2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Day 6

Oh, look at that!  It's something we've seen a bit of, but hasn't really been dominant so far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  What is it?  Goaltending.

Three of the games last night were shutouts.  It was a much stronger showing in general.

First up, Pittsburgh vs. Columbus.

I do believe the Blue Jackets will rue this day if they don't win the series. They were up 3-1 until the 3rd period when the Penguins blew the game wide open.

Frankly, I'm not sure how a team gets that many goals that quickly, and I watched them all in the highlights specifically for that reason.  It's not like Blue Jackets G Sergei Bobrovsky just decided to let them score.  No, the Penguins got good shots and made 'em count.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but part of wants Columbus to pull the upset.

Pittsburgh leads 2-1.  Game 4 is Wednesday.

Next, Colorado vs. Minnesota.

1-0 Minnesota in OT.  Wow.

So not only did Darcy Kuemper play well, but Semyon Varlamov of the Avalanche was very good too.  I can't really say much against Varlamov; the guy only stopped 45 shots over three periods and OT.

Colorado's offense just didn't put the puck in the net for whatever reason. They were also outshot quite handily.  Seems like an aberration, especially since last game seemed to be the coming out party for Nathan MacKinnon.

I still think the Avalanche will end up taking the series.  But it bears watching, since if Minnesota wins the next one, it'll be tied going back to Denver.

Colorado leads 2-1.  Game 4 is Thursday.

Next, St. Louis vs. Chicago.

It must be nice to get one after two tough losses.  And so far, both teams have won at home.  So that's good.

Corey Crawford finally played well.  That's another good thing.  And their captain Jonathan Toews scored the goal that mattered (the second was an empty-netter with just a few seconds left).

I was surprised to see the game end with a shutout for the Blackhawks. Crawford was not good through the first two games and I wasn't really expecting much different in Game 3.  It was a much-needed performance, not only for him but for the team as well.

St. Louis leads 2-1.  Game 4 is Wednesday.

Finally, Anaheim vs. Dallas.

The Ducks couldn't score and Dallas got a goal in each period.  Not the worst way to go out, by any means, but this was not a pretty one.

Kari Lehtonen was excellent in shutting out a potent Ducks offense.  Also, the Stars proved they can win even when Seguin and Jamie Benn aren't doing all the scoring.

After a couple of close ones, this one just had a bit more distance between the two teams.  It'll bear watching to see if the Stars can continue the play they showed last night.  Of course, I don't think Anaheim will be shutout again.

Anaheim leads 2-1.  Game 4 is Wednesday.

Later on today, Game 4 in Montreal, where the Canadiens have a chance to sweep and move on, plus Game 3 in Detroit, Philly, and LA.