Lightning Strike, Force Game 7

The Canucks still don't know who they'll be playing in the Stanley Cup finals, as Bolts, Bruins go to game 7.

There were 3 lead changes last night, and plenty of goals, in the end the Bolts took the win 5-4. The trouble for the Bruins is those goals getting scored less than a minute into a fresh period. Last night, the Bolts scored 36 seconds into the first, and 45 seconds into the 3rd, both goals were crucial in that they gave Tampa the lead.

Game 7 is friday night.

Bring 'Em On! Canucks Advance After Double OT Win

Bieksa received a gift from the hockey gods last night. On double-OT dump -in attempt, the puck bounced off a stansion into his wheelhouse and pumped 'er into the back the of the net. It just so happens that this was exact day too where the Canucks beat the flames in double OT on a Pavel Bure goal about 15 years ago.

It was a tough loss for the Sharks no doubt, as they were in control of the game, in the lead until the dying second. You could tell he was itching to score all night, Kesler in front of Niemi scored on a redirect of a desperate Henrik Sedin shot from the point with only 14 seconds left. This sent the game to overtime. And the rest is history.

The Bruins have a chance to finish off Tampa tonight, which I hope they do.

Can the 'Nucks Ice the Shakrs

Vancouver will have a chance to send the Sharks fishing a little early this year with a win at home. The Sharks smell blood, and will be sure to come out in a frenzy hoping to push the series to 7 games. It will be an uphill battle for both teams; the Canucks have been having trouble with a fourth victory, and the Sharks will have to steal one without the support of their home crowd.

The game starts at 9pm EST tonight

Bruins Skate to 2-1 Win, 1 Away From Stanley Cup Final

The Bruins rallied hard to comeback from a one goal deficit against the Lightning at TD Garden Monday night to take a 3-2 series lead. Tim Thomas was nothing short of outstanding, as he came up huge several times late in the game, especially when he threw his paddle down to stop what seemed to be an easy tap in for the Bolts forward to tie the game.

For both teams penalties were a huge problem. The Bruins who took the majority of calls in the first half of the game couldn't seem to stay out of the box, especially Nathan Horton, who had 2 interference calls in a row. Horton did make amends by scoring the game tying goal on a beauty one-timer high in the slot.

In the second half, when Boston was pressing, hungry for the win the Bolts were on their heels and forced to take some chops which got them into some trouble. Definitely a disappointing result for the Florida team. They are going to have to figure out a way to get that power play working, and  get even strength goals by getting pucks at the net. Game 4 is Wednesday night in Tampa.

Canucks Take Stranglehold On Series 3-1

Is he injured? 

The Canucks notched their 3rd win of the series last night, the Sharks now have their backs against the wall. Making it more difficult for San Jose, they will have to try and steal one at home against Vancouver. Vancouver will likely be coming out fired up knowing they are only one win away from a shot at Lord Stanley's Cup. Joe Thornton will be a big question mark for the game Wednesday too, as he left the game yesterday and did not return. Sharks coach Todd McLellan had no comment as to the extent of his injury.

The big story for the Nucks in Game 4 was the power play. Vancouver scored three PPGs in under 2 minutes to take a 3-0 lead in the 2nd period. Sami Salo blasted a couple snipes from the point and was clearly the star of the game. Kesler and Burrows also found the back of the net.

Most of us out there are confident the Canucks will see the Finals, so now the focus will turn to the Eastern conference, which at this point is a toss up.

Bruins Look to Extend Series Lead

The Boston Bruins prepare for saturday nights game 4 Eastern Conference final showdown against the Tampa Bay Lightning. It would a huge win for either team, as the B's look to become 1 game away from the Stanley Cup final, and  Tampa looks to even the series 2 games apiece. Despite being shutout by Thomas in game 3, the Bolts are expected to come out hard, and the key will be for St.Louis, Lecavalier, and Stamkos to find the back of the net. On the other hand, with continued solid goaltending by Thomas and offensive production from all lines, the Bruins will put up a fight no doubt.

Sharks Take a Bite out of Canucks Lead

The San Jose Sharks held off a late Vancouver rally to pull through with a 4-3 victory. Patrick Marleau had a pair of goals in the first period to propel the Sharks 3-0 by the end of the period. Joe Thornton also had a big game tallying 3 assists. Danny Boyle stepped up too with a goal and an assist.

The Canucks also did their best to make it a game. Alex Burrows had a goal, follow by two power play goals late in the 3rd from Hamhuis and Bieksa to make it close. But Vancouver's hopes of pushing the game into OT were dashed when they took a penalty with 1:12 left in the game.

