Lightning Round: Happy Game Three Day!

Yesterday’s Results

Arizona Coyotes 2-3 Colorado Avalanche – Avalanche lead 2-0

The Yotes played much better than in their previous game. They were able to tie the game twice throughout the first two periods and even had a slight advantage in terms of expected goals share and shot attempts by the end of the second period. However the Avs managed to got back to their game which led to an Andre Burakovsky goal with three minutes to go in the third period. The Avalanche took a 2-0 lead in the series

Montreal Canadiens 5-0 Philadelphia Flyers – series tied 1-1

The Canadiens completely dictated the second game of the series, which resulted in a surprisingly big loss by the Flyers. Philadelphia couldn’t get their first shot on goal till the 17th minute of the first period, by this time the team had already trailed 2-0. The Habs added two goals in the second period, forcing the Flyers to pull Carter Hart for Brian Elliot. Jesperi Kotkaniemi hammered the final nail in the coffin of the Philadelphia Flyers in the third, tying the series 1-1. Additionally the Flyers lost forward Travis Konecny, who left the game after blocking a shot with his foot.

Vancouver Canucks 4-3 St. Louis Blues – Canucks lead series 2-0

The Blues might have played their best game in postseason but still fell to the Canucks in the overtime of the second game of the series. Bo Horvat scored twice, including a game-winning goal in overtime, and is leading the NHL in goals this playoffs. Last year’s Stanley Cup winner is still looking for their first win in Edmonton.

New York Islanders 5-2 Washington Capitals – Islanders lead series 2-0

Alex Ovechkin has finally scored in an official game in the “bubble“ and even did it twice, although it still wasn’t enough to tie the series. As in previous game the Caps blew a lead, allowing five goals by the Isles. Basically the Capitals lost in the physical aspect of the game and two goals were scored by members of the Islanders identity line - Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck. Nicklas Backstrom is still missing from the Capitals bench and is doubtful for the next game.

Dallas Stars 0-2 Calgary Flames – Flames lead 2-1

Anton Khudobin replaced Ben Bishop in the Dallas Stars net for the second half of back-to-back games in the series and played a solid game however he would probably still want to forget these goals. From a statistical perspective the Stars have played a better game but couldn’t convert it in actual goals: the second period ended with a huge advantage by the Stars in shot attempts (33-5) but the score was 0-1 in favor of the Flames. In the third period TJ Brodie doubled the score, securing a shutout win for Calgary and giving them a lead in the series

Today’s Games

Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes – series tied 1-1

12:00 PM ET; NBC, TVAS, SN

David Pastrnak didn’t attend yesterday’s practice but is a possibility for tonight’s game. James Reimer will start for the Canes again after a 33-save game on Thursday.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Arizona Coyotes – Avalanche lead series 2-0

3:00 PM ET; CNBS, TVAS, SN360, FS-A, FS-A PLUS, ALT

The Yotes were closer to the victory in Game 2, but need to come even closer tonight if they want to stay in the series.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets – series tied 1-1

7:30 PM ET; NBCSN, TVAS, SN360, FS-SUN, FS-O

After a frustrating loss on Thursday night the Lightning look to take back a lead in the series, however they still need to solve Joonas Korpisalo, who has been stellar for the Jackets.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Chicago Blackhawks – Golden Knights lead series 2-0

8:00 PM ET; NBC, CBS, SN

After a confident win over the Edmonton Oilers in the qualifying round, the Blackhawks appeared in a 2-0 hole against the best seeded team in the West – the Golden Knights. Both teams will play back-to-back games this weekend and the series may be over by Monday.

Other News and Notes

Yesterday Jon Cooper spoke to the media about his expectations for the third game against the Columbus Blue Jackets

The Orlando Solar Bears have signed a rookie forward Matt Alvaro, who appeared in just one game for the Solar Bears last season

Apparently the QMJHL announced that the next season will start on October 1.