A wild opener to the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs was capped by Trevor van Riemsdyk’s skate, as the St. Louis Blues snuck away the victory at a rowdy Scottrade Center Wednesday night. Despite the final score, no other statistic can better describe the games pace than the shot differential. Corey Crawford notched only 17 saves through three periods of play and overtime prior to the unfortunate tip in, and was his usual solid self despite not being tested throughout the game.
In contrast, Brian Elliott could be described as nothing short of brilliant, stonewalling the Blackhawks with 35 saves, including 7 within the overtime period to record his first playoff shutout. Elliott continually bailed out the Blues as well by denying 5 power play opportunities on the evening.
While the Blackhawks certainly feel like they let this one slip away, captain Jonathan Toews was emphatic after the game that he wouldn’t let it bother the team.
“We didn’t get it tonight, but what are you going to do?” Toews said. “You can’t dwell on that for too long. I think you take what you can from it and use it as a motivating factor in finding that emotion and playing better the next game. So, we’ll do that and focus on the next one.”
This kind of motivation will only be further fueled by the return of front line defenseman Duncan Keith for game two. He is fresh off of a recent suspension for high sticking Minnesota defenseman Charlie Coyle and will be a welcome sight to a defense that has struggled at times throughout the year. Game 2 will be Friday at 8:00 PM in St. Louis.
Lundqvist Goes Down
The collective hearts of New York Rangers nation skipped a beat Wednesday night as their premier goaltender left game 1 late in the first first period due to a scary eye injury. Rangers defenseman Marc Staal’s stick got caught in the goalie’s mask and struck his eye. While Lundqvist stayed finished the first period, he was quickly removed at intermission in order to be evaluated by team doctors. He did not return.
The Rangers are confident that their net minder can return for game 2, after a thorough medical examination from team doctors. Rangers coach Alain Vigneault had this promising update in regards to the goaltender:
“He’s been checked by our doctors; at this time we don’t feel that it’s anything too serious,” Vigneault said. “There’s a little bit of swelling near the eye and around the eye, so he’s going to see another specialist this afternoon and we’ll have more news tomorrow.”
Magnus Hellberg has been recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack on an emergency basis, but the parent club is hoping to not have to use him. Needless to say, the Rangers’ playoff success greatly hinges on Lundqvist’s availability, and the entire fanbase is hoping to see him between the pipes Saturday.
The Penguins took advantage of the injury, despite their own Fleury of injuries. third string goaltender Jeff Zatkoff made his first ever playoff appearance, and held the Rangers scoreless through 2 periods. Patric Hornqvist took care of the offense, tallying a hat trick with the help of a late empty net goal. Sidney Crosby also added to the excitement, with a slick breakaway goal late in the 2nd. Game 2 will be Saturday in Pittsburgh at 3:00 PM.
