I think any team will struggle to get the puck past Vasilevskiy. Panthers only got 3 in 4 games. With Hedman blocking as well as he does on top I can't see anyone stopping Tampa from getting 3 in a row.
Panthers didn't have that problem in the regular season, so it seems Tampa has a plan for the playoffs, and typically teams play defense in playoffs, and sure enough, those guys were diving in and blocking shots with their bodies.
My Hurricanes got eliminated. Goalkeeper problems versus the Ranger's excellent goalkeeper is what derailed Carolina. Also power play failures. Not killing as well as in the regular seasons, and not scoring in our own power plays. I don't want to appear like I'm whining and finding excuses but if we had our #1 goalie the series could have been different. The Rangers have merit too; congratulations to them. As a former New York City resident, I'll be rooting for them next.
For the second season running the Avs are the only divisional winners to make it to the third round. I think it will be them losing to Tampa in the final. Spezza retired today on 995 career points. That must have been a tough decision.
Unlucky mate. Tampa have shown again the value of a great goalie. Vasilevskiy was the difference against the Leafs.
Playoff time again. Leafs in a repeat of last year against Tampa in the first round. Got to hope Samsonov doesn't get hurt as we don't have much of a second choice. Defence looking a bit more solid this year.
Leafs have some kind of play-off phobia. I hate the Bolts too, so I hope the Leafs win. Panthers are in trouble too having to play Boston, who had a killer year. The Cats were able to apply pressure and even controlled most of the game, but lost anyway. Game 2 tonight.
Lol you can say that again wow! Hey I am originally from Montreal so I am a Habs fan which is not much to cheer these days. Hey for sure Toronto is cursed. That was a bad game. Just flat and sloppy. Its way early but still. Colorado looked sluggish. Too early to call but Boston-Av look like the teams to beat and will meet each other in finals. Too even to call. Maybe I give the edge to Avs slightly like razor thin.
Leafs come from 3 down to win in OT for the second time to take a 3-1 series lead. 2 of the last 3 games are at home. GO LEAFS GO.
Yer lucky on this last one. Tampa looked pretty sloppy. I do think you TO fans have suffered enough though. I live in Toronto but I will always be a Habs fan since I was born in MTL but I know how much you guys suffer. I want you to get yer cup for fks sake. I like Tavares. I hate that Swedish puff pastry on the right side, no more need be said on hair do boy. Wuss. Yer no.1 dude clearly is a stoner. He always looks like he had one too many tokes that boy Austin. I just don't get AT. Never will. He of course reminds me of Jean Beliveau a lot but not quite up there with Mario or Wayne. Not sure what it is with him. I know he has it all but he just doesn't seem to have the fire Connor M does. We both know you Trunteh fans have been tortured by the Ballard curse.
Swedish puff pastry? You can't possibly be talking about my favourite player Slick Willy. Something is different this year. Previously the Leafs would have dropped their heads and given up once they went 3 goals behind but this team just doesn't know when it's beaten. As a toilet seat fan you know well that the Leafs can throw away a 3-1 series lead but not this year. It's coming home.
Well, Panthers are down 1-3 and heading to Boston for Game-4. Looks like this is it for them. Miami Heat, in the other hand, are beating #1 ranked Bucks 3-1.