Western Conference
Vancouver Canucks 7, San Jose Sharks 3 -- One night after a barnburner in Boston scored 11 goals in regulation, the Sharks and Canucks combined for 10 goals of their own; unfortunately for San Jose, they found themselves on the wrong end of a blowout and now face a deep series deficit.
The game was tied 2-2 after the first period as Logan Couture, Daniel Sedin, and Patrick Marleau all scored power play goals. Vancouver took a 3-2 lead in the second period on a Kevin Bieksa breakaway goal, his second of the series. Then the blowout happened. Vancouver scored four goals in a nine minute span and the rout was on. Chris Higgins scored on the power play, and Daniel Sedin added his second power play goal of the night. Two more Canucks scored within two minutes and San Jose completely collapsed, letting the game slip away. In that crucial third period, the Sharks were called for 42 minutes of penalties -- including three 10 minute game misconducts -- and Vancouver took complete advantage, maintaining their composure and putting the game out of reach.
Antti Niemi was charged with all seven goals allowed. Roberto Luongo stopped 28 of 31 shots for the victory. Henrik Sedin was credited with three assists on the night.
The series now heads to San Jose for the first time, where the Sharks must win both games to maintain any hope of advancing to their first Stanley Cup Finals in franchise history. They have now lost five of their last six games.
Vancouver leads the series, 2-0.
Next Scheduled Game
Boston Bruins at Tampa Bay Lightning, 8:00 p.m. EDT, on Versus -- The Bruins survived a shootout against the Lightning in Game Two of this series, but do not be mistaken; this is not the type of game they are willing to play. Both Tim Thomas and Dwayne Roloson suffered their first bad nights of the postseason and will look to rebound as the series moves down south to Florida. Neither team has dominated yet in this series, but if games continue to be high-scoring, then the Lightning's potent attack holds a serious advantage. The Bruins need to slow the game down and force Tampa Bay into making an aggressive mistake on defense. Boston also needs to give more time to 19 year old rookie sensation Tyler Seguin, who is the talk of the playoffs after his two goal game -- only his second career playoff game.
Series tied at 1-1.