Super Saver and Calvin Borel ruled the mud today in Louisville. Coming in at 15-1, Super Saver ran away from the field under Borel's expert ride. It was his third Derby win in four years. You can call that a dynasty.
On the ice, Boston fans left TD Gardens happy after a tight game. The Flyers had closed a 2 goal gap in the 3rd period, but Bruins defenseman Marc Savard scored in OT to give Boston the victory. Savard had just returned to the team, after suffering a concussion at the hands of Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke on Sunday March 7. It was a fitting comeback.
With Pittsburgh leading Montreal in its series, and Boston edging Philadelphia, it is possible that these two teams could meet in an Eastern Conference final. But that outcome is many games away. Based on regular season standings, Pittsburgh (#4) and Boston (#6) are higher than Philly (#7) and Montreal (#8).
The difference in the eastern playoffs has been the goaltenders. In the first round, Flyers goalie Brian Boucher stoned the New Jersey Devils, and Canadien Jaroslav Halak stood on his head against the league-leading Washington Capitals. Against second round opponents, Boucher has just allowed five goals on 46 shots against by Boston. Halak allowed three goals on 20 shots against by the Penguins, before being pulled in the third period.
Philly will have to tighten up its defense in front of Boucher to overcome the Bruins. And, for Montreal, the question of inconsistent goaltending has reared its ugly head again. For #7 and #8 seeds to make it through the second round, all parts of their teams have to be playing at the top of their game. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has lost a key center, Jordan Staal, with a lacerated tendon in his foot. His return is indefinite.
In the west, the Detroit - San Jose series looks close, after a tight 4-3 Shark victory on Friday. The Wings were playing tired, after a seven game series against Phoenix which ended on Wednesday. Even so, Detroit managed to outscore the Sharks 2 - 1 in the last two periods.
And tonight, Vancouver seems to have the Chicago Blackhawks on their heels, with a 5-0 lead going into the third period. Chicago may not be able to match Vancouver's big, physical play. And, Vancouver had Bobby Loo in goal. Based on the regular season, Chicago (#2) and Vancouver (#3) ought to be evenly matched.
It's early in the second round to make any predictions, and the 136th Run for the Roses is finished. By the time we get to Pimlico for the Preakness Stakes, on Saturday May 15th, the NHL Conference finals ought to be in full swing. There's a lot of hockey to be played between now and then.
No comments:
Post a Comment