NHL News (May 9)

Lightning Advance to Conference Final

         Despite the absences of Anton Stralman and Steven Stamkos, two key players, the Tampa Bay Lightning have rolled through the first 2 rounds of the playoffs. They eliminated the New York Islanders 4-0 in game 5 yesterday to reach the eastern conference finals for the 2^nd straight season. Head coach Jon Cooper says Stralman could return at the beginning of the 3^rd round. Stamkos, however, could be out for another 2 months. Already contenders, the Lightning could look really dangerous once they get Stralman back.

Western Conference Action

         Tonight there are 2 elimination games in the west. Both the St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks have a chance to advance to the conference finals tonight. If the Blues advance, it will be their first time in the conference finals since 2001. If the Sharks advance, they will be in the conference finals for the first time since 2011. Their opponents, however, have also played well. If the Sharks lose to the Predators, and/or if the Blues lose to the Stars, one or both series will have a game 7. This would change the complexion of the series massively. Regardless of what happens tonight, there’s sure to be some thrilling action.

Murray to Start for Pittsburgh

         Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan has confirmed that rookie goaltender Matt Murray will start game 6 on Tuesday. After losing game 5 to the Capitals, there were some questions in Pittsburgh of who would start in goal next game. Marc-Andre Fleury, who has been out with a concussion since March 31, was recently cleared to play again. However, because Murray has played so well of late, I feel they made a good choice to keep riding on the success of the hot goalie.