the series.
 
Vegas Golden Knights - 2
Dallas Stars - 3 (OT)

Khudobin looked to rebound after getting pulled last game, and the Stars goalie was up to the task. While Vegas dominated the shot counter in the first period, Khudobin wasn't letting anything by him. Lehner was much of the same, just with a lighter workload. The board finally saw a tally late in the second. After blocking a shot, the Stars countered immediately, as Miro Heiskanen sent Jamie Oleksiak on a breakaway. The Stars defenseman showed he had some offense as well, deking out Lehner and sliding the puck between Lehner's pad and the post to put Dallas in the lead. A powerplay in the third helped Vegas tie the game, as Shea Theodore's  shot deflected off a defender;s stick and over the shoulder of Khudobin. About four minutes later, Jamie Benn took back the lead for Dallas, as the Stars forward beat Lehner five-hole. Dallas' new lead would last all of five minutes. In the Stars zone, Alex Tuch circled with the puck and snapped a shot, which deflected off of Mark Stone and into the net. Dallas challenged the goal as it looked like Stone may have interfered with Khudobin. It would be unsuccessful though, as the goal stood. Vegas had a couple chances to take the lead on the ensuing powerplay, but Khudobin managed to get in their way. Benn had a chance to win the game in the dying seconds of regulation, but Lehner got in front of the shot to keep it out. Overtime was needed to determine a winner of this game.Just 31 seconds was needed in the extra frame, as Alexander Radulov's wrist shot beat Lehner's blocker and pinged off the post before entering the net. The overtime win put Dallas back in the series lead.

Vegas Golden Knights - 1
Dallas Stars - 2

Like the past few games, the first period remained goalless. Once again, Khudobin was the busier of the two goalies, stopping 13 shots in the first 20 minutes (Lehner, by comparison, stopped five). Vegas looked to get one early in the second, as Karlsson's shot managed to sneak by Khudobin. However, the Dallas goalie managed to drop and turn his pads quick enough to stop the puck from getting across the goal line. The Golden Knights did open the scoring minutes later, thanks to their third powerplay of the game. From a faceoff, the puck was won back to Nate Schmidt. Schmidt hit his defense partner Alec Martinez with a quick pass, leading to Martinez one-timing it toward the Stars net. Khudobin wasn't about to get a piece of it, as the puck snuck under his blocker and into the net. Vegas didn't think one goal was enough, and kept up the pressure, looking to extend their lead. Khudobin stood in the way though, not wanting to give up another goal. Midway through the period, Joe Pavelski got Dallas on the board, as his shot hit Schmidt's stick and floated pass Lehner. Things didn't look good for the Vegas netminder, as minutes later he was shaken up after taking a shot to the neck. After staying down for a brief moment, he would get up and remain in the game. Dallas would get a powerplay goal of their own late in the period. A shot from Klingberg was stopped, but Benn collected the rebound and put it on net, as the puck bounced off Lehner's arm en route to the back of the net. The late goal gave the Stars the lead for the first time in this game. Vegas got a couple good chances in the third, including Pacioretty ringing one off the post. However, even a 5-on-3 wasn't enough to get the Golden Knights the tying goal. The Stars hung on to take the game 2-1, and were one win away from advancing.
 
Dallas Stars - 3 (OT)
Vegas Golden Knights - 2

For the first time since Game 1, there would be a first period goal. Just over eight minutes in, Theodore sprung Chandler Stephenson on a breakaway. The Golden Knights forward made no mistake on his breakaway attempt, tucking the puck past Khudobin to give Vegas the lead. Much like the last game, Vegas didn't want to leave it to just one goal, and pressed to extend their lead. While they lead in shots through two periods, they could not get another goal. Dallas had a few chances of their own (highlighted by a Denis Gurianov breakaway attempt), but could not get on the board. Things did change in the third period. Just 15 seconds in, a 2-on-1 by Vegas saw Reilly Smith keep the puck and snap it over the glove of Khudobin, making it 2-0 for the Golden Knights. Halfway through the period, a scramble in front of the Vegas net resulted in Benn corralling the loose puck and beating a screened Lehner, bringing Dallas to within a goal to tie. Later in the period, a powerplay for the Stars helped them tie the game. Klingberg's shot was blocked and tricked to the side of the net. Joel Kirivanta was there though, as Dallas' hero from the previous series lifted the puck over a downed Lehner to make it a 2-2 game. Regulation time would end with no other goals scored, resulting in overtime being needed for the second time this series. Just minutes into overtime, Zach Whitecould was called for a delay of game penalty after hitting the puck out of play. During the latter-half of the powerplay, Dallas worked the puck around the perimeter. It wound up going to Gurianov, whose one-timer went under the glove of Lehner and into the back of the net. Thjs goal secured the series win for the Stars, as they moved on to the Stanley Cup Final.

Three Thoughts on the Series
  1. Jamie Benn's team, still not going down.
  2. Maybe the Golden Knights should work on their penalty kill in elimination games.
  3. "WE'RE NOT GOING HOME"
Picture of the Series

That ones gotta sting. Even as a goalie I never got why some guys don't play with a throat protector on their mask.


Highlight of the Series
 
The passing by the Golden Knights on this goal is very nice. 




Monday, October 12, 2020

2020 NHL Stanley Cup Series Review: (1) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (6) New York Islanders

The top-ranked Philadelphia Flyers faced off against the only Eastern team to get this far out of the qualifying rounds in the New York Islanders. The lower-seeded Islanders would prove to be more than enough for the higher-seeded Flyers though, as the Flyers needed wins in overtime to make this a series. New York won out in the end though, eliminating Philadelphia in seven and moving on to the Conference Finals.

