Tonight's Playoff Match-ups 08/05

Via: cbc.ca

Boston Bruins @ Toronto Maple Leafs (7:00pm ET)
TV: CBC, RDS, CNBC, NESN
Series: 2-1 Bruins
Ultimately the first home playoff game in nine years for Toronto was a let-down, as the home team lost 5-2 to the Bruins. Boston was relentless on the puck, out hit the Leafs all over the ice, and got the depth scoring that makes this veteran team so successful. It doesn't hurt that Bruins netminder Tuukka Rask has been excellent so far, only allowing seven goals through the first three games. The Leafs will need to keep pushing the issue on offense, limit their mistakes and take advantage on special teams if they want to get back into this series tonight. Goalie James Reimer, who has been only average thus far, will get the start again tonight and needs to have a bounce back game. The only injury to report for either side is Toronto's Mike Kostka, who is out indefinitely with a broken finger. Prediction: 3-2 Leafs.


Washington Capitals @ New York Rangers (7:30pm ET)
TV: TSN, NBCSN, CSN-DC, MSG
Series: 2-1 Capitals
The Rangers got their offense going in game three, putting four past Caps goalie Braden Holtby to prevent Washington from taking a stranglehold on the series. The difference was on special teams, though this time not in favor of the Caps, as New York was perfect on the penalty kill. The Rangers got goals from four different players on Monday and will need that depth to come through again tonight against a potent Caps offense. Both Henrik Lundqvist and Hotlby have been great in goal and will get the start tonight for their respective teams. Darrell Powe and Ryane Clowe have been out for the Rangers with undisclosed injuries, but Clowe could get into the lineup tonight and will be a game time decision. The caps are still without Brooks Laich. Prediction: 3-2 (OT) Caps.

Los Angeles Kings @ St. Louis Blues (9:00pm ET)
TV: CBC, NHLNetwork, CNBC, FoxSports W/MW
Series: 2-2
The series shifts back to St. Louis for game five, after both teams finally found their offense in the last game, scoring as many goals as they had in the entire series combined. The Blues will be looking to take back momentum after that loss in game four, and have a good chance to do so as the home team has won every game so far. They'll have to rely on goaltender Brian Elliot, who has stopped 101 of 107 shots thus far, as well as hoping to get their cold offense going. Conversely, the King's top guns finally found the scoresheet last game and will need them to continue that tonight. Jonathan Quick will again get the start in goal for the Kings versus Elliot. King's defenseman Matt Greene, who suffered a lower body injury, looks to be done for the rest of the series at least. Prediction: 2-1 (OT) Blues

Detroit Red Wings @ Anaheim Ducks (10:00pm ET)
TV: TSN, RDS, NBCSN FoxSports D/D+, Prime
Series: 2-2
The Ducks head home looking to take back control in the series after letting game four slip away from them. Just as the Wings have had difficulty holding third period leads, the Ducks lost in overtime after leading 2-1 heading into the third. The Wings have been good to be lucky so far, with two OT victories and this series could very well be over by now if not for that. So far in this series whoever has won the special teams battle has won the game, and both teams will look to take advantage of their opportunities tonight. The Wings will be without Justin Abdelkader who is serving the second game of his suspension, while Danny DeKeyser, Drew Miller and Darren Helm are all out until next season. There is still no word about the status of Ducks defenseman Toni Lydman, but it seems he isn't likely to return soon. Hiller and Howard will again be in goal tonight for Anaheim and Detroit, respectively. Prediction: 4-3 (OT) Ducks.

Thanks for reading everybody. I would love to hear your predictions for tonight's games. I'll have a new poll up tomorrow, so check that out, and don't forget to enter into our site header contest, you can find details here. Until tomorrow, I'll leave you with a double dose of nightly gifs. I present for your approval, Playoff Marc-Andre Fleury.