Bosc- for whatever reason, Trotz separated last year's very successful line of Beauvillier-Barzal-Eberle for almost all of this year. When the offense totally disappeared, he at least put Barzal-Eberle back together. Barzal said the 2 instantly agreed they'd make it so he can't separate them. They've been awesome, and one of the biggest goals of the series was by Eberle- when he was on in Lee's place with Barzal-Eberle.
Av- Crosby finished the series with 1 assist- on their lone goal in Game 4.
This is some crazy shit right here-
Penguins time with a lead during the 4 games- 4:51.
Penguins time with their goalie pulled- 5:55.
It's funny. In past years when the Isles had a lead I would sit on the edge of my seat, wondering how they'd give it away. Now, when they let up a goal in the opening minute I stay sitting back, knowing they'll come back soon. When they have a lead, I sit back, knowing they'll keep it. Amazing what real coaches and structure can do for a team!
Isles are on to Round 2. Trotz was asked after the game what his reaction would be if someone told him prior to the season that they'd sweep the Penguins in Round 1. "Sign me up". Lehner was asked if the players thought beforehand that it was possible for the Isles to sweep the Pens- "Yeah. Absolutely." Said with no pause. Martin was asked something similar, and he said something about how the Isles knew what all the "experts" were saying about them before the season, how they stuck by their opinions of the Isles through the season, nobody picked them to win this series, etc. Said the players are all out to prove everyone wrong.
Big things from Game 4- Clutterbuck and Boychuk both left late in the 2nd period and didn't return. Boychuk blocked a shot. Looked like it hit his left knee. No idea what happened to Clutterbuck.
Scott Mayfield made two game saving, well,
saves late in the third period. Lehner wasn't sure where the puck was and was looking left while the puck went right- and to a wide open Penguin. Mayfield got his right leg out to block the initial shot and rebound and cleared it to the corner. Lehner was laughing and gave him a high five afterward.
Hornqvist tried to fight Lehner at one point. Isles went on a breakaway (Komarov) and Hornqvist stayed behind the play, jabbing Lehner in the chest with his stick, then punching him with his gloves on, Lehner gave a slash to his chest, and then Hornqvist dropped his fucking gloves and went at Lehner. The ref blew the whistle (ending Komarov's breakaway chance) and jumped between Lehner and Hornqvist. In the handshake line, Hornqvist looked like he was apologizing and Lehner gave him the "you're a douche bag, but it's fine. Have fun golfing" pat on the shoulder and nod.
Matt Murray looked like shit before the game. They showed him getting ready. Had triple bags under his eyes. Like he hadn't slept in a month.
Now, I hope the Caps and Canes beat the living shit out of each other through 4 more games, all of which go to at least 4 OTs.