Lightning knock off capital in the opener, but Gagne comes early

WASHINGTON (AP) — if the Tampa Bay Lightning and goalkeeper his 41-year-old Dwayne Roloson (FSY), were exhausted, they sure hid it well. By James Lang, US Presswire

Lightning Center Steven Stamkos left, scores the go-ahead goal on goalie Michal Neuvirth as capitals defenseman John Erskine tries to help defensively. Tampa Bay won the series 4-2 in Washington.

By James Lang, US Presswire

Lightning Center Steven Stamkos left, scores the go-ahead goal on goalie Michal Neuvirth as capitals defenseman John Erskine tries to help defensively. Tampa Bay won the series 4-2 in Washington.

Sean Bergenheim (FSY) scored early, Steven Stamkos added the go-ahead goal on a power play, and Roloson made 26 saves, helping the lightning beat Alex Ovechkin (FSY) and the top-seeded Washington Capitals 4-2 on Friday night in game 1 of Eastern Conference semifinals.I don't know about us being tired, "said Bergenheim, who scored 2: 12 into the game. "I don't feel right now."Steve Downie (FSY) had a goal and an assist, Dominic Moore (FSY) added an empty-netter with 40 seconds left for the fifth-seeded Lightning, who have won four straight games since falling behind Pittsburgh 3-1 in the first round.Roloson got the shutout, and Bergenheim since the only goal as Tampa Bay won the Pittsburgh 1-0 in game 7 on Wednesday night. The lightning flew straight to Washington that night, crawling in their hotel beds after 3 a.m. Thursday. They were back on the ice for a faceoff 7 p.m. Friday. "It was good for us, "the center of Tampa Bay, Nate Thompson (FSY), said. "Back on it and don't have much time. We are still in the game. "They were.Confuse the Capitals was held without Ovechkin. a point and limited to two shots, and Washington was 0-for-5 on the power game of strategy get-ahead-and-focus-on-defense of lightning — making penalty killers Tampa Bay 39-for-20 this postseason. "They become frustrating, capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said. "They just hesitate, and you're trying to push. They are very good at it. "Roloson only needed to make five saves in the third period. "We are surprised by the result tonight — but happy with it, "said the goalkeeper, acquired from the New York Islanders in the new year's day."We were lucky to win a hockey game. We had some hops ".This is true. For example, the lightning trailed 2-1, but he drew with 3: 43 left in the second half, when Downie was trying to center the puck, but his pass deflected off defenseman Scott Hannan to stick (FSY) and fluttered over goalie Michal Neuvirth (FSY) on right shoulder.And the goal of Stamkos came with 31. 6 seconds remaining in the period, when his initial attempt Neuvirth stopped, but the puck went right to the front, who put in the rebound.This power play came when Jason chimera (FSY) was sent off for roughing following a hit on Pavel Kubina (FSY), who hasn't played in the third period. That drew boos from the home fans. The boos only grew taller naturally when Stamkos converted chance extra-homem.Ending reverse the advantage to 2-1 Washington built with goals from Alexander Semin (FSY) and Eric Fehr (FSY).The lightning played most of Friday's game without veteran left wing Simon Gagne (FSY), which was helped to the dressing room after his helmet hit the ice when he fell hard after a hit by Hannan in the first period. The lightning said Gagne and Kubina would be re-evaluated Saturday Game 2 is Sunday night in Washington. Boudreau scolded his players for engaging in what he called "hockey" — the kind of style back-and-forth, gaping the capitals used depend on before making a concerted effort to concentrate on defense.In the first round, rookie Neuvirth — he is 18 years younger than Roloson — and the capitals allowed the New York Rangers scored a total of two goals in three games played in Washington. The Lightning surpassed that total in a span of two periods ".We played very nice and took sanctions, and that cost us, "said Ovechkin. "The first sentence, the last 10 minutes, we play our game. First 10 minutes, the second (period), we play good. After that, let's let them play their game. "While the Lightning could have been tired, the capitals could have been rusty. They wrapped up their series against the Rangers in five games on Saturday and had almost a week off. Boudreau made light of storyline "Rest vs. Rust" Thursday, but perhaps there was something to it.Neuvirth finished with 20 saves Friday. He entered the day leading the NHL with a 1. 38 goals-against average and, secondly, with a. 946 save percentage. No. 1 in Save category? Key Roloson .one Friday: The Lightning held the edge in special teams play. "You guys are taking routes of passage. Blocking shots, obviously. "Trying to take time and space," Thompson said. "And then his penalty-killer will be your best goalkeeper and Roli was for us. "Notes: Capitals D John Carlson (FSY) played just 36 seconds in the third period, and Boudreau said he was day-to-day. "I'm hoping he can go Sunday," Boudreau said. ... Nicklas Backstrom's Washington C (FSY) dry goal reached 13 games and acknowledged that he may be starting to try too hard to score. "That's what happens when you fight," he said. ... The capitals had an apparent goal waved off in the 13th minute, when officials ruled Brooks Laich (FSY) kicked the puck past Roloson.

