Vancouver Defeats Dallas in Game 7, Move on to Round Two
By Russell Dawson / Vancouver Canucks
May 3, 2024
This is what you play the game for. Moments like these. Game 7's. Rogers Arena, Vancouver, Canada. Lets GO.
The Canucks were slow out the gates with Dallas dominating early. Matt Duchene scored off the rush on Demko to get the Stars on the board. Jamie Benn would capitalize just before the halfway point on the Power Play after a Joshua hooking penalty. Vancouver would fail to score in the 1st and finish down in shots 17-9. Not the start the Canucks needed.
They needed a pushback here for the second.. and they got it. Sam Lafferty scored from the half wall just a minute and a half in and the crowd turned electric. Through tons of traffic in front of the net, Lafferty floated one in from the boards and it found the back of the net. This seemed to give the team the life it needed as Joshua would snipe a wrister past Oettinger just 3 minutes later. After that, both teams really locked it down to end the frame as shots were still in the Stars favor, 27-21.
This could be it. 20 minutes left of regulation play before a possible Overtime. These two teams battled and grinded for almost half the period. Back and forth toughness as the shots got closer, 32-29 in favor of Dallas. Then Finnish forward Roope Hintz was called for a hooking penalty right beside the Canucks net. What an opportunity here for the Nucks. The first unit headed out there and disappointingly didn't get much going. Then came the second unit. They worked it around the offensive zone until Boone Jenner opened himself up by the edge of the circle to the left of the net. Nils Hoglander fed him a beautiful pass and Jenner hammered the puck into the top right corner! 3-2 Canucks! Rogers Arena erupted with cheers.
Vancouver continued to ramp up after the PP goal and the energy from the building fuelled them. They hemmed in the Stars and Tyler Seguin was forced to take a hooking penalty as well, the Canucks were going back to the Power Play. Again they had a rough start to the man advantage with Dallas gaining control of the puck and even managing a shot on net. Alas, after regaining the offensive zone, Nils Hoglander found himself and the puck at the bottom of the right faceoff circle courtesy of the rookie Arshdeep Bains. He fired it far side under the glove and over the pad of Otter. 4-2 Canucks!! Vancouver fans knew all they needed to do was lock it down and finish this game out. What they didn't expect was Conor Garland to find the puck on his stick on a partial breakaway after a 3 on 2 rush. With how he's been playing this postseason, you knew he was scoring. 5-2 Vancouver and they're headed to round 2
Captains Jamie Benn and Quinn Hughes shake hands after a hard fought first round series
Last edited by JurassicPuck; 02-28-2024 at 05:29 PM.
2024 1st Round Playoff Review and Predictions Recap
By Vincent Barlow 2h Ago
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The first round of this years playoffs has finished and now after seeing such great hockey be played, we take a look back at what went down in each series. We'll also be taking a look at how our predictions held up and tracking our picks with a point system. I'll explain that system below:
- You get a point for every number of games off you are. If you're exactly right, you get zero points. Zero points is what you want.
- If you picked Vancouver in 7, and Dallas won in 7, that's 2 points, because you're off one game for each team.
- If you picked Canucks in 7, and they win in 6, that's one point.
- If you picked Canucks in 7 and they won in a sweep, that's 3 points.
- Let's see if you understand the system. You picked Canucks in 7. Let's say they lost in 5. How many points is that? (Yes, that's right, it's 4 points, good job, I think you've got it now)
- You must be thinking by now, you can game the system by playing it safe and calling everything for 7 games. Not so! Getting the winner right is still very important.
- In addition, to encourage boldness, if you pick a sweep and get it right, that's a birdie. You get -1 points. So if you believe it's a sweep, call it a sweep! Don't hedge your bets and say 5 games.
Feel free to join in on the fun if you wish, I'll track everyone's predictions and reveal the winner by the end of the playoffs! But now let's get back to the series recaps and we'll tally up our prediction results at the end.
