On the verge of moving on to the second round for the first time since 2012, the St. Louis Blues still have a familiar thorn in their sides - the Chicago Blackhawks.St. Louis squandered an opportunity to end the series on home ice in Game 5, and the Blues don't want to give the defending champions another chance."We don't want to wait until Monday to try to do this," Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk said. "We're ready to come in tonight and play our best game of the series."With Game 6 set for Saturday night at the United Center, the pressure is on the Blues to win in one of the most hostile arenas in the league, but that doesn't faze head coach Ken Hitchcock."We just want to win this series," Hitchcock said. "It doesn't matter when or where. We'll play them on the street if they want."The Blackhawks are 12-4 when facing elimination since 2009, and have a record of 44-15 in Games 4-7 in that span.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Since Game 3's ugly ending that saw Philadelphia Flyers fans litter the ice with commemorative bracelets after a 6-1 loss to the Washington Capitals, the team has rebounded with back-to-back wins to force Game 6 at Wells Fargo Center.Aiming to come back from a formidable 3-0 series hole, the Flyers are treating their fans with T-shirts featuring PA announcer Lou Nolan along with the phrase "Stay classy, Philly!"

Phil Kessel's incredible playoffs continued Saturday.With a chance to clinch their first-round series against the New York Rangers in Game 5, the Pittsburgh Penguins forward recorded his fifth point of the series with an assist on an early Carl Hagelin goal, and followed it up with an incredible snipe less than two minutes later.While on the power play, Kessel was sprung into the offensive zone by captain Sidney Crosby before burying an incredible wrist shot over the right shoulder of Henrik Lundqvist to tie the game at 2-2.

Scott Laughton is expected to be on the ice Monday, and could potentially rejoin the lineup if the Philadelphia Flyers are successful in forcing a Game 7 in their first-round clash with the Washington Capitals, reports Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer.Laughton was released from hospital a day after he was stretchered off the ice in Game 4 as the result of a heavy collision into the endboards.Philadelphia has fought its way back into the series since, thanks in large part to two heroic performances from goaltender Michal Neuvirth.The do-or-die Game 6 is scheduled for Sunday at noon.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Down 3-1 in their first-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the New York Rangers will have veteran defenseman Dan Girardi back in the lineup for Game 5 on Saturday.The 31-year-old missed the last three games with an undisclosed injury. He was a minus-2 in just over 17 minutes of ice time during his team's 5-2 loss in Game 1.He will be paired with rookie Brady Skjei.Girardi will draw in for fellow veteran blue-liner Dan Boyle, who did not take warmups prior to Saturday's game. Boyle, who has said he will likely retire after this season, had one assist in the opening four games of the series.It was later revealed the Rangers would be going with seven defensemen with Raphael Diaz taking the seventh spot. Forward Tanner Glass joins Boyle as a scratch.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Marc-Andre Fleury took a step in his recovery Saturday.The Pittsburgh Penguins No. 1 goaltender, out since the end of March with a concussion, wore full equipment and took shots in a workout prior to Game 5.He's still unlikely to factor in the remainder of Pittsburgh's first-round series versus the New York Rangers, which could end as soon as Saturday afternoon.Matt Murray, who shook off the ill-effects of a head injury in time for Game 3, has been splendid in place of Fleury. He's allowed one goal on 48 shots, winning Games 3 and 4 on the road.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw could only watch Thursday's Game 5 against the St. Louis Blues as he had to serve a one-game suspension after yelling a homophobic slur at an official.After Patrick Kane scored the overtime winner, it's hard to imagine any Blackhawks player felt more relieved than Shaw."It was a huge relief, obviously," Shaw said to Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times. "Probably tougher to watch than to play, especially in a tight game like that."The 24-year-old admitted his last few days have been "tough," but said he will learn from his mistake. Now, Shaw heads into a must-win game with an increased role as he will skate on the team's top line with Kane and Jonathan Toews."I know what I need to do when I play with those two guys," Shaw said, after noting his lone shift in the series with Toews and Kane resulted in a Duncan Keith goal. "They're obviously great with the puck, and I'm going to do what I can to get to the net and create some havoc there."Shaw will hope to live up to the opportunity he's been given by Quenneville - who enters Saturday with a 14-1 all-time record in Game 6s, with a perfect 8-0 mark on the road.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Just 10 days into the postseason, 22 different goaltenders have already appeared in at least two playoff games, thrusting a band of lesser-known netminders into the spotlight.Here's three goalies who started less than 40 regular-season games, but have made a surprising impact thus far in April.Thomas Greiss, New York IslandersAfter a groin injury to Jaroslav Halak vaulted Greiss into the Islanders' starting job, the 30-year-old has kept his team alive in its first-round battle with the Florida Panthers.Greiss boasts an impressive .938 save percentage and a 2.09 goals-against average through five games, and has outdueled four-time All-Star Roberto Luongo in a pair of overtime games - including a 47-save performance in a double-OT thriller Friday.His impressive play shouldn't come as a huge surprise, as he finished the regular season with the third-best save percentage (.925) among qualified goaltenders behind Brian Elliott and Ben Bishop.With one more win in Brooklyn on Sunday, Greiss could backstop his club to its first playoff series win since 1993.Matt Murray, Pittsburgh PenguinsLate-season head injuries to both Murray