First Round First Two

Carolina and Boston

Hurricanes 3 – Islanders 1 (Series 1-0 Carolina) This opening game was not won until the very last 92 seconds of the game when Carolina scored into an empty net.

New York gave Carolina everything they could handle in a tight 1-1 game where the Hurricanes scored first and the Islanders tied it up less than seven minutes later in the first period.

The game’s announcers and Carolina’s head coach proffered the notion that the Hurricanes had not played a “meaningful” game in a while giving excuse as to why the Islanders were playing so well in Raleigh.

I am not sure who should be more insulted, the Islanders or the Carolina fans who paid top dollar to watch their head coach and team go through the motions during the end of the season contests because the ‘Canes do not deem them meaningful games.

Bruins 5 – Maple Leafs 1 (Series 1-0 Boston) Boston wins their first game at home in convincing fashion as Toronto had difficulty hitting the back of the net, the Maple Leafs played well by taking enough SOG and dished out as many hits as they took.

But it was Boston’s netminder Mr. Swayman who was the difference maker last night and if the Bruins do not want to fold in the first round again their goaltender will have to stand tall every game.

Toronto is not revealing why their second leading point scorer on the team is out with an “undisclosed” possible injury, one person does not make a team but the Maple Leafs require all four of their core players to produce offensively to advance.

Four Games Tonight

Florida hosts Tampa Bay Just after high noon today the Panthers begin their march back to the Cup Finals at home versus a Lightning team that plays about even on the road. (Panthers win in 6)

New York hosts Washington This Metro series might be a sweep as the Capitals have the worst goal differential of any playoff team and 11 OT losses, comparably the Rangers won 15 more games with only 4 OT losses as they looked poised and ready. (Rangers win in 4)

Winnipeg hosts Colorado The Jets are looking to fly high over the Avalanche this series as Colorado rarely loses at home but just over .500% on the road whereas Winnipeg is just as impressive home or away. (Jets win in 5)

Vancouver hosts Nashville This might be the one opening round series that goes seven games with the Canucks holding a slight edge across the board but the Predators have come on strong to finish the season to be the number one wild card. (Vancouver wins in 7)