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? 

2020 NHL Stanley Cup Series Review: (4) St. Louis Blues vs. (5) Vancouver Canucks

The defending champions St. Louis Blues entered the series on a dismal note, as this finished last in the round robin. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks rolled in after eliminating the Minnesota Wild in the qualifying round. Youth would beat out experience though, as the Canucks managed to take the series in six games, becoming the only Canadian team to make it to the second round.

Games

Vancouver Canucks - 5

St. Louis Blues - 2

An early powerplay help the Canucks take an early lead in this one. From the slot, Bo Horvat would one-time a pass past Jordan Binnington and into the Blues net. Despite multiple chances, it wasn't until late in the period when St. Louis managed to tie the game (on a powerplay no less). This time, it was David Perron who had the one-timer that found the back of the net. Both teams got powerplay chances early in the second, but either team managed to find a go-ahead goal on them. Vancouver did get a second powerplay opportunity shortly after their first ended, and made no mistake on it. A scramble saw the loose puck find it's way to Elias Pettersson, who roofed it over Binnington's glove. Just over a minute later, Jaden Schwartz found himself on the breakaway and slipped it through Jacob Markstrom to tie the game. About five-and-a-half minutes into the third, Vancouver would once again take the lead. Troy Stecher's shot found an opening just under Binnington's blocker en route to the net. Minutes later, Horvat deked around a Blues defender before putting it over Binnington's blocker to extend the Canuck's lead. St. Louis' best chance to get back in it came late with the goalie pulled, but Markstrom's second-effort pad kick was enough to stop the bouncing puck form going in. J.T Miller added a powerplay goal to cap off the scoring. Vancouver's 5-2 win gave them the first game of the series.

Vancouver Canucks - 4 (OT)

St. Louis Blues - 3

Both teams got chances early on, but neither could put them away. Same with powerplay chances. While the man advantage didn't work for the Blues, the man disadvantage did for the Canucks. Playing shorthanded, Horvat would take the puck down the ice, dance around a couple of Blues, and tuck it past Binnington to open the scoring. Vancouver found themselves in penalty trouble early in the second, but once again looked to have benefited from it. Coming out of the box, JT Miller was sprung on a breakaway and would deke out Binnington to extend the lead. Celebrations were short-lived though, as an offside challenge by St. Louis was successful, and the goal was called off. The Canucks special teams didn't give up though, as later in the period, Pearson scored on the powerplay to make it 2-0. It got physical late in the period. First, a couple of Zach/ks (Sanford and MacEwen) went at it after some jostling during a faceoff. Moments later, Jay Beagle went after Sammy Blais for a bad hit along the boards. The Blues got an powerplay out of the latter situation, resulting in Ryan O'Reilly wristing a shot past Markstrom. Pettersson restored the two-goal lead for the Canucks in the third, as he batted a rebound into the Blues net. Needing a break, St. Louis would get one four minutes later. Blais manged to intercept a pass in Vancouver's zone, take it in on Markstrom, and lifted a backhand over the Canucks goalie. The Blues pressed late, looking to send the game to overtime. With seven seconds left, they  would do just that, as Alex Pietrangelo's point shot was tipped by Perron, then bounced off the leg of Schwartz and into the back of the net. A review determined Perron did not tip the puck with a high stick, allowing the goal to stand. Overtime looked like it wouldn't last long, as the Blues had a couple good chances early into the extra frame. However, a couple of desperation saves by Markstrom kept the period going. Moments later, a partial breakaway by Horvat ended it, as the Canucks forward beat Binnington five-hole to win the game. The win gave Vancouver a 2-0 series lead.

St. Louis Blues - 3 (OT)

Vancouver Canucks - 2

It was a game of contrast, as a zero-goal first period gave way to an explosion of goals in the second. Vancouver got things going early in the period thanks to a powerplay, as a streaking Miller snapped it past Jake Allen. The Canucks had a few chances afterwards to extend the lead, but afield to do so. Just over eight minutes into the period, a tic-tac-toe play by St. Louis ended in Justin Faulk one-timing a pass into the Vancouver net to tie the game. The Blues would get their first lead of the series late in the period, as Perron took a pass from O'Rielly and snapped it over the shoulder of Markstorm. That lead lasted all of 37 seconds, as Pettersson scored to tie the game. Much like the first period, the third saw both team get some shots, but none finding the back of the net. Overtime was needed for the second game in a row. Chances were exchanged, but neither goalie was willing to give up the winning goal. Just over 15 minutes into the extra frame, Brayden Schenn become the hero St. Louis needed, as he snapped his breakaway attempt over Markstrom's glove to seal the game. The win was the Blues' first of the series.

St. Louis Blues - 3

Vancouver Canucks - 1

 

The first period was more eventful than the previous game's, but it still took a while for goals to happen. A powerplay late in the period help the Blues open the scoring. Pietrangelo's shot would careem off the boards and right to O'Rielly, who put home the puck from a difficult angle. The Canucks were buzzing early in the second, and were rewarded for doing so. Miller tipped Alex Edler's point shot past Allen to tie the game. Six minutes later, O'Rielly added his second of the game.The Blues forward would stickhandle his way into the slot and lift a backhander over Markstrom, restoring the lead for St. Louis.Not satisfied with just a one-goal lead, St. Louis started pouring it on, looking to extend the lead. A two-man advantage late in the period was what they needed, as some quick puck movement resulted in Pietrangelo's pass bouncing off a defender's stick and into the Canucks net. Vancouver could muster much of a comeback after that. St. Louis held on to take the game 3-1, tying the series in the process.

