Where We Stand

With four of the seven games played in each second round series, the Conference Finals outlook is still very blurry.

While Carolina was able to take a 3-1 lead in their series versus the top-seeded Bruins, the other three tilts are deadlocked at two games apiece.

Here's some things that have stood out thus far in the second round:

- I'd still take Crosby over Ovechkin. I look at it this way - Ovechkin has been the better player the past two seasons, but in the long-run Crosby will have the better career. While AO is by and far the best goal scorer in the world, I think Crosby is better because he is more well-rounded. His vision is second to none, his defense has become an asset, and he can win face-offs. His linemates are not exactly great, but he has still been arguably the best player in the playoffs thus far (it's between him Eric Staal, and Ryan Getzlaf if you ask me). The way Crosby passes, if he ever gets a true scorer on his line (doubtful - see salaries), he could lead the NHL in points in landslide fashion...health permitting.

- Cam Ward is a playoff dynamo. He is now 5-0 in playoff series, and is one win away from making that five a six. The confidence and swagger he supplies the Carolina Hurricanes with is un-matched.

- Ryan Getzlaf and Eric Staal are well on their way to compiling excellent post-season careers...oh, wait, they already have.

Getzlaf's stat line reads: 53-15-30-45
(If you take away his rookie season: 37-12-26-38)

Staal's stat line reads: 36-18-22-40

Impressive stuff.

- Everyone who thinks Mike Green is the runaway winner for the Norris - I hope you've been watching the Caps. Green has been awful. Sub-par on offense, downright ugly on defense. Although, based on his last three games, Chara (my pick) hasn't been too much better.

- Shoot glove on Varlamov.

- Pavel Datsyuk somehow only has two goals and one assist in eight playoff games...despite not playing badly. Once he gets on the board and Rafalski comes back...watch out.

Pens Take Game Three, Canes Go up 2-1 on B's

Game Three was an exhibition of how I thought this series would unfold.

The Pens outshot the Caps 42-23. They drew 14 penalty minutes, as opposed to only taking four penalty minutes, themselves. The play was clearly in the Pens' favor.

Evgeni Malkin was finally able to strut his stuff last night. "Geno" registered nine shots on net, scoring once, and was clearly the best player on the ice outside of Caps' netminder Simeon Varlamov. Malkin really turned it on in the third period and overtime, driving the net and dangling defenders at will.

Sidney Crosby (two assists) and Alex Ovechkin (one goal, one assist) continued to play well. Crosby's second assist came off of a pivotal face-off win in overtime which saw Kristopher Letang blast a slap shot off of a Caps' defender and past an unsuspecting Varlamov.

The Pens showed some fight, prevailing with a win despite a weak Ovechkin goal just over a minute into the contest, and also allowing Nicklas Backstrom to tie the contest with just under two minutes left in regulation.

The Caps looked flat all game. They weren't able to generate many chances, and as a result, only drew two Pittsburgh penalties. If it wasn't for Simeon Varlamov, who played a heckuva game, the score could've been lopsided in the Pens' favor...

Down in Raleigh, the Canes were able to take Game Three courtesy of a Jussi Jokinen overtime strike.

The Canes were able to use the energy of their passionate fans to outplay the Bruins, nearly doubling them in shots 41-23.

If the first ten Carolina playoff games are a sign of things to come, Jokinen could be the next name on a long list of surprising playoff heros. This is the same player than went unclaimed on waivers in February before being traded to the Hurricanes a few days later.

Jokinen now has five goals in these playoffs, including a game-winning goal with under a second left in regulation in the first round to go along with last night's overtime marker.

It's guys like Jokinen that the make the playoffs so enjoyable. Yeah, it's great to watch superstars like Crosby and Ovechkin go at it, but I find it just as exciting to watch a relatively unknown guy like Jokinen make a name for himself...

Ducks Down Rafalski-less Wings, 'Nucks Take Game Three

Once again, I insist, do not bet on the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Because of the parity? No. Because of the freakin' NHL disclosure policy.

Who would've guess that Brian Rafalski was going to miss the first three games of the Wings' semi-finals match-up?

