The Morning Skate: 6/06/13

The Eastern Conference Finals game three was played last night in Boston and it was a prime example of what playoff hockey is all about. The Boston Bruins won a thriller of a game in the second overtime period, 2-1. The Pittsburgh Penguins finally played a good game, and they still lose. With the overtime win, the Bruins now hold a 3-0 lead in the series. Here is the game recap from NHL.com.

June 5, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Bruins goalie

(40) makes a glove save during the first period in game three of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Both Tomas Vokoun and Tuukka Rask played remarkable, Rask especially. He faced 54 shots and stopped all but one. Vokoun held his own in net for the Pens against 40 shots, saving 38. Even with the loss, the Penguins have to be somewhat happy that they finally stuck with the Bruins for 60+ minutes. In the end it just wasn’t enough though. [NHL.com Stats]

Yesterday throughout the day I heard a lot of criticism on Jaromir Jagr, stating that he is looking tired out on the ice. I think he silenced those critics with his last play of the game. A strong effort along the boards against Malkin, and then moving the puck to Marchand which led to the game winning goal by Patrice Bergeron. Jagr may not have any goals in the playoffs, but he has 7 assists, and that was a huge assist last night. More on Jagr at NHL.com.

June 4, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of pre game show before the Los Angeles Kings play against the Chicago Blackhawks in game three of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight the LA Kings continue the fight to even the series against the Chicago Blackhawks. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 PM on the NBC Sports Network. You can check out the series analysis on NHL.com.

Charging Through The Headlines:

• Duncan Keith was suspended for one game for his “high” stick on LA’s Jeff Carter. BlackHawkUp.com has more information and a video if you missed it.
•  The Calder Cup Final is set for the AHL, the Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings affiliate team) take on the Syracuse Crunch (Tampa Bay Lightning affiliate team). The seven game series begins Saturday June 8th. [AHL.com]
•  Gregory Campbell, Bruins forward, will miss the rest of the playoffs with a broken right fibula. See the heroics that led to the injury at NHL.com.