Shutouts for streaky goaltenders seem to be all the rage these days, as Ilya Bryzgalov follows Marc-Andre Fleury’s lead in keeping his net nice and tidy throughout the full 60 minutes of an NHL playoff game. Raise your hand if you called that!
*David sheepishly looks around, and then puts his hand down*
Obviously though, that video montage of Bryzy’s finest interview moments in yesterday’s Links was the boost the Minnesota Wild needed. And yes, I’m searching for last night’s post-game interview.
So, are the Wild back in it? Well, before yesterday’s game, Down Goes Brown gave the Minnesota Wild all of a zero percent chance to win this series. And while he’s probably still correct, he was wrong in his assumption that the series would be done and dusted following Game 4 on Friday. Which is great, because really, who enjoys a sweep? Besides me, when the Ducks get bounced in four by the Kings. Who then hopefully get bounced in four by the Blackhawks. Who then hopefully…
On the other coast, or on the banks of the Fleuve Saint-Laurent at least, the Canadiens didn’t bother with shutting out the Bruins. They just jumped out to a lead, and this time didn’t give it up. And can we say that P.K. Subban is definitely making a case for consideration for the Conn Smyth? Not only did he have an eventful game yesterday, with a goal and an assist, but he now has a six-game point streak in the playoffs, including 5 multipoint games and 11 points total. Keep in mind the Canadiens have only played seven games. And he’s a defenseman!
* * *
Road trip to Minnesota, anyone? [Sports Day DFW]
I still think the image of Jamie Benn as the Hulk is better, but Ryan Getzlaf wants that to be him. [NHL.com]
And speaking of, hop on over and submit on the “Best of Defending Big D” thread before Tuba closes it! [Defending Big D]
Corey Crawford blames the loss on the Wild putting him to sleep with their boring style of hockey. And there I was thinking it was just the fans who fell asleep during Minnesota games! [NBC Sports]
The ghost of Tim Thomas still plays goal for the Boston Bruins. But seriously, that was a beautiful pass from Tomas Vanek to set up the Habs first goal last night. [SB Nation]
From yesterday’s comments, but worth mentioning. The NHL website used Corey Perry soaking Carter’s glove as the lead for it’s ‘Player Pranks’ section. “Oh, haha, what a funny, good-natured guy that Perry is!” *Bettman wipes away a tear and chuckles, then turns and shouts at Ryan Garbutt* “No, Ryan! Get back in your room! I’ll tell you when you’re no longer grounded!” [NHL.com]
It’s old news by now, but Peter Laviolette was named the new head coach of the Nashville Predators.
Victory for #fancystats? Brian Burke is ‘open’ to using advanced analytics. Now wholly convinced, but at least open to the idea. [Calgary Flames]
All of your officiating questions answered by former-NHL Ref Kerry Fraser. And by ‘all,’ I mean all those pertaining to the Mighty Ducks. [BarDown]
And lastly, I’m not entirely sure why I find this so lovely, but I do. The pre-game for last night’s Habs-Bruins game, on Hockey Night in Canada: