I'm sorry I've been gone for so long and such and haven't really been up to date on my hockey knowledge and such. But hey, when you've got college works like papers to write, films to watch, and digital stories to create, well, it gets a bit tricky taking care of that and watching hockey at the same time. That's also why I've been missing a lot of hockey games, especially Ducks hockey games. But they're out of the playoffs now and it gives me more time to write my papers and such. But there are those of you out there whose teams are in the playoffs. By the way, congratulations to Panthers fans. You actually got into the playoffs when I didn't think you would. Yet, you still have a game to play yet in the playoffs but playing the Devils is probably better than playing the Bruins or Flyers. But I'll get to you guys in a second. I want to give short recaps for the games that have happened so far. Let's start with the games on happened on Wednesday.
Flyers 4, Penguins 3 (OT)
Flyers come back from a 3-goal deficit to knock off the Penguins 4-3 in overtime at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh. Jakub Voracek scored the overtime game winner. This is certainly a blow to the Penguins, who I thought had this game in the bag, but thanks to Ilya Bryzgalov and the remarkable offensive play of the Flyers, the Penguins just couldn't keep up to keep the Flyers from winning Game 1.
Predators 3, Red Wings 2
How about a team that I thought would have a solid chance at getting home-ice advantage in this first round? Well, it's not and apparently the Nashville Predators made sure that the Red Wings wouldn't win when the Predators had that home-ice advantage? Predators took it 3-2 and it made the Red Wings look at an uphill battle. Think they'll come back in Game 2? Red Wings aren't quitters, I can tell you that.
Kings 4, Canucks 2
Shocker of the series so far? The LA Kings are closer to knocking off the Vancouver Canucks, but this is only Game 1 of the series and the Kings got the home-ice advantage with a 4-2 win over the Canucks in Vancouver. Dustin Penner scored the winning goal with 3:14 left in the third period. USA Today and ESPN are calling it a "lucky bounce" but I had the Canucks winning the Stanley Cup this year and if they want to bounce back, they'll have to show the Kings who's the tough in the ever-so competitive Western Conference.
Those were the games that happened on Wednesday. Let's look at games from Thursday.
Rangers 4, Senators 2
Not exactly a miracle in New York, but it was enough to at least give the NY Rangers a 1-0 series lead over the Senators. Marian Gaborik and Brian Boyle scored minutes apart in the second period and it helped them take a 4-2 win in Game 1. Ottawa needs a bounce-back in Game 2 if they want to get past the hot NY Rangers, but the way the Rangers are going right now, Ottawa has an uphill battle.
Bruins 1, Capitals 0 (OT)
The Bruins started off their Stanley Cup defense by winning 1-0 in overtime over the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. Chris Kelly scored the only goal of the game Thursday night, while it was the Washington offense that was a no-show. If Washington wants to knock off the defending Stanley Cup champions, they'll have to find a way to beat Tim Thomas. Look at this way, Holtby is certainly proving himself as a reliable goaltender for the Capitals.
Sharks 3, Blues 2 (2OT)
Um...what? The Sharks won in St. Louis? A surprising team throughout the regular season got beat by a team that has failed to perform to the best of its abilities in the playoffs got a much-needed win against a team that performed well pretty much all year. Martin Havlat scored the game-winner in the second overtime. The Sharks now have home-ice advantage. Will the Blues be able to come back? We'll find out.
Coyotes 3, Blackhawks 2 (OT)
So many overtimes Thursday night but this one is spelling a certain chance for a Stanley Cup in the Phoenix Coyotes. Martin Hanzal scored the winning goal in overtime to lead the Coyotes past the Blackhawks 3-2. However, the loss of Radim Vrbata could really hurt the Coyotes offense, especially if Jonathan Toews is returning to the lineup. Could things turn and send it the Blackhawks way? We'll see.
Those were your recaps for Wednesday and Thursday. Tonight, Game 1 of the Devils and Panthers, Game 2 of Flyers-Penguins, Game 2 of Red Wings-Predators, and Game 2 of Kings-Canucks. Hope you all enjoy the great Stanley Cup Playoffs, puck heads! See you on the puck side!
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