Philly's 2nd period surge ends Montreal Dream Run

Philadelphia was able to control the game all night as the Flyers teammates Jeff Carter and Aaron Asahm scored in just over 90 seconds as the Flyers finally ended the Montreal Canadians dream playoff run to clinch the Eastern Conference Title. And advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1997 as the Flyers will play the Blackhawks starting on Saturday Night in Chicago.

Micheal Leighton is continuing to grow his legend in these playoffs as the win takes him to 6-1 in the playoffs with an unreal 1.45 GAA & .948 SV%, which are both leading the playoffs among goalies. And with 3 shutouts in this series, this is making him very popular and for him to get a big time contract when the chance comes up.

So this year's Stanley Cup Final gets underway this weekend as the Flyers will travel to Chicago for Game 1 of this year's Stanley Cup Final. For the Blackhawks, this is the first time since 1992 they are back in the Final while the Flyers are back since 1997 when they lost to Detroit.


From the National Hockey League Website: www.nhl.com

Habs Shocked: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=530085

Richards Up Front: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=530086

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Hockey sometimes demands a terrible price be paid for glory.

The Philadelphia Flyers paid that exorbitant toll in the countless ways Monday Night as they ended a 13 year drought between Stanley Cup Final appearances with gritty game 5 win against the Montreal Canadiens.

The 4-2 victory at the Wachovia Center came about because the Flyers were willing to pay any price to assure the date with the Blackhawks in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, a series that begins on Saturday in Chicago.

"You put your body on the line, whetever it's finishing hits, blocking shots, and we've done a great job of that so far in the playoffs, and I think it's shown with the victories," Flyers captain Mike Richards said, moments after he grabbed the Prince of Wales Trophy from Deputy Bill Daley and highlighted it to a jubilant Philadelphia Dressing Room.

Richards, more then anyone, threw his body into harm's way all night; but never more so on that goal that the game at 1-all and erased the Montreal lead created by Brian Gionta in the game's first minute -- a goal that threatened put Philadelphia back on its heels as in a demoralizing Game 3 loss.

Richards refused to let that happen, turning a dangerous penalty kill situation into a back-breaking goal from which the Canadiens could not recover.

Richards got a step on Roman Hamrlik in an effort to chase down a hopeful clearing pass by Cladue Giroux, which forced a desperate attempt by Montreal Goalie Jaroslav Halak to play the puck at the top of the left faceoff circle.

Amazingly, all three players arrived at the puck at the same time in a startling collision that sent the puck further toward the Montreal goal. Richards somehow picked himself up, claimed the loose puck and deposited net before anyone else on the ice could react.

"Well, that's why our leader," said veteran defensemen Chris Pronger, who played more then 27 minutes and blocked three shots to pay his part of the dues. "It's that determination and that grit. You know, diving head first for the puck and being first one up after a big collision like that to try to get free to the loose puck and put it to the empty net."

Before it was over, Richards would set up a couple of goals by Jeff Carter to close out the game and have his teammates in a state of awe.

"He leads by example," said grinding forward Ian Laperriere, who blocked two shots despite having his head after suffering a brain contusion while blocking a shot in the first round. "Tonight was another example; he went through everybody. I've played with great players and he's got that in him - greatness."

On the game-winner, 4:31 into the 2nd period, Carter set up behind the goal line and pushed a pass from Kimmo Timonen into the slot, where Carter could one-time it past Halak.

Then, in the game's final minute, with Halak on the bench for an extra skater, Richards refused to give up on the puck heading towards the empty net. He fought off a back-check attempt from Thomas Plekanec to leave the puck for Carter, who dumped it under Josh Georges and into the goalless net.

Did we mention that Carter was playing on a broken foot that was broken a little more then a month ago and that he was still walking around with a pronounced limp?

On the Aaron Asham, the man that scored a goal that made 2-1 in the 2nd period, was one of the most dominant players on the ice - despite playing just 8 minutes - in getting four promo scoring chances before finally beating Halak with a roof shot right on the goalie's doorstep.

How about Timonen, a smallish defensemen not known for his physical contributions? He blocked six shots and was the target of several checks from Montreal players during his 27 minutes on the ice. Still, he found time to assists on Carter's Game Winning Goal.

"Every game I hit hard -- doesn't matter if it's Montreal or some other team," Timonen said. "I got a couple of hits on my head today. But I like said, it's a playoff game; you take some, you give some. Today, obviously, I took a couple of good ones. You've got to take it. First period I actually took a stupid penalty there because, you know, Scott Gomez hit me from behind. But its one of those things, like I said, sometimes you have to suck it up."

And, that is just what the Flyers did all night Monday and throughout this five game domination of the Cinderella Canadiens, who had shown their own grit and determination in knocking off the top seeded Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh, the defending Stanley Cup Champions.

Montreal had already erased series deficits of 3-1 and 3-2 in the past two rounds, but could not find an answer for Philadelphia's relentless pressure or the brilliant goaltending of Micheal Leighton, who stopped 95 of 102 shots in the series.

"I thought they did a good job playing a disciplined style, very disciplined game plan and I thought we didn't do a good job at that and our execution was not were it needed to be to challenge them a little more that way," said Michael Cammalleri, Montreal's most dangerous offensive weapon this post-season. "So hats off for playing as well as they did."

Pronger also believed it was Philadelphia's discipline and willingness to pay the hefty price that delivered them to the Championship Round.

"We've always believed in the system and the players and what we're doing on the ice. It's just a matter of us getting into that rhythm and buying into the system," he said. "It's guys blocking shots and doing all the little things. that make up a lot of little battles during the course of the game to win the war. We've done a very good job that far of that."


Philadelphia Wins Series 4-1

Game Boxscore

Montreal Canadiens 2 Philadelphia Flyers 4 (1-1, 0-2, 1-1)

0-1 MTL: Brian Gionta (Gomez, Hamrlik) 0:59 1st

1-1 PHI: Mike Richards (Giroux) 4:25 1st

1-2 PHI: Arron Asham (Carle) 3:07 2nd

1-3 PHI: Jeff Carter (Richards, Timonen) 4:31 2nd

2-3 MTL: Scott Gomez (Subban, Gionta) 6:53 3rd

2-4 PHI: Jeff Carter (EN) (Richards) 19:37 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: MTL 27 PHI 26

PIM: MTL 14 Minutes on 7 Penalties PHI 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties

Goalies: MTL Jarsolav Halak 22 SVS on 25 Shots PHI Michael Leighton 25 SVS on 27 Shots

ATT: 19986

3rd Star: Kimmo Timonen (PHI)

2nd Star: Claude Giroux (PHI)

1st Star: Mike Richards (PHI)

Chicago goes up 3-0, holds on to win 4-2 and go up 2-0

Like the Philadelphia Flyers, the Chicago Blackhawks were able to win the first 2 games on the road as both teams have been playing a very fast, and up-and-down style of hockey as the Blackhawks are now up 2-0 after taking the first 2 games in San Jose by out speeding and out playing the Sharks.

A much better defense and more blocked shots kept the shot totals down as the shots were 27-22 in favor of San Jose (oppose to over 40 for both teams in Game 1).

Players like Andrew Ladd got back on the scoring sheet after scoring his 2nd goal of the playoffs. While Dustin Byfuglien is having a break-out playoff run with his 6th goal of the post-season who's doubled his goal output from his playoff run last year. And is starting to develop into a dangerous goal score and is not afraid to rough it up on the ice as well.

Jonathan Toews and Kris Verstegg also scored in the game. While Patrick Marleau scored twice in the loss as he increased this year's playoff goal total to 5.

Chicago is looking to use some home cooking to help them advance to the team's first Stanley Cup Final since 1992


From the National Hockey League Website: http://www.nhl.com/

Thorton Frustrations in Game 2: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=529578

In San Jose, California: The Chicago Blackhawks had home Wednesday after nine days on the road. They might want to think about getting hotel rooms, ordering room service and using the visitors dressing room at the United Center.

If the hawks can find a way to maintain their road mentality in their own barn fro Games 3 and 4 against San Jose, the series could be over by Sunday Evening.

Chicago took another step toward advancing to the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday at HP Pavilion with a 4-2 victory in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final. They grabbed a 2-0 series lead in the series with their seventh straight win on the road, which breaks an 18 year old club record and ties a playoff record for consecutive road victories.

The last team to reel off seven straight road wins in the playoffs was Colorado in 1999. Three others did it, too - 1980 and 1982 NY Islanders as well as the 1995 New Jersey Devils. All three of those teams won the Stanley Cup as well.

"It's an honor, something that we've worked hard as a team to get," said Blackhawks Dustin Byfuglien, who scored his sixth goal of the playoffs, proving anything he touches turns to gold right now. "We have to focus home now and be ready to go when we get back. It's definitely going to be nice to get back home and get in front of our fans, They're going to be very loud,"

They were loud inside the Shark Tank again Tuesday, and again the home team got off to a good start. But for the 2nd straight game, the Sharks couldn't capitalize of the good start - and eventually they waited under the Blackhawks relentless pressure.

