Random Thoughts On The Stanley Cup Conference Quarterfinals: Day Ten

by Mike

Well, things are starting to get clearer now. The Pens advance and the Blackhawks can end it in six against the Predators. Can San Jose knock off the Avs? We'll find out.

Chicago: 5; Nashville: 4; OT
Chicago leads the series 3-2
One wonders how this game would have looked if Nashville would have mustered more than 21 shots. But they didn't and Marian Hossa's OT goal was able to put it over the top. How Niklas Hjalmarsson was not named a star tonight is beyond me (a goal, and assist, and a +3) but this was a spectacular and exciting game. Game 6 goes back to Nashville and while they're going to be at home, the Predators will have to break their streak of Game 6 exits to stay alive.

Pittsburgh: 4; Ottawa: 3; OT
Pittsburgh wins the series 4-2
Well put this one in the books folks. At one point, Ottawa was up 3-0 and were looking to head back to Pittsburgh for Game 7. Yet Pittsburgh's grinders mount and insurmountable comeback and in the end, Pascal Dupuis seals the deal for the Penguins to advance. Give Ottawa credit for playing a determined game against a formidable opponent, but Pittsburgh's deep as they are talented and took advantage of it. The Pens will likely face the Boston Bruins for the next series.

San Jose: 5; Colorado: 2
San Jose wins the series 4-2
The game was a lot closer than the score indicates; two of those Sharks goals were empty netters. Nevertheless, they're going to advance to the next round. I think the series was forever changed once the ice gaffe happened in Game 4 (thanks to reader Steve's perspective; if the Avs meant to take advantage of that; it wasn't the best decision.) After that, it just wasn't the same for the Avalanche. Give them credit; no one thought they'd be back to the postseason so soon, so hopefully they can take that momentum and build off it for the next season.