Silver Nuggets: Lehner's first hunt successful; Murray patient with hiring coach
The Binghamton Senators avoided elimination last night with a 5-4 overtime win over the Manchester Monarchs. Manchester still leads the series 3-2, and now has two chances to close out the series at home. Ryan Potulny scored two goals, including the late equaliser, to lift his playoff total to seven goals in just five games. His seven goals lead the AHL playoffs as well as his nine points. Robin Lehner stopped 30 of 34 and earned his first career AHL playoff win. His successful hunt was largely aided by others in his pride (Note: according to Wikipedia, the national animals of Sweden are Lion, Elk and some horse...I choose to go with Lion even if it is not native to Sweden).
In NHL action last night, for the second consecutive night, there was a spectacular comeback. The Washington Capitals, trailing 3-0 in the third period, came back to win 4-3 in double overtime. This was the third time in four games that Washington has tied a game with less than ten minutes left in the third. The Capitals can close out their series Saturday afternoon in Washington. This Capitals team has a lot of heart that you may not have previously seen in the playoffs.
That wasn't the only overtime game of the night, as the Pittsburgh Penguins also took a commanding 3-1 lead in their series after a 3-2 double overtime win in Tampa Bay. James Neal scored the winning goal from a brutal angle on Dwayne Roloson. Roloson did make 50 saves however. Elsewhere, the Detroit Red Wings completed a four game sweep of the Phoenix Coyotes in what may turn out to be the last NHL game in Phoenix. Buffalo and Anaheim evened up their series at 2-2 with wins over Philadelphia and Nashville respectively. Corey Perry now has 8 points in 4 playoff games and leads the NHL playoffs in points. Sorry Mike Fisher fans, I don't see Nashville pulling this out, especially with Bobby Ryan returning.
Here are today's links, as always, brought to you by mangoes, the official fruit of the Silver Nuggets.
General Sens News
- Post-game recap and reaction, including a Robin Lehner interview! If you want to have a laugh, you can read one of the Binghamton fans comments that go from complaining about David Hale, Colin Greening and Erik Condra, to Robin Lehner and then, wait for it...Jason Spezza! (Joy Lindsay)
- Bryan Murray will take his time in hiring a coach. I presume this means until Los Angeles is eliminated so we can hire Terry Murray right? Ha! (Citizen)
- Erik Condra feels the players from Ottawa might be trying to do too much, as an explanation for why they aren't performing as well. (Citizen)
More after the jump.
Playoff News
There are three games tonight in the NHL playoffs:
- 3) Boston Bruins at 6) Montreal Canadiens (7:00 p.m. on CBC, Montreal leads 2-1)
- 8) Chicago Blackhawks at 1) Vancouver Canucks (10:00 p.m. on CBC, Vancouver leads 3-1)
- 2) San Jose Sharks at 7) Los Angeles Kings (10:30 p.m. on TSN, San Jose leads 2-1)
Here are some other links:
- After Bruce Boudreau took a shot at the lack of atmosphere at Madison Square Gardens, the Rangers fans chanted "Can you hear us?". So, so, good. Ha! I love atmosphere! (Yahoo!)
- Chris Kelly has a possible facial fracture. If he can't go, he will likely be replaced by Tyler Seguin, who would make his NHL playoff debut. Jeff Halpern will also likely replace Benoit Pouliot for Montreal. (CBC)