Mar 05, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA; Vancouver Canucks center Henrik Sedin (33) and San Jose Sharks right wing Adam Burish (37) faceoff during the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Canucks Vs. #6 Sharks

Season Series: Sharks swept the Canucks (3-0-0)

Sun Jan. 27 Canucks @ Sharks 4-1 Sharks win

Tue Mar. 5 Sharks @ Canucks 3-2 SO Sharks win

Mon Apr. 1 Canucks @ Sharks 3-2 Sharks win

Series Schedule

Wednesday, May 1 in Vancouver, 10:30 P.M.

Friday, May 3 in Vancouver, 10:00 P.M.

Sunday, May 5 in San Jose, 10:00 P.M.

Tuesday, 7 in San Jose, 10:00 P.M.

Thursday, May 9 in Vancouver, 10:00 P.M.

Saturday, May 11 in San Jose, TBD

Monday, May 13 in Vancouver, TBD

Canucks

Season Record: 26-15-7, 59 pts., +6 goal differential, Home Record: 15-6-3, Road Record: 11-9-4, last ten games: 5-4-1

The Canucks are the Northwest Division Champions again this season, with only the Minnesota Wild to help represent the division in the playoffs. They’ve had an up and down season and haven’t been as dominant as they have the past few years. We all know about their goaltending drama, but the Canucks have been consistent with Corey Schneider as the starting goaltender and Roberto Luongo backing him up. The Canucks will have home ice advantage and need to adjust their regular season home record of 15-6-3 if they hope to ward off the Sharks in the first round.

Canucks top scorer – Henrik Sedin 45 pts. (11G, 34A)

Starting Goaltender – Corey Schneider, 2.11 GAA, .927 save percentage

Sharks

Season Record: 25-16-7, 57 pts., +8 goal differential, Home Record: 17-2-5, Road Record: 8-14-2, last ten games: 5-5-0

The Sharks had a great start to the season, going 7-0-1 before faltering and blending in with the crowd. They swept the Canucks in a 3 game season series, once in a shootout. The Sharks won’t have home ice advantage for this series which could be an issue since their regular season road record is 8-14-2. The key to defeating the Canucks is playing a stronger road game every night in hopes of stealing a couple in Vancouver.

Sharks top scorers – Joe Thornton 40 pts. (7G, 33A), Logan Couture 37 pts. (21G, 16A)

Starting Goaltender – Antti Niemi, 2.16 GAA, .924 save percentage

Notes

Raffi Torres was traded from Canucks to the Sharks this season. We’ll see if he’s stopped his human wrecking ball ways or if he lets the Canucks feel some of it.

Both the Sharks and Canucks have lost 2 games in preparation for the post season, so it’s a matter of which team will turn it up and overtake the opponent.

Prediction – Sharks will advance in 7. Both teams have almost identical records, but the Sharks faced more talented opponents against the Anaheim Ducks and the LA Kings, the defending Stanley Cup champions. It will be a back and forth series that eventually goes to the Sharks.

What is your prediction for the Sharks/Canucks series?

For more updates and conversation, follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_Up and friend us on Facebook at Blackhawk Up.

Feb 22, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad (20) is defended by San Jose Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle (22) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Saad is now fully inducted into being called a Chicago Blackhawks’ forward. Why? Like all of Chicago’s forwards Saad now baffles the opposition and possess speed and skills others simply cannot comprehend.

Of all the opposing coaches in the NHL Todd McLellan is one of the coaches I like. He is a very good coach but I have to disagree with his comment yesterday post game as his Sharks fell for a third time this year to the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1.

Maybe it was frustration or the Sharks inability to solve the Hawks, but in his own words he was pissed off leaving Chicago with no points and defeated yet again.

His comment on the short handed Saad game winning goal was not entirely accurate. For those that missed it he told the media “I thought we let a player that wasn’t very dangerous – not because he’s not very talented, or anything – but a player in a situation that wasn’t very dangerous, skate into a primary scoring spot without even challenging him,” McLellan said. “Then, I’m not sure if our goalie was on the angle or not, but [I’m] disappointed we didn’t challenge him earlier.”

