obviously the change didn't make a lot of sense since it was the lack of offense that was killing them allowing three goals in the third when you had the game in hand is pretty awful, too, despite the easy win
Daley had become PIT's second most important defenseman after Letang, so that's a big loss. In other lineup news, Sheary has fallen out of favor. He hasn't played much the last two games and today he's a healthy scratch. Beau Bennett is back.
Hell of a job by Tampa. To be 1 win away from the Finals without their best player and #1 goalie is amazing. Had a feeling Pitt was gonna blow this game when they let the biggest playoff choker in the NHL in their crease. Better go back to Murray if they want a shot in Game 6.
I wouldn't blame the loss on fleury. That was the best Tampa has looked all series. They dictated play. Something the Caps were unable to do vs. Pens. I am not sure what you do in goal. Murray allowed 4 goals in a game 4 loss, fleury allowed 4 goals in a Game 5 loss, so tough to say. I'd stick with Fleury just so I don't look like an ass flip flopping 3 straight games, but it is a tough call. Hockey is such an interesting sport. Allen is not why the Blues won Game 4 just like Fleury is not why the Pens lost Game 5, but they get all the attention. Just like a QB would in football.
Letang did leave him out to dry on that 3rd goal from what I saw. But Fleury looked shaky from the start IMO. Probably just rust but rust shouldn't be shaken off when a series is tied 2-2. I dont agree with switching goalies unless a team is down in a series , unless there is extreme circumstances. Murray wasnt good but 2 of the goals that Tampa scored in Game 4 , no goalie was stopping. With all this said it wouldn't shock me in the least if the Pens won Game 6. To me this just has all the makings of a 7 game series.
the West was easily better than the East this season, so I still believe the winner of the WCF wins the Cup
I agree. The Pens were exactly where a worst case scenario should have had them satisfied -- tied 2-2 for game 5 at home. You can't swap the goalie who got you there at that point. Hitchcock has screwed himself bigger, though. It's bad enough switching your goalie just because you are down 2-1, but if the Sharks beat their backup in St. Louis in Game 5, what's he to do? The Sharks have to look at game 4 as an aberration and move on. They were terrible.
Yeah I dont expect Jones to put up another stinker tonight like he did last game. But I also think whoever wins tonight is going to eventually take the series. If it was me Id go right back to Elliott for this game. It wasnt his fault that the team was down 2-1 , Jones was on a huge hot streak. Why teams ride the "hot hand" in the playoffs even when the goalie isnt hot is beyond me. Blues scored 6 goals last game, I guess Allen had something to do with that? Lol. IMO with Elliott they probably dont even allow 3 goals. Maybe Elliott could've just used a night off like he could've gotten in the regular season , now the unwritten rule has him sticking with his backup in a huge game. That never made sense to me.
Felt like a Pens in 5 or 6 series to me, but now I am ALL IN on Bolts in 6. Haha. Finish this in Tampa! I agree the Blues/Sharks will be the favorite, but I could definitely see the Lightning or Pens beating the West representative. Agreed.
I originally thought Bolts in 6, I still feel even if Guins win Game 6, which I don't think they will, Bolts will win Game 7 in Guinland, Bolts are an amazing road team
Yeah, I remember you saying Bolts in 6. I just felt without Stamkos it would be tough for them to beat a team who just beat a great Caps team and were the hottest team in the NHL. Then they lost Bishop and I was even more sure. This Tampa team has shown it is tough and resilient though. They still need to win one more game, but if they do, it will be impressive to say the least.
Bolts roll 4 dangerous lines, have key veterans, great speed and toughness...they have the ability to overcome crushing injuries, a very deep team with Hedman leading the way
big for TB was that Stralman returned earlier in the series. Before the series started, they didn't know if/when he'd return.
Yeah, it is tough. You have Murray (9-4) and Fleury (0-1). I could see Fleury playing better in a 2nd straight start and Murray having his confidence shaken being benched, and I could also see the other way around. Fleury plays bad again and Pens are eliminated or Murray returns and plays great forcing a Game 7. Total toss up. I think heat from fans and media on Sullivan will give Murray the start in Game 6. Not sure it gives them a win though. As for tonight: Should be a good one. Another toss up. Blues and Sharks. I'll say the Blues win at home.
