So home ice means, well, not much if opening night of the NHL playoffs means anything. The Pittsburgh Penguins coughed up a three goal lead to the Flyers and looked nervous and unsure of themselves after building what should have been a comfortable lead. Vancouver was dumped 4-2 by the LA Kings. The Predators were the lone team to defend home ice escaping with a 3-2 win over the Red Wings. The wings also lost Darren Helm for the year after he was cut by Alexander Raduolv's skate. But it was what happened at the end of the game that had people talking. Preds Captain Shea Weber slammed Henrik Zetterberg's head into the glass cracking his helmet in a move more reminiscent of the WWE than NHL. He was fined $2500 but seriously, that's a joke. I like Shea Weber a lot but he should have been suspended at least one game if not two for such a stupid play. Byron Bitz will also hear from Breadan Shannahan after a hit from behind on Kyle Clifford for which he receive 5 and a game.
In tonight's action the Sens open up against the Rangers, the Blues host the Sharks, The Caps face the Bruins and the Blackhwaks are in Phoenix. The Sens have played very well in New York City winning 11 of 14 at MSG but will be in tough against the East's top team, though this is a better match up for them than the Bruins. The Caps have had success against the Bruins but with a young goaltender in nets, Boston will be a favorite. The Sharks underperformed this year and will be dangerous even for a solid St. Louis teams. The Hawks have more playoff experience but Mike Smith may be able to steal some games for Phoenix.
In off ice issues the Calgary Flames and Brent Sutter reach an, amicable, parting, which was likely as warm as a Calgary winter, and now have to move on. The question is will Jerome Iginla be a part of that? Time will tell.
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