Sen. John McCain takes in the Phoenix Coyotes game, while attempting to ignore the irony of watching the representative from Arizona fail to close out the representative from Illinois.
No. 1 Star: Craig Anderson, Ottawa Senators
Most thought that Henrik Lundqvist would be the standout goaltender in this series, but Craig Anderson has battled the New York Rangers' netminder to a standstill through 5 games. Their GAA and SV% are nearly identical. The only major difference? Anderson has one more win after being the best backstop in the building a Game 5 shutout. He made 41 saves in a 2-0 victory. Jason Spezza scored the only goal the Senators needed, and then he added an empty-netter in the game's final minute to seal it.
No. 2 Star: Jose Theodore, Florida Panthers
Back after losing the starting role for Game 4 to Scott Clemmensen, Theodore reorganized the depth chart with a 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils in Game 5. He made 30 stops for his second career postseason shutout, giving the Panthers a chance to close out the Devils on Tuesday night. Kris Versteeg added a goal and an assist in the win. His goal came on some pretty passing from the Florida powerplay:
No. 3 Star: Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
Toews scored the game-winner just 2:44 into the 5th consecutive overtime in this series, warding off elimination with a 2-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes. He also went 14-for-18 in the faceoff circle, with one such won draw coming on the play that led to the goal. As usual, the Blackhawks got a tying goal in the third, scored this time by Nick Leddy.
Honourable mention: Troy Brouwer scored the game-winner for the Washingon Capitals in their 4-3 Game 5 victory over the Boston Bruins, giving his group the opportunity to close out the series on home ice. Jay Beagle scored as well, giving him his first career playoff points. Johnny Boychuk, Brad Marchand and Dennis Seidenberg all had a goal and an assist in the loss ... Brian Elliott made 26 saves, and Jamie Langenbrunner, David Perron, and Andy McDonald all scored goals as the St. Louis Blues eliminated the San Jose Sharks with a 3-1 Game 5 triumph ... Mike Smith made 26 saves in the Coyotes loss ... Save of the night goes to Braden Holtby:
Did you know? Theodore's last postseason shutout came nearly 8 years ago to the day. It was on April 19, 2004.
Dishonourable mention: Tim Thomas has to have that Brouwer shot ... The Coyotes would be celebrating a series win right now if they could hold onto a single third period lead ... 4 minor penalties for Viktor Stalberg Saturday ... Chris Neil concussed Brian Boyle with a controversial hit ... the Sharks are out, which means that Wysh's Stanley Cup pick got eliminated before mine ... Martin Brodeur probably could have played this better: