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The very proud Detroit Red Wings franchise was cast aside from last year’s Western Conference semifinals in five games by the San Jose Sharks, and Detroit might face a fate even more embarrassing against San Jose this year if the Wings don’t win tonight’s Game 3 back in Detroit. The Wings are -170 favorites on Bodog’s NHL odds.
After dominating the Phoenix Coyotes in a first-round sweep, the Red Wings have been stymied by the Sharks and goalie Antti Niemi in a pair of 2-1 losses. It hasn’t helped that Detroit’s power play is just 1-for-8 so far. But the Sharks just look bigger and faster thus far. So expect some line changes tonight for Detroit. Red Wings coach Mike Babcock had Kris Draper, who hasn’t played in this series, back on the fourth line with Darren Helm and Patrick Eaves during Tuesday's practice, and Draper said afterward he was in for tonight’s game.
But the bigger news is that Babcock is apparently going to split up stars Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Datsyuk skated with Johan Franzen and Tomas Holmstrom. Zetterberg was with Todd Bertuzzi and Danny Cleary during practice. San Jose has been able to take advantage of Detroit’s second line so far in this series and moving Zetterberg down to that unit should help. The Sharks’ second line of Logan Couture between Ryane Clowe and Dany Heatley was on the ice for both goals in Game 2, and combined for 17 shots in the first two games.
Overall San Jose has won 10 of its past 12 meetings with the Wings and won both in Detroit during the regular season. Detroit is just 5-21 all-time when losing the first two games of a playoff series.
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After dominating the Phoenix Coyotes in a first-round sweep, the Red Wings have been stymied by the Sharks and goalie Antti Niemi in a pair of 2-1 losses. It hasn’t helped that Detroit’s power play is just 1-for-8 so far. But the Sharks just look bigger and faster thus far. So expect some line changes tonight for Detroit. Red Wings coach Mike Babcock had Kris Draper, who hasn’t played in this series, back on the fourth line with Darren Helm and Patrick Eaves during Tuesday's practice, and Draper said afterward he was in for tonight’s game.
But the bigger news is that Babcock is apparently going to split up stars Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Datsyuk skated with Johan Franzen and Tomas Holmstrom. Zetterberg was with Todd Bertuzzi and Danny Cleary during practice. San Jose has been able to take advantage of Detroit’s second line so far in this series and moving Zetterberg down to that unit should help. The Sharks’ second line of Logan Couture between Ryane Clowe and Dany Heatley was on the ice for both goals in Game 2, and combined for 17 shots in the first two games.
Overall San Jose has won 10 of its past 12 meetings with the Wings and won both in Detroit during the regular season. Detroit is just 5-21 all-time when losing the first two games of a playoff series.
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The Vancouver Canucks control their second-round series with the Nashville Predators 2-1, and Vancouver has the top odds to win the Stanley Cup at 9/4, but NHL betting fans are still worried about their long-term prospects because of the disappearing act by the Sedin twins.
There’s no question Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin are two of the best hockey players in the world. Henrik won last year’s Hart Trophy as league MVP, while Daniel is a nominee for this year’s award. The duo combined for 60 goals and 198 points during the regular season. However, their impact on NHL playoff odds has been minimal. The twins have totaled just 13 points in a combined 20 playoff games, well below their standard level of production. Daniel has five goals and eight points in 10 games, but Henrik has been especially bad, notching just five points in the postseason.
Their play against Nashville has been noticeably weak, and in some ways Vancouver is lucky to be up 2-1 in the series. Henrik is pointless in the series while Daniel has just a single assist. The twins absolutely need to make a bigger impact, not only to get past the Predators but to reach the Stanley Cup final. Some observers believe Henrik and Daniel simply aren’t built to succeed in the rough-and-tumble NHL playoffs.
So far, the series has remained tight thanks to the superb play of Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, who made 44 saves in a 3-2 overtime loss in Game 3. Should Vancouver move on, it may not be so lucky. Nashville simply doesn’t have the scoring to help out its goalie, but anther team—like the hard-charging Sharks, for example—will likely have a hot goalie as well as some punch up front. That could leave Vancouver in a very dangerous position.
The Canucks are the lowest-scoring team remaining in the playoffs at about two goals per game. They’ll get another crack to start turning things around with Game 4 against the Predators on Thursday.
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There’s no question Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin are two of the best hockey players in the world. Henrik won last year’s Hart Trophy as league MVP, while Daniel is a nominee for this year’s award. The duo combined for 60 goals and 198 points during the regular season. However, their impact on NHL playoff odds has been minimal. The twins have totaled just 13 points in a combined 20 playoff games, well below their standard level of production. Daniel has five goals and eight points in 10 games, but Henrik has been especially bad, notching just five points in the postseason.
Their play against Nashville has been noticeably weak, and in some ways Vancouver is lucky to be up 2-1 in the series. Henrik is pointless in the series while Daniel has just a single assist. The twins absolutely need to make a bigger impact, not only to get past the Predators but to reach the Stanley Cup final. Some observers believe Henrik and Daniel simply aren’t built to succeed in the rough-and-tumble NHL playoffs.
So far, the series has remained tight thanks to the superb play of Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, who made 44 saves in a 3-2 overtime loss in Game 3. Should Vancouver move on, it may not be so lucky. Nashville simply doesn’t have the scoring to help out its goalie, but anther team—like the hard-charging Sharks, for example—will likely have a hot goalie as well as some punch up front. That could leave Vancouver in a very dangerous position.
The Canucks are the lowest-scoring team remaining in the playoffs at about two goals per game. They’ll get another crack to start turning things around with Game 4 against the Predators on Thursday.
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The season could end rather prematurely for the Detroit Red Wings tonight as that proud franchise faces an embarrassing sweep in the Western Conference semifinals against the San Jose Sharks. The Wings are -140 favorites on Bodog’s NHL odds to extend their season.
With a 3-0 lead in this series, the Sharks have now won 11 of their past 13 games against Detroit – that includes a five-game series win in this round last season. And San Jose is 3-0 in Motown this season. Tonight’s game could be the final one for two future Hall of Famers: Detroit’s Nicklas Lidstrom and Mike Modano. Lidstrom, 41, is one of this year's finalists for the Norris Trophy (top defenseman) and has won the award six times. He is considered one of the NHL’s best-ever defensemen. Modano, 40, hasn’t been much of a factor for Detroit this year but is certainly one of the best Americans to ever play in the NHL. He has played in only one playoff game this year, Game 4 against Phoenix. But Wings coach Mike Babcock is considering some line changes for tonight – as he did in Game 3 – and Modano might see the ice.
