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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Pavelski, Sharks top Kings in Game 1

 

San Jose captain scores two goals, gets game-winner 17 seconds into third period

 

by Curtis Zupke / NHL.com Correspondent

10 minutes ago

LOS ANGELES -- Joe Pavelski scored his second goal of the game 17 seconds into the third period, and the San Jose Sharks defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round series at Staples Center on Thursday.

Pavelski scored on a wraparound with Anze Kopitar chasing him after a faceoff win by San Jose. It was enough to give the Sharks a victory in a game that was tied three times and lived up to expectations of a close series between the Pacific Division rivals.

Pavelski, who tied the game 1-1 with a power-play goal in the first period, has six goals in six games against the Kings this season.

San Jose goaltender Martin Jones, making his first start in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, made 21 saves.

Game 2 is Saturday at Staples Center (10:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports, CSN-CA, FS-W).

Tomas Hertl capped a wide-open second period when he found a loose puck in the slot and scored at 17:48 to tie it 3-3. The goal came one second after a penalty to Kings defenseman Drew Doughty expires, and 30 seconds after Trevor Lewis had given Los Angeles a 3-2 lead with a toe-drag shorthanded goal that brought the 18,230 fans to their feet.

It was the first shorthanded playoff goal by the Kings since Kopitar had one in 2012.

Burns gave San Jose a 2-1 lead with a shot from the right point past Quick off a faceoff win by Joel Ward, at 6:50 of the second.

The Kings' first two goals went into the net off San Jose players. Jeff Carter's backhand centering pass hit the stick of a lunging Burns at 7:30 of the second, tying the game 2-2. Defenseman Jake Muzzin put Los Angeles ahead 1-0 at 2:53 of the first period when he banked the puck in off Hertl after outwaiting Jones and drawing him out of his net.

The lead lasted only until Pavelski one-timed a pass from Burns past Jonathan Quick at 6:25 with Kopitar off for interference.

Quick finished with 19 saves.

Defensemen Alec Martinez of the Kings and Marc-Edouard Vlasic of the Sharks returned to the lineup after an undisclosed injury and a sprained knee, respectively, but Martinez did not play in the third period.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/sharks-edge-kings-in-game-1/c-280317492?tid=280285258

Edited April 15, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Benn, Spezza lift Stars to Game 1 win against Wild

 

Forwards combine for five points, Lehtonen makes 22 saves in shutout victory

 

by Steve Hunt / NHL.com Correspondent

2:19 PM

DALLAS -- Jamie Benn, Jason Spezza and Patrick Eaves combined for seven points, and Kari Lehtonen made 22 saves to help the Dallas Stars to a 4-0 win against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Thursday in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round series.

It was the second Stanley Cup Playoff shutout of Lehtonen's career.

"[The shutout] is cool, but the most important thing is to get that first win, and we just go from here, go for Game No. 2," said Lehtonen, who was playing in his ninth career NHL playoff game.

Game 2 of the best-of-7 series will be in Dallas on Saturday (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVA Sports 2, FS-N, FS-WI, FS-SW).

Benn had a goal and two assists, and Spezza and Eaves each had a goal and an assist.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/stars-win-game-1-against-wild/c-280315596

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Keith, Blackhawks even series with Blues

 

Defenseman has two points in return from suspension

 

by By Louie Korac / NHL.com Correspondent

11:20 AM

ST. LOUIS -- Andrew Shaw scored the tie-breaking power play goal with 4:19 remaining to give the Chicago Blackhawks a 3-2 victory against the St. Louis Blues in Game 2 of the Western Conference First Round series at Scottrade Center on Friday.

Game 3 is Sunday at United Center(3 p.m. ET, NBC, SN, TVA Sports).

Shaw was on the doorstep of Brent Seabrook's shot from the point and was able to pop a puck in from right in front of goalie Brian Elliott to break a 1-1 tie and even the best-of-7 series at a game apiece.

The Blues challenged the play for goalie interference but the call of a good goal on the ice stood.

Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith scored in his return to the lineup after serving a six-game suspension. He played a game-high 30:59.

Artemi Panarin scored an empty-net goal with 1:26 remaining to make it 3-1.

Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk scored with 1.1 seconds remaining to make it 3-2.