Mobile Defense could help USA at World Championships

It may take a village to score a goal for Team USA at the World Championships in Slovakia, but coach Scott Gordon found ample reasons, as its title cast in Saturday's opener against Austria (10: 15 a.m. ETVersus). By Frederick Breedon, Getty Images

Cam Fowler of Anaheim is joining moving puck defensemen Jack Johnson and Kevin Shattenkirk on the U.S. Squad at the World Championships.

By Frederick Breedon, Getty Images

Cam Fowler of Anaheim is joining moving puck defensemen Jack Johnson and Kevin Shattenkirk on the U.S. Squad at the World Championships.

"We have a very good mix (defensemen) that we can get some offense," said Gordon. "Just having that ability back there will make us a little better because they are going to get the puck in situations better and we will be able to get out of the zone of cleaner".Center for New York Rangers Derek Stepan is the only American who scored 20 goals in the NHL this past season, but the Defense includes Cam Fowler of Anaheim, St. Louis ' Kevin Shattenkirk and Los Angeles ' Jack Johnson, which can move the puck. Gordon also appreciates that the Americans have one team skating should be able to match up well with the other teams "Have a lot of speed," said Gordon. "It will be interesting to see how this translates (in games)".Americans beat Austria in a game 3-2 pre-tournament games. "There is no easy game, "said Gordon. "These teams here play this tournament, like the Stanley Cup. They are very passionate. "The Canadians led Rick Nash are considered the team to beat in this tournament. "We went to the medal round two years ago, and every game we played was a nail-biter, "said Gordon. "That says a lot about how teams about the careful here and how hard work ... You can't take any team for granted. "Going into the tournament, the U.S. is playing Stepan with Blake Wheeler, who was a scorer of 18 for the Atlanta Thrashers. The third member of the line will be that Nashville Predators prospect Craig Smith, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin, who was a front of point per game. "He looked well, not out of place at all, "said Gordon.

30 April: Austria, 10: 15 hours.

On May 2: Norway, 10: 15 hours.

May 4: Sweden, at 14: 15.

ET. U.S. games on Versus

Florida Panthers defenseman Clay Wilson also was impressive in practice ".He could end up being a rover for us, "said Gordon. "He is an offensive-minded. In the first game, he can even play some wing. "U.s. team last year was victorious in the preliminary round and finished 13th. This year's adjustment with Austria was more difficult than the Americans wanted to be. The United States if fell behind 2-0 before rallying. "They came to us very hard, and if we're playing on our heels, they will have the game for us, "said Gordon. "We have to start the game."On Thursday, Gordon, a former coach of the New York Islanders appointed Defender Atlanta Mark Stuart as the captain of the team. ""I know him since my days in Providence in the Boston organization and people in USA Hockey knows it, said Gordon. "We know him and how he carries himself. … It represents what you want your players like. "Mike Komisarek (Toronto), Mike Brown (Toronto), Jack Johnson (Los Angeles) and Paul Schwalbennest (Buffalo) are alternates.Johnson and Schwalbennest are not expected to arrive in time for opening Saturday in Kosice, Slovakia For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ. To report corrections and clarifications, contact standards Editor Brent Jones. For consideration of publication in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and State for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections usatoday.com. We've updated the guidelines of the conversation. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation of how to use the "report abuse" button. Read more.

Flyers know Bruins seek revenge, but I also know that we are in their heads

VOORHEES, N.J. — before their series clinching game 7 victory against the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins coach Claude Julien reminded his players that if they went on to win, would earn the right to avenge the second loss to the Philadelphia Flyers crush last year. By Barbara Johnston, US Presswire

Danny Brière says series Bruins last year: "we are using that to our advantage, knowing that never ended and we can always come back."

By Barbara Johnston, US Presswire

Danny Brière says series Bruins last year: "we are using that to our advantage, knowing that never ended and we can always come back."