My Prediction - Boston in 5 Games The Result - Boston in 4 Games Score - 1 Point
My Prediction - Colorado in 5 Games The Result - Colorado in 5 Games Score - 0 Points
My Prediction - Winnipeg in 7 Games The Result - Winnipeg in 6 Games Score - 1 Point
Prediction - Carolina in 4 Games The Result - Florida in 6 Games Score - 4 Points
Prediction - New Jersey in 6 Games The Result - New Jersey in 4 Games Score - 2 Points
Prediction - Vancouver in 7 Games The Result - Vancouver in 7 Games Score - 0 Points
Prediction - Edmonton in 7 Games The Result - Edmonton in 6 Games Score - 1 Point
Prediction - Toronto in 5 Games The Result - Montreal in 6 Games Score - 3 Points
By Vincent Barlow 30m Ago
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Matchup Preview
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Florida Panthers (4-2)
New Jersey Devils (4-0)
Stat Leaders
Corey Perry - 3
Goals
Nico Hischier / Jack Hughes - 3
Matthew Tkachuk - 8
Assists
Jack Hughes / Tyler Toffoli - 5
Matthew Tkachuk - 8
Points
Jack Hughes - 8
Injury Report
Aleksander Barkov MCL Sprain (Day-to-Day)
Carter Verhaeghe Upper Body Injury (Day-to-Day)
Series Notes
Last Playoff Matchup - 2012 1st Round - New Jersey won in 7 Games All Time Playoff Record - NJ is 8-3 versus FLA
The New Jersey Devils and the Florida Panthers are set to collide in the second round of the 2024 NHL Playoffs, each coming off impressive victories in the opening round.
The Devils swept aside the Philadelphia Flyers in a dominant four-game series. Powered by their potent offensive arsenal, led by the dynamic trio of Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes, and Tyler Toffoli, the Devils overwhelmed their opponents with an onslaught of scoring prowess. Now, their high-flying offense faces a formidable challenge in the form of Sergei Bobrovsky, the backbone of the Panthers' defense.
Meanwhile, the Panthers continued their postseason success by once again toppling the Carolina Hurricanes, proving that their playoff run last year was no fluke. Spearheading their charge is goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who has been nothing short of sensational between the pipes with a remarkable .936 save percentage and a stingy 2.00 goals-against average. However, Florida's success cannot rely solely on Bobrovsky's heroics; they'll need secondary scoring contributions from throughout the lineup to overcome the Devils' offensive onslaught.
With the stage set for a thrilling showdown, fans can expect a series filled with intensity and drama.
My Prediction - New Jersey in 6 Games
Matchup Preview
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Winnipeg Jets (4-2)
Colorado Avalanche (4-1)
Stat Leaders
Gabe Vilardi - 5
Goals
Ryan Johansen - 4
Kyle Connor - 8
Assists
Gabriel Landeskog - 6
Kyle Connor - 10
Points
Ryan Johansen - 8
Injury Report
No Injuries
No Injuries
Series Notes
Last Playoff Matchup - N/A All Time Playoff Record - N/A
In a highly anticipated second-round matchup, the Colorado Avalanche and the Winnipeg Jets are set to clash for the first time in Stanley Cup Playoff history. Fresh off their respective victories in the opening round, both teams are primed for a showdown that promises to be nothing short of electrifying.
The Avalanche made quick work of the Anaheim Ducks in round one, dispatching them in just five games. However, their star-studded lineup, led by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, surprisingly struggled to find their offensive rhythm against Anaheim. Instead, it was the unexpected heroes like Ryan Johansen and Artturi Lehkonen who stepped up, leading the charge with impressive point totals.
On the other side, the Jets battled their way past the Minnesota Wild in six hard-fought games. Fueling their success was the stellar play of Kyle Connor, who continued his scoring spree into the postseason, racking up an impressive 10 points in the opening round. However, the true X-factor for Winnipeg lies between the pipes with Connor Hellebuyck. With a .920 save percentage thus far, Hellebuyck's goaltending prowess could prove to be the difference-maker against the powerhouse Avalanche.
Will Colorado's star-studded lineup find their scoring touch against the resolute Jets defense? Or will Winnipeg's dynamic offense, led by Kyle Connor, continue to soar against a formidable Avalanche defense?
My Prediction - Colorado in 6 Games
Matchup Preview
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Edmonton Oilers (4-2)
Vancouver Canucks (4-3)
Stat Leaders
Leon Draisaitl - 4
Goals
Nils Hoglander - 4
Zach Hyman - 6
Assists
Quinn Hughes - 6
Connor McDavid - 8
Points
J.T. Miller/Conor Garland - 7
Injury Report
Warren Foegele Post Concussion Syndrome (3-4 Weeks)
No Injuries
Series Notes
Last Playoff Matchup - 1992 Conference Semis - Edmonton won in 6 Games All Time Playoff Record - EDM is 7-2 versus VAN
The Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers are set to clash in what promises to be a thrilling showdown. Fresh off hard-fought victories in the opening round, both teams are eager to continue their quest for postseason glory.
