SB Nation Denver - 2011 NHL Playoffs: 1st Round Update, 4/28https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48907/denver-fave.png2011-04-28T10:32:33-06:00http://denver.sbnation.com/rss/stream/18695252011-04-28T10:32:33-06:002011-04-28T10:32:33-06:002011 NHL Playoffs, Series Recap: Seven Games Not Enough As Bruins Need OT To Defeat Canadiens
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Montreal Canadiens</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/">Boston Bruins</a> met for yet another epic series, just one of many in their proud history, as the two teams needed overtime in Game Seven to determine the victor. After Canadiens forward <span>P.K. Subban</span> tied the game with two minutes remaining, it was Bruins forward <span>Nathan Horton</span> scoring his second overtime winner of the series as the Bruins advanced.</p>
<p>I<a target="_blank" href="http://denver.sbnation.com/2011/4/12/2105484/2011-nhl-playoffs-western-conference-predictions#2011-nhl-playoffs-eastern-conference-predictions">n my conference previews</a>, I said the following about this series:</p>
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<p>The Canadiens have <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://denver.sbnation.com/2011/nhl/players/54843/carey-price">Carey Price</a>, who is no slouch in goal, but is certainly a level below elite. The only question for the Bruins – as has been since the absence of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://denver.sbnation.com/2011/nhl/players/54906/marc-savard">Marc Savard</a> -- is who will score the goals for them. Still, with their superior size and defensive prowess, the Bruins should be able to shut down the Canadiens’ speed attack.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Bruins in 6</b></p>
</blockquote>
<p>For the first couple games of this series, the Canadiens lured Boston into a trap, forcing them to play a faster game that negated the Bruins defensive advantage. But the Bruins size took control of the series, and they found just enough scoring to win.</p>
<h4>What Happened To Montreal?</h4>
<p>They played their equal, and lost. The Canadiens depend on taking early leads and holding onto them with a tight defensive scheme. So does Boston. These two teams have very similar strategies to win games, and the Bruins were just a bit better over a seven game series. With 23 year old goalie <span>Carey Price</span> enjoying a breakout playoffs (where he was at least as good as veteran <span>Tim Thomas</span>), the future is very bright in Montreal. They'll be back next season.</p>
<h4>What Have We Learned About Boston?</h4>
<p>They'll go as far as Tim Thomas can take them. Without <span>Marc Savard</span> in the lineup, the Bruins will survive if their games end up 2-1 or 1-0. When your top scoring forwards in the playoffs are <span>Chris Kelly</span>, and Nathan Horton, you aren't going to win a lot of high scoring games. The Bruins need <span>Patrice Bergeron</span> to step up against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> in a big way if they want to win that series.</p>
<p>We didn't really learn anything about Boston in this series against Montreal. They are the same defense-first team that played throughout the regular season. If they get great goaltending from Thomas, they win. If not, they lose. It's a simple formula.</p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/4/28/2139294/2011-nhl-playoffs-series-recap-bruins-canadiensMuzia2011-04-28T09:54:03-06:002011-04-28T09:54:03-06:002011 NHL Playoffs, Series Recap: Tampa Bay Completes Comeback, Ousts Penguins In Seven Games
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> surprised most analysts by taking a 3-1 series lead over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>, despite the continued absence of their two best players, <span>Sidney Crosby</span> and <span>Evgeni Malkin</span>. But the Lightning’s offense came alive, and eventually taking the series by winning three straight games.</p>
<p><a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/2011/4/12/2105484/2011-nhl-playoffs-western-conference-predictions#2011-nhl-playoffs-eastern-conference-predictions" target="new">Before this series, I said the following:</a></p>
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<p><span>Marc-Andre Fleury</span> gives them a solid presence in net, but may not be ready to steal a series by himself. They match up against a team boasting <span>Steven Stamkos</span> and <span>Martin St. Louis</span> (two of the top offensive players in the league) along with <span>Vincent Lecavalier</span>. A healthy Penguins would give Tampa Bay a run for their money; a wounded Penguins team has very little chance.</p>
<p><b>Lightning in 6</b></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Fleury was indeed very solid in net, and almost stole the series. But in the end, the Lightning just had too much firepower to overcome, despite a rousing effort from the Penguins defense.</p>
<h4>What Happened To Pittsburgh?</h4>
