NHL Playoffs: Howard vs Bishop

The NHL playoffs begin tonight without the Boston Bruins around for a second straight year. But, one of the interesting matchups in round one pits two former UMaine Black Bear goalies, Jimmy Howard vs Ben Bishop.

Howard and the Detroit Red Wings beat out Boston for that #3 spot in the division.

Bishop backstopped the Tampa Bay Lightning to the #2 spot in the division.

Howard came on in the late season to re-take the starting job in Detroit. He finished 14-14-5 with a 2.80 GAA.

Bishop was rock solid for Tampa Bay again. In fact, many think he'll be a Vezina Trophy candidate (Best Goalie Award) for the second straight year. Bishop finished 35-21-4 with a 2.06 GAA. That was the best goals against average in the NHL.

The best-of-seven series starts tonight in Tampa.