Today's Action: Yesterday's Score: Nashville prevails in OT in a defensive and physical game in Anaheim.
Both teams were rough with each other which means that this will be a long series with many penalties. Penalties were given up on both sides and Anaheim even fought off a 5 on 3 scoring chance by Nashville. Anaheim's inability to follow up on Hampus Lindholm's game tying goal in the third allowed for this game to be anyone's and Nashville took that opportunity to fake John Gibson and get the winning goal past him. Nashville's defense looked great once again and Pekka Rinne was also great tonight. One full month of playoff hockey and we're here in the beginning of the third round! Today's Action: Predictions for this round: Ducks over Predators: You may question this since the Predators took down playoff giants Chicago and St. Louis but hear me out! Anaheim just exorcised their Game 7 demons and their quest for domination is not over yet. They have to pay back Nashville this year after they were stunned in the first round last season and they can do just that IF: Ryan Getzlaf keeps doing what he's doing, offense keeps shooting until the puck goes in (their strategy against red hot Cam Talbot), the injured players return (Bieksa! Eaves! Where art thou?), and they improve their power play while maintaining their penalty kill (they cannot allow P.K. Subban to be the best PK on the ice). Pens over Sens: Sorry, Sens Army. I really enjoy your polite partying after you won against the Rangers, but the Penguins still have a great team. Marc Andre Fleury took down the Capitals' offense in Game 7 and stepped up when his team needed him the most. Offense looks great of course with the best rookie in the playoffs and stars acting like stars. Here's what they have over the Senators: They are experienced and were here last year (and then some!). They also have the best player in the league as captain (no offense to Erik Karlsson, who is also amazing) who can lead everyone in any game situation, which is major since overtime is a big possibility. They have pretty much most of the team that went all the way last season so what's stopping them from doing it again? They could face great obstacles but I think they can prevail. Enjoy today's sweet beginning! Here we go!
Last Games of Round 2: Yesterday was emotional as we said goodbye to two legends, Alex Ovechkin and Connor McDavid. Ovi was close to finally getting past the second round this year and maybe he can do it next year because there is still hope. McDavid has so many years ahead of him and he can lead his young, fast team back into the playoffs next year because of how much they proved themselves this season. They were big exits but they will return in the future. See you at the Conference Round on Friday when the Ducks take on the Predators! And then join us on Saturday when we see the Sens vs. the Pens! Predictions are coming in soon for Round Three!
Today's Action: Today is the finalé of the second round as two teams will be eliminated today. Both Penguins and Ducks got caught up in the mess and found themselves here today after dropping the crucial Game 6. They have the chance of redemption while the Capitals and Oilers have the chance of upsetting them. We have not seen the Capitals in the third round since 1998 when they went to the Stanley Cup. Will the 19 year wait be over with the Great 8 as captain and Mr. Game 7 also on the team? Yesterday's Score: And the Senators will make Canada proud as they reach the Conference Final for the first time in 10 years! Last time they did this was when they went to the Stanley Cup in 2007 and they are closer to going back this year with their amazing captain and great offence. Farewell to New York and best of luck in their offseason!
Today's Action: The Senators have chance to clinch their way to the Eastern Conference Final but the Rangers could do what two other teams did: spoil the party and force it to 7 games. Yesterday's Score: Whoa. Capitals come back and give the Penguins a good series. See you in Washington for Game 7!
Today's Action: Yesterday's Action: Yesterday we said goodbye to the Blues and also to the poor Ducks' dignity. Only one of those has a chance of returning in a few days but one is actually gone now.
While one team suffers in silence, the other celebrates loudly. Nashville is going to the Western Conference Final for the first time in franchise history! This victory is massive for elite goaltender Pekka Rinne who was missing that on his impressive resumé. Best of luck to the Predators as they find out their opponent on Wednesday. Today's Action: Two teams can end it today, but there's a difference: one team can do it at home with a great crowd behind them while the other has to fight through a crowd that's against them. Both hockey towns that host tomorrow's games are some of the most passionate to play in (even though Nashville has a lot to do before they can join Edmonton's level of fandom) which will be difficult for both road teams but anything can happen. Yesterday's Scores: Sens come back and take the lead after slipping in the past two games.
Today's Action: Yesterday's Scores: Blues remain alive and avoid being the first to be eliminated! They return to Smashville soon as the saga continues... Wow. This game was historic and I am sorry for those who could not witness it. Edmonton's 3-0 lead was diminished to a tie during the closing three minutes of the game. Overtime was a battle between the two and neither could get it in the net because both goaltenders are playing their best hockey ever. Cam Talbot faced over 60 shots last night and played an amazing game but his team did not win it for him with John Gibson and the defense playing better. Game 6 will be interesting to see if momentum exists for Anaheim or if an appropriate response comes from Edmonton.
Today's Action: The Preds can close it out tonight while it's anyone's game in the Pacific tonight. There will definitely be good hockey on this lovely Cinco de Mayo! Yesterday's Scores: Rangers don't even want to give up in this series because that is not a viable option. I wonder who will respond in the next game...
Today's Action: May the Fourth be with one of the teams today. Say it with me, "I am with the Fourth, the Fourth is with me" and repeat it for your team to win.
|
ThoughtOne century of this game and League is a wonderful milestone to celebrate. Let's hope to do this in the next century! Archives
October 2017
Categories
All
|