Don’t play Lundqvist on May 13th in Game 7’s

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Derek

Whatever you do, don’t play Henrik Lundqvist in Game 7 on May 13th. If you’re an opponent, apparently it spells doom. Ironically enough, for a third straight year on that date Lundqvist made 35 saves in a Rangers Game 7 series clincher.

Don’t believe me? Puck Daddy’s Sean Leahy had more on Lundqvist’s May 13th dominance.

As Andrew Shapiro of SidelineBuzz.com noted on Twitter, this is the third consecutive May 13th that the Rangers have won a Game 7 with Lundqvist stopping 35 shots. Last season, he did it against the Pittsburgh Penguins, finishing off a series comeback after being down 3-1. Two years ago, it was the Capitals falling victim during yet another seven-game series between the teams.

It’s one thing to win on May 13th. But for Lundqvist to have stopped the identical amount of shots (35) in each Game 7 Rangers triumph is unworldly. Let the record show that none of the games coincided with Friday The 13th. That would’ve been more appropriate.

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Video Of Day: Rangers celebrate Game 7 win including locker room

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Derek

The best aspect of these NHL videos is they now supply players miked up following each series. It’s a lot more special when you prevail as you’ll see with our players congratulating the Caps during the handshake. Then there’s the locker room stuff with Henrik Lundqvist presenting OT hero Derek Stepan with the Broadway Hat.

Or shall I call him, “Y.E.” 😆

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Video Of Day: Rangers and Capitals shake hands

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Derek

Our second Video Of Day features the best tradition in sports. Hockey has it after every playoff series. The traditional handshake between opponents is something to behold. In a series as closely fought as the one between the Rangers and Capitals with only Derek Stepan’s dramatic overtime winner separating the teams, it was fun to watch the players from both sides show mutual respect.

Alex Ovechkin was in a hurry to shake hands with most Rangers until he got to Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi and of course Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist and Braden Holtby shared a moment probably chuckling about the series they each had. One for the ages. Ultimately, Hank was one goal better in a great second round.

It’s onto Round 3 and Tampa Bay starting Saturday.

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Video Of Day: Stepan wins Game 7 in overtime

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Derek

Our Video Of Day is none other than Game 7 hero Derek Stepan scoring in overtime to beat the Caps and send the Rangers to a second consecutive Eastern Conference Final where they’ll play the Lightning.

Just a great play all around. Following a Caps icing and stoppage to clean the ice, Alain Vigneault sent out his most effective line for the series. They delivered the series clincher allowing the Rangers to make playoff history becoming the first team to ever rally from 3-1 series deficits in back-to-back years.

Winning faceoffs is so important at this time of year. The Caps scored their only goal on a Nicklas Backstrom win with Marcus Johansson setting up Alex Ovechkin in the first period. Here, it’s a role reversal with Stepan getting help from poised rookie Jesper Fast, who had the sense to push the puck back to Keith Yandle who in turn fed Dan Girardi for a one-timer that caromed off Braden Holtby right to Stepan for the game-winner.

Also, it’s worth pointing out that Chris Kreider did his job getting in front of Holtby as Girardi took the shot. That probably caused the rebound and Stepan was in the right place at the right time. D-Step hadn’t scored all series. But he sure delivered in the clutch. Good for him.

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Stepan Up! D-Step’s overtime winner in Game 7 the difference for Rangers

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Derek
Stepan Up! Derek Stepan is mobbed by teammates after scoring the dramatic OT winner in Game 7 to beat the Caps 2-1 and advance to the Conference Final. AP Photo by Julie Jacobson/Getty Images

Stepan Up! Derek Stepan is mobbed by teammates after scoring the dramatic OT winner in Game 7 to beat the Caps 2-1 and advance to the Conference Final.
AP Photo by Julie Jacobson/Getty Images

If you were a fan of either of these teams, you probably were ready to pull your hair out. At 1-1 with sudden death looming in Game 7, there’s no better theatre. Honestly, I didn’t feel good about it. For most of the OT, it looked like the Caps would win. Only some clutch saves from Henrik Lundqvist and a well executed win off an offensive draw allowed Derek Stepan to score the dramatic OT winner at 11:24 sending the Rangers to an anxiety driven crowd pleasing 2-1 Game 7 win to set up a Conference Final against the Lightning.

