If there's one thing that's apparent as we head into the first weekend of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it's that offense is at a premium. Five of the first 12 games have ended in shutouts, and only three have been decided by more than two goals. With the stakes getting higher every day, attackers can expect even less time and space.
With the postseason now in full swing, there are plenty of stories to tell. Here's your daily NHL.com Reading List for a set of quick links to stories that you won't want to miss:
Toews looking for offensive spark
Jonathan Toews hasn't found the magic that made him the Conn Smythe Trophy winner last spring. If he doesn't rediscover it soon, he and the Chicago Blackhawks may be headed for a quick departure at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks. Dan Rosen reports.
Sedins work their magic
While Toews struggled on Friday, the Sedin twins worked their magic in Vancouver's 4-3 win – especially NHL scoring champion Daniel, who had a pair of goals – including the game-winner. Dhiren Mahiban looks at hockey's most dynamic duo.
Gaborik and Rangers: desperately seeking scoring
The first two games of their series against Washington have been tough ones for the New York Rangers and their top gun, Marian Gaborik. Dave Lozo looks at the struggles Gaborik and his team have had putting the puck in the net.
The kid is all right
Washington's rookie goalie, Michal Neuvirth, is showing none of the jitters that often afflict first-year players in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Corey Masisak reports from Washington.
Torts' softer side
Rangers coach John Tortorella can be tough on his players – and the media. But as Dave Lozo notes, there's another side to him, one that the public and media usually doesn't see. Find out more.
In Ilya, they trust
Ilya Bryzgalov is perhaps the biggest reason the Phoenix Coyotes made the playoffs, and his teammates believe their star goaltender will find a way to help them beat the Detroit Red Wings. Brian Hedger reports.
Kings and Sharks both shorthanded
Los Angeles and San Jose each will be down a key player for Game 2 of their series Saturday night – both due to the same incident in Game 1. Rick Sadowski has more from both sides.
"Dirty Bird" to hockey dad
Jamal Anderson has gone from the running back who led the Atlanta Falcons to the Super Bowl to the father of a young hockey player taking part in a tournament in Pittsburgh this week. Alan Robinson has more.
Playoffs are time for Gomez to shine
It hasn't been a great season for Montreal's Scott Gomez. But as a two-time Stanley Cup winner with New Jersey, the Canadiens need him to step up in the postseason – as he did in Game 1 against Boston. Shawn Roarke takes about how Gomez's current team is counting on him.
More than Miller time
Ryan Miller was brilliant in Buffalo's 1-0 victory at Philadelphia in Game 1 of their series. But as Mike G. Morreale reports, the Sabres don't want Miller to have to do it all by himself. Read more.
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