The Rumors and Rants Stanley Cup Playoff Roundup

Here’s the question, if it’s not on national television like, say, ESPN, do you even notice the Stanley Cup Playoffs are going on? We’re going to go out on a limb and say you do, barely.

But just in case you’re not paying particularly close attention to what Barry Melrose has to say on the late-night SportsCenter, we’re here to keep you informed on how all these magnificent playoff series are coming along.

Without further adieu (since we put this off until the afternoon), let’s get you caught up on Wednesday’s games, shall we?

Eastern Conference

Game 1: No. 7 Philadelphia 2, No. 2 New Jersey 1: One would probably expect brilliant goaltending in Newark for a first round game between two old foes. And one would probably expect it to come from Martin Brodeur. Turns out, not so much.

Flyers goalie Brian Boucher turned in a brilliant 24 save performance and out-dueled Brodeur to steal a win.

Of course, this news has since been overshadowed by the 76ers firing Eddie Jordan but hey, nice effort.

Game 1: No. 5 Ottawa 5, No. 4 Pittsburgh 4: Not as much great goaltending in this matchup but we’re not ones to argue with nine goals combined and an upset win.

Center Chris Kelly paced the Senators with one goal and two assists, putting Sid the Kid and the Penguins into an early hole. At various points Ottawa held a two-goal lead only to see the Penguins rally.

Western Conference

Game 1: No. 8 Colorado 2, No. 1 San Jose 1: Starting to sense a theme here, are we not? It’s upset city baby! Nothing like channeling Dickie V during the hockey playoffs.

Anyway, a bad bounce off an opposing skate already has people talking about San Jose’s year in, year out ability to play well all season long only to choke in the playoffs. The Sharks have been in the playoffs six straight years and haven’t won a Cup (thank you ESPN stats and info.)

The Avs are confident and pesky. Could we see the Sharks bowing out early yet again? It’s entirely possible.

Game 1: No. 4 Phoenix 3, No. 5 Detroit 2: Finally, a home team that understands how important it is to win the first game. Leave it to a team in the desert most people don’t even know exists.

The Coyotes got a third period game-winner from Derek Morris, who had one goal and two assists, while Ilya Bryzgalov (yep, we know how to pronounce that) checked in with a fine 40-save performance to down the mighty Red Wings.

Funny thing is, we still expect Detroit to win the series. Oh well.

The one game you’ll care about tonight: Eastern Conference heavyweights Washington, the top seed, and Montreal play on Versus at 7 p.m. Eastern. So yeah, it’s probably the only game you can watch.

In other news, Boston plays at Buffalo and Los Angeles plays at Vancouver.