The ghost of Jaroslav Halak was with Michal Neuvirth on Friday. Like Obi-Wan Kenobi speaking to Luke Skywalker at the end of A New Hope, the Flyers' netminder had something extraordinary guiding him to a shutout victory in Washington.
NHL playoff scores 2016: The Flyers owe Michal Neuvirth for saving their playoff lives
Philadelphia has just one reason why they’re still in the playoffs, and his name is Michal Neuvirth.
There is no other explanation for what Neuvirth, and the Flyers, were able to do in their 2-0 Game 5 win. None. Zip. Zilch.
The Flyers were outshot by a ridiculous 44-11 margin, and didn’t get their 10th shot on goal until the 50th minute. Philadelphia’s five-on-five shot line was basically a flat line through the entire 60 minutes and they become just the third team in NHL history -- and the first since 1998 -- to win a playoff game with 11 or less shots.
This looks like one of those charts comparing Vancouver house prices to median income. pic.twitter.com/4d0UxSxF6g
— Jason Brough (@JasonPHT) April 23, 2016
Yet, Neuvirth put together one of the most impressive and shocking goaltending performances seen in the playoffs, stunning the Capitals. The Flyers gave him no goal support -- or shot support for that matter -- but since taking over for Steve Mason in the net, Neuvirth has allowed just one goal on 75 shots over two games.
The Flyers have Neuvirth as their 1B -- yes, Mason will still be the Flyers starter next year -- for this reason. Maybe not equipped to handle the full load of a starter’s position, Neuvirth is as rested as they come after sitting out the final month or so of the season on an injury. The switch could not come at a better time for the Flyers, who are only in the position they are now thanks to Neuvirth’s insane .987 save percentage.
Because of Neuvirth, the Flyers live to fight another day and stretch this series to six games, two more than many believed possible given the Capitals dominance in the first round. The Capitals now stare down the ghosts of playoff failures past, and to best them, they'll have to beat the hottest goaltender in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Scores
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3 things we learned
1. The Sharks vanquished their demons!
More accurately, the Sharks finally slayed their Southern California rivals as the Kings become the second team to make a playoff exit. We're sad to see the best first-round series end so early, but it's well deserved for San Jose and injects new blood into the next round. Despite blowing a three-goal lead, the Sharks regathered themselves after the Kings knotted the match 3-3 in the second for the final three tallies of the game. A wild finish to the most entertaining series of the opening round, by far.
2. Minnesota extended their series in a shocker
Talk about a wild finish for Minnesota, who were dead to rights until Mikko Koivu's pair lifted the Wild over the Stars 5-4. On the road, the Wild managed to keep their composure after blowing an early two-goal lead then made a fierce comeback after the Stars found net twice in 28 seconds on what seemed to be the dagger in the third period. Surprisingly, the Wild have made a series of this now as they head home to Saint Paul down just 3-2 now.
3. Double overtime struck again
This time, it was the Panthers and Islanders making it to double overtime. Alan Quine ended the game in the 94th minute on the power play and 90 shots were thrown on net between the two teams in Florida's 2-1 loss. The Panthers now must win on the road in Brooklyn as the Islanders have a chance to stuff out the young Florida team at home for their first playoff series win since 1993.
Impact Moment
On a Friday night that saw two overtimes, a goaltender standing on his head and the elimination of a playoff powerhouse, it's hard to pick just one impact moment. However, the Panthers saw the rare overtime penalty shot in a playoff game that could have ended their night then and there. The shot was denied by Thomas Greiss and the Islanders turned the balance of the game from that point onwards.
Stat of the Night
All four games won by the road teams tonight.
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) April 23, 2016
In the playoffs to date:
15 games won by home teams.
23 games won by the visitors.
Home ice advantage, or disadvantage?
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