The fourth day of the NHL playoffs sees us with our first afternoon game and all four series on yesterday’s schedule moved closer to sweeps coming to fruition.

NY Rangers 1 @ Washington 0 –In a game that saw Chris Drury return to the New York lineup, it was Ryan Callahan that scored the only goal of the game 7:44 into the first frame. Simeon Varlamov started for the Capitals replacing Jose Theodore and getting his first playoff start. Henrik Lunqvist once again stood tall for the Rangers stopping 35 shots to earn the shutout.
New York leads the series 2-0

Columbus 0 @ Detroit 4 – There’s only so much that Steve Mason can do to save the Blue Jackets. He stopped 35 shots but it still wasn’t enough as Chris Osgood’s 25 saves was enough to give the Wings the win. Three of Detroit’s goals came on the power play on a total of 9 opportunities with the man advantage. Meanwhile, the Columbus power play went 0-for-3 on the night to bring their total for the series to 0-for-8.
Detroit leads the series 2-0

Montreal 1 @ Boston 5 –Marc Savard got four points and I’m not sure anyone noticed. The most underrated player in the NHL dominated the Habs to help the Bruins to a dominant win. Carey Price let in 5 goals on 26 shots through 2 periods before being replaced by Jaroslav Halak (5 saves). Things were so bad for the Habs that Boston fans were mocking Montreal by singing “Olé” which is traditionally a Montreal playoff cheer. Michael Ryder also had two points for the Bruins which is only important if you also note that he is a former Hab.
Boston leads the series 2-0

Calgary 2 @ Chicago 3 –The Flames looked like they could break yesterday’s home ice advantage with two goals in the first. But that is only good if you don’t give up three unanswered to lose the game. Jonathon Towes scored two goals and was a menace on the defensive side to guide the Hawks to victory. Patrick Sharp had the other goal and chipped in an assist. You can’t put this result down to either goalie. Both Khabibulin and Kiprusoff made 30 saves. It was just a case of hard work and never say die attitude that won this for Chicago.
Chicago leads the series 2-0