The time for talking the talk is over and it's time to walk the walk instead! With half the GM's tuned out and looking forward to draft day the other half get to sit back and see what they have built (or not) so let us begin with the western conference!

Oilers    2

Ducks    1

After a stellar year sitting atop the west GM Devon and his Ducks were looking to reap the rewards of an early first round match-up and a presumably easier road to the finals but that simply isn't the case. GM Leon made a big push at the trade deadline with this Oiler squad that now features 2 of the best young talent in the game with McDavid and Mathews that likely hasn't been seen since Syd and Ovie broke in. With that being said Devons Ducks have more than a few studs of their own with the likes of Marchand, Crosby, Zibby et al to counter so we are in for a offensive barnburner of a series right? Well, the game play with shots and opportunities were certainly there but it was the goalies that stole the show in this one as both goalies had over 30 saves and a .947 save %. Despite a combined shot total of 47 thru 2 periods the Ducks went to the break with a very uncomfortable 1-0 lead which suited GM Leon just fine. It also suited the Oiler squad just fine as well and when C. Lazar responded just over 7 minutes into the third it was basically next goal wins time! Unfortunately for Devon and his Ducks J. Manson took a tripping penalty and with under 5 left to play the greatest player on the planet buried his opportunity to propel the Oilers to a road victory and steal home ice. Oil up 1-0

Sharks    4

Flames   5 (OT)

The "$$$" series kicked off with a bang (or is that Summits ego exploding?) as the Sharks try and back up their brash GM's words and bets in Calgary. In what would have to be described as a bit of a bad beat for San Jose the Flames emerged with a hard fought victory. The Sharks came out ready to play in this one outshooting the Flames in every period including the overtime session but simply could not get enough past a strong M.A.Fleury and despite only allowing one shot in overtime it was the only one Calgary needed! Was GM Junya right? Are the Sharks and that D-core the achilles heal for this talented squad? Early results are certainly a yes but alot more real estate needs to be covered before we declare a winner! Flames with the early jump up 1-0

Wild     3 (2OT)

Stars    2

As we have seen over the years the playoffs, and in particular the first round, has provided us with some pretty interesting results and this one ranks up there. Dallas is at home, has great goaltending, a very strong defensive game, and no problem putting the puck in the net and promptly domintates their opponent to the tune of a 66-34 shot advantage. Somehow this translates to a 3-2 overtime loss??? Really not much else to say other then maybe Varly is a series stealer??? Or maybe GM Junya and his Stars just need a bit of puck luck? Either way Al and his Wild lead 1-0 with lots more questions to be answered in the coming days!

Blues   4

Hawks  1

This was a very good and competetive game from the onset and the score doesn't really reflect the game play. Chicago played a very balanced game and really did nothing wrong but this game and possibly the series might be decided the same way. The Blues big guns were the guys getting the shots throughout this game and they were the guys scoring while Chicago just wasn't able the solve Jarry. With Ovie getting 10 shots in this game you know Chicago will need to address that issue somehow or it may be a quick exit as he clearly can't be allowed that many opportunities! Blues steal home ice and up 1-0