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Well that was something. Thanks to a Chris Kunitz goal in double overtime the Penguins are heading back to the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight season after eliminating the Senators in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final. Last night’s game delivered everything you would expect from a Game 7 and luckily we get to be on the good side of the result. [Pensburgh]
Coming into Game 7 history was not on the side of the Penguins (or the Senators really). Like they have done so many times in recent memory, the Pens rewrote the narrative and will take a shot at the franchise’s fifth Stanley Cup title. [Trib Live]
We can savor this victory for a few days before the Final begins on Monday but it’s never to early to start scouting the next opponent, the Nashville Predators. Hint: They’re really, really good. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
Blowhard talking head Don Cherry took to the airwaves during Game 7 to complain about Phil Kessel ’s “acting job” that drew a penalty against Dion Phaneuf in the third period. The ensuing power play was the first (and only) chance on the man advantage the Pens had all evening. Justin Schultz scored on the power play to give the Pens a 2-1 lead. [CBC]
At 40 years old Matt Cullen has been playing hockey for almost his entire life to this point. His longevity and dedication to the sport ranks him as one of the best players ever to emerge from a place that has given the hockey world its fair share of talented hockey players. [WDAY]
Over the years, Sweden has provided the NHL with some of its best players. Besides winning the World Championships last week, the Conference Finals have showcased some of the country’s best talent. [NBC Sports]
Maybe we are just so used to the brilliance of Evgeni Malkin at this point that when you remember he is leading the Stanley Cup playoffs in scoring it almost catches you off guard. Malkin is putting on his best post season performance perhaps since the 2009 Cup run. [Fan Rag Sports]
Regardless of the outcome on the ice, Game 7 between the Penguins and Senators was everything that is great about the game of hockey. [Ottawa Citizen]
Concussions have come into focus for the NHL and other professional leagues in a major way over the last decade. While the circumstances surrounding the wave of expanded concussion research has been tragedy it is an issue of vital importance. [National Observer]
News and notes from around the NHL...
On Thursday a report surfaced that upwards of 13 teams could be getting a uniform makeover this offseason. The report claims the expansion Vegas Golden Knights along with a dozen other teams will have a different look next season when Adidas takes over as the official jersey of the NHL. [Sports Logos]
Noted pest Steve Ott announced his retirement from the NHL on Thursday and will join Mike Yeo behind the bench for the St. Louis Blues as an assistant coach. [The Hockey Writers]