Heating Up

Now that most teams have played 4 games in their respective series, the Eastern Conference series leaders have hammer locks while we are now playing best of three out west.
 
The Capitals and Bruins emerged victorious in their games last night. Alexander Ovechkin finished his night with 2 goals and 1 assist to help the Caps win their 3rd consecutive game against the dwindling Canadiens – the Capitals now lead the series 3 games to 1. Miroslav Satan scored the game-winner in double OT to advance the Bruins’ series lead to 3 games to 1 over the Buffalo Sabres. Both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia hold 3-1 leads over Ottawa and New Jersey respectively, and both teams will look to advance to the next round tonight. Sidney Crosby has been absolutely spectacular for the Pittsburgh Penguins thus far, tallying 4 goals and 7 assists to lead all scorers in the postseason. The Flyers will be battling New Jersey without Simon Gagne and Jeff Carter, both are out with foot injuries and will require surgery.
 
It’s a much different story in the Western Conference. Last night, the Vancouver Canucks tied their series up against the Los Angeles Kings in a back-and-forth game at the Staples Center – Henrik Sedin was credited with the game-winning goal as the Canucks won the game 6-4. With the exception of Chicago/Nashville, all the series are now tied at 2 games a piece turning them into a best of three. San Jose looks to put the pressure on Colorado tonight, I will be fortunate enough to be in attendance for this game and am excited to give a firsthand report. Phoenix returns home against Detroit as the White Out in Glendale resumes after Detroit shut out Phoenix 3-0 at home two nights ago. Chicago and Nashville face off in a pivotal game 4 with the Predators leading the series 2-1. It is rumored that Brian Campbell may return to the lineup for Chicago after suffering a broken collarbone off a controversial hit from Alexander Ovechkin during the regular season.

Stay tuned for a game report from San Jose!