Eastern Conference
Boston Bruins (1) versus Montreal Canadiens (8)
- The Bruins won’t be getting ahead of themselves like they did five years ago, writes Stephen Harris. The Bruins definitely do not lack depth this playoffs. They have so much depth that someone who does not deserve to sit will be in the press box tonight. Steve Montador has fit in perfectly with his new Bruins teammates, proving to them he is the ultimate team player. The story of Matt Hunwick’s spleen.
- “Everything is possible,” is the message being sent from Habs captain Saku Koivu. That said, there is little reason to believe the Habs will be the third team to ever comeback from down 3-0, writes Sean Gordon. Pat Hickey instructs Habs fans to stop booing the U.S. anthem. If the Habs lose tonight, the cops will be ready.
Washington Capitals (2) versus New York Rangers (7)
- Since allowing a goal to Ryan Callahan, Simeon Varlamov has made 55 consecutive saves for the Capitals. Varlamov has developed probably faster than the Capitals organization had anticipated. Even with a wonky groin, Tom Poti will suit up tonight for the Rangers.
- New York needs to recapture the momentum they earned from winning games one and two. “No one in this room thought it was going to be easy, and that we were going to win four straight games,” said Rangers defenseman Derek Morris. A fed up John Tortorella has challenged his team’s top players to improve their play.
New Jersey Devils (3) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)
- It sure was an eventful game, but Martin Brodeur was furious after last night’s loss at Carolina. “It’s a tough way to lose with that little amount of time left,” said Brian Gionta after the Hurricanes scored the game winning goal with 0.2 seconds left in the third period. Not only did the Devils lose the game, but they also lost Bryce Salvador to injury.
- “Huge game, huge win for us,” said Game 4 star Jussi Jokinen. After being a healthy scratch for the second and third games of the series, Dennis Seidenberg came back into the lineup and made his mark for Carolina.
Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Philadelphia Flyers (5)
- So much for any talk about Marc-Andre Fleury not having what it takes, as he stood on his head to almost single-handedly lead the Penguins to a Game 4 victory on Tuesday night. The Penguins’ face-off taking skills have improved to such a point where they now sit second in the post-season in face-off percentage. If the Penguins/Flyers is going to turn into a genuine rivalry, the Flyers are going to have to win one of these times, writes Joe Starkey. Whose fans are louder?
- Generally when you put 46 shots on net, you are likely to win, but the Flyers were out of luck against Marc-Andre Fleury last night. If the Flyers want to pull a comeback in this series, they need Jeff Carter to get going. Worry not Flyers fans, the team has pulled off comebacks before.
Western Conference papers are up next…