Where were the green men? Not in the Shark Tank that's for sure. Last night marked the introduction of San Jose's own "Orange Men". Perched in the very same seats as the Vancouver duo, the Orange Men taunted Vancouver's players as the headed to the sin bin. My have the tables have turned.

Thomas Shuts the Door as B's Take 2-1 Series Lead

Thomas Shuts the Door, a huge win for the Boston

Tim Thomas recorded a shutout Thursday night as the Boston Bruins scored twice to take control of the Eastern conference semi-final. The Bruins Krejci scored their first goal barely a minute into the game, and as it turns out that would be the winner. Andrew Ference scored on a blast from the point that squeaked through the five hole of Roloson.

The Bruins looked great on the backed of Patrice Bergeron's return late in the 3rd round. The cycle was great, reversing the play away from the flow was amazing.

The Bolts though, did have their chances, Stamkos rang a couple pucks off the iron. The story of the game was really Thomas, he really shut the door and make all kinds of key saves with great positional play.

Be sure the Bolts will be coming out hard for Game 4 at St. Petes Times forum.

OFFICIAL: Thrashers Moving To WInnipeg

The struggling Atlanta Thrashers franchise will have a new home in the 2011-2012 season. That's right, the deal is done, the Thrashers will be moving to WInnipeg. The NHL will make an official announcement on Tuesday.

'Nucks Ice Sharks in 7-3 Romp

Niemi lost a contact lens

Wow, what a game. When Vancouver has all cylinders firing, they are unstoppable. The Sedins, Bieksa, fourth liners, all contributing. Vancouver seems to be really settling down and catching their stride.

On the other hand, Niemi's confidence appears to be shattered. Ben Eager, some classless bum, took 4 selfish penalties in last night's game, and single handedly did his own team in. He should be a healthy scratch for the remainder of the series, someone needs to be accountable. Watching his teammates look up to the sky as a result of his behavior definitely says something about his decision making.

Although I think it is unlikely that the 'Nucks will sweep the Sharks at home, they will take the series in 5. That's my prediction.

Canucks Eyeing 2-0 Series Lead

The GreenMen are almost like the 'Nucks 6th man

The Vancouver Canucks are looking to snag another victory tonight, but without having to stage a late game comeback. Alain Vigneault says it is critical for his team to get the fist goal, and claims they will; "Tonight we are going to score first, and I think Danny [Sedin] is going to get it."-Alain.

The Sharks meanwhile are still a little stung about losing game 1 espcially after leading for over 40 minutes. "Yeah, it hurts, but we'll just focusing on one win at a time," says captain Joe Thornton. The key matchup will again be Thornton-Kesler, and maybe the two might just drop the mitts to head things up.

Eyes will be on both goalies tonight with Niemi and Luongo looking to shake out those game 1 cobwebs.

I think the 'Nucks will take game 2 at home, only because the green men will play a big factor. Can the Sharks stay out of the penalty box will be a huge question. Also look for continued pressure #8 Jake Pavelski, one of the Sharks top scorers was pinned down his own end, hammered several times, and rendered pretty much a non factor. Well see tonight.

Bruins Stave Off Lightning to Even Series

Ryder givin the ol fist pump'eroo

Despite giving goals at 13 seconds into, and 6.5 seconds left in the first period to trail by 2-1, the Bruins didn't give up. In fact they rallied...hard and pumped 5 goals past Roloson in the 2nd period to go ahead 6-3. After being up 6-3 and looking like the game was over, some key mistakes had the B's hanging on for 6-5 victory.

In the win, 19 year old Tyler Seguin had a pair of goals, and a 4-pt period. Not bad for a healthy scratch most of the season. Michael Ryder also had a pair of goals for the Bruins.

And how about Tim Thomas. I could go either way with him, he made some huge stops and was incredible at times; he let in some softies and looked terrible. Thomas has to find his game in Tampa or the B's could be in some trouble. Bruins D-Men Dennis Siedenberg, Andrew Ference, and Danny Boychuk need to pick it up too. Boychuk was -3 in Game 2.

Bruins Look to Even the Score

Tim Thomas flashing the glove

The Boston Bruins will look to even the series with the Tampa Bay lightning tonight as the teams battle it out at TD Garden in the Eastern Conference Final. The bruins took it on the chin in the first game losing 5-2 to Tampa in their own barn.

Plenty of focus will be on whether Patrice Bergeron will suit up, as rumors have swirled about his injury in Game 1. Also we'll keep an eye on Lucic and Horton to see if there is any retaliation to those cheap shots.

The Bruins will also need a big game out of Timmy Thomas who let in a couple softies in Game 1, so they'll definitely need him to shut the door.