The Penguins/Capitals series was billed as a match-up of superstars. On one hand we have Alexander Ovechkin, league leader in points for a couple seasons. On the other, we have Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin (the latter of whom was league leader this year in points). The NHL nearly wet their pants when they saw the match up.
The teams obligingly ran with it. Five games won by one goal, three of which were overtime games. Three overtime games in one series. That right there is epic. The skill level of both teams was just over the top.
Tonight was game 7. The deciding game. Win or go home for both teams. Whatever cliche you can think of.
And it was kind of anticlimactic. I mean, up 5-0 halfway through the game? Final score of 6-2?
And now, the Penguins get to play the winners of Boston vs. Carolina. If Carolina beats Boston, we have home ice. Otherwise, Boston does. I want home ice, but I want to beat Boston because my brother-in-law and his wife are no doubt B’s fans, and I have to tease them. Whatever.
In the Western Conference, it’s the Blackhawks against Detroit/Anaheim (tied at 3 games). It would be nice to play against Detroit, but they’re still a really good team. The Blackhawks aren’t slackers either.
No matter what happens, it’s a great day for hockey.