and No. 1 goalie Marc-Andre Fleury put the Penguins' goaltending situation in turmoil ahead of their first-round series against the New York Rangers, but after Jeff Zatkoff kept the series level through two games, it's the rookie who's been nearly unbeatable since.The 21-year-old Murray wasn't too busy in his playoff debut, stopping 16-of-17 shots for the Game 3 victory. In Game 4, however, Murray truly shone, blanking the Rangers with a 36-save shutout.Though it still doesn't appear that Fleury is close to a return, Murray's current play could leave head coach Mike Sullivan with a very tough decision should the Penguins advance to the second round.Regular SeasonWLOSv%GAASOFleury35176.9212.295Murray921.9302.001Michal Neuvirth, Philadelphia FlyersLike Greiss, Neuvirth boasted impressive stats in limited action (.924 save percentage in 32 games) this season, but after a late-season meniscus tear, it was unclear if his health would be compromised for the playoffs.Instead, the 28-year-old has come back better than ever.In just three starts (one regular season, two postseason) since suffering the injury on March 16, Neuvirth boasts a 1.00 goals-against average and an outstanding .968 save percentage, thanks in large part to his 44-save shutout Friday that kept the Flyers' playoff hopes alive.Date Opp. Saves GA ResultApr 10NYI1525-2 WinApr 20WSH3112-1 WinApr 22WSH4402-0 WinThe ex-Washington Capitals netminder faces the tall task of carrying his team all the way back from a 3-0 series deficit - a rare feat accomplished by the Flyers just six years ago against the Boston Bruins.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Targeting Brayden Schenn wasn't just part of the Capitals' game plan after the Flyers winger's shameless, opportunistic cross-check to the backside of Evgeny Kuznetsov's knees in Game 4.In this case, retribution took rank."We were really unhappy with a play that (Schenn) made on (Kuznetsov) last game, so," said Oshie, who defended his teammate with a scrap off the opening faceoff, said according to Ava Wallace of the Washington Post. "Had to be done."But why the 190-pound Oshie, he of four career fights?"Why not?" he said. "First one out there."Related: Brayden Schenn, T.J. Oshie launch Game 5 with fisticuffsDefenseman Karl Alzner appreciated Oshie answering the call."It was amazing. It definitely lights a fire under you," Alzner said. "We weren't expecting that. I think the team was already pretty fired up to play this game and then to see that - not just a grappling match, but just throwing them - is a fun way to get everyone going."I guess they were talking before the puck dropped. I have no idea what they were saying exactly, but it was good to see (Oshie) do that."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Joe Thornton and his wonderfully tangled, two-toned face mane are on to the second round.So, to acknowledge the disregarded San Jose Sharks, and their exorcising of every demon Friday, we acknowledge the beard effectively reflecting the ethos of a team who finally seems at ease, and one that can now let go of a tormenting history.Break out the beard oil, and enjoy:They say it's been four months since Thornton's trimmed the hedges. He'll hope its at least one more before he can think about clippers.Thornton scored 64 points - the second-most in the NHL - in his 53 regular-season games since the mid point in December. Or around the time he did away with grooming products.It isn't, however, quite full enough to conceal the delight of defeating the Los Angeles Kings. Not yet anyway.It's influence now awaits the winner of Ducks-Predators.Oh, and we'd be remiss if we didn't acknowledge his grizzly inspiration:Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Florida Panthers forward Nick Bjugstad took a scary fall into the boards during Friday's Game 5 loss to the New York Islanders, forcing him to leave the game.Despite the face-first collision opening a gash in the center's head, coach Gerard Gallant would not rule the 23-year-old out for Game 6."He got some stitches in his head there, I know that, but besides that I don't know anything more," Gallant said, according to Sportsnet's Thomas Drance. "I don't think it's that serious but we'll see tomorrow."Bjugstad recorded four points in the first three games of the series, but has been held off the scoresheet in his past two.On Saturday, Gallant announced Bjugstad is day to day with an upper-body injury, but would not say if the forward would travel with the team to New York ahead of Sunday's game.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After being eliminated by the Los Angeles Kings in their last two postseason appearances, the San Jose Sharks finally got their revenge by taking their first-round series in five games with a 6-3 victory on Friday.Related: Sharks blow 3-goal lead, but rally to eliminate KingsOne man especially happy to see the Kings fall was Sharks forward Logan Couture, who sounded off on the two-time Cup champions after a three-assist performance."Throughout the last couple of years, things have been said by players on that team that to me, personally, I take it as disrespectful," he said, according to Greg Beacham of The Associated Press. "So it was nice to stick it to them and beat them in this series."Even this series, someone was saying on their team that they had us right where they wanted us. I wonder if they've got us where they want us now? So it was nice beat them."Couture was referring to comments made by defenseman Drew Doughty, who alluded the pressure was on the Sharks after Los Angeles won Game 3 - drawing parallels to 2014 when the Kings came back from a 3-0 series deficit against San Jose to advance to the conference finals.The Sharks now await the winner of the series between the Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators, currently locked at two games apiece. With one win versus each club, San Jose sported a disappointing 2-5-0 record against their potential second-round opponents during the regular season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After his final Stanley Cup Playoffs run came to an end earlier than he must have expected, Los Angeles Kings center Vincent Lecavalier declined the opportunity to address his anticipated retirement.The 36-year-old former No. 1 overall pick, who accepted a lifeline from the Kings after a largely unsuccessful run of two-and-a-half seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, said he will wait to comment until he completes his exit interviews.Lecavalier has plainly stated prior that retirement occurs at the end of the season - a condition believed to be worked out before his acquisition.He's owed $6 million with a $4.5 million total cap hit over the next two seasons, due to be split between the Kings and Flyers.