<p>They ran out of gas. The Penguins played inspired hockey for the first four games of the series, frustrating the Lightning forwards and barraging <span>Dwayne Roloson</span> with shots. But when <span>Arron Asham</span> and <span>Tyler Kennedy</span> are your only multi-goal scorers for the series, you know you’re in trouble. Pittsburgh showed they are more than just Crosby and Malkin; they are a well-coached and hardworking team that will be a threat next season.</p>
<h4>What Have We Learned About Tampa Bay?</h4>
<p>In one word? Inconsistent. Tampa Bay had the skaters to run the Penguins off the ice; instead they had to mount a comeback to win a series against a team with much less talent. They won, but it shouldn’t have been this difficult.</p>
<p>Going forward, the Lightning have a matchup against the top seeded <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a>. If the offense from the last three games of this series show up, the Lightning are a legitimate candidate to come out of the Eastern Conference. But their defense is a serious concern, and a major one. The Lightning are the big question mark left in the playoffs, and it's extremely difficult to predict how they'll fare for the remainder of the postseason.</p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/4/28/2139282/2011-nhl-playoffs-series-recap-tampa-bay-lightning-penguinsMuzia2011-04-28T06:30:35-06:002011-04-28T06:30:35-06:002011 NHL Playoffs: 1st Round Update, 4/28
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<h4>Eastern Conference</h4>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> 1, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> 0</b> -- The Lightning completed their series comeback after trailing 3-1, sending the Penguins home for the season with a victory in Game Seven. Lightning goalie <span>Dwayne Roloson</span>, acquired midseason from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a>, pitched the shutout by stopping all 36 shots he faced. Roloson outdueled the Penguins Marc-Andre Fleury, who was brilliant with 22 saves of his own. Lightning forward <span>Sean Bergenheim</span> scored the only game of the game 5:41 into the second period, and Roloson did the rest. After the multiple blowouts in this series, of course Game Seven had to finish in a goalie duel. The Lightning will move on to face the top seeded <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a> in the semifinals.</p>
<p><b>Tampa Bay wins the series, 4-3.</b></p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/">Boston Bruins</a> 4, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Montreal Canadiens</a> 3 (OT)</b> -- Once again, a Game Seven went into overtime, as the Bruins took advantage of their home ice and advanced to the semifinals. <span>Carey Price</span> and <span>Tim Thomas</span> both played well, but it was Thomas who carried the upper hand, making 34 saves. With Boston leading 3-2 late in the third period, a <span>Patrice Bergeron</span> high sticking penalty put the Canadiens on the power play with a chance to tie the game. Canadiens forward <span>P.K. Subban</span>, one of the stars of the series, forced a slap shot past Thomas for the tie and forcing the game into overtime. But it was the Bruins' winger <span>Nathan Horton</span> fired a slapshot past Price that clinched the series for Boston. The Bruins will face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Philadelphia Flyers</a> in the semifinals.</p>
<p><b>Boston wins the series, 4-3.</b></p>
<h4>Games To Watch Tonight</h4>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Nashville Predators</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.nucksmisconduct.com/">Vancouver Canucks</a>, 9:00 p.m. EDT on <i>Versus</i></b> -- The Western Conference Semifinals start with a game between the Predators and Canucks. This will be the Predators' first ever second round game in franchise history. Vancouver is happy to have escaped their series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/">Chicago Blackhawks</a>, but will face a very stingy defense and a goalie in <span>Pekka Rinne</span> who is playing at a peak level this year.</p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/4/28/2138327/2011-nhl-playoffs-1st-round-update-4-28Muzia2011-04-27T10:57:47-06:002011-04-27T10:57:47-06:002011 NHL Playoffs, Series Recap: Canucks Squeak Past Blackhawks In Seven Games
