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| Via: sfexaminer.com |
Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Islanders (7:00pm ET)
TV: TSN, NBCSN, ROOT, MSG
Series: 2-1 Penguins
The Islanders came out hard in game three, scoring two goals and taking advantage of the home crowd, but Pittsburgh showed their veteran playoff experience and came back to win the game in overtime. It's been a tough series for New York, as they have to be at the top of their game every time they're on the ice if they want to compete with the skill of the Penguins. Better special teams play would make a huge difference, as the Islanders are only 9.1% on the power play and 53.8% on the penalty kill. The Penguins will again be without Brooks Orpik and James Neal, though both skated today and could be back soon, while the Isles report no injuries. It'll be Evgeni Nabokov versus Marc-Andre Fleury again between the pipes.
Prediction: 4-3 Pens.
Montreal Canadiens @ Ottawa Senators (7:00pm ET)
TV: CBC, RDS, CNBC
Series: 2-1 Senators
Both teams are looking to put the chaos of game three behind them tonight and play a solid game. The Canadiens can't be drawn into another penalty filled game and will be looking to use their speed and skill to impose on the Senators defense. Ottawa would like to do the same, matching that speed with the solid defense that has given them the series lead. If either fails in their game plan, we might just have another donnybrook on our hands tonight. Cary Price will be looking forward to a bounce back game, after letting in all six goals in game three. Craig Anderson, who has been excellent in this series only allowing 6 goals on 118 shots, will start again for the Sens. The teams will go with the same lineups tonight that they did in game three. Prediction: 3-2 Habs.
Chicago Blackhawks @ Minnesota Wild (9:30pm ET)
TV: CBC, NBCSN, FoxSports-N, CSN-Chicago
Series: 2-1 Hawks
The Wild crawled back into this series with a 3-2 overtime victory in game three and will need at least that same effort tonight if they hope to tie things up. Improved special teams would help, as the Wild have yet to score a power play goal this series. Chicago will have to do a better job adjusting to Minnesota's hard forecheck, as well as improving on the faceoff dot. The Hawks offense has been led by Patrick Kane who, despite not scoring a goal yet, has picked up five assists. Chicago will again be without backup goalie Ray Emery and forward Dave Bolland while Nicklas Backstrom and Jason Pominville remain questionable to suit up tonight for the Wild. Corey Crawford will likely get the start again for the Hawks against Josh Harding.
Prediction: 3-1 Hawks.
Vancouver Canucks @ San Jose Sharks (10:00pm ET)
TV: RDS, TSN, CNBC, CSN-CA
Series: 3-0 Sharks
It's do or die time for the Canucks and people in Vancouver already have the pitchforks out if they should lose. The Canucks have been totally outclassed thus far by the Sharks, who've dominated in nearly all aspects of the game, especially faceoffs, goaltending and special teams. Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski have been on fire, both recording six points to sit second in playoff scoring. The Canucks have yet to announce whether Cory Schneider or Roberto Luongo will get the start in goal tonight, though either will have to be on top of his game to give the team any hope. Antti Niemi will be between the pipes again for the Sharks, and he's been spectacular with a 1.62 goals against average and .945 save percentage through three games. Martin Havlat and Jason Demers are doubtful to play for the Sharks tonight, while the Canucks are still without Chris Tanev, though he did make the trip to San Jose. Update: It's been announced that Cory Schneider will start in goal for the Canucks. Prediction: 4-0 Sharks.
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