It took a perfect play for a determined bunch of Blueshirts to finally eliminate the Caps who have nothing to be ashamed of. That’s how hard fought it was. It’ll go down as one of the best second round series in recent memory. With both Lundqvist and unlucky loser Braden Holtby sensational. Nothing separated them through 60 minutes. Each team had scored 12 goals. The next goal decided the winner.

In these games, you have to be lucky to advance. The Rangers were. Especially with the Caps having a decided edge in overtime. They had some serious looks to advance. Lundqvist is the big reason it didn’t come to fruition. He denied Andre Burakovsky and thwarted Jay Beagle, who was dangerous the entire night. Evgeny Kuznetsov had a great chance but missed wide due to some help from a tired defense who were down to five following a controversial Brooks Orpik hit that knocked out Dan Boyle.

Blood and guts. That’s what we got. At one point, the shots were 8-2 in favor of the Caps. The Rangers finally put together a couple of strong shifts to stem the tide. They would get the final three shots. The final two coming off an offensive draw won by both Stepan and brilliant rookie Jesper Fast, who nudged the puck back to Keith Yandle. The same Yandle who certainly had some scary moments dished across for a strong Dan Girardi one-timer that Holtby kicked out right to Stepan who was in the right spot for the emotional series clincher.

At one point during this grueling Game 7 that was mercy on the fans, the Caps dominated faceoffs. That changed in sudden death. The Rangers were able to win some critical ones. Especially key Alain Vigneault move J.T. Miller, who he put on the Derick Brassard line for the final portion of regulation- benching proud veteran Martin St. Louis. A gutsy call by a coach I’ve critiqued. One which was the right decision. Miller won some big faceoffs. St. Louis took a few shifts in OT with his line mates. He also took a heavy hit by Orpik in the third. More of the legal variety.

Entering the big elimination game, Alex Ovechkin had promised that his team would come out victorious after blowing a 3-1 series lead. Early on, he was outstanding scoring the game’s first goal while delivering heavy hits including another big one at the start on Ryan McDonagh. Their battle throughout was one to behold. Ovechkin finally got McDonagh when he beat him to a perfect Marcus Johansson feed in front and wristed one top shelf past Lundqvist’s glove at 12:50 of period one.

The officiating was different than the first six. Veteran refs Wes McCauley and Kevin Pollock called seven penalties. In this one, interference, holding and tripping were called as was a bad Mike Green crosscheck during the second that handed the Rangers a third straight power play. After being outplayed in the first and failing on a previous Green penalty, they finally found the equalizer.

For the most part, the Caps penalty kill did a great job taking away time and space from the Rangers power play. They won defensive draws and won battles and cleared pucks. Ironically, it was the play of the kids that resulted in the tying power play goal. Off a great keep by McDonagh, Miller drew defenders and found Kevin Hayes backdoor for an easy tap-in to draw even at 6:22. His first goal of the series came at a key moment.

The Caps’ penalties hurt their momentum. After controlling the first with their heavy forecheck, the lack of discipline allowed the Rangers to dictate the terms. Even though they only scored once on four power plays, it was enough to start taking the play to Holtby. In particular, the line of Hayes, Dominic Moore and Carl Hagelin had their best game bringing a consistent cycle. On a night where Derick Brassard didn’t have it and St. Louis struggled, they needed help from the supporting cast.

A Fast minor for tripping gave Washington their third power play with under nine minutes left in the second. The Caps’ best chance on their three attempts came on their first when Nicklas Backstrom was robbed by Lundqvist when they still were up. That save was one of many in a clutch performance by the team’s best player. He finished with 35 saves. Holtby was just as phenomenal making 37.

The whole series was a goalie duel between two of the best. During the handshakes, Lundqvist and Holtby had a cool moment. Mutual respect was shown between two men who performed at a high level. It’s sad that there had to be a loser. But that is sport. Especially playoff hockey and sudden death.

With the teams still tied, the third was tightly played. That favored the Rangers who were able to get more shots on Holtby. Total shots were 9-6 in favor of the Blueshirts. The final shift ended in the Rangers end with the defense and forwards battling the gritty Beagle and Troy Brouwer. They weren’t giving up anything.

