My Thoughts (May 11)

Penguins Eliminate Capitals

         Last night in game 6, the Pittsburgh Penguins managed to eliminate the Washington Capitals from the second round of the playoffs in dramatic fashion. It took an overtime goal from Nick Bonino to finally end the exciting and closely contested series. The Penguins got off to a quick start when Phil Kessel blasted a puck shortside past Holtby at 5:41 to make it 1-0. Though the rest of the period was uneventful, the Penguins carried a majority of the play.

         At 6:25 of the 2^nd period, Brooks Orpik was sent to the box for a double minor high-sticking penalty against Patric Hornqvist that drew blood. It didn’t take long for the Penguins to go to work. Phil Kessel walked all the way to the goal and slid the puck around the outstretched Braden Holtby to make it 2-0 at 7:05. The Penguins would quickly strike again at 7:38, when Carl Hagelin deflected an Olli Maatta shot into the goal to make it 3-0. The Capitals finally got the spark they needed when TJ Oshie scored a power play goal at 18:30 to make it 3-1.

         While the Penguins may have dominated the first 2 periods, the Capitals were quickly building up momentum at the beginning of the 3^rd. Justin Williams shot a puck high past Murray’s glove to make it 3-2 at 7:23. The Capitals just kept coming for the remainder of regulation. Pittsburgh shot the puck over the glass for 3 straight delay of game penalties midway through the period. At 13:01, John Carlson finally capitalized on the 5 on 3 to tie the game.

         Forcing overtime, the Capitals gave themselves a chance to even the series and force a 7^th game. Despite their efforts, Nick Bonino ended their season when he scored off a rebound at 6:32 of overtime. It was an exciting, intense, and hard fought series between 2 very good teams that did not disappoint. The Penguins will now face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the conference finals for a chance to make the finals for the first time since their Stanley Cup championship in 2009.

Blues vs. Stars Game 7 Preview

         Tonight is game 7 of the exciting series between the St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars. Facing elimination in game 6, Dallas came out flying to beat the Blues 3-2, forcing a game 7 at American Airlines Center. The series has featured a lot of offence from both sides with sharpshooters such as Vladimir Tarasenko and Jason Spezza among others.

         Entering game 7, there are some questions regarding lineup decisions. Blues goaltender Brian Elliot was pulled after allowing 3 goals on 7 shots in game 6. Head coach Ken Hitchcock must make the decision of who will start in goal for game 7. Many expect Brian Elliot to start again tonight. While there may have previously been some uncertainty with Dallas’s goalie situation, game 6 made it clear who the starter will be for game 7. Kari Lehtonen played exceptionally well, making 35 saves to preserve the 3-2 win in St. Louis. Lastly, Dallas Stars head coach Lindy Ruff has said that Tyler Seguin will not be available for game 7. While this may present some challenges, the team seems to be getting by pretty well without him thus far.

         The coaches know each other well. They faced off in the 1999 Stanley Cup Final between the Dallas Stars and Buffalo Sabres. Hitchcock coached Dallas while Ruff coached Buffalo. Hitchcock and the Stars were victorious, winning the cup in triple overtime in game 6 off of Brett Hull’s famous and highly controversial goal. Anything can happen in this game 7, so I don’t know what to expect. What I do expect is to see some exciting hockey.