The 2010 NHL Eastern Conference playoffs started on Wednesday, April 14th. All four of the best-out-of seven series have played three games with action continuing tonight and Wednesday. Here is an update of each series along with the current odds for each team to represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Click Here for Expert NHL Hockey Picks.
#1 Washington Capitals (5-6) vs. #8 Montreal Canadians (30-1)
Washington, the top team in the league was stunned by Montreal in game one in a 2-3 OT loss. Tomas Plekanec beat Capitals goalie Jose Theodore on his stick side 13 minutes into the extra period to give the Canadians a huge win on the road. Washington had to go to overtime again in game two, but this time they came away with a 6-5 win when it took Nicklas Backstrom just .31 seconds in the extra period to tie the series at two. The Capitals looked more like themselves in game three, beating the Canadians 5-1 in Montreal. The series continues with game four on Wednesday night in Montreal.
#2 New Jersey Devils (12-1) vs #7 Philadelphia Flyers (14-1)
After losing Jeff Carter for the season, Philadelphia limped into the playoffs needing an overtime shootout win over the Rangers in the final game of the season just to qualify. So far they have given New Jersey all they can handle, winning two of the first three games. They won game one 2-1 on a Chris Pronger goal. After losing game two 5-3, they moved the series to Philadelphia and grinded out a 3-2 OT win when Daniel Carcillo, an unlikely hero scored the game winner 3:35 into overtime. The series continues tonight with game four in Philadelphia.
#3 Buffalo Sabres (14-1) vs #6 Boston Bruins (14-1)
Ryan Miller showed why he is one of the best goalies in the league by stopping 38 Boston shots to give Buffalo a 2-1 win in game one. The Bruins were able to get to Miller in game two, coming away with a 5-3 win to shift the home ice advantage in this series back to Boston. It was Bruins rookie goalie Tuukka Rask’s turn in the spotlight as he turned away 32 Buffalo shots to secure a 2-1 win and a two to one game advantage in the series. The next game is at Boston on Wednesday night.
#4 Pittsburgh Penguins (12-5) vs. #5 Ottawa Senators (24-1)
Despite a lack of playoff experience, Ottawa looked like seasoned veterans in game one by out dueling the defending Stanley Cup Champions 5-4 in Pittsburgh to take game one. Sydney Crosby was not about to let his Pens fall down again as he scored a goal, made a save, and set up the game winner to give Pittsburgh a 2-1 win in game two. Pittsburgh finally looked more like themselves coming away with a solid 4-2 win in game three to take a two games to one edge in the series. Play continues tonight with game four in Ottawa.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.