NHL Playoffs 2007 The Quest for The Stanley Cup

Some Very Nice Stanley Cup Items On Auction

NHL Team Banners & Flags

NHL Team Jerseys

NHL Collectors Pucks

NHL Team Jackets

NHL Team Hats and Caps

NHL Team Shirts

NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Ticket Finder

Stanley Cup Finals 2007 Ottawa Senators VS Anaheim Ducks

Game 1: Ducks 3, Senators 2

Travis Moen, a member of the Ducks' checking line, scored the winning goal at 17:09 of the third period, completing an Anaheim comeback for a 3-2 Ducks win and a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.Game Recap

Game2: Ducks 1 Senators 0

Sammy Pahlsson, a finalist for the Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward, was the offensive hero for Anaheim Wednesday night, scoring the lone goal of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Ducks blanked the Ottawa Senators, 1-0, to grab a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Full Game Recap

Game 3: Senators 5 Ducks 3

The Senators received scoring from throughout their lineup as Chris Neil, Mike Fisher, Alfredsson, Dean McAmmond and Anton Volchenkov scored for Ottawa, which fought back from three one-goal deficits to get what was a virtual "must" win to stay alive in this series. Full Game Recap

Game 4: Ducks 3 Senators 2

The Ducks overcame the suspension to defenseman Chris Pronger, a bad first period in which they were out-shot 13-2, and a decidedly hostile environment at Scotiabank Place to grab a very clutch win. Full Game Recap

b>

The team that began its existence as an NHL expansion team named after a Disney movie came of age Wednesday night.
The Anaheim Ducks are now at their mightiest, winning the 2007 Stanley Cup with a convincing 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators that capped off a tremendous season that saw them win the Pacific Division and then the Western Conference title in the postseason, and now, the greatest prize in hockey, the Stanley Cup. Full Game Recap

The Anaheim Ducks are the 2007 Stanley Cup Champions!

The Stanley Cup ... Take a 3D Virtual Tour

Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup Limited Edition Gift Idea

Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup Champs Mega Mint Limited Edition Framed Photographs and Medallion Set from The Highland Mint

The Highland Mint presents the Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup Champs Mega Mint with Three 24KT Gold Coins. This unique limited edition framed collectible commemorating the Hurricanes incredible 2006 Stanley Cup Championship. Category 7 is presented in a 24 x 28 frame with three 24KT Gold overlay commemorative coins and 7 Action Photos! The Custom wood frame with Hurricanes colored laser cut double matting features the 8x10 image of Captain Rod Brind'Amour raising the Stanley Cup and a Category 7 color banner measuring 2 x 9 is located above the photo. There are six 5 x 7 images each commemorating their Road to the Stanley Cup; Team Captain Rod Brind'Amour during the series victory over the Montreal Canadiens, Cory Stillman scoring during the series victory over the Buffalo Sabres, Eric Staal scoring during the series victory over the New Jersey Devils, Cam Ward's Game 7 save during the 3rd period against Pisani, Cam Ward accepting the Conn Smythe (MVP) Trophy, The entire team on the ice surrounding the Cup following Game 7. Below the 8 x 10 photo of Brind'Amour are (3) 24KT Gold Coins: 24KT Gold Stanley Cup Champs Coin, 24KT Gold 2006 Stanley Cup Champions Coin, 24KT Gold Carolina Hurricanes Franchise Coin. A numbered Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is matted below the coins and lists the scores of each Stanley Cup Final Game-LIMITED EDITION OF 107.

Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup Champs Mega Mint Limited Edition Framed Photograph

Jersey Devils Ultimate Gift

New Jersey Devils 2003 Stanley Cup Champions Lambskin Leather Jacket And Leather Logos From J. H. Design

Ever since their inception in 1988, J. H. Design Group has experienced continuous growth and success as well as special recognition throughout the world. Their unique creation, coupled with the very distinct J. H. Design look, has placed them at the forefront in the Sports Outerwear Industry. They continue to receive world wide acclaim among Pro-Athletes and Celebrities, and are extremely proud of their business relationship with several of the Fortune 500 Companies for their marketing needs in Premium and Incentive Programs. Strength and confidence is the foundation of J. H. Design Group. They have spared no effort in attaining unrivaled quality and craftsmanship in their collections. Their products are made with the finest imported Italian Lambskin leather . Their professional art work and unsurpassed finish make each of their jackets a PRIZE POSSESSION, MADE IN U.S.A. They are committed to excellence in creativity and up-to-date fashion trends. Their constant interest is to focus on the complete satisfaction of their customers. Prepayment required on custom orders, this item is considered a custom order.


