OTHL -- The western conference has only 1 series left after tonights games as both Vancouver and Phoenix moved on today. Vancouver won three straight, while the Coyotes took four straight after a shutout loss in game one on home ice. But after game one where Christobal Huet stood on his head to earn a shutout, the Phoenix Coyotes has showed off there wast array of talent. Tonight they scored a goal per period to overcome Dallas. Jaromir Jagr (1) scored his first, and only goal in the playoffs for Dallas in the first period. But that lead only lasted two minutes before David Vyborny (1) and the Coyotes came back to even terms. Then in the second period, Markus Näslund continued his return to form by scoring his 3rd goal in the playoffs. And in the third period, the home team cemented there place in the second round when Kim Johnsson (4) scored a powerplay goal assisted by two other swedes in Näslund and Tärnström.
In the G.M. Place up in Vancouver, the home team made quick work of the visiting Sharks as Vancouver scored 4 of there 6 g oals in the first period. Bredan Morrison (3,4), Mike Comrie (2) and Filip Kuba (1) scored for Vancouver, while Jeremy Roenick (1) tallied the lone Shark goal in the first 20 minutes. In the second, man of the match Mike Comrie (3) added another goal to the Nucks lead. As did Dimitri Kalinin (1) in the third period when he blasted home a big slapper. Matthew Spiller (1) got back a goal when he scored a powerplay goal with five minutes to play. Former Vancouver Canuck player Todd Bertuzzi assisted on both San Jose goals, and was booed both times.
The cures of the home team continued in the series between Chicago and Colorado today. So far, no team has won on home ice. Today the Hawks won 2-1 after another solid game from Kyle Calder and Roman Cechmanek. But it was Marcus Nilson (2) who opend the scoring in the first period. Tom Preissing and Brett McLean, who among the league leaders in assists this playoff, assisted on the goal. In the middle period, Kyle Calder noted his league high 5th goal, and as it turned out, his 3rd game winning goal. Nilson picked up his second point for the night with the assist on Calder's goal. Francis Lessard, who was later ejected, also assisted on the goal. Lessard, recived the noted game misconduct two minutes later. Giving Colorado on of there seven powerplay's tonight. And it turned out to be the lone powerplay they scored on. Andrew Cassels (2) found the net behind a screen Cechmanek, Knuble and Zubov got the helpers on Cassels goal. In the third period the Hawks returned to there undisiplined ways, as they took 6 minor penalties. However, Colorado where unable to capitalize on either of there third period powerplay's. Insted the Hawks return's to Chicago with a 3-2 lead, and the chance to take home the series.... if they can win on home ice.
PLAYER(S) OF THE NIGHT: Kyle Calder (Chicago), continues his fantastic playoff with yet another game winning goal & Mike Comrie (Vancouver), scored twice and added one assist in the Nucks win over San Jose. Leading his team to the second round.
Tomorrow the three remaining eastern conference matchups can be decided as New Jersey, Pittsburgh and Toronto all lead there series 3-2.