The National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs started on Wednesday with 3 games, followed by 4 more games on Thursday. 3 of the first 7 games have gone into overtime, including the St. Louis Blues – Chicago Blackhawks game that went into a 3rd overtime, briefly. 5 of the 7 games were decided by only 1 goal. The Boston Bruins – Detroit Red Wings series doesn’t start until Friday, for some reason.
On Thursday in St. Louis, the Blues tied the score at 3 with only 1:45 remaining in the 3rd period, on a goal by Jaden Schwartz. The next goal didn’t occur until the 6th period. But 26 seconds into the 3rd overtime period, Alexander Steen won the game for the Blues, to take Game 1 at home 4-3.
In Colorado, the Minnesota Wild took a 4-2 lead after 2 periods. The Avalanche scored in the 3rd period to cut the deficit to 1, then tied the game with 14 seconds left, on a goal by Paul Stastny. Then 7:27 into overtime, guess who scored again. If you said Stastny, you’re right. He scored his 2nd goal of the game, the game winner, to deliver a home win for Colorado 5-4.
In New York, the Philadelphia Flyers scored first, but it was all Rangers after that. With a goal later in the 1st period, and 3 more in the 3rd period, the Rangers cruised to an easy 4-1 victory at home. The Flyers only managed to get 15 shots on goal in the game, compared to 36 for the Rangers.
In the final game on Thursday night, the San Jose Sharks stormed out to a 5-0 lead over the Los Angeles Kings after 2 periods, and finished with a 6-3 win. The Kings allowed the fewest goals in the NHL in the regular season. Goalie Jonathan Quick had an uncharacteristically poor game in net for the Kings.
Back on Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins overcame a 2 goal deficit to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3. 2 power play goals in the 2nd period 45 seconds apart, tied the game, then a goal in the 3rd period by Brandon Sutter gave the hometown Penguins the victory.
The Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning went to overtime to decide the first game of their series on Wednesday. Steven Stamkos of the Lightning tied the game in the 3rd period at 4, with his 2nd goal of the game. However, Dale Weise won the game for the Canadiens 18:08 into the first overtime.
In the latest game on Wednesday night, the Anaheim Ducks dominated the Dallas Stars in the first half of the game, leading 4-0. But after giving up 2 goals in 93 seconds late in the 2nd period, there was suddenly a game in Anaheim. The Stars scored again in the 3rd period, but the Ducks held on for a 4-3 win.
In case you’re keeping score, home teams went 7-0 in the first 2 days of the NHL playoffs. Goalies didn’t really stand out in these games. Every team other than the Flyers scored at least 3 goals. There are 3 games on Friday, including Game 1 of the Bruins – Red Wings series.
If you would like to have future commentaries sent to you, click on the link below, to take you to my website, then just enter your email address:
Sports With Frank Thomas