If the first three games have told us anything, it is that Detroit is dearly missing Rafalski. 59 points. A plus 17. But above all, he adds a level of calmness to the Detroit back-line and top power-play unit. Guys like Jonathon Eriksson are playing too much. Chris Chelios, although I admire the guy, has no business playing in an NHL playoff game, as exhibited when he got burned with an outlet pass that sprung Teemu Selanne for a breakway which he cashed for the first goal of the game.

Despite solid statistics, I think Henrik Zetterberg has had a very vanilla second round. Marian Hossa, who got jipped out of the tying goal because the ref lost sight of the puck, has been making bad decisions with the puck in the offensive zone. Pavel Datsyuk, who has been creating numerous scoring chances and was easily the best Wing in Game Three, has yet to put his mark on this series.

Anaheim deserves much of the credit. Their second through fourth lines are playing much better than expected, Ryan Getzlaf has been hands down the best forward in the series, and Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger are playing like it's 2007.

Teemu Selanne seemed to really have some jump last night. If he can provide them with some secondary scoring at even strength outside the Perry-Getzlaf-Ryan line, that will continue to be a huge boost for the Ducks.

The Wings will need to finish their scoring chances and convert on their power-play opportunities to have success in Game Four. Having Brian Rafalski back on the blue-line wouldn't hurt either...

Last night in Chicago, the Canucks were able to work their way to a 2-1 series lead.

The Sedins continued to produce, Roberto Luongo was Roberto Luongo, and the 'Nucks role players were able to do their jobs.

Making the win even more impressive was the fact that they played without Pavol Demitra and Sami Salo. Mason Raymond was able to step into Demitra's role and notch the first goal of the game off of a gorgeous Ryan Kesler assist. The Canucks' team defense was excellent despite the absence of Salo.

Although the Hawks didn't get the result they would've liked, Hawks' Coach Joel Quenneville had to be impressed with the efforts of Brian Campbell. The expensive Chicago rearguard was constantly joining the rush and making things happen. He scored Chicago's lone goal, and also had a centering pass redirect off of the post behind Roberto Luongo in the third period.

If the Hawks are to win Game Four, they will need to get more than 24 shots on the Canucks' Captain...

AO vs. Crosby? That's Just Part of the Story

AO vs. Crosby?

Kind of.

The hockey world has been adding fuel to the fire for the Ovechkin versus Crosby rivalry all season long. With each player registering four goals in the first two games of this prominent second round series, including their first playoff hat tricks last night in a 4-3 Capitals win, it's easy to say this head-to-head match-up has been the central story of the series.

I digress.

Yes, Ovechkin and Crosby have been the best players on the ice. Yes, the head-to-head match-up has been some of the most entertaining hockey in recent memory. But this isn't the reason why the Penguins are heading back to Steeltown down 0-2.

The Penguins are down 2-0 to the Capitals because Crosby is the only person playing well for the Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury has been very average. Evgeni Malkin, although slightly better in Game Two, has essentially been a non-factor. Jordan Staal's line has been far from the x-factor. The Pens defense has been "okay"...at best.

The bottom line is that the Caps' "other" players have been better than the Pens' "other" players.

David Steckel continued to be a game changer in Game Two. He registered his second goal in as many games, while continuing his strong defensive play and penalty-killing.

Guys like Brooks Laich continue to muck it up in all three zones. Nicklas Backstrom set-up the game-winner in Game One, and won a key face-off on the third Caps' goal in Game Two.

One guy who needs to be better for the Caps continues to be Mike Green. He has been downright bad, as exhibited when Crosby overpowered him in front of the net to register his second goal.

I'm loving the exploits of the Great8 and Sid the Kid. Both continue to score goals and make plays that nobody else can make. Whether it be Ovechkin breaking in on a seemingly harmless one-on-one and ripping a bullet to the top shelf to give his team a two goal cushion, or Crosby batting a puck out of mid-air from a ridiculous angle and into the back of the net after battling in front of the net to get his team back in it, both guys have done their part...and then some.

What separates Crosby and Ovechkin from the rest isn't just the talent...it's the fact they want it more than anyone else on the ice.

But, unless the Penguins can give their Captain some support, the hockey world could be jipped out of a long, and sure to be entertaining, series...