As the OT began, it was all Caps. They made a strong push to finally erase the demons and win a Game 7 in at MSG. Beagle’s line especially was dangerous with the overlooked checking center having a couple of point blank chances only to be denied by Lundqvist. There were other nerve racking moments that made you think it was the Caps’ night. They really carried the play. Burakovsky was one-on-one again from a tough angle but Lundqvist took it away. They were that close.

Eventually, the Rangers found their legs and started chipping pucks behind the Caps D. They also used their speed and transition to try to beat Holtby with the best chance coming from Hagelin, who tested Holtby’s glove only to be denied. Off a Hayes touch pass, the speedy Hagelin came in and fired a good shot from the circle but an aggressive Holtby challenged and took it away with his cat-like glove. Tremendous stuff.

Derek Stepan takes the winning shot to beat a sprawling Braden Holtby scoring at 11:24 of overtime to send the Rangers to the Conference Finals where they'll meet the Lightning. Game 1 is Saturday. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Derek Stepan takes the winning shot to beat a sprawling Braden Holtby scoring at 11:24 of overtime to send the Rangers to the Conference Finals where they’ll meet the Lightning. Game 1 is Saturday.
AP Photo by Frank Franklin II/Getty Images

Ironically, a Caps icing with under nine minutes left delayed the action due to the 10-minute stoppage to clean the ice. A point not lost on NBC’s Pierre McGuire who brought it up to Doc Emrick and Ed Olczyk. Should the team that iced the puck get that luxury? It didn’t matter. Instead, Fast helped Stepan win the biggest offensive draw. Then got the puck to Yandle, who moved it for a Girardi shot and bang. Stepan finished for his first goal of the series and fifth point to play the ultimate hero.

It ended that quickly. That’s how such well fought series go when sudden death is required. For the Rangers, it meant they’re now a perfect 7-0 in Game 7’s at MSG. It also allowed Lundqvist to win his sixth Game 7 tying legends Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy for the all-time playoff mark. It also means they postseason history by becoming the first team to ever rally from 3-1 deficits in back-to-back years. Records are made to be broken.

What it means for the banged up Blueshirts is two days to prepare for Game 1 against the Lightning on Saturday at 1 PM. What that could mean is Matt Hunwick back in the lineup if Boyle can’t go. We don’t know his status. You hope he can come back.

The Rangers are here because they’re resilient. They took the Caps’ best punch. It’ll be interesting to see how much they have left for the Lightning that features former players Brian Boyle, Ryan Callahan and Anton Stralman. If Boyle returns, he and St. Louis will also be facing their ex-team that they teamed up to win the franchise’s only Cup. Great storylines to follow.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Derek Stepan, NYR (scored at 11:24 of OT to win series-3rd of playoffs-D-Step gets it done!)

2nd Star-Braden Holtby, WSH (37 saves incl. 24/25 thru 2-a star is born)

1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (35 saves incl. the last 21 the final 3 periods-played like a King)

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A Final Thought

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Derek

As they get ready for Game 7 at MSG towards the bottom of the hour, I’m just really nervous about this thing. Sure. Everything points to the Rangers. They’ve been here before and have been successful.

The crowd should be wild. The atmosphere through the roof. I’m glad Dad finally has a chance to go along with Justin and Michael in our Section 419 seats in the nose bleeds. I want them to win for him. He deserves it. No one works harder.

The Rangers and Caps have been here before. The last two Game 7’s going the Blueshirts Way in 2012 and 2013. In 2009, it went to the Caps. Only once in these five series has it not gone the distance with Washington getting it done in five in 2011. So, it’s a familiar script from the classic Patrick Division rivals.

When you have a game that features the league’s most dangerous scorer against the league’s most proven netminder, anything can happen. It might just come down to Alex Ovechkin and Henrik Lundqvist. At some point, I expect there to be a mono y mono sequence that could be a determining factor.

There are so many more actors who can change the script. But Ovechkin and Lundqvist are the two best players. We’ll see where it takes us.