It started with Andrew Ladd's goal 12:48 into the first period and continued in the 2nd when Byfuglien and Jonathan Towes scored 90 seconds apart to put the Hawks up 3-0 before the game was halfway over.

"Somehow we have to harness what we start with and continue on," Sharks coach Todd Mclellan. "We can't let little bumps in the road slow us down. I'm not sure it's about skating any faster. It's the puck movement. We don't continue to do what we started to do. We try and force it a little bit more. All of a sudden we look slower."

Ladd's wrist shot from beyond the top of the left faceoff circle went through Niclas Wallin and past goalie Evgeni Nabokov, who might have been screened by his own defensemen.

Traffic in front of Nabokov was the difference on both Byfuglien's and Toews goals. They scored on deflections of perimeter shots because they won battles for position near the blue paint.

Patrick Marleau got the Sharks on the board with a power play goal with 8:52 left in the 2nd, but Troy Brouwer extended the Blackhawks 6:18 into the third period when he went hard to the net and got a piece of Nicklas Hjalmarsson's blast from the left point.

"We'll take them anyway we can", said Toews, who now has points in 11 straight games and leads the NHL with 16 assists and 23 points. "Tonight we got a couple of ugly ones in front of the net. If we keep doing things right, we'll keep having success."

After combining for 85 shots in Game 1, a 2-1 Chicago victory, the Sharks and Hawks limit the offensive chances in Game 2 and combine for 49 shots.

However, Hawks goale Antti Niemi, who stopped 44 of 45 shots in Game 1 Sunday, was again solid with 25 saves - and the Blackhawks once again limited any timely offensive production from the Sharks big line of Marleau, Joe Thorton, and Dany Heatley.

Marleau had both goals, but his first was on the power-play when the Hawks already had a 3-0 lead and his second came at even strength with just 4:28 left to play in the 3rd period.

Heatley had only two shots on goal and now just two goals in his last 19 games. Thorton was a minus 2 and took a bad slashing penalty when he whacked David Bolland in the wrists before the official could drop the puck on an in zone faceoff for the Sharks.

"We're working hard, but we're not working hard enough," Sharks defensemen Dan Boyle said. "I don't know. I've got to watch the film. Obviously as a man, we've got to look in the mirror. Pretty sure we can and we'll all see our game needs to be elevated."

Byfuglien made it 2-0 because he won his patch on the ice from Sharks captain Rob Blake and tipped Patrick Kane's seemingly harmless shot from the top of the slot past Nabokov and deflected Duncan Keith's shot from the right point. Byfuglien was also in front of the net.

"We have two days here now to look at that," Mclellan said how the Sharks plan to handle the Blackhawks presence in front of Nabokov when the series resumes on Friday in Chicago. "We'll look at the video. We'll certainly sit with our defensive group and our goaltenders and make sure were still approaching it properly."

Even though he didn't have the last change, Chicago coach Joel Quenneville was able to get the matchup he wanted - Dave Bolland, Kris Versteeg and Ladd against Thorton, Marleau and Heatley - for good stretches.

There was also some extra curricular activity in the last minute of the game. Ryan Clowe, Heatly, Ladd and Brent Seabrook were all given matching roughing minors, but Clowe we also got a 10 minute misconduct for losing his cool.

San Jose had better find its composure in Chicago or the trip home could come quickly.

"I expect them to respond. "It's as simple as that," Mccellan said. "Throughout this playoff we've built character. This gives us an opportunity now to add that. We've always boasted about our leadership in the locker room. We'll need that now."


Chicago Blackhawks Lead the Series 2-0.

Chicago Blackhawks 4 San Jose Sharks 2 (1-0, 2-1, 1-1)

Game Center: www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2009030322

1-0 CHI: Andrew Ladd (Keith, Versteeg) 12:48 1st

2-0 CHI: Dustin Byfuglien (Kane, Toews) 6:59 2nd

3-0 CHI: Jonathan Toews (PP) (Keith, Kane) 8:29 2nd

3-1 SJS: Patrick Marleau (PP) (Thorton, Boyle) 11:08 2nd

4-1 CHI: Troy Brouwer (Hjalmarsson, Hossa) 6:18 3rd

4-2 SJS: Patrick Marleau (Heatley, Boyle) 15:32 3rd


Series Schedule

Game 1: Chicago Blackhawks 2 San Jose Sharks 1 (0-1, 1-0, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030321

Game 2: Chicago Blackhawks 4 San Jose Sharks 2 (1-0, 2-1, 1-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030322

Game 3, 5/21: San Jose Sharks VS. Chicago Blackhawks 7:00 PM CDT

Game 4, 5/23: San Jose Sharks VS. Chicago Blackhawks 2:00 PM CDT

Game 5, 5/25: Chicago Blackhawks VS. San Jose Sharks 8:00 PM CDT*

Game 6, 5/27: San Jose Sharks VS. Chicago Blackhawks 7:00 PM CDT*

Game 7, 5/29: Chicago Blackhawks VS. San Jose Sharks 7:00 PM CDT*

*If Necessary

Philadelphia gets 2nd straight shutout, goes up 2-0 and extends shutout streak to over 160 minutes

The Flyers are using some timely scoring and an amazing goaltender performance by Michael Leighton who's had back-to-back shutouts in this series and a shutout streak that is last over a 160 minutes going back to late in the 1st period of Game 7 in the Boston Series.

Goals by Daniel Briere, Simon Gagne and Villie Leino in each period was a big part of a constant pressure of Montreal Goalie Jarsolav Halak. Even though Halak has been able to bounce back big time so many times in this year's playoffs.

His magic be starting to ware off as him and rest of the Canadians haven't been able to figure out the Flyers stifling defense which has been able to be among some of the biggest hitters in the league with players like Pronger and Timonen who not only can hit, but can get involved in the scoring as Lkrajicek, Pronger and Timonen each added assists in this game.

This is turning into a bad matchup for the Flyers as the Canadians have been playing teams that allowed more of a free flowing motion when they played the Capitals and Penguins earlier in the playoffs.

The other big reason for the Canadians problems have been scoring problems from their top players like Mike Cammalleri and Brian Gionta as the Flyers defense has done a great job of shutting them down. Cammalleri has -1 rating in each of the last 2 games while Gionta has a -3 despite having 9 shots on goal in the last 2 games.

I think that this is no fluke, injuries have kept the Flyers from experiencing their true potential this season, but with everyone healthy and the defense humming along and the deep goaltending has help the Flyers in the Conference Finals.

From the National Hockey League Website: www.nhl.com

From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The Philadelphia Flyers and the Eastern Conference Finals have been a perfect match so far. Tuesday's 3-0 victory against Montreal in Game 2 at the Wachovia Center is just the latest piece of supporting evidence.

With the win, Philadelphia swept the first two games of the series by a stunning 9-0 margin and head to Montreal for Tuesday's Game 3 of this best-of-7 series with a 6 game winning streak, a franchise-record run of 13 unanswered goals and a shutout streak of 165:50.

Of the impressive marks date back to Game 7 of the last round when the Flyers erased a three game series deficit against the Boston Bruins with a historic come-from-behind 4-3 win in Game 7, allowing Philadelphia to become just the 3rd team in the history of the NHL to comeback from a 3-0 hole in a best-of-7 series.

Apparently, that which does not kill you can only make you stronger.

"Well its definitely a good feeling", center Danny Birere said of the two game lead.

But with memory of their own possible waterloo against Boston fresh off their mind, as well as the knowledge of the Canadiens have been impossible to kill this postseason - they are 5-0 in elimination game - the Flyers refuse to get caught up in the fact that they are just two games away from their first trip to the Stanley Cup Final since 1997.

"You look at the two teams that are here right now, both teams know that they can go away quick", Biere said. "We came back. Montreal came-back a couple of times. They were down 2-1, 3-2 against very good teams before. So we're not going to sit back. We saw what we were able to do to Boston. So the worst thing we can do is sit back."

"The thing that I like is the fact we all feel like we haven't played our best games yet, and we still have a lot to prove. So I think that's a positive that we still have more in the tank. You know, we want to prove that we're winning, but it's not a fluke."

There has been nothing fluky about the Flyers in the first two games of the series. They have been better in every facet of the game - and have been especially dominant in the goaltending battle and on special teams.

In game 2, Michael Leighton kept Philadelphia in the game until its special teams could take over.

Leighton stopped 16 saves in the first period - including a testing six-shot barrage on Philadelphia's 2nd penalty kill - and finished the game with 30 saves.

"Well, today we had one good player out there, obviously it was Leighton, and the rest of us, we were average," said defensemen Kimmo Timonen said.

Leighton has been Philadelphia's best player since being thrust into action in Game 5 as an injury replacement for Brian Boucher. He won in relief that night and he has not lost in four starts. In his five games, he has put up a 0.87 GAA and a .969 SV%.

