Anton Khudobin’s 35-save Game 1 the latest in growing list of impressive postseason performances - The Dallas Morning News

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In order to secure the first game of the Stanley Cup Final, the Stars needed Anton Khudobin to ice the game away.

As the Stars hunkered down in their own zone in the third period of their eventual 4-1 win over Tampa Bay on Saturday, they asked the Lightning to shoot from the perimeter of the zone. Khudobin provided the answers, making 22 saves in the third period as part of a 35-save effort in Game 1.

“He’s just a great competitor,” Stars interim coach Rick Bowness said. “Don’t get wrapped up in styles. Get wrapped up in the job description: stop the puck, and he does everything he can to stay every shot. When he’s on, which he was tonight, he’s reading the play, so he’s getting there and anticipating the shot. He’s not late. He’s not chasing the game around. He’s focused on what’s coming, where it’s coming from, and he’s meeting the puck.”

It was the seventh time Khudobin made at least 35 saves in the 2020 postseason.

While the second period featured Khudobin’s acrobatic save and subsequent blocker pickup on Anthony Cirelli, the third period was his time to shine.

He made a save on Alex Killorn with his toe that kept the Lightning at bay. Later, he used a quick glove hand to rob Zach Bogosian’s slapper on the rush. Khudobin was also reading the play well enough to stop any one-timers the Lightning unleashed on their three third-period power plays.

“I think his play’s been speaking for himself,” Jamie Oleksiak said. “He’s obviously been great for us, and it looks like whenever he’s out there, he’s just having fun. I think we’re feeding off that energy, and like I said, he’s been great. I can’t say enough about him.”

Blake Comeau: “He’s been a rock for us all playoffs, it was no different tonight. We obviously got in a little bit of penalty trouble there in the third. He was there to bail us out. That’s kind of been the storyline this playoffs. Every time we’ve needed a big save at timely points in the game, he’s been there for us.”

In total, the Lighting outshot the Stars 22-2 in the third period and had 43 shot attempts to the Stars' three. According to Natural Stat Trick, Tampa Bay had all the scoring chances (13-0) and high-danger chances (5-0) in the third period.

“I don’t know how the game’s going to happen, like 19 or 20 or 25 shots,” Khudobin said. “I feel comfortable with that, don’t get me wrong. At the same time, when you’re winning the games with 20 or 25 shots, it’s always great, but it is what it is. I try to focus on the next shot and how much it’s going to be -- I don’t really think about it. Just try to do my job.”

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