Stanley Cup Playoffs, Night 24

It was another night featuring an elimination. This time the Devils are out and I can't even begin to describe the joy I feel. I knew the Sens could do it. As for the Sharks, I'm beginning to have my doubts. They better start playing smarter or their season is over and Anaheim will have to beat Detroit again. Read on about the night's action.

Red Wings 4, Sharks 1
Red Wings lead series 3-2
I got to see the first half of this game before having to head out to the station but it was been pretty exciting. Both teams were desperate for a win because it meant they could take the series in Game 6. Marcel Goc scored for the Sharks early in the first period, but Henrik Zetterberg tallied the equalizer for the Red Wings early in the second. Pavel Datsyuk then scored what was basically an empty-netter late in the period when Evgeni Nabokov misplayed the puck. Bet he wishes he could have that one back. The Wings notched two more goals in the first six minutes of the third period and that was it for San Jose. Despite winning the game, though, Detroit suffered a huge loss. Mathieu Schneider broke his wrist and is done for the playoffs. He was a part of the Red Wings defensive corps. Without him, Nicklas Lidstrom has a big burden. The Wings can take the series on Monday. The national NBC telecast was in HD.

Senators 3, Devils 2
Senators win series 4-1
Martin Brodeur who? That was probably one of the biggest wins in Senators history. I wish I could have watched it. They'll be in the conference finals this year. Probably facing Buffalo, but we'll see. Believe it or not, New Jersey actually had the first lead. Scott Gomez scored early in the first. The Devils held that lead until five minutes into the second period when Antoine Vermette tied the game. Later on the power play, Jason Spezza gave Ottawa the lead on a fancy goal. As time was winding down in the period, Daniel Alfredsson made it 3-1, making Brodeur look easy. During a final rush in the third period, with the goalie pulled, the Devils scored once more at the hands of Scott Gomez once again to try and keep their playoff hopes alive. But Ottawa held them off and took the series in just five games. Versus had non-HD coverage. (Which I missed.)

Photos: ESPN.com, CBS Sportsline.com