Ducks, Canes Pull Even

Some triple OT action on a Sunday Afternoon?

Why not?

The Ducks' Todd Marchant was able to beat Detroit netminder Chris Osgood with a snap shot to the high glove side, evening the series at one game apiece.

During regulation, the Ducks continued to exhibit the same great team effort that was on display in Game One. Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer continued to excel 0n defense, while Ryan Getzlaf added a goal and two assists to his playoff leading 13 points. Jonas Hiller made 59 saves, including 29 in overtime.

Getzlaf outplayed Joe Thornton in the first round. He's now outplaying Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk in round two.

Detroit continued to look fairly stagnant on offense. Despite some great efforts by Pavel Datsyuk, he was unable to get his name on the scoresheet. Detroit only managed to draw three Anaheim penalties.

As the game progressed, it became more and more obvious that Detroit is dearly missing the services of defenseman Brian Rafalski. Although he may get overshadowed at times by Nicklas Lidstrom, he is a great defenseman in his own right.

Detroit hopes to have him back for Game Three in Anaheim.

Some silver lining for Detroit - although I think Chris Osgood could very possibly have stopped the Todd Marchant winner, he continued to play well. As long as Osgood stays on his game I still really like Detroit's chances.

For the Ducks, they just need to continue play their game. They played two excellent road games, and shouldn't change a thing...

Last night, Cam Ward was singing Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" all game in Beantown.

After a Game One that saw him allow four goals on only 24 shots, Ward stopped all 36 shots he faced in Game Two, including a 16 save third period that saw his team get outshot 16-2.

Eric Staal was finally able to get on the scoresheet in his sixth game versus the B's this season, notching an empty net goal and an assist.

Zdeno Chara made the most costly error of the contest, turning the puck over to Chad Larose while on a Boston power-play. A short time later, Larose was able to find Matt Cullen in the slot - 2-0 Carolina.

Chara was a minus three in Game Two, a stat that will never bode well for the Bruins.

Despite being outshot, Carolina had a very solid outing. Thy received great goaltending, a solid effort from their top player (Staal), and quality team defense.

In Game Two, give Ward and Staal the edge over Thomas and Chara...

Caps Take Game One

The game was deadlocked at two late in the second period when Crosby broke into the zone.

Sid the Kid criss-crossed with linemate Chris Kunitz, leaving defenseman Tom Poti in a vulnerable position. Kuntiz took a drop pass from Crosby and then sent a pass back across the low slot. Crosby reached out and was able to get some wood on the pass, tapping it towards the empty Washington cage.

Enter Simeon Varlamov. The rookie tender was able to reach back to the goal-line, and get his stick on the Crosby redirection at the last possible moment.

This set the stage for the third period, where Tomas Fleischmann was able to redirect a nifty Nicklas Backstrom pass off of Marc-Andre Fleury's helmet and into the back of the net. The Caps were able to stave off the Pittsburgh attack for the remaining 18:14, and will now take a 1-0 series lead into Game Two in the Verizon Center.

While Simeon Varlamov, who looked shaky at first but came on strong as the game progressed, will surely grab most of the headlines, the best player on the ice for the Caps was checker David Steckel.

He scored the first Caps' marker while driving the net, putting a halt to Pittsburgh's early dominance in the first period. Steckel was a beast on the penalty kill, breaking up pass after pass, winning battles, and continually getting the puck deep into the Pittsburgh end.

In the first installment of "Crosby vs. Ovechkin," give the edge to Crosby. Despite missing that key opportunity off of the Kunitz pass (which was no tap in as suggested, but still one Crosby would say he needs to bury), Crosby still had an excellent game. He was all over the place, and was noticeable every time he hit the ice. Ovechkin had a 5-on-3 power play goal, and also hit two posts, but wasn't necessarily as involved in the game as he usually is. The Great8 had an average game, while Crosby was his squad's best player.

To be more successful in Game Two, the Penguins will need to receive better efforts from Marc-Andre Fleury and Evgeni Malkin. Fleury failed to make pivotal stops when his team needed them. He has to stop atleast one of the Steckel or Fleischmann goals. Malkin had a solid third period, but was fairly invisible in the first two periods (outside of an assist on an Eaton goal that has no business going in). I expect him to play a full 60 minutes in his next outing...