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL's involvement at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang appears further dim.The International Olympic Committee is reportedly unwilling to cover transportation and insurance costs required to have NHL players participate in the event, International Ice Hockey Federation president Rene Fasel told Inside the Games at the SportAccord Convention in Lausanne, Switzerland."Our wish is to have the best players," Fasel said. "(But the IOC) not covering the cost as they did at the last five Olympic Games puts us in a difficult financial situation."We still have challenges - it is even more difficult than before."Though the Olympics have helped its profile as an international showcase, the NHL has previously held reservations about lending its players to the competition during the season, even when the operating costs - estimated between $10 and $14 million - weren't its responsibility.The belief, according to the Inside the Games report, is that the IOC is wary of other sport bodies seeking similar compensation.Meanwhile, the NHL-branded World Cup of Hockey will be reintroduced this summer in Toronto.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

LOS ANGELES - Joonas Donskoi broke a tie with his second goal early in the third period, and the San Jose Sharks blew a three-goal lead before rallying to wrap up their first-round playoff series with a 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 5 on Friday night.Chris Tierney and Matt Nieto scored early goals and Joe Pavelski got another late score for the Sharks, who stared down the demons of their past playoff failures against Los Angeles and advanced to the second round for just the second time since 2011.San Jose led 3-0 early in the second period before the Kings scored three goals in nine electric minutes. But after Donskoi broke the tie with the second playoff goal of his rookie season, Pavelski added his fifth goal of the series.Martin Jones made 19 saves and Melker Karlsson added an empty-net goal for the Sharks, who will next face the winner of the Anaheim Ducks' series with the Nashville Predators. The clubs are even heading to Game 5 in Anaheim on Saturday.Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, and Kris Versteeg scored for the Kings, and Jonathan Quick stopped 22 shots while losing to his former backup again.After eliminating the Sharks in 2013 and 2014, the Kings won only Game 3 in overtime in this series. Their run at a third Stanley Cup title in five years ended abruptly, with losses in all three of their home playoff games.The Sharks had to overcome more than the current Kings. They have an unpleasant history against their downstate rivals, who rallied from an 0-3 series deficit to eliminate San Jose in humiliating fashion in 2014.Donskoi is a rookie who wasn't around for that flop, and he calmly came through on a rebound with 16:02 to play, turning back the Kings' momentum in the sold-out Staples Center.Logan Couture and Brent Burns had three assists apiece for the Sharks, whose long history of playoff shortcomings was interrupted last season when they missed the postseason entirely. They've returned under new coach Peter DeBoer with persistence and tenacity.The loss was a disheartening finish for the playoff-tested Kings, who won two titles and 10 postseason series from 2012-14. After missing the playoffs entirely last spring, Los Angeles returned with renewed energy and reigned atop the Pacific Division for most of this season, but blew the division title in its final home game before getting thoroughly outclassed by the Sharks.After losing the series' first two home games and splitting on the road, the Kings ostensibly were the desperate team, but they fell behind just 68 seconds into Game 5.Donskoi and Tierney scored on wide-open shots from the slot, and Nieto made it 3-0 early in the second period. The lead could have been even bigger, but the Sharks failed to score during a 5-on-3 advantage for 1:45, and Patrick Marleau couldn't score on a penalty shot.The Kings finally awoke when Drew Doughty's shot ricocheted off Dwight King and Kopitar midway through the second. Carter got his second goal of the series a few minutes later, and Versteeg tied it with his first playoff goal for his new team, batting home a rebound of Kyle Clifford's shot off the post.NOTES: The game might have been the last in the NHL career of Vincent Lecavalier, the former No. 1 pick and Richard Trophy winner who has said he will retire this summer. Lecavalier, who turned 36 years old Thursday, has been largely outstanding after a midseason trade from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, leading to speculation he might consider returning for an 18th NHL season. ... 2014 playoff hero Alec Martinez missed his fourth straight game of the series with an undisclosed injury.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This is why Mikko Koivu is the captain.The Minnesota Wild veteran tied up the game at 4-4 with slightly over three minutes left in the third period in Game 5, and then scored the overtime winner to keep his team alive against the Dallas Stars in their first-round series.It's Koivu's third goal of the series and second game-winner. Game 6 goes Sunday in Saint Paul at 3 p.m. ET."We've gotta win the battles," Koivu said ahead of overtime. "It doesn't really change."The Wild blew leads of 2-0 and 3-2, but will enjoy a pleasant flight home. Ryan Suter, Jared Spurgeon, and Jason Pominville each finished with two assists.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

These Washington Capitals have not been here before.Sure, past iterations of the roster have been in a position to succeed in the postseason and come up short. But, as far as defenseman Karl Alzner is concerned, this group is venturing down a new path.