Games
 
New York Islanders - 4
Philadelphia Flyers - 0
 
The Islanders were on the attack early, first the first few shots of the game. Their efforts paid of just over six minutes in, as Andy Greene fired one through a crowd of players and past a screened Carter Hart. The Flyers had a chance to tie moments later, but Kevin Hayes would lose control of the puck while attempting to deke Semyon Varlamov on a breakaway. It was mostly New York after that, as the Islanders looked to extend their lead. Their best chance came with 5:29 left, as Brock Nelson got a pass by the side of the net. Hart had other ideas though, as the Flyers goaltender reached over with his glove to deny a sure goal. Roles reversed in the second, as it was Philadelphia who dominated the shot counter. Despite that, the Flyers could not solve Varlamov. Early in the third, Jean-Gabriel Pageau would convert on a chance in the slot to double the Islanders lead. About midway through the third, a counter attack by New York resulted in a tic-tac-toe play that was finished off by Anders Lee. Now down by three, Philadelphia played with urgency, even pulling Hart for an extra attack with just under eight minutes to play. It would backfire almost immediately, as Devon Toew's clearing attempt bounced off a stanchion and slide into the empty net. Varlamov stayed perfect throughout the game, stopping 29 shots in the shutout effort. The 4-0 win gave New York the first game of the series.
 
New York Islanders - 3
Philadelphia Flyers - 4 (OT)

It didn't take the Flyers long to get things going in this one. Just under two minutes into the game, Hayes would wrist a shot that bounced off the crossbar and into the back of the net. Hayes was at it against midway through the period. Skating into the Islanders zone, the Flyers forward would skate around a couple of defenders and take a shot on net. The puck bounced off of the arm of Varlamov before crossing the goal line. Sean Couturier added to the lead later in the period, deking pass Nick Leddy and Varlamov before sliding the puck into the net. That was it for Varlamov, as Thomas Greiss took over the Islanders net. A powerplay midway through the second period was the break New York needed. Barzal's pass was redirected by Lee and past Hart, breaking the Flyers goaltender's shutout. It wasn't until halfway through the third when the Islanders struck again. A give-and-go with Anthony Beauvillier and Josh Bailey resulted in the former 's shot sneaking under the blocker of Hart. New York continued to press, looking to tie the game. Lee got a good chance later in the period, but his shot rang off the crossbar. Just over two minutes left in regulation, a turnover in the Flyers zone resulted in Pageau getting the puck in the slot. The Islanders forward made no mistake, snapping it over the glove of Hart to tie the game. Philadelphia challenged the play of offside,  but were unsuccessful. The ensuing powerplay didn't amount to much for the Islanders, as regulation ended at 3-3. Overtime was needed to determine a winner. The extra frame would not last too long. After a flurry in front of the Islanders net, the puck would go to Philippe Myers at the point. The Flyers defenseman's shot bounced off an Islanders' stick and past Greiss' arm. The win was needed for Philadelphia, as they tied the series at a game a piece.
 
Philadelphia Flyers - 1
New York Islanders - 3
 
Roles reversed a bit to start the game, as it was Philadelphia who got then first few shots of the game. They did keep this momentum up for most of the period with their efforts playing off in the latter-half. Tyler Pitlick got the Flyers on the board, wristing a shot past a screened Varlamov and just inside the post. New York had some pressure late in the period, but Hart was there to deny any opportunity, highlighted by a glove save on Nelson. The intermission did little to deter the Islanders momentum, as they continued to press in the second. It took just over seven minutes into he middle frame, but New York finally broke through Hart. Barzel would find Matt Martin in the slot, and the Islanders forward quick shot found a way to sneak by Hart and trickle into the net. While the period looked to remain tied going into the second intermission, New York had other ideas. After reaching to keep the puck onside, Derick Brassard circled around the net and found Leo Komarov in the slot. Komarov's backhand snuck through Hart and just past the goal line to give New York the lead. A powerplay early in the third helped New York extend their lead, as Lee's backhand bounced off the stick of Hart and into the net. Philadelphia started to take over, looking to comeback. Despite a powerplay late in the period and an extra attacker, the Flyers efforts would be all for naught. The Islanders hung on for the 3-1 win, retaking the lead in the series.
 
Philadelphia Flyers - 2
New York Islanders - 3
 
The game got rough early on, as a scrum resulted in coincidental minors for Casey Cizikas and Travis Konecny. Despite the ice being more open (along with both teams swapping penalties later in the period), neither team could get on the scoreboard. Both Greiss and Brian Elliott stayed perfect through 20 minutes. Just under seven minutes into the second, Nelson broke the deadlock, as he snapped it pass the blocker of Elliott, putting New York on the board. Philadelphia started to take over from there, and were eventually rewarded for doing so. Later in the period, a Justin Braun point shot was redirected by Couturier past a screened Greiss and into the net, tying the game for the Flyers. A couple late chances by the Flyers were denied by Greiss, as the game remained tied after 40 minutes. New York got a few chances early in the third, but it took a bit for them to convert on one. Just over seven minute in, Pageau breakaway's attempt looked to have been stopped by Elliott, but the puck found a way though and trickled past the goal line to put the Islanders back in the lead. About four minutes later, a 2-on-1 saw Nelson tap a return pass from Bailey into the Flyers net. Once again, Philadelphia found themselves down two goals with not much time to spare. Ivan Provorov helped pull the Flyers to within once, as this point shot found a way to go untouched through a crowd and past an unsuspecting Greiss. That was as close as they got though, as once again the Islanders hung on to win the game.
 
