Western Conference
Vancouver Canucks 2, Nashville Predators 1 -- The Canucks finally dispatched of the scrappy Predators and have advanced to their first Conference Finals since 1994. Nashville gave this series their best effort, but Canucks forward Ryan Kesler proved too much throughout the series, assisting on both Vancouver goals in the first period. Predators foward David Legwand added his third goal in the past two games, continuing his great playoffs, but that single tally wasn't enough as Roberto Luongo stopped 23 of 24 shots. The Canucks won a hard, defensive game despite only placing 19 shots on net. Vancouver will now face the winner of San Jose/Detroit for the right to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Vancouver wins the series, 4-2.
Game To Watch Tonight
San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings, 8:00 p.m. EDT, on Versus -- The Red Wings have made this series interesting, winning two games in a row by virtue of late goals to take the lead. San Jose had a chance to sweep this series and get well rested for the Conference Finals, but that time has now passed; they are officially in crisis mode. Detroit is filled with talented veterans like Nicklas Lindstrom and Danny Cleary, and will not be eliminated without a fight. The series returns to Detroit, and the Wings have a chance to go from being down 3-0 in the series to a Game Seven. No small feat. Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau need to play to their potential, lest the Sharks face elimination in a series they should have dominated.
San Jose leads the series, 3-2.