SBNation.com - 2010 NHL Playoffs Schedule Is Set, Play Will Begin Wednesdayhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2010-04-13T12:54:56-04:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/11703972010-04-13T12:54:56-04:002010-04-13T12:54:56-04:00A Look At The 2010 Eastern & Western Conference Quarterfinals
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<p>Scott Reynolds is a fan of the Edmonton Oilers. If you haven't noticed, the Oilers are very, very bad this season. Now that the season is over, Oilers fans are looking forward to watching NHL hockey again -- (get it, because the Oilers don't play NHL hockey).</p>
<p>Scott also writes at SB Nation's Oilers blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.coppernblue.com/">The Copper & Blue</a>, and he decided to use his new excitement to write two whole previews on the entire playoffs. Starting in his native west, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/4/13/1417875/western-conference-playoff-preview">Reynolds got the native fans engaged</a>.</p>
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<p>As some of you know I've tried to make a habit of <a href="http://gospelofhockey.blogspot.com/search/label/Scoring%20Chances">counting scoring chances</a> for the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Avalanche</a> this season. That trend may continue in the playoffs, but it may not; the final decision belongs to you, my dear (I think I've been writing too many "gospels") C+B readers! The question is simple: which series would you most like to follow closely for the next couple of weeks? Whichever one (and maybe two) gets the most votes will be the series (uh...yep, still series) featured here at The Copper and Blue. If you need some help deciding, after the jump I'll preview each of the series in the Western Conference with the Eastern Conference previews popping up later on this morning.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/4/13/1417875/western-conference-playoff-preview">Click through to read the entire Western Conference preview</a>, which is entertaining and informative even if you aren't an Oilers fan.</p>
<p>Logically, of course, the next step is covering the East, which Reynolds did<a target="_blank" href="http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/4/13/1418570/eastern-conference-playoff-preview"> in another article</a>.</p>
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<p>I'll admit up front that I just haven't seen all that many games between Eastern Conference teams this year. I mean, it's obvious that they mostly suck compared to the West, I just haven't seen it. But that could change! I'll be counting scoring chances for (at least) one series in the first round based on the vote of C+B readers. To vote, head on down to <a href="http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/4/13/1417875/western-conference-playoff-preview">the poll in the Western Conference preview</a> below. The question is simple: which series would you most like to follow closely for the next couple of weeks? Whichever one (and maybe two) gets the most votes will be the series (uh...yep, still series) featured here at The Copper and Blue.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/4/13/1418570/eastern-conference-playoff-preview">Head over to C&B for the entire read</a>.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/4/13/1419086/2010-nhl-playoffs-western-conference-preview-eastern-conference-previewTravis Hughes2010-04-13T12:25:33-04:002010-04-13T12:25:33-04:00Five Great Things About Playoff Hockey
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<p>This time of year brings an entirely new audience to the NHL, the casual fan who may not be very familiar with the game. In the interest of public service, then, I'd like to offer up this primer as to exactly why the Stanley Cup Playoffs are the most thrilling, captivating event in professional sports.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2010/4/13/1418777/5-great-things-about-playoff-hockey">Here's an excerpt from a post at On the Forecheck</a>:</p>
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<p><b>1.</b><b> Doing whatever it takes for the team.</b> Unlike the old days when the overwhelming majority (16 of 21) teams made the playoffs every year, it's a tougher task in today's NHL to qualify for the post-season. Once you're there, it takes four grueling, best-of-seven series filled with high-intensity, physical hockey played every other day to capture the Stanley Cup, and players will do anything and everything to make the most of that opportunity.</p>
<p><b>2. Sudden-death overtime</b></p>
<p><b>3. playoff beards</b></p>
<p><b>4. bitter rivalries</b></p>
<p><b>5. viewing parties</b></p>
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<p>Read the justification for all five reasons <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2010/4/13/1418777/5-great-things-about-playoff-hockey">over at OtF</a>.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/4/13/1419047/5-great-things-about-playoff-hockeyTravis Hughes2010-04-12T14:00:23-04:002010-04-12T14:00:23-04:002010 NHL Playoffs: A Look At The Complete Bracket
