Stanley Cup Final Recap

Stanley Cup Final

New Jersey Devils - 2 @ Arizona Coyotes - 5

New Jersey leads series 2-1

The desert dogs found their oasis in the form of a Game 3 win against the visiting New Jersey Devils. 

Kept mostly in check through Games 1 and 2, Arizona got contributions from their three top point-getters in the playoffs. Johnny Gaudreau and Vladimir Tarasenko each had a goal and an assist while Kevin Labanc bookeneded the proceedings with the opening and closing goals of the game. Tarasenko's goal, his tenth of the postseason, would stand as the game-winner. 

Connor Hellebuyck finally got the goal support he needed and he made sure to not let it go to waste. He was sensational on the night, which included a 19 save first period that allowed his team to lead 3-0 at the conclusion of. 

His counterpart, Jacob Markstrom, had a rare bad night. He allowed 4 goals for only the third time in the playoffs and first since Columbus got 5 past him in Game 3 of their second round matchup. Concerning was that Arizona was able to score those 4 goals on just 12 shots. Markstrom would only last just over half the game, getting pulled in favour of Alex Nedeljkovic after Gaudreau's goal. It was Nedeljkovic's first game action of the playoffs and since game 79 of the regular season (a 7-1 drubbing of the Montreal Canadiens which saw him face 9 shots on the night). He finished the night with 17 saves on 18 shots. 

THREE STARS

Connor Hellebuyck (ARI): 30 saves, .939 SP%
Vladimir Tarasenko (ARI): 1 goal (GWG), 1 assist, +1, 2 hits, 6 shots, 1 GA, 19:17 TOI
Kevin Labanc (ARI): 2 goals, +2, 4 shots, 2 giveaways, 15:26 TOI