Afternoon Player Notes in the Playoffs (Apr 25)

By the order of the schedule, Game 6 between the Ducks and Predators will faceoff at Bridgestone Arena and it is a huge one for the home team, as they look to try and force a Game 7 back in Anaheim later on in the week.

The Predators are undoubtedly dealing with all the pressure, heading into tonight's game, since they have failed to win at home and have lost the last three games in this series, so somehow, they'll have to find a way back into this series, trying to shut down a fairly persuasive Anaheim offense.

Since the Ducks inserted Frederik Andersen into their net, they have magically found the confidence to string together some wins and take command of this series.  Ryan Getzlaf will have to continue his productive ways tonight, if the Ducks want to end it right away, as his 5 points in the first five games, leads the team.

Only a half hour later, the headline game of the night and quite possibly, the opening round of the playoffs, Game 7 between the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues.

Talk about carrying momentum, the Blackhawks are rolling after staying alive through Game 5 and Game 6 and you know, you just know... that they have the ability to take Game 7 and break all the St. Louis hearts.

Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane both lead all players on the sheet with 8 points each, both scoring a game-winner and getting the bonus point for them.  On the flip side, Jaden Schwartz has been the guy for the Blues, picking up 7 points, including a game-winner of his own.

If the Blues are going to push through this series, they somehow have to squash the offense from the Blackhawks, especially if they get their backs up against the wall.  Chicago's survival instinct is what separates St. Louis between now and the second round and they just can't allow for a glimmer of hope or else its curtains.

We're in for a treat tonight, so stay tuned!