Three series were contested last night in the NHL. Two teams could push their opponents to the brink.
Here are the results and highlights of the three duels:
Leafs on the brink
The Maple Leafs headed to Florida for game three. Sheldon Keefe’s team trailed 0-2 in the series and needed to win this all-important game.
However, it was the Panthers who prevailed. 3-2 in overtime.
The game got off to a good start for the visitors, who broke the ice right from the start. Sam Lafferty scored his first of the playoffs.
No better time to get your first #StanleyCup Playoff goal, Sam Lafferty! 👏 pic.twitter.com/YoYzvbRdbO
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 7, 2023
In the second period, Ilya Samsonov was injured and replaced by Joseph Woll. Toronto didn’t need this…
Samsonov has to leave the game after a collision with Verhaeghe 😱 pic.twitter.com/620KDB5QnZ
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) May 7, 2023
Moments later, Anthony Duclair welcomed Woll back with a beautiful goal.
What a beauty by Duclair pic.twitter.com/YfED5M6GNr
– Habs Fan TV (@habsfantv_) May 7, 2023
Both teams scored once afterwards, resulting in a late tie.
Off to overtime.
Sam Reinhart played the hero after a great offensive zone rush.
SAM REINHART WINS IT! #StanleyCup
Sam Reinhart tucks home a wrap-around opportunity and gives the @FlaPanthers the 3-0 series lead. pic.twitter.com/ScuD71IonA
– NHL (@NHL) May 8, 2023
After advancing past the first round for the first time since 2004, the Leafs now trail the Panthers 0-3 in the second round of the playoffs.
Florida could eliminate the Leafs at home on Wednesday, starting at 7 p.m.
Devils wake up again in game three
As in the first round, the New Jersey Devils lost the first two games of the series to the Hurricanes. Fortunately, they woke up in game three.
They easily defeated Carolina 8-4.
The first goal of the game was scored by Timo Meier, his first of the series. In fact, it was his first point as well.
Meier opens the scoring thanks to a sublime pass from Hughes 🤩 pic.twitter.com/JZE2XrSUyr
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) May 7, 2023
In the second period, the Hughes brothers combined their efforts to help Damon Severson also score his first goal of the playoffs.
The Hughes brothers combine to help Severson score his 1st playoff goal 🤩🤩 pic.twitter.com/JvmdKFJNU1
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) May 7, 2023
Jack Hughes finished the game with two goals and two assists.
Jack Hughes threads in his 2nd goal of the game and it’s now 7-2 (!) for the Devils 😲 pic.twitter.com/vNJJ6qJZki
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) May 7, 2023
New Jersey has now closed the gap in the series. Carolina still leads 2-1.
In the Canes’ loss, Frederik Anderson was ousted from the game. His replacement, Pyotr Kochetkov, was no better, allowing four goals on 23 shots.
The next meeting between the two teams will be played on Tuesday, 7pm, at the Prudential Center.
Kraken crushes the Stars
The 2023 NHL playoffs have been full of goals so far. And the Kraken is often no stranger to offensive production. Yesterday, he scored seven goals in a 7-2 win over the Stars.
In the first period, no goals were scored, but it was in the second period that Seattle exploded with four goals in six minutes.
Jordan Eberle scores a pretty goal at the expense of Miro Heiskanen 😬 pic.twitter.com/RH9smd6dim
– Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 8, 2023
Alex Wennberg shoots a laser to give the Kraken a two-goal lead! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/9VAEzex2jV
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 8, 2023
First career #StanleyCup Playoff goal for Carson Soucy as he goes five-hole! 😲 pic.twitter.com/zdl03oBhzz
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 8, 2023
That’s Calder Memorial Trophy finalist Matty Beniers to you. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/MoA4eIHnMk
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 8, 2023
All seven of the host team’s goals were scored by a different player.
The Kraken now leads the series 2-1. The next game will be played in Seattle on Tuesday, starting at 9:30pm.
Overtime
– The two teams don’t like each other.
Hughes and Aho were DANCING.
🎥: @BR_OpenIce pic.twitter.com/D421hTS5wr
– BarDown (@BarDown) May 7, 2023
– Beautiful goal from Jordan Martinook.
Jordan Martinook with an incredible penalty shot.
🎥: @BR_OpenIce
– BarDown (@BarDown) May 7, 2023
– He didn’t need to bring himself into the fray.
Matt Murray is TOR’s third goalie, and has gone down to the room https://t.co/gFDbsf8wwI
– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 7, 2023
– Hughes puts on a show.
– A game tonight.