NHL Update

The overwhelming series favorites, (the) Las Vegas Golden Knights and opening series line underdogs, (the) New York Islanders, won “semis” openers, allowing one goal vs the Montreal Canadiens (the Habs have either won the title, compiling a (17-2) mark in that round or lost in the semis 9 times in their 28 semis appearances since losing 2 straight final rounds to the Detroit Red Wings in ’54 and ’55, each in 7 games) and defending champion, Tampa Bay Lightning respectively. Some history notes, regarding the teams in “semis,” follows.

Ten of the 11 previous opening game/semis winners in Isles’ semis went on to win the series. (only in ’84, when the Isles won the last 4 to “6” the Canadiens, did a game 1 Isles/semis, loser win that series).

Las Vegas won (4-1) in game 1 vs Montreal, maybe, (though L.V. is now a  10 to 1 series “fave” now, having “opened” 5 to 1), not a good sign for them, as I note the Canadiens lost game 1 of both the ’79 and ’93 final rounds by that (4-1) “tune,” only to win the next 4, including home, (4-1) Cup clinchers in game 5.

Shea Theodore, pictured above, not only “opened” for Las Vegas ending the 7 plus games streak of the Canadiens not trailing, but also had the primary assist on Alec Martinez’ goal, which expanded the Vegas lead to (2-0).

Martinez, of course, scored in overtime in game 5 of the ’14 final, giving the L.A. Kings a second crown in three seasons.