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Rangers look to complete comeback against Caps tonight

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Derek
Henrik Lundqvist makes one of 42 saves denying Alex Ovechkin. He's the reason the Rangers prevailed 4-3 forcing Game 7. AP Photo by Nick Wass/Getty Images

Henrik Lundqvist makes one of 42 saves denying Alex Ovechkin in Game 6. Tonight’s the night.
AP Photo by Nick Wass/Getty Images

Tonight’s the night. For the Rangers, it’s another Game 7 on home ice. They earned it by having the league’s best record during the regular season. Facing a tough opponent in the Caps, it hasn’t been easy.

After trailing 3-1 in the series, they have come back to force a do or die game with a trip to the Conference Final on the line. The winner will play the Lightning. The loser will go on early vacation.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. A resilient Blueshirts made this possible by rallying to stun the Caps in Game 5 and held on to beat them in Game 6. After six hard fought games all decided by a goal which is the Rangers specialty, here we are.

There’s nothing like Game 7. Every player for both teams has pressure to perform when the puck is dropped around 7:38 tonight at what will be a raucous MSG. For the Rangers, history is on their side. In franchise history, they’ve never lost a deciding game at The Garden boasting a 6-0 record. Of course, a crucial part came in 1994. However, it’s been the Henrik Lundqvist teams who have specialized in finding a way to close out series. They did it twice in 2012 ousting Ottawa and Washington. In 2013, they rallied from 3-2 down and beat the Caps at Verizon Center. Last year, they edged the Flyers at MSG in the first round and came back from a 3-1 deficit for the first time in franchise history to defeat the Pens on the road.

Lundqvist has been the key. In the last five Game 7’s, he’s 5-0 with a 0.80 goals-against-average, .973 save percentage (144 saves on 148 shots) and a shutout. He also carries a 9-0 record with a 0.97 GAA, .968 save percentage (271 saves on 280 shots) with two shutouts in the Rangers’ last nine elimination games. The numbers are staggering. He’s been money in these spots. It doesn’t mean a thing when the puck is dropped. It still must be earned by all 18 skaters and Hank.

There’s so much riding on the line. On one side, you have Alex Ovechkin basically guaranteeing a win which would be the biggest of his career. The Caps have never been past this round since Ovechkin arrived. They haven’t advanced to the Conference Final since 1998 when they made it to the Stanley Cup Final before getting swept by the Red Wings.

On the flip side, you have the Rangers who are trying to change the ending from last year. They have home ice and there’s a lot of pressure. They know the time to win is now. After coming so close against the Kings, they are determined to get through this and go all the way.

As predicted, it’s been challenging. Braden Holtby has matched Lundqvist through six games with each brilliant netminder allowing 11 goals. Even with Ovechkin not recording a point since Game 2, it’s dead even. Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi are essential to a win. They have held Nicklas Backstrom to one assist. Washington coach Barry Trotz adjusted his lines moving speedy Marcus Johansson up while shifting effective net crasher Joel Ward down. It was the second line of Ward, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Jason Chimera that did all the damage in Game 6.

This series has been tightly contested. There shouldn’t be much room. Scoring chances will be earned. It comes down to which team can impose their will. The Caps feel that their heavy forecheck and strength can be the difference. If the Rangers struggle like they did in the final frantic 12:20 in which they were out-attempted 34-0, they won’t be successful. They must stay in attack mode and use their speed to get past the Caps stingy D and cycle behind the net. A strategy Alain Vigneault switched to that’s worked. They must manage the puck and control the tempo.

In Game 7, you never know who’ll play the hero. Against the Flyers, it was Daniel Carcillo and Benoit Pouliot. Brian Boyle and Brad Richards were the heroes against the Pens. In what felt like a close out situation against the Canadiens in Game 6, it was Boyle combining with Dominic Moore for the only goal sending the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup Final in 20 years. Unsung heroes step up in big moments.

For the Blueshirts, Rick Nash finally got off the snide scoring a huge goal in the first minute Sunday. Maybe that gets him going. Martin St. Louis doesn’t have a goal yet in the playoffs but has created opportunities for teammates setting up Nash’s tally. He has three assists in the series. Derick Brassard continues to produce registering two assists in Game 6. He’s tied for the team lead in points (4) against the Caps with Chris Kreider (4-0-4), Derek Stepan (4 assists) and Jesper Fast (1-3-4). Fast has really stepped up since AV moved him up.

