Western Conference
Vancouver Canucks 1, Nashville Predators 0 -- Many expected the Canucks to suffer a hangover after their dramatic Game Seven overtime victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. Instead, Vancouver absolutely dominated play for much of their first game against Nashville. The Canucks outshot Nashville by a 26-11 margin through the first two periods, but Predators goalie Pekka Rinne was fabulous in net, stopping shot after shot. The only goal of the game scored halfway through the second period when Canucks forward Chris Higgins took advantage of a Predators defensive breakdown and lifted a rebound over Rinne's shoulder. Nashville's play was much improved in the third period, but they couldn't muster a tying goal. Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo pitched his third career playoff shutout and Vancouver drew first blood in the series.
Vancouver leads the series, 1-0.
Games To Watch Tonight
Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals, 7:00 p.m. EDT, on Versus -- These two Southeast Division rivals, separated by only four points in the regular season, face off for a chance to advance to the Conference finals. Alex Ovechkin leads his new defensive Capitals against the high flying offensive juggernaut from Tampa.
Detroit Red Wings at San Jose Sharks, 10:00 p.m. EDT, on Versus -- Two of the best offensive teams left in the playoffs meet up in San Jose, as the Red Wings will play their first game in a week against a Sharks team that had to fight for its playoff life against the Los Angeles Kings. Both teams have questions in goal and this could be an extremely high scoring series.