Vancouver Canucks - 4

St. Louis Blues - 3

Vancouver pressed early, looking to regain their series lead. An early powerplay didn't help much though. It wasn't until midway through the first when they broke through, as Tyler Motte took advantage of Pietrangelo breaking his stick. The Canucks forward deked around a stick-less Pietrangelo and beat a sliding Allen to give Vancouver the lead. St. Louis managed to tie the game two minutes later, as Schenn took a pass in the high slot and beat a screened Markstrom. Before the period ended, O'Rielly got the Blues in the lead, as his shot took a few bounced on its way over Markstrom's pad and into the net. The Blues almost had another one early in the second, as a dump-in attempt bounced off the linesman and to the front of the net. Jacob de la Rose's shot would be stopped by Markstrom though, as the Canucks goalie had to change plans from playing the dumped-in puck to making a desperation blocker save. The Blues got the better of Markstrom moments later, as Sanford's shot beat the goaltender's glove to extend St. Louis' lead. Vancouver responded six minutes later, as Miller jammed the puck into the Blues net. Later in the period Jake Virtanen managed to beat Allen from a difficult angle to tie the game. The period didn't end tied though. Just under tow minutes left, Motte stole the puck, raced into the Blues zone, and snapped it past Allen's blocker to give Vancouver the lead for the second time in the game. St. Louis tried to tie the game, and it looked like they may have done it before the end of the third period. Perron's shot was reviewed, and determined the puck had yet to cross the line before time expired. The win was Vancouver's third of the series, putting them one more away from the second round.

 

St. Louis Blues - 2

Vancouver Canucks - 6

 

The Canucks looked to put the series away early. Jay Beagle helped that cause, scoring just under four minutes in to put Vancouver in the lead. Despite the early shot advantage, the single goal was all they mustered. It was still better than the Blues, as they did apply the pressure in the later-half of the period, but came up empty. Things started to fall apart for the Blues in the second. A turnover two minutes into the second resulted in Roussel sneaking one by Binnington. Moments later, Virtanen had a chance ot extend the lead, but his wraparound attmept would be stopped. The Canucks wouldn't be denied for lone though, as seconds later, Stecher finished off a tic-tac-toe play. Not even two minutes later, Brock Boeser's one-timer on the powerplay made it 4-0, and ended Binnington's night. St. Louis did break the shutout in the third, as a point shot from Schwartz found its way though the pads of Markstrom. Vancouver restored the two-goal lead midway through the period, as Motte finished off a 2-on-1 by redirecting the pass into net. Outside of another Schwartz goal late in the third, St. Louis' comeback efforts would fall short. Motte added an empty netter to seal the game. Vancouver's 6-2 win secured them a spot in the second round.

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. Bo Knows Hockey
   
2. It's shocking to see how the Blues season was the reverse of last year (instead of worst to first, they basically went first to worst in the playoffs).
   
3. Best (fake) quote of the series.
   

Picture of the Series

That is veryclose to a goal. Great effort by Markstrom to keep it out.

Highlight of the Series

 

Again...Bo Knows Hockey.

 

 

 

Rick Nash would be proud.

2020 NHL Stanley Cup Series Review: (1) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens

The Philadelphia Flyers finished first in the round robin, getting the chance to face the underdog Montreal Canadiens (who beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in the qualifying round). For a chunk of the series it was a battle of the goalies, as Carey Price and Carter Hart kept their teams in it. The Flyers ended up being too much for the Canadiens though, as they needed six games to finish the series and move onto the second round.

Games

Montreal Canadiens - 1

Philadelphia Flyers - 2

The Flyers had the shot advantage early on, but it wasn't until midway through the first when they finally found that back of the net. A powerplay opportunity led to a, Ivan Provorov point shot, that deflected off Jakub Voracek and past a screened Price. Roles reversed in the second, as it was the Canadiens who piled on the shots. Montreal had a chance to tie ti midway through the second, but a 2-on-0 was short-lived, as Artturi Lehkonen caught an edge and fell down. Philadelphia almost extended their lead later in the period. Scott Laughton's chance on an open net was stopped, as Price got his stick over in time to deflect the puck away from the net (and possibly saved Nick Suzuki's life, as the Montreal forward attempted to play goal in that moment). The Canadiens got a break moments later, as Jonathan Drouin drew a penalty, putting his team on the powerplay. A Shea Weber blast was stopped, but the rebound would find it's way back to him, and he wouldn't miss twice. The tie lasted all of 16 seconds. Travis Sanhiem's point shot would be tipped by Joel Farabee, and while Price made the initial save, Farabee had no issue putting home the rebound. The closest Montreal got to tying the game again come in the late seconds of the third, as Suzuki managed to beat Hart but not the post. Philadelphia's two goals was all they needed, as they take Game 1.

Montreal Canadiens - 5

Philadelphia Flyers - 0

Montreal got some scary news before Game 2, as head coach Claude Julien had a health scare and left the team to go home and recover. Between that and Game 1's lost, the Canadiens came out motivated early in this one. Just over a minute in, Tomas Tatar would bury a rebound to put the Canadiens in the lead. Brendan Gallagher almost extend the lead a minute later, but Hart got over in time to push the shot aside with his blocker. Their efforts would eventually be rewarded, as midway through the first, Jesperi Kotkaniemi put home a rebound to make it 2-0 for Montreal. Philadelphia did get a few chances late in the period, but Price shut the door on them. Tatar started the second like he did the first: with a goal. This time, the Canadiens forward sniped one past the glove of a screened Hart. It got worse for the Flyers from there. Late in the second, a centering pass by Joel Armia would bounce off the skate of a Flyer's player and pass Hart. That spelled the end of Hart's night, as Brian Elliott came on in relief. Kotkaniemi added a powerplay goal in the third, and Price made 30 saves in the shutout effort, as Montreal's 5-0 win tied the series at a game a piece.

Philadelphia Flyers - 1

Montreal Canadiens - 0

 

The Flyers got things going just over five minutes into the game. Claude Giroux's shot would be deflected by Voracek, causing the puck to go up and over Price on it's way into the Canadiens net. Montreal almost tied it midway through the period, as successive shots by Kotkaniemi and Brett Kulak both rang off the post. Those shots summed up the Canadiens chances, as most of the chances they got ended up ringing off the post. The other chances would be stopped by Hart, as the Flyer's goalie rebounded from a disastrous Game 2 by stopping 23 shots in his shutout effort. Voracek's goal was all Philadelphia needed, as the Game 3 win put them back in the series lead.

