Random Thoughts On The Stanley Cup Conference Quarterfinals: Day Five

What a day. Each series will at least go to 5 games. Lets see where the cards fell today.

Phoenix: 4; Detroit: 2
Phoenix leads the series 2-1
I've heard a lot of people blaming Jimmy Howard for all the ills of the Red Wings right now but let's face it; these guys have had three consecutive postseasons where they've reached the Western Conference Finals or better; winning the Cup in 2008. In most cities a rebuild year means a Top-5 draft pick. In Detroit, it's a 5th Seed playoff spot. Not bad folks. Question now: can Phoenix hold it together without Shane Doan and Vern Fiddler?

Philadelphia: 3; New Jersey: 2; OT
Philadelphia leads the series 2-1
Hell of a goal by Dan Carcillo to end this one. In the end, role players have to step up their game and teams have to generate enough offense to be scary to their opponents. New Jersey, however, looked like they were battling a case of the Philadelphia flu and were limited to 19 shots on goal. They're going to have to significantly increase that number for the next game.

Pittsburgh: 4; Ottawa: 2
Pittsburgh leads the series 2-1
After watching this game, I realize why I didn't pick Ottawa to win the series. With a power play with 1:58 left in the game. The Senators were unable to generate a quality scoring chance during a 6-on-4 where the Penguins' penalty kill was pedestrian at best. The teams that succeed in the playoffs find a way to make that work. I'm not so optimistic that Game 4 will be good for the Senators; the Pens may just be two games away from ending the series.

Chicago: 2; Nashville: 0
Series tied 1-1
Now, Nashville was in a similar situation as the Senators with the 6-on-4 in the closing minutes of the game but the response from the penalty killing team was absolutely different. Chicago was absolutely tenacious every minute of the game and despite a terrific effort by Nashville, Chicago was just the better team tonight. Game 3 should be electric because Nashville's not going to lie down in their own building; not when the franchise has yet to advance out of the Conference Quarterfinals.

Colorado: 1; San Jose: 0; OT
Colorado leads the series 2-1
Craig Anderson makes 51 saves for his team and this is how the game ends:

Wanna hit that panic button yet, San Jose?