Vladař posts first NHL playoff shutout as Flyers go 2-0 up

Czech goaltender Daniel Vladař made 27 saves as Philadelphia beat Pittsburgh 3-0 on Monday to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series. It was Vladař’s first career shutout in the NHL playoffs and earned him first-star honours. The Flyers, helped in large part by the Czech netminder, followed up their opening win on the road with another strong display in Pittsburgh. Philadelphia has now won eight of its last nine games, counting the end of the regular season. Vladař, who entered the playoffs as his team’s number one goalie for the first time, has posted a save percentage above 95 percent in the opening two games.