Great win, and a very entertaining game. These two teams don't seem to like each other much, as the flood gates almost opened after the game. Ward and Hainsey were smart in pulling players back trying to get things under control.
What I noticed in the game,
Jason Ward was the top player in the game, and should be the playoff MVP. He was all over the place, and has really stepped up his game. I was impressed with his goal, a great effort and nice shot on the backhand.
Beauchemin was physical, but he is still out of position too much and that will cost him. Still he's made great strides and his overall game has improved a good deal.
Hossa looked good at times, with the puck and without, as he seemed to skate hard at times, but other times he was too soft and not involved when he should have been. Still there's no doubt he has a ton of skill. I wonder if he is having confidence problems, as he was in some good shooting lanes, and was looking pass all the way. He's got a good shot, and somebody has to make him use it more.
Ryder was good but didn't have his best game. He had a few chances, and you can see the skill is there, but he will need to get stronger.
Plekanec I thought had a strong game. His goal seemed more luck then skill, but it doesn't matter how they go in. I like his skating, and instincts with the puck, but his size scares me, and he needs to bulk up for sure. He is getting knocked off the puck in the AHL, so it will be much much worse if he were in the NHL. Still, he has a ton of skill as well. If he can get a little bigger and a lot stronger (especially on his skates in terms of balance) he will be an NHLer.
Komisarek was good and bad. Still having troubles reading the play, and at times his positioning was off. It seems as though he can't pickup the play, thus leaving an area open that needs to be closed. But he did make some very good plays in his own end, and he had a great block right towards the very end of the game. Not his best game, but he was solid.
Hainsey was ok. He didn't seem to put for a solid effort at times, and he wasn't physical which is something he must work on. Some time in the AHL next year could be good for him, as he has the skills just needs to put it all together.
Blouin is a waste even for the AHL and should be released. Although he is needed when things get out of hand like they almost did tonight. This guy has zero skill and has to be the worst player Savard has acquired.
Lindsay was all over the place driving to the net and playing some gritty hockey.
From the Oilers, Conklin was sharp all night. Torres is phyiscal, Bergeron needs to work on his shot, it's too high. Rita didn't have a good night. Stoll is solid and has to be one of their better players. They should trade him to us, him and Milroy would go great together in Hamilton next year.
Allen is solid, Hakkana (sp?) is big and phyiscal but not very solid in his own end.
Game 7 thrusday night, can't wait to see who wins the Cup. Either way thanks to the Dogs for a great season of entertaining hockey.