New Jersey Devils 2003 Stanley Cup Champions Lambskin Leather Jacket And Leather Logos From J. H. Design

Gift Idea for Sid the Kid Fans

CCM Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby Replica Team Color Jersey


CCM Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby Replica Team Color Jersey

Gift Idea for Messier and NY Rangers Fan

Mark Messier New York Rangers Autographed Jersey with 94 Cup Inscription

"Much like Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe, Mark Messier is a true legend of hockey. He has won six Stanley Cups, five with the Edmonton Oilers and one with the New York Rangers in 1994, their first since 1940. Mark Messier hand signed this authentic NY Rangers jersey and inscribed, ""94 Cup"". This product comes complete with a Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity. "

Mark Messier New York Rangers Autographed Jersey with 94 Cup Inscription

History of The Stanley Cup

The Stanley Cup is the oldest trophy competed for by professional athletes in North America.

I thought about crafting my own article on the history of this great hockey trophy but Wikipedia has done such a comprehensive and wonderful job I'll have to concede and send you over there.

The History of The Stanley Cup

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Round Three Conference Finals Recap

2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals

Sabres and Senators, a great match-up between two hungry teams!

Game 1: Senators at Sabres, Thu. May 10/07

Senators 5 Sabres 2

Showing poise and resilience in withstanding the Buffalo Sabres' two-goal comeback, the Senators further shed their label as postseason underachievers to get a jump on their rivals.

Where in the past they might have wilted, the Senators scored three times in the third period for a 5-2 win on Thursday night in the opener of the Eastern Conference finals.

Game 2: Senators at Sabres, Sat. May 12/07

Senators 4, Sabres 3, 2OT

-Joseph Corvo never scored a bigger goal, and the Ottawa Senators have never been in such an advantageous position in the playoffs.

Believe it, these Senators are for real. Corvo's bouncing shot skipped in at 4:58 of the second overtime, giving Ottawa a 4-3 win over the stunned and suddenly silenced Buffalo Sabres in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals Full Game Recap

Game 3: Sabres at Senators, Mon. May 14/07

Senators 1 Sabres 0

An opportune bounce that led to Daniel Alfredsson's goal and a stifling defensive performance combined to produce Ottawa's 1-0 win over the Sabres on Monday night that gave the Senators a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals. Full Game Recap

Game 4: Sabres at Senators,Wed. May 16/07

Sabres 3, Senators 2

Ryan Miller stopped 31 shots, including 15 in the third period, to preserve Buffalo's 3-2 win Wednesday night and prevent the Ottawa Senators from sweeping the Eastern Conference finals.

Game 5: Senators at Sabres, Sat. May 19/07

Senators 3, Sabres 2, OT

With one clutch shot at 9:32 of overtime, Alfredsson ended a decade's worth of frustration by sending the Senators to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time.

His goal sealed a 3-2 win over the top-seeded Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, allowing Ottawa to win the Eastern Conference finals in five games.

Ottawa Senators win The Eastern Conference and will appear in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time playing either Anaheim or Detroit.

2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals

Detroit and Anaheim are two clubs loaded with talent and should provide a great series

Game 1: Ducks at Red Wings, Fri. May 11/07

Red Wings 2, Ducks 1

The Detroit Red Wings beat the Anaheim Ducks in the opener of the Western Conference finals with two ugly power-play goals that looked awfully good to them.

Tomas Holmstrom scored with 4:54 left in regulation after a shot hit him standing in front of goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere before it dropped to the ice and trickled into the net, giving Detroit a 2-1 victory Friday night. Full Game Recap

Game 2: Ducks at Red Wings, Sun. May 13/07

Ducks 4 Red Wings 3, OT

Scott Niedermayer scored at 14:17 of overtime to lift Anaheim to a 4-3 victory Sunday night over Detroit, evening the Western Conference finals at a game apiece. Full Game Recap

Game 3: Red Wings at Ducks, Tue. May 15/07

Red Wings 5, Ducks 0

Tomas Holmstrom scored in each of the first two periods and the Detroit Red Wings took control early on the way to a 5-0 victory Tuesday night over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals. Full Game Recap

Game 4: Red Wings at Ducks, Thu. May 17/07

Ducks 5, Red Wings 3

Teemu Selanne snapped out of his scoring slump with a goal and two assists, and Ryan Getzlaf scored the go-ahead goal Thursday night to help the Ducks beat the Red Wings 5-3 in Game 4.

Game 5: Ducks at Red Wings, Sun. May/07

Ducks 2, Red Wings 1, OT

Teemu Selanne scored 11:57 into the extra period and lifted Anaheim to a 2-1 comeback win over the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday and a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Game 6:Red Wings at Ducks, Tue. May 22/07

Ducks 4, Red Wings 3

Giguere shut out Detroit for the first two periods as Anaheim built a 3-0 lead, then withstood a three-goal outburst by the Red Wings in the closing period to take a 4-3 victory Tuesday night.

Anaheim Ducks defeat Detroit Red Wings 4-2 and meet Ottawa Senators in the Stanley Cup finals.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Round Two Summary

2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round Two ... Conference Semi Finals

NHL Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Playoffs Semi Finals #1 Buffalo Sabres VS #6 New York Rangers

Can the Rangers Keep The Stellar Play Going Against The Balanced Sabres?

The Rangers had a terrific series against Atlanta and if they can keep their play at that level they could give the number one seed Sabres, a good run.

Buffalo had some difficulty with the Islanders in the first round, but the Sabres were the best team in the regular season and remain the most offensively balanced club remaining.

The Rangers finished 19 points behind the Sabres in the regular season and scored 66 fewer goals. But the playoffs is a new season. New York is buoyed by a one-sided four-game sweep of Atlanta, allowing only six goals in 4 games.

____________________________________

GM 1: Rangers @ Sabres April 25/07
Game Recap: Sabres 5 Rangers 2 ... Even though the 1st period was scoreless Buffalo had the better chances and finally broke the game open in the 2nd with 3 goals on 4 shots in a 4 minute span.

GM 2: Rangers @ Sabres April 27/07
Game Recap: Sabres 3 Rangers 2 ... The Rangers outshot Buffalo 34-18 and took a 2-1 lead into the third but opportunist goals by Drury and Vanek in the third sealed the deal.

GM 3: Sabres @ Rangers April 29/07
Game Recap: Rangers 2 Sabres 1 2nd OT ... Defenceman Michal Rozsival scored from the point at 16:43 of the 2nd overtime period in a very exciting game featuring exemplary goaltending by Lundqvist and Miller.

GM 4: Sabres @ Rangers May 1/07
Game Recap: Rangers 2 Sabres 1 ... With the Rangers nursing a 2-1 lead late in the 3rd period it appeared that Daniel Briere had tied the game with 17 seconds remaining. After many minutes of video review the goal was waved off and New York ties the series at 2-2. (It sure looked in to me!)

GM 5: Rangers @ Sabres Fri. May 4/07
Game Recap: Sabres 2 Rangers 1 OT ... So close for New York! ... Buffalo's Chris Drury ties the game 1-1 with 7 seconds left and Afinogenov scored 4:39 into OT to ruin a great goaltending display by Lindqvist who faced 40 shots.

GM 6: Sabres @ Rangers May 5/07
Game Recap: Sabres 5 Rangers 4 ... Buffalo moves on after a spirited game which saw Buffalo recover from an early deficit and take a 4-2 lead into period 3. The Rangers made it exciting coming on strong in the 3rd but Miller played well.

Buffalo defeats Rangers 4-2 and moves on to meet Ottawa.

NHL Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Playoffs Semi Finals #2 New Jersey Devils VS #4 Ottawa Senators

Can Brodeur Stave Off The Strong Sens Offense?

This is a meeting of two consistently strong teams with Ottawa gaining 90 points in every season since 98 and have secured a playoff spot in nine-straight seasons. Jersey have also made the playoffs nine-straight years and have won two Stanley Cups since 2000.

New Jersey will play a tough defensive style again but do have some scoring touch up front with Gomez, Gionta and rookie playoff sensation Zach Parise able to score pivotal goals.

Martin Brodeur will be challenged by a strong Sens offence led by Heatley, Alfredsson and Spezza. There is added pressure on Ottawa because of several post season failures in the recent past.

GM 1: Senators @ Devils April 26/07
Game Recap: Senators 5 Devils 4 ... So much for defence first as Ottawa surged to a 4-0 lead, only to hang on for a 5-4 victory on the road. Interesting to watch ... Brodeur has been awful on his glove hand lately and teams are recognizing this fact and shooting at this spot regularly.

GM 2: Senators @ Devils Sat. April 28/07
Game Recap: Devils 3 Senators 2 2nd OT ... Jersey got off to a good start outshooting the Sens 16-5 in the 1st but Ottawa took command of the game outshooting the Devils 40 -16 the rest of the way. Only great saves by Brodeur and a breakway goal by Langenbrunner in the second OT saved the day and tied the series at 1-1.

GM 3: Devils @ Senators April 30/07
Game Recap: Senators 2 Devils 0 ... Ray Emery outdueled Martin Brodeur in a goaltending show in a hard fought game again. Emery stopped 25 shots for his second playoff shutout and Tom Preissing scored 4:46 into the third period with Spezza sealing it with an empty netter.

GM 4: Devils @ Senators Wed. May 2/07
Game Recap: Senators 3 Devils 2 ... Martin Brodeur is victimized on two strange goals which some say were soft and the Sens hang on for a 3-2 win and a 3-1 series lead.

