Month: May 2025

Cup Champions Subdued

Maple Leafs 5 – Panthers 4 (Series 1-0 Toronto) Maple Leafs RW Nylander exploded offensively in the first period scoring just 33 seconds into the game to relieve some of the hyped-up pressure on Toronto to win and scored again with eight minutes remaining in the period for the 2-0 lead.

When Florida scored to cut the lead in half with four minutes left in the first period, RW Nylander responded by assisting on Toronto’s third goal 19 seconds later to restore Toronto’s two goal lead earning the 3-1 score going into the second period.

Even though the Panthers were able to come within one goal twice Toronto did not sit back and attempt to protect the lead, the Maple Leafs without taking advantage of their five power plays still scored five goals and held the lead all game.

TONIGHT’S MATCHUPS

Hurricanes vs Capitals 7pm (Series Gm 1)

Oilers vs Knights 9:30pm (Series Gm 1)

50th Game 7 in NHL playoff history

Jets 4 – Blues 3 (x2 OT) (Series 4-3 Winnipeg) The Jets scored twice in the last two minutes of the game with their goaltender pulled and tying the game by setting an NHL game seven record when Winnipeg scored with just three seconds remaining in the game.

Another 2-0 lead (by the losing team) evaporated in game seven of the opening round and the Jets without their scoring Center Scheifele and lingering doubts about goaltender Hellebuyck being able to back stop this team to the next round, squashed all doubts.

TONIGHT’S MATCHUP FIRST GAME OF THE SECOND ROUND

Panthers vs Maple Leafs 8pm (Series 0-0)

The Anomaly that is RW Mikko Rantanen

Stars 4 – Avalanche 2 (en) (Series 4-3 Dallas) Last night’s opening round game seven was immensely entertaining, a close game where the visitors struck first shorthanded halfway through the second period and then again seconds into the third period to take the 2-0 lead.

And just when the home fans were about to lose hope their newest player in Dallas, RW Rantanen a former first round selection and 10-year veteran of the Avalanche, scores twice in six minutes to tie the game and with four minutes remaining assists on the go-ahead goal before scoring his hat trick with just three seconds remaining in the game.

TONIGHT’S MATCHUP

Blues vs Jets 7pm (Series tied 3-3)

Game Seven coming to Winnipeg

Blues 5 – Jets 2 (Series tied 3-3) No overtime, no empty net goals, just St. Louis scoring four times on 15 SOG during the second period that chased Winnipeg’s goaltender Hellebyck to the bench and the Blues force game seven.

Last night the NHL decided that if your own player touches your goalie first then the opposing team’s player’s interference happens it is not going to be considered interference, who knew?

TONIGHT’S MATCHUP

Avalanche vs Stars 8pm (Series tied 3-3)

CALDER CUP PLAYOFFS

The Rochester Americans have advanced to the Calder Cup Quarter Finals (North Division Finals) by sweeping the Syracuse Crunch (3-0) in convincing fashion as goaltender Levi recorded back-to-back shutouts in the final two games.

Leading the AHL regular season in shutouts (7) coupled with his current AHL playoff performances leave little left for goaltender Levi to accomplish in this league and it will be interesting to watch the Americans attempt to advance as Rochester awaits the outcome of their North Division’s #1 Laval vs #4 Cleveland series to determine their next opponent.

Maple Leafs, Knights, Avalanche, & Oilers Rejoicing

Maple Leafs 4 – Senators 2 (en) (Series 4-2 Toronto) The officials awarded the Maple Leafs a single powerplay and Toronto took full advantage as Awesome Matthews scores the first goal of the game with just over a minute remaining in the first period.

Both teams played well enough to win but it was Toronto who put to rest any doubts that the Maple Leafs are for real and are poised to take on the reigning Cup champions.

Knights 3 – Wild 2 (Series 4-2 Nevada) When Minnesota scored 31 seconds after the Knights recorded their third goal to make the game 3-2 with approximately three and half minutes remaining in the third period it appeared that momentum had swung but it was not to be as the Wild could not score enough to extend the series.

Avalanche 7 – Stars 4 (en x2) (Series tied 3-3) Colorado took nearly twice as many SOG as Dallas, took a 2-0 first period lead, eventually scored seven times, and the crowd booed former Avalanche stalwart who left at the beginning of his 10th season with Colorado and is now playing for the Stars, RW Rantanen who scored to give Dallas the 4-3 lead.

Oilers 6 – Kings 4 (en) (Series 4-2 Edmonton) There were 5 goals and 24 SOG during the first period with the Oilers on top 3-2, then Edmonton added two more scores for the 5-2 lead before the Kings scored with two minutes left in the second period.

And with the goaltender pulled Los Angeles scored with 55 seconds remaining to make it a one goal game before giving up the empty netter and the series.

TONIGHT’S MATCHUP

Jets vs Blues 8pm (Series 3-2 Winnipeg)