In tonight's action, the Canucks will play host to the Blackhawks. It goes without saying - huge game for Chicago. If they can take Game Two, they'll have to feel confident going back to the friendly confines of the United Center, a place where they have been dominant all season long.

Lidstrom Downs Ducks, B's Bash Canes

Anaheim played a very efficient game. Chris Pronger was a force on the blue-line. Ryan Getzlaf now leads the post-season in points after registering two helpers last night. Corey Perry had a goal and a fight. Jonas Hiller stopped 34 shots. Seems like the recipe for Anaheim success, right?

Nope.

Despite limiting the offensive exploits of the Red Wings, the Ducks still fell 3-2 in Game One via Nicklas Lidstrom's second goal of the game. With only 50 seconds left in regulation, Lidstrom was able to sneak in from his point, fire a shot on Jonas Hiller off of a Dan Clearly centering pass, then convert his own rebound to put Detroit up for good.

Like I said in my predictions, the numbers just don't add up for Anaheim. I thought they played a very solid Game One, minus a few costly penalties (i.e. Mike Brown's late hit on Jiri Hudler).

Cutting down on penalties won't be an easy task for the Ducks. For one, they have to play on the edge. If they aren't playing physical or chippy hockey they won't be successful. Combine that with Detroit's speed and puck possession and you have two elements that equate with a lot of Detroit man-advantages.

The two best players on the ice were Chris Pronger (two assists) and Nicklas Lidstrom (two goals, one assist). Pronger was dominant in his own zone, creating headaches for Detroit's top guns all night. Lidstrom continues to prove why he is Detroit's back-bone. The guy knows how to run a power-play, stifle opponents defensively, and lead with his play both on and off the ice.

One worriesome stat for Duck's fans has to be 27:55. That's how much Ryan Getzlaf played last night. He led Anaheim forwards in even-strength ice-time, power-play ice-time, and penalty-kill ice-time. Those are hard minutes. It will be interesting to see if he wears down as the series progresses...

Over in Boston, Tim Thomas' Bruins were able to KO Cam Ward's Hurricanes. The Bruins managed to convert four goals on only 24 shots - not Cam Ward's best outing.

Carolina is going to need to keep Marc Savard and David Krejci off of the scoresheet, or atleast limit the number of occurrences, and also receive better performances from Cam Ward and Eric Staal...

Canucks Blow Lead Late, but Still Take Game One

Man, a three goal lead doesn't carry the same weight it use to, huh?

The Canucks managed to win Game One, despite blowing a 3-0 lead in a total of eight minutes and 36 seconds in the third period.

Sami Salo was able to prevent Chicago from pulling off the comeback in its entirety, converting on a rebound after a 3-on-1 odd man rush with only 73 ticks left in regulation.

Patrick Kane led the charge in Chicago's third period attack, notching Chicago's first two strikes. Dave Bolland then knotted the contest at three, finishing after a Duncan Keith point shot.

If I'm a Vancouver fan, there's a lot I'm happy about, despite blowing a 3-0 lead. The Sedins continued to compete and create scoring chances, Roberto Luongo had another solid outing, and most importantly, they got contributions from some less likely sources.

The biggest of these contributions came from Kyle Wellwood. The much maligned center continued to win faceoffs, drew ten minutes in penalties, and also registered two assists.

Is he undersized? Yes. Is he slow? Yes. Out of shape? Definitely.

But I also think this has been a little overblown. Wellwood will always win faceoffs, and is very capable of being a point producer on the power-play...despite his physical attributes (or lack there of).

For the Hawks to reach a better fate next time around, they will need to first and foremost stay out of the box. They gave Vancouver seven power-plays - a big no no. They will also need to construct some traffic in front of Luongo for 60 minutes, just like they did in the third period of Game One. It's no coincidence that all three of Chicago's goals came off of rebounds.

Jonathon Toews, who recently missed a team practice, will need to have a bigger impact from this point out. He is playing hurt, though, so we'll cut the youngster some slack...

In tonight's action, the Ducks will pay a visit to Mo-town, while the Bruins host Eric Staal's Hurricanes. Expect a very physical game in Detroit and a closely contested effort in Beantown.