GM 5: Senators @ Devils May 5/07
Game Recap: Senators 3 Devils 2 ... Jersey got off to a nice start outshooting the Sens 11-3 in the first 20 minutes with Gomez staking the Devils a 1-0 lead at 6:59 of the first period. Ottawa took over after that and had the game in control until Gomez made it close with 40 seconds remaining.

Ottawa defeats New Jersey 4-1 and moves on to meet the Sabres.

NHL Stanley Cup Western Conference Playoffs Semi Finals #1 Detroit Red Wings VS San Jose Sharks

San Jose's Large Talented Forwards Should Challenge Detroit's Defense

Detroit picked up some key injuries in the Calgary series and Thomas Holmstrom might be the biggest question mark after taking a high stick to the eye area. His dogged determination in the crease area makes him extemely valuable especially on the power play so he'll be missed if he can't go for game one.

San Jose has one of the biggest and most intimidating forward groups in the league although they don't always play that way. Look for Joe Thornton to lead them with a chip on his shoulder because he has received criticism in past playoff appearances and has something to prove.

GM 1: Sharks @ Red Wings April 26/07
Game Recap: Sharks 2 Wings 0 ... The Sharks were able to accomplish what the Flames could not, score the first goal and then go into "shutdown" mode. Even though the shots were 34-19 in favor of the Wings, the scoring chances were minimized by good defensive work and great shot blocking.

GM 2: Sharks @ Red Wings April 28/07
Game Recap: Wings 3 Sharks 2 ... Early on it looked like the Sharks would dominate after taking a quick 2-0 lead in the first 4 minutes but they failed to keep the pressure on the Wings who kept working hard the rest of the game and had strong goal tending by Hasek.

GM 3: Red Wings @ Sharks April 30/07
Game Recap: Sharks 2 Wings 1 ... Jonathan Cheechoo scored a power-play goal with 6:21 to play, and the Sharks came from behind for a 2-1 victory in a tight goaltending battle between Hasek and Nabakov.

GM 4: Red Wings @ Sharks May 2/07
Game Recap: Wings 3 Sharks 2 OT ... The Sharks squandered a chance to take a commanding series lead as Robert Lang ties the game with 33 seconds left and Matt Schneider flags down a careless clearing attempt by Scott Hannan and scores 16:04 into OT.

GM 5: Sharks @ Red Wings Sat. May 5/07
Game Recap: Wings 4 Sharks 1 ... Detroit stars Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk each had a goal and 2 helpers as the Wings scored 4 straight after Hasek allowed a weak goal in the first 5 minutes.

GM 6: Red Wings @ Sharks Mon May 7/07
Game Recap: Wings 2 Sharks 0 ... The Sharks have to be disappointed to be shut out on home ice in a must game. I guess Joe Thornton will go through another year with much speculation on his leadership. I don't think it's valid but it will happen.

Wings win 4-2 and move on to meet Anaheim

NHL Stanley Cup Western Conference Playoffs Semi Finals #2 Anaheim Ducks VS #3 Vancouver Canucks

Roberto Luongo's Brilliant Goaltending Will Get A Huge Test

While Anaheim Quickly kicked the Wild to the side in 5 games, the Canucks went a gruelling 7 games with Dallas including six overtime periods. The Ducks could be nervous though, because they got bounced by the Oilers after a long rest last year as they never got their legs back.

The challenge for Vancouver is to provide some offense to help out Luongo. The Sedins and Naslund must contribute more this time around and Vancouver fans must hope that injuries to Bieksa and Salo are not serious because they have been stalwarts on the D.

GM 1: Canucks @ Ducks April 25/07 10 pm
Game Recap: Ducks 5 Canucks 1 ... The Canucks started well and had several good chances before Jeff Cowan opened the scoring just 7 miutes in. The Ducks shook off 5 days of rust and responded with 3 of their own first period goals and never looked back in controlling the game totally. In fairness the Canucks were a tired bunch and missing key defencemen in this opener.

GM 2: Canucks @ Ducks April 27
Game Recap: Canucks 2 Ducks 1 2nd OT ... Vancouver displayed a lot of guts to play without two of their top defencemen lost to injury and force overtime against an overconfident flock of Ducks. Both goalies excelled and it was a very even game. The Ducks will now realize they have a very viable opponent in the Canucks.

GM 3: Ducks @ Canucks Sun. April 29/07
Game Recap: Ducks 3 Canucks 2 ... Vancouver's inability to score on many powerplay opportunities including two long 5 on 3 situations was the difference tonight. Speculation is that Chris Pronger may be nursing an injury, or has the flu becuase he wasn't his usual robust self tonight.

