NHL playoffs charging forward without Canadian teams
OT goals, deciding games, star power bring entertainment value to post-season
As far back as the turn of the calendar, the likelihood of no Canadian teams making the playoffs was already starting to sink in.
So when the post-season rolled around with this reality in place, many wondered if hockey enthusiasts north of the border would care. But it looks like those 'Muricans — well, the cities in which so many Canadian players suit up — know how to put on a playoff party all by themselves.
Here is a quick look at some of the moments that may have grabbed the attention of Canadian fans:
OT magic
While overtime might keep us up later than we would like, it's always tough to turn away from the impending drama that will unfold.
There have now been 16 overtime goals — two of which were delivered the last two nights.
Nashville's Viktor Arvidsson scored in OT on Monday to force Game 7 with the Sharks, while on Tuesday night Nick Bonino provided the dramatics to help the Penguins send the Capitals packing.
Arvidsson's winner wasn't the only thrilling moment in the Nashville-San Jose series. It took nearly 52 minutes of extra time before Predators forward Mike Fisher potted the winner to bring an end to Game 4 in the third overtime period.
Deciding games
Some say there is nothing better in sports than the seventh game of a series.
This may provide a reason to watch on Wednesday when the Blues and Stars face each other one last time and again on Thursday when the Predators will try to steal one on the road in San Jose.
St. Louis and Nashville have had very little time to breathe in these playoffs as both their first-round series also went the distance.
The Blues made some noise by knocking out the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks in the opening round, while the Predators eliminated the Anaheim Ducks in what ended up being the final game for Bruce Boudreau behind the Ducks' bench.
Marquee matchup
Of course, a little star power never hurts.
Much of the buzz at the start of the second round centred on the showdown between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.
The last time they met was in the second round of the 2009 playoffs. Pittsburgh prevailed in seven games that year along their way to winning the Stanley Cup.
The Penguins' 4-3 overtime win Tuesday didn't feature much flash from two of the game's biggest starts, but that didn't seem to take away from the excitement of the moment.