Author: Buffalo Winter

Dallas defeats invading Edmonton

Stars 6 – Edmonton 3 (en) (SC SF 1-0 Dallas) An unbelievable third period as the Stars rip the Oilers for five goals in the period beginning with three consecutive power plays.

After the Oilers took the 3-1 lead heading into the third period it appeared the game was in the bag for the visitors, and in less than six minutes to start the period the Stars took the 4-3 lead, eventually scoring twice more in 43 seconds that included the empty netter.

TONIGHT’S MATCHUP

Panthers vs Hurricanes 8pm (SC SF 1-0 Florida)

Panthers easily dispatch Hurricanes

Panthers 5 – Hurricanes 2 (SC SF 1-0 Florida) Carolina is mired in a 13 (third round) game losing streak, the Hurricanes have been swept the last three times they were in the third round and now have lost the first game in their most recent third round attempt.

Carolina goaltender Andersen was horrific earning a .750% save percentage allowing five goals on just 20 SOG, the Hurricanes outshot the Panthers by a large margin, but could only score twice, and if the ‘Canes want the albatross lifted off their necks the offense better show up.

TONIGHT’S MATCHUP

Oilers vs Stars 8pm (SC SF Game 1)

The Stanley Cup Semi-Finals!

TONIGHT’S MATCHUP

Florida Panthers vs Carolina Hurricanes 8pm (SC SF Game 1)

TOMORROW NIGHT’S MATCHUP

Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars 8pm (SC SF Game 1)

Buffalo Winter’s ESPN Bracket Challenge prognostications correctly selected three out of the final four teams.

Since Winnipeg has bowed out of the playoffs I will go with my Northern Cousins over Texas, and if that should come to fruition, Edmonton could very well win another Cup.

The Buffalo Sabres hosted the first two games of the 1975 Stanley Cup Semi-Finals versus the Montreal Canadiens, note that the home team wore their white sweaters and there was no garbage advertising on the dasherboards, helmets, or sweaters.

Defending Cup Champions Advance to Semi-Finals

Panthers 6 – Maple Leafs 1 (en) (SC QTR Finals 4-2 Florida) Florida’s offense tagged Toronto twice with six goals, both teams shut each other out 2-0, but it was the Maple Leafs offense that could not keep up.

One might point a finger at goaltending, but it was Captain Matthews (11 points in 13 playoff games) who said, “I just thought we had too many passengers”, and RW Marner agreed, which is a bleak description of some of their teammates.

Last night’s Referee injury (two trainers had to help him off the ice) highlights why this author thinks that political activist Bettman should not be allowed to force the NHL to use women in officiating, no one wants to see their Mother, Aunt, Sister, Wife, or Daughter being bloodily injured, or worse yet, breaking up a fight or full-blown donnybrook.

STANLEY CUP SEMI-FINALS BEGIN TUESDAY

Panthers vs Hurricanes 8pm (SC SF Game 1)

Dallas Advances

Stars 2 – Jets 1 (OT) (SC QTR Finals 4-2 Dallas) In an elimination game there was only one penalty, (Dallas would have earned one penalty if the Jets had not scored) and it came with 15 seconds remaining in a closely contested 1-1 game against the Jets, which afforded the Stars to score which they did during a power play in overtime ending the series in Dallas’ favor.

TONIGHT’S MATCHUP

Panthers vs Maple Leafs 7:30pm (SC QTR Finals tied 3-3)