Sunday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Philadelphia 4, New Jersey 3 OT
(Flyers lead series, 1-0)
At Phoenix 5, Nashville 3
(Coyotes lead series, 2-0)
Summaries are here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Playoffs resume Tuesday
Norfolk vs. Connecticut
St. John's vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio
Toronto vs. Abbotsford

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Las Vegas 3, at Alaska 2 OT
(Wranglers lead series, 2-1)
Summary is here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Chynoweth Cup Finals
Edmonton vs. Portland
Series begins Thursday

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Robertson Cup Finals
Niagara vs. London
Series begins Thursday



QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Rimouski 3, at Halifax 2 OT
(Oceanic wins series, 4-2)
Summary is here.

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Playoffs resume Wednesday
Lincoln vs. Waterloo
Green Bay vs. Indiana

Saturday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At New York 3, Washington 1
(Rangers lead series, 1-0)
Los Angeles 3, at St. Louis 1
(Kings lead series, 1-0)
Summaries are here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 2, Hershey 1
(Penguins win series, 3-2)
Summary is here.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At Kalamazoo 3, Florida 2
(Series is tied, 1-1)
Summary is here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Playoffs resume Thursday
Chynoweth Cup Finals
Edmonton vs. Portland

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Playoffs resume Thursday
Robertson Cup Finals
Niagara vs. London

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At Saint John 4, Chicoutimi 3 OT
(Sea Dogs win series, 4-1)
Summary is here.

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Waterloo 5, Omaha 1
(Black Hawks win series, 3-1)
Summary is here.

Friday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Phoenix 4, Nashville 3 OT
(Coyotes lead series, 1-0)
Summary is here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At St. John's 4, Syracuse 3 OT
(IceCaps win series, 3-1)
At Hershey 4, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 1
(Series is tied, 2-2)
Norfolk 4, at Manchester 3 OT
(Admirals win series, 3-1)
San Antonio 3, at Chicago 2 OT(2)
(Rampage wins series, 3-2)
Summaries are here.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Florida 2, at Kalamazoo 0
(Everblades lead series, 1-0)
At Las Vegas 3, Alaska 0
(Series is tied, 1-1)
Summaries are here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At Edmonton 4, Moose Jaw 1
(Oil Kings win series, 4-1)
Summary is here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At Niagara 3, Ottawa 2
(IceDogs win series, 4-1)
Summary is here.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At Rimouski 9, Halifax 0
(Oceanic leads series, 3-2)
Summary is here.

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Waterloo 4, Omaha 2
(Black Hawks lead series, 2-1)
Lincoln 3, at Fargo 2 OT
(Stars win series, 3-1)
Summaries are here.

First Call on the Second Round

What a close to the first round. If you were in the Eastern region, nothing like a game ending after midnight. The Panthers looked as tired as I was. And if you were in the Western half of the continent, nothing like getting in two full games with plenty of time for a full postmortem before last call.

Ah, to be in the West again someday. Eventually I will make it back out there. But for now, I am in the East and have to make do with late nights and early mornings with my special 32-ounce tumbler of Go-Juice, a blend of espresso and Coca-Cola. Worth waking up for, hockey and Go-Juice.

It is with that performance enhancing beverage that I come to you with my picks to click for the second round.

Except for their bad patch around 6 or so minutes to go in the third period, the Rangers impressed me with their effort Thursday night. Just don't have any more of those rough patches, OK? That was touch to watch.

I see the Rangers needing six games to dispatch the Capitals, whom I had being shelved by the Bruins in the first round. I'm bound to get it right one of these days.

I also had the Devils being bounced in the first round. I will not be wrong in this round, which sees the Flyers pulling the plug on the Devils in 7 games.

In the Western Conference, the Predators give the Coyotes the shove in six games because I do not believe Mike Smith will top Pekka Rinne.

As for the battle of the forechecker series, I see the Kings taking down another high seed, defeating the Blues in 7 games. Bet on a lot of overtime in this series and bet the under. Hard.

We're getting closer to 5 pm, which is when I make the dash to the Lounge for another full night of hockey and perhaps overtime. Better stock up on tumblers of Go-Juice.

Thursday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At New York 2, Ottawa 1
(Rangers win series, 4-3)
New Jersey 3, at Florida 2 OT(2)
(Devils win series, 4-3)
Summaries are here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
No games scheduled.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Alaska 2, at Las Vegas 1
(Aces lead series, 1-0)
Summary is here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At Portland 4, Tri-City 1
(Winterhawks win series, 4-0)
Summary is here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
No games scheduled.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Saint John 3, at Chicoutimi 2 OT
(Sea Dogs lead series, 3-1)
Summary is here.

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
No games scheduled.

Two KO Punches Tonight

My quick picks to click as we get closer to a double scoop of elimination hockey tonight. Ottawa at New York. New Jersey at Florida.

I was not impressed with Florida's effort in overtime, where it looked like Kris Versteeg (32) was floating back to the net on defense as the Devils came in for Travis Zajac's game-winning goal. Conditioning? That's my theory, but I am in no shape to say I could have done better. Still, I think even a fat and slow man is allowed to raise an eyebrow on that play.