Last year when Detroit was in this same spot, it crushed the Sharks 7-1 before falling in Game 5. And it’s not like this series hasn’t been close as every game has been decided by one goal – with two going to overtime. San Jose had to rally for wins in Games 1 and 3. The Sharks are 5-0 this playoff season in overtime – the record in the Stanley Cup playoffs is 10 overtime wins by the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.
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With a 3-0 lead in this series, the Sharks have now won 11 of their past 13 games against Detroit – that includes a five-game series win in this round last season. And San Jose is 3-0 in Motown this season. Tonight’s game could be the final one for two future Hall of Famers: Detroit’s Nicklas Lidstrom and Mike Modano. Lidstrom, 41, is one of this year's finalists for the Norris Trophy (top defenseman) and has won the award six times. He is considered one of the NHL’s best-ever defensemen. Modano, 40, hasn’t been much of a factor for Detroit this year but is certainly one of the best Americans to ever play in the NHL. He has played in only one playoff game this year, Game 4 against Phoenix. But Wings coach Mike Babcock is considering some line changes for tonight – as he did in Game 3 – and Modano might see the ice.
Last year when Detroit was in this same spot, it crushed the Sharks 7-1 before falling in Game 5. And it’s not like this series hasn’t been close as every game has been decided by one goal – with two going to overtime. San Jose had to rally for wins in Games 1 and 3. The Sharks are 5-0 this playoff season in overtime – the record in the Stanley Cup playoffs is 10 overtime wins by the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.
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The Nashville Predators have put up a terrific fight in their Western Conference semifinal against the top-seeded Vancouver Canucks, but it looks for all the world like the Canucks are set to finish off this series in five games on Saturday night. Bet on Game 5 with Bodog’s NHL odds.
Nashville was able to win one of the first two games in Vancouver but then lost both at home. Thursday’s 4-2 Canucks victory was the first game in this series that wasn’t decided by one goal. Ryan Kesler continued his recent surge for the Canucks with a goal and two assists. Kesler has six points in the past two games, and he scored his second straight winner with a power-play goal off a penalty he drew. His three goals in the last two games match his career total in 32 postseason contests before Game 3. Defenseman Christian Ehrhoff had a goal and two assists in Game 4 and his nine points lead all blueliners in playoff scoring.
The Predators will be shorthanded for Game 5 as well. Forward Steve Sullivan missed Game 3 with a lower-body injury and won’t play tonight or probably the rest of the series if it is extended. And in Game 4, the Predators lost key checking-line center Jerred Smithson, who scored the overtime goal in Game 5 against the Ducks in the previous series and was on the ice for the Predators' overtime goal in Game 2 against Vancouver. He is doubtful to play. J-P Dumont, who played 70 regular-season games but scored only 10 goals, is likely to replace Smithson. Dumont has played in just two postseason games, both against the Ducks.
A win here gets the Canucks into the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1994.
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Nashville was able to win one of the first two games in Vancouver but then lost both at home. Thursday’s 4-2 Canucks victory was the first game in this series that wasn’t decided by one goal. Ryan Kesler continued his recent surge for the Canucks with a goal and two assists. Kesler has six points in the past two games, and he scored his second straight winner with a power-play goal off a penalty he drew. His three goals in the last two games match his career total in 32 postseason contests before Game 3. Defenseman Christian Ehrhoff had a goal and two assists in Game 4 and his nine points lead all blueliners in playoff scoring.
The Predators will be shorthanded for Game 5 as well. Forward Steve Sullivan missed Game 3 with a lower-body injury and won’t play tonight or probably the rest of the series if it is extended. And in Game 4, the Predators lost key checking-line center Jerred Smithson, who scored the overtime goal in Game 5 against the Ducks in the previous series and was on the ice for the Predators' overtime goal in Game 2 against Vancouver. He is doubtful to play. J-P Dumont, who played 70 regular-season games but scored only 10 goals, is likely to replace Smithson. Dumont has played in just two postseason games, both against the Ducks.
A win here gets the Canucks into the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1994.
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The Vancouver Canucks barely escaped the last round when they let the Chicago Blackhawks sneak back into the series. After failing to eliminate the Nashville Predators on home ice Saturday, the Canucks must head to Nashville nursing a 3-2 series lead—and NHL betting fans are wondering if the Canucks are once again flirting with disaster. Game 6 of the series gets underway Monday night.
Vancouver is still a 9/4 favorite on Stanley Cup odds, but the Canucks certainly don’t look like a runaway juggernaut after a 4-3 loss on Saturday. The biggest concern is Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin, who simply can’t get going. They’ve been mostly invisible against Nashville. They made their presence felt on Saturday, but not in a good way.
The twins were shut out for the third time in the series and, to make matters worse, they combined to go minus-7 on the night. The Sedins dominated during the regular season, racking up 198 points between the two of them, but they’ve managed just 17 points in 12 games during the playoffs. They have just five points in the series against Nashville.
While the twins are struggling, Ryan Kesler has been turning into a playoff legend. Kesler has five goals in his past three games, including two in Game 5. Kesler took a puck to the face and lost a tooth but, after getting his lip sewn back up, he returned to the game to score a late third-period goal. If the Sedins were playing half as well as Kesler, Vancouver would be unstoppable.
After scoring just six times in the first four games, Game 5 looks like an offensive breakthrough for the Predators on paper. Their four-goal effort is a little misleading, however. A couple of the goals were very flukey, and the Preds took only 23 shots on goal. That needs to improve dramatically, especially with Roberto Luongo sometimes looking shaky in net for Vancouver—just about anything might sneak past him at this point.
The oddsmakers apparently aren’t believing in a comeback by the Predators, as they still have the second-worst Stanley Cup odds at 30/1.
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Vancouver is still a 9/4 favorite on Stanley Cup odds, but the Canucks certainly don’t look like a runaway juggernaut after a 4-3 loss on Saturday. The biggest concern is Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin, who simply can’t get going. They’ve been mostly invisible against Nashville. They made their presence felt on Saturday, but not in a good way.
The twins were shut out for the third time in the series and, to make matters worse, they combined to go minus-7 on the night. The Sedins dominated during the regular season, racking up 198 points between the two of them, but they’ve managed just 17 points in 12 games during the playoffs. They have just five points in the series against Nashville.
