Los Angeles (AFP)
Vancouver outclassed defending champion Saint Louis 5-2 in the opening of their duel in the first round of the North American Ice Hockey League (NHL) play-offs on Wednesday in Edmonton (Canada).
The Canucks made the difference in the third period scoring three goals, including the second of the night from Canadian center Bo Horvat.
The Blues conceded their fourth defeat in as many games since the NHL resumed in early August after the long hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Frenchman from Vancouver Antoine Roussel remained silent, as did his compatriot Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, who also emerged victorious with Colorado (3-0 against Arizona) in his first match in the first round.
Boston suffered, but was reassured by coming to the end after a Carolina double overtime 4-3.
The Bruins, the best team in the Eastern Conference, remained on three straight losses. They were released by the Canadian Patrice Bergeron who offered them the victory after just over a minute of play in the second overtime.
"There were a lot of good things in this match, we are progressing from game to game," said Bergeron.
Wednesday's results:
EAST CONFERENCE
. Boston beats Carolina 4-3 (ap)
Boston leads a win to zero
. New York Islanders beat Washington 4-2
New York Islanders lead a win to zero
. Philadelphia beats Montreal 2 to 1
Philadelphia leads a win to zero
WEST CONFERENCE
. Colarado beats Arizona 3-0
Colarado leads a win to zero
. Vancouver beats Saint Louis 5-2
Vancouver leads a win to zero
Other ongoing series
EAST CONFERENCE
Tampa Bay lead to zero win over Columbus
WEST CONFERENCE
Calgary lead to zero win over Dallas
Las Vegas lead to zero win over Chicago
© 2020 AFP