The NHL's Western Conference second round playoff field is almost complete after series wins by the Calgary Flames and Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.
NHL playoff scores 2015: Flames, Blackhawks advance with Game 6 victories
Joy overwhelmed Calgary as doubt seeped into Chicago.
Todd Korol/Getty Images
Chicago's ascension is not as surprising, considering the Blackhawks' status as perennial playoff contenders. But their progress was much more in doubt this spring, as the Nashville Predators had an equal (if not better) season than the Blackhawks. The series between the two Central Division foes showed flashes of offensive outbursts that culminated in a wild Game 6 in Chicago.
The clubs accumulated six goals on 26 shots in one of the most chaotic opening periods of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs. But while Nashville chased Chicago's goalie early and set a tone, the Blackhawks recognized the problems their netminders were having and fixed them.
Duncan Keith: "It’s not fair to the goalie the way we play in front of him. Corey the first few times and then ‘Darls’ tonight." #Blackhawks
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) April 26, 2015 It was Keith’s goal in the late stages of the third that broke the tie and sent Chicago safely into the second round. Time will tell if the Blackhawks can take those defensive lessons to heart.
The mood in Calgary was far less doubt-ridden on Saturday, as the Flames and their fans rejoiced over the franchise’s first second-round playoff trip in a decade. For awhile, it appeared they would have to finish the series in a seventh game as Vancouver took an early three-goal lead. But as it has done all season, Calgary found a way to tie the game twice and ultimately vanquish their divisional foes.
Scores
New York Islanders 3, Washington Capitals 1 (Series tied, 3-3)
Detroit Red Wings 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 0 (DET leads, 3-2)
Chicago Blackhawks 4, Nashville Predators 3 (CHI wins, 4-2)
Calgary Flames 7, Vancouver Canucks 4 (CAL wins, 4-2)
3 things we learned
1. Vancouver blew it
With a 3-0 lead in the first period, the Canucks had the perfect start they needed to force a Game 7 and keep their season alive. Instead, they let the Flames chip away quickly and the lead was gone as soon as it arrived. Exiting the playoffs like that is a good way to make sure your offseason vacations are somber affairs.
2. Nashville went down swinging
The Predators may have left the playoffs, but they’ve also left a huge dent in the Chicago Blackhawks. Nashville became the playoffs’ best power play team in their first round series while creating an identity crisis for Chicago in net. Only the way they finished Game 6 should keep doubt from completely infecting Chicago’s locker room.
3. NEVER forget to add the bird part of the word “Blackhawks”
Impact moment
If Saturday night was really the last time the Islanders will ever play in Nassau Coliseum, this was a heck of a way to send the old barn out.
Stat of the night
When Petr Mrazek is on, he is pretty good.
How crazy is this? In @DetroitRedWings 3 wins this series, Petr Mrazek has stopped 94 of 96 shots. 0.66 GAA, .979 SV PCT #NHLPlayoffs
— Dan Marrazza (@DanMarrazza) April 26, 2015 Too bad he hates puppies.
MRAZEK YOU MONSTER pic.twitter.com/mN9keVIUfa
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 26, 2015
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