Montreal 1 - Boston 0 (series 3-1 Mon)

The Bruins are fighting, but Montreal is a quicker, more aggressive, better offensive hockey team. Carey Price has, so far, answered the bell in net for Les Habs and the power play is giving Boston fits. The Bs have played tough hockey and aren’t going to give up, but this series will likely be over by Friday morning.

Washington 3 - Philadelphia 6 (series 2-1 Phi)

Washington is getting out-hit and out-worked. They’re also getting B- goaltending, which is not going to do the trick. The Flyers have overmatched Alex Ovechkin, and his teammates haven’t been good enough to take off the pressure. Mike Richards is also starting to make his decade-long contract look like a wise investment. The Flyers’ best players have so far been excellent.

Anaheim 4 - Dallas 2 (series 2-1 Dal)

The first two periods were wretched for the Stars. With that said, Anaheim wasn’t a great deal better, scoring early and on a disproportionate number of their chances. The Ducks will say they’re back in the series, that they’re starting to pound the Stars. The Stars, meanwhile, will need to focus on the frantic 3rd period as proof that they’re still the better team, and still in the driver’s seat. This is where the past is important, as the Ducks can point to last year’s championship, while the Stars will have to shut out the “Here we go again” and choke-artist labels. Lots can happen, but I feel like this series hinges on Game 4.

San Jose 3 - Calgary 2 (series 2-2 Tie)

Interesting to see Mike Keenan go back to Mikka Kiprusoff for Calgary, what with his last performance lasting a shade under 4 minutes. Intriguing series as Calgary just won’t seem to go away. Joe Thornton scoring is big, it gives him a game winner - in the last minute no less - and a little bit of ‘clutch’ credibility. Iginla continues to be a monster, and Calgary has proven they have what they need to steal this series. I worry about dropping to 3-2 if I’m San Jose, I don’t know they’ve got what it takes to win two elimination games right now.

Minnesota 1 - Colorado 5 (Series 2-2 Tie)

The Avs only managed 2 goals in 13 power play opportunities and still managed a 5-1 win.  Bizarre.  An early explosion from Colorado’s offense completely derailed the Wild, who then dug a huge hole with penalties (111 minutes for the game) from which they had no chance to escape.  Odd to see such a margin in a series that has already produced 3 overtime games.  Troubling is the fact that Marian Gaborik has yet to register a point; meaning either that he’s due, or his team is doomed.  Also, none of the Avs have dropped dead, ruptured anything or retired yet, which is a win.