I know I picked the Panthers in 7 games before this series began, but I get the feeling that it's another night for the Devils, who are Petunia Puck's pick to click tonight. She doesn't like cats.

And I have to believe the Rangers are going to shove the Senators out of the picture. Chris Neil is coming, but he cannot beat the Rangers by himself, and it is hard to intimidate the Rangers when they have the lead.

Going hard to the net is the key for the Rangers. This perimeter play has to stop. Be direct and show a purpose.

Let's get ready to rumble.

Wednesday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
Washington 2, at Boston 1 OT
(Capitals win series, 4-3)
Summary is here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At St. John's 5, Syracuse 1
(IceCaps lead series, 2-1)
At Hershey 4, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 3 OT
(Penguins lead series, 2-1)
Norfolk 5, at Manchester 2
(Admirals lead series, 2-1)
At Chicago 3, San Antonio 1
(Series is tied, 2-2)
At Abbotsford 4, Milwaukee 2
(Heat wins series, 3-0)
Summaries are here.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Playoffs resume Thursday
Florida vs. Kalamazoo
Alaska vs. Las Vegas

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At Moose Jaw 5, Edmonton 1
(Oil Kings lead series, 3-1)
At Portland 3, Tri-City 1
(Winterhawks lead series, 3-0)
Summaries are here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
London 4, at Kitchener 2
(Knights win series, 4-0)
Niagara 5, at Ottawa 2
(IceDogs lead series, 3-1)
Summaries are here.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Halifax 3, at Rimouski 1
(Series is tied, 2-2)
Summary is here.

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Green Bay 4, at Youngstown 1
(Gamblers win series, 3-1)
Indiana 3, at Dubuque 1
(Ice wins series, 3-0)
Lincoln 3, at Fargo 1
(Stars lead series, 2-1)
Summaries are here.

Dynamo Captures Gagarin Cup

Jakub Klepis scored late in the third period giving Dynamo Moscow the only goal that mattered in a 1-0 victory over host Avangard Omsk Oblast in Game 7 of Gagarin Cup finals.

Klepis, a Czech national who spent a few years in the Washington Capitals organization, scored an even-strength goal on Avangard goalie Karri Ramo to give the 4-year-old KHL its first Moscow area champion. Ak Bars Kazan, based in Tatarstan, won the first two playoff titles and Salavat Yulaev Ufa, based in Bashkortostan, was the playoff champion last spring.

The summary is here. The recap is here.

Tuesday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At New Jersey 3, Florida 2 OT
(Series is tied, 3-3)
Summary is here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At Oklahoma City 5, Houston 2
(Barons win series, 3-1)
At Chicago 3, San Antonio 2
(Rampage leads series, 2-1)
Summaries are here.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Playoffs resume Thursday
Florida vs. Kalamazoo
Alaska vs. Las Vegas

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Edmonton 3, at Moose Jaw 2
(Oil Kings lead series, 3-0)
Summary is here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At London 5, Kitchener 2
(Knights lead series, 3-0)
Summary is here.



QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At Chicoutimi 5, Saint John 4 OT
(Sea Dogs lead series, 2-1)
Halifax 4, at Rimouski 3
(Oceanic leads series, 2-1)
Summaries are here.

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Green Bay 6, at Youngstown 3
(Gamblers lead series, 2-1)
Summary is here.

Sticking My Neck Out

I have a pain in my neck that would seem to require some serious medicine. But this will not stop me from watching every playoff game. No recording allowed in the Lounge.

A cold one in my right hand, maybe a six-pack fastened to the left side of my neck, and I am ready for the daily battles.

A few observations, as I contemplate how my life might be better without my neck.

-- I don't mind parity in sports, considering that in today's NHL, there are any number of good teams competing for the Cup. Outside of Montreal, I don't hear anyone saying "I wish the Canadiens would win 15 Cups over the next 18 seasons." The beauty of the game today is that you must get it right each year just to compete for the Cup. The regular season is like a semester of class sessions. But it's what you do on the final exams that really matter. Vancouver was great in class participation, but not so stellar once the blue books were passed out.

Stop whining about No. 1 seeds being knocked out by lower seeds. The teams are closer than you think. And if you look closely at how the teams fared against each other, you will notice that some good teams were not so good against those deemed to be inferior.

-- The Chicago Blackhawks have been living on reputation now for two seasons. Shaky goaltending, forwards with occasional grit, top defensemen not playing up to expectations. Kudos to them for winning the Cup in 2010. Now update the calendar and get over yourselves.

-- The Canucks-Kings series had an amazing pace to it. And the Rangers-Senators series moves like my neck, hardly at all and painful to watch.

-- Joe Micheletti is a terrible color man, and consider yourself fortunate if you do not have to listen to him work on a hockey broadcast. Unfortunately for those living in New York, you get him on MSG for the playoffs rather than anybody from the NBC family of broadcasters. He was a homer with the Islanders and he has only enhanced that reputation on Rangers games.