They haven’t gotten much out of Kevin Hayes. He’s only got a point setting up Fast’s tying goal in Game 1. He hasn’t looked to shoot enough overskating and passing up chances. Carl Hagelin also has been quiet with just one helper. Hagelin is a clutch performer who you expect to be heard from. His speed and hustle could be a factor. Since being put on the third line, Moore has done some good things on the forecheck. He only has a assist in 11 postseason games.

The fourth line of J.T. Miller, Tanner Glass and James Sheppard have been effective. Miller has worked well with the hard hitting Glass and gritty Sheppard. It was Miller and Sheppard who combined to set up Dan Boyle’s game-winner. Along with Glass, who has been much more consistent throughout, they have forechecked and even created chances. Who knows? Maybe they create a defining moment.

Defensively, McDonagh and Girardi have been splendid. Sure. Mac Truck has struggled at times but he’s going up against the most imposing offensive player. It’s a tough assignment. Girardi has been an iron man. They’ll need help tonight from the forwards. Ovechkin will be pumped up. He got six shots last game and Lundqvist denied a bid late.

Despite his defensive deficiencies, Boyle has two goals in the series. He’s battled hard. It’s not easy for him against such a big physical opponent. Vigneault has opted to pair him with Marc Staal while moving Kevin Klein down to Keith Yandle. Staal has the tough assignment against the dangerous Caps’ second line. They’ve been a thorn in the side. He and Boyle must do the job. Aside from his big assist on Kreider’s season saver with 1:41 left in Game 5, Yandle has struggled. He looks to be battling through an injury and has not been as decisive in his end. Klein hasn’t exactly been good either. He’s been beaten a couple of times for goals. They need to step up.

One thing about the Caps. Their supporting cast has been good. We already have seen Jay Beagle, Andre Burakovsky and Curtis Glencross contribute enough. Tom Wilson hits hard. Troy Brouwer is no stranger to big games. He won a Cup with Chicago. Brooks Laich is certainly experienced enough.

On the blueline, John Carlson is their most potent who gets the tough assignment with Brooks Orpik. Carlson has two assists and 18 shots. He has a heavy shot. Mike Green must be accounted for when he’s in the offensive zone. Matt Niskanen is fully capable as is the overlooked Karl Alzner. Tim Gleason has big game experience with the ’06 Hurricanes. It’s a good core.

One obvious point. Discipline. In these type of situations, usually it’s the team that remains focused and doesn’t lose their cool that prevails. Neither team has been penalized a lot but you saw how costly Brouwer’s penalty was with 3.6 seconds left in the first period the other night.

It’s all up for grabs later.

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Lightning oust Canadiens to advance to Conference Final

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Derek
Ben Bishop is congratulated by teammate J.T. Brown following the Lightning's elimination of the Canadiens. They'll play the winner of the Caps and Rangers. AP Photo by Chris O'Meara/Getty Images

Ben Bishop is congratulated by teammate J.T. Brown following the Lightning’s elimination of the Canadiens. They’ll play the winner of the Caps and Rangers.
AP Photo by Chris O’Meara/Getty Images

The Lightning knew they needed to finally put away the Canadiens. After losing the last two games which allowed Montreal to get within 3-2 with a potential Game 7 at Bell Centre, the Bolts got it done tonight by ousting the Canadiens in Game 6 with a convincing 4-1 home win. They advanced to the Eastern Conference Final where they’ll await tomorrow’s Game 7 winner between the Caps and Rangers.

Nikita Kucherov scored twice and assisted on another for a three-point night. For the series, he torched the Canadiens for six goals including the empty netter with 2:01 left in regulation that sealed it. Entering the series, he didn’t have any goals. That wasn’t a problem for him in the second round with a big double overtime winner in Game 1 setting the tone.

For a second consecutive game, Tampa captain Steven Stamkos scored. He hadn’t been scoring but will take a two-game goal streak into his second Conference Final. He and Victor Hedman are the only holdovers from the ’11-12 Lightning who lost to eventual Stanley Cup champ Boston in seven. Along with a more talented group that features the league’s best second line with Tyler Johnson anchoring Palat and Kucherov, they’ll appear in the franchise’s third Conference Final. In 2004, the Lightning defeated the Flyers in seven and came back to beat the Flames in seven for their only Cup.

