Isles     5

CBJ      2

J.Halak made his first start of the playoffs and he looked like he wanted to start more games after a stellar performance. Halak stopped 30 of the 32 shots faced which was plenty good enough on this night as the Isles offence was back on point potting 5 of their own. This game wasn't at all lopsided but with both teams possessing potent offences these high opportunity games can get out of hand one way or the other on any given night.Tonight was the Isles night and with a rested starter heading home they are positioned well going forward....that said the Jackets will be trying to flip that coin to do the same for game 6 when they come home! This series was expected to go long and it now will at least go 6.....all tied at 2 heading to NY!

Habs     5

Sens     2

Like the above series these 2 teams feature very potent offenses but only 1 of those offenses has been on display throughout. Tonight was decided by special teams with the Habs getting a shorthanded goal and 2 powerplay goals enroute to the win. With Ottawa hoping to sneak a home win with back-up C.Petersen in goal the Sens simply didn't do enough and now are faced with elimination from this point forward. The Sens played a very lacklustre game with only 23 shots to show for their efforts on a night when they had an opportunity to even up this series while giving up 31 against and being outshot in all 3 periods. GM Steph at least should have his starter back for next game but even if he prolongs this series, how many games will he be able to play as the reccurring theme of goalie fatigue continues to rear its ugly head throughout these playoffs. Credit has to be given to GM Steve and his Habs to this point for getting the job done but with all the goalie starts already lost these playoffs by various teams, how many "better" teams have lost due to not having their full teams available? Game 5 in Montreal coming up with the Habs leading 3-1