BC in the NHL Playoffs, May 7: Canucks Swept, Habs on the Brink

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

We have our first elimination of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and a few Boston College faces are amongst the vanquished.

They would happen to play for the Vancouver Canucks, now out of the postseason after a 4-3 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks swept Vancouver in their series and will move on to face an opponent yet to be determined.

Cory Schneider had the misfortune of letting in the season-ending goal while the Canucks were shorthanded in overtime – one can split hairs over the penalty call, but it was a soft goal he allowed. Fellow Eagle Andrew Alberts was -1 on the evening in 22 shifts, but was not on the ice for the losing goal.

Elsewhere in the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins, considered by many to be the Cup favorites, will have at least a fight on their hands in the first round. The New York Islanders beat the Pens, 6-4, after what was an atrocious performance in-goal by Marc-Andre Fleury, someone we’re happy to report is not a former Eagle. Brooks Orpik is, however, and he came away with 18:44 of ice time and a -1 rating for the game after getting back into the lineup.

On the other side of the ice, Marty Reasoner was again a scratch for the Isles.

Captain Brian Gionta of the Montreal Canadiens once more did not play, and his team now finds itself in serious trouble as they dropped a tough 3-2 overtime game in Ottawa against the Senators. Down three games to one in their series, Game 5 will be played at the Bell Centre tomorrow night as the Habs look to extend their season.

Finally, Ben Smith might not be making it onto the ice for his Chicago Blackhawks, but his team is having a fine time without him. Chicago beat Minnesota, 3-0, in Game 4 of their series and the Hawks will look to close it out at home tomorrow night.