New York Islanders - 3
Philadelphia Flyers - 4 (OT)

Different goalies, same story, the started for both teams were back in net (Varlamov for the Islanders, Hart for the Flyers), and both stayed perfect after 20 minutes of play. That changed early in the second, as Bailey's wraparound shot bounced off the shin pad of Barzal and into the net. Philadelphia challenged for goaltender interference, as Barzal was in the crease. The challenge was unsuccessful though, as Barzal was pushed into the crease. The Flyers did manage to tie the game later in the period, as Giroux tipped a point shot by Myers through the pads of Varlamov. Minutes later, a rush into the Islanders zone saw Scott Laughton pass to James van Riemsdyk, who one-timed the puck into New York's net to give Philadelphia the lead. The Flyers looked to have another one seconds later, as Pitlick poked the puck into the net. The issue though was the puck was trapped in the pad of Varlamov, and were Pitlick mainly pushed Varlamov's pad, the goal was nullified. The Flyers did get that goal back in the third, thanks to a blast by Matt Niskanen. This time, it was the Islanders looking for two goals in the third period. It didn't look good for New York, as Barzal was clipped with a follow-through and got hit in the eye. He was taken off to get patched up. Seconds later through the Islanders got one, as Nelson's one-timer found it s way over the glove of Hart. Just under three minutes left, Cal Clutterbuck's cross-crease pass would find Brassard, who had no issue putting the puck into an almost-empty net. For the second time in this series, overtime was needed to solve a 3-3 deadlock. The goalies looked sharp early on, as both of them had to make saves on cross-ice passes minutes into the extra frame. A powerplay for the Flyers didn't help much, as they failed to capitalize on it. Just over 12 minutes in, Provorov's point shot would be tipped by Laughton and find its way past Varlamov. Once again, the Flyers won in overtime, with this win helping them extend the series.
 
Philadelphia Flyers - 5 (2OT)
New York Islanders - 4
 
The Flyers made it official before the game, as after months of cancer treatment, Oskar Lindbolm was slotted in the lineup to play. While it was New York leading the shot counter early on, Philadelphia was the first to get on the scoreboard. Halfway through the first, Hayes' wrist shot went over the blocker of Varlamov and under the crossbar to make it 1-0 Flyers. Moments later, a blast by van Riemsdyk went underneath Varlamov's glove en route to the net, doubling the Flyers lead. The Islanders came back with a couple of chances, but Hart denied them. New York would get one back before the period ended though, as Brassard redirected a pass from Devon Toews, finding the back of the Flyers net as a result. The Islanders struck early in the second, as Martin finished off a 3-on-2 to tie the game. The Flyers did challenge the goal, as Cizikas slid into Hart during the play. The goal would stand though, and once again the Flyers found themselves shorthanded due to an unsuccessful challenge. New York capitalized on the man advantage, as Lee snapped a rebound past a sliding Hart to give the Islanders the lead. It took 10 minutes, but the Flyers managed to tie the game. Nicolas Aube-Kubel's long range shot was stopped, but Michael Raffl was in the slot to clean up the rebound. New York put on the pressure, looking to regain the lead. With half-a-minute left in the second, Barzal wrist a shot through the legs of a Flyers defender and over the shoulder of Hart, restoring the Islanders lead. Midway through the third, the game would be tied once again. Giroux sprung Laughton on a breakaway, and the Flyer's forward would deke out Varlamov and lift it over the downed goalie's pad to bring the game back to even. Despite the Islander's effort, no go-ahead goal would happen this time. For the third time in the series, overtime was needed. The extra frame didn't solve anything, as both teams failed to find the winning goal. For the first time this series, second overtime was needed. A scramble in the Islanders crease early on almost resulted in a goal, but Varlamov's pad was in the right place to keep the puck out of the net. Late in the period, a broken stick by Scott Mayfield wound up being the beginning of the end of this game. Hayes pounced on the loose puck and raced into the Islanders zone. He found a trailing Provorov, who released a shot that found it's way past a screened Varlamov and into the Islanders net. Once again an OT win help the Flyers stave off elimination.
 
New York Islanders - 4
Philadelphia Flyers - 0

Philadelphia's momentum almost carried over early in this one, as a tip by Jakub Voracek slid by Greiss but hit the post. Despite that chance, shots were few and far between for a good chunk of the first. It ended up being Mayfield getting things started. The Islanders defenseman revenged his broken stick from last game, wristing a shot past the blocker of Hart and inside the post. About four minutes later, it was another Islanders defenseman's turn. Brassard would find Greene with a cross-ice pass, and the veteran defender had no issue beating a diving Hart to make it 2-0 for New York. Two goals didn't seem like enough for the Islanders though, as a rush by Nelson (saved) and a batted puck by Beauvillier (post) in the second almost gave them a three goal lead. Minutes after those chances, they would get their third goal. Bailey and Nelson's counter attack resulted in them going in on a 2-on-1, with Nelson taking a pass adn beating a sliding Hart. Philadelphia would once again come close to getting on the board, with Hayes and Lindbolm getting chances. However, a combination of Greiss, Ryan Pulock, and Adam Pelech kept those chances out of the net. The other end saw Hart do what he could to keep the Islanders attack at bay. He managed to do that in the third, making a couple key saves to give his team a chance. Philadelphia pulled Hart with seven minutes left, needing something to stay alive. Instead, it was Beauvillier scoring on an empty net. Greiss had relatively light work, stopping 16 shots in the shutout effort. The win was New York's fourth of the series, and the one they needed to move on to the next round.
 
Three Thoughts on the Series
  1. Having a plane fly over the hub city to cheer on the team was a nice touch.
  2. The Islanders just can't let go of their 80's dynasty.
  3. Matt Martin ne parle pas francais.
Picture of the Series
 
It was nice to see Oskar Lindbolm making a return and getting to play a few games after successful cancer treatment.
 
 

Highlight of the Series
 
Give Clutterbuck credit, this was a nice assist on Brassard's goal.
 


Thursday, October 8, 2020

2020 NHL Stanley Cup Series Review: (1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (5) Vancouver Canucks

The top-seeded Vegas Golden Knights faced the Vancouver Canucks, the only western-based team that won a qualifying round. While the favoured Golden Knights were in control for most of the series, they were almost goalied into an upset. The Vegas Golden Knights needed seven games to take the series and move on to the Conference Finals.

