NHL Conference Finals 2012

Round 3 is well under way for the four remaining teams, each hoping to win yet another round and be one step closer to hoisting the Stanley Cup. The Rangers and Devils are making it an exciting series, tied 2-2 it is easy to predict a game 7 for the Eastern Conference. Game 4 was at a different intensity level than the rest, with a final tally of 66 PIM including Mike Rupp's shot at Martin Brodeur that caused the three misconduct penalties in the 3rd period. New Jersey easily controlled the flow of play during the game and the frustration of the Rangers was bound to explode at some point. Not unfamiliar with explosions, John Tortorella engaged in his own shouting match between the benches with Peter DeBoer. Neither commented on the incident after the game, but it is easy to see that the tension is being felt on both sides and emerging in different ways. Despite who they will face from the West one of these two teams will be hosting game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals, will Brodeur or Lundqvist start their next journey at home?

LA continues to dominate their series, well on their way to beating the Montreal Canadiens record of 16-4 in their Stanley Cup win year. Their loss in game 4 of this series is reminiscent of game 4 in Vancouver, allowing Phoenix to hold them at bay and maybe win their last game at home before a possible movement of the franchise. Phoenix continues to struggle in finding a hole in Quick's armour, taking every shot they can and being rewarded with tips not only from their team but from the defenders as well after all, no goal is a bad goal especially in the post-season. Game 5 promises to be a Goaltender and Goal scorer showdown, in a low scoring series, LA will throw their power forwards at the net and maybe battle a little harder than they did in their last shutout performance. Emotions are running high not only for Phoenix who is fighting to stay alive but for LA as well to make a statement after their last minute clinching of a playoff spot.