Boston 5 - Montreal 1 (Series 3-2 Mon)

I’m sticking with my gut, the Bs are definitely playing for pride at this point, but you’ve got to love the undermanned Bruins breaking one wide open in the 3rd period.  Getting 31 saves from your goaltender in an elimination game is also kind of nice.  Finally, I’m glad Boston has thus far resisted temptation to throw Patrice Bergeron back into the series.  Head injuries can be nasty, and the kid hasn’t played this season, it’s nice to see some restraint.

Washington 3 - Philadelphia 4 (Series 3-1 Phi)

Washington finally got some of that secondary scoring I’ve been bitching about - both Backstrom and Semin picked up goals - but Martin Biron won the goaltender’s duel in overtime to put his team one win away from the second round.  After and up and down season, Flyers forward Daniel Briere picked up his 5th playoff goal and might be a Conn Smythe candidate at this point.

Anaheim 1 - Dallas 3 (Series 3-1 Dal)

Anaheim didn’t have the poise or scoring to convert on a strong first period or pull themselves back into their first round series against the Dallas Stars.  Dallas, meanwhile, shook off a poor Game 3 performance, an undisclosed injury to d-man Phillipe Boucher and a phantom goaltender interference call that wiped out Trevor Daley’s opening goal.  Telling was the fact that, guarding a 2-0 lead with a little over 6 minutes left in the 3rd, Stars coach Dave Tippet sent out a defensive pair that isn’t old enought to buy beer.  They got the job done, and probably finished Anaheim’s season.  Turco was excellent.

Colorado 3 - Minnesota 2 (Series 3-2 Col)

Minnesota wing Marian Gaborik doesn’t have a point, and Jose Theodore just dropped a near 40 save performance to put the Wild on the brink of elimination.  The Avs got 2 goals on 3 third period shots, which is a damning indictment of a Wild offense that many predicted might struggle at the start of the series.  Niklas Backstrom needs to be better if the Wild are going to have any chance.  Marian Gaborik needs to score a goal, likely several.  Colorado, meanwhile, has stayed reasonably healthy, is getting contributions from young and old alike and looks poised to advance into the second round.

Calgary 3 - San Jose 4 (Series 3-2 SJ)

I do not understand the Sharks.  Patrick Marleau has completely shaking off a sub-par regular season, Jon Cheecho is finally starting to find the net again, but the Sharks still almost managed to throw away a 3 goal third period lead.  The Sharks were miserable early, but stayed in the game long enough to explode.  Calgary, meanwhile, capitulated an early lead, but almost made it back up with a frantic finish.  It is interesting to note that defensive darling Dion Phaneuf has been on the ice for secen straight Sharks goals.