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 [...]

So first off, a hearty ‘fuck you’ to the Washington Capitals for blowing what would have been an otherwise perfect first round for yours truly. That’s what I get, I guess, for placing my faith in a blueline prominently featuring Mr. Tom “Why do I play defense again?” Poti. Thanks as well to the Ottawa [...]

Friday
New York Rangers 5 - New Jersey 3 (NYR Wins series 4-1)
I thought Brodeur had enough left to steal a game this series. Bottom line is the hall of famer was outplayed, sometimes badly, by Rangers’ netminder Henrik Lundqvist. The Rangers, meanwhile, got huge contributions from a no -name defense, their big time free [...]

Pittsburgh 3 - Ottawa 1 (Pit wins series 4-0)
Gary Bettman smiled a little when he woke up this morning, as Pittsburgh’s win ensures Sidney Crosby will be playing in the second round for the first time in his career.  The fact that he’s bringing along a pretty good hockey team is a bonus for both [...]

Pittsburgh 4 - Ottawa 1 (series 3-0 Pit)
Sadly, what could have been an excellent series is basically over.  There are three stories here.  For Pittsburgh, it’s a young team playing composed, exciting playoff hockey, and it’s the continuing emergence of Evgeni Malkin as an elite offensive player.  For Ottawa, it’s the embarassment of a half-season [...]