GM 4: Ducks @ Canucks Tue. May 1/07
Game Recap: Ducks 3 Canucks 2 OT ... The Canucks had to be feeling good up 2-0 heading into the third, but the Ducks persisted and tied it up and bagged the winner early into OT.

GM 5: Canucks @ Ducks Thu. May3/07
Game Recap: Ducks 3 Canucks 2 OT ... In a game Vancouver was outshot 63-27 it took until the 2nd OT before Scott Niedermayer coaxed a wrist shot past the heroic Roberto Luongo. Truly one of the most spectacular goaltending performances in recent memory!

Ducks eliminate Canucks 4-1

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Round One Summary

NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Match-Up #1 Buffalo Sabres VS #8 New York Islanders

Lets See How #1 Seed Sabres Match Up Against #8 Islanders

The Islanders sneak into the playoffs with a shoot-out victory over the Devils on the last game of the season breaking hearts in Toronto but now the fun really starts!

On paper this 1st round matchup should be no contest with the high flying Sabres finishing 21 pts. ahead and scoring 60 more regular season goals than the upstart Islanders. The game is played on ice though, not paper and I see a couple of key elements that might just give New York a chance.

Coach Ted Nolan, after being ostracized by many teams in the league looking for a coach over the past several years, wants to prove he belongs and that those many clubs were wrong for not giving him a chance. Ted's a great motivator and gets maximum results from his players.

The other wild card I think, might be trade deadline acquisition Ryan Smith from the Oilers who is the consumate heart and soul team leader and plays with a gritty determination in the crease that drives goalies to distraction.

Key Players & Difference Makers

Buffalo: Forwards Daniel Briere and Thomas Vanek, defenceman Brian Cambell and goalie Ryan Miller

New York: Forwards Ryan Smyth and Jason Blake, defenceman Marc Andre Bergeron and goalie Wade Dubielewicz if Rick Dipietro can't go in round 1.

Playoff Schedule, Game Recaps & Ticket Finder:

Game 1 Recap: Sabres 4 Islanders 1 ...Buffalo played a quietly efficient game and seemed to be toying with the Islanders at times with Drury and Campbell each scoring twice.

Game 2 Recap: Islanders 3 Sabres 2 ... Rick Dipietro made an auspicious comeback from concussion problems and thwarted the Sabres in a terrific game.

Game 3 Recap: Sabres 3 Islanders 2 ... All goals were scored in the second period and Dipietro played well again.

Game 4 Recap: Sabres 4 Islanders 2 ... Chris Drury scored twice in a tight game as the Sabres take 2 in New York and a 3-1 series lead going back home.

Game 5 Recap: Sabres 4 Islanders 3 ... New York almost stormed back from a 3 goal deficit as Miro Satan was denied on a miraculous save by Ryan Miller in the final seconds and Buffalo ends it in 5 games. The # eight seed Isles were a feisty group through-out though and gave the Sabres a fight.

Sabres Win in 5

NHL Western Conference Playoff Match-Up #2 Anaheim Ducks VS #7 Minnesota Wild

Can Minnesota's Tough Defensive System Ground The High Flying Ducks?

This shapes up as a very evenly matched series with little to seperate these two solid teams over the regular season. Don't expect Minnesota to deviate too much from the stifling defensive system employed by the clever and experienced coach Jacques Lemaire. Even though Minnesota has some enviable offensive threats in Gaborik and Demitra, even these players now contribute to a continually stingy defensive mindset.

The Ducks have a couple of awesome defencemen in Pronger and Niedermayer who are capable of eating many minutes and controlling the pace of any game. Teemu Selanne has found fresh legs and had a great year and is supported by several young, big forwards capable of scoring in traffic.

The goaltending may be the difference and it's hard to predict if Giguere's experience will offset the brilliance displayed by rookie Backstrom in the regular season.

Key Players & Difference Makers

Anaheim: Forwards Teemu Selanne and Andy Mcdonald, defenceman Scott Niedermayer and goalie J S Giguere

Minnesota: Forwards Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra, defenceman Todd White and goalie Niklas Backstrom

Playoff Schedule, Game Recaps & Tickets:

Game 1 Recap: Ducks 2 Wild 1 ... Dustin Penner scored with 5:20 remaining to power the Anaheim Ducks to a 2-1 victory over the stubborn Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night in the opening game of their first-round playoff series.

Game 2 Recap: Ducks 3 Wild 2 ... Francois Beauchemin scored 2 power play goals and Ryan Getzlaf contributed a short-handed tally as Anaheim played a controlled and disciplined game. Minnesota did provide a late third period surge to throw a scare into Anaheim.

Game 3 Recap: Ducks 2 Wild 1 ... Anaheim takes a stranglehold 3-1 lead in the series with a methodical dismantling of the Wild on their home ice where they are tough to beat.

