Pens    2    OT4

Isles    1

As the headline states, both the Pens and Bolts went on the road in a must win game to stay alive in this years playoffs and both will live to see at least another game. This game was really a story of 2 games in the same one as the Isles had the better of the play by a decided margin for 4 full periods before the Pens took over the advantage and had the better of it for the last 3. Both goalies played exceptional in this game but Crawford was all world stopping 74 of 75 shots faced to get the win. Of great importance and interest will be the direction of both squads having numerous players that will not be 100% for the next puck drop but the 2 biggest questions will come in the form of Connor McDavid and Corey Crawford. McDavid is back skating but looks like he may still be a game away while Crawford is clearly fatigued after facing so many Isles shots. The Isles have a very capable back-up in Halak and with a 3-2 series lead I look for him to get the nod allowing Andrei Vasilevskiy a night off to get himself ready for either game 7 or Game 1 of the conference final. Back to Pitt for game 6

Lightning  3

Bruins     1

Tampa raised a few eyebrows starting M. Smith in this one and it looks to have worked out in more ways than one. By getting this win the Bolts not only stayed alive but now have 2 goalies at 100% going into game 6 at home whereas these Bruins missed an opportunity to close out Tampa and now likely won't have their starter regain 100% health in this series. Look for Brian Elliott to get the nod in goal for Game 6 in Tampa and a less than 100% Andersen for game 7 at home if neccessary. On a positive note for Boston they may be able to just outscore Tampa and say piss on defense as they will have the services of Brad Marchand for the next game if they decide to suit him up or give him the couple of extra days rest before re-inserting him in the line-up. Tampa continues to surprise now down 3-2.