Games

Vancouver Canucks - 0
Vegas Golden Knights - 5
 
Despite being the more controlling team early on, it wasn't until midway through the first when the Golden Knights opened the scoring. Jonathan Marchessault was the goalscorer, as he took advantage of Jacob Markstrom overplaying a pass and tucked it inside the post. The Canucks get get some shots afterwards, but none were of consequence to Robin Lehner. A powerplay in the second helped Vegas extend their lead. Shots by both Alex's (Martinez and Tuch) were stopped by Markstrom, but Reilly Smith was there to put in the rebound. The two-goal lead wasn't enough for the Golden Knights though. Midway through the period, Mark Stone would redirect Nate Schmidt's point shot, resulting in the puck beating a screened Markstrom. Alex Tuch would get a goal of his own later in the period, racing past a couple Canucks defenders to get a loose puck and lift it over Markstrom. The other story line of the game was extinguished early in the third, as Antoine Roussel was given a misconduct penalty after jawing with Ryan Reeves (who was making chicken noises at Roussel earlier in the game). Vegas added one more to their score halfway through the third as Max Pacioretty fired a pass from Stone by the shoulder of Markstrom. Lehner stopped 26 saves in his shutout bid, as the 5-0 win put Vegas out in front of the series.
 
Vancouver Canucks - 5
Vegas Golden Knights - 2
 
Vancouver didn't waste time in responding to a dismal performance last game. Just 1:29 into the first, Elias Petterson found an open Tyler Toffoli, who had no issue putting the puck into the Vegas net. Halfway through the period, it was Toffoli doing the dishing, finding Bo Horvat in the slot. The Canucks captain wasted no time in snapping the puck past Lehner. The Golden Knights looked to rebound in the second, and did manage to get one back. Nicolas Roy set one up for Tuch, who proceeded to snap the puck past Markstrom. Despite the sustained pressure and multiple chances, Tuch's goal was the lone one for Vegas in the second. Vancouver would restore the two-goal lead late in the period, as Pettersson got a pass in the slot, deked around Lehner, and slide the puck into the net. It didn't take long for the Canucks to add to their lead in the third, as just 18 seconds in Horvat lifted one over Lehner's pad for his second of the game. A powerplay late in the game helped Vegas get one back, as Pacioretty's one-timer beat a screened Markstrom. It didn't make much, as Tanner Pearson scored an empty netter less than a minute later.
 
Vegas Golden Knights - 3
Vancouver Canucks - 0

Vegas got the scoring started early. First was Tuch, who extended his scoring streak by beating Markstrom on a breakaway. Moments later, an offensive turnover forced by Vegas soon led to Zach Whitecould ending up with the puck, resulting in the Vegas defenseman wristing it past a screened Markstrom to make it 2-0. Tyler Mottw had one of the Canucks better chances midway through the period, blocking a shot and recovering the loose puck on a breakaway. Lehner had other ideas though, stopping the shot with his blocker. Despite the shot advantage, Vancouver was unable to beat Lehner in the first period. Vegas took over the shot counter in the second, but was unable to add to their lead in the middle frame. It wasn't until early in the third when the Golden Knights managed to add another goal. A powerplay opportunity saw Stone get the puck and snipe it over the blocker of Markstrom and into the corner of the net. The Canucks efforts were all for naught, as Lehner stopped 31 shots en route to his second shutout of the series. Vegas' win put them back in the series lead.
 
Vegas Golden Knights - 5
Vancouver Canucks - 3
 
Both teams were back at it the next day, with Vegas looking to extend their series lead. Their chances looked good midway through the first, thanks to Pacioretty's powerplay goal. The Canucks soon responded with a powerplay goal of their own, as  Pettersson sniped one over the glove of Marc-Andre Fleury. Just two minutes later, the Golden Knights were back in the lead. A 3-on-2 saw Chandler Stephenson and Shea Theodore pass between each other, with Chandler taking the one-timer that resulted in the goal. The Canucks got a couple chances later in the period, but it wasn't until early in the second when they re-tied the game. A point shot by Alex Edler deflected off J.T. Miller and Horvat, sliding into the Vegas crease. Horvat was there to poke in the puck, tying the game. Pettersson almost got his second of the game minutes later, but Fleury flashed the glove to take away what looked like a goal. Vancouver kept up the pressure though, and a powerplay moments later was the break they needed. Quinn Hughes started the rush, and Toffoli finished it, snapping the puck over the shoulder of Fleury. Vancouver stayed in the lead until early in the third. Just under three minutes into the third frame, Schmidt blasted a point shot that snuck under the blocker of Markstrom. This was the start of a Vegas rally. About five minutes later, an odd-man rush resulted in Schmidt's pass going off the skate of Pacioretty and into the Vancouver net. Soon after, Pacioretty would be the playmaker, as he found an open William Karlsson by the Vancouver net. Karlsson had no trouble finishing off the play, redirecting the pass past the pad of Markstrom. A late powerplay wasn't enough for Vancouver to amount a comeback, as Vegas held on for a 5-3 win.

Vancouver Canucks - 2
Vegas Golden Knights - 1

Vancouver made a goaltending change before the game, giving Thatcher Demko the start. Demko didn't seem fazed though, and while was challenged too much in the fist, managed to stop every thing that was shot at him. His counterpart, Lehner, has much the same, as both goalies were perfect through one. Vegas did break open the scoring late in the second. Shortly after a powerplay expired, Shea Theodore deked around a couple of Vancouver defenders and lift it over the glove of Demko. The Golden's Knight's lead would lasted all of 24 seconds. Brock Boeser give-and-go with Miller resulted in Boeser redirected the return pass under the blocker of Lehner to tie the game. Boeser also helped the Canucks take the lead early in the third, as his shot was deflected by Pettersson before beating a screened Lehner. While Vegas attempted to tie the game, Demko was determine to not let another one by him. The Canucks goaltender stopped 42 of 43 shots in his NHL playoff debut, helping Vancouver win 2-1 and forcing a Game 6.

