I think the Canucks have got inside the Knights' heads and have the edge going into game 7, although fatigue is an issue for the youngsters. Telling moment last night when they got the empty netter.
1. Sutter takes the great breakout pass and moves it up ice. Could have shot himself but the D is almost on him. Passes to Horvat for the goal. Tells you how focused they are. 5 minutes to go and up 3-0. Could just flip it toward the net and head off for shift change, but no. As well as displaying the lack of ego we are all coming to like about this team, it also shows they don't take their foot off the gas, ever. Make the pass so they get that extra goal. Make sure of it, don't leave it to chance. Finish every move. This is stuff coaches talk about all the time, but this team is living it. Going after every opportunity they see, 100%. This is how great playoff teams win.
2. After that empty netter, Lehner goes back in net. That is as close to a white flag of surrender as you will see in pro sports. VGK were just skating around after that.
VAN have the momentum and a real mental edge going into tonight's decider. Fatigue erodes some of that edge, VGK are a bit older overall and have more of the endurance mentality and conditioning. Nonetheless I think this is a huge open door for the Canucks. Vegas are questioning themselves in a very big way right now, they've thrown it all at these kids and they've still lost two in a row. They're experiencing the 2018 playoffs from the other side: they know how to be the young upstarts with nothing to lose, but being the odds on favorite with lots to lose and expectations to win? They're sitting in the proverbial room full of mirrors today and not liking what they see.
Psychological battle tonight will be just as entertaining as the physical one. Travis Green was defiantly adamant going into game 5 that the Canucks would win. There is a powerful believe culture in that locker room. Too bad Boston went out, was really hoping we'd meet them in the final and avenge 2011.