Game 4 Recap: Wild 4 Ducks 1 ... Minny staves off elimination with a spirited win but down 3-1 and heading back to Anaheim, it'll be tough.

Game 5 Recap: Ducks 4 Wild 1 ... The Ducks really had little problem snuffing the Wild in this series and this game was no exception. Anaheim looks very confident right now and will prove a handful for the team they meet in the division semi-finals.

Ducks Win in 5

NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Match-Up #2 New Jersey Devils VS #7 Tampa Bay Lightning

Can Offensively Gifted Tampa Get Past The Smothering Devils Defensive System?

New Jersey will undoubtedly employ the grinding, smothering in your face defensive style that has served the team so well for so many years and anchored by one of the best goalies in league history with Marty Brodeur.

Tampa on the other hand will try to find space for offensive wizards Lecavalier, St. Louis and Richards to work their goal scoring magic. It won them a cup in 2004 but the Devils will be a real challenge in 2007 and the Lightning goaltending is a question mark..

Key Players & Difference Makers:

New Jersey: Forwards Zach Parise and Brian Gionta, defenceman Brian Rafalski and goalie Martin Brodeur

Tampa Bay: Forwards Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, defenceman Dan Boyle ... Note: neither goalie Marc Denis or Johan Holmqvist have played an NHL playoff game.

Playoff Schedule, Game Recaps & Ticket Finder:

Game 1 Recap: Devils 5 Lightning 3 ... As anticipated the Lightning goaltending was suspect on this night as Holmqvist was shakey and made some serious gaffs. If Tampa can even get an average game from a goal-tender their offense should steal a couple of games in this series. Zach Parise looked sharp for the Devils with two goals including the winner.

Game 2 Recap: Lightning 3 Devils 2 ... Goalie Johan Holmqvist rebounded from a poor game 1 effort to make 34 saves in a wild game.

Game 3 Recap: Tampa Bay 3 Jersey 2 ... Johan Holmqvist, has rebounded from a nervous postseason debut to outplay Brodeur over the past two games. Flukey goals were the norm tonight.

Game 4 Recap: Jersey 4 Tampa Bay 3 OT ... Zach Parise continued his strong play with 2 more goals and Scott Gomez got the OT winner as the Devils knot the series at 2-2.

Game 5 Recap: Jersey 3 Tampa Bay 0 ... Tampa outshot the Devils 13-14 but Marty Brodeur stoned them and moves Jersey into the series lead.

Game 6 Recap: Jersey 3 Tampa Bay 2 ... Brian Gionta scored twice and Patrick Elias collected 3 assists as Jersey eliminates Tampa Bay. Martin Brodeur bounced back from sub-par games early in the series and looked like the great goalie he is.

New Jersey Wins in 6

Eastern Conference Playoff Match-Up #3 Atlanta Thrashers VS #6 New York Rangers

Both Clubs are on Hot Streaks Entering The Playoffs, Should Be A Close Series

Atlanta has taken points in 15 of their final 21 contests at 13-6-2, and the re-energized Rangers, went 16-6-6 since January. Both teams have enviable offensive talent, a good supply of muckers and innovative coaching staffs. If Jagr feels like it he can probably be the difference here, but as hockey fans know, he's just too unpredictable to count on.

The goaltending battle between Henrik Lundqvist and Kari Lehtonen may be the deciding factor in this series and Lundqvist has been very hot lately and may have a slight edge.

Key Players & Difference Makers

Atlanta: Forwards Marian Hossa and Ilya Kovalchuk, defenceman Alexei Zhitnik and goalie Kari Lehtonen

New York: Forwards Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka, defenceman Michal Rozsival and goalie Henrik Lundqvist

Playoff Schedule, Game Recaps & Ticket Finder

Game 1 Recap: Rangers 4 Thrashers 3 ... Jaromir Jagr potted the first goal and New York scored twice in each of period's one and two ... Atlanta almost forced overtime with a spirited comeback in the third but failed to capitalize on a power play in the final two minutes.

Game 2 Recap: Rangers 2 Thrashers 1 ... Super pest Sean Avery set up Brendan Shanahan for the winner and scored himself on a crazy bounce from center-ice. Atlanta back-up goalie Johan Hedberg was peppered with 39 shots and played very well.

Game 3 Recap: Rangers 7 Thrashers 0 ... Michael Nylander got the hat trick as New York hammered an inexplicably flat Atlanta team, could be a sweep which could get coach Bob Hartley fired.

Game 4 Recap: Rangers 4 Thrashers 2 ... A desperate Thrasher squad put up a fight but too little too late as the Rangers sweep the series in 4 straight and move on. I can't imagine the Atlanta suits will be satisfied with this lacklustre effort so expect some changes in Thrasher-land in the coming weeks.