Vegas Golden Knights - 0
Vancouver Canucks - 4

Vancouver started out aggressive, and it would pay off minutes into the game. Jake Virtanen scored 2:50 in, beating an unsuspecting Lehner. After the flurry by Vancouver, Vegas would start taking over the shot counter, and control play for most of the second. Demko continued to be in their way though, as the Canucks goalie continued his momentum from the previous game. Just over a minute into the third period, Miller would extend Vancouver's lead. The Canucks forward snapped one past a screened Lehner to make it 2-0. A couple of coincidental minors led to 4-on-4 for a few minutes. The Canucks capitalized on this, as Quinn Hughes' shot from the top of the faceoff circle hit the post and went in, as Lehner was once again screened and unable to stop the shot. The Golden Knights kept up their pressure though, looking to get on the scoreboard. An early goalie pull was unsuccessful though, as Horvat scored on the empty net to add to the Canucks lead. Demko remained perfect to the end, stopping 48 shots for his first playoff shutout. Vancouver's win pushed the series to the limit, as a Game 7 was needed to determined a series winner.
 
Vancouver Canucks - 0
Vegas Golden Knights - 3
 
Game 7 started out as a goaltending duel, as in the goaltender Demko was dueling the offense of the Golden Knights. It wasn't hte Canucks goalie's busiest period of teh series, but he was key stopping all 11 shots the Golden Knights took. Lehner, by contrast, only needed to make two shot in the first 20 minutes. Lehner was busier in the second, stopping  four shots, including robbing Boeser on a 2-on-1 with a glove save. Vegas' conited pressure almost paid off later in the period, as Theodroe's point shot hit a body in the slot and trickled into the crease, only to hit the post. Demko continued to keep his team in the game in the third, making a sliding blocker save on Marchessault early in the period. A powerplay later in the period was what Vegas needed to solved Demko. Just after the ensuing faceoff in the Vacnouver zone, Theodore wrist a shot from the point that found it's way through a couple bodies, hit the post, and bounce into the net. Vancouver pulled Demko early, hoping the extra attacker would help tie the. Between Lehner and post though, that was not to be. Empty netters by Tuch and Paul Stastny put the game away for good. Lehner's had 14 saves in the shutout effort, his third of the series. The win finished the series for Veagas, as they moved on to the next round.
 
Three Thoughts on the Series
  1. *Chicken Noises*
  2. Vancouver's goaltending stole the show for the most part. Markstrom and Demko were a huge reason the Canucks push this series longer than it should have.
  3. #STICKGATE #STICKGATE #STICKGATE
Picture(s) of the Series

Normally I use this space for levity, and I'll do that, but also have a serious note to go here as well. So here are two pictures: one funny and one serious.

The Funny:

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

(Image via Russian Machine Never Breaks, as Alan Walsh deleted the original tweet)


The Serious:
 
It sucks that the NHL also seems to be late to the party on social issues, and the league always seems to put in a disappointing effort addressing them. Credit to the players taking charge this time (especially the players in this series as it seems they drove the effort behind this to follow the NBA players lead). Full player press conference can be watched here.



Highlight of the Series
 
There were some nice gaols during this series, but the glove save by Lehner gets the top spot.



Sunday, October 4, 2020

2020 NHL Stanley Cup Series Review: (2) Colorado Avalanche vs. (3) Dallas Stars

A rematch of two teams from the round robin part of the playoffs, as the Colorado Avalanche had beat the Dallas Stars during that time. This time, roles would reverse. While they did take an early series lead, it took seven games and an overtime for the Dallas Stars to eliminate the Colorado Avalanche and earn a spot in the Conference Finals.

Games 

Dallas Stars - 5
Colorado Avalanche - 3

Goals came quick in this one. Just four minutes in, Jamie Benn fed Tyler Seguin out front, one-timed it past Philip Grubauer to get Dallas out in front. Just over a minute later, a cycle in the Stars zone led to the Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon getting to the top of the circles and wristing one past a screened Anton Khudobin. The tie lasted less than five minutes, as a Blake Comeau blast from the point bounced off the stick of a Colorado defender and into the back of the net. Benn helped set up another goal late in the period, as the Stars forward found Alex Radulov streaking into the slot. Radulov proceeded to slide a backhand through Grubauer to extend the Stars lead. The start of the second didn't look good for the Avalanche. While on the penalty kill, Grubauer kicked out his right pad to make a save, and was not able to recover after that. Pavel Francouz was sent in to replace an injured Grubauer. Colorado managed to get their backup goalie some goal support moments later, as Gabriel Landeskog jammed one past a sliding Khudobin. The Stars responded five minutes later, as a 2-on-1 saw Seguin's initial shot get stopped. Radulov was right there for the rebound though, as the Stars forward put it home to restore Dallas' two-goal lead. Despite a few chances, it wasn't until near the end of the period when Colorado would strike back. A point shot from Samuel Girard was deflected by MacKinnon before entering the back of the Stars net. Colorado's best efforts to tie it was not enough, as they were blanked in the third period. Roope Hintz added an insurance goal midway through the third, snapping it past the glove of Francouz. The 5-3 win gave Dallas the series lead.

Dallas Stars - 5
Colorado Avalanche - 2

Colorado had to make lineup changes for this one, as both Grubauer and Erik Johnson were out due to injuries from Game 1. They did catch a break early one though, as a powerplay helped them take the lead. Mikko Rantanen's saucer pass found MacKinnon, who had no problem one-timing the puck over the shoulder of Khudobin and under the crossbar. Despite dominating on the shot counter (20-8) in the first, that MacKinnon blast remained the lone goal in the period. About nine minutes into the second, it was MacKinnon's turn to assist Rantanen, as the duo connected again on the powerplay to give Colorado a two-goal lead. Penalty trouble by the Avalanche soon after turned the tide of the game. First, it was Joe Pavelski one-timing a cross-ice pass on a 5-on-3 into the Colorado net to break the shutout. 43 seconds later, Radek Faksa whacked in a rebound on the man-advantage to tie the game. The Avalanche did get a 5-on-3 opportunity of their won later in the period, but their chances were not as successful. Late in the period, a passing attempt by Benn would bounce off the stick of an Avalanche player, hit the shoulder of Radulov, float over Francouz, and land in the net. The bounces went Dallas' way on that one, as that sequence of events is what gave them the lead. The Stars managed to add one more before the period was done. Esa Lindell's rush ended when he crashed the crease and jammed the puck past Francouz. A lengthy review was needed, as it was unclear if the puck ever crossed the line. The call in the ice (goal) would stand, as there was no clear shot of the puck not crossing the line. Much like the first game, the Avalanche could not put away their chances in the third period. Jamie Oleksiak added an empty netter with 10 seconds left in the game, as Dallas' win put them up 2-0 in the series.