The Blues thought they had taken a 2-1 lead with 7:54 remaining in the third period when Vladimir Tarasenko scored from the slot off a pass from Jori Lehtera, but the Blackhawks challenged the play that Lehtera was offside, and the call was reversed.

Corey Crawford made 29 saves for the Blackhawks. Elliott made 26 saves for the Blues.

Tarasenko's seventh goal in the past eight playoff games put the Blues ahead 1-0 after Lehtera forced a defensive zone turnover on Michal Roszival, Jaden Schwartz collected it and fed Tarasenko in the slot for a wrist shot at 15:20 of the second period. It was Tarasenko's 11th playoff goal in 15 games.

Chicago tied it late in the period and ended Elliott's shutout streak in the series at 109:00 when Keith's shot from the right point through a screen beat Elliott with 4.4 seconds remaining. After David Backes' icing, Jonathan Toews won a faceoff from Lehtera, Patrick Kane deflected the puck to the point and Keith used Andrew Shaw for a screen.

Kane had two assists.

The Blues outshot the Blackhawks 7-2 in a scoreless first period. Chicago's first shot on goal came from defenseman Viktor Svedberg with 6:39 remaining in the period.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/blackhawks-defeat-blues-in-game-2/c-280330400?tid=280306130

Edited April 16, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Luongo makes 41 saves, helps Panthers even series

 

Gets Game 2 win against Islanders, had lost seven straight in playoffs

 

by Alain Poupart / NHL.com Correspondent

32 minutes ago

SUNRISE, Fla. -- Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo said he had to be better in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round series against the New York Islanders, and he most definitely was.

Luongo made 41 saves, and Reilly Smith and Nick Bjugstad each had a goal and an assist when the Panthers defeated the Islanders 3-1 at BB&T Center on Friday.

The Panthers tied the best-of-7 series 1-1. Game 3 is at Barclays Center on Sunday (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, MSG+, FS-F, TVA Sports 2).

Luongo gave up five goals on 26 shots in a 5-4 loss in Game 1. He ended a personal seven-game losing streak in the playoffs Friday; his prior playoff victory was 1-0 against the Boston Bruins in Game 5 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.

"It's important to play well as much as you can every game as much as possible," Luongo said. "It's a long series, so we'll enjoy tonight but it's back to work tomorrow. I mean, they all feel good. It's playoffs, man."

Luongo made big saves, particularly in the second period. His best was a blocker save on a one-timer by Ryan Strome from the slot. Luongo stopped Cal Clutterbuck from close range early in the third period when Clutterbuck came in alone after beating defenseman Alex Petrovic with a deke.

"The last two years I had this guy in nets and he's one of the best goalies in the League in my opinion," Panthers coach Gerard Gallant said. "We knew he was going to bounce back tonight. I don't think he was bad last night. I just think they made some great shots. Tonight he was outstanding and that's what we expected. We knew he was going to have a good game."

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/panthers-defeat-islanders-in-game-2/c-280329378?tid=280320252

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Johnson leads Lightning to Game 2 win vs. Red Wings

 

Forward's four points ties team playoff record; Tampa Bay takes 2-0 series lead

 

by Corey Long / NHL.com Correspondent

9:36 AM

TAMPA - Tyler Johnson scored twice and had two assists to lift the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 5-2 win against the Detroit Red Wings in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round at Amalie Arena on Friday.

Tampa Bay has a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 series. Game 3 will be Sunday at Joe Louis Arena.

Johnson has six points (two goals, four assists) in the first two games of the series. Last year Johnson had six goals and an assist against the Red Wings in the first-round series that the Lightning won in seven games. His four points Friday matched a team record for most points in a Stanley Cup Playoff game with Vincent Lecavalier, who had a goal and three assists against the Boston Bruins in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final on May 17, 2011.

"I'm just happy he's on our bench," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. "We're learning that last year's playoffs were not a fluke. It's two games and that line has been fabulous for us."

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/lightning-defeat-red-wings-game-2/c-280328250?tid=280306214

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Forsberg lifts Predators to Game 1 win

 

Third-period goal helps Nashville get past Anaheim

 

by Abbey Mastracco / NHL.com Correspondent

12:48 PM

ANAHEIM -- Filip Forsberg scored in the third period to lift the Nashville Predators to a 3-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round at Honda Center on Friday.