Flyers coach Peter Laviolette, a master of motivation, could have done the same thing in a similar circumstance. Entitled "?I don't buy into that whole ' what happened last year or what someone says, "Laviolette said the morning after learning he will face Julien and the Bruins for a second consecutive year."They will play harder than they did last year because they lost? I don't think is possible. You're playing for the Stanley Cup. "Over the next two weeks, there will be plenty of references to epic collapse last year for the Bruins. Boston won the first three games of the series, only to see the lead vanish in four agonizing defeats, culminated by returning the flyers a 3-0 deficit in game 7. It is important to note, however, that the Bruins staged their own rally in their first round series against the Canadiens, coming back from a deficit of two games-to-none. They had gone 0-26 in series in which lost the first two games. "Is a new year, but it is clear that there are a lot of hatred between these teams, "Bruins center Brad Marchand said earlier this season on the handouts. "Always there's been a lot of bad blood, and I think the fans really want some revenge and beat them. That would be huge for our team and fans actually would enjoy that. "It is clear that the motivation for the Bruins is palpable, Flyers Center Danny Briere said that resilience of handouts should be a concern for the Bruins, who needed an overtime goal from Nathan Horton to dispose of the Canadiens and reach the second round. "They will use that as motivation, but we also know that we are on their heads, and that will be with them throughout the series, "Briere said."We are using that to our advantage, knowing that never ended and we can always come back. "— The Courier-Post is owned by Gannett, Publisher of USA TODAYFor more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ. To report corrections and clarifications, contact standards Editor Brent Jones. For consideration of publication in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and State for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections usatoday.com. We've updated the guidelines of the conversation. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation of how to use the "report abuse" button. Read more.

Sign of sabres coach Lindy Ruff to contract extension

BUFFALO (AP) — Lindy Ruff hasn't reached his final wish to bring the Stanley Cup to Buffalo, but at least he'll have a couple of years more to try.The Sabres signed Ruff to a multi-year contract extension Friday, keeping the coach ganhantes all-time franchise in the fold for another crack in a Championship that has eluded the team since its birth in 1970. "I'm very excited, "Ruff said at a press conference at the end of the season the Sabres that also included owner Terry Pegula, Ted Black President and General Manager Darcy Regier. "Our goal is to win the Cup, and I think we can win the Cup."Ruff, who coached in his 1,000th career NHL game and 100 career postseason game this season — all comes with the Sabres — refused an offer to have his contract extended by Tom Golisano before the former owner sold the team to billionaire Pennsylvania Pegulaumin February. "We are all very happy, said Pegula. after assuming the post of GM season 1996-97, Regier hired Ruff, who was an Assistant with the Florida Panthers at the time. Almost 14 years later, the couple remains apparently joined the hip.The two have suffered three changes of ownership, the franchise bankruptcy in 2003, five seasons of not qualifying for the playoffs and not advancing after the first round of the postseason to seven of the past nine seasons.But they also have been guided the Sabres for four Eastern Conference finals during his tenure, winning the trophy of the season and a devastating defeat final Stanley Cup to the Dallas Stars in 1999 when Brett Hull (FSY) scored in triple overtime in game 6 — a goal that still riles Ruff because skateboarding hull was within the Groove. "You need a certain amount of luck, and we had that, '' Regier said. "I am very grateful to be in the situation that I am and know what Lindy feels the same. You have to find ways of doing things better than other organizations. If you are down to 28, 29 or 30, there is a new game in town. "This season, the Sabres sunk at the bottom of the League after a miserable 3-9-2 Start and conversation began to shake on Ruff to be at the end of his leash. But the team turned things around with a wave of second part which culminated with a seventh place finish in the East and a first round playoff matchup with the Sabres from The Philadelphia Flyers finished the year on a 29-11-6 run, including a 16-4-4 after assumed Pegula. "Normally we have a team that went out to get a very good season, "said Ruff. "I thought we have renewed energy with new owner".There were 162 coaching changes in the NHL since assuming the Ruff. He is the third longest coach holder in four major professional sports leagues, behind only Tony LaRussa (St. Louis Cardinals) and Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs).Ruff also played 10 seasons for the Sabres after he was drafted in the second phase of the project 1979. Meanwhile, Sabres forward Paul Schwalbennest (FSY) was added to the United States team that will compete at the World Championships of ice hockey in Slovakiawhile defending rookie Marc-Andre Gragni was added to the Canadian team.

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Sharks Beat Red Wings in OT to take game 1

SAN JOSE (AP) — a series filled with some of the biggest stars from hockey and most talented players, was someone who spent almost the entire second half of the season in the minors that came with the biggest game — on his birthday no less. By Jason o. Watson, US Presswire

A group of sharks players surround center Benn Ferriero after he scored the winning goal in overtime against the Red Wings.

By Jason Watson, us Presswire.

A group of sharks players surround center Benn Ferriero after he scored the winning goal in overtime against the Red Wings.

