A Day in the NHL; Chase for the Cup: Mike Smith Steals the Show; Rangers and Sens to Game 7
By Editorial Staff
The Night that Was:
The New York Rangers entered last night down 3-2 in their series with the Ottawa Senators and were on the brink of elimination. It didn’t help the Rangers’ cause for staying alive that Chris Neil scored his second of the series just 7:05 into the first on a power play to give the Sens the 1-0 lead. The Rangers could muster just seven shots on Craig Anderson that period, as the Game Five hero continued to stand tall, but the Rangers finally got to him in the second. Derek Stepan scored his first of the series 8:55 in to tie the game, and then Brad Richards (2) and Chris Kreider (his first NHL goal) scored in the final three minutes to give the Rangers a 3-1 lead. They would shut down the Sens in the second, outside of a late scramble and goal from Jason Spezza (3) at 19:21. That goal provided a bit of controversy, as it looked like the top of Chris Neil’s skate caught the top of the puck in a kicking motion to direct it in, and Henrik Lundqvist was interfered with on the play. Despite Lundqvist’s irate protesting, the goal stood, and the Rangers held on for a 3-2 win. Derek Stepan finished the night with three points (1g/2a) and Brad Richards added a goal and an assist.
New York 3 vs Ottawa 2 – Series tied 3-3
Last night the Phoenix Coyotes had a chance to eliminate the Chicago Blackhawks….and it was Mike Smith doing all of the work. The Blackhawks outshot Phoenix 16-2 in the first period, but Smith stopped them all. Then the ‘Hawks outshot them 12-6 in the second, and with Smith stopping them all, Oliver Ekman-Larsson helped him out by scoring his first career playoff goal and giving the ‘Yotes the lead. Phoenix would wake up in the 3rd, outshooting Chicago 12-11 and scoring three goals (Gilbert Brule, Antoine Vermette, and Kyle Chipchura), as Mike Smith stopped 39 shots in total for his first career playoff shutout. Ekman-Larsson, Chipchura, and Brule all finished with multiple point efforts as Phoenix eliminated Chicago.
Coyotes 4 vs Chicago 0 F – Coyotes win series 4-2
What’s on Tonight?
The Florida Panthers put their 3-2 series lead on the line against the New Jersey Devils tonight as they look to punch their ticket to the second round. The Panthers have scored at least three goals in all of their wins, but have just two goals total in both losses. The two teams have alternated wins the last two games, both of them coming by shutout.
The Injury Bug:
-Joe Corvo missed Game Six against the Washington Capitals, but Claude Julien expects the Bruins’ defenseman to be ready for Game 7. He’s considered ‘day-to-day’ officially.
-Both Jason Garrison and Keaton Ellerby are listed as doubtful for Game 6. Both of them missed Game 5, while Garrison missed Game 4 as well.
-Jaroslav Halak will not be available for the Blues’ first two games against the Los Angeles Kings. He suffered a lower-body injury in the first round against San Jose.
News and Notes
-Jim Nill had talks with the Montreal Canadiens about their available GM position, but he has removed his name from the list of possible candidates. Nill said “it’s not the right time” and he will remain with the Detroit Red Wings.
-Your Masterton Trophy finalists are Toronto’s Joffrey Lupul, Montreal’s Max Pacioretty, and Ottawa’s Daniel Alfredsson.
Playoff 3-Stars
1. Mike Smith, PHX: 39 saves, SO, W
2. Derek Stepan, NYR: 1G, 2A, 2 power play points
3. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, PHX: 1G, 1A, GWG, 26:50 TOI