Watching Crosby, days after a major head injury, get slammed with the weight of hundreds of pounds into a hard surface, my only hope was that the National Hockey League would treat the situation like the major issue that it is.
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On the day before the Washington Capitals faced elimination for the second consecutive game, coach Barry Trotz shared his expectations for what he wanted to see out of his team. We’re talking about a simple check-in on the brain of one of the best players in hockey, and there’s either a blatant miscommunication happening here or someone just isn’t telling the truth.
The Capitals have played a smart brand of hockey, completely removing the odd-man rushes the other way.
And let’s make no mistake about it; as scrappy and opportunistic as the Penguins have been, they’re also riddled by injuries. But the real concern for me is after a player gets a concussion is how fast does that player get back out there and play. Marc-Andre Fleury finished with 21 saves and received little help in front him.
Then, if the player is “slow to Get Up or Clutches his Head following a mechanism of injury other than the three listed above, removal from play is not mandatory and Club medical staff shall exercise their medical judgment as to whether to remove the Player for an acute evaluation”.
Washington’s bounce-back came after a disheartening 3-2 loss to the Pens in Game 4 in Pittsburgh a week ago.
#5 – It may not be as glamorous as goals, but the Penguins are excelling in the faceoff circle. It’s a chapter in the legacy of the two most important players of their generation, Sidney Crosby and Ovechkin. He’s won several Presidents’ Trophies but he’s still looking for a shot at the Cup.
Crosby, though, is apparently in good health, as he practiced fully Tuesday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Ovechkin, who went without a point in Game 6, had three shots and three hits.
In order for the Penguins to win Game 7, they will have to come out with the same fire the Capitals brought out for Games 6 and 7; Sullivan will demand nothing less.
#2 – The Penguins have a long history of tormenting the Capitals. Those Caps arrived home with all sorts of momentum and anticipation, and they were simply overwhelmed in a 6-2 Penguins victory. Then, crumble it up and throw it away. The Penguins could turn it on, the HBK line could find their stride, Malkin could be great instead of taking stupid penalties, and Crosby could be MVP and steal another chance from Ovechkin. One or all of Justin Williams, Kevin Shattenkirk and T.J.
The Capitals haven’t been to the Eastern Conference finals in 19 years. At this point, anything could happen.
Game 7 may be the most exciting phrase in sports to a lot of people.
In Game 5, the Penguins looked like they might actually close out the series after the first two periods.
EDMONTON, Alberta – Leon Draisaitl had three goals and two assists, Mark Letestu added two goals and two assists, and Edmonton cruised past Anaheim to force a decisive Game 7 in their Western Conference semifinal series.
This Washington team can win and after the last four periods of hockey, I’d be insane to think Game 7 will be different.
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Were just trying to shoot where there is open spot, Kuznetsov said. “But you have to give Washington credit too”. Only a hit from another player or Crosby striking his head on the ice would be grounds for a concussion spotter to remove the two-time Hart Trophy victor from the game under current guidelines. It looked like another premature playoff exit for Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals.
