NEWSLETTER
There are some really compelling first-round series in this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, with former Blackhawks in every series. One former Blackhawk made the biggest noise in the first night’s game on Monday.
The game of the night likely ended after you went to sleep last night. Minnesota and Dallas went to a second overtime in a dramatic game that included a huge, potentially series-changing hit and a clutch game-winner.
Former Blackhawks forward Ryan Hartman provided the heroics at 12:20 into the second overtime.
I’m not one to pat myself on the back too much (though my middle son might claim that’s why my right shoulder is a mess), but on the esteemed panel at The Fourth Period I was the only person who picked Minnesota to win the series. And I tabbed Hartman as my series MVP. So far, so good.
The Hartman goal was enormous and ended a terrific game between division rivals. But a big hit could change the trajectory of the series.
Matt Dumba, who has become known for huge hits that are on the border between clean and dirty, absolutely hammered Joe Pavelski in the second period. Dumba initially received a five-minute penalty for a headshot, but it was changed to a two-minute roughing call after a review. What do you think?