He has stopped 70 straight saves and has not allowed a goal since Boston's Milan Lucic scored 14:10 into the first period of Game 7. The streak of 165:50 is the 2nd longest in franchise history behind Boucher, and he is the first Flyer since the legendary Bernie Parent in 1975 to post back-to-back playoff shutouts.

"To me, tonight, he looked as good as I've seen him," Philadelphia coach Peter Laviolatte said. "He said he was very calm in there, very relaxed, and in complete control of that net and everything that went on around it. He was really strong."

Almost as strong as Philadelphia's special teams, which have dominated both games.

Philadelphia's first two goals came Tuesday Night - by Birere and Simon Gagne - came on the power play. On Sunday Night, Philadelphia scored a pair of power play goals and added another just one second after the expiration of another penalty. Overall, Philadelphia is 4-10 with the man advantage in this series. The Flyers also have successfully killed all 8 Montreal power play in the series.

"Special teams (were) the difference tonight," Montreal head coach Jacques Martin.

There could be an argument made the Montreal power play far better in Game 2 and would have had a chance to win if not the Philadelphia's power play prowess. In fact, it was an argument Montreal defensemen Hal Gill hinted at in the aftermath of the loss.

"It was an even game," Gill said. "Take away those (power play goals), do a little better job on the PK and we're right in."

But there is no taking away with those power play goals 0r the third period goals by Ville Leino that was the final nail on this night - especially because Birere and Gagne are the offensive engines during the Flyers at the moment.

Briere, who scored a pretty goal with a nice deke on Gill 4:16 into the game, has 18 points in his last 11 playoff games. Gagne, who returned from a broken right toe during the Bruins series, has six goals in as many outings, including his power-play swat past Jaroslav Halak 15:49 into the 2nd period. Yet, with all the good signs that popped out during the past 48 hours for the Flyers, they refuse to take anything fore-granted.

"We've been on the other side, and we know that until the other team closes the series it's not over," Gagne said. "For us, we did what we had to do here at home - get those two wins.

"But at the same time we have a lot of things we can improve our game, especially on 5-on-5. "We're up 2-0, but it doesn't mean anything. They're going back to Montreal and try to do the same thing that we did tonight."


Philadelphia Flyers Lead Series 2-0


Game Boxscore
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030312

Montreal Canadiens 0 Philadelphia Flyers 3 (0-1, 0-1, 0-1)

0-1 PHI: Danny Briere (PP) (Giroux, Timonen) 4:16 1st

0-2 PHI: Simon Gagne (PP) (Leino, Richards) 15:49 2nd

0-3 PHI: Ville Leino (Krajicek, Pronger) 10:24 3rd


Series Schedule

Game 1: Montreal Canadiens 0 Philadelphia Flyers 6 (0-1, 0-3, 0-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030311

Game 2: Montreal Canadiens 0 Philadelphia Flyers 3 (0-1, 0-1, 0-1)

Game 3, 5/20: @ Montreal 7:00 PM EDT

Game 4, 5/22: @ Montreal 3:00 PM EDT

Game 5, 5/24*: @ Philadelphia 7:00 PM EDT

Game 6, 5/26*: @ Montreal 7:00 PM EDT

Game 7, 5/28*: @ Philadelphia 7:00 PM EDT

Poll Question and Your Predictions: Who will make the Stanley Cup Final?

I want to know your picks on who will advance to the Stanley Cup Finals with the Conference Finals getting underway today. In the west, it's a battle of the top 2 teams from basically the entire season as the San Jose Sharks who won the Pacific Division and finished 1st in the Western Conference.

The East has a battle of underdogs as the #7 and #8 seeds will play each other as both teams have had to make some specular ways to get their. Montreal behind the play of goalie Jarslov Halak have taken out both the top seeded Washington Capitals and the defending Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

Philadelphia made history as only the 3rd team in League History to win a series after being down 0-3 to start a series.

Great Story lines, Great Players and some interesting teams. Who Win's the Conference and advances to the Cup Final?

Vote on my poll question and add your comments on who you think will advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

Stanley Cup Conference Finals Schedule and Preview

Here's a look at the Conference Finals Schedule which get underway today with both series get going. First it will be the Western Final as the top 2 seeds are left standing as the Sharks will host the Blackhawks at the HP Pavilion this afternoon. Then later tonight, it will be Philly hosting Montreal at 6:00 PM tonight as it's a Cinderella Conference Final as all the big dogs are gone.

All Start Times are CDT


Eastern Conference

#7 Philadelphia Flyers VS. #8 Montreal Canadians

Game 1, 5/16: @ Philadelphia 6:00 PM Versus, CBC, RDS

Game 2, 5/18: @ Philadelphia 6:00 PM Versus, CBC, RDS

Game 3, 5/20: @ Montreal 6:00 PM Versus, CBC, RDS

Game 4, 5/22: @ Montreal 3:00 PM NBC, CBC, RDS

Game 5, 5/24: @ Philadelphia 6:00 PM* Versus, CBC, RDS

Game 6, 5/26: @ Montreal 6:00 PM* Versus, CBC, RDS

Game 7, 5/28: @ Philadelphia 6:00 PM* Versus, CBC, RDS

*If Necessary


Philadelphia Flyers Scoring Leaders
Mike Richards 12 GP 17 PTS (5G 12A, +2)
Danny Birere 12 GP 15 PTS (7G 8A, +3)
Chris Pronger 12 GP 11 PTS (4G 7A, +3)

Philadelphia Flyers Goaltending
Brian Boucher 10 GP 6-4 2.33 GAA .915 SV%
Michael Leighton 3 GP 2-0 1.55 GAA .943 SV%

Philadelphia Flyers Full Stats: http://flyers.nhl.com/club/stats.htm


Montreal Canadains Scoring Leaders
Michael Cammalleri 14 GP 18 PTS (12G 6A,-1)
Brian Gionta 14 GP 12 PTS (7G 5A, -3)
Scott Gomez 14 GP 11 PTS (1G 10A, -3)

Montreal Canadians Goaltending
Jaroslav Halak 13 GP 8-5 2.42 GAA .933 SV%
Carey Price 3 GP 0-1 3.43 GAA .903 SV%

Montreal Canadians Full Stats: http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/stats.htm?gameType=3&season=20092010


Western Conference

#1 San Jose Sharks VS. #2 Chicago Blackhawks

Game 1, 5/16: @ San Jose 2:00 PM NBC, TSN, RDS

Game 2, 5/18: @ San Jose 9:00 PM Versus, TSN, RDS

Game 3, 5/21: @ Chicago 7:00 PM Versus, TSN, RDS

Game 4, 5/23: @ Chicago 2:00 PM NBC, CBC, RDS

Game 5, 5/25: @ San Jose 8:00 PM* Versus, CBC, RDS

Game 6, 5/27: @ Chicago 7:00 PM* Versus, CBC, RDS

Game 7, 5/29: @ San Jose 7:00 PM* Versus, CBC, RDS

*If Necessary


San Jose Sharks Scoring Leaders
Joe Pavelski 11 GP 15 PTS (9G 6A, +7)
Joe Thorton 11 GP 11 PTS (3G 8A, -6)
Dany Heatley 10 GP 11 PTS (2G 9A, -3)


San Jose Sharks Goaltending
Evgeni Nabokov 11 GP 8-3 2.43 GAA .907 SV%

Full San Jose Sharks Stats: http://sharks.nhl.com/club/stats.htm


Chicago Blackhawks Scoring Leaders
Jonathan Toews 12 GP 20 PTS (6G 14A, +4)
Patrick Kane 12 GP 15 PTS (7G 8A, +1)
Patrick Sharp 12 GP 14 PTS (5G 9A, +2)

Chicago Blackhawks Goaltending
Antti Nema 12 GP 8-4 2.57 GAA .909 SV%

Full Chicago Blackhawks Stats: http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/stats.htm?gameType=3&season=20092010

Full more info on the Stanley Cup Conference Finals:

National Hockey League: www.nhl.com


Eastern Conference

Philadelphia Flyers: http://flyers.nhl.com

Montreal Canadains: http://canadiens.nhl.com


Western Conference

Chicago Blackhawks: http://blackhawks.nhl.com

San Jose Sharks: http://sharks.nhl.com

Philly completes the comeback to make history and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals

Philly did the hard way, but anyway you put it, they in to the Eastern Conference Finals after being only the 3rd team in league history to comeback from an 0-3 deficit. Just making to a Game 7 was impressive enough. What made it even better, was that they had to comeback from a 3-1 hole at the 1st intermission.

Boston thought they could cost to the Game 7 win and advance to play Montreal in the East Finals. But a pair of 2nd period goals by Scott Hartnell on a backhand shot, then Daniel Briere's 7th goal of the playoffs on a wrap around shot that was set up by Scott Hartnell near the midway point of the game which sent Flyers fans ablaze that were watching at the Wachovia Center rooting them on from Philly.

