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Good morning one and all. Last night was a Finnish party in my house. We put our Selanne shirts on, drank Plevnan Stout and cheered on the Ducks. This morning the inside of my head is still a bit hazy, so off we go (in descending order of remembrance).
The Ducks tied up their series against the Kings on a 2-0 shutout by John Gibson, who becomes the youngest goalie in history to record a shutout in his NHL playoff debut He was tested big-time, especially in the 2nd period in which the Ducks didn't record a single shot, but came up huge. Sutter pulled Quick after the first period in which he allowed 2 goals on 11 shots.
The Bruins beat the Canadiens 4-2 to take a 3-2 series lead. Shawn Thornton squirted water on PK Subban from the bench, because Shawn Thornton is an unfettered idiot.
Brandon Bollig was suspended for 2 games for boarding Keith Ballard in game 4. That series is also tied at 2 games apiece, with the Wild regaining some confidence after showing the Blackhawks far too much respect early on. This turned out to be a good series.
Over in the WHL, Edmonton Oil Kings beat the Portland Winterhawks again, putting them on the brink of elimination. We're following this series with interest as two key Pens prospects are in it. Goaltender Tristan Jarry was outstanding again, and after a shaky start has put the Oil Kings on his shoulders, sporting a cumulative .930 SV% in the WHL playoffs.
Derrick Pouliot had several prime chances in game 5 but put them all over the net. Pouliot has won the WHL defenseman of the year award and is one of 3 finalists for CHL defenseman of the year. Game 6 is tonight in Edmonton.
This will be a tough Mother's Day for Marty St. Louis, who lost his mom three days ago. He gave a very emotional interview after game 5.
The Pens have a chance to close out the Rangers tonight with some history on their side. They need to go out and hustle after a very deflating and disappointing effort in game 5. The Rangers won't show themselves the door, boys. You're going to have to kick them through it.
Dan Bylsma says Rob Scuderi's played some of his best hockey in these playoffs. Okey-dokey then.
Kevin Allen wrote this nice piece about Pittsburgh being a bona fide hockey town a few days ago. Let's hope those fans get a lot more hockey to watch this postseason.
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, but especially those who root for the skating penguins!