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.nucksmisconduct.com/">Vancouver Canucks</a> allowed a 3-0 series lead escape them and almost blew the entire series to the defending champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/">Chicago Blackhawks</a>. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2011/4/27/2136082/vancouver-canucks-chicago-blackhawks-game-7-nhl-playoffs-2011">After a thrilling Game Seven that went into overtime</a>, it was the Canucks that survived to fight another day. There will be a new champion in hockey this season.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://denver.sbnation.com/2011/4/12/2105484/2011-nhl-playoffs-western-conference-predictions/origin">In my preview, I said the following about this series:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Blackhawks may have <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nhl/players/56122/jonathan-toews">Jonathan Toews</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nhl/players/56147/patrick-kane">Patrick Kane</a>, but their defense has taken a substantial step back from the squad that won the Cup last season. Goalie <span>Corey Crawford</span> is solid, but has a grand total of 16 career minutes of playoff experience. Still, they will provide Vancouver with a solid early test.</p>
<h5>Canucks in 6</h5>
</blockquote>
<p>Lesson learned: Never underestimate the defending champions, especially one as young and talented as the Blackhawks. Chicago gave Vancouver all they could handle, and carried the mental edge throughout this series. This was a series for the ages.</p>
<h4>What Happened To Chicago?</h4>
<p>The Blackhawks struggled through the long regular season, barely sneaking into the playoffs. But in a single series, their top players showed up. <span>Patrick Sharp</span> and <span>Duncan Keith</span> played like superstars, pulling Chicago back into this series by their own willpower. Rookie goalie Corey Crawford played like a veteran for much of the series. Chicago still has salary cap issues, but at least they have their money tied up in the right players. This was an extremely close series between two good teams, and Chicago redeemed themselves.</p>
<h4>What Have We Learned About Vancouver?</h4>
<p>You can view this two ways:</p>
<p>--The Canucks choked away the series</p>
<p>--The Canucks fought back through adversity and won.</p>
<p>Neither one is entirely accurate. The Blackhawks have always been a tough draw for Vancouver (eliminating them from the playoffs the past two seasons) and goalie <span>Roberto Luongo</span> has always struggled mightily against the Chicago forwards. Even when Vancouver was up 3-0 in the series, all three games were very close and could have easily become Chicago victories. This was a tight series the entire way, and Vancouver did just enough to win.</p>
<p>Going into next round, there are still some obvious questions. Is Luongo overrated as a goalie? His playoff record is nothing special (21-19) and he completely melted down during Games Four and Five of this series. Even if he struggles, <span>Cory Schneider</span> is waiting in the wings and could be just as good as Luongo right now. He's the best emergency option remaining in the playoffs, by far. Depth is a great thing.</p>
<p>But are the Canucks as good as we thought? They had the best record in the league by beating up on their weak Northwest Division foes (four lottery teams). In a long series, they can be exploited and pushed around. Their next opponent, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Nashville Predators</a>, thrive under those conditions.</p>
<p>The Canucks are still an incredible team, but the Blackhawks exposed some flaws that weren't obvious before the playoffs began. Are they a team built for regular season success? To be determined.</p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/4/27/2136873/2011-nhl-playoffs-series-recap-canucks-squeak-past-blackhawks-inMuzia2011-04-27T10:29:46-06:002011-04-27T10:29:46-06:002011 NHL Playoffs, Series Recap: Flyers Take Down Sabres In Seven Games
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Philadelphia Flyers</a> survived their goaltending carousel to finally defeat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a> in a series that went the distance. What can we take away from this matchup, and how do the Flyers' prospects look for the remainder of the playoffs?</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://denver.sbnation.com/2011/4/12/2105484/2011-nhl-playoffs-western-conference-predictions#2011-nhl-playoffs-eastern-conference-predictions">From my postseason predictions:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Sabres have been a powerhouse the second half of the season, with reigning Vezina Trophy winner <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://denver.sbnation.com/2011/nhl/players/54834/ryan-miller">Ryan Miller</a> carrying the team on his shoulders and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://denver.sbnation.com/2011/nhl/players/55204/thomas-vanek">Thomas Vanek</a> taking care of the offensive load in the absence of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://denver.sbnation.com/2011/nhl/players/55207/derek-roy">Derek Roy</a>.<span> </span>The Sabres are built to exploit the Flyers’ glaring deficiencies, and it’s difficult to ignore the sizeable goalie advantage Buffalo enjoys in this series.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Buffalo in 6</b></p>
</blockquote>
<p>As predicted, it was <span>Ryan Miller</span> that was the difference in this series. Unfortunately, his two shutout games earlier in the series cannot make up for his poor performance in Game Seven. The first goal was completely inexcusable for the top goalie in the NHL, especially during an elimination game.</p>
