It’s only taken nine months. But we are finally in a position where we are on the verge of something good happening in 2020.
The Philadelphia Flyers are on the cusp of being eliminated in the 2020 playoffs.
It didn’t happen on the first try, though. They stayed alive with a 4-3 overtime win in Game 5 of their second-round series against the New York Islanders to force a Game 6. Brian Metzer of the Penguins Radio Network joins me to analyze that series and the rest of the remaining contests in the NHL bubbles.
Just one series is in action Wednesday. That’s Game 6 of the Dallas Stars versus Colorado Avalanche matchup. It’s been a wide-open series, with at least seven goals scored in every game. The Stars could close it out this evening.
The other game Tuesday night saw the Vancouver Canucks extend their series to a sixth game as well, courtesy of a 2-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Marc-Andre Fleury sat behind Robin Lehner again. Has he started his last game with the Knights? And will he be in the offseason trade pool with Matt Murray of the Penguins?
Metz and I discuss that and if Vancouver’s Jacob Markstrom will be a factor, too. He’ll be a free agent. Thatcher Demko was excellent between the pipes for Vancouver Tuesday, stopping 42 of 43 shots.
With all this goalie availability, how will Jim Rutherford maneuver to find good return for Murray? Rutherford said Tuesday that he has offers on both of his goalies already. But given all the moving parts across the league, it may take a while to find a trade partner for Rutherford as he considers destinations for either Murray or Tristan Jarry.
Metz and I also dissect Rutherford’s assessment that his recent teams have been one forward short in their top six and his attempts to entice offers on Evgeni Malkin.
Rutherford keeps saying he’s not shopping Malkin, Kris Letang or Sidney Crosby. But if you keep making the light brighter on the “For Sale” sign, is there much of a difference?
Metzer and I consider that, some failed Penguins moves of late, and Rutherford’s lingering questions on team complacency. Plus, the Kasperi Kapanen trade, moving bubble sites, and rum.
Yes. Lots of talk of Danish rum.
Listen to the podcast. You’ll understand why.
