The four-game NHL schedule today has four teams eager to move to the cusp of the second round. Florida, Boston, Phoenix and St. Louis can all take 3-1 leads with victories.
The Panthers will look to continue shaking up the host Devils, who took a 3-0 lead in the first period of Game Three but suffered a 4-3 loss.
The visiting Bruins will try to take advantage of the depleted Capitals, who will be without star center Nicklas Backstrom, who was suspended for one game.
The Blackhawks and Coyotes have gone to overtime every game, and the rivalry is expected to be more intense now since Raffi Torres injured Chicago star Marian Hossa with an illegal hit. Torres has been suspended at least until his hearing with discipline czar Brendan Shanahan on Friday.
St. Louis goaltender Brian Elliott will try to give the Blues their third straight win when the teams meet in San Jose.
Philadelphia and Los Angeles had chances to end their series Wednesday night, but Pittsburgh bombed the Flyers, 10-3, while Vancouver stayed alive with a 3-1 victory over the Kings. NHL.com reports it's just the second time in the last seven postseasons there will be no first-round sweeps.
---John Vogl
