The playoffs have been the most memorable I have seen in years. The hockey has been fantastic and every game been fun to watch Every series has been fun to watch.

In Colorado, Anderson stops 51 shots and shuts out the Sharks. It was one of the best goaltending performances I have seen. The games ends on a freak goal, as Boyle plays Santa Claus for the Avs and knocks the goal in to put it 1-0. The Sharks win the next game, the Sharks' mvp player so far in little Joe Pavelski scoring the OT winner in game 2 and 4. Three straight games into overtime - I have to admit, the games have been close. So do Thorton, Heatley, and Marleau deserve the heat they are getting? If it was not for the Sharks' second line, where would the Sharks be? I really wonder what happens to Thorton come playoff time. It's like he disappears and continues to get the rap of not winning the big one. Even if the Sharks win this first round, you have to think they have to at least get to the Western finals before Thorton gets some pressure off.

The Sharks control the Avs for game 5 as little Joe becomes big Joe, scoring again.

The LA Kings have been deadly on the powerplay, or else the Canucks have been way too tentative, as the Kings have scored 9 powerplay goals. The Canucks have played better 5 on 5 play. The games have been fun to watch. The most surprising stat throughout the first four games is that Roberto has not been on his best behavior yet. The Canucks got a split for the four games; that is a good sign for the Canucks. As I am writing this, the Canucks are killing the Kings 6-2 in the third.

Who would have figured that the Devils would be the first team out of the playoffs? I guess you can call that Kovy trade a total disaster, eh? Better yet, how many of you predicted Boucher would be the better goalie in the series? How about a Flyer maturing to be the man of game 5 - Claude Giroux scoring two goals and adding an assist on a great pass to Brierre for the first Philly goal.

The key to Philly's success is that the Flyers are playing their game and waiting for their chances. Pronger was a monster in the series. He was very good. The Devils' big guns did not bring their big game, as the Flyers really held Parise and Zajak in check, and Kovachuck really tried too much and ended up doing nothing. What a job by Richards in the series. I also must admit that the Devils were outcoached.

I have to hand it to the Sens goalie, Pascal Laclaire, making 56 saves as the Sens defeat the Pens in triple over time 3-2. Matt Carkner shoots the puck from the point for the overtime goal, to give the Sens the victory. It was easily the best game of the playoffs, as the series goes to 6 games. The Sens easily played their best game of the playoffs in Pits.

Those are my first round observations for now.

Until next time, take care.

Randy