The Rangers look to complete the comeback tonight in Game 7 after being down 3-1 in the series. It is the lone Game 7 of this conference semi-final round and just the third Game 7 this postseason. Last year’s first round featured three Game 7’s and round two featured three more (the conference finals in the West also went 7).
Out West, it’s a heavyweight matchup between the Blackhawks and Ducks as each team made quick work of their opponents in the Western Conference semis. Patrick Kane and Corey Perry have lit it up this postseason and are certainly front runners for the Conn Smythe.
Last night, the Tampa Bay Lightning finished off the Canadiens in Game 6. They await the winner of the Rangers and Capitals and that series will start on Saturday either in New York or Tampa. One Jonathan Marchessault (formerly of the CBJ) got the start ahead of Jonathan Drouin in Game 6 to replace Ryan Callahan.
At the World Championships, Team USA came back to defeat Slovakia 5-4 in overtime thanks to Jack Eichel’s wicked wrister for the game winner.
Mike Reilly has yet to decommit from Minnesota, but the rumors are starting about him going to Chicago now. FWIW, “sources” say Columbus is still in the running.
Here’s a nice piece on Bjorkstrand.
Michael Straw of The Hockey Writers lists the Blue Jackets as one of five teams that needs new jerseys.