NHL playoffs heating up

CALGARY – Corey Perry scored 1:30 into overtime to help the Anaheim Ducks to a 5-4 win against the Calgary Flames in Game No. 3 of their Western Conference First Round series at Scotiabank Saddledome on Monday.

Brandon Montour continues to empress and has come very close in all three games so far to notch his first NHL playoff goal. He got his first playoff assist in Game No. 2.

After a third power-play goal to make it 4-1 at 8:33, Ducks coach Randy Carlyle pulled starter Ducks starter John Gibson and was replaced by Jonathan Bernier following Calgary’s fourth goal.

“That’s why we have two solid goalies,” scorer Cory Perry said. “Nothing against [Gibson]. Couple bad breaks. Couple power plays. [Bernier] came in and played solid and made some big saves for us.”

After Bernier took over in the Anaheim net, the Ducks turned it on and erased the Calgary lead to take the game into OT where Cory Perry ended it. Bernier turned away all 16 shots he faced in relief for the win. The win did not come without some controversy. Anaheim’s second goal appeared to have been tipped in with a high stick, but after video review, the evidence for that review was inconclusive and the goal stood.

Elsewhere around the league, as of Tuesday, the Montreal Canadians lead New York Rangers 2-1 in their series; the San Jose Sharks are being surprised by the Edmonton Oilers who lead 2-1 as well. Pittsburgh holds a commanding 3-0 lead against the Columbus Blue Jackets, The Ottawa Senators hold a 2-1 series lead and the surprising Nashville Predators are leading the Chicago Blackhawks 3-0 in their series.

The big news from Monday night’s playoff schedule, however, was the Toronto Maple Leafs’ OT win over the mighty Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals to take a 2-1 series lead.

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