While the twins are struggling, Ryan Kesler has been turning into a playoff legend. Kesler has five goals in his past three games, including two in Game 5. Kesler took a puck to the face and lost a tooth but, after getting his lip sewn back up, he returned to the game to score a late third-period goal. If the Sedins were playing half as well as Kesler, Vancouver would be unstoppable.
After scoring just six times in the first four games, Game 5 looks like an offensive breakthrough for the Predators on paper. Their four-goal effort is a little misleading, however. A couple of the goals were very flukey, and the Preds took only 23 shots on goal. That needs to improve dramatically, especially with Roberto Luongo sometimes looking shaky in net for Vancouver—just about anything might sneak past him at this point.
The oddsmakers apparently aren’t believing in a comeback by the Predators, as they still have the second-worst Stanley Cup odds at 30/1.
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The Detroit Red Wings have stormed back in their series with the San Jose Sharks, winning back-to-back games. With a 3-0 series lead having disappeared, and the series shifting back to Detroit, NHL betting fans can’t help but wonder if they’re watching yet another Sharks choke job in the making.
The Sharks’ playoff failures have been well documented. Despite finishing first or second in the Pacific in eight of the past nine seasons, San Jose has advanced past the conference semifinals just twice—and it has never reached the Stanley Cup final in that span.
When the playoffs arrived, fans started thinking this year might be different. The Sharks floated under the radar for most of the season instead of being early favorites to win it all. They turned on the jets over the second half and then earned a six-game series win over the depleted Los Angeles Kings. Former postseason chokers like Joe Thornton were playing well, and San Jose looked solid in net with Antti Niemi.
Winning the first three games of the Detroit series seemingly solidified San Jose as a contender. How quickly things change. The Red Wings have won two straight games and can force a Game 7 if they win on home ice on Tuesday. San Jose certainly choked in Game 5, when it allowed three unanswered goals in the final 16 minutes of the game, giving the Wings a 4-3 victory.
Niemi was a major letdown on Sunday. He allowed four goals on just 22 shots and was a disaster in the third, when Detroit scored on half of its six shots. Thornton has also cooled off. After scoring nine points in seven games, he’s notched just one point and is minus-two in the past two losses.
Can the Sharks rebound and close out the series?
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The Sharks’ playoff failures have been well documented. Despite finishing first or second in the Pacific in eight of the past nine seasons, San Jose has advanced past the conference semifinals just twice—and it has never reached the Stanley Cup final in that span.
When the playoffs arrived, fans started thinking this year might be different. The Sharks floated under the radar for most of the season instead of being early favorites to win it all. They turned on the jets over the second half and then earned a six-game series win over the depleted Los Angeles Kings. Former postseason chokers like Joe Thornton were playing well, and San Jose looked solid in net with Antti Niemi.
Winning the first three games of the Detroit series seemingly solidified San Jose as a contender. How quickly things change. The Red Wings have won two straight games and can force a Game 7 if they win on home ice on Tuesday. San Jose certainly choked in Game 5, when it allowed three unanswered goals in the final 16 minutes of the game, giving the Wings a 4-3 victory.
Niemi was a major letdown on Sunday. He allowed four goals on just 22 shots and was a disaster in the third, when Detroit scored on half of its six shots. Thornton has also cooled off. After scoring nine points in seven games, he’s notched just one point and is minus-two in the past two losses.
Can the Sharks rebound and close out the series?
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Center Patrice Bergeron has been a huge reason that the Boston Bruins have reached the Eastern Conference Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning as he has been the team’s best two-way player up front in the postseason. But it’s unlikely Bergeron will be able to play in Game 1 of the series, which starts Saturday in Boston – bet on the series now with Bodog’s NHL odds.
Bergeron was at TD Garden on Tuesday, the first time he’s seen his teammates since suffering a mild concussion in Game 4 against Philadelphia last Friday. Coach Claude Julien reported he is improving.
“He’s doing better,” Julien said. “He’s here and he’s doing better. He’s dealing with the concussion symptoms and everything else, the protocols of it. I think we’re getting some positive feedback from him.”
In typical playoff hockey style, the Bruins aren’t making any predictions on when Bergeron will return. Bergeron had 22 goals and 35 assists in the regular season and has two goals and 10 assists in 11 postseason games to lead the team in points. He also takes most of the Bruins’ draws and is probably the team’s best penalty killer among the forwards.
Because Bergeron has a history of concussion problems (this is at least the third one he has suffered), the team is going to play it cautious with him because it doesn’t want another Marc Savard situation. Thus most believe Bergeron will miss the first two games of the series at a minimum and possibly the entire round. The Bruins are playing for the Eastern Conference championship for the first time since 1992.
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Bergeron was at TD Garden on Tuesday, the first time he’s seen his teammates since suffering a mild concussion in Game 4 against Philadelphia last Friday. Coach Claude Julien reported he is improving.
“He’s doing better,” Julien said. “He’s here and he’s doing better. He’s dealing with the concussion symptoms and everything else, the protocols of it. I think we’re getting some positive feedback from him.”
In typical playoff hockey style, the Bruins aren’t making any predictions on when Bergeron will return. Bergeron had 22 goals and 35 assists in the regular season and has two goals and 10 assists in 11 postseason games to lead the team in points. He also takes most of the Bruins’ draws and is probably the team’s best penalty killer among the forwards.
Because Bergeron has a history of concussion problems (this is at least the third one he has suffered), the team is going to play it cautious with him because it doesn’t want another Marc Savard situation. Thus most believe Bergeron will miss the first two games of the series at a minimum and possibly the entire round. The Bruins are playing for the Eastern Conference championship for the first time since 1992.
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The Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning will kick off the Eastern Conference final when Game 1 gets underway Saturday night.
Boston is currently the second favorite team to win the Stanley Cup with 5/2 odds, but the Lightning trail closely behind at 7/2.
The Bruins arrived in the playoffs as one of the favorites, but they needed seven games to finish off the pesky Canadiens. Boston actually looked great in the series after losing the opening two games on home ice, however, as it roared to four wins in five games.
Boston kept the momentum going with a four-game sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers. The Bruins avenged last season’s playoff loss to Philly, when they blew a 3-0 series lead. Boston capped off the series in fine fashion, outscoring Philadelphia 10-2 in the final two games.
The club has been carried by Tim Thomas, who will likely win the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goalie. Thomas has been nothing short of spectacular, going 8-3 and playing every minute of Boston’s playoff run. He has a 2.03 goals-against average, .940 save percentage, and four overtime victories. Thomas has also made 34-plus saves in seven of his eight wins.
Tampa Bay has followed nearly the exact same path. The Lightning needed seven games to polish off the Sidney Crosby-less Pittsburgh Penguins, but quickly turned that into some momentum by crushing the Capitals 4-0 in the next round.
The old veterans are carrying the team. Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier have combined for 11 goals and 25 points so far in the playoffs, while youngster Steven Stamkos has struggled a bit (four goals, six points in 11 games).
The big story, though, is Dwayne Roloson. Tampa Bay has been cursed with weak goaltending since the franchise was established, but Roloson has changed all that. “Rollie the Goalie” is 8-3 with a 2.01 goals-against average and .940 save percentage during the postseason.
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Boston is currently the second favorite team to win the Stanley Cup with 5/2 odds, but the Lightning trail closely behind at 7/2.
The Bruins arrived in the playoffs as one of the favorites, but they needed seven games to finish off the pesky Canadiens. Boston actually looked great in the series after losing the opening two games on home ice, however, as it roared to four wins in five games.
Boston kept the momentum going with a four-game sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers. The Bruins avenged last season’s playoff loss to Philly, when they blew a 3-0 series lead. Boston capped off the series in fine fashion, outscoring Philadelphia 10-2 in the final two games.
The club has been carried by Tim Thomas, who will likely win the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goalie. Thomas has been nothing short of spectacular, going 8-3 and playing every minute of Boston’s playoff run. He has a 2.03 goals-against average, .940 save percentage, and four overtime victories. Thomas has also made 34-plus saves in seven of his eight wins.
Tampa Bay has followed nearly the exact same path. The Lightning needed seven games to polish off the Sidney Crosby-less Pittsburgh Penguins, but quickly turned that into some momentum by crushing the Capitals 4-0 in the next round.
The old veterans are carrying the team. Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier have combined for 11 goals and 25 points so far in the playoffs, while youngster Steven Stamkos has struggled a bit (four goals, six points in 11 games).
The big story, though, is Dwayne Roloson. Tampa Bay has been cursed with weak goaltending since the franchise was established, but Roloson has changed all that. “Rollie the Goalie” is 8-3 with a 2.01 goals-against average and .940 save percentage during the postseason.
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The San Jose Sharks looked like they were going to waltz into the Western Conference final, but the Detroit Red Wings have shocked NHL betting fans by storming back with three straight wins. The teams face off on Thursday in Game 7.
Detroit earned a 3-1 victory on Tuesday, its third consecutive win over the Sharks. The game remained scoreless until San Jose made it 1-0 in the third period but, for the second straight game, Detroit scored three unanswered goals in the third period (including an empty netter).
Had it not been for Antti Niemi, the Sharks wouldn’t have stood a chance. Niemi allowed three goals on six shots in the third period in Game 5. Though he allowed another pair of third-period goals this time, he also stopped 42 of the 44 shots he faced — including 32 through the first two periods—so he can hardly be faulted for that.
The offense, however, is another story. The big names were noticeably absent from the scoresheet on Tuesday. Dany Heatley picked up an assist on the lone Sharks goal, but Heatley, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau combined for just one point and a minus-3 rating. It appears their old, choking ways are back.
While the Sharks’ stars and key players are shrinking, Detroit’s are stepping up when they’re needed most. Valtteri Filppula has struggled in the series, but he delivered in Game 6, assisting on the game-tying goal and scoring the game-winner. Filppula had been pointless in the series after picking up five points in the sweep over Phoenix.
If the Sharks are going to battle back, they’ll need to get a faster start. While they allowed goalie Niemi to be peppered with 32 shots through two periods, they managed to put just 13 shots on Detroit’s Jimmy Howard during the same span.
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Detroit earned a 3-1 victory on Tuesday, its third consecutive win over the Sharks. The game remained scoreless until San Jose made it 1-0 in the third period but, for the second straight game, Detroit scored three unanswered goals in the third period (including an empty netter).
Had it not been for Antti Niemi, the Sharks wouldn’t have stood a chance. Niemi allowed three goals on six shots in the third period in Game 5. Though he allowed another pair of third-period goals this time, he also stopped 42 of the 44 shots he faced — including 32 through the first two periods—so he can hardly be faulted for that.
The offense, however, is another story. The big names were noticeably absent from the scoresheet on Tuesday. Dany Heatley picked up an assist on the lone Sharks goal, but Heatley, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau combined for just one point and a minus-3 rating. It appears their old, choking ways are back.
While the Sharks’ stars and key players are shrinking, Detroit’s are stepping up when they’re needed most. Valtteri Filppula has struggled in the series, but he delivered in Game 6, assisting on the game-tying goal and scoring the game-winner. Filppula had been pointless in the series after picking up five points in the sweep over Phoenix.
If the Sharks are going to battle back, they’ll need to get a faster start. While they allowed goalie Niemi to be peppered with 32 shots through two periods, they managed to put just 13 shots on Detroit’s Jimmy Howard during the same span.
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After blowing a 3-0 series lead the San Jose Sharks were faced with Game 7 against the dynasty that was the Detroit Red Wings. What’s worse is San Jose’s Patrick Marleau has failed to help his team meet expectations in the NHL postseason.
Ironic that it was Marleau that helped them avoid the biggest collapse in team history.
Marleau got the rebound and his first point in the series with 7:47 left to play that helped the Sharks knock off the Red Wings in the NHL playoffs 3-2. The Sharks now move on to meet the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference Finals.
“For him to end up with the winning goal was pretty special for our team and for him,” coach Todd McLellan said. “I think the monkey may be off his back for the next series. … He was a difference maker tonight.”
Unlike the seven-game Vancouver/Chicago series there was a feeling that San Jose was all but finished. The Red Wings have proven to be one of the most talented, tough and resilient franchises of the last decade, while the Sharks have been riddled with disappointment. But it appears things in San Jose are finally turning around.
"There's a lot of doubters who said we probably couldn't do this," captain Joe Thorton said. "But that's two years in a row we beat a pretty good team. We're a pretty good team now, too."
San Jose takes on Vancouver in the Western Conference Finals on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
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Ironic that it was Marleau that helped them avoid the biggest collapse in team history.
