OTHL -- The Detroit Red Wings became the first team in the playoffs to advance to the second round as they sweeped Nashville in the first round. The Red Wings showed that they are a team to take serious as they looked like the number two seed they where with there 4 straight wins. However, Nashville also showed with the last two games, that they have a team to take serious and that they where a worthy playoff team. Tonight's game was decided by one goal, a goal that veteran winger Steve Thomas (1) scored in the third period. The other two goals in the game, came less then a minute apart in the early stages of the second period. Cory Stillman (2) scored for Detroit, while Arthem Chubarov (1) scored a game tying goal just seconds later. There had been some anticipation for some rough stuff in this game, but despite 13 minor penalties in the game, it was a realtive friendly game with no real cheap shots or retaliation hits. Detroit can now sit back and relax while they wait for the rest of the series to be decided.
In the series between Colorado and Chicago the home teams don't want to win. So far all home games, have been won by the away team. Just like the rest of the games tonight, game 4 between Colorado and Chicago was decided by one single goal. And it was a overtime goal scored by Andrew Cassels (1), a goal that was scored just 33 seconds into the first overtime period. The fans got to see two goals in the first period as Colorado took the lead with a goal from Fernando Pisani and the Hawks came back with a goal from Brett McLean (1). In the second period the Hawks took the lead for the first time tonight, as Tyler Arnason opend his scoring account in this years playoff with a unassisted slapper. Chicago had the second period in there pocket, and should have killed the game in the period. But insted the Avs came back and tied up the game 50 seconds into the third period. Tim Connolly did just like Arnason and scored his first goal in this years playoff. And in the third period, things started to heat up a bit. Chicago's Jim Vandermeer was injured in a unclear situation, witch had Tyler Arnason steaming so much that he took a penalty for elbowing. And then the heat was on. Arnason who was in a bad mood for the rest of the game, got into a glove fight with Erik Cole late in the period. And just after that incident, Francis Lessard and Dallas Drake got together after a big hit from Drake. Lessard tried to goat Drake into a fight, who declined. So insted Lessard slamed his stick in Drake's head, witch lead to a 10 minute misconduct to Lessard. But no further rough stuff came to, as the game was decided just 33 seconds into the overtime period. The series now turns back to Colorado for game 5, where Colorado are hoping that they can become the first team in the series to win in there own building.
In Dallas it was all out attack mode for the entire game. The two teams threw everything at the two goalies, a total of 84 shots was fired at Raycroft and Roloson during the game. But only 3 goals where scored, and just like all games tonight, it was a game decided by one goal. The Coyotes improved to 3-1 with there 2-1 win tonight. But it was Dallas that scored first, 38 seconds into the third period, Valeri Bure (1) wristed home a powerplay goal as Markus Näslund where in the box for a spearing witch earned him a major penalty late in the middle period. And it looked like Dallas where going to be able to hang onto the lead as time ran away for the visitors. But with 9 seconds left, Näslund redeamed himself as he scored a goal assisted by Fredrik Modin. A goal that sent the game to the series first overtime. And unlike the overtime in the Chicago-Colorado game, this overtime lasted more then 33 seconds. The game was decided when "Mr Overtime", Mats Sundin (3) blasted home a shot fourtheen minutes into the first overtime period. Phoenix can now take home the series on home ice on Friday.
In game 3 Vancouver won 7-1 against San Jose. In tonight's game, they scored 5 less goals but still took home the win. A win that mean that Vancouver, just like Phoenix, can clinch the series win in the next game. However, the game did not start that good for Vancouver, as the home side got a goal from former Canuck Todd Bertuzzi after only 33 seconds. A lead that the Sharks hanged onto for 15 minutes until Shane Doan (1) worked with Morrison and Shanahan to tie up the intense game. And in the second period, Vancouver took the lead as Brendan Morrison tiped home a powerplay goal, a goal that turned out to be the game winner. Shane Doan who had scored the first goal for Vancouver tonight, had to leave the game late in the second period. Doan left with a undisclosed injury, but according to Vancouver's team doctor, Doan will be back for game 5.
PLAYER OF THE NIGHT: Dwayne Roloson (Phoenix), made 42 saves and earned the W in the Coyotes win over Dallas