The 3rd period started with the Bruins looking to get back in it with the game tied at 3-3 but Flyers netminder by Leighton who's playing in his first NHL Playoff Run had another great game by stopping all 5, but some hairy shots that the Bruins offense gave them. Then a Too-Many-Men-on-the-Ice penalty would set up Simon Gange's power play goal with 7 minutes left to give the Flyers a 4-3 lead, that they would hold on to and complete the comeback both in the game, and in the series to win in 7 games.

The Flyers set up an underdog Eastern Conference Final as the 7th Seeded Flyers will host the Canadians starting tomorrow night at the Wachovia Center. Earlier in the day, it will be Game 1 of the Western Conference Final from San Jose as the Sharks will host the Blackhawks.


From Brian Compton of the the National Hockey League Website: www.nhl.com

The NHL vowed that history would be made in the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

On Friday Night, it was.

Simon Gagne capped an improbable rally for the Philadelphia Flyers when he broke a 3-3 tie via the power play with 7:08 remaining in regulation in a 4-3 win against the Boston Bruins in game 7 of this Eastern Conference Semifinals at the TD Garden Center.

Not only did the Flyers become the first team in 35 years to win a best-of-7 series after losing the first three games, but they also rallied from an early 3-0 deficit to win this decisive showdown. They have yet to lose since Gagne returned from a foot injury in time for Game 4.

"After Game 1, and even after 3-0 tonight, we could have quit." Gagne said. "We just said, Let's put one and you never knows what happen. We got a couple of goals to tie the game in the second, and after that the game in the second, and after that the game was right there for both teams. Fortunately, they took a penalty and we were able to score on the power play."

Not since 1991 had a team surrendering a three goal lead and lost a game 7, when the Calgary Flames suffered a 5-4 overtime defeat against the Edmonton Oilers. The New York Islanders were the last team to rally from an 0-3 deficit to win a series, in 1975 the NY Islanders; and the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs were the only other teams to do so.

"We've been resilient all year, whetever it was injuries or putting ourselves in a bad position in the standings," captain Mike Richards said. "We've been though a lot together. Our mindset was that if we are going to go down, we were going down swinging."

Philadelphia, the #7 seed in the East, will have home-ice advantage in the Conference Final against the Montreal Canadians, who upset the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins in back-to-back rounds. The Series gets underway on Sunday Night at what will surely be a raucous Wachovia Center.

Michael Leighton, who returned from injury in the series to replace an injured Brian Boucher, settled down after a rough start and finished with 22 saves. Tuukka Rask stopped 23 saves in the loss.

"I'm really proud of them I'm proud of the way they played," said Flyers coach Peter Laviolette said. "I'm proud of the way they represented the org. I'm proud of the way they represented themselves."

It truly was a loss of epic proportions for the Bruins, was held a 3-0 series lead and a 3-0 lead in Game 7. They couldn't hold on to it either.

"The killer instinct was missing," forward Mark Recchi admitted. "What are you going to do? Its over and we've got a long summer to think about it. It's disappointing."

Michael Ryder gave Boston the start it needed as he scored on the power play 5:27 into the game. Just 8 seconds after Flyers forward Scott Hartnell was penalized for high sticking, Ryder collected Zedno Chara's rebound at the right circle and ripped it past Leighton for his fourth goal of the playoffs.

Milan Lucic doubled the Bruins lead with another power-play goal at 9:02. A high sticking penalty on Danny Birere gave Boston its second advantage of the night, and the Bruins capitalized again as Lucic fourth goal of the postseason.

Lucic notched his second goal of the night at 14:10 of the first. With the teams at even strength, Lucic stripped Darroll Powe of the puck near the Bruins' blue-line and started a 2-on-1 with Marc Savard the other way. Lucic skated with the puck into the Flyers Zone and fired a wrist shot from the right circle past Leighton as the Bruins grabbed a 3-0 lead and seemed destined to advance to Round 3.

"We started the way we wanted to start it, Boston coach Claude Julien said. "We had lots of energy. We got a 3-0 lead."

"The Bottom line is, we had a 3-0 lead in the series. We had a 3-0 lead tonight. We blew both. There's no excuses. We have to take responsibility that goes with it. We had four tires at it and weren't able to do it."

The surrendering of the lead began when James Van Riemsdyk scored his first career playoff goal at 17:10 Miroslav Satan for the puck along the boards, Van Riemsdyk wristed a shot from the left circle that went off Mark Stuart's stick and trickled through Rask's pads.

"The message was, just score one goal," Laviolette said. "Get on the board, get in the game. That first goal was huge for me was huge."

The Flyers continued on the comeback trail as Hartnell scored just 2:49 into the 2nd period to make it 3-2. With the teams at even strength, Ville Leino came out from behind the net and backhanded a shot that Rask Denied. But the goaltender left a juicy rebound, and Hartnell was able to roof it over him and for his second goal of the playoffs.

"We didn't have the same jump. We backed off maybe a little bit," Rask said. "They came at us pretty hard to do. They played good hockey."

Briere tied at 8:31 on his seventh goal of the playoffs. Briere, who expressed his excitement for this Game 7 after the morning skate, took a nifty feed from Hartnell and sent one from behind the that went off of Matt Hunwick's skate and past Rask to tie the game at 3-3. Philadelphia had the first 7 shots of the 2nd period.

"I've said it all year and you guys laughed at me when I said I thought that we had a great playoff team," Briere said. "I just thought we had the same feeling that if we were able to start creating our own bounces, then we were able to come back in the series. I don't know if the other guys believed it, but I certainly did."

The Flyers had another potential goal waived off with 5:14 left in the 2nd period, when both Richards and Aaron Asham whacked at a loose puck in the crease. But replays concluded that it didn't cross the goal line and the game remained tied.

Each team hit the post in the third period. Chris Pronger's rocket from the point nearly gave the the Flyers the early 3rd period lead before Lucic denied a hat trick with 9 minutes left.

"We just sat back," Lucic said. We didn't keep going and that's why we lost."

The Flyers capitalized on a too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty at 11:10 of the third period, as Gagne collected Richards broken pass in the slot and roofed it over Rask's right shoulder gave Philadelphia a 4-3 lead. It was his 27th career playoff goal and one that will huant at Julien and the Bruins all summer long.

"They're been calling it all playoffs. nothing there has changed," Julien said. "We had a player come to the bench and had his stick up like he wanted to change. He changed his mind and we had the next center men jumping on. They call those. We'll leave it at that."


Philadelphia Wins Series 4-3, It will be the Flyers VS. Canadians in the Eastern Conference Finals which starts tomorrow night in Philadelphia.

Game Boxscore

Philadelphia Flyers 4 Boston Bruins 3 (1-3, 2-0, 1-0)

0-1 BOS: Michael Ryder (PP) (Recchi, Chara) 5:27 1st

0-2 BOS: Milan Lucic (PP) (Wideman, Boychuk) 9:02 1st

0-3 BOS: Milan Lucic (Unassisted) 14:10 1st

1-3 PHI: James Van Riemsdyk (Giroux) 17:12 1st

2-3 PHI: Scott Hartnell (Leino, Birere) 2:49 2nd

3-3 PHI: Danny Birere (Hartnell) 8:39 2nd

4-3 PHI: Simon Gagne (PP) (Richards, Leino) 12:52 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: PHI 27 BOS 25

PIM: PHI 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties BOS 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties

PP: PHI 1/3 BOS 2/3

Goalies: Michael Leighton 22 SVS on 25 Shots BOS Tukkaa Rask 23 SVS on 27 Shots

ATT: 17565

Tonight's Schedule

With none of the major league playoffs all off last night, plus the start of the Memorial Cup Tonight. It means two things, first is that the season is almost over. Also we are starting to get ready for the Conference Finals in both the NHL & AHL plus the start of the Memorial Cup as the Brandon Wheat Kings will take on the Windsor Spitfires tonight from the Westman Place in Brandon, Manitoba.

This kicks off the Round Robin part of the tournament that will go to May 19 (only 1 Game per day in this Event). Then on Saturday will be the tournament debut of the two other teams as the Calgary Hitmen will play the Moncton Wildcats on Saturday Afternoon.

Also in the NHL, it's the final game of the 2nd Round as the Flyers will look to make some history as only the 3rd team in NHL History to comeback from a 3-0 series deficit as the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs and the 1975 NY Islanders are the only other NHL Teams to do so. The winner of this game will host the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday Night. Regardless of the Matchup, it's officially going to be an underdog Conference Final as it's going to be a 6th or 7th seed against the 8th seeded Montreal Canadiens.

The AHL will start their Western Conference Finals tonight in Hamilton, Ontario as the Hamilton Bulldogs take on the expansion Texas Stars in Game 1 tonight. Texas is the first expansion team since the 2003 Binghamton Senators to make the Conference Finals in their first year. If they were to win this series and make the Calder Cup Final against either the Hershey Bears or the Manchester Monarchs for the Calder Cup Championship this season.

Then Windsor taking on Brandon in the opening day of the Memorial Cup as it should be a battle of top 6 forwards. For the Spitfires, you know the names of Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler. However, another name that could be interesting to see is Adam Henrique who scored 20 goals in the post season, Scott Timmins (11 Goals), plus Dale Mitchell & Zach Kassian with 7 goals each in the playoffs will be others to watch as well.

Brandon may have one of the top forward groups in the entire major juniors (WHL, OHL, QMJHL). A great combo of size, speed and scoring ability will make them very dangerous. Especially when players like Matt Calvert, Scott Glennie and Brayden Schenn are on the ice.

Every game gets bigger and better as we get all the way to the Stanley Cup in Mid June as the season as hockey fans are getting close to the end of the season.


NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Conf. SF Game 7: Philadelphia Flyers VS. Boston Bruins 6:00 PM on Versus

Series Tied 3-3, the winner will host the Montreal Canadians in the Conference Finals.


Stories on tonight's Game.

BOS VS. PHI Ready set for Game 7: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=529072

PHI Looks to Make History: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=529083

Who has the Edge? www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=529141


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Conf. Finals Game 1: Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 6:30 PM CT/7:30 PM ET


Stories on tonight's Game.

Bulldogs, Stars ready for West Final: http://theahl.com/bulldogs-stars-ready-for-west-finals-p142640

Look for the Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs Preview.

Bulldogs Palushaj productive: http://theahl.com/bulldogs-palushaj-productive-clairvoyant-p142650


2010 Memorial Cup

4/15, RR Game 1: Windsor Spitfires VS. Brandon Wheat Kings 7:00 PM

4/16, RR Game 2: Calgary Hitmen VS. Moncton Wildcats 2:00 PM


Stories from this Tournament

Brandon to wear Special Jerseys for opener: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com/news.php?id=1475&y=2010

Brandon ready to defend the Home Ice: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com/news.php?id=1480&y=2010

Rogers Sportsnet to have Internet Broadcast of Games: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com/news.php?id=1479&y=2010

Memorial Cup Notebook: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/14/king_memorial_notebook/

Brandon Preview: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/11/memorial_cup_preview_brandon/

Calgary Preview: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/11/memorial_cup_preview_calgary

Windsor Preview: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/11/memorial_cup_preview_windsor

Moncton Preview: www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/2010/05/11/memorial_cup_preview_moncton

Stanley Cup Update: Montreal takes down Pittsburgh, while Philly forces a Game 7

It's officially going to be an underdog Eastern Conference Finals as the Montreal Canadians have elevated their status to giant killers as Montreal has knocked out both the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins as we will have a new Stanley Cup Champions.

And both of the teams that were in the Stanley Cup Finals have been knocked out as the Red Wings and Penguins have been in the Cup Finals the last two years.

Montreal went up 4-0 midway through the 2nd period as 4 different Canadiens scored as Brian Gionta, Dominic Moore, Michael Calmmalleri and Travis Moren who scored on the penalty kill as the Penguins just looked lifeless thanking that they were to waltz in to Game 7 and win pretty easily and advance to the Eastern Conference Final getting home ice advantage either against the Boston Bruins or the Philadelphia Flyers.

This game was all Montreal in way more then the scoreboard, Pittsburgh Superstars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Marc-Andre Fleury had horrible nights. Not even when Chris Kunitz and Jordan Staal made it 4-2 in the 2nd period to turn around Game 7 and have some hope to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

After Fleury gave up the 4th goal of the night, the team made a goaltender change by putting Brent Johnson at the 5 minute mark of the 2nd period. He stopped just 9 of 13 shots in the game to see his season come to an end.

Pittsburgh was finally able to get their game going as they were able out-shot the Pens. 18-3 in the 3rd period. But Montreal Goalie Jaroslav Halak made a great 18 saves to stop 38 of 39 for the game in total. To officially end the Penguins season, Brian Gionta scored exactly halfway through the period to win the game 5-2 as the Canadians will now await the winner of the Boston VS. Philadelphia Game 7 tomorrow night after the Flyers won Game 6 2-1 to force a Game 7.

Boston VS. Philadelphia was more of a physical game as the Flyers made it 2-0 to hang on in the 3rd period. As for the goaltender performance as Flyers Goalie Michael Leighton made his first career Stanley Cup Playoff Start by making 30 of 31 shots in a start to remember. After Boston won the first 3 games, it looked like the Bruins were going to make this a quick series.

However, the Flyers have comback by outscoring the Bruins 11-5 in the last 3 games. These included a 5-4 OT Win in Game 4, then keeping the Bruins to just 1 goal in the last 2 games as Flyers goalies Michael Leighton stopping 52 of 53 shots in the last 2 games to tie the series at 3.

It was a pair of unlikely sources that helped score for the Flyers in this game as Mike Richards and Danny Birere each scored on a wrist and snap shots from close in to make 2-0 Flyers late in the 2nd period.

After going up 2-0, it was Tukka Rask time as the Bruins goalie was looking to keep them in the game, and it almost worked as Milan Lucic scored in the final minute of a Fluery with the extra attacker to make it 2-1. However, after that, they couldn't muster an overtime mark to force overtime and the Flyers are looking to comeback from a 3-0 deficit.

Regardless who plays in the Eastern Conference Finals, it will be a battle of underdogs as the 8th Seeded Canadians will play either the #6 Seeded Bruins or the #7 Seeded Flyers in the Conference Finals.

As for the Western Conference Finals, the NHL is waiting for both series to get official after tomorrow's game to determine when the Conference Finals get underway either this weekend or early next week. Expect the Western Conference Finals to start up first as the Sharks have been off since May 8 when they beat the Red Wings. While Chicago ousted Vancouver on Tuesday Night.

Also if Boston wins tomorrow, we will guarantee ourselves at-least one Original 6 Team. If the Blackhawks make the Stanley Cup Final as well. It would mark the first time since 1979 when Montreal beat the NY Rangers in 5 games to win the series and the Stanley Cup. In addition to the Original 6 Hopes, The Canadians will look to become the first Canadian Team since 1993 when the Canadiens beat the NY Rangers.

Both the NHL & AHL are off tonight as the Texas Stars & Hamilton Bulldogs will play Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals tomorrow night. Then tomorrow night is Game 7 of Flyers VS. Bruins with the winner hosting the Montreal Canadians in the Eastern Conference Finals.

With the Green Bay Gamblers winning the USHL Clark Cup last night, the Memorial Cup ends the Junior Season which will get underway tomorrow night as Tournament Host Brandon Wheat Kings will take on the defending Memorial Cup Champions Windsor Spitfires in the tournament opener.

It was also announced that the Brandon Wheat Kings will wear special jerseys for the tournament opener on Friday. After this game, the jerseys will be sold via an online auction which will benefit the Canadian Military.

Here's more on the Jerseys: www.mastercardmemorialcup.com/news.php?id=1475&y=2010


Last night's Games

Montreal Canadians 5 Pittsburgh Penguins 2 (2-0, 2-2, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030217

Montreal VS. Pittsburgh Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030217

Montreal wins the Series 4-3 and will advance to play either Boston or Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference Final.


Boston Bruins 1 Philadelphia Flyers 2 (0-1, 0-1, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030226

Boston VS. Philadelphia Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030226

Series Tied 3-3, Game 7 will be on Thursday Night.


Upcoming Schedule (All Start Times are CDT)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

5/14, Game 7: Philadelphia Flyers VS. Boston Bruins 6:00 PM


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

5/14: Game 1: Texas Stars VS. Hamilton Bulldogs 6:30 PM

5/15: Game 2: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 6:00 PM


Memorial Cup Tournament

5/14: RR Game 1: Windsor Spitfires VS. Brandon Wheat Kings 7:00 PM

5/11 Stanley Cup Update and Tonight's Schedule

Just one game in action last night as the Chicago Blackhawks routed the Vancouver Canucks 5-1 with the help of a 3 goal 2nd period thanks to a trio of unlikely goal scorers with Troy Browuer scoring his first of the playoffs this season. Also Kris Versteeg and David Bolland who eached scored their 3rd goal of the playoffs to make it 3-0 Blackhawks just before the end of the 2nd period.

Vancouver who after winning Game 5 in Chicago were looking to win again and force a Game 7. But it was 2 goals in just 36 seconds that started the rout and it was the beginning of the end of the 2nd period. Vancouver was hoping to keep up the SOG after out-shooting the Blackhawks 13-12 in the first period. But the Canucks were shocked after the first 2 goals.

If it thought it couldn't get any worse, then another unlikely goal-scorer in Dave Bolland scored with less then 30 seconds left to make it 3-0 on the PK. Despite just a couple of penalty minutes in the game, the special teams couldn't be a factor in the game.

In the 3rd, the Canucks were looking to get back in the 3rd period when Shane O'Brien scored just 3 minutes into the 3rd period to make it 3-1 on a wrist shot from Alex Burrows to give Vancouver some hope. However, Patrick Kane put the Blackhawks up to 3 with a wrist shot to give the Blackhawks a 4-1 lead. Then just 25 seconds it was Dustin Byfuglien that scored his 4th of the playoffs to put the game at the 5-1 final score.

