CBJ     1

Isles    3

The eastern semi's kicked off with 2 of the younger squads in the playoffs, with both possessing immense scoring potential and strong goaltending. What to expect from these 2....do we get wild 7-6 shootouts or do we get 2-1 nailbiters to look forward to? Both teams came out strong in this one and played evenly throughout but it was the Isles that managed to take advantage of their opportunities. Despite not much to choose between these 2 eastern contenders the Isles were able to jump out front 3-0 and with the stellar goaltending of A. Vasilevkiy that was more then enough on this night. This game got tighter and tighter checking as it went on with both teams struggling with their offense but that could just be more a case of the 3-0 cushion. We will look forward to seeing how both react next game as well as when they play a couple in CBJ to try and get a handle on how this series will go. Isles up 1-0

Sens    3

Habs    4

GM Steve and his Habs had all they could handle in round 1 while the Sens had an easier time of things and got a bit of rest heading into game 1. The result was an expected sluggish start from Montreal while the rested Sens came out and took early control getting the games opening goal in the process. Montreal found their game in the second however limiting the Sens chances while taking advantage of their improved play to the tune of a 3-2 lead heading to the third. The Sens tied the game roughly half way into the third but a couple of very untimely penalties directly led to their demise with Montreal scoring on the PP with less than 4 minutes to go and then following that up immmediately after wasting what little time away on the PK. Just like the previous series there is lots more to see here with 2 great offenses and solid goaltending. Habs up 1-0