Cup Hunting Season Opens

Actually, it’s “huntin’”, right?  I’m from New York, so what do I know… either way, the first playoff night was a good one.  Just one fight from the four games last night.

Dean McAmmond shoved Sidney Crosby into the boards.  Crosby returned to his feet, with the puck and went to the front of the net.  As the puck went out of area, Crosby and Wade Redden started shoving and throwing some gloved shots.  The whistle blew and players gathered and Ryan Whitney took on Redden on behalf of his captain.  Whitney wound up getting Redden’s jersey over his head, throwing punches at will before the linesmen moved in.

Just one minute into the game Gary Roberts made his presence felt, scoring the first goal of the playoff season, quickly becoming enemy #1 in Ottawa - again.  Big Georges had the first assist.  Roberts scored again with 1:35 left.  He then picked up 16 PIMs with just 12 seconds left.  It looks like it’ll be a chippy series.  The Pens took the game, 4-0.

Wild comeback fails in OT

The Wild were down 2-0 to the Avalanche going into the third before Mikko Koivu scored a few minutes into the period to bring the Wild within one.  Todd Fedoruk then scored on the power play to tie things up a few minutes after that.  That’s right, a little PP time for the Fridge in the playoffs.  It was all for naught, as Joe Sakic scored the game-winner for the Avs in overtime.

Derek Boogaard was in the lineup, logging 8:56 of ice time.  Mark Parrish left the game with a head injury.  That may lead to Chris Simon dressing for next game.

Video added

Wade Redden vs Ryan Whitney Apr 9, 2008

Tonight’s games

Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens 7:00 PM ET
Nashville Predators vs Detroit Red Wings 7:00 PM ET
Dallas Stars vs Anaheim Ducks 10:00 PM ET
Calgary Flames vs San Jose Sharks 10:00 PM ET

Some reads

Western Quarterfinals Preview 2008
Eastern Quarterfinals Preview 2008
Not One Extra Minute
In defence of hockey brawls
Goons take night off in Game 1 of Rangers-Devils
Roberts remains Senators’ nightmare
This time, Penguins a true playoff team
Flames head coach reflects on playoff history
Unglamorous, but successful
Simon’s new team is ‘true’
Muscle in spades
Producing Pens’ telecasts a dizzying endeavor