The New York Rangers completed their 4 game sweep of the Atlanta Thrashers last night with a hard fought 4-2 win. A night after a 7-0 ummm... thrashing, the Thrashers showed up motivated by desperation and once again showcasing a new goaltender as Johan Hedberg once again got the start.

The Thrashers opened the scoring for the first time in the series, and also held the lead for the first time twice, but the Rangers continued to answer back. This Atlanta team was frustrated by their poor showing in the franchise's first playoff appearance.

While a large part of the blame for Atlanta's open and shut playoff run can be put on Bob Hartley for his paranoid goalie changes, really I think the credit should go to the Rangers. They played great team defense, got great goaltending, and their top line of Jaromir Jagr, Michael Nylander, and Marcel Hossa produced at a torrid pace (the three combined for 17 points in the 4 games, Nylander leads all scorers in the playoffs right now.... Jagr is a modest second). While this probably still won't be enough to save Hartley's job, or even GM Don Waddell's, the Thrashers learned like most team's, that initiation into the post season can be an unpleasant one.

The Rangers now have about a week to prepare for their round 2 opponent which could be just about anyone at this point.

Quick Shave:
New Jersey Devils forward Scott Gomez scored the biggest goal of the season for himself and his team last night. More than halfway into the overtime period against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Gomez collected the puck after blocking a shot and raced down to score the game winner and help his team to the 4-3 win. The Devils evened the series 2-2 with the Lightning, and breathe life back into the club as they prepare to return home for game 5. The local media has been riding Lou Lamoriello for his late season firing of Claude Julien, calling for his head if the Devils fail to advance in the first round. It will be interesting to see how things proceed in this drama. The San Jose Sharks took a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Nashville Predators last night with a 3-2 win. San Jose Sharks forward Milan Michalek potted two goals including the game winner. During the game I heard an interesting stat, or measurment rather. The Sharks players on average, outweigh the Predators players by 18 pounds. That seems as though it would be a disadvantage to the Sharks, as the Predators would be able to beat them with speed, but that hasn't been the case. The Predators are having difficulty pushing past the larger defenceman (unlike the Flyers d-men, these guys are mobile). The Buffalo Sabres are now one win away from advancing to round 2 after their 4-2 win over the New York Islanders. The Islanders once again had a late would be tying goal disallowed in the third period, and their dissappointment quickly turned to misery as a defensive breakdown turned to a back breaking score by Sabres forward Jason Pominville with two minutes to play. The Islanders and their fans can probably put some of the blame on the refs for the outcome of the last two games. Ted Nolan's expression was priceless last night after the Islanders goal was called off, and he should be commended for not losing cool (he's been a steady presence behind the bench this series) and prepare his team for game 5. The Sabres lead 3-1, but the Islanders have been in every game, they've lost.

Speaking of the Buffalo Sabres, my brothers and sisters of Western New York have been huge supporters of Playoff Beard.com. I've been getting emails on a daily basis from the Sabres faithful about their team, and beard (and pit) growing advice. Sabres super fan Joe has been kind enough to update me daily on his playoff beard progress, so I'd thought I display his efforts here. Thanks again for all the support gang!

Game of the Night:
Pittsburgh at Ottawa 7:00 PM
Detroit at Calgary 9:30 PM
Dallas at Vancouver 10:00 PM
Minnesota at Anaheim 10:30 PM

Do or die for the Pens, Stars and Wild tonight, and to a lesser extent the Flames. The Western Conference can close the doors on two series and the Senators can join the Rangers as the second team to advance in the East. Enjoy the games!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh