Associated Press
The NHL playoff roundup …
BUFFALO, N.Y. ó Ville Leino scored 4:43 into overtime and Brian Boucherís return in another relief appearance help the Philadelphia Flyers force Game 7 in their first-round series against the Buffalo Sabres.
Danny Briere scored twice and Boucher stopped 24 shots over the final two periods and overtime in a 5-4 victory Sunday in the tightly contested Eastern Conference series.
Game 7 is Tuesday night in Philadelphia.
Boucher took over to start the second period after Michael Leighton allowed three goals on the first seven shots he faced. Scott Hartnell had a goal and assist and James van Riemsdyk also scored for the Flyers, who overcame a two-goal deficit while drawing upon Chris Prongerís presence. The gritty defenseman played sparingly in his first game after missing 21 because of a broken right hand.
Predators 4, Ducks 2
NASHVILLE, Tenn. ó Nick Spaling scored his second goal of the game at 4:53 of the third period and Nashville closed out its first postseason series victory to advance to the Western Conference semifinals.
Steve Sullivan added a goal, David Legwand had an empty-netter and Jordin Tootoo assisted On Spalingís goals. The Predators won the series 4-2 in their sixth postseason in seven seasons.
Blackhawks 4, Canucks 3
CHICAGO ó Ben Smith scored on a rebound at 15:30 of overtime and the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 on Sunday night to force a seventh game in the opening-round series.
The Canucks, with the NHLís best record during the regular season, have lost three straight after it appeared they were in control of the series. Game 7 is Tuesday night in Vancouver.
Smith, a rookie, followed in a long, hard shot from the point by teammate Niklas Hjalmarsson that bounced off goalie Roberto Luongo.
Luongo didnít start the game but was called upon in the third period when Cory Schneider had to be helped off the ice when he was injured as he tried to stop Michael Frolikís penalty shot that tied it at 3.
The Associated Press
04/24/11 23:05