The Oilers punched their ticket to the second round with a hard-fought six-game series victory over the defending Stanley Cup Champion Vegas Golden Knights. Led by the dynamic duo of Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, who ramped up their play towards the end of the series, the Oilers showcased their offensive firepower. Not to be overlooked are contributions from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman, who provided valuable secondary scoring. However, it was goaltender Stuart Skinner who emerged as the real MVP for Edmonton, boasting a stellar .922 save percentage and standing tall between the pipes when it mattered most.
Meanwhile, the Canucks battled their way past the Dallas Stars in a grueling seven-game series that saw them overcome adversity. Despite blowing a 2-0 series lead, Vancouver displayed resilience and determination, storming back from a 3-2 deficit to emerge victorious. With depth scoring spread throughout the lineup, the Canucks proved their ability to match up well against formidable opponents. Now, their focus shifts to containing the offensive juggernauts of Edmonton in Draisaitl and McDavid.
As the Canucks and Oilers prepare to face off the question remains, can Vancouver's defensive prowess shut down Edmonton's dynamic duo, or will the Oilers' offensive firepower prove too much to handle?
My Prediction - Edmonton in 7 Games
Matchup Preview
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Montreal Canadiens (4-2)
Boston Bruins (4-0)
Stat Leaders
Cole Caufield - 5
Goals
Brad Marchand - 4
Nick Suzuki - 8
Assists
David Pastrnak - 5
Cole Caufield / Nick Suzuki - 10
Points
David Pastrnak - 8
Injury Report
Kevin Shattenkirk Broken Leg (2-3 Months)
Jake Allen Torn Hamstring (2-3 Weeks)
Jake DeBrusk Post Concussion Syndrome (1-2 Months)
Series Notes
Last Playoff Matchup - 2014 Conference Semis - Montreal won in 7 Games All Time Playoff Record - MTL is 106-71 versus BOS
In a clash that ignites the flames of one of hockey's most storied rivalries, the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens are set to renew their postseason rivalry in the second round. While both teams enter this matchup with convincing first-round victories, the history and intensity between these Original Six franchises promise to elevate this series to another level.
Montreal stunned the hockey world with their upset victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in a hard-fought six-game series. Spearheaded by their dynamic first line of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, who lit up the scoresheet with 10 points each, and bolstered by the impressive contributions of Josh Anderson, the Canadiens demonstrated their offensive prowess against a formidable opponent. However, with goaltender Jake Allen sidelined due to injury, the spotlight falls on Tyler Brennan to deliver quality performances between the pipes against the Bruins.
On the other side, the Bruins dispatched the Buffalo Sabres in a swift four-game sweep, showcasing their trademark blend of skill, grit, and determination. With former Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark guarding the crease and a roster built to excel in playoff hockey, Boston enters this series as a formidable force. With the allure of a historic rivalry fueling their fire, the Bruins are poised to make a statement against their archrivals from Montreal.
As puck drop approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a fiercely contested series. With playoff history hanging in the balance, hockey fans are in for a treat as the Bruins and Canadiens renew their age-old rivalry on the grand stage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Edmonton shuts out the Canucks on Home Ice and Steal Game One
By Russell Dawson / Vancouver Canucks
May 5, 2024
Demko gets the start for Game 1 in this series versus the dangerous Oilers offense.
The first period is a quiet one with 0 goals for either team. Canucks would finish the period outshooting the Oilers 16-9.
The second period was a different story with the Vancouver boy Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scoring the first goal of the series. It was then another play with ties to Vancouver as it was Sam Gagner, the former Canuck, scoring with 3 minutes left in the frame. Edmonton finished the second period with a two goal lead on the Canucks.