Why I disagree with Coach McLellan is he just found out what others are beginning to realize that when dealing with Chicago Blackhawks there is NO situation that is not dangerous. Full strength, extra man situations or short handed the Blackhawks are always dangerous and not just their forwards either.

The Sharks may have concentrated too much on Kane, Toews, Hossa and Sharp and forgot that this Blackhawks team is loaded full with different weapons on all four lines.

Coach McLelland blamed Sharks’ defenseman Brent Burns for not closing the gap on Saad earlier and just let him walk in. Burns told the media he was trying to keep Saad from cutting back to the middle of the ice and keep him to the outside. Which he did but Saad still got it past Niemi off the far post.

Burns may have misjudged Saad’s speed and that caught him retreating rather than challenging. He probably did not want to get beat and be caught flat footed seeing Saad go around him. Burns should have tightened the gap for sure, you never give a Hawk forward any room if possible. Unfortunately for him he found that fact out and incurred his coach’s ire.

If Burns miscalculated Saad so did Antti Niemi. Niemi moved to much to his right post leaving a tiny window on the left side open just enough for a skilled sniper to get one in.

I’m not sure if both Burns and Niemi underestimated the rookie or they were simply unfamiliar with his speed and moves. In any event Brandon Saad now has the distinction of getting the Blackhawks into the NHL history books with his shorty game winning goal.

Consider also Coach Joel Quenneville had Saad out there on a penalty kill. That places a lot of responsibility and trust in a rookie forward which speaks volumes with the teams valuing of his defensive game. Give credit to Coach Quenneville for having the right personnel on the ice to allow that short handed goal to happen.

Young Saad now indeed joins the ranks of Blackhawks forwards in frustrating and agitating opposing teams and coaches. The scary thing is he is just a rookie and will only get better with more game experience. Just what the Hawks needed another skilled sniper in their repertoire.

Coach McLellan take heart, your not the only team to be out gunned by the Chicago Blackhawks arsenal of skilled forwards. The entire Western Conference teams to this point have not fared much better.  The Sharks now know the measure of where you need to be if you want to compete with the best.

For more updates and conversation, follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_Up and friend us on Facebook at Blackhawk Up.

Photo by Maggie Avila

It is surprising that a rookie in the NHL would fit in perfectly on the number one line of a Stanley Cup contending team like the Chicago Blackhawks. Then again we are not talking any rookie, we are talking Brandon Saad.

The scouting report on Brandon coming out of the Saginaw Spirits of the OHL was that he was a responsible two way player with the potential to be a top six power forward. Good size and good hockey IQ are mentioned often in association with Saad and Blackhawks fans are now seeing why.

Brandon Saad is getting the opportunity that most rookies would only dare to dream of. He is playing on the top line with Captain Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa and has not looked out of step at all. Up until now his stats on the Blackhawks do not indicate the level of his play.

He has been working extremely hard to create chances for his line and himself. Saad is very good with winning puck battles in corners and along the boards and in opening up ice with his deceptive speed. These things are not captured by the stat sheets but impact games none the less.

He was finally rewarded the other day with his first NHL goal against the San Jose Sharks. He was stationed in front of the goals which is where he needs to get to if he can with his 6’2” frame he will get a lot of chances there.

The media and some fans are pleasantly surprised with how well Saad has made the transition to the NHL and his keeping pace with Toews and Hossa and not being awestruck by just playing with those caliber players.

For anyone that saw Saad in the Blackhawks prospect camp it is not surprising at all. He carries himself with a poise and quiet confidence that is way beyond his years. In that regard he reminds you of his linemate Jonathan Toews. There is a maturity and calmness that Saad has both off and on the ice with the puck.

He also is similar to fellow linemate Marian Hossa in that he is a dependable two way player and physically solid. Saad is very defensively responsible and rarely puts himself or his team in bad positions. His hockey intelligence and puck anticipation is way beyond his age.