Michal Neuvirth knows what it's like to be on the - how can we put this politely? - less talented teamThe Philadelphia Flyers goaltender was on a mission Friday night, singlehandedly keeping his team's season alive with a 44-save shutout on the road against the Washington Capitals, this season's best NHL team.How'd he do it? Practice."Last year I was with Buffalo, so I was facing a lot of shots, so I'm kind of used to it," Neuvirth said, according to The Associated Press' Stephen Whyno.The Sabres tanked it up last season, finishing last in the league with 54 points. Neuvirth started 27 games for the Sabres and saw 941 pucks, an average of 34.85 per game. So, yeah, he knows what he's talking about.The 28-year-old has been an absolute beast since replacing Steve Mason in the Flyers' crease, stopping 75 of 76 shots in Game 4 and 5 wins, with no room for error.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Frans Nielsen just wanted a drink of water.Instead, the New York Islanders forward was given a faulty bottle, which he promptly slammed down behind the bench in utter disgust.H2-oh snap!Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

WASHINGTON - Michal Neuvirth made a playoff career-high 44 saves and the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Washington Capitals 2-0 in Game 5 on Friday night to stay alive in their first-round series.Neuvirth was dominant, carrying the team on his shoulders and blunting Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals' every charge to cut the series deficit to 3-2 and send it back to Philadelphia for Game 6 on Sunday.Ryan White scored the lone goal for the Flyers against Braden Holtby, with the puck deflecting in off Washington defenseman Taylor Chorney and past the goalie.Chris VandeVelde added an empty-netter late.Holtby was barely tested in making 10 saves.The pressure is now on the Presidents' Trophy-winning Capitals, who led the series 3-0 before Neuvirth replaced Steve Mason in goal for Philadelphia. Washington lost back-to-back games in regulation for the first time all season.Sidelined by a lower-body injury for three weeks, Neuvirth only played two games since March 4 before making his Flyers playoff debut in Game 4 on Wednesday, stopping 31 of 32 shots against the team that drafted and developed him.Neuvirth faced the Capitals in relief while with the New York Islanders in the 2015 playoffs, but this was his big opportunity. Some of his former teammates made sure it was a busy one.The Capitals put on a shooting gallery against Neuvirth almost all game, hemming the Flyers in their zone and forcing him to be sharp. The 28-year-old Czech made a big glove save on Daniel Winnik short-handed attempt early in the second period to keep the Capitals off the board, and then Philadelphia finally gave him some support.Three seconds after another unsuccessful power play, White was credited with the goal when it banked off Chorney's skate and in. The Flyers fell to 1 for 21 on the power play in the series but remained alive.Neuvirth was singlehandedly the reason for that as he sprawled to stop Karl Alzner, denied Ovechkin and robbed Marcus Johansson in the second period. In the third he denied Dmitry Orlov on a rush and smothered the puck and handled a slap shot from Ovechkin.On a Capitals power play midway through the third, Neuvirth made another stand and always looked in control while facing an onslaught. VandeVelde scored an empty-netter with 30.8 seconds left to seal it.The 33-shot disparity (44 to 11) tied the second-biggest margin by a losing playoff team since 1989-90, according to STATS.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This was very Washington Capitals.The Philadelphia Flyers managed only 11 shots in their Game 5 win over the fellas in D.C. on Friday night. Yet they won, 2-0, keeping their season alive, thanks to goaltender Michal Neuvirth.Philadelphia's 11 shots are a club record for fewest in a playoff game in franchise history. After going up 1-0 at 7:52 of the second period, the Flyers managed four shots the rest of the way, according to Sportsnet's John Shannon. Bananas.

Jim Nill is being as vague as possible when it comes to Tyler Seguin's status.Prior to Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild on Friday, the Dallas Stars general manager was asked to provide an update on the injured center, who has missed the majority of the series.The prognosis?Seguin has a lower-body injury, is considered day to day, and it's not a long terms issue, Nill told Mike Heika of the Dallas News.The injury that kept Seguin out of the final weeks of the regular season and Game 1 of the first-round series was to his Achilles, but it appears as something else may be hindering his ability to play.

Vincent is go.The Florida Panthers received a massive jolt to their lineup in Game 5 versus the New York Islanders with Vincent Trocheck - still in recovery from an injured ankle - officially returning to the lineup.Trocheck is expected to center the third line between Jiri Hudler and Teddy Purcell.This keeps Nick Bjugstad with Jussi Jokinen and the red-hot Reilly Smith.Trocheck had 25 goals and 28 assists during the regular season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Flyers will not go down without a fight.Literally.Shortly after the opening faceoff in Friday's Game 5, Flyers forward Brayden Schenn and T.J. Oshie of the Washington Capitals - two unlikely combatants - dropped the gloves and engaged in attempts at face punching.The tilt was likely a spillover from Game 4, when Schenn caught Evgeny Kuznetsov with a vicious slash to the back of the legs.