Marleau got the rebound and his first point in the series with 7:47 left to play that helped the Sharks knock off the Red Wings in the NHL playoffs 3-2. The Sharks now move on to meet the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference Finals.
“For him to end up with the winning goal was pretty special for our team and for him,” coach Todd McLellan said. “I think the monkey may be off his back for the next series. … He was a difference maker tonight.”
Unlike the seven-game Vancouver/Chicago series there was a feeling that San Jose was all but finished. The Red Wings have proven to be one of the most talented, tough and resilient franchises of the last decade, while the Sharks have been riddled with disappointment. But it appears things in San Jose are finally turning around.
"There's a lot of doubters who said we probably couldn't do this," captain Joe Thorton said. "But that's two years in a row we beat a pretty good team. We're a pretty good team now, too."
San Jose takes on Vancouver in the Western Conference Finals on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
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The focus in the NHL right now should be on the teams in the final four: Vancouver, San Jose, Tampa Bay and Boston, with the conference finals starting Saturday afternoon in Beantown – bet on them now at Bodog.
But unfortunately arguably the biggest story in the league right now is the future of the Atlanta Thrashers amid reports the money-losing club will move to Winnipeg. It was thought that the Phoenix Coyotes were going to be the club heading back to Winnipeg, but Glendale, Ariz., officials came up with the money needed to keep that club in the desert, at least for another year.
Current Thrashers owner Bruce Levenson had this to say in an interview this week when he was asked if the solution — finding a buyer to keep the team in Atlanta — was any closer than it was two months ago.
“I don’t think so, no,” Levenson said.
And then he said this when he was asked about the possibility he and his partners could stay in Atlanta another year while they look for a buyer.
“That’s a scenario we haven’t even thought about it,” Levenson said.
Levenson, part of the ownership group that controls the Thrashers, the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and operating rights to Philips Arena, said Mayor Kasim Reed is assisting in the effort to keep the team in Atlanta. The mayor's spokesman, Reese McCranie, acknowledged to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the Thrashers are "having difficulty and they may leave."
"We are still trying to find someone to buy the team and keep them in" Atlanta, Levenson wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "Nobody has pushed forward with an offer."
Winnipeg has been without a team since the Jets moved to Phoenix in 1996 because of financial problems, but the city has since built a new arena.
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But unfortunately arguably the biggest story in the league right now is the future of the Atlanta Thrashers amid reports the money-losing club will move to Winnipeg. It was thought that the Phoenix Coyotes were going to be the club heading back to Winnipeg, but Glendale, Ariz., officials came up with the money needed to keep that club in the desert, at least for another year.
Current Thrashers owner Bruce Levenson had this to say in an interview this week when he was asked if the solution — finding a buyer to keep the team in Atlanta — was any closer than it was two months ago.
“I don’t think so, no,” Levenson said.
And then he said this when he was asked about the possibility he and his partners could stay in Atlanta another year while they look for a buyer.
“That’s a scenario we haven’t even thought about it,” Levenson said.
Levenson, part of the ownership group that controls the Thrashers, the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and operating rights to Philips Arena, said Mayor Kasim Reed is assisting in the effort to keep the team in Atlanta. The mayor's spokesman, Reese McCranie, acknowledged to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the Thrashers are "having difficulty and they may leave."
"We are still trying to find someone to buy the team and keep them in" Atlanta, Levenson wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "Nobody has pushed forward with an offer."
Winnipeg has been without a team since the Jets moved to Phoenix in 1996 because of financial problems, but the city has since built a new arena.
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Among the dozens of props available on Bodog’s NHL odds for the Stanley Cup Finals, which begin on Wednesday night when Vancouver hosts Boston, is for the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, or postseason MVP.
Now, the Conn Smythe isn’t given out like, say, the NBA Finals or World Series MVP. Those latter two only hand out their awards to the best player of the series. The Conn Smythe goes to the best player in all of the playoffs, although obviously it’s always going to go a player on one of the two Stanley Cup finalists. And don’t count on a player from the losing team in the finals to win the award as that has only happened five times and not since 2003 when Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere won it despite Anaheim losing in seven games to New Jersey. You can bet on the option of whether the Conn Smythe winner will come from the losing team this year – it’s a yes-only prop at +1500.
The opening betting favorite for Canucks-Bruins is Vancouver’s Ryan Kesler at 27/20. He has followed a breakout regular season with a great playoffs, ranking fourth among all players with 18 points (seven goals, two game-winning goals, and 11 assists). Plus Kesler is a physical force. After Kesler at 4/1 is Bruins goalie Tim Thomas, who already has won two Game 7s in these playoffs and is 12-6 with a 2.29 goals-against average and .929 save percentage. Thomas, by the way, held the Canucks to one goal in their lone regular-season meeting this season. The third-favorite at 11/2 is Vancouver forward Henrik Sedin, the 2009-10 NHL MVP. Sedin leads all players in postseason points with 21 (two goals, 19 assists).
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Now, the Conn Smythe isn’t given out like, say, the NBA Finals or World Series MVP. Those latter two only hand out their awards to the best player of the series. The Conn Smythe goes to the best player in all of the playoffs, although obviously it’s always going to go a player on one of the two Stanley Cup finalists. And don’t count on a player from the losing team in the finals to win the award as that has only happened five times and not since 2003 when Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere won it despite Anaheim losing in seven games to New Jersey. You can bet on the option of whether the Conn Smythe winner will come from the losing team this year – it’s a yes-only prop at +1500.
The opening betting favorite for Canucks-Bruins is Vancouver’s Ryan Kesler at 27/20. He has followed a breakout regular season with a great playoffs, ranking fourth among all players with 18 points (seven goals, two game-winning goals, and 11 assists). Plus Kesler is a physical force. After Kesler at 4/1 is Bruins goalie Tim Thomas, who already has won two Game 7s in these playoffs and is 12-6 with a 2.29 goals-against average and .929 save percentage. Thomas, by the way, held the Canucks to one goal in their lone regular-season meeting this season. The third-favorite at 11/2 is Vancouver forward Henrik Sedin, the 2009-10 NHL MVP. Sedin leads all players in postseason points with 21 (two goals, 19 assists).
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The Boston Bruins just needed a win to climb back into the Stanley Cup Final, what they gave us was a statement game with an 8-1 blowout of the Vancouver Canucks.
