Through three days, the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs have already captured our attention with absolutely thrilling hockey, drama and storylines.
NHL playoff scores 2016: Road to the Stanley Cup is paved with controversial goals
The trend continues.
Tom Pennington/Getty Images
So the NHL has to be fuming that the biggest headline-grabber is the officiating.
For the second straight night, debates were sparked across the league after coach’s challenges highlighted the inconsistencies, ambiguities or straight-up flaws in the NHL’s rule book and video review system.
The first came during the high-profile matinee between the Rangers and Penguins. The Rangers had just tied the game in the second period when Derick Brassard sped into the offensive zone and beat Penguins goalie Jeff Zatkoff for a go-ahead goal. But then it was challenged for offsides. The very same thing that ignited a firestorm on Friday night in St. Louis.
Here’s the NHL’s new blue line camera at work pic.twitter.com/mOh1YkySug
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 16, 2016
The goal stood.
If that wasn't enough officiating drama for you, the Stars scored a goal so impossible, with so many layers, that I'm not convinced anyone knows if it was legal or not.
That goal stood too.
And you know what? According to the NHL rulebook, there’s no reason to think the officials got either of them wrong. But that’s not the point.
The point is that challenges and reviews have overwhelmed what has otherwise been a superb start to the playoffs. On one hand, this is a result of the NHL painting themselves into a corner. If you give coaches wide range to challenge plays then you’re bound to get bogged down in reviews once the playoffs start and the stakes skyrocket. On the other hand, these things are also generally impossible to plan for. Things happen. Sometimes the Stars score magical bouncing goals from outer space.
But hopefully the frequency tapers off a bit as the playoffs go along. I think most NHL fans would prefer their games being decided decisively with skill, not with rules exams, debates and lingering questions.
Scores
Rangers 4, Penguins 2
Stars 2, Wild 1
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3 things we learned
1. Kari Lehtonen can show up in big games
Dallas dominated Minnesota in every way but the scoreboard in Game 2. That led to a frantic final two minutes as the Wild poured on scoring chance after scoring chance. Lehtonen was at his very best in those final moments, shutting the Wild down when many Stars fans were secretly wondering if this was the moment he would collapse. He didn’t, instead finishing off the second excellent playoff performance in as many games. He’s won eight of his last nine starts, effectively eliminating any questions about which goalie the Stars should go with in the postseason.
2. A healthy Henrik Lundqvist makes all the difference
There's no doubt that New York's monster second period was the catalyst for their Game 2 victory in Pittsburgh. But without Lundqvist, the Penguins undoubtedly mount a comeback. Lundqvist shut down those attempts (his stop on Bryan Rust in the second period was a highlight) and preserved a win.
3. Joe Pavelski is bringing it
The heart and soul of the San Jose Sharks is playing better than almost anybody else in the Stanley Cup playoffs so far. Pavelsi scored and assisted on Logan Couture's second period tally to lead the Sharks to a 2-0 series win. Between Pavelski, Jamie Benn, Jonathan Toews, Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and John Tavares it's nearly impossible to decide which NHL captain is playing the best playoff hockey right now.
Impact Moment
Any chance the Flyers had of winning Game 2 evaporated the moment the Capitals scored from 200 feet away.
Poor Steve Mason.
Stat of the Night I
Here's a comprehensive list of people who know for sure if that Stars goal was legal:
— Pat Iversen (@Pat_Iversen) April 17, 2016
Stat of the Night II
Through first 2 days of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, home teams (aka higher seeds) are 5-2. They've outscored road teams 22-13 with 3 shutouts.
— Josh Bogorad (@JoshBogorad) April 15, 2016
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