Forsberg's attempted pass to Craig Smith from the left faceoff circle hit Anaheim defenseman Shea Theodore's skate and got past goalie John Gibson to give Nashville a 3-2 lead at 10:25 of the third period. It was Forsberg's fifth career Stanley Cup Playoff goal.

Predators goalie Pekka Rinne made 27 saves.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/predators-defeat-ducks-in-game-1/c-280332594?tid=280306332

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Lehtonen helps Stars defeat Wild again

 

Makes 25 saves; Dallas takes 2-0 series lead

 

NHL.com

11:28 AM

 

Antoine Roussel scored a peculiar goal, Kari Lehtonen made 25 saves and the Dallas Stars defeated the Minnesota Wild 2-1 in Game 2 of the Western Conference First Round at American Airlines Center on Saturday.

Dallas took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 series. Game 3 is at Xcel Energy Center on Monday (8:30 p.m. ET; CNBC, SN, TVA Sports 2, FS-SW, FS-N, FS-WI).

Roussel gave the Stars a 1-0 lead 3:54 into the second period. While he was behind the net, the puck hit his skate and deflected into the air. It went over the back of the net, hit goalie Devan Dubnyk near his head, and dropped into the net.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/dallas-stars-minnesota-wild-game-2-kari-lehtonen/c-280345496?tid=280335474

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Holtby makes 41 saves, Capitals defeat Flyers

 

Fluke goal, power play help Washington take 2-0 series lead

 

by Katie Brown / NHL.com Correspondent

10:14 AM

WASHINGTON -- The Philadelphia Flyers threw everything but the kitchen sink at Braden Holtby in the first period, but he didn't budge.

The Washington Capitals used 41 saves from Holtby, a fluke goal and their suddenly rejuvenated power play to defeat the Flyers 4-1 at Verizon Center on Saturday in Game 2 of the best-of-7 Eastern Conference First Round series.

The Flyers had 19 shots on goal in the first period, equaling their total from Game 1, a 2-0 Capitals win, but Holtby kept them all out of his net.

"He's unbelievable," Washington forward Marcus Johansson said. "He's making saves all over the place, and sometimes you're just shocked when he gets to stop the puck. He's so good. He's such an unbelievable goalie for us, and he wins games every week and he's done it all year. He was a huge part in this one."

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-defeat-flyers-in-game-2/c-280343658?tid=280335472

Edited April 17, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Second-period surge leads Rangers by Penguins

 

Miller assists Yandle, Brassard, Zuccarello goals 4:14 apart; New York wins Game 2, ties series

 

by Wes Crosby / NHL.com Correspondent

7:28 AM

PITTSBURGH -- The New York Rangers played precisely the way they wanted Saturday on their way to evening their series with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Four unanswered goals helped the Rangers defeat the Penguins 4-2 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round at Consol Energy Center.

J.T. Miller had the primary assists on second-period goals by Keith Yandle, Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello 4:14 apart to give the Rangers a 3-1 lead.

"Finally, we were able to capitalize on a few of our looks," Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. "We had some good looks. We've had some real good zone time both in Game 1 and Game 2 … We've had the puck quite a bit. We've had the puck quite a bit in their end and we've had some good looks."

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/rangers-defeat-penguins-game-2/c-280339934?tid=280335470

Edited April 17, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Sharks edge Kings, head home with 2-0 series lead

 

Pavelski scores third goal in two games, Jones makes 26 saves

 

by Abbey Mastracco / NHL.com Columnist

1:49 PM

LOS ANGELES -- Joe Pavelski scored his third goal in two games, Martin Jones made 26 saves and the San Jose Sharks held off the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 in Game 2 of the Western Conference First Round at Staples Center on Saturday.

San Jose has a 2-0 series lead going into Game 3 at SAP Center on Monday (10:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports, PRIME, CSN-CA).

Pavelski, who had two goals in San Jose's 4-3 victory in Game 1, scored 3:37 into the first period on the Sharks' first shot of the game. On a broken play, he was alone in the right circle, found a rolling puck and took a high wrist shot that caught the short side on goaltender Jonathan Quick to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead.

San Jose continued to pressure Los Angeles throughout the first period and nearly scored again after Dwight King took a roughing penalty at 17:45. The Sharks had several quality chances during the power play but Quick made three saves and defenseman Luke Schenn got his leg in front of another shot to prevent a goal.