Little used Benn Ferriero (FSY) scored 7: 03 into overtime for his playoff debut on a deflected goal that gave the San Jose Sharks a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night in game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series. "You always have to be ready, "said Ferriero, who provided the perfect capper for your 24th birthday. "You never know when they are going to ask you. You will through practice and do everything possible to be ready to play. When your number gets called you've got to be ready. "Ferriero shot hit off Detroit defenceman Brad Stuart (FSY) stick and got past Jimmy Howard (FSY) for the game winner just seconds after the Red Wings had killed a penalty four minutes. Stuart hit his stick to the ice in disgust after the goal, as the Red Wings again fell behind his series for the Sharks. Ferriero has just seven goals in regular season games 57 career and played only once in the NHL after 5 February this season. "You never know who will be the hero," said sharks defenseman Dan Boyle (FSY). "You never know where he is going to come from. This is just one example of just shooting, just put it on the net in overtime. You never know what will happen. "Joe Pavelski (FSY) scored the tying goal on the power play in the third period for San Jose. Antti Niemi (FSY) made 24 saves as the sharks won their fourth overtime game of this postseason.Nicklas Lidstrom (FSY) scored in the first period of Detroit the day after his 41st birthday. Howard made 44 saves, including three during Justin Abdelkader (FSY) twice minor for high sticking, but had little chance in/game-winning goal Ferriero is very disappointing, especially after leading for most of the game, "Lidstrom said."We were able to kill the penalty four minutes into overtime. They continued to come to us; our guy was coming out of the box and was still a dispute in our region. This is what happens in the playoffs. You'll have these oscillations momentum. "Game 2 is Sunday in San Jose After being frustrated by two periods by Howard, the third shark finally broke through in their third power play of the night with Todd rivalry with (FSY), outside half for boarding Pavelski. Joe Thornton (FSY) had a big shot from just inside the blue line that stopped Howardbut Pavelski batted the rebound down the air with his stick and into the net to tie it with 1: 38 to go with the first power-play goal by San Jose in four games this postseason.Pavelski played a large part in the victory of San Jose series over Detroit a year ago, scoring four goals in the first two games, including the tying tally in the third period of game 2. That was one of the two series ran third period for the sharks, who did it again in the premiere this year.The Red Wings killed another power play later in the third and withstood a late wave of San Jose, with Howard doing a tough pad save on a detour by Dany Heatley (FSY) to send the game into overtime. "It was not enough, "said Howard. "All that matters is winning. I felt good out there and I saw a lot of shots. "

Sharks lead 1-0.

Friday: San Jose 2, Detroit 1

Sunday: San Jose, 3 p.m. (NBC)

Wednesday: at Detroit, 8 hours (Versus)

On May 6: at Detroit, 7 hours (Versus)

x-may 8: at San Jose, 8 hours (Versus)

x-may 10: at Detroit, TBA (Versus)

x-may 12: in San Jose, TBA (Versus)

x-if necessary. All times ET

Led by an energetic shift from Logan Couture line (FSY), Ryane Clowe (FSY) and Heatley, the sharks dominated the game in the first half of the second period but were not able to check. Howard made a tough stop in Pavelski and helped kill a power game as Detroit kept the lead despite being outshot 16-2 in the first 10 minutes of the second time.Detroit allowed two shots the rest of the period and had chances to extend the advantage but shot rolled along the goal line and the net, and Niemi stopped Jiri Hudler ... aka (FSY) on a wrist shot at closing time.This marked the third time in five seasons that these teams met in the second round, with each team winning once.The Red Wings were rested, with eight full days off since his sweep of Phoenix in the first round. This is in contrast with their one day off a year ago after a series of seven games against the Coyotes, who was a factor in falling behind 3-0 in the series.The time off allowed two of the most powerful of the Detroit players to heal injuries that kept him out of action for at least a part of the first round. Johan Franzen (FSY), who led the team with 28 goals in regular season, recovered from an injured left ankle that forced him to miss game 4 against the Coyotes. Top scorer Henrik Zetterberg (FSY) also is back after losing the first round with an injured left knee.At the beginning, there was a feeling-out process with both teams seemingly terrified of making a mistake. San Jose killed an early power play before the Red Wings broke midway through the period when Pavel Datsyuk (FSY) has the puck on the boards and fed Lidstrom in slot for a slap shot that beat Niemi to the glove side.Notes: The last player to get his first playoff goal in OT her first playoff game was Niko Dimitrakos (FSY San Jose), in 1 game in the first round against St. Louis in 2004. ... Detroit coach Mike Babcock turned 48 on Friday.

Sidney Crosby had a setback, but ' not worried ' about 2011

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sidney Crosby acknowledged he recently had a setback and experienced symptoms during his recovery from an injury, but the Pittsburgh Penguins star said he isn't worried that he won't be ready for the start of next season. By AP

Penguins Center Sidney Crosby admitted that the reason he wasn't on the ice for practice without contact or practices for the past two weeks was because he had experienced headaches and other symptoms.

By AP

Penguins Center Sidney Crosby admitted that the reason he wasn't on the ice for practice without contact or practices for the past two weeks was because he had experienced headaches and other symptoms.

Crosby directed to journalists on Friday for the first time in weeks, on the day the penguins packed up and dispersed after being eliminated from the NHL playoffs. He admitted that the reason he wasn't on the ice for practice without contact or practices for the past two weeks was because he had experienced headaches and other symptoms ".I started trying to ramp things a bit for work and skating and I got a little symptoms, "said Crosby. "So I had to take a step back. Progression had gone very well, but at the same time, I still wasn't ready ".Crosby has not played since January 5, sitting out the final 48 games, including any loss of series 4-3 in Pittsburgh for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round.Training camp is about five months away. Crosby said he is ready.

Copyright 2010 the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Daniel Sedin, St. Louis, Perry called the Hart Trophy finalists

Identical twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin are similar apart from their looks: they make the same wage, have very similar NHL point totals and possess a radar-like ability to find each other on the ice. By Darryl Dyck, AP

Vancouver's Daniel Sedin, rear, won the NHL scoring title this season, a year after his brother Henrik.

By Darryl Dyck, AP

Vancouver's Daniel Sedin, rear, won the NHL scoring title this season, a year after his brother Henrik.

The only difference is that Henrik has a title of MVP and Daniel.But that could change because Daniel, Tampa Bay Lightning winger Martin St. Louis winger and Anaheim Ducks Corey Perry were named finalists for the Hart Trophy as League MVP. "It is very difficult for us, not to be enthusiastic about Daniel, since Henrik won last year and would probably be one of the most unique events in professional sports that you had a twin brother win a year and another brother of the second year, "Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis said at a recent conference call.The twins already have a distinction: they are the first brothers to win scoring titles in consecutive seasons. Henrik won last year with 112 points, and Daniel led the League this season with 104, the only player to top 100 overall for the Canucks. "We have been peer-to-game players to a time and the last few years has been a big step for us," said Henrik. "I don't know why that is, if he is getting older, mature, confident in the dressing room and ice ... or if it's because Daniel was injured last year and I had to play without him for 20 games and win confidence".Daniel had 18 goals and 42 points with man-advantage for the best power play in the League and finished in second place among the forwards with a plus-35 rating. St. Louis, a winner of 2004, agreed to a four-year extension before the season, showing faith in the new management of owner Jeff Vinik, General Manager Steve Yzerman and coach Guy Boucher. He thrived on the ice, finishing second in the League with 99 points. He tied a franchise record with 68 assists, including five in one game, as the lightning rose 23 points to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Cause of Perry was boosted by a late-season run that pushed his team into the playoffs.He finished as top scorer of 50-goal League and finished third in points with 98. He tied for the lead of the Championship with 11 goals. His row with Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan combined to 249 points ".I have to give much credit to Ryan and Bobby, "Perry said after being named first NHL star for March. "I mean, they did all they could do, and they are finding me and I'm just trying to get open in the slot, and things are going behind the net."The ducks were sitting in 11th place in late February, but Perry had 15 goals during March and 19 in the last 16 games the ducks as Anaheim finished in fourth place. "Things happened in March, that doesn't happen very often, "he said. "It's one of those things where you exit, you play your game, and you see what happens". The award is voted by the professional hockey writers before the start of the playoffs. The top three vote-getters are finalists. The winner will be announced June 22 in the annual NHL awards show in Las Vegas. For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ. To report corrections and clarifications, contact standards Editor Brent Jones. For consideration of publication in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and State for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections usatoday.com. We've updated the guidelines of the conversation. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation of how to use the "report abuse" button. Read more.

Coaches Vigneault, Bylsma, Trotz named finalists for the Adams award

By Darryl Dyck, AP

Coach Alain Vigneault led the Vancouver Canucks for a season best franchise 117-point.

Luongo, Canucks shut out predators by early series

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — the hardest part of the first two periods for Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo was staying awake while all the action was at the other end of the ice. By Darryl Dyck, AP

After a series of unstable phase, goaltender Roberto Luongo, left the Canucks responded with a shutout in a 1-0 victory over the predators on Thursday.

By Darryl Dyck, AP

After a series of unstable phase, goaltender Roberto Luongo, left the Canucks responded with a shutout in a 1-0 victory over the predators on Thursday.

