Last night was pretty interesting, I got to see most of the games, missed the Ducks-Predators game which was easily, by far, the most intriguing game of the night. But below I've got the analysis on all the games from last night.
#5 Tampa Bay Lightning vs #4 Pittsburgh Penguins (5-1)
The Lightning came out and kicked the Pens in the mouth. Not all the goals can be blamed on Fleury, but a good majority of them can be, he had poor rebound control and went down to the Butterfly early and got lit up for it. The Bolts have figured out how to score against Fleury and scored on the power play. The Pens defense looked terrible last night as the Lightning kept getting odd-man breaks the entire night. They'll need to fix this for Game 3 in Tampa.
#8 New York Rangers vs #1 Washington Capitals (0-2)
The Rangers got shut down after the 1st period. The pumped 22 SOG in total, 9 after the first period and they had 21 shots blocked which really shut them down. The Caps had 18 SOG, but had 15 blocked. Also, the Caps went 1-for-3 on the PP while holding the Rangers without a goal in this game. Michal Neuvirth was on top of his game and showed it tonight. If he continues to play like this, and the defense continues to play like they have, the Capitals are going to be very difficult to beat in the playoffs. Maybe the Rangers can figure out a way to win back home for game 3.
#8 Chicago Blackhawks vs #1 Vancouver Canucks (3-4)
Looks like the Blackhawks figured out how to score... now if they can only figure out how to shut down the Sedin twins. 3 of Vancouver's 4 goals involved a Sedin and they are going to continue to get on the scoreboard until the Hawks figure out how to tighten their defense in general, they are leaving Corey Crawford out to dry. Perhaps the Blackhawks can regain some momentum when they get back home for Game 3.
#5 Nashville Predators vs #4 Anaheim Ducks (3-5)
For one night, Rinne looked mortal... for one night, the Ducks' top four forwards got on the scoreboard. (Perry, Getzlaf, Ryan, and Selanne all scored) The lesson from last night to be learned by both teams? Stay out of the penalty box! The Ducks went 2-for-6 on the PP with both goals in the first period while the Preds went 2-for-5. 13 penalties in this game and as a result, both PKs got lit up. Whoever wins this series is going to win on special teams. Right now, it's a toss-up!
Looking forward to today....
#6 Phoenix Coyotes vs #3 Detroit Red Wings (NBC)
The Red Wings are up 1-0, but look for Bryzgalov to come back with a strong game today, along with his defense. Zetterberg will not suit up for game 2, so the Red Wings will have to manage without him.
#7 Buffalo Sabres vs #2 Philadelphia Flyers (No national broadcast)
Pronger is still on the shelf, so as a result, the Flyers will once again go without him. The Sabres will need to create a lot more scoring chances than last game to win and the Sabres will need Ryan Miller to stand on his head once again. Expect a physical and low-scoring game
#6 Montreal Canadiens vs #3 Boston Bruins (VERSUS)
The biggest story is that Chara was hospitalized with dehydration last night and we don't know if he'll play tonight. The Bruins will be looking to get on the scoreboard against the Habs while limiting the mistakes that cost them last game, mainly against Brian Gionta. They'll need to shut him down to prevent a repeat from Game 1.
#7 Los Angeles Kings vs #2 San Jose Sharks (VERSUS)
The Sharks won't have Ian White, the Kings won't have Jarrett Stoll. This could get interesting after the OT game 1 which ended with Joe Pavelski beating Jonathan Quick. I wouldn't be surprised to see fights early and often. If the Kings want to win, they'll have to actively forecheck and go after the Sharks' puckhandlers. For the Sharks, more of the same from last game, keep creating opportunities to score and make Jonathan Quick play the game of his life.
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