Colorado Avalanche - 6
Dallas Stars - 4
 
Dallas took the shot advantage early in this game, and their efforts would eventually pay off. Midway through the first period, the Benn-Seguin connection combined once again, as Seguin finished off a pass from Benn to put the Stars in the lead. The Avalanche had a couple chances later in the period, but the score would remain 1-0 after 20 minutes. The scoreboard belonged to Colorado in the second. Nikita Zadorov got things started a minute into the first, as the defenseman's blast from the blue line beat the outstretched glove of Khudobin. Less than four minutes later, a snap shot from Andre Burakovsky from the top of the circle found it's way to the back of the net, giving the Avalanche the lead. Midway through the second period, Cale Maker powered his way to the slot, but his shot was stoped. However, Landeskog skated in and slid in the rebound, extending Colorado's lead. The third period was a period of two-halves. The first belonged to Dallas, as the Stars got a couple goals. Denis Gurianov got the rally started, one-timing a shot past Francouz to bring Dallas to within a goal to tie. Less than five minutes alter, a Blake Comeau blasted a loose puck in to the back of the Colorado net to tie the game. Midway through the period, Benn managed to redirect a point shot from Lindell, resulting in the puck beating a screened Francouz. Dallas' lead lasted less than two minutes. A 2-on-1 with MacKinnon and Rantanen finished as you might suspect, as Rantanen one-timed a pass into the back of the Stars net. About a minute later, Nazem Kardi would get his first goal of the series, as he redirected a point shot from Kevin Connauton past Khudobin. The Avalanche held off the Stars from there, with Pierre-Edouard Bellemare sealing the game with an empty net goal. The win was Colorado's first of the series.

Colorado Avalanche - 4
Dallas Stars - 5
 
Looking to correct what happened late last game, Dallas wanted to get out ahead in this one. While they didn't register a shot unitl six minutes into the first period, they made it count. Faska's shot was stopped, but a bobbled rebound allowed John Klingberg to come in and sweep it into the Colorado net to open the scoring. A powerplay opportunity moments later help the Stars extend their lead. Similar to their first goal, Hintz's shot was blocked, but Faska was there to put home the loose puck. Minutes later, another powerplay lead to another goal for Dallas. This time no rebound was needed, as Radulov's shot was tipped by Benn, causing the puck to go under Francouz's glove and into the net. It wasn't until there was 1:34 left in the period when Colorado registered their first shot on goal. Momentum changed in second period for Colorado, for both shots and goals. Despite numerous chances, it took just over 13 minutes for the Avalanche to find the back of the net, thanks to Valeri Nuchushkin putting in a rebound against his former team. A powerplay late in the period helped Colorado get to within one, as Makar's one-timer had no issue in finding the back of the Dallas net. The Avalanche pressed early in the third, looking for the tying goal. Dallas had other ideas, as a scramble on the powerplay resulted in Hintz out-waiting Colorado's defenders and Francouz, allowing him to snap a shot over the glove of the Colorado netminder. 32 seconds later, a bobbled puck by Maker allowed Gurianov to whack in the loss puck past an out-of-position Francouz. This spelled the end of Francouz's night, as Micheal Hutchinson came in to tend Colorado's net. Nichushkin got his second goal of the game minutes later, as his shot from inside the Dallas blueline hit the stick of a Stars defender and fluttered past an unprepared Khudobin. The comeback attempt would fall short though, as a Vladislav Namestnikov tipped goal with 4 seconds left was all Colorado could muster. Dallas hung on for the 5-4 win, putting them one win away from the next round.
 
Dallas Stars - 3
Colorado Avalanche - 6

Playing the next day brought about goaltending changes for both teams. Hutchinson got the start for the Avalanche, while Dallas deemed regular starter Ben Bishop healthy enough to play. Facing elimination, Colorado came out playing with urgency. Bellemare got things going for the Avalanche, taking a pass from Logan O'Connor and snapping it past Bishop before he could square up to it. Despite a few chances afterwards, it wasn't until after the midway point of the period when Colorado would strike again. Burakovsky pounced on a rebound, putting it past a sliding Bishop to make it 2-0. Less than a minute later, it was MacKinnon's turn to score,as the Avalanche forward one-timed a pass from J.T. Compher into the back of the Stars net. Moments later, it was Kadri's turn to get in on the scoring. A scramble in front of the Dallas net resulted in the puck shooting out to a sneaking Kadri, who had no issue beating the outstretched pad of Bishop. That ended Bishop's night, as Khudobin came on to take over the Dallas net. It wasn't the end of Colorado's scoring though, as Rantanen tipped in a shot from Girard to make it 5-0 for the Avalanche. A 5-on-3 early in the second looked to give Colorado the opportunity to extend an already significant lead. However, Khudobin and the penalty kill of Dallas managed to escaped unscathed. The Stars did find a way to get on the board eight minutes into the period. Pavelski found himself behind the Avalanche defense, and slide the puck through Hutchinson to break his shutout. Both teams would exhange penalties, but it wasn't until one late in the period when one was capitalized on, as Miro Heiskanen wrist a shot through both an Avalanche defender and Hutchinson to give the Stars another goal. Colorado's response was swift though, as 33 seconds later, Burakovsky's one-timer would beat a sliding Khudobin. The third period was all Stars, as Dallas attempted to comeback. Benn did managed to get a goal in the later-half of the period, potting home a rebound to pull the Stars within three. That was as close as they got though, as Colorado held on to the 6-3 scoreline. The win allowed the Avalanche to extend the series.