-- Daryl Reaugh needs to be on national games rather than limited to Dallas Stars broadcasts. Informative and not afraid to criticize the home team or a call that benefits the home team. What a concept.

-- Announcers that say "head on a swivel" only annoy me now that my range of motion is stuck at zero.

-- I love calling my dad and telling him why hockey is better than baseball. It's like goading him into a penalty. It works every time.

-- Speaking of baseball, that Yankees-Red Sox game last Saturday took forever. I would check on its status during each of the hockey games that were played in the time those two teams were on the field, stealing signs, exchanging glances, covering their mouths with gloves, not covering their mouths when they spit, etc. There is plenty of excitement when those two teams decide to spend 8 hours on the diamond.

-- It is probably time to rethink the concept of finishing your check. The concept has been stretched to cover any number of offenses and intentions. Most of these instances of finishing one's check fall under the concept of interference in the modern game. Three strides away is not finishing your check.

-- That Newark vs. Suburban Fort Lauderdale match-up is just not getting the job done. I've been lost in Newark, and I had to get lost to find Sunrise, Fla. Just from a traveler's perspective, I'll take Sunrise over Newark.

-- From a hockey perspective, the Devils need a makeover regardless of whether they get past the Panthers. The team would best be served with an influx of talent, a younger goaltender and a move away from Newark.

-- Petunia Puck launched herself at me when I moved the popcorn bowl away from her during the Rangers-Senators game last night. The dog's status on the couch for tonight's Panthers-Devils game is under review.

-- Speaking of review, the officials for the Rangers-Senators game were terrible. How does Chris Neil continue to get away with so much nonsense. You have to be proactive in stripes. After all, Neil's been at it for so long, like this hit on Chris Drury 2007.



That hit led to this, which maybe was the last time Ray Emery looked so good.



We'll see you in the Lounge for hockey tonight.

Monday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
New York 3, at Ottawa 2
(Series is tied, 3-3)
Phoenix 4, at Chicago 0
(Coyotes win series, 4-2)
Summaries are here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
Toronto 3, at Rochester 0
(Marlies win series, 3-0)
Summary is here.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Playoffs resume Thursday
Florida vs. Kalamazoo
Alaska vs. Las Vegas

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
No games scheduled.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Niagara 5, at Ottawa 2
(IceDogs lead series, 2-1)
Summary is here.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
No games scheduled.

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
No games scheduled.

Dynamo Forces a Game 7

Former NHL player Martin Skoula supplied Avangard Omsk Oblast with all of its scoring, but he could not keep Dynamo Moscow from taking Game 6, 5-2, to force a seventh game in the Gagarin Cup finals.

Skoula even had a hand in a Dynamo goal in the final minutes, when he failed to clear the puck out of Avangard's defensive zone as the goalie was leaving the ice for an extra skater.

Marek Kvapil collected the puck and put it in the net for Dynamo's final goal. Skoula, with one knee on the ice, kept his head down in frustration as Avangard has twice failed to close out the KHL championship series after having gained a 3-1 series lead. Game 7 is Wednesday back on Avangard's home ice. The puck is scheduled to drop around 8 a.m. Eastern time and will be shown live on YouTube.

The summary is here and a recap is here.

Sunday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At Philadelphia 5, Pittsburgh 1
(Flyers win series, 4-2)
Boston 4, at Washington 3 OT
(Series is tied, 3-3)
Los Angeles 2, at Vancouver 1 OT
(Kings win series, 4-1)
Summaries are here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At Connecticut 4, Bridgeport 3 OT
(Whale wins series, 3-0)
Houston 1, at Oklahoma City 0
(Barons lead series, 2-1)
Abbotsford 4, at Milwaukee 2
(Heat leads series, 2-0)
Summaries are here.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Las Vegas 2, at Idaho 1 OT
(Wranglers win series, 4-1)
Summary is here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At Edmonton 6, Moose Jaw 1
(Oil Kings lead series, 2-0)
Summary is here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Ottawa 7, at Niagara 4
(Series is tied, 1-1)
London 6, at Kitchener 4
(Knights lead series, 2-0)
Summaries are here.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At Saint John 5, Chicoutimi 2
(Sea Dogs lead series, 2-0)
Summary is here.

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Youngstown 5, at Green Bay 3
(Series is tied, 1-1)
Summary is here.

Dynamo Stays Alive in KHL Finals

Dynamo Moscow grabbed a three-goal advantage early in the second period and held on to score a 3-2 victory over host Avangard Omsk Oblast on Saturday night in Game 5 of the Gagarin Cup Finals.

Avangard leads the KHL championship series, 3-2, with Game 6 to be played Monday night in Moscow. The game can be seen live on YouTube. The puck is scheduled to drop roughly around 11:30 a.m. Eastern time in North America. The game summary is here and the game recap is here.

