So they say you don't need a #1 goalie to win in the NHL? Huh. I am a goalie, so maybe I am biased...but I completely disagree with "them" on this one. Last night we saw the amazing race in the West get even tighter. Right now eight teams, more than half the Conference, are separated by 3 points from position 4 to position 11. How cool is that?
In Phoenix...
How incredible was Bryzgalov in this game? I am of the mindset that if Phoenix can make the dance, they can be as dangerous as anyone. Phoenix is a fascinating team to watch because they ride waves of emotion constantly and you HAVE to get a lead on them or you are in huge trouble. Calgary blew this game early on when they missed few wide open nets by being to nonchalant with their shots. Two attempts by Jokinen should have be easy layups, and one shot by Sarich that sailed a few feet wide. How many of you Flames fans were out there screaming, "YOU HAVE TO HIT THE NET!"?
With Phoenix win and Calgary's loss the Yotes moved ahead of Calgary (on tie breakers)
In Nashville...
As great as he has been this year, Rinne won't get many easier shutouts than this one. This game was being setup as a HUGE statement game for the Wild and the Preds. Only one team stood up and took the podium. The Predators dominated the Wild and came out in the first period like gangbusters jumping all over a Wild team that to me looked tired.
What I noted in this game is the play of Legwand, Erat, and Ward. This line is about as hard working as any I have seen this year and I don't think many of us out East realize the talent level of Ward and Erat. Joel Ward is a hell of a player and skates with great confidence. Really smart positionally as well.
The Preds in general are just so well coached.
And maybe the game of the year....in San Jose...
And then I watched what may have been one of the games of the year: Vancouver at San Jose.
This has been my pick for the Conference Final out West for some time now and WOW, we can only hope we get to see the matchup, because last night was spectacular.
It's rare you say two goalies played great in a 5-4 shootout game, but as you will see from the highlights below, Niemi and Schneider were at times spectacular.
With these two teams the question has always been "The Sharks and Canucks have great squads but are they ready to sacrifice to win a Cup." What we saw last night are two teams who are both peaking and who are both READY.
I have always been a Sharks fan, but I have also always questioned their heart. My issue with San Jose has always been the same. They are the best team in the NHL when they have the momentum, but one of the worst at getting back momentum when they lose it.
Last night they showed that adage is dead to them. They fought back. Time and time again. Getting huge goals (Mitchell's goal to tie it at 3 may be top five goals of the year when you consider the skill and timing of it) and they got huge saves.
You owe it to yourself to watch the highlights if you missed it.
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