NHL Playoffs Round 2: Cinco De Mayo Thread

My second year of law school is now complete (assuming I didn't fail any of my four murderous classes), baseball season has begun and the second round of the NHL playoffs is in progress.  May is a glorious month indeed.

There are some things about the playoffs you can always count on: the American media will suddenly start caring about hockey for at least two months; there will be copious beard-growing; and the Sharks will choke.

At least one of those things seems doubtful so far this year.  The Sharks are on quite a run so far, having already dispatched our dear young whippersnappers from Colorado and now looking to sweep the hated Red Wings.  Despite his long string of playoff vanishing acts, Patrick Marleau came through big time for San Jose last night, scoring just seven minutes into overtime to beat Detroit 4-3 and take a 3-0 series lead.  The Red Wings are now on the brink of being swept out of the second round by a team notorious for failing in the post-season.  I could think of worse things to witness.

In other news, the Penguins beat the Canadiens to take a 2-1 lead in their second round series.

Tonight, the Flyers will try to right the ship after falling two games to none against the Bruins.  Meanwhile, in Vancouver, the Canucks will continue their battle against the Blackhawks in what could end up being the best series of the entire playoffs.  Both Chicago and Vancouver are seriously talented teams.  Each has a good chance of hoisting the Cup in June, it just depends on which one survives this slog of a matchup.

Discuss!