PLAYOFF REFLECTIONS: NIGHT TWO

Although it is impossible to truly follow all of the games here are some reflections and opinions from the second night of playoff action:

1)     Are the Canadiens in the Bruins head? A shutout in game one on the road is a huge statement. Carey Price was very sharp, and the Habs looked like a team that was willing to sacrifice to win. Games will be tight and if the Habs continue to block shots and play disciplined they can win this series. The Bruins are supposed to be much stronger and more physical than Montreal. They will need to adapt a much more rough and tumble game plan to win game two.

2)     The Flyers/Sabres game was one of the most dull playoff games in recent memory. Not much happened, and that’s just the way Lindy Ruff and the Sabres would love to have it the rest of the series. The Flyers questions coming into the game were mostly surrounding Sergei Bobrovsky, and the absence of Chris Pronger. After game one, some heart and character questions should be thrown out to Mike Richards and Jeff Carter. Stars have to be stars in the playoffs. Both Richards and Carter looked like passengers in the game. Ryan Miller played stellar, but didn’t need to be fantastic. The Sabres were quite content to let the Flyers stay to the outside and block a bunch of shots.  Bobrovsky kicked out a fat rebound on the lone goal scored by Patrick Kaleta, but it is completely unreasonable to put any blame on the rookie netminder.

3)     Ryan Miller is fine. Injury concerns were the story in Buffalo leading up to the series. Miler missed 4 of Buffalo’s last 6 regular season games, but didn’t show any concern in shutting out the Flyers.  The Sabres defencemen made life easy on Miller limiting second chance opportunities and allowing him to see the puck.

4)     Jarret Stoll of the LA Kings should be suspended for his hit on Ian White of San Jose. The hit happened behind the net, late in the first period. It was a clear forearm to the head of the Sharks defenceman. This is the exact kind of hit that the NHL needs to rid itself of. Stoll is not know as a dirty player, but careless play on the ice, especially when going right to the head will not be tolerated.  White’s status is not known, but he did not return to the game. Stoll should get 1-2 games in this series.

Here is the schedule for tonight’s games.

Tampa Bay @ Pittsburgh 7:00pm EST

NY Rangers @ Washington  7:30pm EST

Chicago @ Vancouver   10:00pm EST

Nashville @ Anaheim  10:30pm

No live tweets from me tonight.  I will be back tomorrow tweeting the Flyers/Sabres game  @getrealhockey.

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-Mark Chyz