John Vanbiesbrouck News

And so, this is how it ends, one of those only-in-Philadelphia nights. It is a story that we pass down through the hockey generations, like baldness.

Martin Brodeur will start in his 178th consecutive postseason game for the Devils today.

Plastic rats were exterminated from BankAtlantic Center souvenir shops Monday for the remainder of the NHL playoffs, but Florida Panthers fans who bring their own synthetic rodents are welcome to hurl them onto the ice — so long as they do it after the final horn.

Every night throughout the playoffs, Sporting News will recognize that day's top performers by awarding Star Points to the three players who shine brighter than the rest.

It's been a long time since the Florida Panthers have been relevant in the NHL, but that changes tonight as the team faces the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs .