The Vancouver Canucks are out to an early 2-0 lead over the Nashville Predators in an aggressive first period by both teams. Canucks goalie Robert Luongo made 11 saves despite facing four Nashville power plays.
At 7:45 in the period, Mason Raymond put the first goal on the board on a nice setup by Ryan Kesler. From behind the net, Kesler passed the puck in front of the net to an oncoming Raymond, who then backhanded it past Pekka Rinne. Kesler picked up a second assist just a few minutes later when he got a stick on a pass from Henrik Sedin, which then made its way to Daniel Sedin for his 20th career playoff goal.
The game got testy early on when Ryan Kesler made no attempt to stop from entering the crease, crashing into Rinne. That play resulted in an interference call on Kesler and a number of other scuffles. Only Shea Weber and Kevin Bieksa received roughing penalties, though.
For more, check in with our blogs: Nucks Misconduct on the Canucks and On the Forecheck for the Predators.