Philadelphia Flyers - 2

Montreal Canadiens - 0

 

Much like Game 3, Game 4 started off with very few shots. Michael Raffl opened the scoring six minutes in, as he sniped the puck over Price's blocker. Sean Couturier had a chance to extend the lead later in the period, but was tied up and could not redirect the puck into what was an open net. Paul Bryon almost got the Habs first goal, but Provorov got his stick in the way to deflect the puck over the net. Jeff Petry did get a chance to tie the game too, but Hart got enough of the point shot to have it deflect off the post and out of harm's way. Philippe Myers added another for the Flyers late in the second, as his shot bounced off a defender's stick, off Price's pad, and into the net. Hart was once again perfect, stopping 29 shots to extend his shutout streak. Philadelphia's 2-0 win was their third of the series, pushing them closer to the second round.

 

Montreal Canadiens - 5

Philadelphia Flyers - 3

Looking to put the series away, the Flyers had a chance early on with a powerplay. It would be the Canadiens who benefited from it though, as Armia snapped a loose puck past Hart. Kevin Hayes got some of Philadelphia's best chances in the first period, including a shorthanded breakaway, but each time Price was up to the task. The Flyers fortunes changed early in the second, as Kotkaniemi was given a five-and-a-game for boarding Sanhiem. Voracek took full advantage, scoring twice on the five-minute powerplay (both times the puck bounced off Canadiens defenseman Ben Chariot on it's way past Price). Midway through the period, Armia scored his second of the game to tie it. Moments later, on a powerplay, Gallagher batted the puck out of the air and into the Flyers net to put the Canadiens back in the lead. Suzuki looked to have added one later in the period, but a review showed that Drouin was offside, negating the goal. The Flyers did tie it up midway through the third,as a powerplay opportunity led to Farabee redirecting Voracek's pass into the net. It didn't take long for Montreal to restore their lead though, as 22 seconds later, Suzuki took a pass into the slot and slid it past Hart. Phillip Danault added an empty netter, but it's what happened afterward that got attention. Couturier hit Lehkonen after the goal, sparking a scrum. Even the end of the game didn't end peacefully, as there was some pushing and shoving. None of it affected the score though, as the win let Montreal live for another game.

Philadelphia Flyers - 3

Montreal Canadiens - 2

It didn't take long for Philadelphia to take the lead in this one. Just 28 seconds into the game, Provorov's point shot fluttered it's way through a crowd and past Price. Hayes added to the lead five minutes later, as a passing attempt bounced off a Canadiens' stick and through Price. A powerplay halfway through the first helped Montreal get to within one. Armia's initial shot was blocked, but Suzuki got enough of the rebound for the puck to trickle into the Flyers net. Philadelphia restored their two-goal lead in the early part of the second, as Sanhiem's shot took a couple bounces (off Raffl, the post, and Price's leg) en route to the back of the net. Just under two minutes later, Suzuki would one-time a cross-crease pass by Drouin into the Flyers net, again pulling the Canadiens to within one. Montreal pressed on, needing one goal to keep their playoff hopes alive. Hart had other ideas, as he didn't allow anything else by him. Philadelphia hung on for the 3-2 win, giving them their fourth win of the series and a spot in the second round.

Three Many Thoughts on the Series

1. Great to hear that Julien is making a full recovery and will be behind the bench next season. 
   
2. Part of me is disappointed that the Habs won their series against the Penguins (I wanted the shot at Lafreniere). There is no denying though that this team came top play in the bubble.
3. Impressed with the play of Suzuki and Kotkaniemi. The Habs future does look bright.
   
4. Game 2 aside, what the hell happened to Max? Last time I saw a Domi disappear in the playoffs like that it involved a Niedermeyer getting injured.
5. I don't know what's worst: Vigneault complaining about the other team playing thier best players on a powerplay or Vigneault pulling Hart after the goaltender let in a weak goal, just to put him back in when the goal was called off due to an offside.
   
6. Losing a fight to Kotkaniemi (regular season), getting shot in the back by Weber (playoffs), I wouldn't blame Robert Hagg if he was to take games against Montreal off for a while. 
7. Gritty gets knocked down a few notches on the mascot rankings, what a waste of perfectly good syrup. 
   
8. Props to the Philly caption guy.
   
9. Xavier Ouellet is a secret agent for the Flyers, only reason I could come up with why he would keep trying to get Price injured.
   

Picture of the Series

Fisher Price? More like Fishing For Price!

Highlight of the Series

 

THE. SAVE.

 

 (Video via NHL YouTube channel)

 

2020 NHL Stanley Cup Series Review: (3) Dallas Stars vs. (6) Calgary Flames

This was the first meeting between the franchises since 1980-81, when the Stars were located in Minnesota. Dallas came in to the series after an ok round robin, finishing third. Calgary to beat the Winnipeg Jets to qualify. As much as it was a new meeting between the teams, the result was like old times, as the Stars knocked off the Flames in six games to advance to the second round.

Games

Calgary Flames - 3

Dallas Stars - 2

Both teams would get a couple shots each early on, but it wouldn't be until a Flames powerplay when the scoreboard was found. A 3-on-2 rush resulted in some quick passing from Mikeal Backlund, Milan Lucic, and Dillon Dube. Dube was the one who finished it, blasting a one-timer past Anton Khudobin to open the scoring for the Flames. Dube looked to extend the lead later on, but Khudobin stopped his breakaway attempt. Dube had the last laugh though, as late in the period, he drove across the crease and beat Khudobin to make it 2-0. Dallas pressed in the second, looking to get on the board. The Stars eventually got one, as a point shot by Denis Gurianov bounced off a Flames defenseman and into the net. Seconds later, Jamie Benn tied the game with a point shot of his own, as Cam Talbot couldn't handle the bouncing puck. The game remained tied for all of four minutes. Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson would skate the puck into the offensive zone and wrist a shot over Khudobin's blocker to put Calgary back in the lead. Despite a few chances in the third - along with a powerplay late in the game - Dallas was unable to tie the game again. Calgary hung on to take Game 1.

