Happy Friday, Florida Panthers fans. As per usual, let’s get started with the organizational stuff.
Sam Brittain made 29 saves to lead the Manchester Monarchs to a 2-1 road win over the Adirondack Thunder in Glens Falls, NY. The Monarchs took a three to one series lead over the Thunder. Fellow prospect Thomas Schemitsch saw his first action of the ECHL playoffs and drew the secondary assist on Ashton Rome’s game-opening goal.
In OHL action, the Mississauga Steelheads held Jonathan Ang pointless in a 5-3 series-opening win over the Peterborough Petes. Ang registered one shot on goal and took a hooking minor late in the first period. He finished the game with an even rating.
In Stanley Cup playoff action, the Nashville Predators completed their stunning sweep of the Chicago Blackhawks with a 4-1 victory at Bridgestone Arena. Also advancing last night were the Pittsburgh Penguins, who beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 to finish off a 4-1 series win. The New York Rangers edged the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime on a MIka Zibanejad goal to take a 3-2 series lead over the Habs. And in the late game, David Desharnais bagged the overtime winner to give the Edmonton Oilers a 4-3 win over the visiting San Jose Sharks. The Oilers lead that series three games to two.