Mondays aren't so bad when it's NHL playoff season.
Four big games played out Monday evening, featuring bad goaltending and great goaltending, games that went to overtime and games that were really pretty much over by the end of the second.
First, the Boston Bruins spoiled Toronto's first home playoff game since 2004 with a 5-2 win, then the New York Rangers hung on in an action-packed third period to beat the Capitals 4-3.
In Detroit, the Red Wings needed 49 shots and overtime, but managed to beat the Ducks 3-2 to even their series. And finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings scored two goals in the 3rd to edge the Blues and tie their series as well.
And now, on to the GIFs!
Things did not start very well for the Leafs. James Reimer has already let a few easy saves turn into goals in this series, and he did it again in the first period on Monday. Adam McQuaid, noted non-scorer, somehow beat James Reimer on a slap shot from distance.
James Reimer: Inspiring playoff confidence since...
The Bruins have been waiting for Jaromir Jagr to start playing like Jaromir Jagr all series. He delivered with this nifty steal and assist on Rich Peverley's goal.
It only got uglier for Reimer and the Leafs. Boston scored two more times in the second period, seemingly burying the Leafs for good. And then Phil Kessel made things interesting. Almost as interesting as whatever Tuukka Rask was trying to do here.
The story of the game for the Capitals was their parade to the sin bin. They got on the board early, but then took six penalties in the first half of the game. The biggest one at that point was on Braden Holtby, who tripped Rick Nash...
And then gave up a power play goal to Derick Brassard.
Whoops. And yet, somehow, the Capitals matched the Rangers shot for shot. Henrik Lundqvist was under siege all game despite his team playing on the power play for most of it.
In Detroit, Matt Beleskey opened the scoring for the Ducks with some persistence in front of Jimmy Howard.
But Detroit would tie the game at two in the third period on this nice shot from Pavel Datsyuk:
That sent the game to overtime, where Damien Brunner picked up the loose puck to win it for the Wings:
In Los Angeles, defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk was so stunned by this 3-on-1 that he didn't even try to defend it:
Barret Jackman took a penalty, and reacted like he just found out who the final five Cylons were:
And in the third period Dustin Brown worked the Blues defense to set up Anze Kopitar:
The champs have tied their series, and all is right with the world.
Unless you're a Blues fan I guess.
More in the NHL:
• Complete Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage