Hockey
Tuesday's NHL Playoff Recap
By Jay Murry
Apr 16, 2008 - 6:34:03 AM

The 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs continued last night with five games on the schedule.  

The defending Stanley Cup champion Ducks and the Stars also continued their Western Conference matchup.  Former Blues defenseman Chris Pronger had a pair of goals and an assist as the Anaheim Ducks doubled up the Stars 4-2 in Dallas.  The Ducks grabbed a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series heading into Game Four, which is scheduled for Thursday in Dallas. 

The opening round in the Western Conference had three games slated with the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild playing their second game in as many nights.  The Avs scored five goals in the first two periods and cruised to a 5-1 win over the Wild in Denver.  The best-of-seven series is tied at two games apiece with a crucial Game Five scheduled for Thursday in Minnesota. 

The San Jose Sharks also drew even in their series with the Calgary Flames following a 3-2 victory at The Saddledome.  Joe Thornton lit the lamp with 9.4 seconds left to send the Sharks to victory.  Each team has won one game on the other team's home-ice.  The two squads continue their best-of-seven quarterfinal set on Thursday in San Jose. 

The Eastern Conference quarterfinals continued as two more series got back underway.  The Philadelphia Flyers took a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series following a 6-3 win over the Washington Capitals in Game Three in Philly.  Daniel Briere scored his third and fourth goals of the postseason for Philadelphia.  The Caps were outshot 33-to-19 in defeat.  The best-of-seven set will continue on Thursday night in Philly.

The other Eastern Conference quarterfinal pitted the Montreal Canadiens against the Boston Bruins.  The Canadiens took a commanding 3-1 series edge with a 1-0 victory at TD Banknorth Garden.  Patrice Brisebois lit the lamp and Carey Price stopped all 27 shots he faced to record his first career postseason shutout.  The Canadiens can win the series in Game Five, which is scheduled for Thursday in Montreal.