Morning Snapshots 04/06

• In last night's ECF game, the Bruins absolutely destroyed the Penguins 6-1. Boston forward Brad Marchand had two goals and Nathan Horton a goal and an assist before the first period was even over, as the score sat at 4-1 entering the second period. Marchand's first goal came just 28 seconds into the game, and you could tell it would be a long night for the Penguins. Patrice Bergeron and Johnny Boychuk added goals in the third to put the game out of reach. The Bruins dominated at 5 on 5 play, scoring all six of their goals at even strength. I asked last week in the blog if anyone could stop the Penguins, I guess I have my answer now. The Bruins head back to Boston with a 2-0 series lead over the Pens, and a chance to put the series out of reach on home ice Wednesday.
• So now the question becomes, what can Pittsburgh do to turn it around? It's never a good sign in a playoff series when your goaltender gets pulled, as Vokoun was after allowing three goals in the first period. But Marc-Andre Fleury was little better in relief, also allowing three goals and making people wonder just who will start in net for game three. That's not the problem for the Penguins however, the problem is they can't score. The vaunted offense that was scoring at more than a 4 goals per game clip through the first two rounds has just one goal (Brandon Sutter) in two games against the Bruins. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, James Neal, Jarome Iginla and Kris Letang are all pointless.
• The NHL Competition Committee will be meeting today to discuss various issues. On the agenda: mandatory visors, hybrid icing and reducing the size of goaltender equipment. In case you were wondering, members of the committee include team representatives Ed Snider (Flyers owner), Steve Yzerman (Lightning GM), David Poile (Predators GM), Ken Holland (Red Wings GM) and Randy Carlyle (Maple Leafs coach). The player's association is represented by David Backes (Blues), Cory Schneider (Canucks), Michael Cammalleri (Flames), Ron Hainsey (Jets) and Alex Pietrangelo (Blues). 
• The NHLPA has been polling it's players to see where they stand on the issue of visors. It appears that a large percentage of the union is in favour of grandfathering in mandatory visors. The results will be considered by the Competition Committee. If the committee does feel the need to adopt changes to the game, a 2/3 vote of approval must pass before their recommendation is given to the NHL's board of governors and NHLPA's executive committee for final approval and implementation.
• A few more minor notes to address before I go. The Montreal Canadiens have fired goaltending coach Pierre Groulx. Considering the struggles Carey Price and Peter Budaj has this year, that's no surprise. Rick Bowness, who was fired by the Canucks last week, has found an associate coach job in Tampa. He joins new Bolts coach Jon Cooper behind the bench and will likely work with the Lightning defense. Finally, the Blackhawks have signed Finnish free agent goaltender Antti Raanta to a one year deal. The 24 year old  was named the best goaltender and MVP of the SM-Liiga this season.

Thanks for reading everybody! Please comment and share if you like the content here at WAAP. I'll post again soon with a preview of game three between Chicago and LA tonight. Check out this cool sequence from last night's game. Public enemy number one in Boston, Matt Cooke, is going at it with noted Bruins pest Brad Marchand at the blueline. Marchand decides he'll beat him where it hurts the most, on the scoreboard.