The NHL playoffs could see two cup favorites bounced in the first round tonight if the Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins can't find a way to win. Making the Penguins task more difficult are the suspensions to James Neal, Aaron Asham and Craig Adams as a result of the shenanigans that erupted in game three. It devolved into mayhem and the Pens paid the price on the scoreboard and with the league and now face an almost insurmountable task down 3-0.
The same can be said for the Canucks whose problems have been trying to solve Jonathan Quick. Corey Schneider will get the start tonight and will have to be very sharp as the Kings aren't giving up many at the other end. Vancouver will also welcome back Daniel Sedin which should give the listless powerplay a boost.
Elsewhere Ottawa hosts the Rangers looking to even the series and avoid setting a dubious NHL record with and eighth straight playoff home loss. Their Captain Daniel Alfredsson is still questionable out with a concussion, a theme in these playoffs.
The NHL needs to seriously start coming down on repeat offenders like Raffi Torres who cheapshotted Marian Hossa in last nights Hawks/Coyotes game. He's not someone who seems to understand that you can't do those sorts of things and seems to have little regard for the safety of others. The NHL screwed up the Shea Weber decision, let's hope they get this one right.
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