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Morning Skate: Investments in young goalies pay off for Penguins and Lightning
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Lace ‘em up. Time for the Morning Skate.
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YOUTH MOVEMENT
Never doubt the value of young goaltenders. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins both have great-to-elite goalies in Ben Bishop and Marc-Andre Fleury. But without careful drafting and diligent development of their young backups, both would be in a world of hurt right now.
After Ben Bishop's injury in Game 1, the Lightning turned to 21-year-old Andrei Vasilevskiy for Game 2. He was sensational, stopping 38 shots by a furious Penguins offensive attack. The only problem was his Penguins counterpart, fellow 21-year-old Matt Murray, was as fantastic as he's been all playoffs long and led the Penguins to a series-tying win. It was a terrific duel that underscores why complacency with elite goaltenders isn't the way to succeed in today's NHL.
A WILD SID APPEARS
TAMPA BAY IS GETTING HEALTHIER
At least Anton Stralman returned for the Lightning, right? It was, uh, a roller coaster.
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CAMPAIGN GENIUS
On the last day of the NHL 17 cover vote, Joe Pavelski pulled out the grandma card.
TONIGHT’S PLAYOFF FUN:
NEWS AND NOTES:
- The Kings might need to dive into free agency to fix their defense.
- Accountability starts at the top for the Ducks.
- Sean Couturier was so important for the Flyers this season.
- The Rangers need to be patient with their best prospect.
- Dallas' top line was part of the problem against the Blues.
- Signing Artemi Panarin quickly should be Chicago's top priority.
- A Red Wing made a fan's year by going to prom with her.
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