The two top teams in the NHL met up at the TD Banknorth Garden on Tuesday night. The Eastern-conference-leading Boston Bruins had 85 points, and the Sharks topped the West with 79. Milan Lucic had two goals in the first period to give the B’s a 2-1 lead for most of the game. Unfortunately for Boston, their solid game would fall apart in the third period.

Boston was 0-4 on the power play, and sloppy play late in the game led to a four-goal third period for the Shark, including a 9:48 goal by former Bruin Joe Thornton. Shark left winger Ryane Clone took home the first star, with an outstanding 3 assists (including the game tying and game winning goals). Boston’s left winger Lucic’s two goals got him the second star.

The Boston Bruins embark on a six-game road trip starting with a game against the Devils in NJ on Friday, Feburary 13th.

Boston Bruins tickets are available now!

After some enthralling game 7’s the 1st round of the 2008 NHL Playoffs is now complete. 2nd round matchups are now set and NHL Playoff tickets are now available for all games.

Eastern Conference

Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers: Both teams played a hard fought 7 game series in round 1. After getting off to a 3-1 game lead over the Boston Bruins the Canadiens were forced to play game 7 at home. The Habs shutout the Bruins 5-0 in that deciding game to advance. The Flyers won game 7 in overtime against the Washington Capitals.

Canadiens Playoff Tickets
Flyers Playoff Tickets

Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Rangers: The Penguins made quick work of the Senators in round 1, sweeping Ottawa in four straight. The New York Rangers also had a quick 1st round, eliminating the Devils in 5 games.

Penguins Playoff Tickets
Rangers Playoff Tickets

Western Conference

Colorado Avalanche vs Detroit Red Wings: The Avalanche needed 6 games to get past The Wild in round 1. Colorado will face the Red Wings in round 2. Detroit also had a 6 game 1st round series disposing of the Nashville Predators.

Avalanche Playoff Tickets
Red Wings Playoff Tickets

Dallas Stars vs San Jose Sharks: The Stars needed 6 games to eliminate the Anaheim Ducks in round 1. They will face the San Jose Sharks in the 2nd round. The Sharks are coming off an exciting 7 game series with the Calgary Flames.

Stars Playoff Tickets
Sharks Playoff Tickets

Recap – The San Jose Sharks still send the Boston Bruins thank you cards for dealing them center Joe Thornton back in 2005. Thornton has been dominant in the Western Conference and continues to lead the Sharks to another great season. The alternate team captain is 2nd in the league in assists with 42 and just makes all the players around him better. Goaltender Evgeni Nabokov has been a workhorse in net playing 2800 of 2905 minutes this season, good for 2nd most in the league. He also has 5 shutout victories under his belt so far this year. The team has an incredible road record of (16-4-2), and always are a tough game.

2nd Half – The Sharks philosophy is simple, win by playing great defense. Nabokov is the cornerstone in the plan but the team buys into the defensive mindset. Having allowed only 118 goals through 48 games, the Sharks boast the third lowest GAA in the NHL. They need to figure out a way to play a little better at home, but besides that they look great.

Team Name: San Jose Sharks (26-15-7)

Pacific Division Standing: 3rd place

Conference Standing: 4th place

Final Predictions – 2nd in the Pacific Division, 4th in the Western Conference