NHL: Scoring Is down in the NHL Playoffs, Tampa Bay Lighting’s Callahan Back on the Ice

UNDATED (AP) — More than half the games through the first two rounds were decided by one goal, and 15 went to overtime. More than one in every four games were decided by a score of 2-1 and the 4.88 goals per game is the lowest in an NHL postseason since 2012 (4.84).

Credit the big, talented goaltenders, better coaching and shot-blocking and the mentality of the players once they get to this stage of the season.

Among the four teams left, only the Chicago Blackhawks have allowed more than two goals a game. Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers, Anaheim's Frederik Andersen and Tampa Bay's Ben Bishop all have a 2.00 goals-against average or below.

— Tampa Bay forward Ryan Callahan was back on the ice Thursday, less than 72 hours after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. Callahan skated during a light practice in preparation for the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Rangers. Callahan missed the Lightning's 4-1 clincher against Montreal in Game 6 of the second-round series on Tuesday. Head coach Jon Cooper stressed the brief workout was "not physically demanding." Callahan described his status as day to day.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.