In prospect camp, all eyes were curious as to what new prospect Teuvo Teravainen was like and were in awe of his offensive skills, rightfully so. Equally impressive though was Saad. One could tell Saad was the most NHL ready as he could not be moved off the puck. He is solid in his skates and has great speed and balance. He is a physical specimen of hockey player.

During the lockout Saad played in Rockford on the Icehogs. He tallied 8 goals and 12 helpers in 31 games.

The only knock on Saad has been consistency but that is the case with most young hockey players and on the Blackhawks that has not been the case. He has played very consistently so much so Coach Quenneville has given him a turn on the power play.

It certainly doesn’t hurt Saad’s development being paired with probably the two best two way forwards in the NHL but credit Saad with taking advantage of his opportunity. The Blackhawks are impressed with what they have seen and will be keeping the rookie up with the big club and he will not be returning to Rockford.

It will be interesting to see what the Blackhawks do when Daniel Carcillo returns from injury. It is one of those good problems to have. No matter what line Saad plays on I for one am very happy he will remain on the Blackhawks roster. I also have to believe the Blackhawks are even happier at how Brandon Saad is developing and helping this team along the way. Congradulations Brandon keep playing your game.

Feb 5, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) celebrates with center Jonathan Toews (19) after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

In a match-up between the top two teams in the NHL Western Conference, The Chicago Blackhawks were victorious over the San Jose Sharks by a score of 5-3.

San Jose got off to a scorching-hot start, as they scored two quick goals from Joe Pavelski and Tommy Wingels.  The Sharks held a 2-0 lead very early until Brandon Saad added his first career NHL goal to bring the Blackhawks within one.  Less than a minute after Saad’s goal, the Sharks regained their 2 goal advantage on the Hawks with former Hawk, Michal Handzus adding a goal for San Jose.  The wacky first period continued as just eight seconds later, Andrew Shaw brought the Hawks back within one goal of the lead!  The first period wasn’t over yet, as Marcus Kruger added an unassisted tally to tie the game 3-3, and that’s how it would stay until the buzzer at the end…of the first period!

The second period settled down(offensively anyways) as both teams looked to break the tie.  Things got dicey, when Sharks’ forward Andrew Desjardins executed a questionable hit on a defenseless Jamal Mayers.  In Mayers’ defense, Hawks defenseman/alternate captain, Duncan Keith jumped Desjardins, earning himself a 5-minute fighting major + a two-minute instigator penalty + two minutes for instigating while wearing a visor + a ten minute game misconduct.  Desjardins on the other hand received a 5 minute fighting major + a ten-minute match penalty.

This resulted in extended four-on-four hockey, where the Hawks took advantage.  Jonathan Toews robbed the puck from Sharks’ defenseman, Douglas Murray to beautifully set-up Patrick Kane to bury the puck past Sharks goalie, Antti Niemi to give the Hawks a 4-3 lead, which would last through the end of the period.

After two uniquely explosive periods of hockey, the game settled down a bit.  There was some increased chirping and after the play conversations between the two teams, but in comparison to the first two periods, the third was quite tame.  Nick Leddy was called for holding, giving the Sharks a Power Play, and a golden opportunity to tie the game.  The opportunity and the Power Play were short-lived as Sharks’ goaltender, Antti Niemi was called for delay of game, just eleven seconds into the Sharks’ crucial Power Play, resulting in more 4 on 4 hockey, which seemed to be favoring the Blackhawks.

Later in the third period, the Sharks pulled Niemi for an extra-attacker, and the Hawks took advantage.  Patrick Kane added his second goal of the night, giving the Hawks a 5-3 lead, and eventually a victory over the Sharks.

Notes-

Corey Crawford got off to a very rocky start to the game, but overall settled down and made the saves that the Hawks needed him to make, although he has looked much more comfortable in the net this season.

Brandon Saad finally scored his first goal of his NHL career, although it should have come much sooner.  He has played great on the top line with Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa all season, and tonight was no exception.

