The Semifinals have started. In the west, San Jose edged Detroit last night by one goal. Detroit, despite coming off a tough seven game series, made the game close. In the last two frames, the Red Wings outscored the Sharks 2-1, but in the end, they were unable to overcome a first period 3-1 deficit.
Tonight, the Pittsburgh Penguins emerged on top of the surprising Capital-beating #8 seed Canadiens, by a score of 6-3. It was not exactly a defensive struggle, but one fact emerged. Jaroslav Halak can be solved. The Pens scored four power play goals against Montreal, out of five PP opportunities.
Halak was finally pulled from goal at five minutes into the third period. It could be repeat of the quarterfinals, because in the first two games against Washington, his stats were nondescript. Which is the real Halak - a stone wall, or a sieve?
Halak was finally pulled from goal at five minutes into the third period. It could be repeat of the quarterfinals, because in the first two games against Washington, his stats were nondescript. Which is the real Halak - a stone wall, or a sieve?
The Pens-Canadiens game was marked by injuries. Matt Cooke leveled Andrei Markov, Montreal's best defenseman, with a legitimate check late in the first period. Pittsburgh's Jordan Staal left the ice in the second period, after locking skates with Canadien rookie defenseman PK Subban. Both are indefinite for Game 2. There was a third injury. Sid the Kid got hurt.
At 12:14 of the second period, he skated off the ice, after being cut on the chin with a high stick. The video replay shows a player in pain. Chin stitched up, Crosby returned to play in the third period. That's what hockey players do.
Tomorrow, the NHL competes with the Kentucky Derby. Game times are 12:30pm (Flyers at Bruins) and 8pm (Canucks at Blackhawks). The Derby fits right in between, with a post time of 6:24pm (for race eleven at Churchill Downs). Coverage starts on NBC at 5pm. NBC is also broadcasting the Flyers/Bruins game earlier in the day.
NBC Sports must figure that a 12:30pm hockey game won't go beyond 5 1/2 hours. But on May 4, 2000, Pittsburgh and Philly played through FIVE overtime periods until the game was settled. The NBC broadcast schedule is probably safe, but in hockey, anything can happen.
The Run for the Roses vs. Eastern hockey. On most days, playoff games trump, but on May Day, the horses will have the inside edge. Philly in Boston, fillies in Louisville. Horses and hockey on the same day. Anyone for polo?
Hockey Rules.
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