Saturday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
Washington 4, at Boston 3
(Capitals lead series, 3-2)
At Florida 3, New Jersey 0
(Panthers lead series, 3-2)
Ottawa 2, at New York 0
(Senators lead series, 3-2)
At St. Louis 3, San Jose 1
(Blues win series, 4-1)
Chicago 2, at Phoenix 1 OT
(Coyotes lead series, 3-2)
Summaries are here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
Manchester 5, at Norfolk 2
(Series is tied, 1-1)
At Syracuse 4, St. John's 3
(Series is tied, 1-1)
Connecticut 3, at Bridgeport 0
(Whale leads series, 2-0)
At Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 7, Hershey 2
(Penguins lead series, 2-0)
At Toronto 4, Rochester 3
(Marlies lead series, 2-0)
At San Antonio 4, Chicago 2
(Rampage leads series, 2-0)
Summaries are here.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Kalamazoo 5, at South Carolina 1
(Wings win series, 4-1)
Alaska 4, at Stockton 1
(Aces win series, 4-1)
Las Vegas 4, at Idaho 1
(Wranglers lead series, 3-1)
Summaries are here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Portland 5, at Tri-City 4 OT
(Winterhawks lead series, 2-0)
Summary is here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
No games scheduled.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Rimouski 5, at Halifax 4
(Oceanic leads series, 2-0)
Summary is here.

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Green Bay 7, Youngstown 1
(Gamblers lead series, 1-0)
At Indiana 6, Dubuque 3
(Ice lead series, 2-0)
At Lincoln 3, Fargo 2
(Series is tied, 1-1)
Waterloo 4, at Omaha 2
(Series is tied, 1-1)
Summaries are here.

Friday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At Pittsburgh 3, Philadelphia 2
(Flyers lead series, 3-2)
At Nashville 2, Detroit 1
(Predators win series, 3-1)
Summaries are here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 3, Hershey 1
(Penguins lead series, 1-0)
At Norfolk 3, Manchester 2
(Admirals lead series, 1-0)
St. John's 3, at Syracuse 2
(IceCaps lead series, 1-0)
Abbotsford 6, at Milwaukee 2
(Heat leads series, 1-0)
Oklahoma City 4, at Houston 1
(Barons lead series, 2-0)
Summaries are here.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At South Carolina 4, Kalamazoo 1
(Wings lead series, 3-1)
At Florida 2, Elmira 1
(Everblades win series, 4-1)
Alaska 4, at Stockton 2
(Aces lead series, 3-1)
Summaries are here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At Edmonton 6, Moose Jaw 1
(Oil Kings lead series, 1-0)
Portland 5, at Tri-City 4 OT
(Winterhawks lead series, 1-0)
Summaries are here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At Niagara 2, Ottawa 1 OT
(IceDogs lead series, 1-0)
Summary is here.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Rimouski 4, at Halifax 1
(Oceanic leads series, 1-0)
At Saint John 4, Chicoutimi 1
(Sea Dogs lead series, 1-0)
Summaries are here.

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Indiana 5, Dubuque 2
(Ice leads series, 1-0)
Fargo 2, at Lincoln 1 OT
(Force leads series, 1-0)
At Omaha 4, Waterloo 2
(Lancers lead series, 1-0)
Summaries are here.

Thursday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At New Jersey 4, Florida 0
(Series is tied, 2-2)
At Washington 2, Boston 1
(Series is tied, 2-2)
Phoenix 3, at Chicago 2 OT
(Coyotes lead series, 3-1)
St. Louis 2, at San Jose 1
(Blues lead series, 3-1)
Summaries are here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
Connecticut 3, at Bridgeport 0
(Whale leads series, 1-0)
Oklahoma City 5, at Houston 0
(Barons lead series, 1-0)
At Toronto 4, Rochester 3
(Marlies lead series, 1-0)
At San Antonio 5, Chicago 4 OT
(Rampage leads series, 1-0)
Summaries are here.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Idaho 4, Las Vegas 3
(Wranglers lead series, 2-1)
Summary is here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Playoffs resume Friday
Edmonton vs. Moose Jaw
Tri-City vs. Portland

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
At London 3, Kitchener 2 OT
(Knights lead series, 1-0)
Summary is here.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Playoffs resume Friday
Saint John vs. Chicoutimi
Halifax vs. Rimouski

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Playoffs resume Friday
Youngstown vs. Green Bay
Indiana vs. Dubuque
Lincoln vs. Fargo
Omaha vs. Waterloo

Avangard Turns Back Dynamo in OT

Alexander Perezhogin scored eight minutes into overtime to give Avangard Omsk Oblast a 2-1 victory over Dynamo Moscow on Thurday. The visitors now a chance to claim the Gagarin Cup on home ice in Omsk.

Avangard, which has a 3-1 KHL championship series lead, will play host to Dynamo in Game 5 on Saturday.

The recap is here and a game summary is here.

