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Stanley Cup Daily 5/19: Beating the Odds

It might not be a great idea to bet against the Golden Knights, who are now one win away from playing for the Stanley Cup.

By Justin Lape and Andy House
Winnipeg Jets v Vegas Golden Knights - Game Four Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Each day during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Canes Country recaps the night before, previews the games for that night, and gives you game times and broadcast information.

Friday’s Recap

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Winnipeg Jets at Vegas Golden Knights Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Vegas Golden Knights 3, Winnipeg Jets 2 (VGK leads series 3-1)

Vegas controlled the momentum from puck drop and were quickly rewarded as a result, taking a two-game lead in the series with a 3-2 Game 4 win.

.The Golden Knights’ first line got things started as William Karlsson potted a goal on the power play after a great cross-ice feed from line-mate Jonathan Marchessault. Karlsson’s shot rocketed off his stick past Connor Hellebuyck for his sixth of the postseason.

On a power play early in the second period, Marc-Andre Fleury kept the game within one after a cross crease flashy save on a rebound chance by Bryan Little. Midway through the second period, Patrik Laine tied the game on a one-timer that squeaked through the blocker side of Fleury. Just 43 seconds later, Tomas Nosek put a rebound chance home for Vegas after Hellebuyck misplayed a dump-in shot.

But the Jets weren’t done. Tyler Myers tied the game in the third period at two after a rocket of a shot ended up quickly in the back of the net. Again, though, Vegas jumped back out front. At the 13:02 mark of the third period, Reilly Smith released a wrist shot on a breakaway that went bar down on Hellebuyck to take the lead. Fleury held the fort for the remainder of the game despite a late push from the Jets. He had 36 saves and now Vegas is one win away from the Stanley Cup Final. - Justin Lape

Saturday’s Preview

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning (Series tied 2-2)

7:00 p.m. ET, NBC

  1. Home Ice DIS-Advantage? Entering Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final, neither the Lightning nor the Capitals have managed to corral a victory at home. The Lightning now return home to Amalie Arena hoping to change that after turning the series upside down with their two wins in Washington.
  2. Outshot? Who cares? The Lightning collected two victories in D.C. despite being outshot 76-43 in the two games. Most of that is thanks to the tremendous work of Andrei Vasilevskiy who, particularly in Game 4, has been the best Tampa performer in the series. Combining those games with the rest of the series, the Caps are outshooting the Bolts 145-99 in total. If those trends continue, Vasilevskiy must remain the best player in the series if Tampa hopes to win the race to two more wins.
  3. Coaching Adjustments: The return of Nicklas Backstrom in Game 4 prompted some changes for Barry Trotz, as Backstrom is not taking faceoffs in his return. Having to pair him with a competent pivot man provided a different dynamic to the Capitals lineup. Look for Trotz to continue to search for the right group for Backstrom, and see if that results in any counter moves for the Lightning. Minor wrinkles late in these series often can provide the small edge needed in a tight game that can change the whole complexion of a series. - Andy House