Playoff Previews - April 22nd

Bruins/Canadiens - 7pm, CBC (Bruins lead series 3-0)

The Canadiens are on life support heading into Game 4.  They need something to go their way tonight or else have the 100th anniversary season go down in a sweep.  Bob Gainey has already made a public plea to Canadiens fans to not boo the American National Anthem, which probably says a lot about Canadiens fans.  The Bruins have skipped their morning practice today and are squarely focused on winning tonight's game.  In net for the Canadiens is still going to be Carey Price while Tim Thomas should lead the Bruins.

Capitals/Rangers - 7pm, Versus, TSN (Rangers lead series 2-1)

Simeon Varlamov has been the type of shot the Capitals needed heading into this series.  After a poor Game 1 performance by Jose Theodore, Varlamov has allowed only one goal in his two games, including the Game 3 shutout.  He also is nothing like Martin Brodeur when it comes to Sean Avery.  Varlamov's lack of english and ultimate lack of caring made Sean Avery look foolish in Game 3 and it was one of the key components to a Capitals win.  The Rangers will get Chris Drury back for tonight's game.  Drury missed Game 3. 

Blackhawks/Flames - 10pm, Versus, CBC (Blackhawks lead series 2-1)

Flames coach Mike Keenan is trying every outlet he can for someone to hear his message, the Hawks are playing dirty.  Keenan is a master at using the media to gain an advantage in the playoffs.  In this case though, I think most people are seeing through it.   The Hawks need this game to wrap the series up in Chicago while the Flames need this game to bring the series back to even.  This series has been more physical as the games have progressed which means that tonight's game is bound to be entertaining.

Finally, as a glimpse back to the good old days of Sabres playoff hockey, here is a video of RJ Umberger getting laid out.  This time, by Brad Stuart.