tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

1st Round NHL Playoffs: Awesome!!!

In my opinion there is nothing more exciting than the NHL playoffs, particularly the first round and this year has been no different.  Best series without a doubt has been the Canadiens-Bruins series.  An Original 6 rivalry, long-storied playoff history and the Chara-Pacioretty incident has really made this a compelling series to watch.  Not to mention two unreal overtime games that has seen the Bruins storm back after losing the first two at home to take a 3-2 lead in the series.  Game 6 at the Bell Centre will be wild.

The Buffalo-Philadelphia series has been a war of attrition with the Sabres looking to close out the Flyers today at HSBC.  Quite honestly I'm not surprised as the Flyers played terribly the last 6 weeks of the season.  The Capitals closed out the Rangers 4-1.  The back breaker was Game 4 at MSG when the Rangers blew a 3 goal lead in the 3rd period and ultimately lost in overtime.  The Caps look they might be poised for a late run.

The Pittsburgh-Tampa Bay series has also been interesting as Steve Stamkos finally broke loose in Pittsburgh.  But what really needs to be emphasized is the great work that Coach Dan Bylsma has done with his team.  How many teams could be on the verge of advancing without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin?  The truth be told the Penguins have really exhibited teamwork without their big stars since early January.

While the Red Wings rolled over the Coyotes, the Kings are giving the Sharks all they can handle which doesn't surprise me in the least.  I guess we are witnessing why Jonathan Quick was on the US Olympic team last year as he has been outstanding making 51 saves last night.  And then there are the Nashville Predators, the Rodney Dangerfields of the NHL, who lead the Anaheim Ducks 3-2.

But what has become one of the most intriguing series is the Chicago-Vancouver match-up.  The Canucks had the defending champs on the ropes as they swept the first 3 games.  But the Black Hawks have roared back running Roberto Luongo out of the net in the last two games.  Game 6 is tonight at the United Center.  It will be wild and if the Hawks win tonight I think they will win Game 7.

If the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs are anything like what we have seen thus far, its going to be an awesome Run to the Cup.  The only thing that could be better was if the Maple Leafs were in it.  Wait until next year!!!!!