But the Sharks, who had the NHL's third-best power play during the regular season, capitalized after Tyler Toffoli was called for roughing and Milan Lucic for charging at 8:14, giving the Sharks a 5-on-3 advantage for two minutes. They needed exactly 30 seconds to make it 2-0. Quick slid far out of his net to stop Pavelski's sharp-angled shot from the left circle, but Logan Couture banged the rebound into a wide-open net.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/sharks-defeat-kings-game-2/c-280348078?tid=280202816

Edited April 17, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Red Wings stifle Lightning, get crucial win

 

Petr Mrazek makes 16 saves for shutout in series debut; Athanasiou, Zetterberg score

 

by Paul Harris / NHL.com Correspondent

10:00 AM

DETROIT -- Andreas Athanasiou and Henrik Zetterberg scored, and Petr Mrazek made 16 saves in the Detroit Red Wings' 2-0 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round series at Joe Louis Arena on Sunday.

The Lightning lead the best-of-7 series 2-1. Game 4 is in Detroit on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports 2, FS-F, FS-D).

It was Mrazek's third career Stanley Cup Playoff shutout. He was the backup the first two games of the series behind Jimmy Howard, who allowed seven goals on 64 shots.

Tampa Bay goalie Ben Bishop made 28 saves.

Athanasiou and Zetterberg scored 4:40 apart in the second period.

Athanasiou, a rookie forward, made it 1-0 with 7:18 left in the period. He one-timed a rolling puck from the left circle, and it deflected off Bishop's blocker and in on the short side. It was the first NHL playoff goal of Athanasiou's career.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/red-wings-defeat-lightning-game-3/c-280357616?tid=280345020

Edited April 18, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Blues score twice in 3rd, top Blackhawks in Game 3

 

Goals by Berglund, Schwartz lift St. Louis to win at Chicago

 

by Brian Hedger / NHL.com Correspondent

6:24 AM

CHICAGO -- The St. Louis Blues did something against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center on Sunday that no one had done in nearly two years.

Patrik Berglund and Jaden Schwartz scored third-period goals, and the Blues came from behind to defeat the Blackhawks 3-2 in Game 3 of their Western Conference First Round series. Brian Elliott made 44 saves for the Blues, who lead the best-of-7 series 2-1. Game 4 is Tuesday in Chicago (9:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVA Sports, FS-MW, CSN-CH).

The Blues became the first team to defeat the Blackhawks in regulation when Chicago led after two periods since the Los Angeles Kings won 6-2 at United Center on May 21, 2014, in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final. Chicago had been 71-0-5 since that loss.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/blues-rally-to-defeat-blackhawks-in-game-3/c-280354742?tid=280344898

Edited April 18, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Hickey lifts Islanders by Panthers in overtime

 

Defenseman scores at 12:31; New York wins Game 3, takes 2-1 series lead

 

by David Satriano @davidsatriano / NHL.com Staff Writer

11:01 AM

NEW YORK -- Thomas Hickey scored at 12:31 of overtime to give the New York Islanders a 4-3 win against the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference First Round series at Barclays Center on Sunday.

The Islanders took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series. Game 4 is in Brooklyn on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET; USA, SN, MSG+, SUN, TVA Sports 2).

New York rallied from a 3-1 second-period deficit.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/islanders-defeat-panthers-game-3/c-280358950?tid=280345022

Edited April 18, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Predators top Ducks, take first-ever 2-0 series lead

 

Ekholm, Smith and Weber score from Nashville; Rinne makes 27 saves

 

by Abbey Mastracco / NHL.com Correspondent

1:50 PM

ANAHEIM -- The Nashville Predators won the first two games of a Stanley Cup Playoff series for the first time in franchise history by holding off the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in Game 2 of the Western Conference First Round on Sunday at Honda Center.

Mattias Ekholm, Craig Smith and Shea Weber scored for the Predators, and Pekka Rinne made 27 saves. The series continues Tuesday at Bridgestone Arena (9:30 p.m. ET: USA, SN360, TVA Sports 2, PRIME, FS-TN).

Nashville scored three unanswered goals after Andrew Cogliano put Anaheim ahead 1-0 at 14:20 of the first period by beating Rinne on a breakaway. Weber attempted to dump the puck into the offensive zone but Cogliano blocked it, raced in alone and slid a backhand shot through the goaltender's five-hole.

