After two days of action away teams started out the playoffs 2-5, about what we’d expect from the first round. Ducks and Predators yet to play first game.
Red Wings vs. Lightning (2-3)
Ben Bishop was sharp in net for Tampa Bay. The Wings looked great in the beginning winning the races to the puck but once Tampa got on the board they started to heat up. The Lightning were like a well oiled machine towards the end of the game.
Blackhawks vs. Blues (0-1)
Through three periods both teams found themselves still scoreless. Like usual the Chicago Blackhawks are playing overtime hockey in the playoffs but to some surprise they do not come out on top. Yet, no one is surprised that the loan goal scorer in the game was Blues center David Backes. Backes always finds a way to hurt the Hawks and finds ways to win games. More close games to come.
Rangers vs. Penguins (2-5)
One of the big story lines of the playoffs at this point is the injury to Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist. Henrik was accidentally poked in the eye by a stick and was taking out of the game. The Penguins were just to much to handle for the Rangers. Patric Hornqvist finished with a hat trick and an assist, alongside Sidney Crosby who scored a goal with two assists. Third string goalie Jeff Zatkoff  played great for the Penguins as well only allowing 2 goals on 37 shots.
Flyers vs. Capitals (0-2)
The Capitals, a heavy favorite took care of business in the first game. Braden Holtby only had to make 19 saves in this shutout win. The Capitals never let the Flyers offense get going, even after an abundance bad penalties, the Flyers still could not capitalize. The Flyers goaltender Steve Mason held up his end of the bargain only allowing two goals to a great offensive team like the Capitals. Flyers are going to need to score at least three goals if they want to win against the Caps.
Islanders vs. Panthers (5-4)
The biggest winners of the first two days are the New York Islanders who went down to Florida and took a game from the Panthers. In a back in forth game with numerous lead changes the Islanders outlasted the Panthers. All of the Islanders five goals were scored by different players. If the Panthers want to take command of the series goalie Roberto Luongo needs to play much better.
Wild vs. Stars (0-4)
In a commanding win the Stars took a 1-0 series lead with ease. Radek Faska scored the first goal in his first career playoff game. I predicted this series ending in four games and after this game nothing leads me to believe anything else.
Sharks vs. Kings (4-3)
In what I believed to be the best game of the first two days the underdog sharks won a game on the road in L.A. U.S. born Joe Pavelski scored two goals in the win for the Sharks. Johnathan Quick, known for being an elite goaltender needs to have a good bounce back game to tie up the series 1-1.