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. 

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.

 

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.

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.