If the ultimate aim is to find out whether a goal is good or not, then the NHL's replay system is working just fine.That's Gary Bettman's assessment early in the postseason, at least.Speaking at a meeting with The Associated Press Sports Editors on Friday, the league commissioner addressed the use of the coach's challenge to rule on offsides and goaltender interference on potential scoring plays, arguing for accuracy above all else."It starts with, which is more important, to be fast or to get it right?" Bettman asked rhetorically, according to Jesse Spector of The Sporting News. "I know there's been some criticism about, 'Get rid of the whole system! It takes too long!' The fact of the matter is, does it really matter if the skate is this much offside? Well, yeah, it matters."Frankly, if we don't get it right, and it's an important or deciding factor in the game, we're going to hear about it."The major complaint has been the amount of time taken to make a ruling on marginal offsides, the depletion of goal scoring as a result of overturned calls, as well as the size of the screen used to review the play.The process, Bettman added, remains a work in progress."It's a close call sometimes, and sometimes it's a hard call to make," Bettman continued. "Our guys are doing the best that they can to get it right. That's the most important thing. The more we do it, the faster it will get. We added cameras on the goal line for the playoffs. We added cameras in the crossbar. We're constantly trying to move forward with the technology that's available to us."Suffice it to say the conversation will continue throughout the playoffs and into next season, especially if it affects the outcome of the Stanley Cup Final.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If this were the NBA's slam dunk contest, we'd give this one a 50.The Carolina Hurricanes' social media team fired back with the perfect reply to a criticism of Joakim Nordstrom's two-year extension Friday afternoon.

It's shaping up to be the shortest spring in five seasons for the Broadway Blueshirts.The Pittsburgh Penguins can return the favor from last season Saturday afternoon and end the New York Rangers' playoff bid in similarly swift five-game fashion with a victory on home ice.Here are three reasons why for the first time in a long while the Rangers don't appear as though they'll sniff a second round:Laboring LundqvistMost pundits would side with New York's Henrik Lundqvist when assessing which team has the advantage in net, even with Marc-Andre Fleury healthy and available for the Penguins.But through four games in this series, one of the most tested, consistently dominant postseason performers has been outmatched by another team's depth.Journeyman Jeff Zatkoff and rookie sensation Matt Murray, each with two starts, have conceded seven goals in four games, and stopped pucks at a combined rate .938 clip. Lundqvist, meanwhile, was beaten nine times on 90 shots before being pulled early in the second period of Game 4.Really, it's unfair to single out Lundqvist, but his save percentage, clinging at .900, is a far cry from his career average under the brightest lights.Real specialPittsburgh's special teams were formidable this season, finishing eighth in combined power play and penalty kill. But rarely did they sizzle like this.The Pens have scored seven times on 19 opportunities against New York's kill, including three in their Game 4 shellacking at Madison Square Garden. What's perhaps more impressive though, is a penalty kill that's allowed one goal on 16 opportunities.Factor in a shorthanded goal per side and the Penguins hold an 8-2 margin on special teams. What better formula to combat New York's enduring 5-on-5 success (at least in terms of scoring).BurnersNo, it's not as simple as the net difference from Carl Hagelin trading in a blue sweater for black. But the speed in which the Penguins are using to dominate the Rangers was actually a strength of New York's when the teams met last year.But since Mike Sullivan removed the team's governor - unleashing an inner break-neck tempo - the Penguins have been dominating the opposition, and have overwhelmed a plodding Rangers defense with its pace.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Darryl Sutter doesn't often criticize officials, but with his team on the brink, he's drawing attention to them.The Los Angeles Kings head coach believes his team should have been on the man advantage more often after losing 3-2 in Game 4 and falling behind 3-1 in the series."I know the theme today is: 'San Jose's power play.' I'd say the game for me is, 'How come we didn't have more?'" Sutter told reporters Thursday night, according to Lisa Dillman of the Los Angeles Times."We have a good power play too. There's missed calls in the third period. When it's 3-2, there should've been some calls, clearly. There's two hooking, tripping penalties, they've got to call them. I mean, if they're going to call what they did call …"There (have been) a lot of special teams in this series. They've scored five and we've scored three and a short-handed goal, so they're plus one - but plus-one might've been (the difference) last night, and we might've been playing overtime until 3 this morning if they'd have given us one more. We didn't get the call."The Sharks converted on five of their 18 power-play chances in the series, while the Kings scored three times in 13 opportunities with the man advantage.Sutter says he's spoken to the supervisor of officiating for the series every day."It's not in a (complaining) mode, or a correction-officer mode," he said. "It's just, 'What'd you think?' or 'Should've that been?'"We've seen some funny ones this series, if you look at it. Five-on-three they scored, and neither (referee) knew that the other guy was calling the penalty. But it is what it is. It's the first round, and they go from how many officials down to who they feel are the 20 best referees. You know what? Those guys are trying to get another round too, so it's not easy for them."Game 5 is Friday night at Staples Center in Los Angeles.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Hurricanes extended a forward and signed a defenseman with a Hall of Fame pedigree.The Hurricanes signed Joakim Nordstrom to a two-year extension Friday. The deal is worth $1.25 million next season and $1.3 million in 2017-18.Carolina also agreed to terms Friday on a one-year, two-way contract with Jake Chelios, the son of legendary blue-liner Chris Chelios. The deal will pay him a rate of $575,000 at the NHL level and $70,000 in the AHL.Nordstrom scored 10 goals and chipped in 14 assists in 71 games after spending the previous two campaigns with the Chicago Blackhawks, who made him a third-round pick in 2010.Chelios collected 31 points in 73 games with the Hurricanes' AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, in 2015-16.The undrafted defenseman spent the last three seasons bouncing between the ECHL and AHL after spending four years at Michigan State.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Kings are the latest team to arm their fans with projectile-capable commemorative tokens, having equipped the Staples Center seats with glowing pucks ahead of Game 5 versus the San Jose Sharks.