Wednesday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At Ottawa 3, New York 2 OT
(Series is tied, 2-2)
Pittsburgh 10, at Philadelphia 3
(Flyers lead series, 3-1)
Vancouver 3, at Los Angeles 1
(Kings lead series, 3-1)
Summaries are here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
Playoffs begin Thursday
Norfolk vs. Manchester
St. John's vs. Syracuse
Bridgeport vs. Connecticut
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton vs. Hershey
Oklahoma City vs. Houston
Toronto vs. Rochester
Chicago vs. San Antonio
Abbotsford vs. Milwaukee

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Florida 2, Elmira 0
(Everblades lead series, 3-1)
Kalamazoo 3, at South Carolina 0
(Wings lead series, 3-0)
Alaska 4, at Stockton 0
(Aces lead series, 2-1)
Summaries are here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Tri-City 3, Spokane 2
(Americans win series, 4-3)
At Portland 2, Kamloops 0
(Winterhawks win series, 4-3)
Summaries are here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Playoffs resume Thursday
Kitchener vs. London
Ottawa vs. Niagara

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Third Round
Playoffs resume Thursday
Chicoutimi vs. Saint John
Rimouski vs. Halifax

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Playoffs resume Friday
Green Bay vs. Youngstown
Indiana vs. Dubuque
Lincoln vs. Fargo
Omaha vs. Waterloo

Late Night Hockey Is Health Hazard

How's that for a shocking headline? I was thinking of suggesting that one to any number of newspapers and their websites so they can continue their steady stream of innuendo and poor reporting under a new banner.

Finally there was one writer, Allan Muir of SI.com, who managed to finally mention the one agency that works for the players, is here to represent the players in times of good health and bad, and the one agency that is not saying anything about the number of player-initiated episodes of aggression and violence. Yes, the NHLPA.

The players' union could really stand up and say something now, making its voice heard on the continued good health of the players. Nothing from Donald Fehr and his group. Kudos to Allan Muir for looking at the one party that is noticeably silent about the welfare of its membership.

Now, on to the matter at hand. Stayed up way too late on the East Coast to watch the Blackhawks and Coyotes in overtime. Thought I would do the right thing and watch the game in bed on my iPad. I did that, but noticed somewhere late in the third period that I was getting a headache.

I was right. Migraine in the morning. The kind of headache that requires this regimen: eat something small, take a pill, vomit, repeat first three steps, drink water, take a more serious pill, turn off all phones, close all blinds, blinders over the eyes, sleep in a dark room.

I've managed to survive this headache, thankfully in time to read some of the latest comedy writing from newspaper sportswriters. Back to the blogs like Puck Daddy, websites like TSN, Sportsnet, SI and ESPN the Dot-Com for the news and outrage of the day. These sources get the game and can be counted on to both cover the good things about the game and regularly present commentary or a dissent that outlines a possible fix or big picture look at what needs changing.

These sites are in the mix and setting the talking points on the NHL. They stay up late, report on all the games, and then come back the next morning, in the afternoon, and right up to the start of the game with something fresh. In short, these sites both contribute to and feel my pain, however searing and all consuming it is.

If you'll excuse me now, I've got to ice up for the night's slate of games. I wouldn't miss it for anything.

Tuesday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Florida 4, at New Jersey 3
(Panthers lead series, 2-1)
Nashville 3, at Detroit 1
(Predators lead series, 3-1)
Phoenix 3, at Chicago 2 OT
(Coyotes lead series, 2-1)
Summaries are here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
Playoffs begin Thursday

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Las Vegas 3, Idaho 2 OT
(Wranglers lead series, 2-0)
Summary is here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
No games scheduled

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Ottawa 4, Barrie 3
(67s win series, 4-3)
Kitchener 6, at Plymouth 3
(Rangers win series, 4-3)
Summaries are here.



QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Rimouski 5, at Blainville-Boisbriand 4
(Oceanic wins series, 4-3)
Halifax 5, at Quebec 4 OT
(Mooseheads win series, 4-3)
Chicoutimi 3, at Shawinigan 2
(Sagueneens win series, 4-3)
Summaries are here.

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At Youngstown 6, Cedar Rapids 2
(Phantoms win series, 2-0)
At Dubuque 7, Team USA 3
(Fighting Saints win series, 2-0)
At Fargo 5, Sioux City 1
(Force wins series, 2-0)
At Waterloo 3, Tri-City 2
(Black Hawks win series, 2-0)
Summaries are here.

Avangard Takes Game 3

Alexander Perezhogin had the only goal, and Karri Ramo, who once was with the Tampa Bay Lightning, made the goal stand up as visiting Avangard Omsk Oblast defeated Dynamo Moscow, 1-0, in Game 3 of the Gagarin Cup finals of the KHL.

Ramo made 31 saves for the shutout. Avangard leads the championship series, two games to one.

The summary is here.

Monday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
New York 1, at Ottawa 0
(Rangers lead series, 2-1)
Boston 4, at Washington 3
(Bruins lead series, 2-1)
St. Louis 4, at San Jose 3
(Blues lead series, 2-1)
Summaries are here.

