The battle for the ultimate trophy begins
The NHL 2023 Playoffs began with some low-scoring closely fought battles half of which went to overtime and only one team was able to score more than three times as the average team scoring was 2.375 goals.
Boston begins with one push of the broom of Florida as both team goaltenders post sub .890 save percentages.
Carolina’s two power-play tallies saved their goalies’ horrible .859 save percentage that New York was not able to capitalize on with four power plays of their own and scoring their lone goal on 25 shots.
It took 102 combined SOG and two overtimes as Dallas drops a heartbreaker at home to Minnesota as the Central Division rivals begin what appears to be a long series.
In the highest-scoring game of the evening Edmonton with home-ice advantage and scored twice in the first period with the second goal coming courtesy of a lengthy two-man advantage, winning nearly 60% of their face-offs still managed to lose to Los Angeles in overtime.
Tonight’s scheduled four opening series games could produce the offensive production most fans grew accustomed to during the regular season.
Buffalo Winter 
Hard to believe McDavid got completely stymied last night with not a single point at all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not a very good game for Mr. McDavid but plenty of time to redeem himself, I appreciate Mr. Kane getting the primary assist on the third Oilers goal and Mr. Ceci taking two SOG with two blocks finishing up a +1, not too shabby.
LikeLiked by 1 person