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<p>Here's a look at the complete bracket for the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Click to enlarge.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/333543/nhl-bracket-2010.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Nhl-bracket-2010_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/333543/nhl-bracket-2010_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>As a reminder, teams are re-seeded after each round.</p>
<h3><b>WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>#1 San Jose Sharks vs #8 Colorado Avalanche</li>
<li>#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs #7 Nashville Predators</li>
<li>#3 Vancouver Canucks vs #6 Los Angeles Kings</li>
<li>#4 Phoenix Coyotes vs #5 Detroit Red Wings</li>
</ul>
<h3><b>EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>#1 Washington Capitals vs #8 Montreal Canadiens<br>
</li>
<li>#2 New Jersey Devils vs #7 Philadelphia Flyers<br>
</li>
<li>#3 Buffalo Sabres vs #6 Boston Bruins<br>
</li>
<li>#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs #5 Ottawa Senators</li>
</ul>
<p><i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2010/4/11/1416294/2010-nhl-playoff-schedule">View the complete schedule here</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/4/12/1417104/nhl-playoff-bracket-2010-stanley-cup-bracketTravis Hughes2010-04-12T00:38:48-04:002010-04-12T00:38:48-04:002010 NHL Playoffs: NBC Broadcasting Schedule
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<p>There will be tons of <span class="caps">NHL</span> playoff games over the next couple weeks. <span class="caps">NBC</span> will be broadcasting…four. At least for now. The list is below and future broadcasts are <span class="caps">TBD</span>, depending on how things shake out.</p>
<p>Saturday, April 17<br>
Game 2: Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres, 1 p.m. ET</p>
<p>Sunday, April 18<br>
Game 3: Phoenix Coyotes at Detroit Red Wings, 3 p.m. ET</p>
<p>Saturday, April 24<br>
Game 5: Nashville Predators at Chicago Blackhawks, 3 p.m. ET, if necessary</p>
<p>Sunday, April 25<br>
Game 6: Phoenix Coyotes at Detroit Red Wings, 2 p.m. ET</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/4/12/1416526/nhl-on-nbc-playoff-broadcasting-hockeySean Keeley2010-04-11T22:24:48-04:002010-04-11T22:24:48-04:002010 NHL Playoffs First Round Schedule
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<p>Here is the schedule for the first round of the NHL playoffs. Stay tuned for much, much more on these series:</p>
<p><b>Washington vs. Montreal </b></p>
<p>Thursday, April 15 at Washington, 7:00 p.m.<br>Saturday, April 17 at Washington, 7:00 p.m.<br>Monday, April 19 at Montreal, 7:00 p.m.<br>Wednesday, April 21 at Montreal, 7:00 p.m.<br>*Friday, April 23 at Washington, 7:00 p.m.<br>*Monday, April 26 at Montreal, 7:00 p.m.<br>*Wednesday, April 28 at Washington, TBD</p>
<p><b>New Jersey vs. Philadelphia</b></p>
<p>Wednesday, April 14 at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.<br>Friday, April 16 at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.<br>Sunday, April 18 at Philadelphia, 6:00 p.m.<br>Tuesday, April 20 at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.<br>*Thursday, April 22 at New Jersey, 7:00 p.m.<br>*Sunday, April 25 at Philadelphia, TBD<br>*Tuesday, April 27 at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.</p>
<p><b>Buffalo vs. Boston</b></p>
<p>Thursday, April 15 at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.<br>Saturday, April 17 at Buffalo, 1:00 p.m.<br>Monday, April 19 at Boston, 7:00 p.m.<br>Wednesday, April 21 at Boston, 7:00 p.m.<br>*Friday, April 23 at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.<br>*Monday, April 26 at Boston, 7:00 p.m.<br>*Wednesday, April 28 at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.</p>
<p><b>Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa</b></p>
<p>Wednesday, April 14 at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.<br>Friday, April 16 at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.<br>Sunday, April 18 at Ottawa, 6:30 p.m.<br>Tuesday, April 20 at Ottawa, 7:00 p.m.<br>*Thursday, April 22 at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.<br>*Saturday, April 24 at Ottawa, 7:00 p.m.<br>*Tuesday, April 27 at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.</p>
<p><b>San Jose vs. Colorado</b></p>
<p>Wednesday, April 14 at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.<br>Friday, April 16 at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.<br>Sunday, April 18 at Colorado, 9:30 p.m.<br>Tuesday, April 20 at Colorado, 10:00 p.m.<br>*Thursday, April 22 at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.<br>*Saturday, April 24 at Colorado, TBD<br>*Monday, April 26 at San Jose, TBD</p>
<p><b>Chicago vs. Nashville</b></p>