He really couldn't relax while at the premiere of the Western Conference semi-final series on Thursday night as Nashville Predators Pekka Rinne turned away more than Vancouver triggered.Luongo made nine of his 20 saves in the third period to ensure the goal of the second period, Chris Higgins stood as the Canucks opened the second set with a 1-0 win over Nashville. While Luongo faced only 12 shots in the first two períodosRinne stopped 25 of 26 units — several in spectacular fashion — to keep it close. "Luongo shots are 20-5, then you don't want to give a goal and suddenly is 1-0 to them," he said. "That is his mentality. You focus on engage in play and making sure you are clear when you get a shot. "Trying harder Luongo faced was a short-handed breakaway Republic 5: 20 in the third period, but he waited patiently Mike Fisher (FSY) glove hand shot and kept him out of the network. "Luongo some shots early in the third and I was able to resolve," he said of his second shutout in these playoffs and third of his career in the postseason in NHL.The Canucks, who will host game 2 on Saturday, lost little time settling in the second round.Just two days after beating archrival Chicago in overtime of game 7 of a series in which Vancouver had had a 3-0 advantage, the Canucks looked more like team Presidents ' Trophy winner ended quickly any. Vancouver fears a disappointmentbut at the beginning could not solve Rinne, who did a lot of stellar stops. Nashville was outshot 26-11 two periods but was only 1-0. Rinne finished with 29 saves and a loss hard luck. "He is one of the best goalkeepers in the League, "said Canucks Captain Henrik Sedin (FSY). "We must put more in, but one was good enough."Although most wanted to know if the Canucks would fight, was the fifth-seeded predators that seemed a little tired of the road after arriving in Vancouver on Wednesday night. Nashville, off since eliminating Anaheim in game 6 on Sunday, came out flat in his first game of the second round in team history. "The biggest disappointment that you may have is when you have an expectation of someone you want to go to war with every night, and they are letting you down," Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. "We had many passengers, not enough guys pulling the rope. I mean, we're in the semifinals of the Conference. Are you kidding me? Not acceptable. "Vancouver outshot Nashville 16-5 in the first period, but Rinne made the best of a bunch of great defenses with his glove to avoid any second chances. "I don't know what was the problem, "said Rinne, refusing to blame the trip or late arrival. "It was us. We respect your team, it is a good hockey team, but was in we just don't have it. Last series that we were the ones dictating the pace of the game and tonight was the opposite. "Higgins finally scored on shot 24 the Canucks, taken with 11: 46 left in the second after a turnover in Nashville blue line led to a 3-in-1 downstairs.

Canucks lead 1-0.

Game 1: Vancouver 1, Nashville 0

On April 30: in Vancouver, 9 p.m. (Versus)

On 3 may: in Nashville, 9 p.m. (Versus)

On May 5: at Nashville, 8: 30 hours (Versus)

x-may 7: Vancouver, 8 hours (Versus)

x-9 may: in Nashville, TBA (Versus)

x-may 11: Vancouver, TBA (Versus)

x-if necessary. All times ET

Higgins, who also opened the scoring in the first round, had a cross-ice Maxim Lapierre (FSY) into the slot and fired a shot as Rinne stacked the pads while sliding across. The disc was off Rinne and up and under the crossbar. He returned to the net so quickly, the referee signaled no goal. Play continued even as Higgins began celebrating with teammates ".I saw this before all others, but I'm glad he came, "Higgins said. "We had some great chances and he made some great saves. It is really, really good at catching the disc, and there weren't many second-chance opportunities. "A quick video review confirmed that the puck struck something within the network before popping out. That was all the offense Luongo needed.He made good saves to deny Sergei Kostitsyn (FSY) and Jordin Tootoo (FSY) slot later in the period, stayed with Fisher during the separatist Republic, controlled by a hard shot from Shea Weber (FSY) on a power play and got a break when Weber missed an empty net on a backdoor pass nice about the same advantage.It is definitely my fault that we do not tie it up, "said Weber. "I had the entire network to hit there. I tried doing it under the bar and I put it on the network. "Notes: Both teams were 0-for-5 on the power play. ... Canucks LW Alex Burrows (FSY) scored the series winning Tuesday, and his wife gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Victoria, the next night. ... The Canucks are in the second round for the fourth time in five seasons, but haven't reached the Western Conference finals since 1994. ... Nashville will host games 3 and 4.

Eastern Conference preview: capital, Bruins win in six

USA today hockey reporter Kevin Allen scales the semifinals of the Conference by East: Eliot j. Schechter, Getty Images

Steve Downie of tampa Bay is averaging over a point a game at the same time, an average of 10 minutes per game.

By Eliot j. Schechter, Getty Images

Steve Downie of tampa Bay is averaging over a point a game at the same time, an average of 10 minutes per game.