Calgary Flames - 4

Dallas Stars -  5

Dube continued his goal-scoring ways early in this game. Just 19 seconds in, he'd pounce on a loose puck in the slot and chip a backhander over Ben Bishop to put the Flame out in front. IT didn't take long for the Stars to tie it. A scramble in front of the Calgary net resulted in Alex Radulov's pass attempt bouncing off a skate and into the net. Dallas took the lead midway through the period. Radulov hit a streaking Miro Heiskanen with a lead pass, and the Stars defenseman wasted no time snapping the puck past Talbot. Dallas' attack didn't rest with the lead. They would extend the lead early in the second, as Heiskanen's shot from the boards beat an unsuspecting Talbot. Calgary got one back eight minutes later, as Derek Forbort;s point shot beat a screened Bishop. A penalty moments later would set Calgary back though.  Roope Hintz's initial shot was stop, but Corey Perry was there to put home the rebound. Determined to get back in it in the third, it looked like the Flames were on their way to do so. After a flurry of chances off a rush - including a pad stack save by Bishop - Andrew Mangiapane looked to have scored. The review though showed that the Flames forward had kicked the puck into the net. Calgary did get a four-minute powerplay out of it, as Tyler Seguin was called for a double-minor high stick, but they could not capitalize on that opportunity. Dallas would get a powerplay of their own midway through the period, but it didn't go the way they expected. John Klingberg bobbling of a pass allowed Tobias Reider to out-race him for the puck, go in on a breakaway, and snap in a shorthanded goal. Calgary got one more powerplay late in the game, and took advantage of it. A slap pass from Elias Lindholm was redirected by Sam Bennett into the Stars net. As regulation was drawing to a close, Dallas was determined to avoid overtime. Perry found Jamie Oleksiak with a cross-ice pass, and the Star's defenseman made no mistake in firing the puck into the net before Talbot could get over to save it. The remaining 40 seconds would expire, as Dallas won Game 2 to tie the series.

 

Dallas Stars - 0

Calgary Flames - 2

The game was slow to get going shooting-wise, as both teams didn't get many shots in the beginning. Seguin had a couple of good chances for the first half of the period, as two of his shots rang off the post. Both each got a powerplay opportunity during the period, but failed to capitalize on their respective man advantages. Dallas' pressure early in the second resulted in another powerplay opportunity for them. However, it would be the shorthanded Flames that benefited from it. Mikael Backlund managed to steal the puck and muscle his way to the front of the net. Khudobin's attempt to poke the puck away backfired, as the Stars goalie ended up flipping the puck over his pad and behind him, giving the Flames the lead. The closest Dallas can to tying it in the second was on a powerplay near the end of the period. Joe Pavelski found an open John Klingberg on a cross-ice pass, but the Stars defenseman put his one-timer into the side of the net. Dallas continued to press in the third, trying to tie the game. Their effort was for naught though. Calgary extended the lead midway through the third, as a TJ Brodie point shot beat a screened Khudobin. Talbot remained strong in Calgary's net, as he stopped 35 shots in his shutout effort. The Flames take Game 3 to once again take the series lead.

 

Dallas Stars - 5 (OT)

Calgary Flames - 4

The first period was more lively in this one. Despite the increase in shots it did take a bit for the first goal. A Dallas powerplay late in the period resulted in Pavelski chipping the puck past Talbot to give the Stars the lead. Calgary returned the favour early on the second, as Johnny Gaudreau backhanded the puck over a downed Khudobin on the powerplay to tie the game. The game didn't remain tied at 1-1 for long, as Pavelski got his second of the game with a shot that beat Talbot's blocker. A powerplay shortly after helped the Flames tie the game again, as Sam Bennett blasted a shot into the back of the Stars net. Bennett added another one later in the period, popping in a rebound to give Calgary their first lead of the game.  Dallas managed to tie the game before the period ended. On the powerplay, Gurianov one-timer from the faceoff dot beating Talbot glove-side, tying it at 3-3. While both teams' powerplay were working this game, it was the Flames' penalty kill that got them back in the lead. Derek Ryan's pass was redirected by a streaking Reider, and found it's way past Khudobin. The Stars pressed for another tying goal. They looked to have it late in the third, as Jason Dickinson popped in a rebound. However, the Flames challenged it as Perry was in the crease and impeded Talbot's ability to make a save. The challenge was successful, as the goal was called back. That didn't deter Dallas' efforts though. With 11.9 seconds left on the clock, Pavelski completed his hat trick. The Stars forward swept in a rebound to tie the game and send it to overtime. It was reviewed for offside, but the call stood. Andrew Cogliano had the best chance to end overtime early, as he deked his way toward the net, but he could not beat the outstretched arm of Talbot. The game would end just over 16 minutes into the extra frame, as Klingberg's point shot was redirected by Radulov and into the Calgary net. By winning Game 4, Dallas tied the series, making it a best-of-three.

Calgary Flames - 1

Dallas Stars - 2

Dallas pressed early, looking to get an early lead. It wasn't until midway through the period when they finally broke through. A counter attack saw Seguin pass to a streaking Benn, who redirected the puck into the net before running in to it. Calgary did tie it before the period ended, as Backlund's wrist shot beat a screened Khudobin. The Flames did pick up their play a bit in the second, but it was still the Stars who lead the shot counter. Either way, both teams failed to take the lead in the middle frame. That changed earl in the third. From the top of the faceoff circle, Klingberg released a wrist shot that went over the glove of Talbot and into the net. The Flames would change roles, as they out-shot the Stars in the third, looking for a tying goal. It was not to be though, as Khudobin stopped everything that was fired at him. Dallas hung on to win 2-1, putting them a game away from the next round.  

