Early Conference Final's Playoff Action

Last night was a quiet night for hockey as there were no games played.  All four teams remaining had a well deserved day off as they recover from small injuries looking to return at the top of their game.  San Jose and Boston desperately need wins in their next two games if they want to avoid 2-0 early series deficits.  Look for both of those teams to come out on fire with their big players and leaders stepping up when their teams need it most.  Both of these series have the potential to be great with excellent goaltenders and firepower up front. 

Third Period Vancouver Comeback gives them 1-0 Series Lead

Canuck Forwards Henrik and Daniel
Sedin

Sunday night the Vancouver Canucks rallied in the third period to come back from a 2-1 deficit in the third period.  Vancouver got goals in the third period by defenseman Kevin Bieksa and captain Henrik Sedin.  The Sedin’s who both had terrific regular season’s have been taking a lot of criticism for there poor playoff play to date but stepped up Sunday when the Canucks needed it most.  San Jose got stellar goaltending by Anti Niemi but it was there offense that caused the defeat, as they couldn’t seem to solve Roberto Luongo when they needed to most.  San Jose needs offensive players like Joe Pavelski and Patrick Marleau to step up in game two if they want to avoid the 2-0 early series deficit. 

Tampa Bay on Eight Game Playoff Winning Streak

The Tampa Bay Lightning took care of the Boston Bruins handily Saturday night 5-2 to take an early 1-0 series lead.  Boston needs to play better defense in front of Vezina Trophy finalist goalie Tim Thomas if they stand any chance of shutting down the potent Tampa Bay snipers.  Tampa Bay’s playoff win streak dates back to their first round match up versus the Pittsburgh Penguins where they won the last three games of that series and then swept Washington in round two.  Tampa Bay looks to be a tough team to beat as they are heating up at the right time and look like they are going to be a hard team to get by on the way to winning the 2011 Stanley Cup.