The Los Angeles Kings will be back in LA with a 2-0 series lead over the Western Conference Champion Canucks. With their 4-2 win over Vancouver last night, they take a greater hold of the series and show that their arrival in the postseason may not have been so flukey after all. A large part of it was goaltending as the Kings managed only 26 shots compared to Vancouver's 48 leaving LA netminder Quick with a .958 save percentage.
Meanwhile, New Jersey and Florida opened up their series down in the Sunshine State. And, well, let's say there was no need for an exterminator because the rats didn't rain down in victory. The Devils won the first game 3-2 over the Southeast Division winning Panthers. The Devils lead 3-0 at one point, but held off the Florida rally.
Philadelphia took a 2-0 lead in their series against the Penguins. And they started the game in similar fashion, down by a few goals, only to rally back to a victory thanks to Giroux's hat trick. There were no horrible calls this time that directly allowed a goal. If history plays a role here, then Philadelphia will win the series. They are 17-0 all time in the playoffs when leading 2-0 in a series. However, rivalries seems to bring out the perfect stage for historical re-writes.
The Red Wings tied up the series with Nashville, earning a 3-2 victory before going back to Detroit. Howard was brilliant between the pipes as was the penalty kill unit that didn't allow goals on the six Predator power plays.
The saddest moment of the night? The stands in Florida. With empty seats. And not just a few scattered singles. I mean chunks of the lower level with comfy spots waiting for a fan. It has been years and years since the Panthers were in the playoffs, much less division champions. And still, no one showed up.
Meanwhile, the Braves opened up their season at home with a victory over the Brewers with a standing room only crowd. Little MLB for you there.