 

Dallas Stars - 7

Calgary Flames - 3

Facing elimination, the Flames were determined to extend the series. Andrew Mangiapane got things started almost four minutes in, as he tipped Brodie's point shot into the back of the Stars net. Two minutes later, Calgary would capitalize on a powerplay. Bennett's shot for the slot would be stopped, but Gaudreau - from behind the goal line - shot the puck into the crease, where it bounced off Khudobin's pad and into the net. Andersson added one a minute later, putting the Flames up 3-0 just six-and-a-half minutes into the game. Dallas caught a break midway through the period, as they were awarded a powerplay. During the man advantage, Heiskanen's one-timer found it;s way past Talbot and into the Flames' net. If the beginning of the first belonged to the Flames, then the early part of the second was all Stars. Just a minute in, Talbot's attempt to clear was picked off by Klingberg. The Stars defenseman dished it to Gurianov, who proceeded to beat a screen Talbot. Moment later, the game was tied, as Esa Lindell's point shot bounced off Pavelski and Gurianov en route to the Calgary net (Gurianov was given credit for the goal). Looking to change the momentum, Calgary pulled Talbot and put David Rittich in net.  It didn't help though, and two minutes later, a powerplay opportunity led to Dallas taking the lead. On the man advantage, Gurianov's one-timer was stopped, but Radek Faksa managed to poke in the rebound. Minutes later, a bobbled save by Rittich would bounce off Pavelski's skate and behind the Flames netminder. Later in the period, Gurianov capped off his hat-trick, as he went in on a 1-on-1 and used the defender as screen to beat Rittich. Calgary did manged to get a couple chances in the second, especially on a powerplay late in the period, but none of them found their way past Khudobin. The Flames kept it up in the third, trying to find a way back into it. Gurianov had other plans, as the Stars forward scored midway though the period, capping off his four-goal performance. That would be the last of the goals, as the 7-3 Stars win pushed them into the next round of the playoffs.

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. I think Dallas had too much time on the powerplay.
   
2. Nothing could sum up the Flames in the second period of Game 6 better than Matt Tkachuk.
   
3. Jamie Benn's team wasn't willing to go down this round.
   

Picture of the Series

 

Khudobin has seen things.

Highlight of the Series

 

There were some nice goals, but this sequence had everything: the two-pad-stack save, the double-minor high sticking penalty,  the golazo, the review to determine the golazo was not good.

2020 NHL Stanley Cup Series Review: (3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) New York Islanders

It was the team vs. the former coach, as the Washington Capitals faced off against the New York Islanders and Barry Trotz, the coach who led them to a Stanley Cup a few years ago. The coach ended up with the bragging rights in the end, as the Islanders surprised the favoured Capitals, winning the series in five games.
 

Games 

 

New York Islanders - 4

Washington Capitals - 2

 

The animosity between these teams started early, and Anders Lee and John Carlson went at it after Lee interfered with Nicklas Backstrom. Moments later, a hit by Dmitri Orlov sparked a scrum, which led to Tom Wilson and Casey Cizikas getting offsetting roughing penalties. The first period didn't end overtly peaceful either, as later in the period Lee and Wilson would fight each other. Scoring-wise, the Capitals had the best chances while on the man advantage in the first, but it wasn't until the second when their powerplay would capitalize. Evgeny Kuznetsov's shot would be blocked, but it bounced off the boards behind the net and right to TJ Oshie, who had no problem finishing it. Oshie got another powerplay goal minutes later, as he poked the puck loose from Semyon Varlamov and into the net. Oshie wasn't just offense either, as later on he would clear the puck from the crease when Brayden Holtby was out of position. The Islanders managed to get one before the end of the period, as Jordon Eberle's shot form the top of the circles beat Holtby. It didn't take long for New York to tie the game in the third, as Lee would bury a rebound 51 seconds into the period. The Islanders special teams came through six minutes later, as some pressure on a penalty kill resulted in Josh Bailey snapped a pass form Brock Nelson into the Capitals net. New York extended their lead midway through the period, as a 3-on-2 was initially stopped, but Bailey was able to coral the rebound and get it to an open Anthony Beauvillier, who redirected the pass into an open net. That was all the Islanders needed, as they hang on to take Game 1 4-2.

New York Islanders - 5

Washington Capitals - 2

 

Alex Ovechkin didn't waste time in getting the Capitals on the board, as the Washington captain powered his way to the front of the net and beat Varlamov with a backhander just 56 seconds into the game. Despite the shot advantage, it wasn't until the second when the Islanders would find the back of the net. Just minutes into the second frame, a powerplay for New York would lead to a Nick Leddy point shot that went through a screened Holtby, off the post, and into the net. About three minutes later, Matt Martin would redirect a pass from Scott Mayfield past Holtby to give the Islanders the lead. Oveckhin manged to tie the game backup shortly after, tipping a Brenden Dillon point shot into the Islanders net for his second of the game. Just 15 seconds later, a solo effort by Brock Nelson led to him scoring on a breakaway to once again put New York back on top. Washington's best chance to tie it up again came midway through the third, as Ovechkin - looking for a hat trick - fired a one-timer into the side of the net. New York would get to extend their lead later in the period, as J-G Pageau's pass attempt deflected off a stick, bounced off Cal Clutterbuck, and into the Washington net. Lee added in empty netter a minute later to seal the game, as the win put the Islanders up 2-0 in the series.

 

Washington Capitals - 1

New York Islanders - 2 (OT)

The Islanders came out firing, but it took a while for their efforts to be rewarded. About 15 minutes into the first, a rush chance resulted in Nelson getting a chance to tip a pass toward the Washington net, but Holtby was there to kick it aside. New York kept up the offensive pressure, and seconds later, a slap pass from Adam Pelech was redirected by Lee and into the Capitals net. Holtby would keep Washington in it, stopping  a couple key chances New York had. The Capitals caught a break in the second, as Evgeny Kuznetsov snapped a shot passed a screened Varlamov on the powerplay to tie the game. It was Varlamov's time to keep his team in it, as the Capitals had a couple chances he had to be sharp for. The shots weren't as plentiful in the third, but both goalies were up to the task of not letting another one by them. The game needed overtime to solve it. The Capitals got the best chance to end it early on, as Jakub Vrana blocked a shot and pounced on the puck to get a breakaway. Varlamov stood tall though, stopping both shots Vrana managed to take. The game ended less than a minute later, as Mathew Barzal also got a breakaway opportunity. Barzal made no mistake on it, deking out Holtby and sliding a backhander into the net. The overtime victory put the Islanders one game away from moving on to the next round.

