May 4, 2022 Playoff Recap
Credit: Gregg Forwerck/Getty Images
Mornin' all! We had another wild night around the league last night so lets get down to business!
Boston @ Carolina - Game 2
From the drop of the puck, you knew exactly how this one was going to go. It seems to be the recipe for this series so far: monster hits and lots of scoring. The biggest storyline from this contest was the loss of Antti Raanta for the Canes after he was struck by the gloved hand of David Pastrnak as he skated past the Carolina netminder. The Canes then turned to rookie goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov to save the day, and that's exactly what he did. Kotchetkov made 29 saves in relief to close out the contest, Aho and Niederreiter each scored twice, and Carolina (ahem) stormed to a 5-2 win and a 2-0 series lead. Series score: Carolina 2-0
Tampa Bay @ Toronto - Game 2
In one of the most highly anticipated series of this edition of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, we have seen two contrasting games to start this series. Toronto ran away with game 1, and Tampa seemed to return the favor last night. While the game featured a 5-3 final score favoring the electric company, it was too little too late for the Leafs to claw their way back into this one. Hedman had a 4 point night, Kucherov had a goal and 2 assists, and Vasilevskiy made 31 saves. Series score: Tied 1-1
St. Louis @ Minnesota - Game 2
Welcome to the Kirill Kaprizov show ladies and gentlemen. The Wild star notched a hat trick, along with Joel Eriksson Ek adding 2 more, and Freddy Gaudreau getting on the board as well. Much like Tampa, Minnesota was able to reset and come out strong following their respective game 1 losses. Fleury made 32 saves in front of an electric Minnesota crowd, and the Wild were able to get their special teams going - finishing the night 2-3 on the powerplay and 4-5 on the penalty kill. Series score: Tied 1-1
LA Kings @ Edmonton Oilers
In natural response to a game 1 loss, Oilers twitter was a riot leading up to game 2 last night. And while some Oilers' fans may have begun to panic, it is safe to say they slept soundly after last night's 6-0 thumping of LA. Mike Smith had a great bounce-back night stopping all 30 shots and Evander Kane scored twice. The Oilers went into the 3rd period up 3-0 and were able to keep their foot on the pedal, adding 3 more to close the night out. The Oilers went 2-3 on the powerplay last night, while LA remains 0-8 throughout the series. Series score: Tied 1-1