I’d have to say… last night was one of the more exciting nights of hockey we’ve seen this season. The games in New York and Boston especially had a playoff feel.

Montreal/Boston
Please, please, please meet up in the 1st round! Although the refs let that game get out of hand last night, those first 2 periods were awesome with all the scrums & fights. The Lucic take down on Komisarek was cheap, but classic. Those two for sure have a rivalry within the rivalry. Ryan O’Byrne’s scrum with Shawn Thornton was uncalled for. I think anyone who watched that game (even parts of it) felt that was a playoff game; there was emotion all-around. And how bout Schneider coming back and scoring a goal?? Nothing seemed to be wrong with his shoulder there. And you can’t overlook the great play that Patrice Bergeron made before he set up Recchi’s game-winner. Great play! Great game!

Philly/New York
I never thought I’d say this, but a game at MSG was actually enjoyable to watch! The Rangers locked up a playoff berth with the 2-1 win. Henrik Lundqvist was outstanding for the Rangers, and his glove save on Carcillo in the 3rd was sick. He stopped 37 shots en route to the victory. I’m going to say this about Philly… since Danny Briere came back from injury, the team is 8-9-1. They’ve been inconsistent offensively, unable to find any sort of groove. Also, everyone talks about how great Biron has been lately. What!? He too has been inconsistent since mid-March. Nonetheless, can’t wait to see their rematch on Sunday!

Nashville/Detroit
I’m going to be honest, I thought it was game-set-match when Franzen scored early in the 3rd to put the Wings up 3-1. I was dead wrong! ‘Captain Clutch’ came through again, scoring maybe the biggest goal of the Preds’ season when he picked off Lidstrom and stuck home his own rebound to make it 3-2. That goal brought new life to the Preds. Then Dumont’s goal in front with a minute to go sent the game into overtime… from then on, I knew Nashville would find a way. They weren’t gonna comeback and lose in overtime or the shootout. Arnott stepped up in the shootout, and put home the winner; another thrilling win as the Preds live to see another day!! It’s important to point out that this win sealed the season series with Detroit in Nashville’s favor…

Florida/Atlanta
Hindsight 20-20, the Panthers should’ve dealt Bouwmeester at the deadline. Now he’s gonna walk, and Florida will get nothing for him (unless they trade his rights). For the last 3 weeks, deep down, I truly could not see the Panthers in the playoffs. They just don’t have the horses to run with New York & Montreal. The injuries to Bryan McCabe and Nathan Horton came at the wrong time, too. The loss that really put ‘em in a bind was the one at home to Atlanta last Friday. And I think all of us will admit that the Panthers would’ve been a quick out in the 1st round. At least the Habs & Rangers will put up a good fight, and will be more TV-friendly. Great season, ‘Cats… but you fell a bit short.

Buffalo/Carolina
Now the Sabres are officially done. You have to give them credit for spanking the red-hot Hurricanes, but it just wasn’t meant to be this year. Why aren’t the Sabres going to the playoffs?? One… they lost too many games that they should’ve won. Two… the injuries to Ryan Miller & Thomas Vanek late in the year was too much. They just failed to execute when it mattered, and they’ll be watching the playoffs from home for the 2nd straight year.

Phoenix/San Jose
I want to know where this effort from Phoenix has been since the All-Star break… ‘cause I sure haven’t seen it. Their 4-1 win at San Jose caused the Sharks fans to even release the boo birds. The Coyotes killed off 6 straight power plays in the last 30 minutes or so. Al Montoya was stellar in net, turning away 39 shots. He could really be a steal for them if he puts it all together. As for the Sharks, you’re starting to see them buckle in April once again. But for the last 3 years, they’ve been one of the hotter teams heading into the playoffs… this year, that’s not the case. Could that turn around their playoff fortunes?? Doubt it. They shouldn’t want anything to do with that Presidents’ Trophy…

[Source: RedLightD.Blogspot.com]

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