Jonathan Toews won 17 of 26 faceoffs in the game.

It’s nice to see Bryan Bickell show flashes of a physical side to his game with some big hits.  If Bickell were to use his size more often, combined with his excellent wrist-shot, he would be an incredibly unique player, and would help the Hawks tremendously.

The Blackhawks are still the only team in the NHL without a regulation loss, and hold an outstanding record of  8-0-2, good for 18 points on the season.

The Hawks are currently 2-0-2(6 points) on their current 6-game road trip.

Next up for the Blackhawks, is their second meeting of the season with the Phoenix Coyotes, as they look to continue their succesful road trip.  Puck drop is set for 8:00 PM Central Time.

Feb 10, 2012; San Jose, CA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) skates with the puck past San Jose Sharks center Andrew Desjardins (69) during the second period at HP Pavilion. San Jose defeated Chicago 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Game #10-  Chicago Blackhawks(7-0-2, 16 points) Vs. San Jose Sharks(7-1-1, 15 points)

Game time-  9:30 PM Central Time

TV- NHLN-CA, CSN-CH, CSN-CA

Radio- WGN 720 AM, KFOX(San Jose area)

Preview- The top two teams in the NHL Western Conference face-off against each other tonight at the HP Pavillion in San Jose.  This game will be a great test for each team, as each team is trying to see if they are the best-in-the-west at this early check-point in the season.

The San Jose Sharks will be playing in their second of back-to-back games, as they are coming off of their first regulation loss of the season, at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks.  The Sharks are lead by their high-powered offense with the likes of Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton, who are tied for the team lead in points with 14 apiece.  Also lighting the lame for the Sharks at a consistent pace are Joe Pavelski and young star, but big-time contributor, Logan Couture.  The Sharks’ defensive core is anchored by veteran Dan Boyle, Douglas Murray, and newcomer from the Detroit Red Wings, Brad Stuart.

The Hawks have to figure out how to beat a familiar face in net for the Sharks, as Antti Niemi is expected to be the starting goaltender.  As many know, Niemi helped the Blackhawks capture their first Stanley Cup in 49 years, back in 2010.  Niemi was part of the Hawks’ offseason purge in 2010, as he went to the Sharks, and has found success and a long-term contract to stay in the bay-area.  This season, Niemi is off to a terrific start with a 6-0 record along with a 1.80 Goals Against Average, and a .936% Save Percentage.  The Blackhawks have always struggle to find the back of the net against Niemi, so they have thier work cut out for them.

The Blackhawks should be well-rested as they haven’t played since Saturday night when they defeated the Calgary Flames in the shootout.  This will be the fourth game of a 6-game road trip for the Hawks, while so far the Hawks have a record of 1-0-2(4 points) on the road trip.  Not a bad first half to their longest road trip of the season, as the Hawks have secured at least one point in the standings in each game on the trip, thus far.

Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa off to explosive starts for the Blackhawks this season.  The real story of the Hawks’ success so far this season, has been their special teams.  The penalty-kill has been especially good, as the Hawks’ have killed off 94.4 percent of opponents power-plays, the best percentage in the league.  Captain, Jonathan Toews has been winning face-offs at an outstanding 61.2%, a huge factor in the Hawks’ early-season success, as it contributes to their “own-the-puck” style of play.

The Blackhawks penalty-kill has been incredible thanks in large part to goaltender Corey Crawford’s excellent play in net.  Crawford continues to silence doubters this season, and even earned extra rest as Ray Emery filled in(superbly) for him in Calgary.  This season, Crawford has put up a 5-0 record with a 1.66 Goals Against Average, and a .934% Save Percentage.  He should be well-rested and ready to stop the Sharks’ dynamic offense tonight in San Jose.

Tonight’s game will be great test for each team, as well as a potentially important game in impacting the face of the Western Conference standings.  The Sharks loss last night against Anaheim, left the Blackhawks as the only team in the NHL without a regulation loss on hte season.  The Sharks would love nothing more than to hand the Hawks their first, in this potential playoff match-up between two elite teams.

Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

There has been some speculation that the New York Rangers might be trying to add Joe Thornton before the start of the season.  There have been whispers in the past few months the the San Jose Sharks might be interested in moving their captain.  If the Sharks are willing to move “Jumbo” Joe, Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman better be making a phone or two on this one.  Thornton is exactly what the Hawks need right now, a big and physical second line center.  Thornton is a play making assist machine that would excel in between Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp. He has had two seasons of over 90 assists including 96 in 2005-06 on his way to the Hart Trophy.  He has 324 goals and 754 assists and 1077 career regular season games and is a +17 for his career.  I know what a lot of you are saying right now, “he doesn’t show up in the playoffs!”  Well that is a reputation that isn’t exactly true.  Thornton does have 87 points (20 G, 67 A) in 114 career playoff games.  In fact since being in San Jose his playoff numbers have been pretty good.  He 69 points in 79 career playoff games with the Sharks, that is an average of 0.87 points per game.  Marian Hossa has a career playoff points per game average of 0.75 and Patrick Sharp’s is 0.63 but you never hear about those guys being post season “no shows.”  Thornton is signed for this year and the 2013-14 season with a $7 million cap hit.  The Hawks can afford that hit, especially if the use Niklas Hjalmarsson in the package to land Thornton.  Doug Wilson was very interested in Hjalmarsson two years ago, its time to see if he still wants him.  This trade would be a great fit for both the Hawks and Thornton and the Bowman has a lot to offer for his services.  The only factors would be if the Sharks are actually interested in moving their captain and if they would want to send him to a conference rival.  Time to work you magic Stan, if you have any…..

Thank you for reading, be sure to follow me on Twitter @SAMotherPucker

Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

The biggest ex-Blackhawks factor going into the Stanley Cup Final is Los Angeles Kings head coach Darryl Sutter.  Sutter not only played 406 games for the Blackhawks, from 1979-1987, but he also was the Hawks’ head coach for two and a half seasons from 1992-1995.

When Sutter took over the reigns of the Kings on Dec 22nd, LA was in 10th place of the Western Conference with just 34 points.  The Kings went  25-13-11 under Sutter and now his team is resting and waiting to see who they will be playing for Lord Stanley’s Cup.  It took just 14 games to knock out the top 3 seeds in the West; Vancouver, St. Louis and Phoenix.  The Kings have gone an astonishing 8-0, in road games, on their path to the Stanley Cup Final.  The Kings are playing a tough, no nonsense, defensive minded game which has got Darryl Sutter written all over it.  They have adopted the personality of their head coach and it is paying off big time.

Darry Sutter has always been an outstanding head coach.  This will be his second appearance in the Stanley Cup Final.  He guided the Calgary Flames to a Western Conference title in 2004 but lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning.  His teams have never missed the playoffs in years where he has coached a full season.  The Flames missed the playoffs in 2003, but he took over in midseason that year.  He took the San Jose Sharks to 5 straight post seasons between 1998-2002.

He has won everywhere he has been, including here in Chicago.  He won the last ever Norris Division title in 1991-1992, his first year behind the bench, replacing Mike Keenan.  Sutter parallels Keenan in many ways.  Not only did he replace him in Chicago, but as GM in Calgary, he hired Keenan as head coach before firing him in 2009.  Both coaches have had success where ever they have coached but always seem to eventually wear out their welcome.  Both guys have a “my way, or the highway” attitude which leads to winning, but will lead to friction down the road.  The Kings are enjoying a tremendous run and are not worried about when Sutter’s style will wear thin on them.  I am hoping the Kings bring home the Cup.  Not only because they beat the hated Canucks, Blues and Coyotes, but also to get one of the greatest family names in hockey back on the Stanley Cup.

