Recommended Pre-Game Reading:
Olivier Bouchard takes a statistical look at all eight series over on LNH.com. Translations for terms can be found in the Olympic Fancy Stats.
Arik Parnass of Eyes on the Prize thoroughly breaks down both the Western Conference and the Eastern Conference.
Cam Charron breaks down the great, mythical beast that is playoff hockey on Grantland.
Finally, Patrick Williams summarizes the day that was in Winnipeg on NHL.com
Tonight's Games
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens
Game 1 is 6:00 PM CST on CBC
Expected Starters: Anders Lindback and Carey Price
TBL Expected Scratches: Ben Bishop (skated 30 minutes), Tom Pyatt, Ryan Malone
MTL Scratches: Travis Moen (skated with team), Ryan White, George Parros, Douglas Murray, Jarred Tinordi
Quote du Jour: “I don’t think they show a lot of care for me”.- Cedric Paquette on the Montreal Canadiens not drafting him. (quote via Chris Johnston)
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Game 1 is 6:30 CST on CBC
Expected Starters: Marc-Andre Fleury and Sergei Bobrovsky
PITT Expected Scratches: Marcel Goc, Jaysen Megna, Taylor Pyatt, Deryck Engelland, Robert Bortuzzo
CBJ Expected Scratches: Dalton Prout, Nick Schultz, Nick Foligno, RJ Umberger, Nathan Horton
Quote du Jour (curtesy of the Pens website)
via 3.cdn.nhle.com
Anaheim Duck vs Dallas Stars
Game 1 is 9:00 CST on TSN
Expected Starters: Frederick Andersen and Kari Lehtonen
ANA Expected Scratches: Tim Jackman, Mark Fistric,
DAL Expected Scratches: Kevin Connauton, Aaron Rome, Rich Peverly
Quote du Jour: "I know it’s going to be awesome seeing everybody waving the towels," he said. "The crowd is going to be awesome."- Matheiu Perrault on his first playoff game as a Duck