No. 1 Vancouver vs. No. 5 Nashville
(Canucks lead series 3-1)

Game 1: Canucks 1, Predators 0

Game 2: Predators 2, Canucks 1 (2OT)

Game 3: Canucks 3, Predators 2 (OT)

Game 4: Canucks 4, Predators 2
Ryan Kesler broke a third-period tie with his second game-winning goal in as many contests to lead the Canucks to victory and a commanding 3-1 series lead as they head back home to Vancouver looking to close out the Predators. After drawing a hooking penalty in overtime of Game 3 — and then scoring the game-winner — Kesler drew a holding penalty on Nashville’s Ryan Suter and once again converted on the power play. Christian Ehrhoff scored a power-play goal and had two assists, Kesler also had two assists, Alexander Edler had a goal Henrik Sedin finally registered his first point of the series with an empty-net goal with 20 seconds left. Joel Ward and Cody Franson each had a goal and an assist for Nashville, which lost consecutive games for the first time this postseason.
Ryan Kesler first the game-winning goal past Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne in the third period. The Canucks lead the series 3-1. (Mark Humphrey - AP)

Quote of the night: “That’s why you want to play [in Vancouver] and you don’t want to play in Florida or a market like that. People care and that’s what makes it fun to win here. And that’s what we’re trying to do. We were criticized after Game 3 in Chicago … and that’s when we had produced a little bit, too. That isn’t going to change.” — Henrik Sedin on the criticism he’s faced for his lack of postseason scoring

Game 5: Saturday, May 7 at Vancouver, 8 (Versus)

*Game 6: Monday, May 9 at Nashville, TBD (Versus)

*Game 7: Wednesday, May 11 at Vancouver, TBD (Versus)

- Read the full story from Thursday night’s Game 4

- Despite criticism, the Sedins are getting back on track in this series, writes Vancouver Sun columnist Iain MacIntyre

- Ehrhoff and Kesler form Vancouver’s dynamic duo in Nashville (Vancouver Sun)

- For the second straight game, Ryan Kesler bent the Predators to his will when it mattered most, writes Vancouver Sun columnist Cam Cole

- From The Tennessean: Thursday’s loss puts Nashville on the brink of elimination

- Home ice provided no salvation for the Predators in Round 2, writes Tennessean columnist David Climer

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No. 2 San Jose vs. No. 3 Detroit
(Sharks lead series 3-0)

Game 1: Sharks 2, Red Wings 1 (OT)

Game 2: Sharks 2, Red Wings 1

Game 3: Sharks 4, Red Wings 3

Game 4: Tonight at Detroit, 7 (Versus)

*Game 5: Sunday, May 8 at San Jose, 8 (Versus)

*Game 6: Tuesday, May 10 at Detroit, TBD (Versus)

*Game 7: Thursday, May 12 at San Jose TBD (Versus)

Quote of the day: “That’s how I live my life. That’s how I do with my family, that’s what I do every day. I just think that I’m going to disarm the bomb, I’ve always thought that. That’s how a coach thinks.” — Red Wings Coach Mike Babcock on the process of rallying from a 3-0 hole

- Why does every game feel like Groundhog Day for the Red Wings, wonders Detroit Free-Press columnist Mitch Album

- Antti Niemi is returning to the form that helped the Blackhawks capture the Cup last season, writes San Jose Mercury News columnist Mark Purdy

- San Jose is taking a bite out of Detroit sterling postseason reputation, writes Detroit Free-Press columnist Drew Sharp

- Red Wings know the end is near for 20-year veteran Nicklas Lidstrom (National Post)

- One year after taking a 7-1 beating to Detroit in Game 4, the Sharks are hoping to avoid a repeat and close out their sweep tonight (San Jose Mercury News)

- Facing a 3-0 deficit, Mike Modano and Chris Osgood ponder their futures (Detroit Free-Press)

EASTERN CONFERENCE

No. 2 Philadelphia vs. No. 3 Boston
(Bruins lead series 3-0)

Game 1: Bruins 7, Flyers 3

Game 2: Bruins 3, Flyers 2 (OT)

Game 3: Bruins 5, Flyers 1

Game 4: Tonight at Boston, 8 (Versus)

*Game 5: Sunday at Philadelphia, 3 (NBC)

*Game 6: Tuesday at Boston, TBD (Versus)

*Game 7: Thursday at Philadelphia, TBD (Versus)

- The Bruins remain confident heading into Game 4 and are not looking back (Boston Globe)

- Yes, Philadelphia knows what it takes to climb out of an 0-3 hole, but is that really a good thing? (Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Phil Sheridan)

- The Flyers don’t lack guts, but they do lack maturity (Philadelphia Daily News)

- The Flyers know what it’s like to be down 0-3, and they’ve proven they know what it takes to bounce back (Boston Globe)

No. 1 Washington vs. No. 5 Tampa Bay
(Lightning win series 4-0)

Game 1: Lightning 4, Capitals 2

Game 2: Lightning 3, Capitals 2 (OT)

Game 3: Lightning 4, Capitals 3

Game 4: Lightning 5, Capitals 3

- The Caps cannot continue to tread down the same path of regular season success with postseason failure, writes Thomas Boswell

- GM George McPhee expects Coach Bruce Boudreau to return next season

- Check out a breakdown of Washington’s soon-to-be free agents

- Tarik El-Bashir and Dan Steinberg hosted the final video chat of the season Thursday

- From Caps Insider: Eric Fehr will have shoulder surgery

- Full Round 2 photo gallery

- More from the Insider: Ovechkin discusses his health, conditioning

- A rundown of Washington’s numerous injuries

*If necessary