The National Hockey League playoffs are well underway, with the second round well underway.
Last night, two series were in action, one in the West and one in the East.
Here’s what we remember from both games.
1. Oilers go for big win to even series
After losing Game 1 by a score of 5-4, the Oilers needed to bounce back in Game 2, and that’s exactly what they did.
However, it wasn’t easy last night, as they trailed by a goal on three occasions.
The Oilers took the lead only when they scored the winning goal in overtime in this 4-3 victory.
EVAN BOUCHARD WINS IT!
The @EdmontonOilers win Game 2 in @SportChek overtime to tie the series! π #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/FSUQmF0Uyx
– NHL (@NHL) May 11, 2024
For an Oilers victory, it obviously took a very big game from the team’s two stars.
Indeed, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl took matters into their own hands in this game, each scoring four points on four goals, including this magnificent goal by McDavid to tie the game in the third period.
CONNOR MCDAVID HAS TIED THIS GAME! π¨ #StanleyCup
πΊπΈ: @NHL_on_TNT (truTV) & @SportsonMax β‘οΈ https://t.co/W9mpYG1lMO
π¨π¦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ β‘οΈ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/G8pmaGJPVv– NHL (@NHL) May 11, 2024
Note that Draisaitl was injured in the last game, and wasn’t even supposed to play. In the end, he was in uniform, and he didn’t look injured at all, on the contrary.
Four points on four goals for an injured player is pretty good.
Let’s just say we’re a long way from Auston Matthews and William Nylander…
In short, the German forward is just as vital to the team’s success as McDavid, and that’s why he played through injury.
Draisaitl also accomplished quite a feat, reaching the 90-point plateau in the playoffs after just 56 games, the third-fastest in history behind only Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
Leon Draisaitl scored and levelled the game with his 90th career point in the #StanleyCup Playoffs, and became the third-fastest player in NHL history to reach the mark. π€― #NHLStats: https://t.co/eacyMW81wv pic.twitter.com/xQTNHH6nrx
– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 11, 2024
It’s still an incredible statistic and very flattering for Draisaitl to have only the two best players of all time in front of him.
In short, the two Canadian teams put on another excellent show, playing out a very good, close game.
Game #3 will take place on Sunday in Edmonton, starting at 9:30pm.
The series is tied 1-1.
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2. Panthers thrash Bruins in Boston
After a Game #1 that surprised many with a convincing victory for the Boston Bruins, we were expecting a big response from the Panthers.
After all, there’s a reason why everyone sees them beating the Bruins handily.
Well, after winning Game #2, the Panthers handed the Bruins a thrashing in Boston at the TD Garden.
The Panthers won 6-2, while dominating 33-17 in shots on goal.
The Bruins were very undisciplined in this game, and the Panthers took advantage, scoring four of their six goals on the power play.
They made it 4 out of 6 on the power play, which really sealed the deal.
Two goals 60 seconds apart on the same power play! πͺ #StanleyCup
The @FlaPanthers are clicking tonight.
πΊπΈ: @NHL_on_TNT (truTV) & @SportsonMax β‘οΈ https://t.co/W9mpYG1lMO
π¨π¦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ β‘οΈ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/gk5ghsqYAL– NHL (@NHL) May 11, 2024
In short, the Panthers were dominant and far too strong for the Bruins.
The next game will be one to watch, to see if the Bruins can bounce back.
Game #4 of this series takes place on Sunday in Boston, starting at 6:30pm.
The Pantherslead the series 2-1.
Overtime
– Nikita Zadorov has been on fire since the start of the playoffs, but Stuart Skinner would certainly like to see that shot again.
Nikita Zadorov’s fourth of the #StanleyCup Playoffs is the go-ahead goal for the @Canucks! π³ #StanleyCup
πΊπΈ: @NHL_on_TNT (truTV) & @SportsonMax β‘οΈ https://t.co/W9mpYG1lMO
π¨π¦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ β‘οΈ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/WWOMsny2a3– NHL (@NHL) May 11, 2024
– Here are the two results from yesterday.
The @FlaPanthers scored six goals for the second straight game to take a 2-1 series lead, while the @EdmontonOilers pulled out the overtime victory to even their series at one game apiece.#NHLStats: https://t.co/eacyMW81wv pic.twitter.com/wW99A1W6aW
– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 11, 2024
– Here are the night’s top scorers. Note that 28 players scored at least one point.
– On the schedule today: two games, as the Rangers attempt to sweep the Hurricanes and remain undefeated so far in the playoffs.