We had a pair of shutouts, an epic poke check, a lack of rats thrown onto the ice and Game 1 of Kings-Sharks was a thing of beauty.
Here are six things we learned Thursday.
You shouldn’t be surprised at Tavares’ Game 1 performance
Do you remember the thrilling Islanders-Penguins opening-round series that went seven games two seasons ago? Well, if you do, you’ll remember that John Tavares was a one-man wrecking crew. In fact, Tavares has always thrived in the post-season and we saw more of it Thursday as the Islanders captain was all over the ice, registering a goal and two assists in a come-from-behind victory over the Panthers.
Tavares had 14 points in his final 10 games of the regular season and clearly carried that momentum into Game 1. Prior to being selected first overall in 2009, he racked up 20 goals and 36 assists for 56 points in 38 career Ontario Hockey League playoff games and he now has 14 points in 14 career Stanley Cup playoff games.
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Jagr, Luongo in playoff ruts
Tavares is en fuego. Jaromir Jagr and Roberto Luongo? No Bueno.
The veterans had outstanding regular seasons, but their recent playoff history is less than appetizing if you’re a Florida Panthers fan.
Jagr hasn’t scored a goal in 32 consecutive playoff games and was held off the score sheet in Game 1. The 44-year-old sits fifth all time in playoff points with 199 – he’s the only non-Oiler to rank in the top six – but his solid track record hasn’t helped him produce in recent seasons.
The Islanders weren’t intimidated by Jagr’s presence on the ice either as he was roughed up.
Meanwhile, Luongo allowed five goals on just 26 shots.
Spezza returns to the playoffs with a bang
In his first five seasons in the NHL, Jason Spezza suited up in 40 post-season contests. In the seven seasons since that time he played just 16. The centre was raring to go Thursday in his first playoff game in a Dallas Stars uniform and he made a statement with this goal.
He’s overshadowed by Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin in Dallas, but Spezza, who’s coming off a 33-goal regular season, is still one of the better centres in the NHL – and an underrated one at that.
Orpik on somebody your own size
We figured the Caps-Flyers series would have some heat. Game 1 certainly did. Tom Wilson and Wayne Simmonds chucked the nucks, Alex Ovechkin seemingly knocked Sean Couturier out of the series, and Brooks Orpik developed an unlikely rivalry with Nick Cousins.
Orpik hammered Cousins on two separate occasions in the first period and was penalized both times. The first one was a clear illegal check to the head minor and the second was ruled interference. Orpik and the Caps didn’t think either play deserved a penalty. The veteran defenceman has never shied away from laying the body on the opposition so expect Orpik and Cousins collide a few more times this series.
An admission of guilt
It was a great back-and-forth Game 1 between the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings Thursday night.
The Sharks appeared to take a 3-2 lead midway through the second frame until an inexplicable whistle negated the goal.
Sportsnet’s Mike Johnson was between the benches and relayed what he heard from the official at the Sharks’ bench: “Kevin Pollock the referee comes over and says ‘we missed it. What can we do, we missed it.'”
Oops.
Luckily the Sharks walked away with a 4-3 win.
Will Ferrell loves himself some hockey
If the Kings go on another lengthy playoff run, we’re bound to see plenty of celebrity celebrations and we’re totally cool with that.
