Day 17 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs: two more series started, both teams I wanted to win did so.
First, NY Rangers vs. Pittsburgh.
In a battle of teams that appear to be evenly matched (at least, that's what I read online), it took overtime to decide Game 1.
Apparently, this is going to be a long one. Probably all seven.
Of course, this presupposes that Fleury doesn't revert to (playoff) form.
Personally, I'd take Lundqvist every day and twice on Sunday. But that's just me (and probably thousands of other people, but who's counting really).
Two in regulation each. And of course, the OT winner. But as usual, I can't dole out too much blame for it; I've already espoused my view and will just leave it at that.
I will be surprised if the Pens pull it out. Not overly surprised, but mildly surprised. Even considering the Rangers' tendency to play inconsistently (half the reason their series with Philly went seven), the goaltending situation for Pittsburgh plus Lundqvist leads me to think they pull it out. It'll probably take six for no good reason.
NY Rangers lead 1-0. Game 2 is Sunday.
Lastly, Minnesota vs. Chicago.
Without St. Louis and Colorado in the mix, I'm left with hoping for a Chicago/Anaheim conference final in the West.
I guess that's not bad. And the Blackhawks are off to a good start.
With Darcy Kuemper not in goal and Josh Harding doubtful to play in this series (so saith the internet once again), Minnesota is "stuck" with Bryzgalov, who apparently is working on his Fleury impression.
It's funny, because Bryz was really quite good in Minnesota in the regular season, although it was one of those dreaded "small sample size" deals. He got pulled in the first round but ended up finishing Game 7 and getting the win for good measure.
Last night, he gave up four (the fifth was an empty-netter). Obviously, this is not the way to go to attain job security. Then again, I read that he was considering retirement anyway.
It's funny the connections one can make, especially in a sleep-deprived state.
At any rate, the Blackhawks are off and running. Bickell and Kane are looking like world-beaters, and Corey Crawford held the other team to merely two goals. If he continues to do that and they keep scoring, Chicago winning in a sweep is hardly unlikely. Five at most.
Chicago leads 1-0. Game 2 is Sunday.
Later today, Game 2 in Boston and Game 1 in Anaheim. I'm excited; you should be too.
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