Morning Snapshots: Bruins, Pens, Sharks win, Reasoner Suspended? And More

Beau Bennet (center) celebrates his first career playoff goal. Via:thescore.ca

• The excitement in Toronto didn't last long, as after James van Riemsdyk's opening goal Boston scored four unanswered in a 4-1 victory. Center David Krecji led the way for the Bruins with a goal and two assists while Wade Redden added a goal and an assist as well. It was a rough start for the Leafs, who were dominated by the Bruins in almost every aspect of the game and hung goal James Reimer out to dry too often. Boston outshot the Leafs 40-20, including 14-6 in a third period where the Leafs couldn't make any kind of comeback. Now that the Leafs have the first game jitters out of their system, perhaps they can settle down and make a series of it, but it's going to be tough against a Bruins squad that appears to be in fine post-season form already.
• While the Leafs struggled, the New York Islanders looked even worse in their opening match against Pittsburgh, getting blown out 5-0. Even without Sideny Crosby and losing James Neal in the second period to an undisclosed injury, the Penguin's offense was simply too overwhelming for the Isles to defend against. Pascal Dupuis picked up two goals and Marc-Andre Fleury made 24 saves for the shutout. Isles starter Evegeni Nabokov got the hook after allowing the first four goals in 22 minutes, and back-up Kevin Poulin was decent in relief. A decision about the Islanders goaltending going into game two may have to be made, though a much better defensive effort is what will really be needed.
• In Vancouver, it was a tough battle all night that eventually saw the Sharks escape with the 3-1 victory, the first win by the road team in these playoffs. Surprise Canuck's starter Roberto Luongo had a great effort spoiled by a few bad defensive plays in front of him that ultimately cost them the game. Dan Boyle, who also picked up an assist, scored the game winner mid-way through the third period and Patrick Marleau added the insurance marker five minutes later. The Canucks outshot the Sharks 30-28, but had few quality chances as the Sharks did an excellent job of keeping them away from the dangerous areas. The Canucks also played a hugely physical game, outhitting the Sharks 40-26, an indication of just how intense and entertaining this series is going to be.
• With two minutes to go in the Penguins game, Islanders forward Marty Reasoner was ejected after a dangerous looking incident against Jussi Jokinen. Though Reasoner tried to make the hit with his shoulder, there's no denying that he hung out his knee and clipped Jokinen on the leg. This is one is probably be getting a look from Brendan Shanahan.
• There was another potentially suspendable offence in the Leafs/Bruins game, as Boston's Andrew Ference put an elbow into Mikhail Gabrovski's head. It's already been announced that Ference will face a hearing because of this incident and may also receive supplemental discipline.
• Outside of the playoffs, it appears that Columbus Blue Jacket's forward Marion Gaborik is going to have abdominal surgery and will be out 3-4 weeks, missing the IIHF World Championships, but should be fine to start training camp next season. 
• And finally, it was officially announced that the Chicago Blackhawks would host the Penguins at an outdoor game in Soldier Field on March the 1st next year. The game will be a part of a series of outdoor games the NHL has planned for the 2013-14 season.

That's all for this morning, thanks for reading everybody! Please don't forget to comment and share if you like the content here at WAAP. I'll be back later with your nightly game previews, and check back soon for a special look at the rosters for the IIHF World Championships starting tomorrow. Usually I leave you with a gif, but today it's a video. This is why we love this game so much!