Boyle in the back of the Senators (Debby Wong-USPRESSWIRE)

Score-New York Rangers 1 Ottawa Senators 0 (Rangers lead series 2-1)

 Quick Take- The huge boil for the Senators was named Bryan.  He scored the lone goal in a 1-0 game.  Boyle has now scored in every game in this series including game 3 which the Rangers regained home ice advantage.  Craig Anderson was superb in net for the Senators giving up the lone goal for the night, but stopping 22 shots in the game.  Ottawa played without their injured captain Daniel Alfredsson who was injured in game 2.

Stud-Henrik Lundqvist made 39 saves for his 4th NHL Playoff shutout

Dud- Ottawa Offense had 39 shots and went 0/4 on the power play.

Next- Game 4 Wednesday night in Ottawa 7:30 eastern

Score- Boston Bruins 4 Washington Capitals 3 (Boston leads series 2-1)

Quick Take- The Bruins scored a tie breaking goal with less than 2 minutes left to take the game.  Boston won on the physical scoreboard as well with 58 hits to the Capitals 36. Branden Holtby was not as good as he had been in the first two games of the series which help lead to the defeat at home.

Stud- Zdeno Chara withstood a stick to the face to score the winning goal and collect 2 assists

Dud- Nicklas Backstrom- After assisting on the third period tying goal. Backstrom cross checked Peverley.  He received a match penalty and barring a change by the NHL (which who knows could happen) will receive a minimum one game suspension.

Next- Game 4 Thursday night in Washington

Score- St Louis Blues 4 San Jose Sharks 3 (St Louis leads series 2-1)

Quick Take- Brian Elliott had a strong game except for the last three minutes and two late goals allowed.  St Louis took advantage of their power play opportunites and seized back home ice advantage.  No home teams won tonight!

Stud- St Louis Special Teams- the power play scored on their first 3 chances and finished 3/4 for the night.

Dud- Antti Niemi allowed 4 goals on 27 shots.  He has to be better than that for the Sharks to pull off the upset

Next- Thursday night in San Jose 10:30 eastern

The MVP through the first 2 games (Matt Kartozian-USPRESSWIRE)

Series- Blackhawks vs Coyotes (series tied 1-1)

Game 1-Phoenix 3 Blackhawks 2 OT

Game 2- Blackhawks 4 Phoenix 3 OT

The first two games of the series have been a carbon copy (sorry those younger than 25 that won’t get that reference) except for the overtime period.  In case you missed it here’s the cliff notes, Hawks score early, the Coyotes dominate  the 2nd period and take the lead until the waning seconds of the third period where Brent Seabrook will score or assist on a score in the last 15 seconds to send the game into overtime.  Game 1 the Hawks lost in OT after consecutive icings and a lost face off in their own zone.  Game 2 the Coyotes turned the puck over in OT and Bryan Bickell burying in the game winner. Corey Crawford has been great especially in the third periods stopping everything shot at him to make it possible for these last second heroics!

NEXT- Tuesday night in Chicago. Pivotal Game 3 with the Hawks stealing home ice advantage, the Hawks will need to use the their skill at home to beat Coyotes.  Marian Hossa sighting at the United Center would be helpful too.  The Hawks have gotten 95 shots on goal in the first two games, and hopefully a few more of those will get past the very theatrical Mike Smith. If you are faint in heart or experience heart pains it is not safe to watch the Blackhawks so far this series!!

Series- Nashville vs Detroit (Nashville leads series 2-1)

Game 1 Nashville 3 Detroit 2

Game 2 Detroit 3 Nashville 2

Game 3 Nashville 3 Detroit 2

First team to 3 wins each game.  Shea Weber has been the story most of this series, first with his head slam of Henrik Zetterberg. Sunday he scored on the power play that led to the3-2 win in Joe Louis Arena.   Nashville is trying to beat the Red Wings for the first time in three tries in playoff series after losing to them in 2004 and 2008.  They will need to keep the pressure up and continue to get good goal tending from Pekka Rinne.  Jimmy Howard after a shaky Game 1 has played good the other two games and will be asked to stop the Predator momentum in Game 4.

