In case you were busy on Friday night, you can catch up on all the NHL Playoff action, including an intense matchup in Vancouver and a blowout in Pittsburgh.
Western Conference
Vancouver Canucks 4, Chicago Blackhawks 3 --The proud Blackhawks gave a fantastic effort in the second game of this series. Unfortunately, Daniel Sedin of the Canucks made sure that Vancouver will take a commanding lead into Chicago with two goals. This was the game of the night, with scoring going back and forth between the two teams. Chicago had a chance to tie the game in the final minute, as they peppered Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo with shot after shot, but to no avail.
Vancouver leads the series, 2-0.
Anaheim Ducks 5, Nashville Predators 3 -- After Pekka Rinne shut down the hottest offense in the league in Game One, the Ducks struck back with a vengeance. Bobby Ryan scored two goals, Corey Perry and Teemu Selanne both added a power play goal apiece just a minute apart in the first period, and the Ducks evened up the series in a surprisingly high scoring game. Ducks goalie Ray Emery made the start after replacing Dan Ellis in Game One, and was effective, stopping 31 of 34 shots he faced. This game is showing every sign of going the distance.
Series tied at 1-1.
Eastern Conference
Tampa Bay Lightning 5, Pittsburgh Penguins 1 -- Penguins Marc-Andre Fleury stole Game One by shutting down the Lightning's potent attack. He wasn't able to repeat his performance two games in a row, as Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, and Eric Brewer headed a scoring binge and Tampa Bay stole home ice advantage away from the short-handed Penguins. Pittsburgh needs to find some scoring -- and in a hurry -- if they want to stay in this series. Momentum has certainly shifted to Tampa Bay.
Series tied a 1-1.
Washington Capitals 2, New York Rangers 0 -- The Capitals took a commanding series lead against the Rangers behind goalie Michael Neuvirth's first career playoff shutout. Neuvirth stopped all 22 shots he faced. Despite only placing 18 shots on goal, Washington found just enough offense for the second straight game, with both goals from Jason Chimera and deadline acquisition Jason Arnott scored just two minutes apart in the second period.
Washington leads the series, 2-0.
Games To Watch:
Phoenix Coyotes at Detroit Red Wings, 1:00 p.m. EDT, on NBC -- The Coyotes were beat up in their first game. With financial troubles weighing heavily on this team, this series is already on the edge. Ilya Bryzgalov needs to stand on his head in this game for Phoenix to have a chance.
Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers, 5:00 p.m. EDT -- Ryan Miller pitched a shutout in Game One of this series, though the Flyers certainly had their chances. The Flyers are facing a must-win if they don't want to head to a rabid Buffalo crowd down two games to none.
Montreal Canadiens at Boston Bruins, 7:00 p.m. EDT, on Versus --Boston faces a similar situation to Philadelphia, with a must-win at home. They must slow the game down and regain the defensively strong game that put them into the playoffs. If it's another fast-paced game, Montreal holds the edge.
Los Angeles Kings at San Jose Sharks, 10:00 p.m. EDT, on Versus -- The Kings made a statement in their overtime loss in Game One. Jonathan Quick gives the shorthanded Kings a chance in this series, and their physical style worked well against the Sharks' superior offensive talent. Expect another great game in an surprisingly competitive series.