The scope of the opening quarterfinals round to the 2011 NHL Playoffs has not really changes since the first update went up on the matter a few days ago. The teams that were favored to win, were mostly getting things done and beating the teams they were supposed to be beating. The biggest threats for the Sharks, according to Vegas, continue to win their games as they did from the get-go. Let's take a look at how things are shaping up thus far.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Vancouver leads series 3-0
Well, this team is most definitely for real, despite the fact that games two and three were won by one goal, going up 3-0 on the defending champions has to mean something. The Canucks are favored to win it all, and that trend is likely to continue until they show some form of weakness.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Phoenix Coyotes
Detroit leads series 3-0
The final scores have been similar throughout the series, but it's very clear from watching that the Red Wings are the superior team, dominating from start-to-finish. They remain a huge threat to any team in the NHL. They're looking to wrap this up in four games.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Nashville Predators
Nashville leads 2-1
Everybody has said that the Predators are one of the most dangerous "lower seeds" in the playoffs. Sharks fans wanted no part of them when there was the possibility of being matched up with them in the first round. They're showing it by taking the lead over the Ducks, and are favored to bounce them out in the first round.
Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers
Washington leads 2-1
The Rangers came back to win 3-2 in game three and have officially made this a series. The Capitals have been billed as the second likeliest team to win, and a Rangers series win would be a huge upset at this point. Would be nice for San Jose if the Capitals could be eliminated right away.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Buffalo Sabres
Philadelphia leads 2-1
The Sabres took an early upset lead, but the Flyers have bounced back nicely with two dominating wins. Going forward, people are expecting the Flyers to add two more straight at this point, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Sabres came back in this one.
Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens
Montreal leads 2-1
Another upset special, the Canadiens were simply getting better goaltending out outlasting the Bruins through two games, but the Bruins did respond nicely in game three, so we do have ourselves a series at this point.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Pittsburgh leads series 2-1
This series could go either way, as the Penguins have won their two games by a very close, one-goal margin, while the Lightning blew them out 5-1 in their game two victory. Toss a coin and call it, but the smart pick is to stick with Pittsburgh.