Washington Capitals - 3

New York Islanders - 2

The Islanders came out wanting to end this series, and it looked good for them early in the first. Just four minutes in, Pageau would score by deflecting Mayfield's point shot. Midway through the period, a give-and-go with Barzal and Leddy resulted in the former flicking the return pass into the Capitals net. Things boiled out later in the period, as Barzal and Garnet Hathaway started a shoving match before everyone got involved in a scrum. Hathaway was called for roughing twice, while Mayfield (who came to the defense of Barzal) received one. New York failed to capitalize on the man advantage, as the period would end with them up 2-0. A penalty-filled start to the second resulted the teams swapping chances. Washington would score during one of the 4-on-4 stretches, as Kuznetsov power across the top of the crease and slid the puck under Varlamov's pad to put the Capitals on the board. Just two minutes later, the Capitals powerplay would connect, as Oveckhin scored on a one-timer from his usual spot to tie the game. Neither team managed to take the lead before the period expired, as the teams headed into the third tied 2-2. Just under four minutes into the third, Washington struck. A back-and-forth in rushes led to Oveckhin going in on the wing, and wristing it past Varlamov to give the Capitals their first lead of the game. This ended up being all Washington needed, as the Capitals took Game 4 to stay alive in the series.

 

New York Islanders - 4

Washington Capitals - 0

 

It took a bit, but New York would get things on the scoreboard going midway through the first, thanks to their powerplay. Nelson's initial shot was stopped, but we would get the rebound and pass it to an open Beauvillier, who wasted no time in getting the puck to hit the back of the net. Washington got a few chances to tie it up, but they weren't overtly dangerous, allowing Varlamov to turn them aside with ease. Lee had a chance to extend the Islanders lead minutes into the second, but John Carlson managed to get his stick in the way to prevent Lee putting it into an empty net. Midway through the period, Beauvillier got his second of the game. The Islander's forward would cut toward the net and lift a backhand shot over Holtby. It didn't end too well for him, as he tumbled over Holtby and was hit by Tom Wilson. Beauvillier was shaken up, but managed to stay in the game. There weren't many chances after, as the low shot counts by both teams would attest to. Washington's best chance to get on the board happened early in the third, as Backstrom got a pass on an 3-on-2 rush and snapped it toward to net, only to see Varlamov's glove get in the way. A pair of empty net goals (courtesy of Leddy and Bailey) was more than enough to put it away, as New York's win put them into the second round.

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. Fire Milbury into the sun. (Side note: I get he's trying to make a joke, and maybe 10 years ago it gets some chuckles and we move on. Now though - outside of the obvious demeaning of women - it's lazy, and that's all Milbury has ever been. Either way, it's well past time he gets off TV).
   
2. I know the attention is on Trotz getting one over his former team, but I wonder if Varlamov has a similar feeling. I get that he hasn't played for the Capitals in almost 10 years, but they did give him up and decided to go with Holtby at the time.
   
3. While their window isn't closed by any means, the age of Washington's core is a concern. It makes the next few years seem like Cup-or-bust for them.
   

Picture of the Series

That must've been one satisfying handshake for Trotz.

 

 

Highlight of the Series

 

Barzal's OT goal was pretty nice. 

2020 NHL Stanley Cup Series Review: (2) Colorado Avalanche vs. (7) Arizona Coyotes

It was a David vs. Goliath match, as the powerhouse Colorado Avalanche faced an Arizona Coyotes team that were dragged to the first round on the back of their goaltending. While a hot goalie can take a team far in the playoffs, sometimes it's just not enough. This was the case here, as Colorado's offense was too much for Arizona to handle. The Avalanche finished the Coyotes off in five games to advance to the second round.

Games

Arizona Coyotes - 0

Colorado Avalanche - 3

Most of this game belonged to the goalies, especially Darcy Kuemper. The Coyotes goalie would keep his team in it for the first two periods, stopping all 17 Avalanche shots he faced in the time frame. Colorado would finally break through in the third. A powerplay opportunity led to a scramble in the slot, which resulted in Nazem Kadri getting enough of the puck so it would trickle past Kuemper and into the back of the net. Colorado's lead would double seconds later, as JT Compher would backhand rebound past a downed Kuemper. The Avalanche would cap off their scoring a minute later, as the big three (Gabriel Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen) connected on a tic-tac-toe play. Arizona failed to muster much of an attack, as Phillipp Grubauer stopped all 14 shots he faced in his shutout effort. The 3-0 win put Colorado ahead in the series.

Arizona Coyotes - 2

Colorado Avalanche - 3

 

The Avalanche didn't take long to get on the scoreboard this game. Minutes into the opening frame, MacKinnon would take a bank-pass off the boards, skate in uncontested, and beat Kuemper glove-side to make it 1-0 Colorado. Arizona wouldn't be as quiet as last game though. Despite a couple of good chances earlier, it wasn't until late in the period when the Coyotes managed to tie the game. Clayton Keller's one-timer would be stopped by Grubauer, but the rebound was poked in by an Avalanche defender trying to clear the puck from the crease. Colorado regained the lead early in the second, as Tyson Jost redirected Cale Maker's point shot passed a screened Kuemper. It didn't take Arizona as long as last time to tie it again. Michael Grabner would race into the Colorado zone to get the loose puck, step in to the slot, and snipe it over Grubauer's glove to make it a 2-2 game. Both teams would exchange chances, but neither goalie would crack. It took until late in the third when a go-ahead goal would be scored. Kadri's shot attempt was blocked, but bounced to an open Andre Burakovsky, who proceeded to one-time the loose puck just past Kuemper's skate and into the net. That was all Colorado needed, as they hung on to win the game 3-2. 

