A Taxing Twosome

There were a couple of bouts last night.  Mike Green went with Scottie Upshall (did I hear a “finally”?) early in the third period of the Flyers 6-3 win over the Caps.  The Flyers are now up 2-1 in that series.

The Wild and Avalanche have had a great series so far, and tempers flared last night after the Avs went up 4-0.  No one wanted to go near Derek Boogaard, who acquainted himself with most of Colorado’s roster.  After roughings and misconducts all over the place, Stephane Veilleux and Ian Laperriere dropped the gloves shortly after a faceoff and took some swings before getting tied up.  Todd Fedoruk tried to get at Laperriere at the end of the game, but Lappy wasn’t interested in the Fridge.  Lappy’s also already told the media he wouldn’t consider fighting Boogaard.

Boogaard spoke about his lack of a willing partner:

“They have guys on their team whose job is to open their mouths and try to get us to take penalties on them, and I mean, it’s just not going to happen,” said Boogaard, who ended up taking a 2-minute roughing and 10-minute misconduct in the second period and another roughing penalty in the third period of the 5-1 loss Tuesday.

Boogaard then has some words about Cody McLeod‘s style of play.

“I’m going to laugh when the instigator [penalty] is out this summer because I’m pretty sure [McLeod’s] ... going to be a lot more quiet next year,” Boogaard said. “[The way he plays] is not hockey. That’s not the way it’s supposed to be played. It’s supposed to be played with respect. He doesn’t show respect.”

Elsewhere

- The Habs took a huge game four from the Bruins and are up 3-1 in the series.
- The Ducks went into Dallas and won, 4-2.  The Stars are now up 2-1 in the series where the away team has won every game.  There have been no fights in the series.
- Joe Thornton scored with just 10 seconds left to give the Sharks a 3-2 win.  The series with the Flames is now tied at 2.

Videos added

Stephane Veilleux vs Ian Laperriere Apr 15, 2008
Mike Green vs Scottie Upshall Apr 15, 2008
Ryan VandenBussche vs Stu Grimson Nov 19, 1999 (Round 2)
Ryan VandenBussche vs Stu Grimson Nov 19, 1999 (Round 1)
Chris Murray vs Chris McAllister Feb 28, 1998
Craig Berube vs Turner Stevenson Apr 17, 1995
Dan LaCouture vs Brandon Sugden Sep 22, 2005

Tonight’s games

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Ottawa Senators 7:00 PM ET
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers 7:00 PM ET
Detroit Red Wings vs Nashville Predators 7:00 PM ET

Some reads

O’Reilly’s a big fan of Lucic
Lucic gives confidence big bump
Roberts forever young in playoffs
Thornton finally makes his presence felt
Beaten To the Punch
Stanley Cup going to the dogs