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The best images from the four NHL playoff games on Thursday night

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St. Louis Blues goalie Ryan Miller, left, and teammate David Backes prepare fore Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, April 17, 2014, in St. Louis.Jeff Roberson/The Associated Press

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A referee picks up a puck during the second period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey first-round playoff series between the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers, Thursday, April 17, 2014, in New York.Frank Franklin II/The Associated Press

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New York Rangers cheer during the third period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden, Thursday, April 17, 2014, in New York. The Rangers won the game 4-1.Frank Franklin II/The Associated Press

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New York Rangers' John Moore (17) is checked by Philadelphia Flyers' Zac Rinaldo (36) during the first period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey first-round playoff series on Thursday, April 17, 2014, in New York.The Associated Press

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Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane scores past St. Louis Blues goalie Ryan Miller, top left, during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series Thursday, April 17, 2014, in St. Louis.Jeff Roberson/The Associated Press

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Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane celebrates after scoring during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, April 17, 2014, in St. Louis.Jeff Roberson/The Associated Press

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St. Louis Blues right wing Adam Cracknell (79) celebrates his goal against Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford during the first period in Game 1 during the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Scottrade Center.

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Philadelphia Flyers' Jason Akeson hits New York Rangers' Carl Hagelin in the face with his stick during the third period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey first-round playoff series on Thursday, April 17, 2014, in New York.Frank Franklin II/The Associated Press

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The New York Rangers celebrate a goal scored by New York Rangers centre Derek Stepan (21) on Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ray Emery (29) during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.Adam Hunger

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Minnesota Wild left wing Zach Parise ducks under Colorado Avalanche defenseman Jan Hejda during the first period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey first-round playoff series on Thursday, April 17, 2014, in Denver.Jack Dempsey/The Associated Press

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Chicago Blackhawks' Brandon Saad loses his footing as St. Louis Blues goalie Ryan Miller watches during the third period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series Thursday, April 17, 2014, in St. Louis.Jeff Roberson/The Associated Press

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Minnesota Wild goalie Llya Bryzgalov blocks a shot from Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie during the first period of game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Pepsi Center.Chris Humphreys

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Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog has his shot blocked by Minnesota Wild goalie Illya Bryzgalov during the second period of game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Pepsi Center.Chris Humphreys

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Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie and Minnesota Wild left wing Erik Haula skate in a spray of ice during the second period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey first-round playoff series on Thursday, April 17, 2014, in Denver.JACK DEMPSEY/The Associated Press

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Referees attempt to break up a fight between members of the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild during the second period of game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Pepsi Center.Chris Humphreys

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St. Louis Blues' Alexander Steen, left, is checked into the boards by Chicago Blackhawks' Niklas Hjalmarsson during the first overtime in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series Thursday, April 17, 2014, in St. Louis.Jeff Roberson/The Associated Press

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Los Angeles Kings centre Mike Richards and San Jose Sharks defenseman Jason Demers fight for the puck during the second period in Game 1 of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose.Kyle Terada/The Associated Press

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Colorado Avalanche left wing Jamie McGinn (11) scores a goal against Minnesota Wild goalie Ilya Bryzgalov during the third period of Game 1 of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Pepsi Center.Chris Humphreys

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Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson saves the empty net goal by the Minnesota Wild during the third period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey first-round playoff series on Thursday, April 17, 2014, in Denver.JACK DEMPSEY/The Associated Press

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St. Louis Blues goalie Ryan Miller is sprayed by Chicago Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad as Blues defenceman Alex Pietrangelo defends during the second overtime in Game 1 during the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Scottrade Center.Scott Rovak

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Colorado Avalanche centre Paul Stastny reacts after scoring a game tying goal with 13.4 seconds remaining in the third period of Game 1 of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Pepsi Center.Chris Humphreys

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The St. Louis Blues celebrate after beating the Chicago Blackhawks during the third overtime in Game 1 during the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Scottrade Center.Scott Rovak

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Members of the St. Louis Blues mob teammate Alexander Steen after he scored the game-winning goal during the third overtime in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks Thursday, April 17, 2014, in St. Louis.The Associated Press

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