Colorado Avalanche - 4
Dallas Stars - 1
 
Both goalies were solid for the majority of the first period, as neither was willing to give up a goal despite chances by both teams. The deadlock was finally broken at the 17:35 mark of the first, as Heiskanen's shot bounced off of Hutchinson's glove and into the net. Colorado pressed to tie the game before the end of the period, and managed to do so, as Zadorov's point shot found it's way past Khudobin. While Khudobin was bumped on the play, no challenge was called as a Stars defender caused the interference. Things would slow down in the second, as not as many shots were registered. Despite this, Colorado did manage to find the scoreboard in the middle frame. Maker took a pass form Rantanen and snapped it past the head of Khudobin to give the Avalanche the lead. Early in the third, the familiar duo of MacKinnon and Rantanen would connect. After winning a puck battle, MacKinnon saucer pass went over a Star's defender and right to Rantanen, who one-timed it into the Stars net. Dallas did press afterwards, looking to comeback. Much like last game though, that was not meant to be. MacKinnon added an empty net for insurance, as Colorado won the game 4-1. The win pushed the series the distance, as Game 7 would be needed to decided a winner.
 
Dallas Stars - 5 (OT)
Colorado Avalanche - 4

Both teams would get quick starts in this one. First was Dallas, as Radulov jammed home a rebound on the powerplay to give the Stars the lead. Colorado tied the game just over a minute later, as Namestnikov redirected Ian Cole's point shot past Khudobin. Midway through the period, Burakovsky would snapped one past Khudobin to give the Avalanche the lead. Colorado managed to hold on to hte lead until early in the second. While on a delayed penalty call, a shot from Gurianov would be deflected up and over the glove of Hutchinson by Joel Kiviranta. Colorado wanted a rapid response, and Matt Nieto almost had one thanks to a breakaway chance, but Khudobin would make the save. A powerplay opportunity moments later was the answer Colorado needed, as Kadri poked in a loose puck to restroe the lead for the Avalanche. Kadri looked to have another late in the period, but Khudobin got his glove in the way while falling backwards. It took Dallas the better half of the thrid period to get the game tied once more, as once again Radulov scored on the powerplay (this time by deflecting a shot from Klingberg). The game remained tied until late in the third. Namestnikov would capitalize on a rebound with 3:40 remaining in the period to once again give Colorado the lead. Just 10 seconds later, Kiviranta added to the multi-goal player party, roofing a shot over a sliding Hutchinson and between the posts to tie the game at 4-4. For the first time the series, overtime was needed. The extra frame need just over seven  minutes ot be solved. The hero of the Stars in this game (Kiviranta) would cap off his hat trick when he took a pass from Andrej Sekera in the slot and one-timed it past Hutchinson. The goal gave Dallas the win in both the game and the series, as they advance to the next round.  

Three Thoughts on the Series
  1. Jamie Benn, still not letting his team go down.
  2. Talk about a time you don't want to have to go into your goaltending well. Both teams missed their starters, and Colorado ended up needing their third-string guy for the last part of the series.
  3. Man, MacKinnon had an amazing playoffs. Hard to see him go out (especially on a game that ended his point streak).

Picture of the Series

TWO feet in the crease? Brett Hull would be so proud.


Another weird thing about this play is that the ref seemed to award the goal based on the celebration.
 
Highlight of the Series 

My god what a pass from MacKinnon AND a shot from Rantanen.



Sunday, September 27, 2020

2020 NHL Stanley Cup Series Review: (2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (4) Boston Bruins

It was a battle of Eastern Conference favorites , as the Tampa Bay Lighting and Boston Bruins meet for the third time (each team had won a series against the other). The rubber match was mostly competitive, but not overtly long, as Tampa Bay only needed five games to eliminate Boston and move on to the Conference Finals.

Games
 
Boston Bruins - 3
Tampa Bay Lightning - 2

While the Bruins lead in the the shot counter in the first - which included a few good chances - it wasn't until late in the period when one of those would find the back of the net. A point shot by Brandon Carlo looked to be going wide of the net, but Charlie Coyle got his stick in the way enough to redirect it past Andrei Vasilevskiy. An early powerplay in the second helped Boston extend their lead. David Krejci's cross-ice pass found fellow Czech David Pastrnak, whose one-timer wasted no time in getting into the net. Tampa Bay picked up it's play, as they fought to get on the scoreboard. It looked like they may have had one halfway through the period thanks to Alex Killorn, but the play was called off as Tyler Johnson had knocked the puck down with a high stick, with none of the Bruins touching the puck before Killorn did. Brad Marchand added to Boston's lead early in the third, finishing off a pass from Pastrnak to make it 3-0. Tampa Bay finally broke through midway through the third. Victor Hedman finally got the Lightning on the board, as his shot found it's way through a couple defenders and past Halak. Late in the third Hedman would strike again, as yet again the Lightning defenseman's shot found it's way through a crowd of players (once again hitting Charlie McAvoy) and into the back of the net. That was all Tampa could get for offense though, as Boston held on for the 3-2 win.

Boston Bruins - 3
Tampa Bay Lightning - 4 (OT)

Boston got things going early, thanks to the broken stick of Zach Bogosian. An attempted shot by the Lightning defenseman resulted in his stick snapping, and soon after, Nick Ritchie and Anders Bjork were off on a 2-on-1. Bjork's one-timer missed the net, but Ritchie managed to recover the puck and jam it home under Vasilevskiy's pad. Tampa Bay looked to have tie it up moments later, as Braydon Coburn's point shot was tipped by Barclay Goodrow, bounced off Halak's mask, and into the net. The play was challenged by Boston though for being offside. Replay showed Brayden Point not clearing the zone before Ondrej Palat entered, resulting in the play being offside, and the goal being nullified. Midway through the period, Tampa Bay would get their tying goal, and did it in style. Bogosian danced aournd two Boston defenders and dished it to a streak Blake Coleman, whose dive for the puck result in his stick redirecting it past Halak. It took a while, but Boston managed to regain the lead in the latter-half of the second. A powerplay opportunity saw Pastrnak's pass get deflected by the skates of Marchand into the Tampa Bay net. It took less than a minute for the Lightning to tie ti back up, as Nikita Kucherov tipped a shot from Kevin Shattenkirk past Halak. Tampa Bay would get thier first lead of the series midway through the third, as Coleman was sprung on a breakaway and beat Halak five-hole. While Coleman was leading the way for Tampa Bay, Marchand would do just that for Boston.  The Bruins forward added his second of the game late in the third period, as he helped sustain pressure in the Lighting zone and finished off a tic-tac-toe play. That was it for regulation scoring, as the game needed to be solved in overtime. It would be a short extra period, lasting all of 4:40. Palat pounced on a loose puck and put it past a sliding Halak. The win tied the series at a game a piece.

