The controversial hit Montreal Canadiens forward Lars Eller took from Ottawa Senators defenceman Eric Gryba can be best explained this way: bad pass, fair hit, ugly result.
Ottawa Senators 4, Montreal Canadiens 2
On-Ice: After turning in a 48-save performance -- losing a tooth in the process -- and being told he set a franchise record for saves in regulation during a playoff game, Senators goaltender Craig Anderson got the 'Oops, my bad' from team officials that he was one save short of the record.
An absolute horrific scene when Canadiens forward Lars Eller took a hit from Senators defenceman Eric Gryba. There was an instant pool of blood on the ice. Eller was taken off on a stretcher and sent to the hospital for tests after suffering facial and dental fractures, and loss of consciousness. Gryba was ejected and has a league hearing Friday afternoon. But watch the play -- Ottawa head coach Paul MacLean blames Raphael Diaz, who sent the pass to Eller. Lots of opinions on this one, so allow me to chime in: Bad pass, fair hit, ugly result.
Off-Ice: The best in arena pre-game shows are at Montreal's Bell Centre. The young kid skating to centre ice with the torch, placing it down, and the great effect of the entire ice lighting up in flames is just incredible.
Washington Capitals 3, New York Rangers 1
On-Ice: The Rangers were called for too many men on the ice just 34 seconds into the game. They escaped that brain cramp and, in fact, scored first. But there's a reason why the Capitals went 15-2-2 in their final 19 regular-season games: Alex Ovechkin. His goal in Game 1 was his 31st career post-season goal, making him the franchise leader.
Off-Ice: Ovechkin's fiancee, pro tennis player Maria Kirilenko, once said that Ovie threw a hissy fit when he couldn't find her in the stands during a game. When her location was pointed out to him, he went out and scored a hat trick. Pssst, Rangers, have a little fun and change her seat throughout the game!
St. Louis Blue 2, Los Angeles Kings 1
On-Ice: These two teams do not like each other. A lot of physical play in Game 2 -- and some cheap shots as well. I've decided that Kings captain Dustin Brown is a dirty player. And Blues forward David Perron didn't endear himself either, when he targeted Dustin Penner's head. And guys, is it really necessary to face wash each other after every whistle?
Off-Ice: Another wild night for Kings netminder Jonathan Quick. During warmup, a puck was shot between his legs and hit him in the kibbles 'n bits -- a feeling I will never experience, phew! Quick still started the game, played very well, took down Perron hard and theeennn... let in a weak goal to lose the game and go down in the series, 2-0.
Detroit Red Wings 5, Anaheim Ducks 4 (OT)
On-Ice: Hey Detroit, this isn't last year; this time around, Anaheim finished second in the Western Conference and you barely squeaked in. The Red Wings had a 3-0 lead at one point, then took a 4-1 lead in the third period. But with 13 minutes left, the Ducks fired off three goals to tie it up and force overtime. Detroit pulled off the victory and it was exciting, so I'll stop complaining right about now.
Off-Ice: Todd Bertuzzi was inserted into the Red Wings lineup for the first time since Feb. 7. Back pains and nerve pain in his right leg have kept him on the sidelines. Incredible will and determination to keep on playing. But this guy is just asking to be a walking icepack when he eventually does retire.
Follow Andi Petrillo on Twitter @andipHNIC
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