May 9 Recap

Finland Defeats USA at IIHF World Championships

         Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine, expected to be picked #1 and #2 respectively in the 2016 NHL Draft, squared off yesterday in a preliminary round matchup. Though neither of the talented teens scored, Matthews stole the puck from Laine to set up Frank Vatrano for USA’s first goal. Leo Komarov and Mikko Koivu both scored for Finland to help give them a 3-2 win over USA.

Game 7s Galore

         Both the San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues failed to clinch a spot in the conference finals last night. The Dallas Stars held on to beat the Blues and force a game 7. The surprising Predators extended their series against the Sharks to 7 games, winning early in OT. These exciting series will each reach their climax this week. The Blues series will have game 7 in Dallas on Wednesday, while the Predators will play in San Jose on Thursday in a decisive game 7. In addition, if the Capitals beat the Penguins tonight to tie the series at 3, its game 7 will be held on Thursday at Verizon Center.

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. 

Breaking News: Boucher Hired by Senators

         The Ottawa Senators have hired Guy Boucher as their 12th coach in franchise history. Signed to a 3-year contract, Boucher has previously coached SC Bern of the Swiss National League A. He had a 44-29-5 record with the team. He also coached the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2011-2013, going 97-78-20. The coach carousel is quickly slowing down, with only the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames now in need of a head coach. I now think that Bob Hartley will end up in Anaheim, and either Marc Crawford or Randy Carlyle will end up in Calgary.

Pucks & Ponies (May 7 Recap)

         It was quite the super sports Saturday yesterday! Not only were there 3 NHL second round playoff games played, the Kentucky Derby also occurred. Here’s a quick recap of what happened yesterday.

“Nyquist” Wins Kentucky Derby

         The winner of the Kentucky Derby was a horse named Nyquist, a name many hockey fans would recognize. The horse was named after Detroit Red Wings forward Gustav Nyquist, who, like his equestrian counterpart, possesses dazzling speed. Not only was Nyquist the favorite to win the big race, he also had the privilege to drink out of the Stanley Cup, hockey’s holy grail. I’m starting to think that maybe the Stanley Cup has some kind of magic power in it.

Boudreau Hired by Minnesota Wild

         Last week, Bruce Boudreau was the head coach of the Anaheim Ducks. Now, he finds himself in Minnesota coaching the Wild. It’s amazing how much can change in less than a week! It makes a lot of sense why he chose to go to Minnesota. He played 30 games for the Minnesota Fighting Saints in the 1975-76 season, so he has some familiarity with the State of Hockey. I see Minnesota having much success in the near future with him behind the bench. If I were a Minnesota fan, I’d be very happy right now.

Capitals Stave Off Elimination

         In an important game 5, the Washington Capitals showed their true (red) colors. Pushed to the brink by the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Capitals did all the right things to avoid an upset in front of their fans. Holtby stood tall, stopping all but one of the 31 shots thrown at him. Their power play also came through, scoring 2 goals including what turned out to be the game winner. The Penguins, on the other hand, appeared frustrated by the way they played. Their desperation just wasn’t there. The Capitals did have desperation, and it earned them the win and now gives them a chance to come back in the series.

Dallas Sings the Blues

         The St. Louis Blues beat the Dallas Stars in a tight game yesterday to take a 3-2 series lead back to Scottrade Center. The Blues once again have a chance to win a series at home against a very good team. The Stars, however, aren’t done yet. Though outmatched defensively, Dallas has an offence that’s just as good as St. Louis. If given enough opportunities, their sharpshooters will eventually punch through even the toughest defenses.

The Sharks Bite Back

         Yesterday, the Sharks beat the Predators in convincing fashion at SAP Center. The Sharks cruised to a 5-1 win over the formidable Predators, who were coming off of a triple overtime victory. The Sharks, however, smelled blood and Predators became prey. Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, and Patrick Marleau all scored, proving how dangerous they can really be. The Predators can certainly win the next game, but the Sharks have the momentum going back to Nashville.