<h4>What Happened To Buffalo?</h4>
<p>They couldn't take advantage of the Flyers' glaring weaknesses in goal. When a team uses three goalies in a five game span, you know there are some problems. But the Sabres depended on <span>Thomas Vanek</span> to carry the offensive load. Vanek was brilliant, but the losses of <span>Jason Pominville</span> and <span>Tim Connolly</span> before Game Seven really hurt their chances. <span>Derek Roy</span>'s return after four months made for a good story, but he wasn't enough to close the talent gap between these two offenses.</p>
<h4>What Have We Learned About Philadelphia?</h4>
<p>They're likely in trouble for the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Flyers are starting to get healthy on defense and still have enviable offensive depth, but banking your playoff hopes on one of three goalies getting hot for the stretch run is not a very likely path to success. <span>Danny Briere</span>, <span>Claude Giroux</span>, and <span>Mike Richards</span> will be forced to score early and often to keep the Flyers on track in the next series. The return of a healthy <span>Chris Pronger</span> should help their cause as well.</p>
<p>Philadelphia is a tough team to read. On one hand, they are loaded with talent. But that talent struggled against an inferior Buffalo team. The Flyers are very flawed team, but that doesn't mean they aren't dangerous. They could still advance on the strength of their offensive depth alone, the strongest remaining in the Eastern Conference (along with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>, if they advance). In a conference filled with good (but not great) goaltending, that just may be enough.</p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/4/27/2136536/2011-nhl-playoffs-series-recap-flyers-sabresMuzia2011-04-27T08:23:28-06:002011-04-27T08:23:28-06:002011 NHL Playoffs: 1st Round Update, 4/27
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<h4>Western Conference</h4>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.nucksmisconduct.com/">Vancouver Canucks</a> 2, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/">Chicago Blackhawks</a> 1 (OT) </b>-- This series went down to a photo finish. After going up 3-0 in the series against the defending champs, the Canucks suddenly found themselves in a rout of a series. <span>Alexandre Burrows</span> scored early in the game for Vancouver, giving them a one goal lead they would carry for most of the game. But shorthanded, with less than two minutes left in the game, Blackhawks superstar forward <span>Jonathan Toews</span> split the defense and flicked the puck past a sprawling <span>Roberto Luongo</span> to tie the game and send it into sudden-death overtime. Burrows kept the Canucks alive with his second goal of the game, just over five minutes into the extra session and Vancouver survived. They now move on to play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Nashville Predators</a></p>
<p><b>Vancouver wins the series, 4-3.</b></p>
<h4>Eastern Conference</h4>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Philadelphia Flyers</a> 5, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a></b> <b>2 </b>-- The Flyers rode a solid performance by goalie <span>Brian Boucher</span> to a series victory over the Sabres. Buffalo goalie <span>Ryan Miller</span> had a rough game, allowing a soft goal from the point with less than 15 seconds remaining in the first period. It was all down there for the Sabres, as <span>Derek Roy</span>'s return after four months from a knee injury proved for naught. The Flyers were aggressive and pushed the Sabres forwards all night, taking advantage of their depth. <span>Danny Briere</span> led the way for the Flyers against his former team, scoring a goal and assist in the game and <span>Claude Giroux</span> continued his hot play of late, adding two assists.</p>
<p><b>Philadelphia wins the series, 4-3.</b></p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Montreal Canadiens</a> 2, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/">Boston Bruins</a> 1</b> -- <span>Carey Price</span> stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced, and the Canadiens held ground on their home ice as they tied the series and will send it back to a decisive Game Seven in Boston. Forward Michael Cammalleri scored his third goal of the series, and assisted on the game-winning Michael Gionta power play goal in the second period. These two teams now have less than 24 hours before the play for the last time this season.</p>
<p><b>Series tied at 3-3.</b></p>
