19 Apr '04 - + 57 - 49 Tense moments past, more to come...
Overtime playoff hockey is the greatest thing professional sports can
offer. Sudden death format and the knowledge that any shot could end
the game. Everybody on the ice knowing that their season could be
reduced to one mistake. The elation of an almost certain goal, followed
by that sinking feeling as you watch your opponent's goalie make an
absurd save and set up an odd-man rush the other direction.
And sometimes it gets even more excruciating; sometimes one of the
teams is facing elimination. Like they were last night... and the night
before... and the night before.
The Islanders started it off in Tampa Bay on Friday night. New York
took the lead in the first period, but two goals by the Lightning about
two minutes apart in the second turned the game around. The lead stood
until there were only seven and a half minutes left in the game, when
Mark Parrish scored to tie the game. It stayed tied at 2-2 until 4:07
into overtime, when Martin St. Louis put the puck right by DiPietro,
ending New York's season.
But that was a boring game compared to the other two. Saturday night,
Vancouver was well on their way to forcing a game seven with a 4-0 lead
halfway through the game. But they let Calgary back into the game as
the Flames scored four of their own to tie the game. Facing
elimination, missing both their #2 scorer and their starting
goaltender, the Canucks held on to win in triple overtime on a goal by
Brendan Morrison. And then Sunday night, Ottawa finally overcame the
Maple Leafs in double overtime to get their own game seven opportunity.
All that does is set the stage for more excitement for the next two
nights. Three series are now tied at 3-3. Two game sevens will be
played tonight, and one tomorrow night. With both teams facing
elimination in every game, these contests are sure to hold even more
excitement. Bring your crash cart.