Stars Prevail In Overtime Thriller
Marty Turco made 61 saves and Brenden Morrow scored on the power play at 9:03 of the fourth overtime period to lift the hometown Dallas Stars to a thrilling and gruelling 2-1 win over the San Jose Sharks in a game that ended early Monday morning, moving them on to the next round of the playoffs.
So much for the Dallas Stars choking in the playoffs. I would wager that every second person who picked Dallas to score in overtime chose Brendan Morrow to notch the winner…he is clutch.
The game would have ended much earlier if it were not for this amazing save by Nabakov.
In related news, Joe Pelletier breaks down some of the longest NHL Playoff games in history.
Jagr Not Finished Just Yet
After the New York Rangers were bounced from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the upstart Pittsburgh Penguins, Jaromir Jagr was asked if he was going to retire. In response Jagr stated “I don’t think I am going to retire”.
The same question could be asked of Brendan Shannahan, but I would have to wonder why they would retire because they were the Ranger’s best players in the Playoffs. I think these two guys should pull a “Selanne and Niedermayer”, contemplating retirement until their old bodies are fully revived only to re-join the team at mid-season and reach peak form in time for the playoff run.
I really think that the Ducks were on to something there. The older and more talented players in the league have a lot to offer a team, but an 82 game season can be grueling on 35-45 year-old bones! I think we’re going to see a lot more of this strategy in the future. The $500,000 fine for a player missing training camp is peanuts to the benefits that it could mean to the team in a playoff run.
Mats Sundin may be another candidate for this “maneuver”.
Kessel Shines Bright for Stars and Stripes
Phil Kessel had a hat trick and the United States watched its power play remain red-hot in a 5-1 win over Slovenia Sunday night at the IIHF World Hockey Championship.
Kessel’s talent and skill are undeniable. he had a tremendously successful learning year in Boston and there is no doubt that he will have a bright future in the National Hockey League when he rounds out his game and gains some more experience.
Avery Released From Hospital
Rangers forward Sean Avery was released from the hospital Sunday morning, five days after suffering a season-ending spleen injury in a playoff game. Avery was believed to have suffered a lacerated spleen during the early moments of last Tuesday’s loss to the Penguins.
Thoughts from a New Jersey Devils fan:
“I’m glad he’s OK, but ain’t Karma a bit@h ?”
Capitals Have Even More Young Prospects!
The Washington Capitals have built an amazing young team from the ground up and believe it or not, they have some more “can’t miss talent” in their pipeline! This Capitals franchise could be dangerous for many years to come if their prospects develop as anticipated.
On Frozen Blog has the entire list and a breakdown of the Capitals prospects.