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
Playoffs begin Thursday.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Florida 5, Elmira 4 OT
(Everblades lead series, 2-1)
At Las Vegas 3, Idaho 1
(Wranglers lead series, 1-0)
Summaries are here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Spokane 4, Tri-City 3
(Series is tied, 3-3)
At Kamloops 7, Portland 6
(Series is tied, 3-3)
Summaries are here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
No games scheduled.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Halifax 5, at Quebec 2
(Series is tied, 3-3)
Summary is here.

UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At Dubuque 6, Team USA 3
(Fighting Saints lead series, 1-0)
At Youngstown 4, Cedar Rapids 3 OT
(Phantoms lead series, 1-0)
At Waterloo 6, Tri-City 4
(Black Hawks lead series, 1-0)
At Fargo 2, Sioux City 1 OT
(Force leads series, 1-0)
Summaries are here.

The Honor Society Meets Down the Hall

Much has been made of the level of snarl that the Stanley Cup playoffs have achieved in Round 1.

Nick Kypreos, a former player and now a commentator for Sportsnet had the following observation:

From my experience, no matter who you are, no matter how much skill you have, if you don’t bring your passion to the rink and your willingness to hate your opponent enough to come walk a fine line, then you’re not as useful to your team as you need to be.

And the Sharks' Ryane Clowe offered this view on Sunday to ESPN.com's Pierre Lebrun:

"Until you are out there, you don't really realize the frustration level and the intensity. You don't want to feel like you're getting pushed around, you want to push back. It's a fine line. And skill guys, too, are getting feisty."

I expect the pot to boil over more than a few times during the playoffs. I admire that even with all the pressure to stay within the lines, the players are trying to gain an edge, trying to push the other side into a mistake. It is the job of the referees and league executives in charge of discipline to to do the editing of players and behavior. James Neal out of control? Call him on it now. Don't wait for a better opportunity to get him on something more serious. Because, as Neal was quick to prove, you keep trying to get away with something until someone calls you on it. And then maybe you try it one more time.

It's quite simple, actually. If you get this collection of characters in a room with a puck, you can pretty much expect that a meeting of the National Honor Society WILL NOT break out. Their job is go hard, go fast and go beyond whatever level of energy and emotion they displayed in the regular season.

Get the referees to match that level of intensity with the courage to make the calls and take the heat. And for Brendan Shanahan to make the calls and take the heat.

It's called pressure. The more the better. That's what it takes to determine the Stanley Cup champion.

Sunday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
Nashville 3, at Detroit 2
(Predators lead series, 2-1)
At Philadelphia 8, Pittsburgh 4
(Flyers lead series, 3-0)
At Florida 4, New Jersey 2
(Series is tied, 1-1)
At Los Angeles 1, Vancouver 0
(Kings lead series, 3-0)
Summaries are here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Ottawa 3, at Barrie 2
(Series is tied, 3-3)
At Kitchener 4, Plymouth 2
(Series is tied, 3-3)
Summaries are here.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Chicoutimi 2, Shawinigan 0
(Series is tied, 3-3)
At Rimouski 3, Blainville-Boisbriand 2
(Series is tied, 3-3)
Summaries are here.

Dynamo Evens Gagarin Cup Series

Two first-period goals helped visiting Dynamo Moscow defeat Avangard Omsk Oblast, 2-1, in Game 2 of the Gagarin Cup finals on Sunday.

The KHL championship series moves to Moscow for the next two games. A full recap is here. And a summary is here.

Saturday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
Washington 2, at Boston 1 OT
(Series is tied, 1-1)
Ottawa 3, at New York 2 OT
(Series is tied, 1-1)
At St. Louis 3, San Jose 0
(Series is tied, 1-1)
Chicago 4, at Phoenix 3 OT
(Series is tied, 1-1)
Summaries are here.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Florida 5, at Elmira 0
(Series is tied, 1-1)
At Kalamazoo 4, South Carolina 1
(Wings lead series, 2-0)
Stockton 3, at Alaska 2 OT
(Series is tied, 1-1)
Summaries are here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Tri-City 5, Spokane 3
(Americans lead series, 3-2)
Kamloops 7, at Portland 2
(Blazers lead series, 3-2)
Summaries are here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
London 5, at Saginaw 3
(Knights win series, 4-2)
At Plymouth 3, Kitchener 0
(Whalers lead series, 3-2)
Summaries are here.

Friday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
New Jersey 3, at Florida 2
(Devils lead series, 1-0)
Philadelphia 8, at Pittsburgh 5
(Flyers lead series, 2-0)
Detroit 3, at Nashville 2
(Series is tied, 1-1)
Los Angeles 4, at Vancouver 2
(Kings lead series, 2-0)
Summaries are here.