Rangers Sweep Series in 4 Straight

NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Match-Up #4 Ottawa Senators VS #5 Pittsburgh Penguins

Led by 19 Year Old Phenom Sidney Crosby The Pens Seem Ready To Challenge NOW!

Despite what they might say, nobody really expected the Penguins to emerge as a legimate contender with a roster peppered with young but very talented players. Crosby and Malkin led the way with Jordan Staal pumping 29 goals as well. Aquiring the grit and playoff savvy of Gary Roberts at the trade deadline will help settle this inexperienced group.

The Senators have many playoff disappointments to atone for and fans will not tolerate a first round defeat especially by a perceived upstart like the Pens . The Sens are loaded with experienced players with the only question mark being in goal.

Heatley, Alfredsson and Spezza have all had quietly solid seasons and their experience may prove to be the deciding factor. You can't discount the exhuberance of youth though. and I expect a very entertaining series.

Key Players & Difference Makers

Ottawa : Forwards Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson , defenceman Wade Redden and goalie Ray Emery

Pittsburgh: Forwards Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin , defenceman Sergei Gonchar and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury

Playoff Schedule Game Recaps & Tickets

Game 1 Recap: Ottawa 6 Pittsburgh 3 ... Andrej Meszaros and Chris Kelly scored 5:01 apart early in the first period and Pittsburgh never recovered as Ottawa dominated the first 2 periods.

Game 2 Recap: Penguins 4 Senators 3 ... A detrmined Pens team fought Ottawa very hard and tied the game twice in the third before Crosby potted the winner at 11:44. Marc-Andre Fleury was spectacular at times staving off the strong Sens offence.

Game 3 Recap: Senators 4 Penguins 2 ... Pens scored first and but Alfredsson scored twice in the second and Ottawa controlled the game out-chancing the Pens badly the rest of the game.

Game 4 Recap: Senators 2 Penguins 1 ... Ottawa scored mid-way through the third to dispatch a very determined Pens crew.

Game 5 Recap: Senators 3 Penguins 0 ... Ray Emery grabs his first playoff shutout as Ottawa dispatches the youthful Pens in 5 games. Ottawa had many past first round playoff disappointments to atone for and the Pens were determined but lacked the experience to prolong this series any longer. The Sens look solid and the Pens have much to look forward to in the coming years with a team loaded with young talent.

Ottawa Wins in 5

NHL Western Conference Playoff Match-Up #1 Detroit Red Wings VS #8 Calgary Flames

Will Detroit Finally Replicate Regular Season Magic With Playoff Success?

The Red Wings After another stellar regular season record Detroit fans remain skeptical until the Wings can parlay that accomplishment into post season longevity. The team is different this year with more attention to defence and back-checking by the snipers. Dom Hasek gives them better presence in goal but can his aging body stand up to a demanding schedule?

The Flames have acquired scoring punch and offensive creativity but have lost the defensive grit coupled with great goaltending that powered them to the cup finals in 2004. Calgary is struggling to combine the two elements in forging a new identity which has been slow to emerge. Dogging the Flames has been a deplorable road record which must improve for any chance of playoff success.

Key Players & Difference Makers

Detroit: Forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, defenceman Nik Lidstrom and goalie Dominik Hasek

Calgary: Forwards Jarome Iginla and Kristian Huselius, defenceman Dion Phaneuf and goalie Mikka Kipprusoff

Playoff Schedule, Game Recaps & Ticket Finder:

Game 1: Red Wings 4 Flames 1 ... Calgary looked very flat and took too many penalties as Detroit took an early 2-0 lead and never looked back. Mikka Kipprusoff was brilliant in the second period and prevented this one from being more embarrassing.

Game 2: Detroit 3 Calgary 1 ... Once again only Kipprusoff prevented a total rout and kept the score respectable. Calgary surrendered almost 100 shots on goal in 2 games in Detroit. Home ice has been kind to Calgary this year and they'll need the help!

Game 3: Flames 3 Wings 2 ... A fired up crowd and a typical good home ice showing gives Calgary some life in this previously one sided series.

Game 4: Flames 3 Wings 2 ... Daymond Langkow scored twice on great feeds from Tanguay and Kipprusoff held off the Wings the rest of the way as Detroit outshot Calgary 25-11 in the final 2 periods.

Game 5: Wings 5 Flames 1 ... Wings scorers scored and Flames scorers not so much. Traffic in the crease drove Kipper nuts.

Game 6: Wings 2 Flames 1 2nd OT ... Wings were by far the better team and only the heroics of Kipprusoff kept the Flames alive into OT. Expect changes in Flame land and coach Jim Playfair may be the first casualty.

