R2, G5: Sad Way To Go

This is the way the season ends
This is the way the season ends
This is the way the season ends
Not with a bang but with whistles.
--T.S. Scotty Hockey

Sitting in his ivory tower, Gary Bettman has got to be pretty damn happy with himself right about now. His golden boy can continue his quest towards the Stanley Cup and the perversion of hockey into something unwatchable is complete. You could barely hear the fans for all of the whistles from the referees in the second period. For a NHL playoff game to be so utterly controlled by special teams was a complete disgrace. This wasn't a true judge of who was the better team, it was which team could handle the officiating better. And the stripes came up short in the end, missing the offsides before Hossa scored to win the game - it was close, don't get me wrong, but Pascal Dupuis was clearly over the blue line before the puck cleared the paint.

When it comes down to it, the Rangers got nervous about taking bad penalties and allowed the Pens to press the action after the first five minutes of the third period. They sat back and the Pens came in waves, making it just a matter of time before they scored the game-winner. All told the Rangers were outshot 40-22 and you just can't let that happen.

*For all of the awful penalties, the only one I will mention is the noncall in the second period. Chris Drury gets a stick to the face from Ryan Malone that draws a ton of blood and the four officials completely missed it. The Rangers didn't get a four minute power play and minutes later the Pens take the lead. Amazingly the refs caught it when Drury's stick rode up Malone's and clipped him in the face late in the game with the Pens pressing the Rangers deep into their zone. If you don't want to call it a conspiracy, fine, but at the least it is gross incompetence.

*There is nothing more you can ask from Hank. He made 37 saves and didn't allow a bad goal. There are plenty of fingers to point after this one but none should go in his direction. Marc-Andre Fleury was adequate, if hardly tested.

*Evgeni Malkin's goal to make it 2-0 was astounding. The singular effort to get the puck in, push Paul Mara back, spin and chop the puck over Hank's shoulder was awe-inspiring. What a beautiful goal; it should rank up there with the Henrik Zetterberg goal from last week that everyone raved about.

*On the first Pittsburgh power play goal, Brendan Shanahan stood outside of the blueline waiting for the puck to get to him. Marian Hossa dove to keep it in the zone and went on to score. I love Shanny and respect all he has done for the Rangers and hockey in general, but it seemed he retired before this series started.

*His lack of contribution hurt the power play as well, which was atrocious - as per usual. It was boring, it was predictable and it rarely created worthwhile chances. And since the game was dominated by the officiating, it lost the game for the Rangers.

*If this was Jaromir Jagr's last game as a Ranger, he goes out on a sore note. He didn't create many good chances, didn't take a single shot that made it on net and took two penalties.

*Quick sidenote: This morning the headline of the game preview on the Rangers homepage said "Rangers Eye Crucial Game 5" - a flat, boring pathetic excuse for a header. I put up a post on the Rangers bulletin board belittling it, saying that I hope that the team shows more interest than the website staff. I got to work few hours later and found the post gone and the headline changed to "Rangers Playing For Their Survival Today" - still not great but better.

*Marty Straka played nearly 21 minutes of regulation. I'll be honest, I didn't see him out there once. His utter lack of confidence in himself cost the Rangers on his shorthanded break with Staal and I won't feel bad when he heads out of town this summer.

*NBC: Technically they were nearly flawless with solid camera-work and good audio. Production-wise, NBC is clearly with Bettman in cheering for the Pens. Doc, a Devils fan (and employee, even if his checks come from MSG+), doing play-by-play is annoying and obnoxious. Eddie O doing colour is insane as he is clearly biased as a former coach of the Pens and friend of several of their players. Mad Mike has been hating the Rangers for more than 30 years as a Bruin and Islander. And isn't that Bob guy the same idiot doing trackside work at the Kentucky Derby yesterday? Were there no one who actually knows anything about hockey available? According to his Wiki, he covered hockey 10 years ago in Boston - a good pick for informed analysis. /sarcasm

*Lauri Korpikoski got into the game the right way, with a good scoring chance on a low shot during his first shift. Renney then held him to just one shift in the penalty-filled second period and the Korpedo scored on his first shift of the third. His exuberance powered the Rangers comeback and Renney was smart to reward him with more ice time. I have to say that seeing him wear #22 was strange as that will always be Mike Gartner to me (or even Mike Knuble). Hopefully he will pick a different digit when he takes the third line center position next fall.

*PHW Three Stars:
3-Henrik Lundqvist - 37 saves.
2-Evgeni Malkin - one goal.
1-Marian Hossa - two goals.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Hossa - right places at the right times to score two goals. He also blocked two shots according to the NHL stat sheet.
2-Hank - too bad he couldn't score too.
1-Malkin - aside from putting together one of the best highlight plays of the postseason, he was a physical and offensive force. He had 10 shots and won six of eight faceoffs, allowing the Pens to control play.

 Stanley Cup Playoffs 2023: Round 2, Game 5 - A Sad Way to Go

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are an emotional rollercoaster for hockey fans, players, and teams alike. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat are constants, and sometimes, the postseason journey ends in the most heartbreaking fashion. In this article, we will delve into the dramatic events of Round 2, Game 5 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs and discuss the implications, emotions, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) surrounding this memorable clash.

FAQ 1: What Was the Context Leading Up to This Game?

Round 2 of the playoffs featured two formidable teams, both with dreams of hoisting the Stanley Cup. The tension had been building throughout the series, with each game amplifying the stakes. Going into Game 5, the series was tied at 2-2, setting the stage for an epic showdown.

FAQ 2: What Happened in Round 2, Game 5?

Game 5 was a nail-biter from the opening faceoff. Both teams were relentless in their pursuit of victory. The game was characterized by fast-paced action, spectacular saves by goaltenders, and multiple lead changes.

The final minutes of the third period were where the drama unfolded. With the score tied, one team managed to score a late, go-ahead goal, sending their fans into a frenzy. However, the opposing team, facing elimination, pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker. In a frantic scramble, they managed to tie the game with just seconds remaining, forcing overtime.

FAQ 3: How Did the Overtime Play Out?

Overtime in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is where legends are made, and this game was no exception. Both teams had their chances, but the goaltenders and defense stood tall. The tension in the arena was palpable, with every shot and save eliciting thunderous roars from the crowd.

Ultimately, it was a heartbreaking moment for one team and an exhilarating triumph for the other. In the second overtime period, a player capitalized on a rebound and buried the puck into the back of the net, securing victory for his team. The arena erupted in joy, while the opposing team's players and fans were left devastated.

FAQ 4: What Are the Emotions Surrounding This Game?

The emotions in this game were raw and intense. For the victors, there was sheer elation, relief, and the realization that they had advanced to the next round, one step closer to their championship aspirations. On the other side, the defeated team grappled with heartbreak, disappointment, and the realization that their season had come to an abrupt end.

FAQ 5: What Does This Game Mean in the Context of the Playoffs?

Round 2, Game 5 will be remembered as one of those classic playoff moments that define a season. For the winning team, it propelled them forward with renewed confidence and energy. For the losing team, it will serve as a bitter memory, a reminder of how close they came to advancing.

In the world of sports, particularly in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, there are no guarantees. The outcome of each game can swing on a single play, a fraction of an inch, or a heroic effort. Round 2, Game 5 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs will be etched in the memories of fans, players, and hockey enthusiasts as a game filled with tension, drama, and unforgettable moments. It is a poignant reminder that in hockey, as in life, sometimes success and heartbreak are separated by the narrowest of margins.