Thursday night's action was as intense as it gets at this time of the season. While most of the hockey world was concentrated on following Sidney Crosby's return, the life or death games were played elsewhere. Tampa Bay Lightning took a beating from Toronto Maple Leafs, who are already out of the playoff competition. After this the Lightning are practically out as well. Other teams in the Eastern playoff bubble are playing strong and running away. Only a miracle run of 12 straight victories to end the season could boost them up to the playoffs, but that's not going to happen.
Meanwhile in the Western conference, no one is willing to let go off their hopes on the playoffs and the heads up games between the hopefuls reach epic propotions. Last night Calgary Flames continued their strong run in the expence of falling Phoenix Coyotes. Colorado Avalanche lost one point in a shootout loss to New Jersey Devils and San Jose Sharks showed more signs of life in shootout victory over tough-as-nails Nashville Predators. Now there's four teams wihin one point and two playoff spots to share between them. Idle Los Angeles Kings can join the crowd with a victory tonight over summer vacation bound Anaheim Ducks.
And under the spotlight then? Crosby's return was successful and having him and Kris Letang back in the lineup seemed to push the red hot Penguins even higher, both in confidence and skill levels. A comfortable victory over East leading New York Rangers to rack up tenth win in a row puts Pittsburgh on top of the list of Stanley Cup favorites.
Showing posts with label Letang. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Letang. Show all posts
2012/03/04
Playoff race - Mar 4 - Penguins' depth and Kings' comeback
Last night the Pittsburgh Penguins showed everyone that they are one of the teams that really has a chance this year to take the Cup. Still playing without their captain Sidney Crosby and now also without leading defenseman Kris Letang, they easily beat Colorado Avalanche, a team desperately clinging for their chance to make it to the playoffs. And this all on a night where some of the other big teams (Vancouver, Boston, San Jose) stumbled with losses. What made Penguin's feat even more impressing was that the guys scoring the goals came throughout the lineup. NHL scoring leader Evgeni Malkin contributed one goal, which was expected. Other four came from rare scorers; Arron Asham (3rd), Deryk Engelland (4th), Richard Park (6th) and Steve Sulliven (13th). This team really has the winning spirit and will be hard to contain.
On the West, Los Angeles is showing signs of finally waking up with their impressive lineup. The whole season they're been solid defensively, but haven't been able to score. Now, after the acquisition of troubled star forward Jeff Carter from lowly Blue Jackets, they seem to have found some confidence. With San Jose Sharks in free fall and other bubble teams struggling to find another gear, the city of angels might well find themselves in the top eight when the regular season ends.
On the West, Los Angeles is showing signs of finally waking up with their impressive lineup. The whole season they're been solid defensively, but haven't been able to score. Now, after the acquisition of troubled star forward Jeff Carter from lowly Blue Jackets, they seem to have found some confidence. With San Jose Sharks in free fall and other bubble teams struggling to find another gear, the city of angels might well find themselves in the top eight when the regular season ends.
2012/03/01
Playoff race - Mar 1 - Ducks and Letang
Two big things on the first of March. If Pittsburgh Penguins lose Kris Letang for another concussion after Eric Nyström's high hit, it will put a big dent in the team's cup dreams. Letang had a serious concussion that sidelined him for a lengthy period earlier this season and if this is remotely as bad, he might be out for the season. Penguins have showed remarkable ability to carry on strong without their best players Crosby and Letang, but the impact will be massive for the small margins in playoffs. Let's hope it's just a scare and Letang is back in business for the next game.
Anaheim Ducks had a spirited run going on for the final push to make it to the playoffs. Now they lost to lowly Buffalo Sabres and the climb seems just a little bit tougher. They have 18 games remaining and need to hit something like 94 points to make it to the playoffs. Colorado, Dallas and LA are all going with a velocity to take them to 90+ points and only one of these four currently has a spot for the playoffs. Only Chicago and San Jose have shown signs of weakness, but I don't believe either of those talent packed teams is going to fall out of the playoffs. So, the Ducks need to rack up 28-30 points in 18 games. That's roughly playing .800 for the rest of the regular season. And that still fails if any of the other bubble teams comes up with a .600 finish. Tough seems like an understatement here. Calgary, LA and Edmonton in the next three, one loss there would be the end of the push.
Anaheim Ducks had a spirited run going on for the final push to make it to the playoffs. Now they lost to lowly Buffalo Sabres and the climb seems just a little bit tougher. They have 18 games remaining and need to hit something like 94 points to make it to the playoffs. Colorado, Dallas and LA are all going with a velocity to take them to 90+ points and only one of these four currently has a spot for the playoffs. Only Chicago and San Jose have shown signs of weakness, but I don't believe either of those talent packed teams is going to fall out of the playoffs. So, the Ducks need to rack up 28-30 points in 18 games. That's roughly playing .800 for the rest of the regular season. And that still fails if any of the other bubble teams comes up with a .600 finish. Tough seems like an understatement here. Calgary, LA and Edmonton in the next three, one loss there would be the end of the push.
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