The Western Conference Finals are now set as the top 2 seeds between the San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks with the series expected to start up probably sometime this weekend for the Western Conference Title.

The last 4 is all set in the American Hockey League and the Conference Final gets underway tonight between the Hershey Bears & Manchester Monarchs. Hershey has been off since April 29 when the Bears sweeped the Albany River Rats in 4 games straight that just 6 days. Manchester had to beat Worcester in a rough-and-tumble 6 game series. Will rust hurt the Bears hopes of a 2nd straight Calder Cup Title.

In the East tonight, both series are in action as the Canadians will look to pull off another major upset as Game 7 is tonight in Pittsburgh. In the Boston VS. Philadelphia Series, after the Bruins won Games 4 and 5 to force a Game 6 tonight in Philadelphia.

In the Juniors, we are just 2 days away from the start of the Memorial Cup as the OHL Champions Windsor Spitfires will take on the Memorial Cup Host Brandon Wheat Kings on Friday Night from the Westman Place in Brandon, Manitoba.

Then in Green Bay Wisconsin, it all comes down tonight as the Green Bay Gamblers have comeback to win Games 3 & 4 on the road in North Dakota to force tonight's game 5 where the winner skates the Clark Cup. One big thing in this game is that Fargo Force Captian Chase Grant is injured and is out of the lineup tonight.

Chicago Blackhawks 5 Vancouver Canucks 1 (0-0, 3-0, 2-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030246

Chicago VS. Vancouver Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030246


The Western Conference Finals is now set as the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks will battle it out for the Western Conference Title and a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. Expect the series to start later this week or this weekend.


Tonight's Schedule (All Start Times are CDT)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Game 7: Montreal Canadians VS. Pittsburgh Penguins 6:00 PM

Game 6: Boston Bruins VS. Philadelphia Flyers 7:00 PM


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Game 1: Manchester Monarchs VS. Hershey Bears 6:00 PM


USHL Clark Cup Playoffs

Game 5: Fargo Force VS. Green Bay Gamblers 7:05 PM


Memorial Cup Tournament

5/14: Windsor Spitfires VS. Brandon Wheat Kings 7:00 PM

Stanley Cup & Calder Cup Scoreboard

Thanks for your patience, but the last couple of days have been very tiring as my grandmother was having health problems again and had a Colonosocopy yesterday morning and had to help her out with stuff for the rest of the day afterwards.

Here's the scores with the links to boxscores and Game Stories from Saturday to Monday as we are starting to get an idea who may be playing in the Conference Finals in both leagues coming up later this week and this weekend.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

5/8

Montreal Canadians 1 Pittsburgh Penguins 2 (0-1, 0-1, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030215

Montreal VS. Pittsburgh Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030215


Detroit Red Wings 1 San Jose Sharks 2 (0-0, 1-1, 0-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030235

Detroit VS. San Jose Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030235


5/9

Vancouver Canucks 4 Chicago Blackhawks 1 (2-0, 1-0, 1-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030245

Vancouver VS. Chicago Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030245


5/10

Pittsburgh Penguins 3 Montreal Canadians 4 (1-1, 1-2, 1-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030216

Pittsburgh VS. Montreal Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030216


Philadelphia Flyers 4 Boston Bruins 0 (1-0, 2-0, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030225

Philadelphia VS. Boston Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030225


Here's a look at how the Conference Semifinals Stand


Eastern Conference

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins VS. #8 Montreal Canadians: Series Tied 3-3, Game 7 is on Wednesday Night.

#6 Boston Bruins VS. #7 Philadelphia Flyers: Boston Leads Series 3-2, Game 6 is on Wednesday Night.


Western Conference

#1 San Jose Sharks VS. #5 Detroit Red Wings: San Jose Wins Series 4-1

#2 Chicago Blackahawks VS. #3 Vancouver Canucks: Chicago Leads Series 3-2, Game 6 is Tonight.


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs


5/8

Hamilton Bulldogs 5 Abbotsford Heat 2 (0-1, 1-1, 4-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007301

Hamilton VS. Abbotsford Game Story: http://theahl.com/five-in-a-row-gives-bulldogs-game-5-p142585


5/9

Texas Stars 0 Chicago Wolves 2 (0-1, 0-0, 0-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007295

Texas VS. Chicago Game Story: www.texasstarshockey.com/news/news/index.html?article_id=297


5/10

Abbotsford Heat 0 Hamilton Bulldogs 4 (0-1, 0-0, 0-3)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007302

Abbotsford VS. Hamilton Game Story: http://theahl.com/-dogs-blank-heat-advance-to-western-finals-p142606


Here's a look at how the Divisional Finals are going plus the schedule for the Eastern Conference as the Hershey Bears & Manchester Monarchs will start their series tomorrow night.


Eastern Conference

Hershey Bears VS. Manchester Monarchs: Game 1 is on Wednesday Night in Hershey, Penn.


Western Conference

North Division: The Hamilton Bulldogs win the Series 4-2 and advances to the Western Conference Finals.

West Division: Game 7 of the West Division Finals will be tonight in Chicago.


Tonight's Playoff Schedule


NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Chicago Blackhawks VS. Vancouver Canucks Game 6, 8:30 PM


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves Game 7, 7:00 PM


Junior Championships


Major Junior Memorial Cup

5/14: Windsor Spitfires VS. Brandon Wheat Kings 7:00 PM


USHL Clark Cup Playoffs

5/12: Fargo Force VS. Green Bay Gamblers Game 5, 7:05 PM

Puck Podcast May 8 Episode

On this week's Puck Podcast Episode. The main discussions is on the 2nd Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the 4 series are beginning to reach their midway point. San Jose has also clinched the first of the Conference Finals spots. Theirs also some news on the Phoenix Coyotes ownership and it's failure to make a deal. Could a move of the team be just a matter of time now? What teams could be interested, Kansas City, Seattle, Portland maybe Quebec City or Hamilton as well.

Also a new Guinness World Record was broke at the IHWC Tournament Opener between the USA & Germany. And an unusual apology to a Vancouver Canucks player. All this and so much more as Dan Moriarty fills in for Doug as this week's co-host with Eddie Garcia.

5/8 Episode: www.puckpodcast.com/puck-podcast-may-8-2010/

Puck Podcast Website: www.puckpodcast.com

5/6 Stanley Cup & Calder Cup Scoreboard

The big story last night was the Detroit Red Wings as a 5 goal 1st period just blew away the Sharks was which led by Johan Franzen who's 4 goals tied a Red Wings Team Record by the most goals in a playoff game in team history.

Joining the goal rush included by Todd Bertuzzi and Valtteri Filppula in the 1st period then Brian Rafalski in the 2nd period to join the Red Wings forward which went from 2 to 6 goals scored in one night as the Red Wings kept their playoffs hopes alive as the Sharks now lead the series 3-1.

San Jose's only goal was scored by Danny Heatly which was scored late in the 2nd period. In the 3rd period with the game already put away by Detroit. Things got chippy as numerous fights lead to misconducts and a couple of ejections as well. The league will review the fights to see if anyone will be suspended for Game 5 and beyond for this series, and mostly for the Sharks it could go beyond for the Western Conference Finals against the Chicago VS. Vancouver Winner.

Pittsburgh VS. Montreal saw a very fast start as the Penguins saw themselves up 2-1 at just 5 minutes into the game. Pittsburgh goals Maxime Talbot and Chris Kunitz put the Penguins up 1-1 and 2-1. Montreal responded with a Tom Pyatt that got the scoring going in the opening minute to eventually go up 1-0 as he scored his first goal of the playoffs to keep the Canadians in the series. After a scoreless second period as both teams took a cautious approach for the rest of the period.

The 2nd period saw the Penguins looking to take over the game with Pittsburgh dominating the SOG Count with a 11-3 advantage. Through 2 periods the Penguins out-shot the Canadians 26-9 through 40 minutes. However it was Montreal that control of the game in the 3rd as Maxim Lapierre and Brian Gionta scored in the first 3 minutes of the 3rd period.

From their on, Montreal goalie Martin Havalt became big again by stopping 16 shots in the 3rd period. For the game he stopped 33 of 35 shots while Pittsburgh Goalie Marc Andre Flurry made 20 of 23 saves. We are tied at 2-2 in the Best-of-7 with Game 5 heading back to Pittsburgh coming up on Saturday Night.

The only game in the AHL saw the Abbotsford Heat use 2 3rd period goals by Mitch Wahl and David Van der Gulik to pull away to win 4-1 as the Abbotsford Heat & Hamilton Bulldogs are now tied at 2-2 in the best-of-7 series. Abbotsford was able to control the game after Wahl scored earlier in the game on the PP to respond to Ryan Russell's goal that made it 1-1 late in the 2nd period. The Ever important Game 5 of the Heat VS. Bulldogs Series takes place on Saturday Night.


NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Pittsburgh Penguins 2 Montreal Canadains 3 (2-1, 0-0, 0-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030214

Pittsburgh VS. Montreal Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030214

Series Tied 2-2, Game 5 will be on Saturday Night in Pittsburgh


Detroit Red Wings 7 San Jose Sharks 1 (5-0, 1-1, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030234

Detroit VS. San Jose Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030234

San Jose Leads Series 3-1, Game 5 will be on Saturday in San Jose


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Hamilton Bulldogs 1 Abbotsford Heat 4 (0-1, 1-1, 0-2)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007300

Hamilton VS. Abbotsford Game Story: http://theahl.com/heat-roll-past-dogs-to-even-series-2-2-p142558

Series Tied 2-2, Game 5 will be on Saturday Night in Abbotsford, B.C.


Tonight's Playoff Schedule

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Boston Bruins VS. Philadelphia Flyers Game 4,

Boston Leads Series 3-0


Chicago Blackhawks VS. Vancouver Canucks Game 4

Chicago Leads Series 2-1


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Worcester Sharks VS. Manchester Monarchs Game 6

Manchester Leads Series 3-2


Chicago Wolves VS. Texas Stars Game 5

Series Tied 2-2


Western Hockey League

Tri-City Americans VS. Calgary Hitmen Game 5

Calgary Leads Series 3-1


Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

St. John Seadogs VS. Moncton Wildcats Game 4

Moncton Leads Series 2-1


USHL Clark Cup Playoffs

Green Bay Gamblers VS. Fargo Force Game 3

Fargo Leads Series 2-0


NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs

Fairbanks Ice Dogs VS. Traverse City North Stars

Fairbanks is 2-0-0, Traverse City is 1-2-0 in the Round Robin


Bismarck Bobcats VS. Wenatchee Wild

Bismarck is 2-0-0, Wenatchee is 0-2-0 in the Round Robin

5/5 NHL & AHL Scoreboard

Here's a look at the scores, because of some family issues I have been going through, I won't do the Game Boxscores excpt for the last 2 Texas Stars Games that have been played Tuesday & Wednesday night as the Chicago Wolves won Game 3 while the Texas Stars won Game 4. With the Allen Americans losing the CHL Presidents Cup Championship, the Texas Stars are the only Southwest Based Team left playing this season.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Boston Bruins 4 Philadelphia Flyers 1 (2-1, 0-0, 2-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030223

Boston VS. Philadelphia Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030223

Boston Leads Series 2-1, Game 4 will be on Thrusday Night in Montreal.


Chicago Blackhawks 5 Vancouver Canucks 2 (2-0, 1-2, 2-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030243

Chicago VS. Vancouver Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030243

Chicago Leads Series 2-1, Game 4 will be on Friday Night in Vancouver.


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

See the Game Stories and Box Scores from the Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves Series.

Manchester Monarchs 1 Worcester Sharks 0 (1-0, 0-0, 0-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007280

Manchester VS. Worcester Game Story: http://theahl.com/bernier-monarchs-push-sharks-to-brink-p142539

Worcester Leads Series 3-2, Game 6 will be on Friday Night in Manchester, New Hampshire.


CHL Presidents Cup Playoffs

Allen Americans 3 Rapid City Rush 4 (2OT) (3-0, 0-1, 0-2, 0-0, 0-1)
www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/boxscore.html?gameid=1269591

Rapid City wins Series and the League Championship 4-2


Allen VS. Rapid City Game Stories

Allen Americans Website: www.allenamericans.com/articles/news.asp?articleid=337

CHL Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com/pressroom/news/index.html?article_id=4637


Major Junior Memorial Cup Playoffs

Western Hockey League

Calgary Hitmen 2 Tri-City Americans 4 (1-2, 0-0, 1-2)
http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007034

Calgary VS. Tri-City Game Story: http://whl.ca/News-s11088

The Calgary Hitmen Leads the Series 3-1, Game 5 will be on Friday Night in Calgary


Ontario Hockey League

The Windsor Spitfires clinched the 2010 OHL Championship against the Barrie Colts. The next game for Windsor is in the Memorial Cup Tournament on 5/14 against the Brandon Wheat Kings.


Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

No Games on Wednesday or Thursday. Moncton Leads Series 2-1. Game 4 will be on Friday Night in St. John, New Brunswick.


U.S.A. Junior Scores

USHL Clark Cup Playoffs

Game 3 is on Friday Night. The Fargo Force lead the Championship Series 2-0.


NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs

Round Robin Day 2

Traverse City North Stars 1 St. Louis Bandits 4 (1-1, 0-2, 0-1)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1238389

Fairbanks Ice Dogs 3 Wenatchee Wild 2 (1-0, 2-0, 0-2)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1238390


Game Stories: www.nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=1591

Robertson Cup Round Robin Standings after Day 2

1. Bismarck 1-0-0 2 PTS 5-3

2. St. Louis 1-1-0 2 PTS 7-6

3. Fairbanks 1-0-0 2 PTS 3-2

4. Traverse City 1-1-0 2 PTS 6-8

5. Wenatchee 0-2-0 0 PTS 6-8


Day 3 Schedule

Fairbanks Ice Dogs VS. St. Louis Bandits

Traverse City North Stars VS. Bismarck Bobcats

5/4 Stanley Cup & Calder Cup Playoff Scoreboard

2 games took place in both the NHL & AHL last night we had Game 3's were played to determine the momentum and to find out if anybody can take control in the Stanley Cup & Calder Cup Playoff Series.

Pittsburgh & Montreal were in a game where both goaltenders Marc-Andre Flurey and Jaroslav Halak were locked in a goaltender's duel as the game was scoreless through 2 periods. However Pittsburgh was finally able to crack through early in the 3rd period with Evgeni Malkin scoring just over a minute into the 3rd period. Then Dupis put the game away in the final seconds to make it a 2-0 win for the Penguins.

This puts the Penguins up the series 2-1 as the Penguins are starting to slowly ware out the Canadains to put an end to their Giant Killer Hopes after beating Washington in the Series Opener.

Then in Game 3 of San Jose VS. Detroit, the Red Wings were able to put the Sharks down 3-1 through 2 periods. San Jose might have down 3-1, the Sharks have been on a terror since Game 3 of the Colorado Series and were determined to comeback against the Red Wings after being able to fend them off late in Game 2.

It was another big 3rd period for the Sharks with goals by Joe Thornton and Logan Couture to make 3-3 midway through the 3rd period. Then the Sharks were looking to use the momentum to win the game in regulation but it was to no use.

It took OT for Patrick Marleau got a great assist on a breakaway from Joe Thorton to win the game 4-3 to put the Sharks up 3-0 in the series. Expect San Jose to put this series away pretty quickly as the Red Wings look tired after the 7 game fight they had against Phoenix.

San Jose on the other-hand is looking to put several playoff disappointments behind them as they are looking to become the top contender in the West to make th Stanley Cup Finals as the Top Seed. With the top 3 seeds from the East all gone, they starting to look like a team that I would expect to win the Stanley Cup this season.

In the AHL, it was the West & North Division Finals on display as Abbotsford & Hamilton were looking to be very evenly matched as the Heat were looking to take a 2-1 series lead on home ice. Early on it was looking very strong as Jon Rheault and Brett Sutter scored to make it 2-1 Heat at the 1st intermission.

However, Hamilton goalie Cedrick Desjardins turned up the pressure to turn away 23 saves in the 2nd & 3rd periods to allow Gabriel Dumont and Olivier Fortier to comeback in the 2nd period to lead 3-2. That would also stand as the Final score to get the Bulldogs a 2-1 series lead.


NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Pittsburgh Penguins 2 Montreal Canadians 0 (0-0, 0-0, 2-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030213

Pittsburgh VS. Montreal Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030213

Pittsburgh Leads Series 2-1, Game 4 is on Thursday Night.


San Jose Sharks 4 Detroit Red Wings 3 (OT) (1-2, 0-0, 2-0, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030233

San Jose VS. Detroit Game Story: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030233

San Jose Leads Series 3-0, Game 4 is on Thursday Night


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Look for the Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves Game Story.

Hamilton Bulldogs 3 Abbotsford Heat 2 (1-2, 2-0, 0-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007299

Hamilton VS. Abbotsford Game Story: http://theahl.com/fresh-faces-help-dogs-to-2-1-series-lead-p142524

Hamilton Leads Series 2-1, Game 4 is on Thursday Night in Abbotsford, B.C.

5/2 Stanley Cup & Calder Cup Scoreboard

2 games in both the NHL & AHL took place yesterday as most of the matchups were able to even up their series at 1-1 as the Canadians will look to continue their Giant Killer ways in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs as after a strong Pittsburgh PP doomed them in Game 1.

After Brian Gionta scored late in the first period, a pair of goals by Cammalleri made the difference in the 2nd & 3rd periods to tie the series at 1-1. Montreal looks to continue their winning ways at home as Game 3 will be on Tuesday Night for an important Game 3.

San Jose saw another showing by Joe Pavelski as he scored two more goals in the 4-3 win to takes him to 9 goals for the playoffs. This is the 3rd straight game where he has scored in this year's playoffs and already has 3 game winners.

