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Early takeaways from the 2019 NHL playoffs |
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Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
In this edition of the hotstove, we share some of our early takeaways from 2019 playoffs.
Todd Cordell
Colorado is better than we thought.
I expected the Avs to be a tough out – I had the Flames winning in six games – but even I'm surprised by how well they have played. The Flames were one of the better 5v5 teams all season long, and their numbers only improved down the stretch. Yet the Avalanche have found a way to dominate them in that game state through three games. Yes, dominate.
As it stands, the Flames rank 14th among playoff teams in Corsi For%, 14th in Expected Goals For%, and 15th in Scoring Chance For%. Against a No. 8 seed. And they have looked as overwhelmed as the numbers suggest.
Those that gave the Avs a chance – myself included – thought they'd hang around largely because Mike Smith and his sub .900 save percentage would erase some of the Flames edges. Not because the Avs would completely out-play them, which has been the case thus far.
Peter Tessier
The biggest takeaway so far this post-season has been that in short sample sizes anything can happen. No-one had the Penguins and Lightning facing elimination after three games and who had Calgary looking lost on the ice?
The best part about this first round of the playoffs has been the wild unpredictability of the matchups and games that have been played. In short spans of time, anything can happen and right now it is. Has there been a post-season in recent years with this much variety and potential for upsets? Not in my recent memory.
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