The defending Stanley Cup champions might not be defending much longer. The Vancouver Canucks nipped the ’Hawks 3-2 in Game 3, putting the champs in an 0-3 series hole. Only three teams have ever overcome the deficit in NHL history: the Philadelphia Flyers last season, the 1975 New York Islanders and the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs.
Vancouver 3, Chicago 2: Former Red Wing Mikael Samuelsson snapped a 2-2 tie 6:48 into the third period to help the Canucks put a stranglehold on this series. The Hawks will have nightmares about Roberto Luongo, who stopped 30 shots and made some spectacular saves.
Nashville 4, Anaheim 3: Mike Fisher broke a 3-3 tie midway through the third period as the Predators took a 2-1 series lead on the Ducks. The Ducks were without star forward Bobby Ryan, who was suspended for two games. It showed on offense, as Pekka Rinne only faced 16 shots for the Predators.
New York Rangers 3, Washington 2: Brandon Dubinsky scored with 1:39 left to snap a 3-3 tie as the Rangers fought their way back into the series. The Rangers also had a goal waved off by officials at the end of the period as they determined the clock had run out before the puck crossed the line.
Series Standings Through Sunday
WEST
Nashville leads Phoenix 2-1
Vancouver leads Chicago 3-0
San Jose and Los Angeles tied 1-1
Tomorrow’s matchup: Detroit at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m. Versus, Fox Sports Detroit (DET leads 2-0)
EAST
Washington leads NYR 2-1
Tomorrow’s matchups: Philadelphia at Buffalo, 7 p.m. Versus (Series tied 1-1); Boston at Montreal, 7:30 p.m. CBC (MON leads 2-0); Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. local TV only (Series tied 1-1)