Tampa Bay, Washington vs. No. 5 of paragraph 1How they got here: The Caps won Henrik Lundqvist in defeating the New York Rangers in five games. The lightning defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in game 7 to win their first playoff series since its year of Stanley Cup 2004. Washingtonseason series: 4-1-1. Total goals: 19-10 Washington.Goalkeepers: Washington Michal Neuvirth (4-1, 1.38 goals-against average,. 946 save percentage) vs Dwayne Roloson of Tampa Bay (4-3, 1.77.949). Concern with the lack of playoff experience Neuvirth of the NHL was unjustified. He has the best goalkeeping remaining numbers. The lightning acquired Roloson because he has been around the block more than once. He is 6-0 in elimination games. Story line: The capitals are trying to prove that a Cheetah can change his spots. They changed their approach, turning a team that was willing to trade scoring chances for a team that wants to be the defensive mentality from the opening whistle to the closing of the deal. Offense Caps is still dangerous, but the difference is that these capital has the mental strength to maintain leadership. The lightning is better defensively than the League thinks they are and are strikingly confident for a team that seems to be the new kids on the block in the playoffs. While the defending team is not the fleet of foot, they understand the defensive coverage. Just ask the penguins. Meanwhile, his offensive group, which includes Martin St. Louis, Steven Stamkos, Vinny macadamian and Simon Gagne, Washington may match firepower. Who's hot: Lightning RW Steve Downie is an average of 10 minutes per game and has seven points in six games. What is not: Nicklas Backstrom Washington C has no goals and one assist. You didn't see this coming. x factor: Washington LW Alex Semin had seven goals in four games against Tampa Bay this season.Time: As Southeast Division rivals, no surprise the other team. The matchup as coach Bruce Boudreau's old school vs. new school Guy Boucher should be fun. Take Washington in six games. No. 2 Philadelphia vs. No. 3 BostonHow they got here: The flyers needed seven games to eliminate the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins needed seven to send Montreal Canadiens golf. The flyers had to win games 6 and 7 of the game, while Boston lost game 6 and then came back to win game 7. Bostonseason series: 3-0-1. Total goals: 1-8 Boston.Goalkeepers: Brian Boucher of Philadelphia (4-1, 2.10.934) vs Tim Thomas Boston (4-3, 2.25.925). Although the situation of the goalkeeper of Philadelphia has looked shaky, Boucher has played well. He is a true professional who had special moments in his career. The concern is whether he can lead the charge for a long period. Thomas has the potential to be the superior difference maker in the series.Wounds: Philadelphia, C Jeff Carter (sprained knee) is expected to play in the series. He is officially day. RW Andreas Nodl (cut) daily. Boston, C Marc Savard (concussion) out of the season. By Rick Stewart, Getty Images

Claude Giroux of Philadelphia had a hand in 40% of his team's goals in the postseason.

Story line: Last year doesn't matter or not? Everyone remembers that the flyers rallied from a deficit of 3-0 series out the Bruins last season. Not that self-doubt plant in Boston or adds a layer of motivation? Handouts must be the most dynamic offensive team, but the Bruins have played as well as the flyers 5-5 in the opening round. The difference is Philadelphia had five power-play goals and Boston had none. There is pressure on Boston defenceman Tomas Kaberle to get the game to go. Both teams showed perseverance in the first round, with Boston winning the series after losing the first two games. The flyers had problems with the keeper and with prejudice Chris Pronger and they still found a way to win. Who's hot: Philadelphia C Claude Giroux is playing almost 22 minutes per game, and he has one goal, eight assists and a plus-5 rating. He was involved in 40% of the goals of handouts. What is not: Boston LW Milan Lucic was a guy 30 goals in the regular season and he has yet to score in the playoffs. x factor: Bruins rookie C Brad Marchand always seems to be the center of what is happening on the ice. Time: The flyers had the opportunity to acquire Thomas last summer and could end up regretting that decision. Take the Bruins in six games. For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ. To report corrections and clarifications, contact standards Editor Brent Jones. For consideration of publication in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and State for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections usatoday.com. We've updated the guidelines of the conversation. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation of how to use the "report abuse" button. Read more.

Paul Schwalbennest of Sabres added to list of U.S. World Championships

Buffalo Sabres Center Paul Schwalbennest is the latest NHL player to join list of USA for the World Championships in Slovakia .He has 12 goals, 31 points and worth 101 minutes this season.Dallas Stars prospect Jack Campbell also was also added as the No.3 behind goaltender Al Montoya (New York Islanders) and Ty Conklin (St. Louis Blues).The piece opens USA Saturday (10: 15 a.m. ET, Versus) against Austria. Versus will televise all games in the tournament.For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ. To report corrections and clarifications, contact standards Editor Brent Jones. For consideration of publication in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and State for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections usatoday.com. We've updated the guidelines of the conversation. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation of how to use the "report abuse" button. Read more.