 

Colorado Avalanche - 2

Arizona Coyotes - 4

Arizona would put the pressure on early in this game, and would be reward. About six-and-a-half minutes in, Keller would find Derek Stepan in the slot, who then proceeded to swipe the puck over Pavel Francouz and into the net. It would then be Colorado's turn on the attack, but a combination of Kuemper and the posts reserved Arizona's lead after the first. The Avalanche kept up the pressure in the second, and were rewarded. A shot by Burakovsky would hit a defender's shin pad and bounce past a screened Kuemper to tie the game. The period didn't end tied though. With half-a-minute left in the second, Conor Garlnad found an open Brad Richardson on a cross-ice pass. Richardson's shot found it's way over Francouz's arm and into the net. Arizona hung onto that scoreline for most of the third. It looked like Taylor Hall may have put the game away with an empty net goal with 1:20 to go in the game. The Avalanche did response though, as a pass attempt by Rantanen bounced off a couple of Coyotes defenders on its way into the net. Lawson Crouse would put the game away for good, scoring an empty net goal with five seconds left. The win gave Arizona their first of the series.

Colorado Avalanche - 7

Arizona Coyotes - 1

Not looking to have a repeat of last game, the Avalanche turned on the pressure early. Despite some good chances, it wasn't until later in the period when they found the scoreboard. A turnover in the neutral zone led to a 2-on-1 with Matt Nieto and Matt Calvert. Nieto was the one who finished it off by redirecting the puck with his skate into the net, putting the Avalanche up 1-0. It would become the Kadri Show late in the first, as the Avalanche forward potted a couple of powerplay goals to put his team up by three. The 3-0 lead didn't deter Colorado's attack, as they looked to extend the lead. Joonas Donskoi would do just that midway through the second, finishing off a 2-on-1 with Burakovsky to make it a four-goal lead. A powerplay opportunity moments later helped Arizona get on the board, as Jacob Chychrun's shot from the top of the circle beat Grubauer's blocker to break the shutout. Kuemper's night would finish after the second period, as Antti Raanta was placed in Arizona's net for the third. It didn't help the Coyotes much, as just 19 seconds in, Makar beat a defender and beat Raanta with a backhand shot. Minutes later, Calvert would bang home a loose puck to make it a 6-1 game. Things started getting rough midway through the period, as a boarding call on Crouse led to Christian Fischer and MacKinnon going at it. Crouse was called for boarding while both MacKinnon and Fischer were called for roughing (with Fischer getting a double minor). That extra two minutes was advantageous for the Avalanche, as it led to a Rantanen powerplay goal. That's were the Avalanche offense left things, as they handily beat the Coyotes 7-1.

 

Arizona Coyotes - 1

Colorado Avalanche - 7

Similar themes from last game showed up in this one, such as Arizona's penalty troubles and the deadliness of the Avalanche powerplay. First powerplay goal came about five minutes in, as Kadri finished off a tic-tac-toe play with a one-timer from the slot to put Colorado ahead 1-0. Four minutes later, it was Samuel Girard's turn, as the Avalanche defenseman's shot from the blue line beat a screened Kuemper. Kadri added another goal before the period ended (this time at even strength), as he went in on a breakaway and slide it through Kuemper. Colorado kept up the pressure in the second, but Kuemper did his best to keep Arizona in it....then it was MacKinnon time. Midway through the period, the Avalanche forward added to Colorado's lead with a blast from near the top of the circle. Just under a minute later, MacKinnon would get his second of the game with a similar shot (both in type and location). He topped it off late in the period, with his point shot getting redirected by Nikita Zadorov on it's way into the net. Arizona did manage to get on the board in the third, as Keller redirected a shot past Grubauer. That would be all the offense the Coyotes would muster. Compher added one more late in the third, as for the second game in a row, Colorado won 7-1. That was the fourth of the series for them, as the Avalanche moved on to the second round.

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. Credit to Kuemper for keeping the Coyotes in it for keeping Arizona in it for the first part of the series.
   
2. Nice to see Kadri make the second round. He had a hell of a series.
   
3. On the other side, poor Taylor Hall. Dude can't catch a break.
   

Picture of the Series

This MacKinnon guy is pretty good.

Highlight of the Series

 

Makar ends Goligoski's career, just shows no mercy during a blowout.

 

 

2020 NHL Stanley Cup Series Review: (4) Boston Bruins vs. (5) Carolina Hurricanes

Another series that was a rematch from last year, as the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes meet in the first round this time. While the series lasted longer than last time, the result was much the same. The Boston Bruins eliminated the Carolina Hurricanes in five games and move on to the next round.

Games

Carolina Hurricane - 3

Boston Bruins - 4 (2OT)

It took a while for this game to start, mostly because the Tampa Bay-Columbus game went five overtimes, causing this game to be pushed to the next day. When this game did get going, it did take a while for the opening goal. 13 minutes into the first, a Joel Edmundson blast would find it's way under Tuukka Rask's arm to give the Hurricanes the lead. David Pastrnak tied the game later in the period, taking a cross crease pass from Brad Marchand and shooting it over a sliding Petr Mrazek. The Bruins took the lead in the second, as Charlie Coyle was the benefactor of some controversy. Mrazek looked to have covered the puck, but the puck was jammed loose from his glove and slide to Coyle, who put it into the open net. Carolina challenge was unsuccessful, resulting in them becoming shorthanded. This wasn't exactly a bad thing for them, as Brock McGinn scored shortly after to tie the game. A goal by David Krejci a minute into the third restored Boston's lead. Once again, Carolina would tie it, as midway through the third, Haydn Fleury's point shot would find it's way past a screened Rask. Just like Tampa Bay-Columbus before them, multiple overtimes were needed to solve this one. This one wasn't as long though, as shortly into the second overtime, the Perfection Line connected. Patrice Bergeron ended up beating a sliding Mrazek to end the game and give the Bruins the first game.

