Were it not for Hellebucyk, this could be a 2-1 game.
By my eye, this series is actually fairly similar to our series against Vegas.
In both series, the team against Vegas has looked good enough to win, and has controlled play for some stretches. But even in that domination, Vegas' goaltending is clearly just at another level.
To elaborate, just watching the game, the expectation is clearly on the Vegas goaltender to make all of the big saves. On every breakaway, the viewer fully expects Fleury to make that big save. On the other hand, on every breakaway, the viewer is fully expecting Hellebuyck (or Jones) to give up the goal. Because Fleury is playing SOOO much better than the other goaltender, the players lose some of their motivation and confidence. It's hard to dominate for 40 minutes and be down 2-1, get that tying goal, and then allow one breakaway...and
just know your goaltender is not going to make that big save. It's demoralizing.
People say that these guys are professionals, and that they should be able to play at this level at all times. But in noting that they are professionals, it's important to note that there is such a small difference in ability between all of these teams and players; that is why an AHL player can step in and score a hat trick in the NHL at any given time. And the slightest difference in confidence in your goaltender can make the difference between two teams who are totally even.