Already ahead 2-0 on tallies from Kucherov and Stamkos, Tampa Bay got a huge power play goal from Palat with 1:04 left in the second period. Anton Stralman started a great passing play with Kucherov finding Palat for a tap in past a helpless Carey Price that increased the Habs’ deficit to three. Price will sweep the Hart and Vezina at this year’s awards but he’d trade it for a Game 7 with a trip to the Final Four.

Unlike the last two games, the Habs were outplayed and outskated by a quicker bunch of Bolts intent on finishing the series. They were outshot 28-19 including 13-6 in the opening stanza. Lightning goalie Ben Bishop nearly had his second series clinching shutout. But Max Pacioretty was able to beat him with 4:57 left in regulation on a feed from Brendan Gallagher just as Montreal coach Michel Therrien pulled Price.

The Habs would send Price to the bench again a couple of minutes later but didn’t have the same success. Instead, a neutral zone turnover allowed Kucherov to salt it away with a snapshot from center ice ending their season.

As the final seconds ticked off, the Lightning congratulated Bishop. He finished with 18 saves while Price wound up with 24. Tampa was able to advance minus Ryan Callahan, who had an emergency appendectomy. Tampa coach Jon Cooper replaced him with forward Jonathan Marchessault. Cooper shifted Stamkos to right wing for a second straight game using Valtteri Filppula to center the top line with Alex Killorn. A smart move that resulted in Stamkos scoring again.

In their four wins during the series, the Lightning outscored the Canadiens 14-5. In their two losses, they were outscored 8-3. The overall total was 17-13 in favor of Tampa.

At the very least, the Conference Final won’t be a repeat of last year. The Western Conference Final features the Blackhawks against the Ducks. Chicago is making its third straight appearance. Anaheim is back in the Conference Final for the first time since 2007 when they won their only Cup. Anaheim, Chicago and Tampa will be joined by either the Rangers or Caps Wednesday.

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Kuznetsov: “Our goalie’s better”

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Derek

So much for just your simple postgame. Following Alex Ovechkin’s Game 7 guarantee, young Russian Evgeny Kuznetsov had his own barb calling Caps goalie Braden Holtby better than Henrik Lundqvist.

All this talk and there’s still two more days between games. I doubt the Rangers will mind. They’ll host Game 7 at MSG on Wednesday at 7:30 PM.

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Ovechkin Guarantees Caps Game 7 Win

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Derek

Following his team’s 4-3 loss in Game 6, Washington captain Alex Ovechkin made a bold prediction guaranteeing a Caps Game 7 win. Held without a point by the Rangers for the fourth straight game in the second round series, Ovechkin put out some bulletin board material in the Washington locker room.

“We’re going to come back and win the series,” Ovechkin told CSN Washington’s Chuck Gormley. “Play our best,” the Caps’ captain continued on what they’ll have to do on Wednesday. “Give everything. And we’re going to do it.”

The most damning quote contains an Ovechkin observation on the Rangers. Very candid for the Great 8 who has to be frustrated. After Evegeny Kuznetsov and Joel Ward cut the Rangers’ lead down to 4-3, he had the best chance on a mini-break but was denied by Henrik Lundqvist, who got a piece of a dangerous Ovechkin chance with his glove.

“We have to play that way,” Ovechkin said referencing the physical style they used to get back in Game 6. “You can see they don’t want to play that game. We knew that. As soon as we put the puck deep and hit their D they fade because we’re big and strong. You see how we score goals. We put bodies in front of Lundqvist and it goes in.”

Interesting stuff from a player who is 3-5 for his career in Game 7’s. Ovechkin has never been past the second round. Basically, he called the Rangers soft. While they did struggle defensively to hold on, they have taken the Caps’ punishment which included a huge Ovechkin hit from the side on Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh. He turned into it and missed a couple of shifts but returned for a critical penalty kill and was on at the end.

No question the Caps are bigger and more physical. In their Game 2 and Game 6 losses, they imposed their will. However, Lundqvist and Company stood up to the challenge. With two days off before Wednesday’s do or die Game 7 at 7:30 PM, it should be quite interesting.

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