Things appeared headed for another competitive Stanley Cup clash between Vancouver and Boston, then the Bruins lost Nathan Horton to an ugly injury after taking a late hit from defenseman Aaron Rome. And from that scary sight the light went on for Boston’s offense, scoring four goals in 2nd period. While only allowing the Canucks to grab one in the 3rd.
“It’s always tough when a guy goes down,” said forward Brad Marchand. “We really wanted to get this win tonight for him. It’s a very tough situation, and everyone is worried about him, but it definitely gave us motivation to win.”
Andrew Ference opened the flood gates, scoring 11 seconds in the 2nd. Four minutes later Mark Recchi got on the board, then about 7 minutes later Marchand got in on the fun, then David Krejci scored his playoff leading 11th goal four minutes later.
The final period was more of the same: Daniel Paille scored shorthanded 11 minutes in, followed by Recchi again, Chris Kelly and the eighth by Michael Ryder with 30 seconds remaining.
The Bruins came one goal shy of equaling the finals record of nine goals set by Detroit in 1936 and matched by Toronto in 1942.
Despite the game getting ugly, Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo stayed in net the entire contest, saving 30 of 38 shots.
Tim Thomas was brilliant once again, saving an amazing 40 of 41 shots Vancouver sent at him.
Boston has a chance to even the series at home on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
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Things appeared headed for another competitive Stanley Cup clash between Vancouver and Boston, then the Bruins lost Nathan Horton to an ugly injury after taking a late hit from defenseman Aaron Rome. And from that scary sight the light went on for Boston’s offense, scoring four goals in 2nd period. While only allowing the Canucks to grab one in the 3rd.
“It’s always tough when a guy goes down,” said forward Brad Marchand. “We really wanted to get this win tonight for him. It’s a very tough situation, and everyone is worried about him, but it definitely gave us motivation to win.”
Andrew Ference opened the flood gates, scoring 11 seconds in the 2nd. Four minutes later Mark Recchi got on the board, then about 7 minutes later Marchand got in on the fun, then David Krejci scored his playoff leading 11th goal four minutes later.
The final period was more of the same: Daniel Paille scored shorthanded 11 minutes in, followed by Recchi again, Chris Kelly and the eighth by Michael Ryder with 30 seconds remaining.
The Bruins came one goal shy of equaling the finals record of nine goals set by Detroit in 1936 and matched by Toronto in 1942.
Despite the game getting ugly, Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo stayed in net the entire contest, saving 30 of 38 shots.
Tim Thomas was brilliant once again, saving an amazing 40 of 41 shots Vancouver sent at him.
Boston has a chance to even the series at home on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
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The Vancouver Canucks went to Boston looking for a commanding 3-0 lead over the Bruins in the Stanley Cup final on Monday night, but instead they got pummeled 8-1 in that NHL betting matchup to cut their series lead to just 2-1.
The Bruins won Game 3 as a -145 home favorite at Bodog, and they've managed to overcome an 0-2 series hole already in these playoffs – they came back against the Montreal Canadiens in the first round.
Boston didn't face much adversity in the second round against the Philadelphia Flyers, a series they swept, but it took seven long games for them to get past the Tampa Bay Lightning last round in the Eastern Conference final.
The Canucks, who had been +125 road underdogs in Game 3 at Bodog, had been hoping the Cup final would be a cakewalk after winning the first two games at home.
Vancouver had been picking up steam over the course of the postseason, beating the Chicago Blackhawks in seven games in the first round, dispatching the Nashville Predators in six games in the second round, then needing just five games to get past the San Jose Sharks last round in the Western Conference final.
The Canucks, though, will now need at least five games to win the Stanley Cup, and they'll have to brush off Monday's rout before Game 4 gets underway in Boston on Wednesday night.
Mark Recchi had a pair of goals for the Bruins in Monday's win, while Michael Ryder had a goal and two assists. Boston forward Nathan Horton was taken off the ice on a stretcher after taking a hard hit from Canucks d-man Aaron Rome, who got a game misconduct and could face further punishment from the league.
Prior to Game 3 the Bruins were listed as big +500 series underdogs on the Bodog futures list, with the Canucks the -800 favorites. Watch for adjustments on both of those lines.
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The Bruins won Game 3 as a -145 home favorite at Bodog, and they've managed to overcome an 0-2 series hole already in these playoffs – they came back against the Montreal Canadiens in the first round.
Boston didn't face much adversity in the second round against the Philadelphia Flyers, a series they swept, but it took seven long games for them to get past the Tampa Bay Lightning last round in the Eastern Conference final.
The Canucks, who had been +125 road underdogs in Game 3 at Bodog, had been hoping the Cup final would be a cakewalk after winning the first two games at home.
Vancouver had been picking up steam over the course of the postseason, beating the Chicago Blackhawks in seven games in the first round, dispatching the Nashville Predators in six games in the second round, then needing just five games to get past the San Jose Sharks last round in the Western Conference final.
The Canucks, though, will now need at least five games to win the Stanley Cup, and they'll have to brush off Monday's rout before Game 4 gets underway in Boston on Wednesday night.
Mark Recchi had a pair of goals for the Bruins in Monday's win, while Michael Ryder had a goal and two assists. Boston forward Nathan Horton was taken off the ice on a stretcher after taking a hard hit from Canucks d-man Aaron Rome, who got a game misconduct and could face further punishment from the league.
Prior to Game 3 the Bruins were listed as big +500 series underdogs on the Bodog futures list, with the Canucks the -800 favorites. Watch for adjustments on both of those lines.
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If Game 3 didn’t prove it Game 4 made it undeniable: The Boston Bruins have solved Roberto Luongo, the Vancouver Canucks still can’t break Tim Thomas.
The result was a 4-0 win by the Bruins, tying the best-of-seven series at 2-2.
Since Nathan Horton went down with a concussion the Bruins have simplified their approach and pestered the Canucks all over the ice, manhandling and attacking them on offense and winning every puck battle on defense.
Rich Peverley opened things up for Boston with a breakaway goal off a defensive mistake by Vancouver. In the 2nd period Michael Ryder tipped a slap shot off of Vancouver’s Sami Salo. Brad Marchand, who has set the more aggressive tone versus Vancouver in Game’s 3 and 4 scored goal number three, while Peverley scored again in the 3rd period before Canucks coach Alain Vigneault decided to pull Luongo in favor of Cory Schneider.
