Islanders & NHL Playoff News: Verdict is in, Hurricanes still suck
Maxim is happy. | Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
With a chance to make history, Carolina instead pulled off a very Islander third-period. Crawling back from an 0-3 series lead with a chance to prove true their coach’s “it’s actually not that bad” pleas, the Carolina Hurricanes took a 3-1 lead into the third period of Game 6 against the Rangers.
Alas, they lost. In regulation. Frederik Andersen, who stood on his head when (rarely) tested by the Islanders in Round 1, couldn’t even stand on his post with the game on the line in Game 6 of Round 2.
The collapse was swift and brutal, depriving them of a chance to put historic pressure on the Smurfs in a Game 7 that never happened. A crying child was shown on the Rangers-heavy TNT broadcast (where each panelist refers to every Ranger by a buddy-buddy nickname). While I feel bad for the child, at least the child gets to keep their job as manager of the Hurricanes social media.
Ironically, a sketchy penalty call — embellished by Mika Zibanejad as if he’d been trained by the Carolina diving team — got the Rangers the power play that got them going. While it was a bummer to see the Rangers advance, at least the Hurricanes suffered in a cruel way. Which is great. Because they suck.
Playoff Haiku
Guentzel, the answer?Nope. Nor chaos, nor “next year”Cry, you bitches, cry
Islanders News
Oh, but there was actual Isles news yesterday! They signed a KHL winger coming off a career year, a guy who reportedly had interest from many NHL teams. Welcome, Maxim Tsyplakov; may you get a real chance and stick around a while. [LHH | Isles | TSN]
Something to file away: “Tsyplakov has played wing in the KHL, but Chernykh said the Islanders were among the teams that were curious about his fit at center.” [Post]
It’s May 17! You know what that means for “This Day in Isles History.” [Isles]
Elsewhere
This was a pretty incredible moment for Carolina in Game 6. Alas, all for nought. [Post]
Without a hint of irony, Rod Brind’Amour lamented Zibanejad’s embellishment. Get that man a mirror, ASAP. [Post]
In last night’s other action, the Canucks were impressive in a tight game against the Oilers, prevailing with a J.T. Miller with 33 seconds left in regulation. Edmonton is now on the brink. [NHL]
Brad Marchand knows Sam Bennett got away with a sucker punch, but he’s fine with it because — in a rare bout of self-awareness — Marchand realizes he himself is a prick, too. It’s so satisfying when they grow up in their 30s. [Sportsnet | TSN]
Heh, the Phoenix mayor says they had a “productive meeting” with Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo. [Sportsnet]
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