GDT: 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs 4/15/17

Good afternoon sports fans. With the weekend comes the first day game of the playoffs, although it’s BOS/OTT so there’s little need to miss a fine day outside for that. After tonight all series will have played 2 games and we’ll have an idea of how awful our brackets look. Note that two of these games are on plain ol’ NBC so anyone with an antenna may view for free.

3pm ET - B’s at Sens on NBC, Boston won game 1

7pm ET - Leafs at Caps on NBCSN, Washington leads 1-0

8pm ET - Preds at Hawks on NBC, Preds had the upset in game 1

10:30pm ET - Flames at Ducks on NBCSN, Ducks have the edge 1-0

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Just to throw a little Avs news at you, Jared Bednar and Craig Billington were at the Eagles’ home playoff opener last night at the Bud. Rumor had it Joe Sakic was there as well. Avs have 3 prospects playing in the series - Geertsen, Nantel & Boikov - and another guy that’s in line for an ELC this Spring, Shawn St-Amant. Also appearing are Rampage forward Alex Belzile and goalie Kent Simpson. The Eagles lost 4-2 while struggling on the power play, went 0-for-4 and gave a shortie that became the game-winner. Very Avsy.

If you want to watch some real live hockey tonight, head up to Loveland and catch game 2. Puck drops at 7:05pm local and great seats are still available.

The Rampage close out their season tonight in Cedar Park against the Texas Stars. Root for Big Josh Anderson to make his AHL debut and a nice safe game for everyone else.

In the QMJHL, Nic Meloche and the Charlottetown Islanders have swept both the 1st and 2nd rounds and are looking very strong. Meloche has 2G/3A so far but his play in all 3 zones is what’s been making me smile.

J-C Beaudin and Rouyn-Noranda are facing elimination Monday night against Chicoutimi. They’ve had some injury and goaltending issues hampering them but still have home ice advantage for what we hope are the two remaining games of the series. Beaudin has 6G/9A and is tied for the lead in Q playoff points.