Game 1: Chicago beats L.A.; Boston shuts out Pittsburgh

Marian Hossa tipped in the tiebreaking goal in the 2nd period to help the Chicago Blackhawks defeat the Los Angeles Kings, 2-1, in the opener of the Western Conference Finals. Patrick Sharp also scored and goaltender Corey Crawford made 21 saves for the Blackhawks, who generated just enough offense to improve to 7-1 at home in the playoffs. After winning four in a row, Chicago willl head into Game 2 against the L.A. Kings this Sunday night at 8 pm ET.




David Krejci scored two more goals during his torrid postseason as the Boston Bruins shutout the Pittsburgh Penguins, 3-0, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Nathan Horton assisted on both of Krejci's scores and added an insurance goal in the 3rd period while goaltender Tuukka Rask stopped 29 shots for the Bruins, who silenced Sidney Crosby and the rest of the NHL's top-scoring team. Crosby was penalized twice, reigning NHL MVP Evgeni Malkin engaged in a rare fight, and longtime instigator Matt Cooke was ejected after he checked Boston's Adam McQuaid from behind into the boards in the 2nd period. That ratcheted up the intensity from contentious to chippy in a matter of seconds. Game 2 is set for this Monday night in Pittsburgh at 8 pm.