NHL playoffs 2013: Penguins, Kings win conference semifinal openers

For most of the period, the two teams were content with trading meager scoring chances and hitting each other. Otherwise, the start of the period devoid of excitement.

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That hit was costly for the Senators. Gryba left the game with an upper body injury and the Senators said he would not return.

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During the four-game season series, the home team won every game.

Through six games in the quarterfinal, the Kings’ top defenseman averaged 28:49 of ice time. Considering how defensive this game could potentially be, will Doughty continue to hit that mark? Or will his minutes be increased?

The first involves the animosity between the two clubs. The second involves the Penguins’ tumultuous goaltending situation. Both center on drama.

Common sense says it was a hockey play gone bad. However, that hasn’t stopped Ottawa from collectively turning Cooke into public enemy No. 1. While the accusation is unfortunate (and defamatory), the series’ intensity level might be better off for it.

Through those games, Fleury registered an .891 save percentage with a 3.40 goals against average.

Having developed a reputation as a player unable to perform in the playoffs in recent years, many believed that Pittsburgh acquired Vokoun during the offseason in order to have an insurance policy in the event Fleury faltered in the second season.

The Conference Semifinals of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs begins Tuesday night with a set of games.

Entering the second round, there likely isn’t a series with more anticipated tension than that of the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins. With Senators superstar defenseman Erik Karlsson having his Achilles tendon lacerated by the skate blade of Penguins forward Matt Cooke, all eyes will be focused on any potential animosity.