EAST COAST HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Elmira 3, Florida 1
(Jackals lead series, 1-0)
At Kalamazoo 6, South Carolina 4
(Wings lead series, 1-0)
At Alaska 2, Stockton 1
(Aces lead series, 1-0)
Summaries are here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Spokane 3, Tri-City 2 OT
(Series is tied, 2-2)
Summary is here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Ottawa 2, Barrie 1
(Colts lead series, 3-2)
At London 2, Saginaw 1 OT
(Knights lead series, 3-2)
Summaries are here.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
At Shawinigan 7, Chicoutimi 3
(Cataractes lead series, 3-2)
At Blainville-Boisbriand 3, Rimouski 2
(Armada leads series, 3-2)
At Halifax 3, Quebec 2
(Remparts lead series, 3-2)
Summaries are here.

Thursday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
At New York 4, Ottawa 2
(Rangers lead series, 1-0)
At Boston 1, Washington 0 OT
(Bruins lead series, 1-0)
San Jose 3, at St. Louis 2 OT(2)
(Sharks lead series, 1-0)
At Phoenix 3, Chicago 2 OT
(Coyotes lead series, 1-0)
Summaries are here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Niagara 3, at Brampton 1
(IceDogs win series, 4-0)
At Barrie 3, Ottawa 2
(Colts lead series, 3-1)
Summaries are here.

But Is There a Gagarin Cup Like This?

As far as I know, the correct answer to the question above is no.

The Stanley Cup replica, with plenty of fresh water for all to drink, is at 46th Street at the crossing of Broadway and Seventh Avenue. Or the point of Duffy Square as you look south toward Times Square.

Yes I wore my Kings jacket, from another era, but it looks smart with the latest uniform change. This was Wednesday afternoon, as I spotted several Rangers and Senators fans making the visit to drink from the Cup.

It was a sunny day, and there was more hockey on the schedule that night. Ditto today. Life is definitely trending toward the positive right now.

The Gagarin Cup Final Is Underway

Well, what do you know. It's mid-morning on Friday and there is already a hockey game in the books today.

Avangard Omsk Oblast defeated visiting Dynamo Moscow, 2-1, in the opening game of the Gagarin Cup Finals in the Kontinental Hockey League. Roman Cervenko and Alexander Perezhogin scored for Avangard, which emerged from the Eastern Conference after winning best-of-seven series against Amur Khabarovsk, Metallurg Magnitogorsk and Traktor Chelyabinsk. Dynamo Moscow came to the finals after winning Western Conference series against Dinamo Minsk, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod and SKA St. Petersburg.

The action can be viewed live on YouTube each game day. To quickly access the day's game, click on the YouTube logo in Gagarin Cup banner, which is atop the KHL web site.

But you must get up early for these games. Omsk is in southwest Siberia, so do the math or get a time converter to judge just what 2 pm (or 1400 hours) Moscow time means to you and your sleep pattern. Dynamo's games in Moscow have a little better starting time. A final note, the KHL schedules list the home team first or on top.

Here's a little preview of the teams attempting to be the fourth winner of the Gagarin Cup.

And here is a wiki page that lists the teams in the league, past winners of the Gagarin Cup and a few notable players in the four-year history of the KHL. Note that there will be a new playoff scoring champion this spring. Alexander Radulov was the scoring champ in the last two tournaments, but his Salavat Yulaev Ufa squad was bounced by Ak Bars Kazan in the first round. And I don't think the KHL will combine RaDOOOO's figures in that series with any numbers he posts for the Nashville Predators in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Oh well. Even RaDOOOO cannot have everything.

Here is the recap of today's game.

Enjoy.

Wednesday's Playoff Tab

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
First Round
Philadelphia 4, at Pittsburgh 3 OT
(Flyers lead series, 1-0)
At Nashville 3, Detroit 2
(Predators lead series, 1-0)
Los Angeles 4, at Vancouver 2
(Kings lead series, 1-0)
Summaries are here.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Edmonton 6, at Brandon 0
(Oil Kings win series, 4-0)
Moose Jaw 4, at Medicine Hat 3 OT
(Warriors win series, 4-0)
Tri-City 2, at Spokane 1
(Americans lead series, 2-1)
At Kamloops 5, Portland 4
(Winterhawks lead series, 3-1)
Summaries are here.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
London 5, at Saginaw 2
(Series tied, 2-2)
At Kitchener 5, Plymouth 1
(Series tied, 2-2)
Summaries are here.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
Second Round
Saint John 5, at Baie-Comeau 3
(Sea Dogs win series, 4-0)
At Chicoutimi 2, Shawinigan 1
(Series tied, 2-2)
At Rimouski 4, Blainville-Boisbriand 3 OT
(Series tied, 2-2)
At Halifax 2, Quebec 1
(Remparts lead series, 3-1)
Summaries are here.

A late starter: Here's a post from the Coming Down the Pipe blog about the Saint John Sea Dogs and the Edmonton Oil Kings, two junior teams that are a perfect 8 for 8 after two rounds of the CHL playoffs.

Notes From Behind the Bar

A little warning about keeping your head on a swivel, or perhaps just another example about knowing who is on the ice at all times.

The Kings' Mike Richards caught Alexandre Burrows at a moment when his attention needed to be everywhere at once. Could easily have been the other way around during this game, which makes the Canucks-Kings series a fun one, should you not have a horse in the race. There are enough skill players, and a healthy collection of players you might describe as having hearts filled with shit and splinters, to make me stay up late on the East Coast.

