1st Star: Ryan Reaves, Vegas Golden Knights
A year ago, “Ryan Reaves scored the goal that helped send the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final” is totally the sentence we all expected to read in May 2018. Well, here we are after Vegas eliminated the Winnipeg Jets in Game 5 with a 2-1 victory.
2nd Star: Marc-Andre Fleury, Vegas Golden Knights
Fleury continued his march toward the Conn Smythe trophy with a 31-save effort as he helped ensure his chance to win a third straight Stanley Cup.
[Golden Knights’ incredible run continues to Stanley Cup Final]
3rd Star: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
After a tough couple of games, Hellebuyck did all he could to keep the Jets in Game 5. He finished with 30 saves, including a pair late in the third period that helped keep the Jets’ deficit to one goal.
Hellebuyck stones Haula. What a job by Tuch to center that puck. pic.twitter.com/DSaZFYCLjm
— Ryan Quigley (@ryanquigz) May 20, 2018
Highlight of the Day:
Thank you, Deryk Engelland, for touching the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl:
Factoid of the Day:
The @GoldenKnights are the seventh team in NHL history to clinch three series on the road to reach the #StanleyCup Final. The others:
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 20, 2018
LAK in 2014
PIT in 2009
DET in 2008
CAR in 2002
EDM in 1985
NYI in 1981#NHLStats #VGKvsWPG pic.twitter.com/KjnWQmIc6h
Monday’s schedule: Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals, 8 p.m. ET, NBCSN (Lightning lead series 3-2)
MORE:
• Conference Finals schedule, TV info
• NBC’s Stanley Cup Playoff Hub
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Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.