2007 NHL Playoffs Recap and Predictions - May 1st

2-2 last night as Ottawa beats Brodeur on a disputed goal and San Jose holds on to beat Detroit. The Rangers and Canucks have a chance to even up their series at home tonight but neither will manage it.

Tonights Games :

Buffalo Sabres (2) a New York Rangers (1) : The Sabres still haven't turned on the afterburners in the 2007 NHL Playoffs, expect them to turn it up a notch tonight in New York as they win to take a 3-1 series lead. Tomas Vanek will continue to chip in offensively and Chris Drury will get on the score sheet tonight.

Anaheim Ducks (2) at Vancouver Canucks (1) : Vancouver can't score, they can't do it 5-5, they can't do it on the power play and in game 3 they couldn't manage it on 2 lengthy 5-3 man advantages. The Ducks will take a commanding lead in the series by winning tonight in Vancouver. Teemu Selanne's line is giving the Canucks fits and while his line hasn't put up a lot of points they are deflecting pressure from the second line of Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Dustin Penner who are picking up the offensive slack.

Last Nights Recaps :

New Jersey Devils 0 (1) at Ottawa Senators 2 (2) : The game winning goal came on a sharp angled shot by Tom Preissing immediately after Mike Fisher bumped Martin Brodeur. Lou Lamoriello was upset that the ref's didn't call goaltender interference on the play and looking at the replays it seems obvious that Brodeur was out of position on the shot. Regardless, Ray Emery was solid in net to get his second shutout of the playoffs. If New Jersey cannot find a way to generate more offense then even Brodeur can't help them win this series.

Detroit Red Wings 1 (1) at San Jose Sharks 2 (2) : The Red Wings dominated most of game 3 but the most dominant player on the ice all night was Joe Thornton. Only Niklas Lidstrom and Craig Rivet were on the ice longer than Thornton's 23:01 minutes. Thornton's presence paid off as he assisted on Ryan Clowe's game tying goal and drew the penalty that resulted in Jonathan Cheechoo's game winner. Good news for Detroit as Tomas Holmstrom has been cleared to play game 4 in San Jose on Wednesday night. San Jose's Bill Guerin has yet to score in the post season making his costly pickup at the trade deadline a questionable investment.

Round 2 Predictions:
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Players to Watch
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Previews and Predictions

Round 1 Predictions:
Round 1 Playoff Predictions and Hot Players
Complete Playoff Predictions