New York. The most exciting series in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs has become a long-running story.
As for Edmonton, LA beat Los Angeles in another gas-hugging sudden death drama last night, making the score 2-2.
– It still makes sense. As the series looked, it didn’t feel right if they went 3-1 up, Mattias Ekholm tells Sportbladet.
In no other eight has the pace been faster, the brutality so intense, the chants more dazzling and the drama greater than that between the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings – and it only continued that way at the Crypto.Com Arena in downtown LA last night.
The Kings had the opportunity to get into batting mode and it initially looked like they were going to. They just exploded in the first half and went up 3-0, after goals from among others, Viktor Arvidsson – brilliant throughout the game and also responsible for the assist, just like Adrian Kempe.
It was obviously our worst period in these four games. We didn’t have anything,” Edmonton Swedish defender Matthias Ekholm said by phone from California.
– But in turn, the second period was probably the best for us in the entire series.
Stars hit at PP
Yes, then there was a total change of scenery. The Guests took full charge and chased down a 3-3 – and of course the first set contributed to a killer powerplay with Conor McDavid and Leon Drystel, among others. twice. When this unit gets the chance, it is basically a goal every time.
“It’s probably the best power play ever and clearly a difficult weapon to own,” Ekholm continues.
In the third it was more even. Matt Roy gave the Kings a 4-3 lead after four-and-a-half minutes, but with just over three minutes remaining, Evander Kane equalized again – with an assist from Matthias himself.
Then Zach Hyman decided the extra time was 10:39.
– It’s a strength that we come back from 0-3 and 3-4, but it would be nice if we avoid putting ourselves in those situations at all, says the 32-year-old Maas.
– However, it was great that we won in the end. The way this series looked, I guess it makes sense for it to be 2-2. They certainly won’t feel comfortable if they lead 3-1.
How, one must ask, does it feel when you play against an old friend like Viktor Arvidsson (whose teammate Matthias was in Nashville for seven seasons)?
– Well, you actually prefer to meet players with whom you are not in a personal relationship. But now it is like this. Kevin Fiala was also a teammate in Nashville for five or six years and Quimby played him in the restroom. I have a lot of respect for these guys, but everyone understands that it’s the qualifier now and then don’t put your fingers between who you meet.
The next game in the first-class series will be decided in Edmonton on Wednesday night.
The Minnesota Wild Swedes had another big game in their playoff series against the Dallas Stars last night. Philip Gustafsson, for example, made good saves and stopped 21 shots, while John Klingberg responded with both goals – his first in the playoffs this year – and an assist.
But this was not enough. The visitors won 3-2 – mainly thanks to the insanely brilliant play of Jake Oettinger in the penalty area.
“It starts and ends with Jake for us and he was absolutely phenomenal tonight,” says Double-Goal scorer Tyler Seguin.
A win for the Texans means they are 2-2 in that series as well. which is now running in Dallas on Wednesday night.
– We’ve beaten them there before and know what’s needed, says icemaker Philip Gustafsson.