NHL playoff scores 2016: The Central Division flexed their muscles in Dallas
The Western Conference put on a show that only they could provide.
Scratch that, we have. We always knew a Stars and Blues series would bring something special to the playoffs. And just like the Blues and Blackhawks before them, the Central Division's heavy hitters are giving us some of the most fun playoff hockey to watch.
Put the speed and high skill level of the Stars together with the Blues bruising blue liners in front of arguably the playoff's best goaltender in Brian Elliott, and you'll get something akin to Game 1 on Friday. While the Blues looked like they were still coming down from their Game 7 high, the Stars were firing on all cylinders. It was a lot of north-south hockey, and much of it ended being gloved down by Elliott — who saved 40 shots in a game that saw 74 between the two teams.
The Stars high-risk, high-reward style of play makes for some scary times for Dallas fans, but it's such a fun system to watch. It can catch up to them like it did in their series with the Wild, and yet it only failed them once in Game 1 late in the third. Much of the game had that pond-hockey feel, with counter rush after counter rush going up and down the ice at will. And if this was just the first game, I hope this series goes seven — with multiple overtimes in between.
There may not be — and excuse the pun if you will — as much recognizable star power out in the west, but they sure know how to play entertaining hockey.
Scores
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3 things we learned
1. Brian Elliott had one hell of a game
And it's a shame the Blues were not able to put up more offense for him. Elliott had to face a shooting gallery from the Stars, including 17 in the second period alone. He stood tall and allowed just two of 42 in the game and was a big reason why the Blues were only down by one headed into the final 20 minutes of the game. Elliott was so locked in, he didn't even need eyes to save a juicy Stars chance late in the first period.
You win some, you lose some.
2. The Sharks won even though a black cat crossed their ice
San Jose's home barn had a run in with a black cat during warmups and the Sharks almost lost Game 1 to the Predators after sleeping through 40 minutes of hockey.
3. Speaking of the Sharks, they scored five goals in the third period!
When it rains, it pours for San Jose. After being shut out for 42 minutes, Tomas Hertl got the scoring started for the Sharks then they never looked back. Two from Logan Couture, an empty netter from Tommy Wingels and a gorgeous goal from Joel Ward that broke the game open for the Sharks 2-1 were all San Jose needed to best Nashville despite the slow start.
They almost had a sixth too earlier that would have broken the 1-1 tie, if not for that pesky post.
Impact Moment
Young Radek Faksa’s second career playoff goal was the 2-1 game winner for the Stars.
As our own Pat Iversen puts it:
Did we all give Radek Faksa's goal celly the attention it deserved?
— pat iversen (@Pat_Iversen) April 30, 2016
Tweets from Tony
Remember Tony, AKA @soloucity on Twitter, who fell in love with hockey during the Blues/Blackhawks Game 7? We're dedicating a section in our recaps to the gems of his Twitter account during the playoffs.
Elliot laughs at ur shots
— Tony X. (@soIoucity) April 30, 2016
yea.... i went too far with that last one. i cant tweet again till we score pic.twitter.com/aHqNHharaH
— Tony X. (@soIoucity) April 30, 2016
Rule #1 never tweet about goalies.
— Tony X. (@soIoucity) April 30, 2016
Stat of the Night
Crazy stat: the Stars have been outscored 28-3 in third period of these playoffs
— Davril Lavignezo (@davelozo) April 30, 2016
Make it 28-4 now, but still crazy.
