FSM Essential Recap: VGK vs Canucks – Round 2 – Game 6
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Well, Vegas…time to stock up on Tums, Pepto Bismol, and anything else that will help to settle a stomach. We are going to Game 7. Remember, Game 7’s are only fun when your team is not involved, and if your team wins game 6. Unfortunately, that is not our scenario.
The Vancouver Canucks won game six 4-0 to force a winner take all game seven tonight. Jake Virtanen got things going early for Vancouver, scoring on a wraparound that beat Robin Lehner. The game remained tied until just over one minute into the third period when J.T. Miller used Shea Theodore as a screen and scored on a wrist shot. Quinn Hughes beat Lehner with only less than twelve minutes remaining in the third when he used Theodore as a screen. Bo Horvat iced it with an empty netter.
Lehner or Marc-Andre Fleury?
Lehner and Fleury have alternated in back to back scenarios through the 2020 postseason. Although, Fleury played the front end of each back to back. Will coach Pete DeBoer go to his “backup” and start Fleury?
Two key stats to consider – Lehner is a career 1-7-1 with a goals-against of 3.66, and a save percentage of .889 when playing the backend of back to back games. Fleury has not lost to the Canucks in regulation since… BEFORE THE iPHONE WAS INVENTED! Simply put, if DeBoer goes with Lehner tonight, he and the shark he rode to town in will be exiled if VGK loses.
Digging a bit deeper into Lehner’s performance last night, it is difficult for a goalie to stop what he can not see. Theodore needs to clear traffic from in front of the net and get out of the way. Two of Vancouver’s goals are on Theodore. Lehner did not have a bad game by any means, credit Vancouver for making the most of their twenty-three shots on goal.
Speaking of shots on goal, VGK had forty-eight of them.
That makes ninety-one shots on goal in the last two games with just one getting by Thatcher Demko. Will VGK continue their shoot-first mentality, or will we see a lot more passing in an attempt to get a better line to the net? Give a ton of credit to Demko. He has been great. Demko is also exhausted. The NBC broadcast made it a point to mention his fatigue multiple times during the third period. A fresh goalie is an immediate edge for Vegas, should DeBoer go that route.
VGK is now 1-6 in closeout games dating back to last season. That is a problem. Even with a win tonight, VGK’s record in closeout games is a concern. A major one. Sorry, sorry – I should not mention the word “major” when discussing a Game 7, Rookie mistake. This would be a prime spot for (potential) Captain Mark Stone to give the boys an inspiring pregame speech.
Time to go down a road no one wants to travel.
What if Vegas loses game seven? What if Vegas loses for the second consecutive year while holding a three to one series lead? The first fingers would be pointed at DeBoer. He must find a way to finish it. That is his job. We can also take a long look at George McPhee and Kelly McCrimmon. They built this roster, which includes an in-season coaching change.
Going back to DeBoer, it seems unlikely that he would be “one and done” in Vegas, right? I mean, the guy must get more than a few months (subtract the COVID-19 pause). Think again, Vegas. Gerard Gallant was the toast of the town after season one. Season two had a controversial ending that was not entirely on him. He made it to January of season three.
I anticipate only one roster change for Vegas tonight. Fleury for Lehner. Vancouver will probably have their same lineup as Thursday night, injuries pending.
Game 7’s are a thrill. Indeed, a bit more enjoyable when your team is not involved. It is worth noting that Dallas / Colorado will play their game seven on the same sheet of ice before Vancouver / Vegas. Assuming there’s no overtime, it should be approximately two hours of prep time between the games. Will the quality of ice be a factor tonight? Time will tell.
Enjoy Game 7. The ball can bounce either way in this one.
Golden Knights vs. Canucks Series & T.V. info
Game 1: Golden Knights 5, Canucks 0
Game 2: Canucks 5, Golden Knights 2
Game 3: Golden Knights 3, Canucks 0
Game 4: Golden Knights 5, Canucks 3
Game 5: Canucks 2, Golden Knights 1
Game 6: Canucks 4, Golden Knights 0
Friday, Sept. 4, 6:00 pm: Canucks @ Golden Knights | NBCSN
The magic number for the Golden Knights to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup remains at 9.
Go Knights Go!
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-Chris Gawlik – Franchise Sports Media
Twitter: TDChrisG
