Big night in the NHL and NBA. Let’s get into it here are a few Tuesday night playoff takes.
NHL
Despite an absolutely mesmerizing 79 save performance from Igor Shesterkin that lead the Rangers to forcing Pittsburgh into three overtimes, eventually, Evgeni Malkin would tip in a shot from the point that would lead the Pens to their first playoff win of the season.
The Penguins should be expected to be fierce in this series as this really is this young Rangers core’s first time in the playoffs. Notching a triple OT matchup this early though certainly proves the Rangers have some playoff metal to them. It will be interesting to see how the young Rangers respond to such a long and grueling game on Thursday in game 2.
The Avs opened the playoffs with a five goal first period, and well the rest is history really. Anytime teams jump out to that big of a lead in a playoff team, the opponent tends to back off and prepare for game two.
Nashville’s playoffs metal is not tested and goalie Juuse Saros is out with an injury and not expected to return until game three, and the Avs took advantage. Roman Josi, the Norris Trophy contender was held in check. His tremendous playmaking skills did not show up to hurt the Avs in game one, game two awaits.
Tonight, the Tampa Bay Lightning hopes to bounce back from a walloping of the highest order by Toronto in game one. The Leaf’s attack was relentless against a struggling Andrei Vasilevskiy in game one. Auston Matthews continues his unreal run of form and in the high slot seems like the most dangerous shooter in the entirety of the NHL right now. Tampa certainly won’t be done after two games but they could use a competitive response in game two.
A team that could be in danger after going down 2-0? Well, I would award that to the Edmonton Oilers. A team that despite line changes of the past two months, is still very much driven by its two scoring stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers need to respond and strike a blow to the Kings in game two before heading to Los Angeles.
NBA
The Celtic’s response to being dominated in game one was to change offensive gameplans, shoot the three-ball.
The Celtics shot 46 percent from three in game two and were lead in scoring by Jaylen Brown who had 30 points for the Celtics in game 2.
The Celtics also have Grant Williams to thank, as the contributor put up 21 points in 35 minutes coming off the bench.
The Celtics have once again made this a series and without three-point dead eye Khris Middleton, if the strategy remains the same for the Celtics the Bucks could be in a little bit of trouble within this series.
Finally a point on the wonders of Ja Morant. 47 points. At what point are we going to have a conversation about Ja’s place amongst top five NBA players, because to me if he and the spectacular team play of the Grizzlies overcome this Warriors team, we need to start having that conversation.
If you watch him you can tell he’s built differently. Now the numbers are starting to back that up. Ja is coming for what’s his.
Tonight in Phoenix is Luka’s night to respond, or the night for the Suns to prove they’re just built differently and are back on their way to the Western Conference finals.