Morning Snapshots 23/05

• The Senators looked good after the first period in game four last night against Pittsburgh, up 2-1 and getting some outstanding goaltending from Craig Anderson. But the Penguins scored two goals in 40 seconds in the second, and the barraged the Ottawa net with four more goals to win 7-3 and take a 3-1 series victory. James Neal and Jarome Iginla each had two goals, while defenseman Kris Letang had four assists. The Sens know they're in trouble now, as they just haven't been able to match the offense of the Penguins. Game five goes Friday night in Pittsburgh.
• It was a bitter night especially for Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson, who notched his 100th career playoff point in a losing effort. After the game, Alfredsson went to the referee and asked for the puck, causing speculation that this may have been his last game in front of the home crowd in Ottawa. When asked after the game if he thought the Senators could come back from a 3-1 series deficit, Alfredsson replied, "Probably not...with their depth and power play right now, it doesn't look too good". If Alfredsson's career is indeed coming to a close, it's a shame it has to end on such a negative note.
• Many in Vancouver have been waiting for the axe to fall on head coach Alain Vigneault, and it finally has as he was relieved of his duties by the organization yesterday. Vigneault is the all time winning-est coach in Canucks history and led the team to six division titles in seven years, but after two straight first round defeats, change was needed for the franchise. Associate coaches Rick Bowness and Newell Brown were also relieved of their duties. No time frame for a replacement has been announced yet by general manager Mike Gillis.
• Reports out of Winnipeg say that restricted free agent forward Alex Burmistrov wants out. The 21 year old asked to be dealt at the trade deadline and apparently still wishes to go to another NHL team. His agent confirmed that the KHL will not be an option for him. Burmistrov has 58 points in 194 career games. 
• History was made in the AHL last night, as the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins defeated the Providence Bruins after being down 0-3 in the series, to win in game seven. It's only the third time in AHL history that a team down 0-3 has completed the reverse sweep. Credit to Penguins goalie Brad Thiessen, who recorded a shutout in game seven, and has a 0.89 goals against average and .970 save percentage so far in the AHL playoffs. 
• Sticking with the AHL, more bad news for the Toronto franchise, as the Marlies were eliminated by the Grand Rapids Griffins in six games. It was an eerily similar situation to the Maple Leafs playoff exit, as they were up 3-1 in the third period, but ultimately lost the game 4-3.
• And finally, the career of journeyman Andy Sutton has come to an end, as the defenceman announced his retirement from the NHL yesterday. The 38 year old played 15 years in the league, but also suffered through a dozen surgeries, including one this past year which caused him to miss the entire 2013 season. Sutton will be remembered as an imposing figure on the blueline capable for dishing out some punishing hits. He recorded 150 points in 676 career NHL games. 

Thanks for reading everyone, I'll be back later with your previews of tonight's NHL games. This morning's gif is this beautiful toe-drag backhand goal from Sidney Crosby last night. The Kid's good.