Day One Roundup

Here is some food for thought after Day One of the playoffs...

I didn't really think the Blues played "their game." Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a "bad" outing, and they only lost by one...I just didn't like their forwards' jam. I expect them to be a lot more into the series from this point out; they are a young team after all, especially up front...

The Sedins played well. I thought they competed hard. Their early success bodes well for the 'Nucks. Their defense, goaltending, and role players will contribute, but for this team to have Cup aspirations the Sedins will have to fire at, or near, a point-per game pace...

Some silver-lining for Philadelphia fans (and this may seem to be a stretch) - it was better to be embarrassed 4-1 than to lose a tight game. Reason being, if this doesn't get the boys in orange going, I don't know what will. Losing handily to your rival in the first game of the playoffs should be embarrassing. I expect a better effort Game Two...so long as Timonen is okay after getting nicked up...

Game One of the Carolina/Jersey Series was anything but what I expected. Carolina seemed to forget the effort and passion that propelled them into the playoffs, while the Devils really had some jump. Cam Ward didn't have his best game, but he also got very little support. Memo to Carolina forwards: shoot the puck often, and throw it at Brodeur's feet from bad angles. Anyone who has watched the Devils on a regular basis should know this...

Will we see Varlamov in Game Two in Our Nation's Capital? Only time will tell, as Bruce Boudreau is apparently mulling it over...