Five games on the schedule today in case you’re up for it.
Washington Capitals (7) at Boston Bruins (2) – 3:00 NBC: The first of three early game five matchups which will put a team on the brink, the Bruins and Caps have alternated wins so far. As things shift back to beantown, the pattern suggests it’s Boston’s turn to win, but I’m sure the Capitals will have something to say about that.
Japers’ Rink for Caps perspective
Stanley Cup of Chowder for the Bruins view
New Jersey Devils (6) at Florida Panthers (3) – 6:30 NHLN: Nothing has been easy in this series for the Devils, who have at times looked completely dominant over the Panthers and at others have looked overwhelmed. The Devils are the more talented squad, but will defensive breakdowns and the never-say-die play of the Panthers close that gap?
In Lou We Trust covers the Devils
Litter Box Cats is your SB Nation source for Panthers news
Ottawa Senators (8) at New York Rangers (1) – 7:00 NBCSN: There has to be some fear in the Rangers that the Senators have made a very good series out of this. New York steamrolled through the regular season, but Ottawa refuses to die and now has a chance to steal a game at Madison Square Garden and really turn up the heat. Nothing personal against the Rangers, but I’m rooting for Ottawa based purely on coaching. I like Paul MacLean and think that few things in hockey are funnier than a John Tortorella meltdown.
Silver Seven cheers on the Senators
Blueshirt Banter is all over the Rangers
San Jose Sharks (7) at St. Louis Blues (2) – 7:30 CNBC: Finally we get to a series that can actually end tonight. The Sharks have scored seven goals in this series’ four games so far and have been outshot by the Blues. San Jose is going to have to find some answers quickly or there will once again be a summer full of questions for an organization that’s been to the brink of glory for several years straight without being able to get over that hump. Meanwhile, every time a Blues fan cheers, a demon gets his tail.
Fear the Fin talks Sharks
St. Louis Game Time is regrettably tasked with liking the Blues
Chicago Blackhawks (6) at Phoenix Coyotes (3) – 10:00 NBCSN: Every game of this series has gone into overtime, so don’t be fooled by the 3-1 series advantage; this thing is closer than it looks. Chicago will once again be without Andrew Shaw (suspension) and Marian Hossa (injury), but we should know the fate of Raffi Torres before this one starts [edit: 25 games]. The crowd should be a factor tonight, as their team has a chance to finish out a long-sought series victory in front of them.
Second City Hockey is your go-to source for Blackhawks talk
Five for Howling has your Coyotes news and perspectives
