2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Day 25

Day 25 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs was all about defense and goaltending.

Sure, there was scoring.  You have to score to win, obviously.  But the results of the two games depended heavily on the work the goaltenders and defensemen put in their zone.

First, Montreal vs. Boston.

Tuukka Rask followed up his shutout in Game 4 by allowing only two goals in Game 5.  A solid effort; 29 saves by Rask earned him the second star for the night.

Predictably, Carey Price was not as good after giving up one goal in OT of Game 4.

The Bruins might have the lead now, but I'm not sure it's a safe one.  After all, they have to go back to Montreal.  Rask's struggles with the Canadiens appear to be over, but we never know when they could crop up again.

That said, it looks like he's turned a corner with his play against them.  Two strong efforts led to wins and Rask continues to cement his status as one of the great goaltenders in the game.

Also, the Bruins had better production on the power play, with two goals :32 apart.  Reilly Smith and Iginla scored in the second period to take over the game.

Boston leads 3-2.  Game 6 is Monday.

Last, Anaheim vs. Los Angeles.

I find it funny that the home teams in this series are 0-for-4 thus far.

But when Anaheim dropped the first two at home, I thought they might be in trouble.  Then Frederik Andersen went down with injury, leaving the net to Jonas Hiller, who finished the season badly and hasn't been relied upon heavily in the playoffs.

John Gibson came up from the AHL to start for the Ducks last night, and by all indications played about as well as could be expected.  Or maybe he just smashed all expectations.

Another funny bit of business about last night's game: Anaheim had three shots on goal in the second and third periods, combined.  So the Kings were controlling possession and peppering the Ducks' net with shots.

And it was all for naught as Gibson got the shutout and the win.

In the first period, Anaheim's top two forwards Perry and Getzlaf were heavily involved.  Perry assisted on both goals while Getzlaf had a goal and an assist. These two just make things happen no matter what and when Anaheim wins it's usually because they've played a huge part in it.

The series is tied 2-2.  Game 5 is Monday.

Later today, Game 6 in NYC and Game 5 in Chicago.  Not too long now!