Henrik Zetterberg of the Red Wings ready to return from knee injury

DETROIT — Henrik Zetterberg can get out of bed without feeling like an old man, he can play full-out with his fellow Red Wings and once again he can push a shopping cart around without fear. By Julian H. Gonzalez, Detroit Free Press

Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg missed the scan of the first round of the Red Wings. "It is difficult," he said. "You want to be out there in the playoffs."

By Julian H. Gonzalez, Detroit Free Press

Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg missed the scan of the first round of the Red Wings. "It is difficult," he said. "You want to be out there in the playoffs."

Has been a trying and exhausting three weeks for it, but as the wings ready for 2nd round of the playoffs, Zetterberg — Stanley Cup MVP 2008 run — is prepared to join them after losing the first round with a left knee sprain. "It's great, because it puts one more person on the ice than the other team must be aware of," goaltender Jimmy Howard said. "Z, he has a knack for being big in the playoffs, and we welcome him back with open arms. He is big on power lines above the other team and he finds a way to generate points, also at the same time as playing great defense ".Return of Zetterberg gives wings more options, as they can play it with Pavel Datsyuk each superstar Center or have its own line.Although Zetterberg hasn't played since April 6, he is probably not need much time to get readjusted as your skill level. It will use a key of protection, but at least he has to put it on now only when he is on the ice.Soon after the injury, he had to eat, sleep and shop with him in "I don't have to use it more all the time," he said, "so I don't ride in grocery stores anymore, so it is good."Datsyuk sees a shift in Zetterberg, a is not whether he is interested in ".Don't know if he completely back, because he too shot, "Datsyuk said, smiling."I don't know why. Usually he doesn't much shot. Now he shoots too. "This is a bit more like Zetterberg accusing Datsyuk make too many breathtaking passes, because of the many things that makes Zetterberg, shooting very definitely is one of them. He amassed 306 shots on net in 80 games this season and had at least one shot in almost all games.The wings have done very well in their first round series against the Phoenix Coyotes without Zetterberg, but as they embark in Round 2, they are much better because he will be back. "It is just a very good player high-end gives more depth, "said Detroit coach Mike Babcock. "How it goes, you need more depth to win. The teams that advance, they moved forward for a reason. They are good teams that have good depth. "Z is a high-end player with great plays are at playoff time. It marks the time of the heat better than he does in the regular season. He competes at a high level, high, and it is important to have it back.Return of Zetterberg is more opportune given Johan Franzen has dealt with an ankle injury that might delay your availability.The wings can play Zetterberg and Datsyuk together at home, as often happens and separate them for part of the road series, making it harder for the opponent correspond. Datsyuk can form a line with Tomas Holmstrom on a wing and Franzen (or Mike Modano) and Zetterberg can back to centralization Danny Cleary and Todd However the rivalry with. rows shake, Zetterberg on one of them will make the wings that much better on both ends of the ice. "I think we showed in the first round we really good depth, we had to score all the lines, "said Niklas Kronwall. "But now will be even more difficult for the next team, and this is great for us."I mean, let's just face it, a z of top three, five, players League both offensively and defensively at the same time. Play without a guy like that is something you don't want to do, but we did that and we were fortunate enough to leave Phoenix. But we're very happy to have him back. "Zetterberg has not played since the injury April 6 at Carolina Hurricanes when he was hit by Bryan Allen. Injury worry Zetterberg — not in the long term anyway — as he limping away, but as often happens with knee injuries, the extent of the damage becomes clearer later.Zetterberg missed the final two games of the regular season and then had to endure watching when the playoffs began.It is difficult, "he said. "You want to be out there in the playoffs. Just sitting there, it was good that he only spent four games. You would rather play games than being hurt. It definitely helped that they swept the Phoenix and we have this extra week to be on the ice and get back into shape. "Zetterberg said he is feeling good on the ice and really now all that remains is getting his timing back, that should happen very soon. He adapted wearing a brace, but as he said, "half the League" now.Few in the League, however, shoot as Zetterberg does. Finished in the top five among all NHL players and shots in equilibrium, Datsyuk would reunite with fellow superstar ".We want to play together, but whether it is better to separate the team played, do that, "Datsyuk said. "It is good that he be back. It is important to us. He plays well this season, now he has a little more rest, he comes back, it will be of great help to us. "— The Detroit Free Press is owned by Gannett, Publisher of USA TODAYFor more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ. To report corrections and clarifications, contact standards Editor Brent Jones. For consideration of publication in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and State for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections usatoday.com. We've updated the guidelines of the conversation. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation of how to use the "report abuse" button. Read more.