Both NHL Western Conference semifinal playoff series begin on Friday, with the Stars beating the Blues in Game 1 in Dallas, followed by the Sharks scoring five goals in the third period to beat the Predators in their opener.
Harbinger of bad luck spells doom for Sharks
During warmups before Game 1 at the SAP Center, a black cat somehow found its way onto the ice and cursed the Sharks in the process. Reports of doom, gloom and destruction have come out of San Jose since the incident.
A black cat that cute cannot be bad luck for anyone, I don’t believe it.
Read Article >East Coast bias takes a seat as Western Conference shines
Tom Pennington/Getty ImagesThere may not be — and excuse the pun if you will — as much recognizable star power out in the west, but they sure know how to play entertaining hockey.
Young Radek Faksa’s second career playoff goal was the 2-1 game winner for the Stars.
Read Article >Three-goal third period the difference in Sharks 5-2 win
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesThe Sharks outshot the Predators for most of the game, but it didn’t feel like it as Nashville got most of the better scoring opportunities in the first two periods.
The goal woke the Sharks up, who then started to outpace the Predators. Tommy Wingels had Rinne beat during a furious series of Sharks pressure, but was only stopped by the post in the dying minutes of the third.
Read Article >Stars start Round 2 strong with a 2-1 victory over the Blues
Tom Pennington/Getty ImagesBoth teams combined for 74 shots on goal in a up-and-down match which saw Lehtonen take the win with 30 saves.
Elliott could only do so much for the Blues, who looked sluggish defensively and allowed 42 Stars shots.
Read Article >Brian Elliott makes backwards save to keep game scoreless
Not only did Elliott make the original save here on this incredible blitz from the Stars, he also made one... backwards.
Talk about having eyes in the back of your head there, Elliott.
Read Article >Blues travel to Dallas for heavyweight Round 2 vs. Stars
