HOT | NOT

HOT: HUB HEROES

Boston advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for the second time in three years by smoking the Rangers in five games. Said Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask, who had 28 saves in a 3--1 Game 5 victory, "I just wanted to be rock-solid back there."

NOT: PROBABLE CAUSE

Down 3--1 to the Penguins in the conference semis, Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson said Ottawa would "probably not" come back in the series. The message was hardly inspiring, and, well, he was right—Pittsburgh won in five games.

HOT: PITT CREW

Three of the four points leaders in this year's playoffs wear the Penguins' black and gold: defenseman Kris Letang (16) and forwards Evgeni Malkin (16) and Sidney Crosby (15). Sid the Kid (above) leads the postseason in goals, with seven.

NOT: BAD BRAD

Signed for $60 million in 2011, Rangers center Brad Richards (above) was a nonfactor in New York's first 10 playoff games (one goal, no assists) and was benched by coach John Tortorella for the last two games of the semifinal loss to Boston.

PHOTO

MICHAEL TURESKI/ICON SMI (RASK)

PHOTO

DAMIAN STROHMEYER/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (ALFREDSSON)

PHOTO

ADAM HUNGER FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (CROSBY)

PHOTO

JIM MCISAAC FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (RICHARDS)