Boston’s aggressive play did give the Canucks plenty of Power Play opportunities, however the Bruins have been fearless of penalty minutes because Thomas has been untouchable in net. The dominant Bruins goalie finished with 37 saves, making the Canucks attack seem tentative and indecisive. It's his fourth shutout of these playoffs and since Game 3 he has allowed just one goal in 68 shots.
The Canucks go back home winless in Boston, with all their Stanley Cup momentum depleted. Game 5 is Friday at Vancouver at 8 p.m. ET.
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The result was a 4-0 win by the Bruins, tying the best-of-seven series at 2-2.
Since Nathan Horton went down with a concussion the Bruins have simplified their approach and pestered the Canucks all over the ice, manhandling and attacking them on offense and winning every puck battle on defense.
Rich Peverley opened things up for Boston with a breakaway goal off a defensive mistake by Vancouver. In the 2nd period Michael Ryder tipped a slap shot off of Vancouver’s Sami Salo. Brad Marchand, who has set the more aggressive tone versus Vancouver in Game’s 3 and 4 scored goal number three, while Peverley scored again in the 3rd period before Canucks coach Alain Vigneault decided to pull Luongo in favor of Cory Schneider.
Boston’s aggressive play did give the Canucks plenty of Power Play opportunities, however the Bruins have been fearless of penalty minutes because Thomas has been untouchable in net. The dominant Bruins goalie finished with 37 saves, making the Canucks attack seem tentative and indecisive. It's his fourth shutout of these playoffs and since Game 3 he has allowed just one goal in 68 shots.
The Canucks go back home winless in Boston, with all their Stanley Cup momentum depleted. Game 5 is Friday at Vancouver at 8 p.m. ET.
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Call it lack of focus, call it lack of toughness, call it choking under pressure. Whatever it is, Roberto Luongo and the Vancouver Canucks embarrassed themselves again in Boston. With the 5-2 loss they head back to Vancouver for the decisive Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Any doubt that Luongo struggles away from home ice quickly went out the window in the 1st period. Boston's Brad Marchand easily scored a shot over Luongo’s shoulder to make it a 1-0 five minutes in. Then Milan Lucic scored 35 seconds later between Luongo’s legs. Two minutes after that it was Andrew Ference, and Luongo’s night, and Vancouver’s chances to hoist Lord Stanley in Boston were done.
“I’m proud of the guys,” said Boston’s Mark Recchi. “We had our backs to the wall, we’ve been resilient all year, and we came out and had a great first period and did what we had to do tonight, and it comes down to Game 7. It’s one game now.”
Boston scored two more goals on backup goalie Cory Schneider, however it was the knockout blow on Luongo that immediately had Canucks fans thinking Game 7. Vancouver put two on the board themselves but the Bruins were in cruise control at that point.
“You can’t hang your head and feel sorry for yourself,” Luongo said. “That’s the worst thing I could do. … I had a good feeling all day. Before the series started, I said I enjoyed playing in this building. Just got to move on right now. Got to believe in myself, right?”
Game 7 will be at Vancouver on Wednesday, June 15 at 8 p.m. ET.
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Any doubt that Luongo struggles away from home ice quickly went out the window in the 1st period. Boston's Brad Marchand easily scored a shot over Luongo’s shoulder to make it a 1-0 five minutes in. Then Milan Lucic scored 35 seconds later between Luongo’s legs. Two minutes after that it was Andrew Ference, and Luongo’s night, and Vancouver’s chances to hoist Lord Stanley in Boston were done.
“I’m proud of the guys,” said Boston’s Mark Recchi. “We had our backs to the wall, we’ve been resilient all year, and we came out and had a great first period and did what we had to do tonight, and it comes down to Game 7. It’s one game now.”
Boston scored two more goals on backup goalie Cory Schneider, however it was the knockout blow on Luongo that immediately had Canucks fans thinking Game 7. Vancouver put two on the board themselves but the Bruins were in cruise control at that point.
“You can’t hang your head and feel sorry for yourself,” Luongo said. “That’s the worst thing I could do. … I had a good feeling all day. Before the series started, I said I enjoyed playing in this building. Just got to move on right now. Got to believe in myself, right?”
Game 7 will be at Vancouver on Wednesday, June 15 at 8 p.m. ET.
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These physical Stanley Cup Finals appear to be taking a major toll on the Vancouver Canucks as they will be even more shorthanded for Game 7 on Wednesday night against Boston as winger Mason Raymond reportedly has a fractured vertebra and will need 4-6 months to recover. But Vancouver has opened as the Game 7 favorite on Bodog’s NHL odds.
Raymond was hurt on the first shift of Boston’s Game 6 win on Monday. He got tangled with Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk. Raymond was bent at the waist when he fell back-side first into the boards. Raymond stayed down on the ice for several minutes before being helped off the ice. He was eventually taken to a hospital on a stretcher for further evaluation.
Raymond doesn't have a point in the series and has just 2 goals and 6 assists in 24 playoff games, but had been skating on the Canucks' second line, with Ryan Kesler and Chris Higgins. Plus he has created chances in every game and is Vancouver’s fastest skater.
Jannik Hansen replaced him in Game 6. Raymond had 15 goals and 24 assists during the regular season. The play Monday went unpenalized and the furious Canucks called for a league review. That review isn't expected to occur.
“The referee said he lost his edge — I don't know,” said Canucks captain Henrik Sedin. “I'm sure for one game, we can have guys step up and play those minutes.”
Raymond's injury will likely mean Jeff Tambellini will slot into the second line for Game 7 as his replacement. Tambellini is pointless in five postseason games but moving him up to the second line allows the effective third line to remain intact. Vancouver already is without two of its top defensemen in the injured Dan Hamhuis and suspended Aaron Rome.
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Raymond was hurt on the first shift of Boston’s Game 6 win on Monday. He got tangled with Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk. Raymond was bent at the waist when he fell back-side first into the boards. Raymond stayed down on the ice for several minutes before being helped off the ice. He was eventually taken to a hospital on a stretcher for further evaluation.
Raymond doesn't have a point in the series and has just 2 goals and 6 assists in 24 playoff games, but had been skating on the Canucks' second line, with Ryan Kesler and Chris Higgins. Plus he has created chances in every game and is Vancouver’s fastest skater.
Jannik Hansen replaced him in Game 6. Raymond had 15 goals and 24 assists during the regular season. The play Monday went unpenalized and the furious Canucks called for a league review. That review isn't expected to occur.
