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NHL Playoffs, Islanders News: Overtimes and 3-0’s Everywhere

Overtimes and near-sweeps across the league, while the Isles pick up the pieces in the AHL.

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NHL: New York Islanders at Minnesota Wild
Two men enter, one man leaves.
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Last night in the NHL was another night of heart-stopping first-round playoff action. Bummer for the Islanders not to be part of it, yeah?

But for the love of Doug Weight (he of the “of COURSE I’m watching. I live for hockey.” line), it was amazing to watch.

In the Islanders Family

  • A look at the Islanders goaltending situation, now that Jaroslav Halak is, uh, rehabilitated (in a party-line way) and the third wheel is a free agent. [Newsday]
  • The Sound Tigers fell short of their goals. [CT Post]
  • Here’s a look at where Bridgeport (and parent, for two-way deals) contracts, stand. [Soundin’ Off]
  • Islanders Prospect Report: Barzal in the WHL conference final, Soderstrom in the SHL final. (Aside: My daughter watches Octonauts. Now I can’t read “prospect report” without singing CREATURE REPORT, CREATURE REPORT). [Isles]

Playoff Coverage Galore

  • Bruins fans were ticked off, presumably about the penalty call (which set Pierre McGuire off on air). But throwing stuff at Senators players...not good. [SCOC]
  • Still though, “Peak Tim Peel” officiating. [SCOC]
  • The Capitals blew a two-goal lead and lost in OT, now left to mourn a failed 5-on-3 that could have put the game away. (And also: the ever-present “choke” label).
  • The Hawks also blew a lead, find themselves down 3-0, with fans wondering about a possible goalie interference call. [Second City Hockey]
  • Keeping with a theme: The Flames likewise blew a lead, likewise find themselves down 3-0, and likewise have fans mourning a blown call. [Matchsticks & Gasoline]
  • The Wild are in a fix, also down 3-0. As their coach pleads, they haven’t played badly. But still... [Russo podcast]
  • Jake Allen has been really good, making pundits look (or just feel?) stupid. [Puck Daddy]
  • That said, the odds of a comeback for the Wild are better than your typical 0-3 hole scenario. [Hockey Wilderness]
  • The Blue Jackets, also down 3-0, are without young star Zach Werenski for the season after that ugly puck to the face, as that’s too many broken facial bones. [The Cannon]
  • In guarded praise of Roman Polak, who isn’t great, but is always game. [PPP]
  • A roundtable: Is this what winning feels like? [PPP]

Not Playoffs, But

  • Interesting read on the decline of Dean Lombardi, who did some great things and also suffered from some familiar missteps. [Jewels from the Crown]
  • Is Rob Blake the guy to right that ship? No one knows. [Jewels]
  • Meanwhile, Steve Yzerman saved the Lightning from suffering cap overage next season with his late-season dealings, including dumping Ben Bishop. [Raw Charge]