Three more games to talk about as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue!
No shutouts tonight, but the goaltending was solid in general. Aside from San Jose vs. Los Angeles, there weren't a lot of goals getting through.
First up, Boston vs. Detroit.
It looks like Tuukka Rask is mortal after all, as he gave up two goals last night against the Red Wings. Of course, given how great he's been so far, that's like another guy giving up four. To his credit, Detroit goaltender Jonas Gustavsson made the best of an awkward situation having to sub in for regular goalie Jimmy Howard at the last minute.
And for the first two periods, it looked like Detroit was poised for the upset.
But the Bruins scored in the third to even it up and then got the winner in OT off of Jarome Iginla's deflection.
Boston leads, 3-1. Game 5 is Saturday.
Next, Colorado vs. Minnesota.
I was going to focus on the Avalanche getting slowed down in Minnesota again, and then I looked at the shots on goal for both teams. Minnesota had 32, while Colorado had a measly 12.
Twelve!
I'm not sure what happened with Darcy Kuemper, but he took over for Bryzgalov and run with it.
The Av's didn't do much of anything in Minnesota; they had one goal on 12 shots last night, and while Semyon Varlamov has been great so far, he can't stop everything.
Hopefully with the series shifting back to Denver the Avalanche will find their home-ice advantage. They were speedy and quick, utilizing precision passing and shooting to get a 2-0 series lead. Those things seemed to evaporate once they got out of the Mile High City.
The series is tied 2-2. Game 5 is Saturday.
Finally, San Jose vs. Los Angeles.
Looks like the Kings have some fight in 'em after all.
They put up five on Antti Niemi, who to be honest has not been that great in the playoffs, plus an empty-netter. Niemi was pulled for Alex Stalock, who saved all five shots he faced.
Now is really not the time for Niemi to be backsliding. They missed a chance to sweep but can get the series concluded in their own building. It's not the worst thing that could have happened, but giving the Kings hope is not a good idea either.
San Jose leads 3-1. Game 5 is Saturday.
Later today, Game 4 in Philly, plus Game 5 in St. Louis and Anaheim.
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