MLHS Morning Mashup: Habs on the Ropes

by Greg Thomson on April 24, 2011 in League News - 676 Comments

Nathan Horton’s goal at 9:03 of the second overtime period capped off what was arguably the most exciting contest of the playoffs through the opening week-and-a-half. Both teams traded quality scoring chances throughout the game, but the goaltending battle between Tim Thomas and Carey Price highlighted an intense, as-tight-as-it-gets battle. In particular, the Canadiens’ darkhorse up front is David Deharnais, a 5-foot-8 speedster who created several excellent scores chances for his team and showed strong outside speed. After winning the first two games of the series, Montreal now heads back home down 3-2 with all the momentum shifted Boston’s way. Only time will tell if the Canadiens can thrive with the pressure on and force a game seven back in Beantown.

In afternoon action, the Capitals, as expected, pulled out a 3-1 win over the Rangers and became the second team (following the Red Wings) to secure a birth in the second round. Washington was firing on all cylinders, with a balanced attack and stable presence in net from ripe 20-year-old Michal Neuvirth. While it’s important to note that this was the Caps’ first post-lockout playoff series win in less than seven games, one series is three less than the goal for a Capitals team who won’t settle for anything short of the Cup and must do some serious damage to buck their post-season underachievers label. Post-lockout, the Capitals have not beat a team other than the Rangers in the playoffs.

Links after the jump.

Leafs Links:

The Sutters Family Easter

Latest creation by Bloge Salming

Class Dismissed

Clayton Hansler at Marlies.ca offers his final thoughts on the season that was.

Playoff Links:

Bruins knock off Habs 2-1 in OT

Boston takes a 3-2 series lead after Nathan Horton netted the overtime winner at 9:03 of double overtime.

Caps make quick work of Rangers

Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals cruise to 3-1 win to take the series 4-1 over New York.

Lightning strike back in Game 5

Stamkos, Kubina and Gagne each score a pair of goals in Tampa’s 8-2 win over Pittsburgh.

Blackhawks’ Seabrook skates, could return

Seabrook is close to returning and will be a game-time decision for the Canucks on Sunday.

Last Night in Leafs Prospects:

Jesse Blacker had two assists in Owen Sound’s 6-4 win over Windsor, bringing his playoff total to 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) in 13 games. The Attack hold a 2-1 series lead and need only two more victories to advance to the OHL championship against either the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors or Niagara IceDogs. Game 4 of the Owen Sound/Windsor series gets underway on Monday night in Windsor.

Your Say:

What was the key to the Capitals first round victory over New York? How did they manage to get over the hump and advance past the first round? Can the Penguins regroup and force a game seven after being outscored by six goals on Saturday? Finally, who wins tonight, Chicago or Vancouver?

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