ECF - (A2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (M2) Pittsburgh Penguins - Penguins Win 4-3

[flames_fan_down_under]

Wow what a pace to this game right now. Incredibly exciting.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Anyone still think Drouin getting traded? Seems silly to think that things wont work themselves out with TB.

Probabaly the best for both parties if Stamkos moves on.
In some ways Drouin is proving to be right - that all he needed was a proper opportunity - one that he wasn't getting.
Fascinating story.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

How do you find that link? I have searched CBCs site and I can't get the player to open...

try http://www.cbc.ca/player/search?query=hnic

[dammage79]

Rust is having the kind of run that gets you Brian Bickell type money. 5 goals all season and then 5 big goals in 3 rounds of playoff hockey.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Probabaly the best for both parties if Stamkos moves on.
In some ways Drouin is proving to be right - that all he needed was a proper opportunity - one that he wasn't getting.
Fascinating story.

Just goes to show even good coaches aren't always right in how they handle players.

[oldschoolcalgary]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Anyone still think Drouin getting traded? Seems silly to think that things wont work themselves out with TB.

definitely missed that window... i know people said no way when the ask was Bennett straight up... curious whether people still think that?

I'd think long and hard on that one to be honest... only reason i'd lean to keeping Bennett is lack of drama and a bit more rounded game (at least at this point in his career).

Drouin's skill set is elite though...

[timbit]

Amazing how much of a positive difference the young guys ,called up from Wilkes Barre when Sullivan was hired, have made.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by oldschoolcalgary

definitely missed that window... i know people said no way when the ask was Bennett straight up... curious whether people still think that?

I'd think long and hard on that one to be honest... only reason i'd lean to keeping Bennett is lack of drama and a bit more rounded game (at least at this point in his career).

Drouin's skill set is elite though...

I would have traded the 6th pick for him easily.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Wow, how did that not go in? Massive saves.

[Erick Estrada]

Game saving saves there.

[RougeUnderoos]

How did Hedman not get a penalty there for that haymaker he threw at Kunitz?

[oldschoolcalgary]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I would have traded the 6th pick for him easily.

i don't think TB would have though, even before Drouin blew up in the playoffs...

Vasy is a downgrade on Bishop, but not sure if its severe... Vasy has played pretty spectacularly for the most part.

edit: meant for EE's post previously on Vasy... I think he's played very well

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by oldschoolcalgary

i don't think TB would have though, even before Drouin blew up in the playoffs...

Vasy is a downgrade on Bishop, but not sure if its severe... Vasy has played pretty spectacularly for the most part.

I don't know that Bishop would fare much better in this game. Yes, that second goal that Vasilevskiy allowed was weak, but he has made some stellar saves today that I am not convinced Bishop could have made.

Pittsburgh has owned this game.

[dammage79]

I think Healy's just over tire pumping future Leaf Steven Stamkos.
Ooooh! He's had the puck on his stick for 12 seconds and get a shot on goal that squeaks wide..... whoa there Healy, don't tire yourself out too fast. Save some of that energy for his next shot on goal after having the puck on his stick for 18 seconds!

[wooohooo]

Sustr should not be on the pk. Had all the time to clear it but tries to make a dumb pass

[dammage79]

Oh Kessel! Gotta get that!

[AC]

Originally Posted by wooohooo

Sustr should not be on the pk. Had all the time to clear it but tries to make a dumb pass

Yep, another terrible decision.

Could have easily cleared it, but forces a pass to a covered man.

[RyZ]

Vasilevski is the only reason this wasnt over in 5-6 games. I dont think the series has been all that close in terms of skaters v skaters. It would almost be a shame if TB won at this point. If they do SJ will be overwhelming favorites in the finals. Pitt at least has a chance although Id put my $ on SJ there too.

[GranteedEV]

Rust is a perfect example of the kind of role player Ferland can be in a top 6 role

[Jiggy_12]

Drouin with an incredible shift there. Reminding me of Gaudreau just now.