First up, Philadelphia vs. NY Rangers.
Sunday morning, I was channel surfing and found this game on an HDTV. Wow, hockey in HD sure is great.
That aside, it was a solid game for the Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist continued to be one of the better goaltenders in the playoffs, allowing two and saving 24, earning the third star for the game.
I'm sure it'll be weird (and adversarial) should the Rangers clinch in Philly.
So obviously, I hope Carcillo nets the game-and-series winning goal.
NY Rangers lead 3-2. Game 6 is Tuesday.
Next, St. Louis vs. Chicago.
Tied after the first period. Second period continued the stalemate.
And then the dynamite exploded in the third period as the Blackhawks crushed the Blues' spirit and resolve, scoring four goals. Captain Jonathan Toews was involved, as was D Duncan Keith.
Also, credit has to go to Andrew Shaw, who whipped a pass to Keith around a diving defenseman that Keith then shot into the goal after he corralled it.
Patrick Sharp scored a funny goal wherein he fell on his arse and slid, getting up before hitting the boards. He then celebrated.
Keith blistered a shot at net that was tipped in by Shaw as well.
Really, the Blackhawks were just masterful in the third, which also happened to be what I saw of this game.
I also have to give credit to Corey Crawford. He saved 35 yesterday, no mean feat, really. He hasn't been at his best in every game, but when he has, like when he shutout St. Louis and yesterday, the Blackhawks win. Obviously, for him to regain his 2013 form is of utmost importance. Especially if Chicago ends up in the Final against Boston again.
Chicago wins the series 4-2. They advance to play Colorado/Minnesota in the second round.
Finally, Anaheim vs. Dallas.
Just when you thought Frederik Andersen had regained his mojo, the Ducks return to Dallas...and Andersen gives up four goals in a mere twelve shots.
Here comes Jonas Hiller to be the savior.
And, well, he saved it.
Okay, that's not entirely accurate. After all, no matter the sport, you have to score to win. Devante Smith-Pelly (who stepped in for previously injured Matt Beleskey, if I'm not mistaken) and Nick Bonino did just that.
And since that was only enough to tie Dallas, Bonino figured, why not? ...and promptly scored again in OT. Less than three minutes into OT, bang! Game over, series over.
How confident can the team be going forward? My guess is...slightly. There is an obvious reservation in net as Andersen has taken steps back in brutal fashion and Hiller who previously stunk it up now seems back to normal. If Hiller is in net and playing well, Anaheim can stand up to damn near anybody. That was proven over and over in the regular season. If he and Andersen are both off at the same time...well, that's where it gets ugly. Or that's where John Gibson steps in. Who knows, at that point?
Anaheim wins the series 4-2. They advance to play San Jose/Los Angeles in the second round.
Later today, the three Game 6's from the previous post! Could be up to three teams heading to the second round.
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