Nhl Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition – August 21, 2020
NHL MORNING SKATE: STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS EDITION – AUGUST 21, 2020
THREE HARD LAPS
* After Dallas fell behind 3-0 early, rookie Denis Gurianov erupted for four goals and five points to propel the Stars to a seven-goal outburst and into the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
* Anthony Beauvillier scored a series-clinching goal for the second time in 2020 to guide the Islanders past the Capitals. New York became the first lower-ranked seed to advance to the Second Round.
* The Flyers and Canucks can both advance to the Second Round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs Friday. Teams that hold a 3-2 lead in a best-of-seven series own an all-time series record of 317-87 (.784)
GURIANOV, HEISKANEN SHINE BRIGHT AS STARS RALLY BIG TO OUST FLAMES After falling behind 3-0 in the first 6:34 of the contest, the duo of Denis Gurianov (4-1—5) and Miro Heiskanen (1-3—4) combined for nine points as the Stars netted seven unanswered goals to stun the Flames and advance to the Second Round the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Dallas will play Colorado.
* Gurianov, selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, became the sixth rookie in NHL history to collect at least five points in a playoff game and the second to do in a series- clinching game, joining Joe Mullen in Game 4 of the 1982 Division Semifinals.
* Gurianov, who became the first player in Stars/North Stars history to score four goals in a playoff game and the second to score a hat trick in their First Round series against the Flames, matched the NHL record for goals by a rookie in a playoff game. Tony Hrkac first accomplished the feat during Game 4 of the 1988 Division Semifinals.
* Heiskanen factored on four of Dallas’ first five goals to match the Stars/North Stars record for points in a playoff game by a defenseman. In the process, the third-overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft also became the seventh blueliner in NHL history to collect four points in a series-clinching game – a list composed of three Hockey Hall of Fame members.
* The Stars became just the fourth team in 32 years to have multiple players each record four- plus points in a potential series-clinching game. The others: Buffalo (Game 6 of 2006 CQF), Detroit (Game 6 of 2002 CQF) and Edmonton (Game 5 of 1988 DSF).
* The Stars’ seven-goal outburst helped the club overcome a deficit of three or more goals to win a series-clinching game for the first time in franchise history. Additionally, Thursday’s victory marked the 15th time in League history in which a team accomplished the feat and second in as many seasons after the Sharks rallied to defeat the Golden Knights in Game 7 of the 2019 First Round.
BEAUVILLIER, VARLAMOV GUIDE ISLANDERS IN SERIES-CLINCHING WIN Anthony Beauvillier (2-0—2) recorded his second multi-goal outing in a series-clinching game this postseason (also SCQ vs. FLA) and Semyon Varlamov turned aside all 21 shots he faced as the Islanders advanced to the Second Round for the second time in as many years.
* Beauvillier, who also tallied 2-0—2 against the Panthers in Game 4 of the qualifying round, became the third player in franchise history to score multiple goals in a potential series-clinching game multiple times in a playoff year. The others: Mike Bossy (1981 SF & QF; 1983 DSF & CF) and Bobby Nystrom (1980 SF & SCF).
* In the effort, Beauvillier also became just the second player in Islanders history to score multiple series-clinching goals in a single postseason, joining Mike Bossy in 1981 (PRLM & SF) and 1983 (CF & SCF). Additionally, only two players in NHL history have scored more in a playoff year: Martin Gelinas in 2004 (CQF, CSF & CF w/ CGY) and Ken Linseman in 1984 (DF, CF & SCF w/ EDM).
* Varlamov, who recorded two previous playoff shutouts in a Capitals uniform, became the third goaltender in Islanders history to post a shutout in a potential series-clinching game, joining Billy Smith (Game 4 of 1980 PRLM) and Glenn Resch (Game 7 of 1975 QF).
DID YOU KNOW? Lou Lamoriello earned his 28th career postseason series win as an NHL general manager to pass Jack Adams and Sam Pollock (both w/ 27) and move into a tie with longtime Islanders executive Bill Torrey for second place on the League’s all-time list. He now trails only Glen Sather (41).
MEDIA REMINDER: Schedules and recordings of all Zoom media availabilities (including post- game) are available daily on the NHL’s media site – you must have an account to access this content. The 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs Information Guide as well as team playoff media guides also are available on the site.
QUICK CLICKS
* Empire State Building celebrates Islanders' First Round win * Inside the Bubble Blog Getting ready for next round in Toronto, Edmonton * Matt Niskanen suspended one game for actions in Flyers game * Golden Knights will play Blues or Canucks in Western Second Round * Goalies quickly finding groove in Playoffs despite long layoff
PREVIEW OF TODAY’S ACTION The Flyers and Canucks can both advance to the Second Round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Teams that hold a 3-2 lead in a best-of-seven series own an all-time series record of 317-87 (.784).