New York Rangers 4 - Pittsburgh 5 (series 1-0 PIT)

This game was a statement of intent, but the real story will be game 2, when both teams say ‘fuck it’ and play 5 forwards at a time.  Both sides were clearly rusty, but based on the first round of games this is the marquee series of the semifinals.  Villainous Sean Avery and his dastardly Rangers thwarted in the final moments by Sidney Crosby and his merry band of youngins.  Good times.  The only real blemish so far is Crosby’s AWFUL attempt at a playoff beard.  Sid, it’s a great tradition, but bow out now, before it gets really embarassing.

Dallas 3 - San Jose 2 OT (Series 1-0 DAL)

Dallas will eventually have to play 3 periods of hockey to have success in this series.  Aside from two well-timed second period goals, the Sharks kept Dallas pinned into their zone for much of regulation.  That said, it was good enough to force overtime, and once bonus hockey started Dallas took control.  San Jose avoided the pitfalls that doomed Anaheim, and were able to apply physical pressure without drawing excessive penalties.  They also got strong games from their important players - Joe Thornton in particular looked dangerous.  Marty Turco kept this game close, and Dallas will be glad not to have wasted a superior goaltending performance - San Jose’s first goal excluded.  In the end, Dallas played too conservative in the third and almost paid for it, they’ll need to learn that lesson quickly, or keep making the most of limited scoring opportunities.