The Pittsburgh Penguins dealt the Ottawa Senators the final blow tonite, defeating them 3-1, and taking the round 1 series in 4 straight games.

The results are a complete turnaround for the Senators who last year dispatched the Penguins easily in round 1, and then marched through the Eastern Conference on their way to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Senators started the season spectacularly, but finished spectacularly awful. Winning 18 of their final 48 games, the Sens squeaked into the playoffs, and went out with a whimper. Perhaps the firing of GM John Muckler over the summer in favor of coach Bryan Murray was a hasty move?

The Penguins continue to prove that they are a now team. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have grown from young players with star potential to NHL Elite. Both players scored in the statement game that saw their young club become the first this playoffs to close out a series and advance to round 2. They will be a tough team to contend with.

New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers
The Rangers became the first club of this series to win a home game, and also take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Rookie defenceman Mark Staal scored his first ever NHL playoff goal late in the third period, which was the eventual game winner and helped lift the Rangers to a 5-3 victory.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh