Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Playoff Storylines: 4/21
Montreal Storylines: Staring down a 2-1 hole, can Carey Price return to prior form in his first start of the postseason? In his spot duty Monday, 31 minutes worth of it, Price made 21 saves on 23 shots. Can he backstop the Habs to a series tie?
Washington Storylines: What is wrong with the powerplay? Through 3 games, the league's best powerplay, which ran at a gaudy 25.2% during the course of the regular season, has yet to pot a power play marker, going 0-14 on the series. Alarming to note; as potential future opponents; Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Boston, and Philadelphia all have better penalty kills than the Canadiens (It is impossible for the Caps to play Buffalo in the next round via seeds).
For more of tonight's storylines, and a look back at last nights outcomes, hit the jump.
Buffalo Storylines: Does the call up of Cody McCormick, making his Sabres debut tonight, show that the Sabres recognize a complete and utter lack of response to the Bruins bigger, and seemingly, meaner roster? Usual callups Mark Mancari and last year's AHL Rookie of the Year Nathan Gerbe were passed over for the truculent McCormick, who was last seen in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche.
Boston Storylines: Is Marc Savard really coming back? This may be a storyline more for the fans than the players, but Darren Dreger is reporting that Savard has passed all his tests, with another trip to the doctor being just a formality. How close is he to returning? I suppose the question is; how long will it take to get in shape?
Vancouver Storylines: Can the Canucks overcome some of the calls that have gone against them, regain their composure, and take one back at the Staples Center?
Los Angeles Storylines: Is this powerplay for real? 58.3%? 7 for 12? Continuing to take advantage of the power play will go along ways towards continued success, especially seeing as 70% of their goals on the series have come on the man advantage.
Now as for last night's thoughts.
Detroit & Phoenix: Obviously the questions surrounding Jimmy Howard are probably all but erased at this point, pitching the shutout in game 4 to even the series at 2. For the 'Yotes, seeing their heart and soul out of the lineup certainly hurt, but not to the extent in which they barely showed up to play.
New Jersey & Philadelphia: Kovalchuk showed up, potting the Devils sole goal on the powerplay, but too little, too late as Brian Boucher once again came to play. Who expected a 3-1 lead in that one, especially for the Flyers?
Pittsburgh & Ottawa: Can the Pens put their nose to the grindstone? Damn right they did, putting up 7 on the listless Sens. That other storyline, can Elliot steal one? Well, that my friends, is a resounding no. Will we see LeClaire in Game 5? Why not, can't hurt.
Chicago & Nashville: The Hawks once again failed to show, only potting 1 on Rinne, a PP goal from Tomas Kopecky. As for Nashville, they failed to score on the powerplay, going 0-5, but did score on a penalty shot on a Byflugien hooking call. So I suppose that does count; 1 for 6.
San Jose & Colorado: Dan Boyle came back in a big way; potting a powerplay maker barely a minute into the frame. While Anderson didn't fade after his heavy workload last night, after facing another 45 shots last night, that puts his total up to 174 faced, through just 4 games. Unreal.
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