Toronto vs. Detroit
                                   (Series tied 1-1)

                                           Game1
                                           Game2

Both teams looked to take the next step in their bid for a championship as this old Norris division matchup began.

The Leafs would open the scoring midway through the first period, although Detroit would even the score later. The score would be even at 1-1.

While the Leafs would add one very early in the second, Detroit would go on the offensive scoring three goals of their own. Kirk Muller would add one for Toronto late in the second, and the Leafs would trail 4-3 after two.

It would be the Red Wings scoring two unanswered goals in the third taking the lead and the first game of the series 6-3.

Grant Fuhr would be pulled and the Leafs would find themselves down 1-0 in a series they know they cannot slip too far behind in. Game two resumes Tuesday night.

                  Chicago vs. Vancouver 
                                   (Series tied 1-1)

                                          Game1
                                          Game2

Vancouver would open the scoring midway through the first with Pavel Bure netting the Canucks first goal of the series. Chicago would answer back scoring two of their own and would take a 2-1 lead after one.

While the Canucks would even the score, Chicago would pull ahead once again with a late second period tally.

Vancouver would not have the answer in the third as Patrick Roy would close the door. Chicago would draw first blood in the series with a 3-2 victory.

The Canucks will look to split the series in game two Tuesday night.

                  Hartford vs. New York Islanders
                                     (Series tied 1-1)

                                           Game1
                                           Game2

The Islanders always seemed to be in the way of Hartford's step to a championship. This year was difference as the Islanders seemed human, and the Whalers looked to draw first blood.

They would take total control of the game outshooting their opponent 15-1 after the first period alone. The problem was that the only shot the Islanders got, they capitalized on with a Jagr deke that would give Long Island a 1-0 lead after one.

The Whalers would score an early goal in the second, and while the Islanders would answer back, Harford would add another two goals to take a 3-2 lead after two.

Hartford would score two goals on four shots in the third to take total control of the game. When the final buzzer sounded to end the game, the Whalers would take game one 5-2.

Both goalies did not have their strongest game in the series opener and will look to be better. The Islanders will look to rebound for game two.

                        Philadelphia vs. Boston
                                (Bruins lead series 2-0)

                                              Game1
                                              Game2

It would take awhile to score in the first period, but the Bruins would open the scoring late with a Mark Messier tally at the 3/4 mark of the first. A screen shot would beat Flyers goalie Mike Vernon with only seconds left in the first and Boston would take a 2-0 lead after one.

There would be no scoring in the second, but lots of questionable conduct from both clubs as this series looks like it will be nasty.

While Boston would add a goal early in the third, the Flyers would finally answer Dominic Hasek scoring two goals, one in the last minute of the game to come within one. The Bruins would score the insurance goal with seconds to play in the game taking the final 4-2.

A very intense, physical game, the Bruins handed the Flyers their first loss of the playoffs, but know their work is not done as Philadelphia looks to answer in game two.

FINE TUNING

THE RFNHL UNVEILS THE NEW RULES REGARDING FREE AGENCY JUST IN TIME FOR THE WEEK OF THE TRADE DEADLINE.

The RFNHL held a vote recently due to an overpowering demand by general managers and owners regarding a new strategy on free agency.

the cba will be changed and effective immediately the rfnhl will take a different course when the off season begins.

here are the new rules regarding signing and bidding for free agents. these new rules are effective immediately.

1) Each team is allowed to have 2 automatic resigns at the end of each season. This rule can be applied to either UFA or RFA. But you are only allowed max 1 UFA. As to keep the free agent market alive and kicking. So you can either auto-resign 1 RFA and 1 UFA. Or 2 RFA. The max contract length will remain the same. A 5 year max. The higher the overall rating means a higher raise.

overall rating of 70-75 gets 20% raise
overall rating of 76-80 gets 30% raise
overall rating of 81-85 gets 40% raise
overall rating of 86-90 gets 45% raise
overall rating of 91-99 gets 50% raise

2) The remaining RFA free agents who are not auto-resigned will be given a qualifying offer of 10%. These players are still allowed to be bid on by other teams. As per usual. The numbers for the pay scale will be discussed at a future GM meeting. But this structure, whatever we decide, will be implemented before this trade deadline. So as GM's can adjust their team structure.

3) Compensation for RFA will be more steep, so as to limit the amount of bidding on RFA and more on UFA. The compensation increase will be discussed at a future GM meeting. If you do not have the compensation needed to bid on the RFA in question. The bid is then voided.

A bid of $500,000-$1,000,000 requires a
1 3rd round pick in the upcoming year.

A bid of $1,000,001-$1,500,000 requires a
compensation of 1 2nd round pick in the upcoming year.

A bid of $1,500,001--$2,000,000 requires a
compensation of 1 1st round pick in the upcoming year.

A bid of $2,000,001-$2,500,000 requires a
compensation of 1 1st round picks and 1 2nd round pick
in the upcoming years

A bit of $2,500,001-$3,000,000 requires a
compensation of 1 1st round picks and 2 2nd round picks
in the upcoming years

A bit of $3,000,001-$3,500,000 requires a
compensation of 2 1st round picks and 2 2nd round picks
in the upcoming years

A bid of $3,500,001-$4,000,000 requires a
compensation of 3 1st round picks in the upcoming years.

A bid of $4,000,000-$4,750,000 requires a
compensation of 3 1st round picks and 3 2nd round picks
in the upcoming years.

4) There will be no need for a franchise player rule under these terms. So this rule be gone. And as always. No player can make more than Wayne Gretzky. No matter what the player is entitled to according to the pay scale. He will get $4,750,000.