<p>Friday, April 16 at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.<br>Sunday, April 18 at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.<br>Tuesday, April 20 at Nashville, 9:00 p.m.<br>Thursday, April 22 at Nashville, 8:30 p.m.<br>*Saturday, April 24 at Chicago, 3:00 p.m.<br>*Monday, April 26 at Nashville, TBD<br>*Wednesday, April 28 at Chicago, TBD</p>
<p><b>Vancouver vs. Los Angeles</b></p>
<p>Thursday, April 15 at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.<br>Saturday, April 17 at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.<br>Monday, April 19 at Los Angeles, 10:00 p.m.<br>Wednesday, April 21 at Los Angeles, 10:00 p.m.<br>*Friday, April 23 at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.<br>*Sunday, April 25 at Los Angeles, TBD<br>*Tuesday, April 27 at Vancouver, TBD</p>
<p><b>Phoenix vs. Detroit</b></p>
<p>Wednesday, April 14 at Phoenix, 10:00 p.m.<br>Friday, April 16 at Phoenix, 10:00 p.m.<br>Sunday, April 18 at Detroit, 3:00 p.m.<br>Tuesday, April 20 at Detroit, 6:30 p.m.<br>*Friday, April 23 at Phoenix, 10:00 p.m.<br>*Sunday, April 25 at Detroit, 2:00 p.m.<br>*Tuesday, April 27 at Phoenix, TBD</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/4/11/1416294/2010-nhl-playoff-scheduleZachary Zielonka2010-04-11T21:37:00-04:002010-04-11T21:37:00-04:002010 NHL Playoffs: Flyers Clinch Final Spot And Final Seedings
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<p>The NHL playoffs are finally set with the Philadelphia Flyers earning the final spot in the Eastern Conference with their 2-1 shootout victory over the New York Rangers. This gives us the following pairings for the first round of the playoffs:</p>
<p><b>Eastern Conference</b></p>
<p>1 Washington Capitals vs. 8 Montreal Canadiens</p>
<p>2 New Jersey Devils vs. 7 Philadelphia Flyers</p>
<p>3 Buffalo Sabres vs. 6 Boston Bruins</p>
<p>4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 5 Ottawa Senators</p>
<p><b>Western Conference</b></p>
<p>1 San Jose Sharks vs. 8 Colorado Avalanche</p>
<p>2 Chicago Blackhawks vs. 7 Nashville Predators</p>
<p>3 Vancouver Canucks vs. 6 Los Angeles Kings</p>
<p>4 Phoenix Coyotes vs. 5 Detroit Red Wings</p>
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<p>All lower seeds have home-ice advantage. Home-ice advantage gives the team four home games, Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 while the lower seed has home games in games 3, 4, and 6.</p>
<p>For more information on these matchups, please visit From The Rink, <a href="http://www.fromtherink.com/2010/4/11/1416175/nhl-first-round-playoff-preview" target="_blank">which breaks down the matchups</a>.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/4/11/1416221/2010-nhl-playoffs-eastern-western-conference-seedingZachary Zielonka2010-04-11T07:58:26-04:002010-04-11T07:58:26-04:002010 NHL Playoff Race: Clinching And Seeding Scenarios For Sunday April 11th
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<p>With all of the teams having clinched spots in the Western Conference and most of the teams in Eastern Conference doing the same, the final day of the season will determine who gets seeded where:</p>
<p><b>In the East</b></p>
<ul>
<li>If the New York Rangers beat the Philadelphia Flyers, they will take the 8th seed and the Flyers will miss the playoffs.</li>
<li>If the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Rangers, they will take the 7th seed and the Rangers will miss the playoffs.</li>
<li>If the Buffalo Sabres win in regulation over the New Jersey Devils, they will clinch the 2nd seed, a loss or overtime win gives them the 3rd seed.</li>
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<p><b>Out West</b></p>
<ul>
<li>If the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Detroit Red Wings, they would clinch the 1st seed due to the first tiebreaker of most wins.</li>
<li>If the Los Angeles Kings win and the Red Wings lose in regulation, they would clinch the 5th seed. </li>
</ul>
<p>Eight games on the schedule for the final day of the regular season, so get the supplies ready and settle in.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/4/11/1415328/2010-nhl-playoff-race-sunday-april-11thZachary Zielonka2010-04-10T16:24:31-04:002010-04-10T16:24:31-04:00Boston Bruins Score Three Shorthanded Goals, Clinch Playoff Berth
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<p>Scoring three goals in a game was a challenge for the Boston Bruins this season because of an offense that dried up considerably. With a playoff spot at stake on Saturday, Matt Hunwick’s first-period penalty created a scoring frenzy in the most unlikely for circumstances.</p>
<p>Daniel Paille, Blake Wheeler and Steve Begin scored shorthanded goals in a 1:04 span setting an <span class="caps">NHL</span> record for the fastest time to accomplish such a feat, and becoming the first team to strike three times on the same penalty kill in history.</p>
<p>The Bruins withstood a comeback to win 4-2 to reach 89 points and create the possibility of a sixth-placed finish. Hunwick tried his luck again in the third period by taking another penalty, but to no avail.</p>
<p>Boston’s offense came through when it mattered most.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/4/10/1414629/boston-bruins-win-playoffs-hurricanes-nhlR L