Play-offs Open Thread, May 17th
Now that’s what I’m talking about!
When this year’s play-offs got started, I have to admit that I was somewhat ambivalent: the Sens weren’t playing, and with this year’s modified divisional format I felt much less connected to the rest of the league than usual. Sure there were some series that intrigued me, but I figured I wouldn’t get drawn in like in years past. Well, four games in I’m reminded of a deep truth as articulated by the one and only Jon Bois:
why watch overtime playoff hockey when you can simply snort cocaine and ride a motorcycle out of a helicopter
— Jon Bois (@jon_bois) April 17, 2014
Yesterday’s Games:
New York Islanders 4, Pittsburgh Penguins 3 (OT), NYI Lead Series 1-0
It wouldn’t be the month of May without some heroics from Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The feisty former Senator notched a goal and two assists, including one on Kyle Palmieri’s OT winner, to help the Islanders snatch the first game from the Pens. The Pageau-Palimieri-Whalstrom trio were dynamite all afternoon for New York and the Penguins couldn’t quite overcome the absence of Evgeni Malkin. Buckle up, folks this could be a good one!
Full recap and highlights are here.
Minnesota Wild 1, Vegas Golden Knights 0 (OT), MIN Lead Series 1-0
The Golden Knights did everything except score as they peppered the Wild with 42 shots but Cam Talbot stood tall and Joel Eriksson Ek notched the overtime winner off an ugly turnover by Alex Pietrangelo. Do we have an upset in the making?
Full recap and highlights are here.
Tampa Bay Lightning 5, Florida Panthers 4, TBL Lead Series 1-0
Boy howdy, this was an absolute barn burner and one of the best play-off games in recent memory. The Lightning survived a spirited challenge thanks in no small part to Nikita Kucherov’s two goals and an assist. Brayden Point won the game with a beautiful breakaway goal with just over a minute to play. Oh and there was a tonne of bad blood on display already. This series could turn out to be a classic.
Full recap and highlights are here.
Today’s Games:
Boston Bruins @ Washington Capitals, 730PM ET, WSH Lead Series 1-0
Nashville Predators @ Carolina Hurricanes, 8PM ET, Series Tied 0-0
St. Louis Blues @ Colorado Avalanche, 10PM ET Series Tied 0-0