The Ducks continued to pressure Rinne, who stopped Ryan Kesler from point-blank range with 1:09 remaining in the period.

The Predators tied it 13 seconds later when Colin Wilson broke away from defenseman Simon Despres and found Ekholm down low. The defenseman lifted a high backhand shot that hit the stick of Ducks goaltender John Gibson and went into the net.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/predators-edge-ducks-in-game-2/c-280361956?tid=280345032

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Wild have offensive outburst in Game 3 win

 

Minnesota overcomes early first-period deficit to defeat Dallas; trails series 2-1

 

by Dan Myers / NHL.com Correspondent

11:40 AM

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota Wild dug out of an early hole by scoring four unanswered goals in a 5-3 win against the Dallas Stars at Xcel Energy Center in Game 3 of their Western Conference First Round series on Monday.

Dallas leads the best-of-7 series 2-1. Game 4 is at Xcel Energy Center on Wednesday (9:30 p.m., ET; NBCSN, FS-SW, FS-N, FS-WI, SN360, TVA Sports 3)

Jason Pominville had two goals and Erik Haula and Nino Niederreiter each had two points for Minnesota, which ended a seven-game losing streak dating to the regular season.

Haula, Chris Porter and Mikko Koivu also scored for the Wild and goaltender Devan Dubnyk made 14 saves. It was Minnesota's sixth win this season when allowing the first goal (6-27-6).

Patrick Sharp scored two quick goals for Dallas, which had won eight of its previous nine games. Goaltender Kari Lehtonen made 20 saves and allowed more than three goals in a start for the first time since March 15, a span of nine games.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild-dallas-stars-stanley-cup-playoffs-game-3/c-280372490?tid=280350986

Edited April 19, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Capitals ride power play to big win against Flyers

 

Washington scores five goals with man-advantage, grabs 3-0 series lead

 

by Adam Kimelman @NHLAdamK / NHL.com Deputy Managing Editor

30 minutes ago

PHILADELPHIA -- Alex Ovechkin had two goals and an assist, and the Washington Capitals defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 6-1 in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference First Round series at Wells Fargo Center on Monday.

The Capitals scored five power-play goals, the most in their history in a Stanley Cup Playoff game. They were 5-for-9 and are 8-for-17 with the man-advantage in the series.

"Our power play has confidence, and they keep giving us lots of practice," Washington coach Barry Trotz said. "We just did what we did. We stayed to our game plan and script, and we took their best punch."

The Capitals lead the best-of-7 series 3-0. Game 4 will be in Philadelphia on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports, CSN-DC, CSN-PH).

It's the first time the Capitals have led a series 3-0; they lost in Game 3 the seven previous times they went up 2-0.

But Washington defenseman John Carlson said, "[it means] nothing unless we win."

Carlson had a goal and two assists, and Marcus Johansson, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Jay Beagle scored for the Capitals. Braden Holtby made 31 saves and had an assist.

Washington defenseman Brooks Orpik left the game with 8:01 left in the second period because of an upper-body injury after being hit into the boards by Philadelphia forward Ryan White.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-defeat-flyers-in-game-3/c-280370374?tid=280350984

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Pearson, Kings avoid 3-0 hole with overtime victory

 

Forward scores winner for Los Angeles; trail San Jose, 2-1 in series

 

by Eric Gilmore / NHL.com Correspondent

1:59 PM

SAN JOSE -- Tanner Pearson scored at 3:47 of overtime, and the Los Angeles Kings defeated the San Jose Sharks 2-1 at SAP Center on Monday in Game 3 of their Western Conference First Round series.

The Sharks lead the best-of-7 series, 2-1. Game 4 is Wednesday in San Jose (10:30 p.m. ET; USA, CSN-CA, CBC, TVA Sports).

Kings captain Dustin Brown ignited the game-winning play, delivering a hit on San Jose's Joonas Donskoi in the neutral zone and knocking the puck loose. Vincent Lecavalier sent the puck to Pearson, who beat Martin Jones from the left circle.

The Kings had lost all five overtime playoff games against the Sharks in franchise history before the win. San Jose had won five straight and 10 of their past 11 overtime playoff games.

