Just a few days ago, each of the four Stanley Cup Conference Semifinal matchups were slated at 3-1. In the history of the Stanley Cup playoffs, when there is a 3-1 lead. 81.8% of the series end in Games five or six.
Not only did three of these series (sorry, Bruins) end up forcing a Game seven, but a few have done so with their backup goalies. Tonight we’ll see the Avalanche battle the Stars, and the Canucks face the Golden Knights while the Flyers and Islanders will play tomorrow night.
The Avalanche are down to third string goalie, Michael Hutchinson. Starting goalie, Phillip Grubauer suffered a lower-body injury in Game one that appears to be much more serious than backup goalie, Pavel Francouz’s injury who is listed as day-to-day. Francouz will be a game-time decision tonight as Hutchinson has assumed the starting role the past two games. The unorthodox righty has yielded a .938 save% on his way to 2-0 record. The Avalanche have displayed more speed and firepower than most in these Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche don’t necessarily need superior goaltending to have a chance but Hutchinson has done just that. The 3rd stringers’ appearance seems to have given this team the jolt they needed. Even if Francouz is fit to play, I expect the Avalanche to roll with Hutchinson.
The Golden Knights and the Canucks each have a goalie controversy on their hands. The Golden Knights goalie drama started at the beginning of this round when Marc-Andre Fleury’s agent, Allan Walsh, tweeted out a picture displaying his frustration.
He has deleted the tweet; nevertheless, the drama continues in Vegas. Fleury has filled the backup role behind deadline acquisition Robin Lehner this postseason as he won Game four in his only appearance this series. Lehner has not been spectacular but he certainly hasn’t been the issue in the Knights recent woes. Fleury has won three Stanley Cups and been to another in Vegas’ inaugural season. He has much more experience than Lehner but has been rather inconsistent the past year. I wouldn’t be surprised if coach Peter DeBoer went either way for Game seven tonight, but with Fleury being rested and having the experience, I’d say he gets the nod.
The Canucks looked down and out after Game four as they had a goal differential of -7 in the series. Jacob Markstrom suffered a groin injury in their loss in Game four and has been unfit to play ever since. Backup rookie goaltender Thatcher Demko came into relief and has been nothing short of remarkable. In Game five, the rookie stole the show allowing 1 goal on 43 shots. Demko followed that up last night with a 48 save shutout. Markstrom seemingly carried the Canucks through 2.5 rounds with very solid play. If he is fit to play, you’d have to think coach Travis Green would at least consider going with Markstrom off the back to back.
However, Markstrom is an unrestricted free agent going into this summer. Assuming he’s healthy and the Canucks elected to still play Demko, would this sour negotiations going into next year and lead to Markstrom testing the market? These are all things to consider before watching these series finales tonight.
Going into these Game sevens, you have to think whichever teams end up on the losing side, those coaches will be second-guessed immediately with all the goalie controversy. This will be something to keep a close eye on.
