The underdog won out west, but the favorite it still alive in the east after the NHL playoffs claimed one more victim Monday night.
The Chicago Blackhawks bowed out of the postseason, falling 4-0 to the surging Phoenix Coyotes.
In the Eastern Conference, the No. 1 seeded Rangers fended off the Senators to send the series back to New York for Game 7.
Here are the recaps from the games that took place Monday, April 23. Be sure to check out more of our in-depth Associated Press recaps and previews.
Phoenix Coyotes 4, Chicago Blackhawks 0
CHICAGO — Mike Smith refused to budge. He protected the goal as if there was a "no pucks allowed" sign dangling from around his neck. And now, thanks to his first career postseason shutout, the Phoenix Coyotes are finally moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Smith made 39 saves, frustrating the Chicago Blackhawks by stopping shots from all angles and body positions — especially early in the game when he faced an onslaught — as the Coyotes won 4-0 Monday night to wrap up the first-round series in six games. Read the complete story here.
New York Rangers 3, Ottawa Senators 2
OTTAWA — Game 7 at the Garden.
It's not necessarily what the top-seeded Rangers were hoping for when their first-round Eastern Conference series against Ottawa started, but they're thrilled about it now.
Brad Richards scored the go-ahead goal, and Derek Stepan had a goal and two assists as New York staved off elimination with a 3-2 victory against the Senators on Monday night. Read the complete story here.