Morning Mashup: Seguin Shows up vs. Lightning
They all have them. Every star player, both in the past and present, has had a coming out party. While some happen earlier than others, one Tyler Seguin was an offensive monster in the Bruins’ 6-5 win last night. In only his second career playoff game, Seguin collected two goals and two assists, the best output by a teenager since Trevor Linden had a four-point effort in 1986. Although be began the post season in the press box, has Seguin found his place in the offensive ranks and asserted himself as a true goal scorer for the Bruins?
It was pretty unlikely the former second overall pick wouldn’t be heard from eventually (Burke didn’t make the Kessel deal expecting otherwise), and Seguin displayed tremendous skill and poise on both goals, each going right under the cross bar. Not only did he bring his current total to 5 points in 2 games this series, but managed four of those in only 13:41 of ice time. In large part his success was influenced by the play of line mate Michael Ryder, who had his first two-goal game since round one against the Montreal Canadiens. Ryder opened up space for Seguin and worked hard along the boards to retrieve the puck for Seguin.
Tampa’s stars also came to play, with Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos combining for 7 points. Stamkos had several scoring chances, including a late-game shot into the chest of Tim Thomas that could of tied the game to force overtime.
Last night’s game was a typical ‘Timmy Thomas’ performance, with a combination of highlight reel saves and scrambly goals. He ultimately proved to be up to the task for Boston in their critical Game 6 win. The Bruins would have been hard pressed to comeback from a 2-0 deficit with losses in the first two games at home. The Bruins were able to end the Lightning’s six-game winning streak on the road.
The series shifts to Tampa Bay for Games 3 and 4. With things evened up at one and a combined 18 goals in two games between the teams, Thursday’s game is shaping up to be a dandy.
Now onto your links:
Playoff Links:
Seguin’s 2 goals, 2 assists lift Bruins to 6-5 win
Extensive game recap from last night, courtesy of the National Post.
Sharks must shut down Canucks’ mobile defense in Game 2
Sharks need to limit the Canucks puck movement from the backend in Game 2.
Should Canadian hockey fans be cheering for the Canucks?
Latest piece from Down Goes Brown
NHL suspends Flyers’ Dan Carcillo
Carcillo will miss the first two games of next season after confronting on-ice officials in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Other Hockey Links:
Leafs defenseman Matt Lashoff launches second career as a musician
Lashoff releases an 11-song album, now available on iTunes and at www.Lashoff.com.
Canuck Kesler early front-runner for Conn Smythe
The NHL’s top playoff point getter has a distinct edge over Corey Perry and Steven Stamkos.
Francis steps away to focus on front-office job
Francis takes over full-time duties as assistant general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Your Say:
Did Seguins’ coming out party revitalize your belief that he will develop into a quality player? Do you think Claude Julien was wrong in not starting him until Game 1 against the Lightning?