 

Carolina Hurricane - 3

Boston Bruins - 2

 

These teams were back at it the next day. A powerplay would help David Krejci would get things started for Boston late in the first, as he wrist one past a screened James Reimer. It wasn't until late in the second when Carolina would tie it up. A Hurricane's powerplay resulted in Teuvo Teravainen beating an unprepared Rask. A minute-and-a-half later, Andrei Svechnikov would finish a tic-tac-toe play to give Carolina the lead. Another somewhat controversial call would go against Carolina minutes later, as Teravainen was called for interference on a play where Torey Krug ended up skating into him. On the powerplay, Marchand would manage to whack home a rebound, seconds before the period expired. Just like last game, both teams headed into the second intermission tied 2-2. Carolina looked to have regained the lead early in the first, as Brady Skjei's shot would take a few bounces before getting kicked in by Rask. It would be waived off for goaltender interference, leading to coach Rod Brind'Amour challenging the call. For the second game in a row, Carolina would lose their challenge. Redemption was to be had though. Midway through the third period, Dougie Hamilton would blast one over Rask's glove to give Carolina the 3-2 lead. That was all the Hurricanes needed, as hey hung on to win the game and tie the series.

Boston Bruins - 3

Carolina Hurricane - 1 

Between this and the last game, it was announced that Rask had left the Bruins to be with his family. This pushed Jaroslav Halak into the starting role. He performed well early in the game, managing to turn aside the storm of Hurricane shots he faced. Carolina did come close to scoring late in the period, a shot managed to trickle by Halak. Halak was able to reach back and cover it before could (did?) cross the goal line. A review could not determine if the puck definitively crossed the line, keeping the no goal call in place.  The game remained at zeroes after one period of play. The start of the second period looked to be the second inning. While Marchand's initial shot was stopped by Mrazek, Coyle would follow up by batting the puck out of the air and into the net for a powerplay goal. Coyle continued to be effective on special teams, as early on in the third, a 2-on-1 saw him sneak a pass though a defender to a streaking Sean Kurlay, who managed to tip the puck over Mrazek to double the Bruins lead. Halak's shutout would end though, surprisingly by his own doing. Attempting to pass the puck from behind his net, Nino Niederreiter would knock it down and backhanded it into the open net. That ended up being the only mistake Halak make. Marchand added an empty netter to seal the game, as the 3-1 win put Boston back in the series lead. Carolina was hurt on more than just the scoreboard in this game, as afterwards it was determined that Svechnikov would not be able to return for the series after suffering an injury during a battle in front of the net with Chara.

Boston Bruins - 4

Carolina Hurricane - 3

This game saw Boston put the pressure on early, with their best chance happening on a Krug one-timer which ended up hitting Reimer instead of the open net. Carolina didn't get a shot until midway through the period, but they made it count. Justin Williams' shot would find it's way through a screen and past Halak's glove to make it 1-0 Hurricanes. Williams would get a chance for a second goal late in the period, but Halak got his toe over to stop the wraparound attempt. The Hurricanes would double there lead in the second, thanks to Jordan Martinook snapping one from the circles, beating Halak clean (just like Williams, it went glove-side). It would all come crashing down for the Hurricanes in the third. Jake DeBrusk would get things tarted for Boston seven minutes in, as he would beat Reimer to a loose puck and swipe it into the net while flying through the air (due to the collision with Reimer). Three minutes later, Connor Clifton's one-timer would finds its way over Reimer's shoulder to tie the game. A timeout by Carolina didn't help kill Boston's momentum. Shortly after, Marchand would score on a breakaway to but the Bruins in the lead for the first time this game. DeBrusk added another one three minutes later - it wasn't as pretty as his first goal, but they count all the same. Much like the first, the Hurricanes took a while to get a shot on goal, but they made it count. With about a minute-and-a-half to go, Teravainen's spinning backhand shot would bounce off Charlie McAvoy's skate and past Halak. It would be a case of too little, too late though, as Carolina failed to find an equalizer. Boston's win put them one win away from advancing to the second round.

 

Carolina Hurricane - 1

Boston Bruins - 2

 

Facing elimination, it would be the Hurrincanses who would strike first. Midway through the first, Fleury' shot would find it s way past a screened Halak, and hit the post before the back of the net.  Jordan Staal had a chance to double Carolina's lead late in the period, as he had an open net to shoot at with Halak out of position. Krejci had other ideas though, as the Bruins forward would block the shot. Chanceswere exchanged early in the second, as Carolina almost had their second of the game, but Zdeno Chara managed to swipe the puck away from the goal line. Seconds later, a just-out-of-the-penalty-box Pastrnak would receive the puck and go in on a breakaway. It didn't end as we would've liked though, as he would lose the control of the puck near the crease, resulting in Mrazek kicking out of harm's way. Boston eventually found their way onto the scoreboard, thanks to a powerplay late in the second. Bergeron's pass into the slot would finds it's way to Krejci, who tapped it into an open net. Boston would get another powerplay with a minute left in the period, which they again took advantage of. With 4 secodns left in the period, Bergeron would retrieve the puck behind the goal line and take a shot. The puck would bounce off Mrazek's skate and into the net. Needing a got to stay alive in the third, Carolina  could not muster much in the way of offense. Boston maintained the 2-1 lead until the end, and would eliminate Carolina for the second year in the row.

 

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. All the critics of Rask for leaving the team can shut up. Family is important and should come first.
   
2. So if I understand correctly, Brind'Amour was fined because he was doing the refs job for them? He's right that it was horseshit.
   
3. I'm no fan of Jack Edwards. I'll admit that as far as homerism goes, he's one of the best at doing it. But this is such a stupid take even by those standards.
   

Picture of the Series

Rod, still The Bod.

Source clip: video on Reddit

Highlight of the Series

 

Jake DeBrusk? You sure that's not Bobby Orr?