The Stanley Cup playoffs started last Wednesday and so far everything has gone the way I thought they would.
Detroit took a two games to none lead over Phoenix even without Henrik Zetteberg in the lineup. What's scarier is it looks like they can turn it on or off when they want to. They need to find away to play a consistent 60 minutes before it burns them.
Washington leads the Rangers two games to one. The Capitals had a chance to go up 3-0 in the series but the Rangers were able to hold off Washington & win their 1st game of the series thanks to a goal by Brandon Dubinsky. I still think Washington wins this series as they have looked like the better team. Henrik Lundqvist needs to steal a game soon to give the Rangers a chance.
Nashville received a huge break with the suspension of Bobby Ryan & were able to take advantage defeating the Ducks yesterday 4-3. Nashville's defense came up big once again holding Anaheim to only 16 shots on goal. If Nashville can win game four that should be enough for them to win their 1st playoff series in franchise history.
Vancouver has Chicago on the brink of elimination thanks to their 3-2 win last night while the only major surprise so far is Montreal leading Boston 2-0. Of course if you read this blog that comes as no surprise as I predicted a Montreal series win.
Buffalo/Philadelphia, Pittsburgh/Tampa Bay, & San Jose/Los Angeles are all tied at one game a piece. It's still anybody series in those three matchups.
Here is the Stanley Cup Power Poll:
1. Vancouver 2-0
Canucks are one win away from exercising their playoff demons.
2. Montreal 2-0
Carey Price is playing this post-season like Jaroslav Halak last season.
3. Detroit 2-0
Won 1st two games but have yet to play a good 60 minutes of hockey.
4. Washington 2-1
Michal Neuvirth (1.22 GAA .951 Save percentage) is giving the Capitals the goaltending they have been lacking.
5. Nashville 2-1
If they win Game four they will win the series.
6. San Jose 1-1
Joe Pavelski continues to cement his reputation as a clutch player.
7. Pittsburgh 1-1
Control of the series against Tampa Bay is still up for grabs.
8. Buffalo 1-1
Need to be more disciplined on the ice against Philadelphia.
9. Tampa Bay 1-1
Nice response for the Lightning after being shutout in Game one.
10. Philadelphia 1-1
Only took two games before the goalie controversy started.
11. Los Angeles 1-1
Nice win over the Sharks without Anze Kopitar & Jarrett Stoll.
12. Anaheim 1-2
It's going to be tough to beat Nashville without Bobby Ryan.
13. New York 1-2
Played their best game of the series in a game they needed to win.
14. Boston 0-2
Do they even remember how to win a playoff game?
15. Phoenix 0-2
Failed to take advantage of their series against Detroit with Henrik Zetteberg out of the lineup.
16. Chicago 0-3
Their defense of the cup is about to come to a quick end.
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