First off, credit to me, it’s been a busy day at work. I have been in an absolute war for about the last six hours and I am dead tired, I could just call it a day, kick my feet up and watch YouTube. No, I refuse. The night before must be released. Takes must be had. Let’s do this thing. The night before April 18 2023 edition, let’s do this thing.
NHL
What a way for the Stanley Cup playoffs to start. Two overtime thrillers and a contest that dragged late into the night and took us to the glorious hours of double OT.
In the East things looked as they were promised to look. The Bruins dominated and David Pastranak and Brad Marchand showed up on the scoreboard to help the B’s win 3-1 over the Panthers.
It wasn’t easy for the Bruins early but by the third period they broke down the Panthers to the point that they just didn’t have the will to physically compete anymore. The thing that impressed me most about Boston in night one is despite being loaded with skill, they are a heavy and physical team.
Imagine if the Minnesota Wild had a couple of 40 goal scorers and that’s basically what you have in the Bruins. I believe in the curse of the President’s trophy but dang man, they look like the best team to ever play the sport.
The New York Islanders on the other hand, for two out of three periods looked like they did not belong in the Stanley Cup playoffs. To call the early offense anemic would be high praise. Ilya Sorokin was once again spectacular in the win making 35 saves in the loss. The Islanders offense found a rhythm in the third period. Game 2 will be crucial but the Isles still have fight left.
Double OT Thrillers In The West The Night Before
I loved the Oilers coming into this playoff season. How could you not? Connor McDavid was the best player on the planet this season.
However, the fears of picking the Oilers for a deep playoff run reared their ugly head once again on Monday night. This team, this team man, they just cannot get out of their own way.
The Oilers gave up a commanding 3-1 lead in the third period to the Kings. Both goals came on criminal defensive breakdowns.
The Oilers have been this way all year, an explosive offensive team that just cannot figure out the back end.
Early on, it appears they are a team that struggles in crunch time as well. A team with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl cannot lose in OT at home. Of of the two top five players on the planet needs to find a way to step up and catch the W.
Stuart Skinner also needs to be better. You simply cannot have a 88 save percentage in the playoffs. The Oilers are in trouble here, the Kings are better than last year and they have better goaltending now in Joonas Korpisalo.
Adrian Kempe in particular impressed me for the kings, he feels like he could be a key scoring cog in the King’s machine.
This feels different than a first round matchup to be completely honest with you. Both the Kings and Oilers feel like conference contenders.
Stars Wild In A Thriller
A quick rundown of what happened in game 1.
Ryan Hartman to the rescue | Wild @ Stars 4/17 | NHL Playoffs 2023 – YouTube
- The Wild Power Play excelled
- Matt Dumba threw an absolutely crushing hit that put Joe Pavelski into concussion protocol
- These two teams don’t like each other
- Jake Oettinger put on a goaltending clinic making 45 saves
- Filip Gustavsson, basically a rookie, put on a 50 save performance
- Jason Robertson scored a goal, but also looks like he’ll be getting acclimated to the torture chamber this series
- These two teams don’t like eachother
- The Wild are HEAVY
- The Stars are HEAVY
- This is playoff hockey
- Did I mention, these two teams don’t like each other?
- Oh, and we got a double OT thriller with a score from Ryan Hartman, who fought through injury all night. PLAYOFF HOCKEY, inject it into my veins!
NBA (Briefly)
The Warriors are in trouble. The Kings have the gameplan to stop Steph Curry and contain Golden State’s offensive outbursts.
Draymond Green is a scoundrel and coward, and not to mention a defensive liability in this series that is now just stomping out NBA all star Damonte Sabonis. Yes, these are blog boy words coming at you Draymond. Grow up.
#6 WARRIORS at #3 KINGS | FULL GAME 2 HIGHLIGHTS | April 17, 2023 – YouTube
The Kings are making up for lost time, this is a team ready for the big time. De’Aron Fox killer status is being pushed through quickly. The guy is unconscionable from deep. Also, Malik Monk, a guy.
The Kings are the best story in sports and as much as I love rooting for Steph, it’s hard not to want that Beam lit up every single night.
Sixers took care of the Nets, not surprising. Tyrese Maxey is a playoff performer, no way around it. Again, Sixers, a team full of adults.
Back at it later this week!
Peace