The NHL received its best possible outcome as a result of yesterday’s pair of thrilling Game Seven results. At Verizon Center, the Rangers outplayed the Capitals but still lost 2-1 as a result of Sergei Fedorov’s game-winning goal. Washington became just the 21st team in NHL playoff history to win a seven-game series after trailing three games to one.
In New Jersey, the Devils and their fans are still reeling from a shocking collapse. The Devils were a minute and a half from advancing to the second round when two quick Carolina goals, by Jussi Jokinen and Eric Staal, clinched the series for the Hurricanes.
The re-seeding of the first-round winners puts the Capitals into a conference semi-final matchup against the Penguins. Hockey fans couldn’t dream of a better matchup: Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin. The second round gets underway on Thursday.
The OHL championship begins tonight as the Brampton Battalion take on the OHL top-seeded Windsor Spitfires. Brampton’s Cody Hodgson was named OHL Player of the Year.
Canada completed the preliminary round of the World Championships with a 7-3 win over Slovakia, and will face either Finland or the Czech Republic in their next game on Thursday.
Here are the hockey headlines in the news this morning:
Eastern Conference Playoffs
- Game Six – Capitals 5 Rangers 3 MaxHockey.com
- A Capital achievement AP
- Caps complete comeback Toronto Star
- Tortorella praises Avery as player on the edge Newsday
- Crosby vs. Ovechkin dream come true Toronto Star
- Crosby, Ovechkin meet in Round 2 Faceoff.com
- ‘Canes storm back AP
Western Conference Playoffs
- Ducks aren’t intimidated by Red Wings Toronto Sun
- Like it or not – it’s up to Vancouver National Post
- Coaches attempt to play down past The Globe And mail
NHL, OHL and World Championship News
- Offside Wednesday — Heads, NHL loses Toronto Sun
- Take a hike, Mike! Calgary Sun
- Another early exit brings chill to Flames CP
- NHL playoffs remain hot ticket Toronto Star
- Will net difference be enough for Battalion? Toronto Sun
- No trivial pursuit for Battalion Toronto Star
- OHL honours Hodgson as best Toronto Star
- No peace without justice Toronto Sun
- NHL gives Coyotes money to stay afloat National Post
