NHL playoffs: Chris Kunitz, Mark Stone trade goals in Game 7

Chris Kunitz and Mark Stone traded goals in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NHL Playoffs.

The Eastern Conference Finals of the NHL Playoffs between the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins will be solved in Thursday’s Game 7. After a scoreless first 20 minutes, the Pens jumped on the boad first thanks to a Chris Kunitz goal. This goal was set up beautifully by teammate Conor Sheary.

The Penguins thought they had all the momentum. Ottawa desperately needed to grab it back. And they responded very quickly thanks to forward Mark Stone, who scored just seconds later to tie the game at one goal apiece.

It’s been a very exciting game so far. The first period saw nearly 10 minutes of uninterrupted hockey. With very few stoppages, the two teams have been trading chances for most of the game. However, Pittsburgh has gotten more chances than Ottawa. But with both Craig Anderson and Matt Murray doing outstanding work in net, goals have been hard to come by so far in Game 7.

Stone extends the Senators storybook season for now. He might have just scored the biggest goal of their season, which is saying something. Ottawa had no momentum after Kunitz’s goal, but Stone found a way to deliver. Pittsburgh was tempted to challenge his goal but wisely did not. How Ottawa avoided being offsides is mind boggling.

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For the Penguins, Sidney Crosby has been very active. He might score tonight the way he’s been playing. Sheary has probably been their best forward, dominating on all ends of the ice but especially in the offensive zone. With under 40 minutes left in the game, don’t be surprised if this one goes to overtime. Whoever wins Game 7 will face the Nashville Predators in the Stanley Cup Finals.