“The referee said he lost his edge — I don't know,” said Canucks captain Henrik Sedin. “I'm sure for one game, we can have guys step up and play those minutes.”
Raymond's injury will likely mean Jeff Tambellini will slot into the second line for Game 7 as his replacement. Tambellini is pointless in five postseason games but moving him up to the second line allows the effective third line to remain intact. Vancouver already is without two of its top defensemen in the injured Dan Hamhuis and suspended Aaron Rome.
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Behind the brilliant play of goalie Tim Thomas the Boston Bruins have their first Stanley Cup in 39 years, beating the Vancouver Canucks 4-0.
Thomas shutout the Vancouver Canucks effortlessly Wednesday night, easily securing the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the Stanley Cup Final.
“I can’t believe it’s over, it hasn’t sunk in yet,” Thomas said. “We’ve had our battle meter up for so long I feel like we’re moving onto the next round or something.”
As for Vancouver’s star goalie Roberto Luongo, it was only a matter of time before his struggles on the road caught up to him. Boston attacked Luongo like they were at the TD Garden. Patrice Bergeron got the first goal for Boston, followed by Brad Marchand in the second and another by Bergeron to silence fans at GM Place and quell the crowds in downtown Vancouver. The fourth goal was an empty net goal by Marchand.
Boston survived three Game 7s in these NHL playoffs, using mental and physical toughness to compensate for lack of scoring punch. Although Vancouver displayed flashes of dominance at home, Boston proved to be the more consistent team through all seven games. Losing one-goal games in Vancouver while crushing the Canucks in Boston.
“I think I went even further than I thought,” Thomas said. “I never envisioned three Game 7s in one playoff series and still being able to come out on top.”
One could say this team had the personality of Thomas, who has been cool, calm and confident throughout these finals, single-handedly demoralizing the top offense in the NHL.
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Thomas shutout the Vancouver Canucks effortlessly Wednesday night, easily securing the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the Stanley Cup Final.
“I can’t believe it’s over, it hasn’t sunk in yet,” Thomas said. “We’ve had our battle meter up for so long I feel like we’re moving onto the next round or something.”
As for Vancouver’s star goalie Roberto Luongo, it was only a matter of time before his struggles on the road caught up to him. Boston attacked Luongo like they were at the TD Garden. Patrice Bergeron got the first goal for Boston, followed by Brad Marchand in the second and another by Bergeron to silence fans at GM Place and quell the crowds in downtown Vancouver. The fourth goal was an empty net goal by Marchand.
Boston survived three Game 7s in these NHL playoffs, using mental and physical toughness to compensate for lack of scoring punch. Although Vancouver displayed flashes of dominance at home, Boston proved to be the more consistent team through all seven games. Losing one-goal games in Vancouver while crushing the Canucks in Boston.
“I think I went even further than I thought,” Thomas said. “I never envisioned three Game 7s in one playoff series and still being able to come out on top.”
One could say this team had the personality of Thomas, who has been cool, calm and confident throughout these finals, single-handedly demoralizing the top offense in the NHL.
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The Boston Bruins are probably still celebrating their first Stanley Cup since 1972, having beaten the favored Vancouver Canucks 4-0 on Wednesday night to complete an improbable comeback from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits in the series.
Boston became just the third team in the four major U.S. pro sports leagues in the past 32 years to win a Game 7 on the road for a championship. Ironically all three teams wore black and gold: these Bruins, the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins (who won in Detroit in Game 7) and the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates (who won in Baltimore in Game 7).
Bruins goalie Tim Thomas was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner for these 2011 NHL playoffs and deservedly so. Thomas held the Canucks to eight goals in seven games, posting his second shutout of the series and his fourth of the playoffs in the finale. Thomas, who set a new record for total saves in the postseason, also became the first goalie ever to post a shutout on the road in a Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Thomas played every minute of the playoffs and won three Game 7s — an NHL first.
Thomas stopped an incredible 238 of the Canucks' 246 shots in the finals for a .967 save percentage. That's even better than his .940 mark and 1.98 goals-against average for the entire postseason. Thomas became just the second American player to win the Conn Smythe. New York defenseman Brian Leetch was the first to win it, doing so in 1994, after the Rangers defeated … the Vancouver Canucks. That was Vancouver’s last trip to the Finals.
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Boston became just the third team in the four major U.S. pro sports leagues in the past 32 years to win a Game 7 on the road for a championship. Ironically all three teams wore black and gold: these Bruins, the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins (who won in Detroit in Game 7) and the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates (who won in Baltimore in Game 7).
Bruins goalie Tim Thomas was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner for these 2011 NHL playoffs and deservedly so. Thomas held the Canucks to eight goals in seven games, posting his second shutout of the series and his fourth of the playoffs in the finale. Thomas, who set a new record for total saves in the postseason, also became the first goalie ever to post a shutout on the road in a Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Thomas played every minute of the playoffs and won three Game 7s — an NHL first.
Thomas stopped an incredible 238 of the Canucks' 246 shots in the finals for a .967 save percentage. That's even better than his .940 mark and 1.98 goals-against average for the entire postseason. Thomas became just the second American player to win the Conn Smythe. New York defenseman Brian Leetch was the first to win it, doing so in 1994, after the Rangers defeated … the Vancouver Canucks. That was Vancouver’s last trip to the Finals.
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Washington pretty much owned the Lightning in the regular season in winning four of the six meetings. But the Caps are now dealing with a scalding-hot goalie in Dwayne Roloson, who held high-powered Washington to just two goals each in the first two games. Michal Neuvrith has been just average for the Caps in net. Vincent Lecavalier was the star of Sunday’s Game 2 overtime win for the Bolts, scoring two goals including the game-winner. Washington's power play went 0 for 6 and is 0 for 11 in the series. The Lightning have turned aside 45 of 46 short-handed situations this postseason. If there’s good news for Washington it’s that it does know how to rally in a series. In 2009, the Capitals were in the exact situation they are now — down 0-2 after dropping two at home — before coming back to eliminate the New York Rangers.
Including the six regular season meetings between the Capitals and the Lightning, Washington has scored the game’s first goal just once in eight games. And the Caps have managed just five shots on goal in the third period of each of the first two games. If the Caps don’t win tonight their season could be over less than 24 hours later as this series has rare back-to-back games. Washington has played five of its seven playoff games on home ice this spring, winning three of the five.
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