It wouldn't get much better for the Vancouver side as Adam Erne scored just 30 seconds into the third to kill the energy in the building. Vancouver would end up being shutout for Game 1 and left fans wondering if Demko would remain their starter for Game 2. The offense however definitely needs to take some of the blame as they not only failed to score a goal, but they also went 0-for-3 on the man advantage. Failing to take advantage of a game where Draisaitl and McDavid failed to register a point may come back to haunt the Canucks
Game Recaps | May 4, 2024
5 - 2 Final
BOS leads series 1-0
Boston Bruins (5-0)
Montreal Canadiens (4-3)
Game Notes
Game 1 of this series was a battle and it resulted in injuries to both sides. For the Bruins, while they may have gotten the win, they also don't know if they'll have their star goaltender available for Game 2. Linus Ullmark went down with what appeared to be a back injury after facing just 13 shots on goal. 24 year old Michael Dipietro was forced to step in and he stopped 24 of 26 shots to get the win. This must have Canadiens fans licking their chops at the prospect of not having to face Ullmark. But they themselves have to wait and hear on the result of Nick Suzuki and Kaiden Ghule who were both injured in this game.
The Devils got their first taste of Sergei Bobrovsky and they came away shaking their heads in defeat. Bobrovsky stopped 36 of 38 shots and came out with the victory for the Florida Panthers.
5 - 4 Final - OT
WPG leads series 1-0
Winnipeg Jets (5-2)
Colorado Avalanche (4-2)
Game Notes
What better way to start off a series than have it head to overtime. The Jets would end up coming out on top with a OT winning goal from defenseman Dylan Demelo. Despite such an exciting game the biggest story was Connor Hellebucyk being forced to leave the game after being ran into on a rush chance by the Avalanche. He was forced to leave the game and backup Laurent Brossoit came into replace him, doing a good enough job with 11 saves on 12 shots. There's been no updates thus far on Hellebucyk's status for the rest of this series.
Playoff Storylines to Watch
Connor Hellebucyk Injury
After going down in Game 1, rumors swirling say that Connor Hellebucyk could miss the rest of the series with a lower body injury. The American netminder has been a rock in net for Winnipeg so far through these playoffs and will result in Laurent Brossoit being thrown into the starting role. This could severely hurt the Jets chances of winning this series if these reports are true
Injuries aplenty in Game 1 of the Bruins-Canadiens Series
Three notable players were forced to leave Game 1 of the Boston-Montreal series as Linus Ullmark, Nick Suzuki and Kaiden Guhle all did not return. While it’s unknown as of now how much time each player could miss, it’s scary for either team to potentially be missing any one of these guys. Let’s hope all of them will be back as soon as possible
Canadian Teams Devastated With Key Injuries
How Winnipeg and Montreal will be effected and will they be able to recover?
Jeremy Evans - May 6, 2024
With four of the eight teams remaining in the NHL Playoffs being Canadian teams, all of Canada had to have been ecstatic with how the first round shook out for their teams... well except for Toronto fans (I can feel your pain and rage through the screen don't worry). That excitement just a few days ago has now turned to shock in how quickly the odds for two teams have changed for the worse. So while Oilers and Canucks fans continue to battle it out, Jets and Canadiens fans are in each others arms with tears producing a puddle at their feet
It started for Jets fans in Game 1 when Connor Hellebucyk was unable to finish the contest, which ended up being a win. It was reported as a lower body injury and occurred after stretching across in an attempt to make a save. He was clearly in pain afterwards and would not return. Jets faithful prayed their star goalie, who has been their #1 guy since 2017, wouldn't be out for long as their chances of winning this series is slim at best without him. The prayers were eventually answered... just not in a positive way.
Crushing news for Winnipeg as they will now thrust Laurent Brossoit into the starting role against the lethal Colorado Avalanche. With 9 playoff games to his name, the 31 year old netminder got into 8 games last year for the cup winning Golden Knights last postseason. He finished with a 5-2 record with a .894 save percentage. Not exactly confidence inducing numbers. With a one game series lead, the Jets aren't out of this series just yet. They have arguably the best player in the regular season this year in Kyle Connor along with a great supporting cast of Scheifele, Ehlers and Morrissey. Will it be enough to deflect the onslaught that will be brought by Nate Dogg and the Avs? I wouldn't put money on it
Then of course we come to the Montreal Canadiens. They completed the biggest upset of round one when the defeated the Maple Leafs and were ready to go to battle in one of the biggest rivalries in hockey. Canadiens versus Bruins. You expected this series to be one of the more grittier and exciting matchups of round two and Game 1 did not disappoint those assumptions. Both teams were effective in their physicality as every player was throwing their weight around. The Big Bad Bruins were just more effective at it as they secured a 5-2 victory despite losing Linus Ullmark mid-game (another star player that was injured early in round 2). While Kaiden Guhle was forced to leave due to a David Pastrnak shot off the foot, it was Nick Suzuki that was a casualty of the Boston aggressiveness. Caught in the trolley tracks on a rush up the ice, Trent Frederic caught the Canadiens captain with a crushing hit that sent him crashing hard onto the ice. As TD Garden went nuts after the hit, Suzuki groggily found his way to the bench and down the tunnel. Of course you wanted to hope for the best for these two guys but the news of their status came courtesy of TSN just a day later
Not only are you down 1-0 in the series, your now without your captain and best young defenseman. Suzuki wound up suffering a concussion while Guhle fractured his ankle. Montreal will now need to dip into the Laval Rockets roster for injury replacements in an attempt to replace these two key guys. They already completed a miraculous series win in round one, will they be able to do it again in round two without Suzuki and Guhle. I'm going to be the bearer of bad news and say no chance. I believe they are in an even worse spot than the Jets because of how heavily they rely on these two players. It's looking like their run through these playoffs will be coming to an end.