Gary Bettman disagrees with Pat Foley's comments about late starts in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.The NHL commissioner dismissed the Chicago Blackhawks broadcaster's stance while meeting with The Associated Press' sports editors at the league's offices Friday."Mr. Foley didn't have his facts straight ... that everybody hates (late starts)," Bettman said, according to Chris DeLuca of the Chicago Sun-Times. "It was off the mark."During Game 5 between the Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night, Foley - a CSN Chicago play-by-play voice whose feed was being simulcast nationally on NBCSN - lamented the amount of late local start times in the series before being abruptly cut off for a commercial.Related: NBCSN, Mike Milbury take issue with Pat Foley's rant about late start times"We are still (on) earlier than what all the other sports do, with respects to Mr. Foley," Bettman said Friday."I spoke to (Blackhawks president) John McDonough this morning and (he told me), 'We'll play at midnight if you want,'" he added. "We are not playing at midnight."McDonough called the commissioner to tell him he wasn't happy with Foley's remarks.Bettman said the Blackhawks are comfortable with starting at 8:30 p.m. local time, and the league won't discipline Foley because "he doesn't work for us."Deputy commissioner Bill Daly admitted the later times are "not ideal" for NHL teams, but said the clubs buy in to the goal of showing every game in a given night.Three of the five games in the Blackhawks-Blues series have had a local start time of 8:42 p.m.Game 6 will begin just after 7 p.m. Central time in Chicago on Saturday. Puck drop for Game 7 in St. Louis on Monday, if necessary, hasn't been determined.- With h/t to Second City HockeyCopyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ryan Pulock's emergence has been put on hold.The New York Islanders announced Thursday that Pulock, who didn't make the trip to Florida, is likely out for the rest the first round with an upper-body injury.Jack Capuano set his timetable at 1-2 weeks."It's a big loss," the coach said, according to Arthur Staple of Newsday. "He's a young guy who was playing real well, he had a couple points, a big goal."It's a little more adversity we'll have to battle back from."Marek Zidlicky, at the opposite end of the career spectrum, draws in.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chicago Blackhawks play-by-play broadcaster Pat Foley's rant about late start times was cut short by the NBCSN simulcast Thursday night.Foley, who calls Blackhawks games on local station Comcast Sportsnet Chicago, criticized the playoff scheduling during a stoppage in Game 5 before the national network abruptly cut to a commercial, missing the final two words of the diatribe which were still heard locally.

There's little debate as to the future in net for the Anaheim Ducks.John Gibson's boundless growth potential and laughably inexpensive contract are factors that weigh far too heavy to even consider slotting any other netminder in at No. 1 for next season and beyond.And that includes the man whose rescued their season over the course of the last three nights.Frederik Andersen made 57 saves on 58 shots faced in back-to-back starts at the inhospitable Bridgestone Arena, erasing the 2-0 disadvantage the Ducks found themselves treading in during their first-round series with the Nashville Predators behind Gibson.It was a necessary decision to turn to Andersen, if only to spark a team on the verge of wasting the incomparable half-season run. But it shouldn't give the Ducks pause this summer - only reason to demand more in exchange for the services of the late-blooming, twice-drafted Dane.Together, Andersen and Gibson have formed one of, if not the best, duo in the NHL. Look no further than their league-low 188 total goals against this season. But their splitting duties is coming to an end.Andersen's not just in line for starter's money when his entry-level contract expires at the end of this run, he stands to be one of the most sought-after trade targets on the market, his portfolio including 77 wins in 114 total starts and a career .918 save percentage.As a restricted free agent, the Ducks will have every opportunity to retain Andersen. But his asset, built up with every win turned out this spring, has become too great for a team with a self-imposed cap and aging core to possibly ignore - especially with a goalie of Gibson's ilk in the picture.It's in Anaheim's best interest to ride Andersen as deep into these playoffs as possible. For now, and for the future of a franchise in capable hands.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If this is it for Pavel Datsyuk, the NHL will be losing one of the most electrifying players to ever play in the league.The 37-year-old forward needs some time to decide on his future after the Detroit Red Wings' elimination Thursday night, but the two-time Stanley Cup champion, three-time Selke Trophy winner, and four-time Lady Byng recipient has little left to prove.The "Magic Man" will be remembered most for his incredible hands and uncanny ability to find the back of the net, even when it seemed impossible.This list could easily be a dozen deep, but here are three of his most unforgettable moments:The Datsyukian deke on TurcoHe loved using his patented deke in the shootout, but it was even more impressive when he busted it out during a game and made Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco look silly.The change-upNothing illustrates Datsyuk's creativity better than the shootout goal he scored on Antti Niemi in 2010.It's as if time stands still as Datsyuk waits out the Chicago Blackhawks netminder and softly flicks the puck over him at the last possible moment.No one can stop himWe've all seen goals scored on end-to-end rushes, but rarely do they involve eluding every single opposing player on the ice, and that's exactly what Datsyuk does here.His skating, stickhandling, and strength are all on display as he weaves through the Nashville Predators for an astounding goal on a truly jaw-dropping individual effort.