Next- Game 4 in Detroit Tuesday Night

Series- San Jose vs St Louis (Series tied 1-1)

Game 1 Sharks 3 Blues 2 Ot

Game 2 Blues 3 Sharks 0

This series which was quiet and a little boring, could be exciting now that both teams went a little nuts at the tale end of Game 2. As coach Hitchcock stated that you can’t open the Roman Polak door which led to 132 penalty minutes being assessed and this could have all the makings of a great game 3.   Jaroslav Halak did get hurt early in the 2nd period but no worries for the Blues, when you can replace him with Brian Elliott and one the best GAA in the NHL this season. He shut down the Sharks offense for the rest of the game, and after an early goal St Louis was able to dictate their style he rest of the way until the fistacuffs began.  For San Jose to be successful it has to get a lead early in the Shark Tank or they could be fish food or singing the Blues.

Next- Game 3 is tonight in San Jose 10 eastern

Series- Vancouver vs LA (Kings lead series 3-0)

Game 1- Kings 4 Canucks 2

Game 2- Kings 4 Canucks 2

Game 3  Kings 1 Canucks 0

Twitter update-follow LA Kings twitter feed its the 2nd best in the entire NHL behind Blackhawkup twitter feed!  This has to be the best series so far! Total domination by the Kings and Jimmy Quick versus the Canucks.  The loss of Daniel Sedin is most apparent during the Canucks power play which has not scored yet in the series. It seems very improbable that the Canucks can defeat Quick four straight games even with the switch in goal by the Canucks with Schneider replacing Luongo.  As much as everyone in Chicago hates this Canucks team, it is still a surprising 3-0 deficit they face now!

Next- Kings go for the series sweep Wednesday night in LA.

Sure didn't want to see you there!! (Matt Kartozian-USPRESSWIRE)

Score-New York Rangers 4   Ottawa Senators2 (Rangers lead series 1-0)

Quick Take- With a one goal lead but Senators surging Rangers coach John Tortorella called a timeout.  Momentum shifted back to the Rangers scoring 2 goals shortly thereafter and cruised to the win

Stud- Henrik Lundqvist- 30 saves

Dud- Senators Power Play went 0-3

Next- Saturday Night At NY Rangers

Score-Boston Bruins1  Washington Capitals0 OT (Bruins lead series 1-0)

Quick Take- Chris Kelly’s goal 1:18 into overtime wins it for the Bruins. Third string goalie Braden Holby came up big for the Capitals stopping all shot in regulation until letting the game winner by him.

Stud- Tim Thomas-stopped all 17 shots in the contest

Dud- Alex Ovenchkin- Only 1 shot on goal, Capitals cannot win this series if Ovenchkin doesn’t dominate

Next- Saturday at Boston Bruins

Score-  San Jose Sharks3  St Louis Blues2 2OT (Sharks lead series 1-0)

Quick Take- Former Blackhawk Martin Havlat scored with 3:34 into the 2nd overtime to give the visiting Sharks Game 1.  The Blues were 4-0 against the Sharks in the regular season

Stud- Martin Havlat- 2 goals in the game including the OT winner

Dud- The Blues still haven’t won a playoff game since 1994

Next- Saturday at St Louis Blues

Score-   Phoenix Coyotes3  Chicago Blackhawks2 OT (Coyotes lead 1-0)

Quick Take- Brent Seabrook tied the contest with 14.2 seconds left in regulation. After and early surge in overtime, the Coyotes gained control of the momentum in overtime and Martin Hanzal scored 9:29 into overtime.  Jonathan Toews scored early in the contest in his first action since sitting out the last 22 games of the regular season.  A failed face off (which plagued the Hawks all season) helped lead to the OT winner.  For the 2nd consecutive playoff game for the Blackhawks they tie the game very very late in the contest only to lose it on the road in the extra session.

Stud- Mike Smith-43 saves on 45 shots

Dud- Sean O’Donnell (why he’s even playing in the playoffs is a big ???) -2

Next-Saturday at Phoenix Coyotes