Let’s watch some playoff hockey!
Here’s the slate for the weekend (all times CT):
Friday, May 12
Eastern Conference
Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs, 6 p.m. (TNT)
The Leafs prevented a second-round sweep by winning Game 4 2-1 in overtime Wednesday, and are still hoping to become only the fourth team in NHL history to come back after going down 3-0 in a series. The Panthers need to get back to crashing the net more, something they failed at in the last game. Florida leads the series 3-1.
FLA vs TOR: Game 5..
Paul Maurice after Game 4, “We were looking for something more at times when we didn’t need it & were a half step slow.”
FLA passed up some good looks, was hesitant with others. Series low 25 shots, 6 slot shots in Gm 4. Expect more of a shooting mentality. pic.twitter.com/TeTHg44EHK
— Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyNHL) May 12, 2023
Western Conference
Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights, 9 p.m. (TNT)
After a dicey Game 4, which ended with both teams losing a defenseman to suspension, the Oilers and Golden Knights face off in a game that could determine the fate of the series. The Oilers power play continues to be an absolute weapon, but they’ve also arguably been the better team at 5-on-5 as well. The Knights really need to find their form from the regular season. Series is tied 2-2.
I know Nurse's suspension was by the book but it's kind of insane he gets the same punishment as Pietrangelo trying to chop a guy's hands off 30 feet away from the puck
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) May 12, 2023
Saturday, May 13
Western Conference
Dallas Stars at Seattle Kraken, 6 p.m. (ESPN)
The Stars took a 3-2 lead in the series on Thursday with a convincing 5-2 victory, seemingly figuring out how to crack Grubauer’s sudden prowess in net. The Kraken aren’t out of it yet as their strength still relies on their four-line, score-by-committe depth, but they’ll need to kick it up to stave off elimination.
SEA vs DAL: Game 5…
Stars net-front success…
11 of their 15 goals vs Grubauer off screens, deflections or rebounds.
Grubauer Playoff Save % (19 qualified goalies)
Shots including Screen, Deflection or Rebound: .832 (13th)
Without Screen, Deflection or Rebound: .948 (1st) pic.twitter.com/rWi5Gl4fF2— Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyNHL) May 12, 2023
Sunday, May 14
Eastern Conference
Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers, TBD (if necessary)
Western Conference
Vegas Golden Knights at Edmonton Oilers, 9 p.m. (ESPN)
The Oilers and Golden Knights keep trading win, so it was Vegas’ turn Friday. Edmonton now has to push hard to prevent elimination and push for a Game 7. The Golden Knights to getting back to the WCF is to stay disciplined. Vegas leads the series 3-2.