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If this is it for Pavel Datsyuk, the lasting image of this Detroit Red Wings season - and their 25th consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs - will be the emotion of The Magic Man.The moment - Datsyuk's visor fogging up in the handshake line as he fights to hold back an outpouring - is representative of the end of an era. A rare shift in the team's identity.In the immediate, this hurts the Red Wings, a team with one series victory over the past five seasons. But as the franchise moves forward, and into the next quarter century, they're fortunate to have generations overlap.Rookies Dylan Larkin and Andreas Athanasiou played integral roles for the Red Wings down the stretch and into the playoffs, and despite appearing in just five games before falling to the Tampa Bay Lightning, were able to gain invaluable postseason know-how."I've learned a ton from Game 1 and, every game, I keep learning," Larkin, the first teenager to make the Red Wings in more than a decade, said after the loss, according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press."Every game, I've felt more comfortable. I've learned a lot about myself and the guys in this room."Playoff experience has also helped Athanasiou - who, unlike Larkin, had to prove his mettle in the minor leagues - realize he could contribute at the NHL level."It's definitely a big time experience for me," Athanasiou said after the game. "To get a chance to play in the NHL playoffs, it's going to go along way towards maturing as a player."I'm confident in my abilities and confident in my play."Experience must morph into mastery should Larkin, Athanasiou, or any other fresh-faced Red Wing have their name follow Datsyuk's in the listing of the franchise's greats.But if that ever happens, they'll understand exactly what it means.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The St. Louis Blues have remained markedly poised throughout their first-round clash with the Chicago Blackhawks and that didn't change Thursday when Patrick Kane rescued the opposition, forcing Game 6 in double overtime.To wit, Alex Pietrangelo, the NHL's on-ice leader in the playoffs, savored in the opportunity of deposing the defending champions in their own barn."It's going to be fun to win it in Chicago," he said in his postgame scrum. "That's the game plan right now. Their backs are still against the wall. I think they're thinking the same thing right now."His poise spoke similar to coach Ken Hitchcock, who took a serene approach in his postgame comments after Game 2 after a pair of video reviews went against the Blues, costing them a 2-0 stranglehold."The hockey gods are testing us right now," Pietrangelo added. "We'll get ready for Saturday."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The defending Stanley Cup champions are still alive.After allowing the St. Louis Blues to erase a two-goal deficit and force overtime, the Chicago Blackhawks avoided elimination thanks to a Patrick Kane goal in double overtime.The NHL's regular-season leading scorer couldn't have picked a better time to record his first goal of the postseason.Game 6 is set for Saturday back in Chicago.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Robby Fabbri has arrived.The St. Louis Blues rookie forward recorded his first career playoff goal in Thursday's Game 5 against the Chicago Blackhawks, and it came on a beautiful individual effort to boot.Fabbri, 20, scored 18 goals in 72 regular-season games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

That's not how the St. Louis Blues wanted to end the second period Thursday.Already trailing by one, the home team allowed a late goal from Artemi Panarin of the Chicago Blackhawks, assisted beautifully by Patrick Kane.The box score will read 19:59, but it was even closer to the buzzer than that.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Nate Thompson and Jamie McGinn scored nearly 2 minutes apart late in the second period, and the Anaheim Ducks beat the Nashville Predators 4-1 on Thursday night to even up their first-round series at 2-2.Ryan Getzlaf and Andrew Cogliano also scored as the road team stayed perfect in this best-of-seven series.Goalie Frederik Andersen picked up his second straight win by making 30 saves and setting a career shutout streak of 91 minutes, 26 seconds.Mike Fisher scored his first goal of the series.Nashville lost a 2-0 series lead despite outshooting the Ducks for a second straight game, this time with a 31-25 edge in shots. But the Predators went 0 of 6 with the man advantage and are 1 of 19 on the power play in this series against the NHL's best penalty killers in the regular season.Game 5 is Saturday in Anaheim.The Predators, who use country star Tim McGraw's hit ''I Like It, I Love It'' as their goal song, brought McGraw before the puck dropped to wave a towel and rile up the home crowd. The Predators certainly started playing with more energy than in Game 3.But Anaheim just missed out on the Stanley Cup finals last spring after losing Game 7 on its own ice, and these Ducks have been through plenty of adversity this season after being 16 points back in the Pacific before rallying to win the division.Getzlaf put the Ducks up 1-0 just 62 seconds into the game when he poked the puck past Rinne off a shot from David Perron. Coming off his 3-0 shutout in Game 3, Andersen stopped the seven shots the Ducks didn't block in the first period. That gave him a career-high 80-minute shutout streak in the postseason and Anaheim a 1-0 lead after the first period.The Predators dominated in the second, pressuring Andersen with shot after shot. Finally, Fisher scored his first goal of the series on a snap shot from the right side off a pass from Colin Wilson, beating Andersen to the far side of the net at 11:26 to tie it up.At that point, Nashville outshot Anaheim 12-1 only to see the Ducks close out the period.Thompson, stopped twice earlier in the period by Rinne, put a wrister past the Nashville goalie to put Anaheim up 2-1 at 17:04 for his second goal of the series. Then McGinn tapped in a rebound off Chris Stewart's shot at 18:56 for a 3-1 lead.The Ducks killed off two more penalties in the third, helping Andersen by blocking more shots and flooding the slot in front of their goalie. Then Cogliano sealed the win with his second goal of the series at 16:52.Notes: Andersen's previous high had been 72 minutes, 51 seconds. ... The Ducks blocked 25 shots. Titans coach Mike Mularkey and GM Jon Robinson were on hand for the game. ... Nashville honored Prince, who died earlier Thursday, playing his songs throughout the game and putting his photo on the video board during a break in the third period to ''Purple Rain.''Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Corey Perry became prey for Nashville Predators center Mike Ribeiro during Thursday's Game 4.Ribeiro caught the Anaheim Ducks winger with a spear to the midsection, earning himself a minor penalty for slashing.The NHL has fined players for similar incidents in the past, meaning the Department of Player Safety may take a closer look at the incident.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Detroit Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk may have played his final NHL game Thursday.The Red Wings dropped a heartbreaking 1-0 decision in Game 5 to the Tampa Bay Lightning, spelling their exit from the postseason. With the Red Wings season concluded, eyes turn to Datsyuk, who's suggested he may be heading to Russia to play next season.However, minutes after partaking in the ceremonial handshake with the Lightning, Datsyuk suggested he's going to take some time before he makes a final decision.

