NHL Photo of the Day

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The first set of games for the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs began last night and did not disappoint.

The Pittsburgh Penguins jumped out to a 3-0 lead, only to falter, losing 4-3 in overtime. Danny Briere picked up two goals on the night and Jakub Voracek netted the game winner.

The Detroit Red Wings gave it a go but lost to the home team Nashville Predators. Both teams struggled, against the referees that is, as Commisioner Gary Bettman was in the building. That did not stop Shea Weber however from slamming Henrik Zetterberg’s head into the boards in the final seconds of the game. With all the focus on removing head shots, it will be interesting to see if the Predators top defenseman will be sidelined next game.

Lastly, the Los Angeles Kings came into the Vancouver Canucks house and beat them 4-2. Vancouver were up to their ways as Ryan Kesler received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty while Byron Bitz received a 5 minute boarding and a 10 minute game misconduct in the second period. Bitz only played 2 minutes and 51 seconds leading up to that point.

More games tonight, who do you think is going to win? Have you entered Hockey World Blog’s Playoff Bracket Challenge yet? Entries are accepted until Noon EST tomorrow, Friday the 13th.