Game 5
At least OT didn’t last long. This series is coming back to Raleigh Monday night.
Quick compilation of my thoughts from the impromptu hockey Yudachat (scroll down to post 463; the “ntr JoshC” postings before are other regulars posting as “not the real” me, a common gag there):
- The Canes weren’t sharp at all after the first 20. EDM passed the puck much better after then, shot a lot more in the third and OT. They played better Carolina hockey than the Canes did.
- Staal scored 2 and assisted on 1, but his giveaways were responsible for two goals: one where it created a possession resulting in a CAR penalty and a PPG, then the misplay in OT. Cory Stillman should probably share some blame for even passing the puck there, but Staal’s got responsibility to keep his head up for the forechecker, and that hurt.
- Posts were even (1-1), but after the one Ray Whitney hit, Jussi Markkanen’s own slowness may have saved him. As the puck rainbowed across the crease and he laid flat-out on the ice from the first save, he followed it in the air with his closed catching glove in an attempt to clear it. If he actually had caught up with the puck, 50/50 he knocks it in.
- The News and Observer published parade plans today. Karma-wise, I put this on them. That’s quintessential bulletin-board material.
Final assessment has to be, though, that Edmonton was flat-out better most of the night. See you on Saturday night, and I’ll try not to bite my own nails off before then.
14 June 2006 / 0 Comments / Tags: hockey