Tampa, Florida — Patrick Maroon can help himself I could not do it.
When Tampa Bay Lightning was asked what he had to do for Game 5 against Colorado Avalanche, the 6-foot-3 power forward smashed his words. I refused to carve.
"I need to win the match right now," he said. "Sorry. We have to go to win the game. Currently our focus is on Game 5 and we need to win. That is, there is nothing we can do."
This is all you can do with Lightning. History isn't on their side, but the team that led 3-1 in the Stanley Cup finals was 35-1, and the last team returned after Toronto Maple Leafs lost to Detroit Red Wings 3-0 in 1942. I did. — This is not the first time Lightning has been left dead.
They dragged 3-2 against the Reefs in the first round series and dropped 2-0 against the New York Rangers in the East Finals. Still, the holes that Lightning has to dig themselves are quite large.
"Turn the page and go," said Lightning head coach John Cooper. "The mountain is a bit high. At least we're still climbing. We're not out, and hey (whether it's or not) 3-1 (to Colorado), or From 3-2 to Toronto. What's the difference? We still have to go down the road and win the hockey game. Anyway, we had to win the game on the road. Home There was no ice cream, so what about tomorrow?
"We have a proud group. That's why we're in the finals for the third year in a row. And we're here. Talent alone isn't enough to get to the place and do what the players in this group have done, and pride is a big part of that. But listen, we're still kicking. I Our pride begins again, but as I said, this group is more than just a bunch of talented hockey players. "
Meanwhile, the avalanche is a series. It's a team that was able to finish off quite easily. They swept both the Predators and the Oilers, but after leading 3-1 they needed additional games to end the blues.
"I like the way the series ends," said Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar. "I think the toughest thing and what had to bounce off the blues was a really big loss at home. We went to their building and played really well. And Edmonton The other series had to come back from behind in Game 4 and did a great job of continuing their efforts and protecting their identity. The entire playoffs we've really been trying to do. One night and others. Better than the night, but I don't know why we come out and don't try to play our identity. "
Kadori's Playoffs Pedigree grows after OT winner
The next day, Avalanche continued to admire the heart and soul forward Nazem Kadori, returning from his broken thumb to become an overtime hero in Game 4. acted.
Not everyone was surprised.
Kadori, who scored 7 goals and 15 points in 14 games, has been strong in the postseason, especially in the second round against St. Louis, who led the hat-trick record. A team that scored 4 goals in 6 games.
"He's really consistent with us," said defenseman Cale Makar. "Obviously he got injured there and collapsed. Last night he felt he was able to play his part well and keep his legs moving in most of the games, so from a few weeks of vacation. I can't ask the returning man for more. "
Added Forward Darren Helm:" Yeah, he was great last night. He was injured. Every time I hit the ice, whether before or not, it was great. He brought a lot of energy and he's a big player. He scored a lot of big goals in the playoffs, and obviously the biggest last night. It was. "
Lightning may be processed in Game 5 in a short period of time
If Lightning forces Game 6 Must be done in a short time-handed over.
Defense Erik Chernak left during the second period of Wednesday after blocking a shot from Nathan McKinnon. But if Shutdown Center Anthony Cirelli (whose arm seemed to be stuck on his teammate Alex Killone's skates) joins Bridenpoint on the injured list, more losses could occur. I have.
"I haven't seen Tony because it will recover soon, but there will be an update tomorrow," said Cooper, who didn't even have a Point update. "Let's look back on tomorrow."
When it comes to defense, Cooper was happy with the response without Chernark.
"They were great, but it hurts when they lose a" D "and an important player on our team as the game progresses. very. As I said, we were one short, so let's not be one short tomorrow night.
is Lantanen's Corn Smyth Contender.
With 25 points in these playoffs (including 8 assists in the Stanley Cup finals), Mikko Lantanen claims the Conn Smythe Trophy.
"I think he's demonstrating his strengths," Bednar said. "He's strong on the puck, playing with the guy with his back and head up, finding his teammates when he's open and shooting the puck really well ... I'm doing what he's doing I like the combination. "
mtraikos@postmedia.com
twitter.com/Michael_Traikos
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