Points to consider. Both teams need to do better on the power play, because there should be plenty of them in this series. Numbers like 2 for 8 and 0 for 5 signal there is plenty of room for improvement.

Next on the docket is the Shea Weber meets Henrik Zetterberg in the corner moment at the end of the Predlies' victory over the Wings.



Right off the faceoff, Weber goes into the corner and, wouldn't you know it, the nice Saint Zetterberg of Detroit appears to say hello with an elbow to the back of Weber's head along the glass. So, one can only assume Mr. Weber was attempting a gentlemanly "and how are you, good sir" with a bent arm shiver to the back of Saint Zetterberg. Does Weber deserve a suspension? Yes. Even I know that, but there is a point where you have to address the saintly status of the Red Wings. They take penalties and on this night they are called rather than ignored. Learn your lesson.

For the next few months, your saintly status has to be earned again.

Seriously, if I read one more thing about how the Red Wings play the game the right way while I witness Holmstrom doing what he is supposed to do -- bending every rule ever so precisely to gain an advantage in front of the net -- I will have to turn the sound on the TV off.

Probably a good idea since Doc Emrick is already getting on my nerves with his "pass to Crosby ... WHO HITS THE PIPE!" I like to imagine a young Doc at a party, practicing his patter by describing the path a certain illegal substance is being held for a long time before, "Johnson takes yet another hit, looks to his left, AND PASSES THE PIPE!"

Pass the remote. I'm now TURNING THE SOUND OFF!

(To be fair, I'll let Doc and his good friend Pierre McGuire have the last word, and then I am cutting them off in the Lounge.)

A New Forechecker

Yes, please welcome Petunia Puck, who has more bite in her than Alexandre Burrows.

We've been a little lonely in the Lounge since the passing of Pablo the Hockey Pug, who would go hard into the corners for carmel corn. Petunia likes to play in high traffic areas, in front of you, on the couch and in the blind spots, waiting to capitalize on a mistake.

Petunia has warmed up to the game of hockey, though West Coast games prove to be a bit of a challenge. For now, she's choosing two periods of late night hockey before closing the eyes. But she's young. She'll learn.

First Round Picks to Click

That video was a look back. Now let's look forward.

In the East
Rangers over Senators in 5. (Funny that the Senators have actually matched up well with the Rangers this season. Still.....)

Bruins over Capitals in 4. (No faith in Washington, the team. I'm not being political.)

Panthers over Devils in 7. (I know this is a weak branch to hang on, but I am going out on this one only on the basis that the Panthers will get larger crowds to urge them on than the Devildogs will in Newark. Sad. Why are there still 3 teams in the NYC area?)

Flyers over Penguins in 7 (Normally, I would agree with those picking Pittsburgh, but I expect Claude Giroux to really have a great series here. That prospect makes the Flyers my favorite in this round.)

In the West
Canucks over Kings in 5 (No shootouts to save the Kings, whose soft dump-ins play to the strength of the Canucks.)

Blues over Sharks in 5 (Alex Pietrangelo continues to amaze me with his development. I guess those extra years in the Ontario League did him some good, right?)

Predators over Red Wings in 7 (Alexander Radulov will take a charging penalty and earn a suspension: I still remember Ra-Dooooo's flying elbow as a Quebec Rempart in the Memorial Cup final against Moncton.)

Coyotes over Blackhawks in 7 (Chicago doesn't play enough home games in this series to win.)

As you can see, I fully expect to be putting these picks in the 14-day time capsule known as the trash can by the time the second round commences.

And We Return to the Table

Old friends and new, let's gather again to remember the springs of our youth, the dreams of our fathers and the hopes of our friends, who all would and still gather to watch, worry and cry as our teams try to bring home the Stanley Cup.

It's time to drop the puck, get in the mix and feel what it is like to be alive, 20 seconds a shift. Pure fury, rest, then more bursts of sweat,confusion and rage, all in the hopes that my team, not yours, puts 16 wins together before any other in the tournament. Players will describe it as a grind, a march, a marathon or a war. It's personal, a job they must do. That's the takeaway. Whatever you have to fight your way through to get a little peace, what Imagine Dragons sings in "It's Time" as building from the bottom of the pit to the top, surviving the path that heaven runs through miles of clouded hell. That is the desire. That is the Cup.

I think of my father returning from the slaughterhouse, a nick here and a gash there, his boots a deeper shade of blood splatter, his eyes damp and sore from the daily kill. For him, the battle to provide for his family was won. He was all smiles. And if there happened to be a big game on the TV that night, there had better be a steak on the table to celebrate our good fortune.

My love of sports, and my passion for hockey, come from my father. Thanks to him, there is one game that matters to me more than all others. And for visitors to the Lounge for the rest of the spring, we will celebrate that spirit and the Stanley Cup playoffs. Rest assured that there is a place setting and a spot at the table for you. Come on in. It's steak night.