Joe Thornton scored for the Sharks and Anze Kopitar for the Kings in the first period.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/los-angeles-kings-san-jose-sharks-game-3-recap/c-280375080?tid=280351076

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Cullen, Murray lift Penguins by Rangers in Game 3

 

Forward scores at 4:16 of the third period; Pittsburgh takes 2-1 series lead

 

by Jon Lane @JonLaneNHL / NHL.com Staff Writer

10:03 AM

NEW YORK -- Matt Cullen scored 4:16 into the third period to give the Pittsburgh Penguins a 3-1 win against the New York Rangers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference First Round series at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

The Penguins took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series. Game 4 is in New York on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; CNBC, TVA Sports, SN, ROOT, MSG).

Sidney Crosby scored for Pittsburgh, and goalie Matt Murray made 16 saves in his first appearance since sustaining an upper-body injury on April 9. Murray won his eighth straight game dating back to the regular season, when he was 4-0-0 with a 1.84 goals-against average and .936 save percentage in five appearances following a concussion sustained by starter Marc-Andre Fleury.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/penguins-defeat-rangers-in-game-3/c-280384608?tid=280350988

Edited April 20, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Power play gives Lightning Game 4 win

 

Third goal with 2:59 left against Red Wings pushes series lead to 3-1

 

by Paul Harris / NHL.com Correspondent

10:17 AM

DETROIT -- Ondrej Palat scored a power-play goal with 2:59 left in the third period to give the Tampa Bay Lightning a 3-2 win against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena on Tuesday.

Tampa Bay leads the best-of-7 Eastern Conference First Round series 3-1.
Game 5 is Thursday at Amalie Arena in Tampa (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports 2, FS-D, SUN).

Nikita Kucherov scored two power-play goals for Tampa Bay, Jonathan Drouin had three assists, and Ben Bishop made 26 saves.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/palat-gives-lightning-game-4-win/c-280385170?tid=280351078

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Andersen, Ducks blank Predators in Game 3

 

Anaheim trails series 2-1 after goaltender makes 27 saves in first playoff start this year

 

by Robby Stanley / NHL.com Correspondent

8 minutes ago

NASHVILLE -- Frederik Andersen made 27 saves in his 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs debut, and the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Nashville Predators 3-0 in Game 3 of their Western Conference First Round series at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday.

Andersen earned his second career playoff shutout and has a 15-7 postseason record. He started Game 3 after the Predators won the first two games at Honda Center with John Gibson in goal for the Ducks.

The Predators lead the best-of-7 series 2-1. Game 4 is Thursday in Nashville (8 p.m. ET; NHLN, FX-CA, TVA Sports 3, PRIME, FS-TN).

Jamie McGinn gave the Ducks a 1-0 lead at 10:05 of the first period, beating Pekka Rinne with a one-timer from the right circle. Predators defenseman Anthony Bitetto committed a turnover at the blue line to start the play. Chris Stewart controlled the puck and found Shawn Horcoff, who fed a wide-open McGinn.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/ducks-defeat-predators-in-game-3/c-280389052?tid=280351132

Edited April 20, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Tarasenko powers Blues to Game 4 victory

 

Forward scores two goals, has assist to help St. Louis grab 3-1 series lead on Chicago

 

by Brian Hedger / NHL.com Correspondent

12:48 PM

CHICAGO -- Vladimir Tarasenko scored two goals, and the St. Louis Blues defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 at United Center on Tuesday to take a 3-1 lead in their best-of-7 Western Conference First Round series.

Jaden Schwartz and Alexander Steen scored goals in the third period for the Blues, who can eliminate the defending Stanley Cup champions in Game 5 at Scottrade Center on Thursday (9:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVA Sports, CSN-CH, FS-MW).

St. Louis goalie Brian Elliott made 39 saves.

Duncan Keith scored two goals, and Andrew Shaw had a goal and assist for the Blackhawks, who have not trailed 3-1 in a series since the 2014 Western Conference Final, which they lost in overtime of Game 7 against the Los Angeles Kings.

