Around the Rink

With two tickets to the conference semi-finals already punched, six spots still remain. Vancouver and Boston will have some time to rest their black and blues while awaiting their next round's opponent...

Out West, the Ducks will play host to the Sharks tonight in a pivotal Game Four. Anaheim is up 2-1, so tonight's outcome will go a long way to deciding if the Sharks will sink or swim. If this contest is a high scoring affair like Game Three, and make no mistake, a 4-3 outcome is high scoring between these two solid defensive teams, than Anaheim could be in trouble. They cannot allow Boyle and Blake to get their names on the scoresheet as often as they did in their previous outing....

Detroit will have a chance to eliminate the Jackets tonight in Columbus. I expect Detroit to keep their foot on the gas, knowing that they will need all the rest they can get throughout the post-season...

Last night, Calgary was able to deadlock their series with Chicago at two apiece, due in large part to the contributions put forth by Eric Nystrom, whose potted two goals and two assists in the last two tilts. Getting four points and a game-winning goal in two games from a guy who had 5 goals and 10 points during the entire regular season is a major plus for the Flames. Like Father, like son, I guess...

Moving to the east, the Devils and Canes will square off tonight in Newark. Tied at two games apiece, it goes without saying how important this game is. Brodeur and Ward will need to be at the top of their games. I expect a big game from Eric Staal...

In Steel-town, the Flyers will be facing elimination at the hands of Sid's Penguins. For the Flyers to stay alive, they will need a better all-around effort than they received in Game Four, especially from Briere, Giroux, and Carter. For the Pens, they just need to keep their eyes on the prize. It's a tall task ahead for the guys in orange, but if they can get this one back to Philly for Game Six, who knows what will happen?

The Rangers/Caps series will be on hiatus tonight, and resume tomorrow night in D.C. Get some rest Henrik, get some rest....