Game 5 appeared set for extra time - until this happened.Detroit Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek's attempt to play the puck behind his net late in Thursday's third period was intercepted by Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Callahan, who dished it to Alex Killorn out front.Puck in net, 1-0 lead held until the final buzzer, series over.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NEW YORK - Flashing his old brilliance, Evgeni Malkin scored two goals and set up two others and the Pittsburgh Penguins pushed the New York Rangers to the brink of playoff elimination with a 5-0 victory Thursday night.Malkin, whose four points tied his single-game high in the postseason, assisted on two of the Penguins' three first-period goals in helping Pittsburgh dominate the Rangers for the second consecutive game and take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven, first-round series.Sidney Crosby, who added two assists, and the red-hot Penguins can wrap up things in Game 5 in Pittsburgh on Saturday.Rookie goaltender Matt Murray, who returned to the lineup for Game 3, made 31 saves in posting his first playoff shutout.Eric Fehr, Patric Hornqvist and Conor Sheary also scored as the Penguins tallied four times on 18 shots against Henrik Lundqvist, who was lifted early in the second period.Related: Lundqvist yanked early in 2nd period after allowing 4 goalsPittsburgh converted 3 of 6 power plays, and is 7 of 19 in the series with the extra man.The Rangers, who have lost five straight home playoffs games dating to last season, came into Game 4 vowing to pick things up after being totally outplayed in a 3-1 loss Tuesday night.They brought tenor John Amirante out of retirement to sing the national anthem and the crowd at Madison Square Garden was buzzing when the puck was dropped.The excitement disappeared 69 seconds into the game when Lundqvist gave up a juicy rebound on a slap shot by Ben Lovejoy and Fehr charged down the middle of the ice to poke the rebound into the net. Malkin made the pass that set up Lovejoy's big shot.The big Russian, who hurt an arm in early March and didn't return to the lineup until Saturday, helped push the lead to 2-0 at 7:11 with a shot from the point on a power play. Crosby deflected the shot on the way in and Hornqvist tipped it again standing in front of Lundqvist for his fourth goal of the postseason.Sheary hushed the crowd and made them start to realize this might be the final home game of the season, when he blocked a point shot by defenseman Kevin Klein, skated down the left wing and beat Lundqvist badly on a shot from the circle for a 3-0 lead at 16:12. It was his first NHL playoff goal.Related: Watch: Sheary snipes Penguins' 3rd 1st-period goal on LundqvistBy the final minute of the period time, the Penguins' near perfect play had the Rangers' fans booing the team that went to the Cup Finals two years ago and the Eastern Conference finals last season.Malkin, who had a goal waved off late in the first period for an obvious goaltender interference call, stretched the lead to 4-0 with another power-play goal at 4:00 of the second period. It was scored with a rocket from the point after the Penguins refused to let the Rangers clear the puck out of the offensive zone.A little more than two minutes after the goal, Rangers coach Alain Vigneault lifted Lundqvist after giving up four goals on 18 shots. Antti Raanta finished up.Malkin added his second of the game and 44th of his postseason career on deflection in front in the third period with Pittsburgh on another power play.The only thing remaining after that was to see if Murray got his shutout, and the Penguins made sure he did.The Rangers had some scoring chances. Murray stopped Eric Staal on a rebound late in the first period and Chris Kreider missed the net after being set up in close.In the second period, Dominic Moore could not convert on a short-handed 2-on-1 with Viktor Stalberg, who played despite losing three teeth in a high-sticking incident with Kris Letang in Game 3.NOTES: The Rangers made one lineup change, inserting rookie Oscar Lindberg and sitting Kevin Hayes. Lindberg played on the fourth line with Moore and Tanner Glass. Stalberg moved up to third line with Eric Staal and J.T. Miller. ... Crosby and Malkin played in their 104th playoff game, passing Kevin Stevens for third in franchise history.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.