We HAVE to get to first intermission down no more than 1 goal. Obviously it'd be nice to have a lead but we cannot have the series start like Nashville did. Get into that 2nd period we seem to love down a goal or less and I will feel relatively confident about our chances.
I agree in order to win tonight. Coming back from a 2+ goal deficit after 20 minutes in Denver is exceptionally difficult.
But I don't think we
need to win tonight to win the series. The core of this team has faced adversity and the story of the Cup Final was us responding to a couple blowouts with big performances. This team has an enormous amount of playoff experience. Beyond the 10 guys who were part of our Cup run, we've also got Cup experience from Leddy/Saad and Krug has been on a couple runs to the Final. There are plenty of voices in that room that understand that a series isn't won or lost in the first 20 or 60 minutes.
I'll feel relatively confident if we split the first 2 games in Denver. Doesn't matter which one and it doesn't matter how badly we lose the other. Make the series best of 5 with 3 games at the Enterprise Center and you're in good shape. I wouldn't declare us dead if we lose the first 2 games, but I certainly wouldn't feel confident. Pretty much have to win games 3 and 4 in that scenario though.
Vegas got absolutely waxed in game 1 in Denver last year. I was at the game and it was the most thorough playoff domination I've ever seen in person. Then Vegas came out strong in game 2 but lost in OT. Then Vegas won 4 straight to end it in 6.
This series is far from over if Colorado comes out and coasts to a big win.