NHL Western Conference Playoff Match-Up #3 Vancouver Canucks VS #6 Dallas Stars

Roberto Luongo Has Transformed The Canucks into a Defence First Cup Contender

When the Canucks aquired Roberto Luogo in exchange for forward Todd Bertuzzi, they immediately became a force in the West playing a determined and disiplined defensive style with the Sedin twins producing much of the offense in many low scoring games. This is the type of game that can propell a team deep into the playoffs.

Dallas, as usual put together a quietly effective season managed by under-rated head coach Dave Tippett. The perennial question for the Stars is; can Marty Turco raise his level of steady play in order to succeed in the playoffs.

Key Players & Difference Makers

Vancouver: Forwards Daniel and Henrik Sedin, defenceman Kevin Bieksa and goalie Roberto Luongo

Dallas: Forwards Jere Lehtinen and Ladislav Nagy, defenceman Sergei Zubov and goalie Marty Turco

Playoff Schedule, Game Recaps & Ticket Finder:

Game 1: Canucks 5 Stars 4 OT ... Henrik Sedin, taking a quick pass from brother Daniel scored 18:06 into the fourth overtime and Roberto Luongo made 72 saves to lift the Vancouver Canucks to a 5-4 win over the Dallas Stars in the 6th longest playoff game in NHL history.

Game 2: Stars 2 Canucks 0 ... Dallas scored on the opening shift in each of the first 2 periods, and Marty Turco made 35 saves as the Stars squared the first-round playoff series with a 2-0 win over Vancouver. Roberto Luongo was likely more fatigued than counterpart Turco as he was forced to make more saves in game 1.

Game3: Canucks 2 Stars 1 OT ... Taylor Pyatt scored 7:47 in the 1st OT period after the Canucks scored in the 3rd to tie. Vancouver took over in third and thier dominance continued into OT. Luongo played another strong game.

Game 4: Canucks 2 Stars 1 ... another defensive game saw the only scoring in the third and Luongo once again looking huge for Vancouver.

Game 5: Stars 1 Canucks 0 OT ... Brenden Morrow scores 6:22 into OT to keep the Stars alive capping a sparkling goaltending duel between Luongo and Turco.

Game 6: Stars 2 Canucks 0 ... Turco post another shut-out and game 7 goes in Van.

Game 7: Canucks 4 Stars 1 ... Two late empty net goals skewed the score in another great goaltending battle. The Vancouver offense came alive after being challenged in the media by their coach.

Vancouver Wins in 7

NHL Western Conference Playoff Match-Up #4 Nashville Predators VS #5 San Jose Sharks

Will The Addition of The Often Injured Peter Forsberg Push The Preds Past Dominant Thornton and theSharks

Nashville was having a very successful season when they gave up some excellent young prospects at the trading deadline to secure the playoff services of Peter Forsberg. His injuries and age have diminished his contributions but he is a strong presence and quiet leader. The Preds can roll four balanced lines while the Sharks may be over-reliant on big Joe, Cheechoo and Marleau.

I'm looking forward to this series because it looks like a very interesting and compelling match-up between two evenly matched teams.

Key Players & Difference Makers

Nashville: Forwards Paul Kariya and David Legwand, defenceman Shea Weber and goalie Chris Mason or Thomas Vokoun

San Jose: Forwards Joe Thronton and Jonathan Cheechoo, defenceman Matt Carle and goalie Evgeni Nabokov

Playoff Schedule, Game Recaps & Tickets:

Game 1 Recap: Sharks 5 Preds 4 ... Patrick Rissmiller scored at 11:46 of the second overtime, and the Sharks downed the Predators 5-4 after squandering a seemingly comfortable two-goal lead in the opening game of the Western Conference first-round series. Jonathan Cheecho was flattened by a devastating check and did not return to the game.

Game 2 Recap: Preds 5 Sharks 2 ... J.P. Dumont scored a short-handed goal, then added a power-play goal 2 1/2 minutes later, and the Preds evened their Western Conference quarterfinal by beating San Jose 5-2 Friday night in a penalty and fight filled contest.

"We came here to play hockey tonight," quipped Nashville coach Barry Trotz. "We knew it was an important game, and they turn it into a street brawl."

Game 3 Recap: Sharks 3 Preds 1 ... The Sharks pounded 41 shots at Vokoun and even though Patrick Marleau scored the clinching goal with 4:26 to play this one was never in doubt as the score flattered the Preds.

Game 4 Recap: Sharks 3 Preds 2 ... Nashville made it interesting with a goal in the final 3 minutes but once again the Sharks had control through-out.

Game 5 Recap: Sharks 3 Preds 2 ... The Sharks eliminate Nashville with another calm and controlled game. Even though they trailed the game they were controlling play and outshooting the Preds.

Nashville has to be disappointed in going out this fast especially after giving up good young players to get Forsberg for a playoff run that fizzled.

Sharks Win in 5