Game 3: No. 3 Washington Capitals vs. No. 7 New York Islanders (NYI leads 2-0)|midday
Heres a stat we didnt anticipate: The Islanders are balancing 3.67 goals per game this summer, which ranks third. Combine that with New Yorks hallmark stingy defense, and Barry Trotz has his former team playing what its calling the most crucial game of the season. Nicklas Backstrom (concussion protocol) practiced Saturday, however his status for Game 3 is unclear. The Caps have been outscored 7-2 in the 3rd period through five video games. An honest assessment from Washingtons Carl Hagelin: “Weve only scored, what is it? Four objectives up until now. In some cases that is all it takes in the playoffs if you are playing wise sufficient defensively, however we havent done that, either.”
Its a special day for some current Stanley Cup champs. The Chicago Blackhawks face elimination, while the Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues look to avoid falling under 0-3 holes. Likewise, are the Vegas Golden Knights the brand-new Stanley Cup favorites?
Have a look at the ESPN Stanley Cup Playoffs Daily every day of the postseason up until the Cup is handed out in October.
Sundays video games
All times Eastern.
Video game 4: No. 3 Dallas Stars vs. No. 8 Calgary Flames (CGY leads 2-1)
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Robin Lehner (who hasnt lost a game since being traded to Vegas) will likely get back in internet on the second day of this back-to-back set. Heres what captain Jonathan Toews said Saturday night: “Weve got a game tomorrow to stay alive. Tomorrow, simply got to believe that we will.”
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. The Flyers were gaining steam as a Stanley Cup preferred however laid an egg in Game 2. How should they react? “Do you make some minor changes? Do you make some significant changes?” coach Alain Vigneault teased on Saturday. “Do you reveal faith in the group that brought you to the dance? Youll learn tomorrow.” The intrigue! On Saturday, Canadiens interim coach Kirk Muller protected his choice to use his No. 1 power play late in a blowout. “My task is to make this group as great as it can be right now,” Muller said. “I needed to keep getting some of these guys [opportunities] that have not been productive; theyre starting to feel it. I got to focus on our men in that situation.”
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Blues coach Craig Berube wont commit to a goaltender for this pivotal Game Video game, and its definitely certainly possibility that Jordan Binnington gets benched. It isnt Binningtons fault that the Blues are down 2-0, though he does have actually a. 862 save portion and 4.27 goals-against average in 4 video games this summer, all losses.
Three stars.
Darcy Kuemper, G, Arizona Coyotes.
Had he not let in a fluky objective in the last minute, his stat line would have been even better, but the Coyotes MVP this summer was still magnificent, stopping 49 of 51 shots.
Charlie Coyle, C, Boston Bruins.
Charlie Coyle shows up in the playoffs. He has 11 goals in 30 postseason video games since joining Boston. And he understands how to play baseball, too.
Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Vegas Golden Knights.
Fleury got the start in the very first half of a back-to-back set and made 26 saves money on 27 shots– making his 80th career playoff win, tying Ken Dryden for 6th most in NHL history.
About last night …
Boston Bruins 3, Carolina Hurricanes 1 (BOS leads 2-1).
Less than two hours prior to puck drop, the Bruins revealed a stunner: goaltender Tuukka Rask was choosing out of the playoffs, and had actually returned to be with his family. “I do not judge anybody for that choice,” Patrice Bergeron said. “Were behind him 100 percent.” Today its a chance for Jaroslav Halak, one of the leagues finest backups. One expensive gaffe misplaying the puck, Halak was solid turning away 29 of 30 shots in Game 3. The Canes are concerned about Andrei Svechnikov, who had an awkward fall in the third while getting tangled with Zdeno Chara. It didnt look good, but well know more soon. Full recap.
Very unusual sighting of Patrick Kane missing out on from a prime scoring location pic.twitter.com/DQpMsaWpTa— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) August 16, 2020.
Quote of the day.
… Give Tuukka a hell of a lot of credit for trying to persevere through this, and start the procedure to come up and be with his teammates, due to the fact that primary and first thats what he desires to do.– Boston GM Don Sweeney, on his goaltenders decision to leave the bubble.
Signboard of the day.
A big pattern in the summer season restart is groups purchasing signboards that players can see on the way to their rink. OK, it may or may not have actually been Gritty that began the trend. Either way, heres the most recent installation, thanks to the Lightning:.
Tampa Bay Lightning 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 2 (TB leads 2-1).
Alex Killorn, Brayden Point and Victor Hedman all scored as Tampa Bay completely controlled the last two periods, holding a 59-13 edge in total shot efforts. The coach understood it was coming; he stated he thought it might happen in the last video game following the five-overtime Game 1. Keep in mind, the Blue Jackets played in the only series to go 5 games in the certification round, and that series included multiple games that went to OT.
Arizona Coyotes 4, Colorado Avalanche 2 (COL leads 2-1).
And he has actually played only 7 games. The Avs managed this video game, with 30 more shots than the Yotes had. “With a better night, finishing-wise, I think were going to win that video game,” Avs winger Mikko Rantanen stated.
Charlie Coyle oh my God #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/FllPfsAbqI— Bruins Diehards (@BruinsDiehards) August 15, 2020.
Vegas Golden Knights 2, Chicago Blackhawks 1 (VGS lead 3-0).
“Flower” drew into the lineup in the first game of a back-to-back, and there wasnt any drop-off. Chicago has actually been getting decent effort from its forwards however without results. The hockey gods did not want Patrick Kane to score on this attempt; the Blackhawks lead the tournament with 14 goal posts struck, including 5 from Kane.
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Brad Richardson ratings right at the end of the 2nd period and the Coyotes never ever recall in a 4-2 win vs. the Avalanche.
The Stars will still be without defenseman Stephen Johns on Sunday, and theyre reeling after a ton of missed out on opportunities in Game 3– including 19 shots that missed out on the net. 10:30 p.m.
Blues coach Craig Berube wont will not dedicate a goaltender for this pivotal Game Video game, and its definitely a possibility that Jordan Binnington gets benched. One pricey gaffe misplaying the puck, Halak was solid turning away 29 of 30 shots in Game 3. The coach understood it was coming; he said he believed it may occur in the last game following the five-overtime Game 1. Remember, the Blue Jackets played in the only series to go 5 games in the credentials round, and that series consisted of several games that went to OT.
