Turco comes up big
I had a feeling this guy was due.
Marty Turco looked impressive last night. The Dallas goaltender made 35 saves for the 2-0 shutout victory (the first playoff shutout of his career) and helped the Stars tie the Canucks 1-1 in the series.... which now travels to Dallas.
Stars forward Jeff Halpern scored less than half a minute into the game, and Joel Lundqvist (the twin brother of Ranger's goaltender Henrik Lundqvist..... I don't know why I mention that.... every time he touched the puck last night the announcers made a point to reference their relationship) potted the final goal of the game off of a sweet feed from Modano. What really impressed me about the Stars is how well they played in front of Turco. Their confidence in their keeper really soared last night, and it was very apparent in their play.
Playoff Beard Note:
Dallas forward Jeff Halpern, and defenceman Sergei Zubov are already laying the foundations for some great playoff beards. Keep an eye on these two.
Quick Shave:
That Forsberg trade is certainly beginning to bear fruit for the Nashville Predators, but how about the off season pick up of J.P. Dumont?! Usually at this point in the first round we are all marvelling at the production of Martin Havlat (who would have 18 goals about now), but thus far it's all Predators. J.P. Dumont scored 2 goals for the Predators last night (he potted two in the first game), Peter Forsberg netted a pair, and rookie Alexander Radulov added a goal and an assist (his third goal of the post season) en route to a series tying 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. All three players are in the top 5 in playoff scoring as of now. The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-2 last night and took a 2-0 series lead as they travel to Minnesota for the next two games. Ilya Bryzgalov made 30 saves on the night for his second straight playoff victory.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Atlanta 3:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Ottawa 3:00 PM
Tampa Bay at New Jersey 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Buffalo 7:30 PM
All day playoff hockey. Very nice, although I would have spread these games out just a pinch more so the bosher doesn't have to break his thumb on the remote control.... but few care about my needs. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
Yessssssssssss! Pens win baby! Great game, too!
Question: do you play Giguere in this series or wait for Bryzgalov to falter?
Posted by: Stache | April 14, 2007 06:48 PM
I think that the Sens 3rd goal (I think it was the third, anyways) should be mandatory viewing for every hockey player in the world.
I've never seen such amazing seam passes. Fluery was totally screwed.
Posted by: jeff | April 15, 2007 12:03 AM
Stache, your question is a great one. Carlyle needs to tread carefully on this issue, because I think he destroyed Bryzgalov's confidence early in the season by yanking him from several games way to soon in my opinion.
On the plus side, Bryzgalov was outstanding in the playoffs last year, and he looks steady thus far. If he falters in Minnesota, I would give him a second game to see if he responds, before replacing him Giguere. This however most likely won't be the case. If Bryzgalov looks shakey in one start, I would expect Carlyle to panic and go to Giguere. I wouldn't be shocked to see him do it during a game.
Posted by: Cap | April 15, 2007 03:59 PM