San Jose and Pittsburgh Advance; Join Flyers in Semi-Finals

The San Jose Sharks overcame Dan Boyle’s colossal mistake in game three to advance into the Western Conference semifinals. During the final three games of the series the Sharks outscored the Colorado Avalanche 12-3. Joe Pavelski led the Sharks with five goals in the series, including two game-winners. "We realized that nothing comes easy after last year," Pavelski said.

The Sharks were on the verge of another disappointing playoff campaign before goaltender Evgeni Nabokov played lights-out during game four with 33 saves in a 2-1 overtime win. The game was highlighted by Dan Boyle who netted the game winner in overtime. It was sweet redemption for Boyle who in game three scored on his own team to win the game in overtime for the Avalanche.

Finally, what we have learned from this series? San Jose can battle adversity and overcome tough losses meaning they have the ability to go deep into the playoffs.

The defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins finished off the Ottawa Senators in overtime to advance in six games next round. Pittsburgh’s experience and offense was no match for Ottawa as the series progressed. Pascal Dupuis scored his first goal in the series in overtime helping his club advance. Sidney Crosby leads the NHL in points during the playoffs with 14 (5 g, 9 a).

I did predict the games for each series, check out how I did.
Western Conference Predictions:
Eastern Conference Predictions:

Dan Boyle, Game 3 Goat

Unlikely help, Sharks, Boyle gives Colorado 2-1 series lead.



After both clubs split each of the first two games of the series, the Colorado Avalanche took a 2-1 lead in the series over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday night. The Sharks outplayed the Avalanche during the entire game and managed to get on the scoreboard, unfortunately it was the wrong end of the score sheet.

51 seconds into overtime Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle attempted to pass the puck behind his own net. Instead, the puck was directed towards Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov and slipped past him for the game winning goal. "We didn't beat their goalie," Sharks coach Todd McLellan said. "We found a way to beat ours."

Avalanche center Ryan O’Reilly was credited with the game winning goal. "Overall, they outplayed us today," O'Reilly said. "Andy kept us in it. Andy deserved this one.”

Colorado goaltender Craig Anderson stopped 51 shots in his first career playoff shutout. Over the years, Anderson has gotten use to being peppered with a high volume number of shots playing in cities like Chicago, Florida and now Colorado. It wasn’t the typical ending either team expected in game three but this is playoff hockey and we need to expect the unexpected.

As for Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle, his teammates have their full support. "It's unfortunate. It happens," Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic said. "It's not his fault and nobody blames him." One thing is for sure, if the Sharks hope to erase the memories of seasons past, they will need to win this series to show the fans of San Jose that they are not pretenders. They must show resilience in game four and provide a reason for why they were the top seed in the Western Conference.

NHL Western Conference Playoff Matchups

2010 NHL Western Conference Playoff Matchups

This is the NHL’s Western Conference first round playoff matchups and predictions. The games are all best of seven game series.

#1: San Jose Sharks (113 pts) vs. #8: Colorado Avalanche (95 pts)
Regular Season Record: 51-20-11 Regular Season Record: 43-30-9


Over the past few years the Sharks have been one of the top teams in the Western Conference. They have the best special teams in the NHL, ranking in the top five in power play and penalty kill percentages. Colorado has been a pleasant surprise thanks to their off-season acquisition of goaltender Craig Anderson. In his first season as a starter Anderson posted 38 wins with a 2.64 goals against average. San Jose has preformed poorly during post-season play in recent years, and could face a tough time against a young Colorado team led by Paul Stastny (79 pts).

Prediction: Sharks in 6 games

#2 Chicago Blackhawks (112 pts) vs. #7 Nashville Predators (100 pts)
Regular Season Record: 52-22-8 Regular Season Record: 47-29-6


Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks might have their hands full with the Nashville Predators. The Preds are one of the least penalties teams in the NHL and are hungry for their first playoff series win in franchise history. Nashville finished the regular season with the fourth best road record (23-15-3). The Blackhawks have six players with 20 or more goals and have one of the most complete defensive units led by Duncan Keith (69 points). Both teams have goaltenders that have zero NHL playoff experience, making this series interesting.

Prediction: Blackhawks in 5 games

#3 Vancouver Canucks (103 pts) vs. #6 Los Angeles Kings (101 pts)
Regular Season Record: 49-28-5 Regular Season Record: 46-27-9


The Vancouver Canucks won the Northwest Division with relative ease for the second straight season. The Sedin twins (Daniel and Henrik) bring their balanced attack into postseason play. Canucks goaltender Roberto Loungo would love to get the monkey off his back by bringing a championship to the West Coast. The Kings finally were able to finally put it all together, thanks to the emergence of second year defenseman Drew Doughty’s 59 points from the blue line. This series will be the first step to greatness for the Kings. Don’t expect them to win series against a more veteran Vancouver club, but this added experience will be valuable in the future.

Prediction: Canucks in 5 games

#4 Phoenix Coyotes (107 pts) vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings (102 pts)
Regular Season Record: 50-25-7 Regular Season Record: 44-24-14,


The one team that no one wants to face is the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings hit their stride in mid-season after early injuries and goaltending problems were resolved. The Phoenix Coyotes have been one of the biggest surprises of the NHL and have played well under head coach Dave Tippett. Detroit should have no problem upsetting the Coyotes because virtually everyone on their roster has a Stanley Cup ring. Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard took the starting reigns and never looked back. He has a great chance at winning his first series against a young Coyotes team.

Prediction: Red Wings in 5 games