50 to 19.
Any guesses what those two vastly different numbers signify? Need a hint? They’re from the Texas Stars‘ Western Conference Finals game against the Toronto Marlies (side note: yes, I’m confused as to why Toronto are in the AHL’s Western Conference as well). Another hint? Or maybe I’ll just tell you.
The Texas Stars outshot their opponent by those numbers on Friday night in Game 1 of the series. 50-19! The Corsi from the game is even more ridiculous.
Naturally, such complete domination of an opponent would result in a 5-1 score. With the Marlies winning?! *blink blink*
Granted, two of the goals were empty-netters (don’t ask) but still. Imagine, just one more save from Marlies’ netminder Drew MacIntyre and he could have replicated Ben Scrivens‘ 50-save shutout this past season! Wait, no, just kidding. I checked. That was a 59-save shutout by Scrivens. Sorry Drew. Better luck next time.
The Stars have their chance at revenge tonight though, with Game 2 in Cedar Park.
Keys to the game? Take fewer shots guys. Way fewer shots. Like maybe 31 fewer.
* * *
In NHL news, it took a beautiful shot from Martin St. Louis to end it, but the New York Rangers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime. After the Canadiens turned the puck over trying to clear the zone, Carl Hagelin found St. Louis all alone across the ice. Earlier in the game St. Louis had been denied on a breakaway by a beautiful glove save from Habs netminder Dustin Tokarski. In overtime though he buried it, beating Tokarski’s glove and sending the puck in to the back of the net via the crossbar.
The end of the third period had seen a Canadiens’ shot beat Henrik Lundqvist, only to hit the crossbar and bounce down, but in to the crease, rather than the net. So go the quirks of fate, and the Rangers will carry a 3-1 series lead to Montreal for Game 5 on Tuesday. [Blueshirt Banter] [Habs Eyes on the Prize]
On the other side of the Continental Divide, the LA Kings are going to win the Stanley Cup. And sorry, I know I should have given a spoiler alert, but whatever. It’s too late now anyway. And yes, after last night’s win it’s only a 2-1 series lead, but it just feels the Kings will always find a way to win. Six wins on the road for LA in this playoffs, a 6-0 record when facing elimination, multiple come from behind victories… Point is, I’m not betting against them.
Leading the way for the Kings again last night? The newly christened ‘That 70’s Line.’ Maybe it’s a dumb nickname, but still. It was a great show.
* * *
So… much… playoff/tournament hockey. Team Russia made amends for their disappointing early exit at Sochi earlier this year by defeating Finland in the Gold Medal match of the World Championships. [Russian Machine Never Breaks]
And in the Bronze Medal match, Sweden blanked the Czech Republic, 3-0, in what was Jaromir Jagr’s final game of his international career. Not the national one, he’ll be back in the NHL next year, don’t worry. [IIHF]
Still wondering who to cheer for in the Western Conference Finals? Well, this quote from Ryan Dunn pretty much says it all: “…the Kings are notorious troublemakers. Their antics are vile and disgusting, and if they weren’t my team, I’d probably hate them.” Actually, no, that doesn’t say it all. You should really read the article. The article says it all. Which only makes sense, seeing as… nevermind. [Battle of Cali]
Apparently Razor feels pretty good about the Stars’ new uniforms. Or rather, he feels good that others feel good about the Stars’ new uniforms. [Razor with an Edge]
I felt sure Barry Trotz was destined for the Florida Panthers, you know, another team in a small market that would give him very little to work with. There or the Edmonton Oilers, who we all know could benefit from the implementation of some sort of system. But no, it would appear instead that a deal is close between Trotz and the Washington Capitals. [Washington Post]
Down Goes Brown’s Weekend Grab Bag, celebrating Teemu Selanne, and also the wonderful face of Darryl Sutter. [Grantland]
And lastly, speaking of Darryl Sutter, there is this. Go ahead, click the link. You’re welcome. [Us vs Them]