If you managed to stay up well into the night yesterday, you were treated to a 2nd overtime game on the evening, with the Blackhawks knocking off the Preds in TRIPLE OT to take a 3-1 series lead. Some series should be wrapping up by this weekend, while a few may go longer.
EAST
-We could have our first update to The Cannon’s Bracket Challenge as Montreal looks to complete the sweep in Ottawa tonight. Things might get ugly late in that one if the Sens sense their season is done (you know, “revenge” for Subban’s slash and all). That one starts at 7:00 (eastern) on USA and CBC.
-The Rangers “lost” home ice advantage only to steal it back in Game 3 in Pittsburgh. The Penguins are in nearly a “must win” situation down 2-1 at home. A loss would send them back to New York down 3-1 in the series. The Metro tilt starts at 7:00 on NBCSN.
-Detroit hosts Game 4 tomorrow with a 2-1 series lead. The Red Wings absolutely stole Game 1 and then dominated Game 3 at home. Tampa Bay, a trendy pick to come out of the East, is looking a 3-1 deficit in the face if they can’t pull off the road win.
-Another overtime game last night on Long Island, only this time it was the Capitals coming away with the win to tie the series at two apiece. The series shifts back to Washington tomorrow night for a pivotal Game 5.
WEST
-St. Louis has been short on playoff success the last decade, and they’re in danger in their series against the Wild. Game 4 is tonight in Minnesota (NBCSN) with the Wild holding a 2-1 series advantage. The Blues are another favored team looking at a potential 3-1 series deficit.
-Winnipeg hosts Game 4 tonight down 3-0 in the series despite leading in every third period of the series. The Ducks have been the comeback team so far in the playoffs and go for the sweep tonight in the ‘Peg. Jets fans just want a win (The Thrasher/new Jets franchise also has never won a playoff series, much like Columbus).
-As I mentioned above, Brent Seabrook won game 4 in triple OT for the Hawks, who now have a 3-1 series lead against the Predators. Game 5 is back in Nashville tomorrow night where the Preds will look to stave off elimination.
-The Canucks/Flames series shifts back to Vancouver tomorrow as well with Calgary holding the advantage at 3-1. The Flames rushed out to a 3-1 first period lead last night and held on to further their lead in the series.
We have four series in danger of not even making it to the weekend. I’ll post an update (and we’ll get out the top few names on Twitter as well) of the Bracket Challenge after a couple series finish up. I know Ottawa was a trendy pick they way they finished the regular season and a lot of people liked the Predators over the Hawks with Kane injured. I’m not sure too many people picked the Jets but Calgary may be a surprise if they pull off the series win.
On the CBJ front, we’ve been keeping you covered with the draft lottery this past weekend as well as Mike’s mock draft, a look back at the Springfield affiliation, looking ahead to the Lake Erie Monsters, and other offseason notes. Of course, Jeff offered his thoughts on a battle far more important than the ones we witness on a hockey rink.
Let me wish Lou one last thank you for his Springfield coverage. When I first found The Cannon, I knew very little about the AHL affiliation or much about any of the prospects coming up. I found Lou to be a tremendous asset for the site and I hope he stops by now and then in the future. Good luck in the future, Lou!
On that note of the Falcons, CBJ Prospects with The Union Blue offered one final Springfield (and prospects) update.
Like I mentioned, we’ll be sure to get updates out there on the NHL Bracket Challenge – I’m sure all 56 (!!) registered users are anxious to see where they’ll fall after first round action is complete.