<h4>Games To Watch Tonight</h4>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>, 8:00 p.m. EDT, (Regional Coverage) </b>-- The Lightning have won two straight elimination games to get this far, a Game Seven in Pittsburgh against a reeling Penguins team that has lost all momentum. The Lightning have scored 12 goals in their past two games, and the offense --led by <span>Vincent Lecavalier</span> and <span>Steven Stamkos</span> -- seems to have finally found their stride against a physical and grinding Pittsburgh team. Marc-Andre Fluery has been the biggest factor in every game; when he's on, he's good enough to stall the Lightning attack. When Fleury has struggled, he's been absolutely rocked to the tune of 17 goals in three losses. Watch Fleury, he'll be the best (and most obvious) barometer in this elimination game.</p>
<p><b>Series tied at 3-3.</b></p>
<p><b>Montreal Canadiens at Boston Bruins, 7:00 p.m. EDT, on <i>Versus</i></b> -- Less than 24 hours after playing an intense Game Six in Montreal, these two longtime rivals face off again in Boston for the defining game of the series. The Bruins had made a valiant comeback, winning three straight games to take control of the series. But Montreal has fought back due to a great series by goalie Carey Price, who was the backup for their 2010 playoff run. he's redeemed himself in front of a taut Canadiens defense that has given the limited Bruins forwards fits. This should be a close game, with two goalies playing at the top of their games.</p>
<p><b>Series tied at 3-3.</b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/4/27/2135507/2011-nhl-playoffs-canucks-blackhawks-flyers-sabres-canadiens-bruinsMuzia2011-04-26T10:38:57-06:002011-04-26T10:38:57-06:002011 NHL Playoffs, Series Recap: Sharks Finish Off Kings In Six Games
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<p>The San Jose Sharks advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals by virtue of their hard-fought victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/">Los Angeles Kings</a> in six games. This series was very close, with three of the games heading to overtime. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthefin.com/">Sharks</a> forward <span>Joe Thornton</span> clinched the series with an overtime goal past Kings' goalie <span>Jonathan Quick</span>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nhl/players/54752/joe-pavelski">Joe Pavelski</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nhl/players/54771/logan-couture">Logan Couture</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nhl/players/54758/devin-setoguchi">Devin Setoguchi</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nhl/players/54760/joe-thornton">Joe Thornton</a> are just a few weapons in a stocked offensive front that is three lines deep. The Sharks are simply too good for the Los Angeles Kings as currently constructed. Quick will steal two games, but the Kings don't have the players to match San Jose.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Sharks in 6.</b></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Well, not much else to say about this series, is there? Let's take a look at what this series taught us about these two teams.</p>
<h4>What Happened To Los Angeles?</h4>
<p>The Kings entered this series tremendous underdogs, with almost no one giving them a chance. Yet the argument could be made that the Kings were the consistently better team throughout the series. They lost three games in overtime, including a heartbreaking Game Three, when they blew a 4-0 lead midway through the second period.</p>
<p>The Kings believed they would win, and they played out of their minds. Jonathan Quick stole a couple of games, as expected; if <span>Anze Kopitar</span> was healthy, we'd be talking about the Kings in the semifinals. This team is a legitimate Cup contender for 2011-2012.</p>
<h4>What Have We Learned About San Jose?</h4>
<p>Good question. An offensive juggernaut in the regular season faces an inferior opponent and almost loses the series? That sounds like the Sharks teams from the past few years. But there's a few differences. The Sharks of the past wouldn't have won all three overtime games. Past Sharks teams would have given up on a 4-0 deficit in the second period, instead of fighting back for an overtime victory. Throughout his career, Joe Thornton has been criticized as shrinking from the moment; he clinched the series for the Sharks.</p>
<p>Last year, San Jose faced a similarly wounded but scrappy <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a> team in the first round. They were led by a hot goaltender (<span>Craig Anderson</span>) and pushed the Sharks to the brink of elimination. Instead, the Sharks won the series and made it into the Conference Finals.</p>
<p>The Sharks are one of the most talented teams remaining in the playoffs. They have great offensive depth (seven Sharks players scored two or more goals in the series), solid defense, and a playoff tested goaltender in <span>Antti Niemi</span> (.920 SV%, 2.38 GAA). A hard challenge in the first playoff series can be a good wakeup call for a talented team that has so often sleepwalked into the playoffs.</p>
<p><b>Who do they want to face?</b> The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/">Detroit Red Wings</a> are a juicy matchup for San Jose. The Sharks have more firepower than Detroit, a better goaltender, and a younger defensive core.</p>