Canucks will Head to Edmonton with a 1-1 Series Tie, Secure a 3-1 Win in Game 2
By Russell Dawson / Vancouver Canucks
May 7, 2024
After a poor offensive showing in Game 1 the Canucks needed to come out firing in this game. Falling down 2-0 in this series and having to head to Edmonton for Game 3 is not an option
That they did as noted goal scorer Chris Tanev hit the back of the net less than two minutes in while Ilya Mikheyev got his first of the postseason at the 13:23 minute mark.
The 2nd period was back and forth before Nils Hoglander scored from the slot to make it 3-0. 4th liner Adam Erne would be able to get the Oilers their first goal just over a minute later but that would be all for the period. The Canucks entered the third up 3-1 but down in shots 26-18.
The third period saw Vancouver play some incredible defensive hockey, not giving the Oilers an inch and allowing just 6 shots the entire 20 minutes. Praise goes to Thatcher Demko for bouncing back after a disappointing Game 1 that saw some fans calling for DeSmith to play.
Also worth noting was Mattias Janmark played just 5 minutes before leaving the game due to an apparent injury. No word yet on the official diagnosis.
Game Recaps | May 6, 2024
4 - 3 Final - OT
BOS leads series 2-0
Boston Bruins (6-0)
Montreal Canadiens (4-4)
Game Notes
With the injury to Kaiden Guhle, 23 year old Emil Martinsen Lilleberg would make his NHL debut in this game. Montreal would put up a great fight but Brad Marchand would score the OT winner at TD Garden. Michael DiPietro got his first playoff win in a shaky performance that ultimately got the job done. To add to the laundry list of injuries for Montreal, Tanner Pearson left the game with what appeared to be a upper body injury. Trent Frederic was also injured in the Game 2 but it's reported to just be a day-to-day injury. He will be doubtful for Game 3
Incredible news for the Panthers as both Barkov and Verhaeghe would return to the lineup for Game 2 against the Devils in New Jersey. The Devils decided to rain on the Panthers parade however and beat them 6-4, proving Sergei Bobrovsky is human. Barkov's return was rather uneventful, 0 points and a -1. Verhaeghe was able to notch an assist. With all the news of Panthers coming back we should mention Dougie Hamilton was said to have suffered an injury during this game and is doubtful for Game 3
1 - 5 Final
Series Tied 1-1
Winnipeg Jets (5-3)
Colorado Avalanche (5-2)
Game Notes
Winnipeg found out yesterday that they would be without Connor Hellebucyk for this game and until May 22nd with a strained hamstring. A crushing blow to a team that may not have a chance without him and you saw it here in this one. Laurent Brossoit made just 21 saves and allowed 5 in a rough showing for the Port Alberni native. Alex Iafallo was also injured in this game to hurt Winnipeg fans even more. This game might have also awoken the beast that is Nathan MacKinnon. He had a two goal performance.
Playoff Storylines to Watch
Montreal's Laundry List of Injuries
First Nick Suzuki and Kaiden Guhle then Tanner Pearson and now the Canadiens have three key players out with injures. Suzuki is dealing with a concussion and Guhle a fractured ankle. Both of them will miss the rest of the series. Pearson meanwhile will only miss Game 3 but be back for Game 4. Without these guys do the Canadiens still have a chance against the Bruins?
02-28-2024, 05:24 PM