Chicago goalie Corey Crawford made 16 saves.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/blues-defeat-blackhawks-game-4/c-280389054?tid=280350990

Edited April 20, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

[Guns of the Patriots]

Credits NHL.com

 

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Neuvirth, Flyers avoid elimination in Game 4

 

Goalie makes 31 saves against Capitals; Philadelphia trails series 3-1

 

by Adam Kimelman @NHLAdamK / NHL.com Deputy Managing Editor

April 21st, 2016

PHILADELPHIA -- It was five years between Stanley Cup Playoff starts for Michal Neuvirth, but the Philadelphia Flyers goaltender looked pretty comfortable.

Neuvirth made 31 saves, including 12 in the third period, when the Flyers defeated the Washington Capitals 2-1 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday.

The Capitals lead the best-of-7 series 3-1. Game 5 is at Verizon Center on Friday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN; CBC; TVA Sports; CSN-DC, CSN-PH).

Neuvirth's outstanding play in the third period was the difference. His best saves came when he skated out to stop Andre Burakovsky from the bottom of the right circle with 9:50 left, and with 7:50 remaining, he kicked his left pad to deny Tom Wilson in front of the net.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/flyers-defeat-capitals-in-game-4/c-280401612?tid=280354236

Edited April 21, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

[Guns of the Patriots]

Credits NHL.com

 

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Petrovic, Panthers top Islanders in Game 4

 

Defenseman scores winner at 9:25 of third period; Florida ties series 2-2

 

by John Kreiser @jkreiser7713 / NHL.com Managing Editor

April 21st, 2016

NEW YORK -- Defenseman Alex Petrovic scored the go-ahead goal 9:25 into the third period, and the Florida Panthers defeated the New York Islanders 2-1 at Barclays Center on Wednesday to even their Eastern Conference First Round series at two wins apiece.

Petrovic, who has two goals in 112 regular-season games during parts of four NHL seasons, took a pass from Derek MacKenzie, moved toward the top of the right circle and took a wrist shot that went through traffic and past Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss to break a 1-1 tie.

"MacKenzie made a nice play to me. He found me open and I just threw it on net, and it went in. It feels good," Petrovic said. "I'm not used to scoring those kind of goals or scoring a lot of goals. It just feels good that everyone's working hard. It could have been anyone in here, but it feels great that we got the 'W' and that's all that matters right now.

"I think we all played a solid game tonight. It was 20 guys. I don't think there was any inconsistencies in there. I think throughout the whole game, everybody played hard. I think that's a good response from a tough game last game. It's just nice to go home with the series tied."

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/panthers-defeat-islanders-game-4/c-280402388?tid=280354240

Edited April 21, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

[Guns of the Patriots]

Credits NHL.com

 

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Stars push Wild to brink with Game 4 win

 

Strong second period gives Dallas 3-1 lead in Western Conference series

 

by Dan Myers / NHL.com Correspondent

April 21st, 2016

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- They don't have to be pretty this time of year, they just have to go in.

The Dallas Stars scored three second-period goals, including two off deflections, in a 3-2 win against the Minnesota Wild in Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round at Xcel Energy Center on Wednesday.

Dallas leads the best-of-7 series 3-1 with Game 5 at American Airlines Center on Friday (9:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN360, TVA Sports, FS-N, FS-WI, FS-SW).

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/stars-defeat-wild-in-game-4/c-280405272?tid=280354238

Edited April 21, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots

[Guns of the Patriots]

Credits NHL.com

 

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

 

Sharks power past Kings in Game 4

 

San Jose scores three man-advantage goals, takes 3-1 series lead

 

by Eric Gilmore / NHL.com Correspondent

April 21st, 2016

SAN JOSE -- The San Jose Sharks found a quick fix for their power play and used it to defeat the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 in Game 4 of their Western Conference First Round series at SAP Center on Wednesday.

Brent Burns, Joe Pavelski and Patrick Marleau each scored a power-play goal, two days after the Sharks went 0-for-5 with the man-advantage in a 2-1 overtime loss in Game 3.

The Sharks lead the best-of-7 series 3-1. Game 5 is at Staples Center on Friday (10:30 p.m. ET; CNBC, CBC, TVA Sports, CSN-CA, PRIME).

Burns and Pavelski scored in the second period, and Marleau made it 3-0 early in the third, but the Sharks had to withstand a furious comeback attempt from the Kings.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/sharks-defeat-kings-game-4/c-280406382?tid=280354078

Edited April 21, 2016 by Guns of the Patriots