Through three weeks of playoff hockey, we have seen a lot of great games and action.
Eastern Conference:
#1 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens: Flyers lead series 2-1
The Flyers and Canadiens have played three great games so far with Games 1 and 3 being very close. This is a battle between two great goalies in young star Carter Hart for the Flyers and arguably the best goalie in the league Carey Price for the Canadiens. The Flyers won Game 1 by a score of 2-1. The Canadiens won Game 2 by a whopping score of 5-0 behind a shutout win from Carey Price. The Flyers won Game 3 in a defensive battle by a score of 1-0. These two teams will meet again for Game 4 August 18th at 3 PM.
#2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. #7 Columbus Blue Jackets: Lightning lead series 2-1
The Lighting and Blue Jackets have also played three great games of hockey so far. Game 1 was arguably one of the best hockey games I’ve watched in my life. The Lighting won 3-2 after 5 overtimes. Yes, the game went into 5 overtimes and was the 4th longest game played of all-time. However, Blue Jackets goalie Joonas Korpisalo broke a playoff save record with 85 saves in that tough loss. The Blue Jackets won Game 2 by a score of 3-1. The Lightning won Game 3 by a score of 3-2. These two teams will meet again for Game 4 Monday August 17th at 3 PM.
#3 Washington Capitals vs. #6 New York Islanders: Islanders lead series 3-0
In an interesting storyline we have Barry Trotz and the Islanders against the Washington Capitals. Trotz won the Capitals first Stanley Cup in franchise history before becoming the coach for the Islanders. Trotz is one of the best coaches in the league as he can neutralize stars on defense. His goal for this series is to beat his old team and stop superstar sniper Alex Ovechkin. The Islanders won Game 1 by a score of 4-2. The Islanders won Game 2 by a score of 5-2. The Islanders also won Game 3 by a score of 2-1. Alex Ovechkin was silent in the Game 3 loss. The Capitals look lost in this series and not like the same team they usually are. If the Capitals don’t wake up and get back to the hockey they usually play there season will end Tuesday August 18th.
#4 Boston Bruins vs. #5 Carolina Hurricanes: Bruins lead series 2-1
These two teams have made for an interesting and competitive series so far. The Bruins won Game 1 in double overtime by a score of 4-3. The Hurricanes won Game 2 by a score of 3-2. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes however, they lost forward and star player Andrei Svechnikov to a serious injury that will most likely keep him out for the rest of this series. However, Bruins goalie Tuuka Rask opted out of the playoffs to be with his family as he viewed family more important. The Bruins started goalie Jaroslav Halak as he picked up the win by a score of 3-1 in Game 3. Game 4 is Monday August 17th at 8 PM.
Western Conference:
#1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. #8 Chicago Blackhawks: Golden Knights lead series 3-1
For the most part, this series has been one sided. Vegas won Game 1 by a score of 4-1. Vegas also won Game 2 in overtime by a score of 4-3. Vegas in a lower scoring game won Game 3 by a score of 2-1. To avoid the sweep, the Blackhawks won Game 4 by a score of 3-1. Game 5 is Tuesday August 18th at 10:30 PM.
#2 Colorado Avalanche vs. #7 Arizona Coyotes: Avalanche lead series 2-1
This series features two great young teams. The Avalanche won Game 1 in convincing fashion by a score of 3-0. The Avalanche won Game 2 by a score of 3-2. The Coyotes were able to win a must-win Game 3 by a score of 4-2. Game 4 is scheduled for Monday August 17th at 5:30 PM.
#3 Dallas Stars vs. #6 Calgary Flames: Series is tied 2-2
This series has been close and back-and-forth. The Flames took Game 1 by a score of 3-2. The Stars took Game 2 by a score of 5-4. The Flames took Game 3 by a score of 2-0. The Stars took Game 4 by a score of 5-4 in overtime with an amazing comeback as Joe Pavelski scored the game tying goal with 11 seconds left in regulation. Game 5 is Tuesday August 18th at 5:30 PM.
#4 St. Louis Blues vs. #5 Vancouver Canucks: Canucks lead series 2-1
The Canucks took control and won Game 1 by a score of 5-2. The Canucks won Game 2 by a score of 4-3 in overtime. The Blues needed to win Game 3 or else they would be down 3-0. They decided to bench Jordan Binnington and start Jake Allen in net for the Blues since Binnington has allowed 9 goals in the last two games. The Blues were able to win Game 3 by a score of 3-2 in overtime. Game 4 is Monday August 17th at 10:30 PM.
This was a great week of hockey and I am looking forward to seeing what next week brings!
Brian's World of Sports 