The NHL couldn’t have asked for a better opening to the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, as two of the three games required overtime.
NHL playoffs 2013: Maple Leafs return to postseason, Atlantic Division series begins
After an exciting opening night of the 2013 NHL playoffs, two Eastern Conference series get underway while the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks close out the night as the late game.
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Of course, the Los Angeles Kings would have liked a better conclusion to their disappointing loss to the St. Louis Blues. While the game ended on a sour note because of the mental lapse by Jonathan Quick, it was an exciting affair that contained a great deal of intensity. Alexander Steen recorded both St. Louis goals and was one of the best players throughout the entirety of the contest.
In Chicago, Josh Harding made a surprise start after goaltender Niklas Backstrom sustained an injury during warmups. Despite a strong performance by Harding, the Blackhawks managed to overcome a sluggish start to earn a 1-0 series lead thanks to the game-winning goal from Bryan Bickell.
The Anaheim Ducks continued the trend of top-seeds maintaining home-ice with a 3-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Teemu Selanne broke a third period tie to put the Ducks up 2-1, which ultimately proved to be the game-winner.
On Wednesday, two Eastern Conference series will get underway while the final Western Conference series gets its start. If these contests are anything like the ones on opening night, hockey fans everywhere will be in for a treat. With both East series containing divisional match-ups, the odds are in favor of two intense affairs.
Here’s a complete look at the schedule:
Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins | 7 p.m., ET
TV schedule: CBC, RDS, CNBC, NESN
Team blogs: Pension Plan Puppets, Stanley Cup of Chowder
New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins | 7:30 p.m., ET
TV schedule: TSN, RDS2, NBCSN, MSG PLUS, ROOT
Team blogs: Lighthouse Hockey, PensBurgh
San Jose Sharks at Vancouver Canucks | 10:30 p.m., ET
TV schedule: RDS, TSN, NBCSN, CSN-CA
Team blogs: Fear the Fin, Nucks Misconduct
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