Rookie netminders showing veteran prowess
The NHL playoffs continue to be great. It is some of the best hockey I've seen in years, the most physical hockey I've seen in years. I hope you're enjoying it as much as I am. In fact, because the games have been so good, I can't find anything "ugly" out there this week.
THE GOOD
The one great thing about the playoffs so far is the success of the rookie goaltenders, especially Buffalo's Ryan Miller and Anaheim's Ilya Bryzgalov.
Miller, 25, was phenomenal in Game 2 of the Sabres-Senators series. He has been in a zone and has done more at this time of the season than most goalies his age. I know some of the media, and fans, are saying "Miller should have been on the U.S. Olympic team." Looking back, he probably should have made the team, but he likely wouldn't have played. He would have been behind Rick DiPietro and Robert Esche in the pecking order. Miller will be on many U.S. teams in the future, though, you can count on that.
Miller had a great college career, and he has matured more and more as the season has evolved. He'll get even better.
The Ducks' Bryzgalov also has been sensational, earning the second-longest shutout streak in NHL history. He played well even when he gave up three goals in Anaheim's overtime win in Game 3. Bryzgalov has received a lot of help in front of him, thanks to the solid Ducks defense. But every night, he single-handedly is giving his team a chance to win. He might have a joking disposition, but I think some of that is an act. Bryzgalov is as serious as any other goalie out there, and he is always ready to play. He is a professional.
Keep an eye out for Carolina's Cam Ward and San Jose's Vesa Toskala, as well. They are playing so well. Ottawa's Ray Emery, also a rookie, is facing a lot of pressure. He got the Senators to the second round, but if they fall to the Sabres, he'll take the blame. I don't think that's necessarily fair, but everyone up there will say, "Well, if we had had Dominik Hasek, we would have won."
In front of the goalies, the hitting has been unbelievable. The physical play of these playoffs has been awesome. We've been able to have clean, hard hitting without sacrificing the flow of the game. The referees continue to make the calls. I hope it all continues.
THE BAD
After beating Dallas in five games, the Colorado Avalanche have played poorly against the Mighty Ducks. Right now, Milan Hejduk, Alex Tanguay and Joe Sakic have yet to score a goal in this series. These players have to score if the Avalanche have any hope of winning a playoff game, let alone a series.
And people should not blame goalie Jose Theodore entirely. I thought he played really well in Game 3, likely his best game of the playoffs. Could Theodore play better? Sure. Is he being outplayed by Bryzgalov? Sure. But you can't blame Theodore if the Avs wind up losing the series.
THE UGLY
The hits were all clean. Nothing has been ugly this week. What can I say?! Enjoy the games, folks, and I'll catch you next week.
Barry Melrose, a former NHL defenseman and coach, is a hockey analyst for ESPN.