Tampa Bay Lightning - 7
Boston Bruins - 1

For the first time in the series, it was Tampa Bay who opened the scoring. Having set up on the powerplay, Palat's one-timer went off the stick of Zdeno Chara and into the Boston net. 15 seconds later, Yanne Gourde would cut across the slot and put the puck over a sliding Halak. The Bruins had a gripe against this goal, as a linesman inadvertently set a pick on McAvoy, who was defending Gourde on the play. Tampa Bay extended their lead early in the second. Another powerplay opportunity saw Sergachev blast one from inside the blue line past Halak. Soon after, it was Boston's turn on the powerplay. Marchand used the man advantaged to extend his goalscoring streak, as he scored in the exact same manor as his powerplay goal in Game 2 (this time Torey Krug was the passer). The powerplay kept being advantageous for both teams. About four minutes later, it was Alex Killorn's turn to score on the man advantage. Halak didn't last much longer after that goal, as Dan Vladar came in to make his NHL debut. Despite the lead, Tampa Bay kept their foot on the gas pedal. Later in the period, Point scored on a breakaway, deking out the Bruins rookie goaltender before sliding it into the net. Simultaneous to the goal being scored, Tyler Johnson and Torey Krug had dropped the gloves to go at it. Killorn added one more before the period ended, as he finished off a rebound to extend the Lightnings' lead to five goals. Kucherov would add one more to Tampa Bay's total early in the third, finishing off a pass from Brayden Point. Things got a bit rought halfway through the third, as a hit attempt by Kucherov spurred a reaction from McAvoy. McAvoy would get a penalty for his retaliatory hit, and a misconduct, effectively ending his night. Late in the period, Krejci and Coleman threw a couple of gloves-on punches at each other, ending their night. Krug was sent off seconds later for firing a puck at a linesman after an offside call. The game did eventually end, as the 7-1 blowout gave the Lightning the series lead.

Tampa Bay Lightning - 3
Boston Bruins - 1
 
While the Bruins lead in the shot counter early on, it was the Lightning who got on the board first. Point would stickhandle around Krug and pass to Palat, who snapped over the blocker of Halak and under the crossbar. Chances picked up in the second, but between drives to the net (Bruins) and the post (Lightning), nothing was going in during the first half of the period. About 12-and-a-half minutes in, Palat blasted a one-timer that Halak, while managing to get a piece of with his glove, could not fully stop. Play stopped a minute later, as a blindside hit by Richie propelled Gourde into the boards. The good news was that Gourde managed get up and skate off under his own power. Ritchie was assessed a five minute major for boarding. Tampa Bay managed to get one during those five minutes, as a point shot by Hedman bounced off of a Bruins defender, and lob its way over Halak and into the net. Boston got a couple of powerplay opportunities early in the third, but only managed to capitalize one of them. Jake DeBrusk ended up being the Bruin who snapped it by Vasilevskiy to end the shutout. Outside of a few Lightning chances, the game stayed relatively quiet afterwards. Tampa Bay's third win in a row put them to within a game of advancing.

Boston Bruins - 2
Tampa Bay Lightning - 3 (2OT)

Despite the low shot count by both teams in the first period, the game looked like it would be a goaltending duel, as Halak and Vasilevskiy both made key saves to keep the zeroes on the board. The dual shutouts would ended early in the second period. After a couple of chances to start the period, the Lightning broken through when Shattenkirk's point shot was redirected by Palat through traffic and past Halak.After that goal, momentum shifted in favour of the Bruins. A powerplay midway through the period was the break they needed, as Pastnrak blasted a one-timer from the faceoff dot into the back of the net. Tampa Bay got a few chances later on, but between Halak and the post, the game would remain tied as second period ended. Chacnes were once again exchanged in the third, but it took the better half of the period to  for one of these teams to get a break. The Lightning were once again that team, as a Hedman point shot was redirected by Anthony Circelli and fluttered past Halak's blocker. Getting closer to the end of regulation, the Bruins needed a goal to survive. They managed to do just that, as with 2:33 left in the period, a Zdeno Chara shot attempt ended up finding it's way to Krejci, who had no issue putting it into an open net. For the second time this series, overtime was needed to determine a winner. Keeping with most of the game, Boston had the shot advantage in the first overtime period. Despite this, they could not find a way to end it. A second OT period was needed. This time, it was Tampa Bay getting the shot. Unlike the Bruins, the Lightning made this advantage count. Just over 14 minutes into the period, Hedman's wrist shot found its way through a couple players (including a screened Halak) en route to the back of the net. The goal was what Tampa Bay needed to win and move on to the next round.

Three Thoughts on the Series
  1. Jon Cooper is not a fan of the refs.
  2. I do feel bad for Vladar. Not exactly the circumstances you want to make your NHL debut in, let alone against a team that tends to score at will.
  3. Also feel bad for Charlie McAvoy, he had so many unlucky breaks during this series.

Picture of the Series

I BELIEVE I CAN FLY
I BELIEVE I CAN TOUCH THE SKY

 
Highlight of the Series
 
Zach Bogosian? More like Zach B-ORR-sian with that kind of rush am I right?