May 15, 2013

It was nice of the league to continue the tradition of three nominees for the Bill Masterton Trophy. And Sidney Crosby and Adam McQuaid had some tough moments. But for Josh Harding to pick himself up after the crushing news informing him that he has MS, and then later returning from treatment to play in the NHL playoffs – it’s an amazing feat and I’m glad the league recognizes things like this with an award.

*

Ottawa outplayed the Penguins through nearly two periods, but were down 2-1 despite outshooting them. A holding call on Cory Conacher gave the Pens a PP and they quickly made it 3-1 on a Kunitz goal. That about did it. Unless Fleury is in net (he wasn’t), you’re probably not coming back from two goals down against the Penguins. It’s not like they’re the Leafs… (sorry, too soon?)

*

Pascal Dupuis, with his shorthanded marker last night, is tied for the league lead in goals with six. I said it last week on The Hockey News – he’s going to command $5 million per year this summer.

Jarome Iginla is having the time of his life, passing the puck to people on the ice with him and they actually do something with it. Looking to his left and recognizing the player taking the faceoff as a legitimate star. He has 21 points in 20 games for Pittsburgh, and eight assists in seven playoff games. In fact, he had just one point in his first four games with them, so since then it’s 20 in 16.

*

Pavelski is another player I traded during the season who is doing well in the postseason – eight points in four games. Between him and Brassard it’s driving me nuts. At least with Pavelski I got Markstrom. But still, it sucks seeing the name on the scoresheet all the time. That’s why it was nice to see him get blanked by Jonathan Quick last night.

Quick stopped 35 shots and is back to his old self. That spells trouble for the other NHL teams. In fact, if you go by the hottest, most talented goaltenders, you’ll see a Final with Los Angeles vs. the Rangers.

*

Tommy Wingels had eight hits last night and he has 28 hits in his five playoff games. If your league counts hits, I think he’s going to flirt with 250 of them – to go along with close to 30 points.

*

Jonathan Huberdeau had surgery on his hip yesterday. He’ll be ready in time to start training camp, the Panthers say. I did some digging and I was able to confirm that the surgery was successful, don’t worry.

*

You can look this up yourself, but I’ll save you the hassle. Here are the leaders in hits for these playoffs:

1