<p><b>Who do they want to avoid?</b> The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Nashville Predators</a> are built like the Kings, only with a better defensive system, a more physical unit, and an elite goaltender. Considering how their series against the Kings could have turned out, the Sharks would love to avoid another physical defensive squad like Nashville.</p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/4/26/2134314/2011-nhl-playoffs-series-recap-sharks-kingsMuzia2011-04-26T06:30:31-06:002011-04-26T06:30:31-06:002011 NHL Playoffs: 1st Round Update, 4/26
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<h4>Western Conference</h4>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthefin.com/">San Jose Sharks</a> 4, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/">Los Angeles Kings</a> 3 (OT)</b> - The Sharks finally close out the series against the short handed but physical Kings with yet another overtime game, the third of the six game series. Sharks forward <span>Joe Thornton</span> beat <span>Jonathan Quick</span>with the first (and only ) shot just two minutes into the extra session for the game (and series) clincher. The two teams battled back and forth all game, matching goal for goal. Quick stopped 31 of 35 shots faced, but it will be that last shot from Thornton that will haunt him all offseason. No one gave the Kings a chance in this series after the loss of top forward <span>Anze Kopitar</span> to an ankle injury, but they played solid defense and took a highly regarded Sharks team to six games, with three of the four losses in overtime.</p>
<p>San Jose wins the series, 4-2.</p>
<h4>Eastern Conference</h4>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> 4, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> 2</b> -- The Penguins did their best to end this series in Tampa Bay and prevent a Game Seven, but their efforts weren't enough to stop a suddenly resurgent Lightning offense. Tampa Bay only managed 21 shots on goal, but <span>Marc-Andre Fleury</span> stopped 17 of them in the second straight loss for Pittsburgh. Lightning winger <span>Steve Downie</span> scored the game winning goal less than five minutes into the third period (on top of his assists on the two previous Tampa Bay goals) and guaranteed that the series will go the distance. After being down 3-1 in the series, the Lightning have come back and scored 12 goals in their past two games. Their offense has scored 17 goals in their three victories in the series. If Pittsburgh wants to advance, it'll have to be on the shoulders of their goalie Fleury.</p>
<p><b>Series tied at 3-3.</b></p>
<h4>Games To Watch Tonight</h4>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/">Boston Bruins</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Montreal Canadiens</a>, at 7:00 p.m. EDT -- </b>Game Six between these archrivals have the Bruins up in the series and with a chance to close out in Montreal. <span>Carey Price</span> played well in game Five, but was beat by a bad rebound in overtime. Here is his chance for redemption; a victory will give the Canadiens new life in the series. Montreal's forwards have outplayed their Boston counterparts so far, and will need to figure out a suddenly human <span>Tim Thomas</span>.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Philadelphia Flyers</a>, at 7:30 p.m. EDT, on <i>Versus</i> -- </b>The first Game Seven of the playoffs takes place in Philadelphia, with a Flyers team that has survived with three separate goalies on a carousel this series. <span>Brian Boucher</span> is likely to get start, but don't be surprised to see <span>Michael Leighton</span> play in net if Boucher struggles early. The Sabres will counter with <span>Ryan Miller</span>, and will also welcome their top forward <span>Derek Roy</span> back in this do-or-die game. Roy has been recovering from a knee injury suffered in December, and may be limited in his ability, but his presence should provide a boost to a Sabres team that has struggled to close out an uncertain Philadelphia team.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/">Chicago Blackhawks</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.nucksmisconduct.com/">Vancouver Canucks</a>, at 10:00 p.m. EDT, on <i>Versus</i> --</b> Talk about an unexpected (and potentially historic) Game Seven. After falling down 3-0 in the series, the defending champion Blackhawks have dominated the Canucks, sticking goalie <span>Roberto Luongo</span> with three straight painful losses -- including one in overtime. If the Blackhawks can complete the comeback, it would only be the fourth comeback in NHL history and the second one in as many years (the Flyers accomplished the feat last season on their way to the Eastern Conference championship). Luongo is expected to get the start against a Chicago team that has his number.</p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/2011/4/26/2133311/2011-nhl-playoffs-penguins-lightning-sharks-kingsMuzia