Stanley Cup Playoffs, day three: A goaltending grab bag
While I won't be around for the early games (maybe the start), I might be home in time for the late games. So if you want to spend your Friday nights chatting online about random hockey games well after midnight, I might accommodate you. Otherwise, you can talk among yourselves. It's not quite the same without me, I know, but try anyway!
Anyway, tonight's Silver Seven Game of the Night (once again brought to you by Booster Juice, the official smoothie supplier of Silver Seven Sens) features the New York Rangers visiting the Washington Capitals. For the record, Peter agrees with this choice!
Game One between these two clubs was an exciting game with plenty of chances for Washington and plenty of quality saves from Henrik Lundqvist. With a win, Washington can take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. However, should the Rangers prevail, they will no longer need to win on the road in this series.
Washington while loaded with offensive talent, only finished 19th in the NHL in the regular season in goals per game. However, their defensive play was solid, ranking 4th in the NHL in goals allowed per game. The Rangers on the other hand ranked 16th in goals per game and 6th in goals allowed. The teams had very similar numbers in terms of goals scored and goals allowed, but Washington finished 14 points ahead of New York. Expect the games to continue to be close. Of course now that I say that, it will be a blowout.
The Binghamton Senators also play tonight. They trail their best of seven series 1-0. All the action can be followed on Team 1200.
Tonight's games
8) New York at 1) Washington
Goalies: Henrik Lundqvist (New York) versus Michal Neuvirth (Washington)
Points leader: Brandon Dubinsky with 54 (New York), Alexander Ovechkin with 85, (Washington)
Power play: New York (16.9%, 18th), Washington (17.5%, 16th)
Penalty kill: New York (83.7%, 10th), Washington (85.6%, 2nd)
5) Tampa Bay at 4) Pittsburgh
Goalies: Dwayne Roloson (Tampa Bay) versus Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh)
8) Chicago at 1) Vancouver
Goalies: Corey Crawford (Chicago) versus Robert Luongo (Vancouver)
5) Nashville at 4) Anaheim
Goalies: Pekka Rinne (Nashville) versus Ray Emery (Anaheim)