Ryan Clowe and Joe Thorton also got goals in this game as the Sharks move to 2-0 in the series and are disparately looking to get their giant playoff monkey off their back this season. Detroit will need to look to its strong home ice advantage as they hope to comeback in this series.

The AHL is seeing a very exciting series in the North Division as the Hamilton Bulldogs tie the North Division Final against Abbotsford with a 3-1 win as this could be one of the best series in the 2nd round. Expect this series, the Atlantic Division Final between Worcester & Manchester.

Finally we have had two OT Games between the Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves Series as the Stars look liked that time was not on their side on this day. But Warren Peters goal with less then minute left to force OT.

Then Brent Krahn got busy as he hoped to help the Stars get a 2-0 series lead, but it was Wolves Winger Anthony Stewart who scored his 2nd of the day and his 6th of the playoffs to tie the series at 1-1. So far through 2 games, they has been very busy as both games have gone to OT and it could easily be 2-0 to either side right now as both games have been very very close in the West Division Final.

As for the Full Game Stories and Boxscores, look for the OHL Game 3, QMJHL Game 2, WHL Game 2 and the USHL Game 2 Stories as those games have been played over the weekend. Also the IHWC gets underway on Friday as the Americans will take on this year's IHWC Host Germany as they look to possibly break a world record for biggest hockey crowd for a single game. Plus Game 2 of the AHL West Division Final of the Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves.

5/2

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Montreal Canadians 3 Pittsburgh Penguins 1 (1-1, 1-0, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030212

Game Recap: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030212

Series Tied 1-1, Game 3 is on Tuesday Night in Montreal.


Detroit Red Wings 3 San Jose Sharks 4 (2-2, 1-0, 0-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030232

Game Recap: www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009030232

San Jose Leads Series 2-0, Game 3 is on Tuesday Night in Detroit.


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Abbotsford Heat 1 Hamilton Bulldogs 3 (1-2, 0-1, 0-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007298

Abbotsford VS. Hamilton Game Story: http://theahl.com/bulldogs-pull-even-with-3-1-win-over-heat-p142482

Series Tied 1-1, Game 3 is on Tuesday Night in Abbotsford, B.C.


Look for the Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves Game Story & Boxscore.

Stanley Cup & Calder Cup Scoreboard

With the rest of the leagues across North America in or near the Championship Series. I'm going to do provide updates on just the National Hockey League & American Hockey League for the rest of the season. With all the Junior League Championships in Their League Finals.

Plus events like the Memorial Cup and the Ice Hockey World Championships on the horizon, i'm going to start providing a lot more Full Boxscores and Game Stories as we crown champions in different leagues across North America.

4/30

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Montreal Canadians 3 Pittsburgh Penguins 6 (1-2, 1-2, 1-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030211

Pittsburgh Leads Series 1-0, Game 2 is on Sunday Afternoon.


5/1

Philadelphia Flyers 4 Boston Bruins 5 (OT) (0-2, 2-1, 2-1, 0-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030221

Boston Leads Series 1-0, Game 2 is on Monday Night


Vancouver Canucks 5 Chicago Blackhawks 1 (2-0, 3-0, 0-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030241

Vancouver Leads Series 1-0, Game 2 is on Monday Night


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

4/30

Worcester Sharks 0 Manchester Monarchs 5 (0-1, 0-2, 0-2)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007278

Worcester VS. Manchester Game Story: http://theahl.com/bernier-monarchs-roll-to-2-1-series-lead--p142456

Manchester Leads Series 2-1, Game 4 is on Saturday Night.


Look for the Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves Game 1 Game Story.


5/1

Worcester Sharks 3 Manchester Monarchs 2 (1-0, 0-2, 2-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007279

Worcester VS. Manchester Game Story: http://theahl.com/sharks-battle-back-to-even-series-p142476

Series Tied at 2-2, Game 5 is on Wednesday Night

Puck Podcast: 5/1 Episode

On this weekends episode of the Puck Podcast, Eddie and Doug talk about the end of an exciting 1st Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. A surprise coaching announcement and debate on two more controversial rulings from the National Hockey League. Plus Finalists for the NHL's MVP Award and for Coach of the Year.

Puck Podcast Website: www.puckpodcast.com

May 1 Episode: www.puckpodcast.com/puck-podcast-may-1-2010

4/29 Scoreboard & Playoff Update

The Stanley Cup Conference Semifinals got underway last night with the #1 VS. #5 Matchup in the Western Conference as the Sharks used a 3 goal 1st period as Joe Pavelski, Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi all scored in a minute and a half to give the Sharks a 3-0 lead and were looking to blow out the Red Wings to open the series after the bad start they got off to against Detroit.

However just a minute later saw Dan Cleary made it 3-1 as the Red Wings were able to turnaround the momentum and Jimmy Howard calmed down after the bad start to keep the game in check.

The 2nd period as they were just 13 shots on goal total in the 2nd period as the penalties started to come down (3 for SJ, 5 for DET). Despite all the PP Time the Sharks had in the 2nd, it was the Red Wings early on with a great set up from Datsyuk on his wrist shot to give the close the gap to 3-2 and the Red Wings had hope again of a comeback.

The opening minute of the 3rd period saw Pavelski and Rafalski score in the first 3 minutes to make it 4-3. The Sharks were looking to put it away late, but a 5 save performance from Evgeni Nabokov helped the Sharks win Game 1 and take the series lead.

San Jose has won 5-in-a-row after losing the first 2 games of the playoffs, the Sharks are looking to get the playoff monkey off their backs that have hampered them the last few years, also to avoid the fate that doomed the top 3 teams in the East as Washington, Buffalo & New Jersey are out of the playoffs.

2 games in the AHL Playoffs as the North Division Final got underway in Hamilton, Ontario as the Heat continued their momentum after coming back from 3-1 down to beat Rochester as Van Der Gulik and Baldwin each scored midway through the game to go up 2-1. Hamilton reacted quickly to make it 2-1. Brett Sutter scored to make 3-1 Heat to stun the Bulldogs and win the opening game. Brock Trotter scored his 4th of the playoffs with less then a minute left, but it was to little to late for the Bulldogs to force OT.

Hershey is zooming in the playoffs as they are the first team to clinch a Conference Spot as the Bears not only ended the Albany River Rats season, but they team as the River Rats will be moving to Charlotte, North Carolina next season to be closer to their NHL Affiliate in the Carolina Hurricanes.

It was another very close game in Barrie as the Spitfires are halfway through to defending the OHL Championship after winning their 2nd straight one goal game. After going into the 2nd intermission up 3-2, it was a couple of unsung hero's as Scott Timmins scored to make it 4-2.

However, the Barrie Colts found lighting in a bottle as Taylor Carnevale made it 4-3. But that's as close it would come as Dale Mitchell scored just a minute later to make it 5-3 to give the Spitfires the gap needed to go up 2-0 in the Championship Series.

It's a huge night as the WHL, QMJHL & USHL all begin their championship Series' tonight while the Surprising Canadians will open up in Pittsburgh against the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins. While the Texas Stars & Chicago Wolves will open up the West Division Final in Chicago.


Professional Scores

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Detroit Red Wings 3 San Jose Sharks 4 (1-3, 1-0, 1-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030231

San Jose Leads Series 1-0, Game 2 is on Sunday Afternoon


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Hershey Bears 5 Albany River Rats 4 (OT) (1-2, 1-1, 2-1, 1-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007286

Hershey Wins Series 4-0, The Hershey Bears advance to the Eastern Conference Final and will play either the Worcester Sharks VS. Manchester Monarchs

Hershey VS. Albany Game Story: http://theahl.com/perreault-s-ot-goal-sends-bears-to-sweep-p142435


Abbotsford Heat 3 Hamilton Bulldogs 2 (0-0, 2-1, 1-1)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007297

The Heat Leads Series 1-0, Game 2 is on Sunday

Abbotsford VS. Hamilton Game Story: http://theahl.com/heat-stay-hot-take-game-1-from-dogs-p142438


CHL Presidents Cup Playoffs

No Games on Thursday Night. Game 4 will be Tonight in Allen.


Major Junior Memorial Cup Playoffs

Western Hockey League

The League Championship Series begins Tonight in Calgary, Alberta between the Calgary Hitmen VS. Tri-City Americans


Ontario Hockey League

Look for the Game 2 Game Story between Windsor VS. Barrie


Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

The League Championship Series Begins Tonight between the St. John Seadogs VS. Moncton Wildcats in St. John, New Brunswick.


U.S.A. Junior Scores

USHL Clark Cup Playoffs

The League Championship Begins tonight as the Green Bay Gamblers will play the Fargo Force in Green Bay, Wisconsin.


NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs

The NAHL Robertson Cup Championship Tournament will begin on May 4 as the Bismarck Bobcats will play the St. Louis Bandits and the Traverse City North Stars will take on the Tournament Host Wenatchee Wild.