Central Division

• If this is just Marian Hossa’s adjustment period, it will be scary to see what he can do at full steam, writes Chris Kuc.  “I think we can learn off some of the things he does with and going into puck areas. A lot of good things happen when he’s on the ice,” said coach Joel Quenneville about Hossa’s presence.
• Derick Brassard lacks a bit of confidence so far this season, explains Tom Reed.  One of Derek MacKenzie or Mike Blunden could find themselves going through waivers this week.  Here are the Blue Jackets’ projected lines for tonight’s game.
• Valtteri Filppula had his cast removed on Tuesday and is slated to return later this month.  With many injuries on the team, Justin Abdelkader has been given more responsibility and coach Mike Babcock has been happy with his play.
• Martin Erat recorded a hat trick last night, which prompted Barry Trotz to talk about the value of getting shots on net, as the Predators defeated the visiting Canucks.  Meanwhile, the Predators are hoping Jerred Smithson’s penalty on Alexandre Burrows is rescinded.
• Many Blues have had scoring trouble this season, so coach Andy Murray had his team practice hitting the goalie and going to the net on Tuesday.

Northeast Division

• Playing without Robyn Regehr has been the Flames’ downfall in the past, so Flames fans have to be hoping that his injury isn’t serious.  Colby Armstrong will have many family members in the Saddledome tonight when the Thrashers visit the Flames.
• Joe Sacco was happy enough with his club on Tuesday that he gave them the day off, explains Terry Frei.
• Jim Matheson answers reader’s questions in the Edmonton Journal.  Lubomir Visnovky and Ladislav Smid have developed some nice chemistry on the Oilers’ back-end.  Jeff Deslauriers has played well enough that he’s made people stop asking when Nikolai Khabibulin is returning to the lineup.
• Mikko Koivu was many people’s pick for Wild captain prior to the season and he is sure proving his worth in that position, explains Michael Russo.
• “Right now we have guys who can play a lot better, who have to play a lot better,” said an angry Alain Vigneault after yesterday’s loss to Nashville.  Mikael Samuelsson was so unhappy after the game that he refused to talk to the media.  When is Cody Hodgson going to return from a back injury?

Pacific Division

• Just when you had the Ducks written off, the team stormed back from a three-goal deficit and pulled out an important overtime victory at home against Dallas, writes Eric Stephens.  With Teemu Selanne injured, both Bobby Ryan and Joffrey Lupul will be counted on to carry the load.
• “That can’t happen, it just can’t happen,” said Stars captain Brenden Morrow after the team blew a 3-0 road lead to Anaheim.  Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News likes what he’s seen from youngster Ivan Vishnevskiy.
• Wayne Simmonds has taken advantage of the opportunities that coach Terry Murray has provided for him this season in Los Angeles.
• There are a number of reasons why the Coyotes are surprising the NHL, but strong penalty killing is definitely one of them.
• After some early season struggles, Ryane Clowe has found his game in the Bay Area.

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The Chicago Blackhawks came up harder and faster than any other National Hockey League team last season.  After missing the playoffs the previous six years, the Hawks racked up 104 points (good for 6th place overall) en route to a respectable Western Conference finals appearance against the powerhouse Detroit Red Wings.  Individual breakout performances (Kris Versteeg, Cam Barker, Dustin Bfyuglien) and team synergy were plentiful last year (especially in the first round of the playoffs against the Calgary Flames) as a team loaded with promise met and surpassed most expectations set upon them by the hockey world. Not bad at all for a team that fired former head coach Denis Savard four games into the season.

But, you say that this is supposed to be a season preview and not a recap of last year. Well, we must learn from history in order to understand the future right?

The youtful Hawks are in a wonderful position entering this season (Patrik Kane’s off-ice troubles aside) and are absolutely loaded at every position (goaltending included).  By acquiring big-game fish Marian Hossa (41 goals last year) and John Madden (Two-time Stanley Cup winner), the Hawks have crystallized a developing team that has skill at every position.

Let’s break down this year’s version of the Hawks, which should be even better than last year’s squad.

Forwards

The Hawks had no trouble scoring goals last year (260),  boasting eight forwards with 15 or more markers.  Chicago has four dynamic forward lines, all with the ability to put the puck in the net.  Thus, the Hawks primary strength this season will be its distributive scoring led by Captain Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa (who will miss the first two months of the season recovering from shoulder surgery). Consider that new addition John Madden will most likely center the team’s third line between Andrew Ladd and Dustin Bfyuglien.  Even if those three  players were to post similar numbers to last year–and that is unlikely as the 36-year-old Madden had an uncharacteristically low seven goals last year– that is still 37 potential goals from the third line. Bad boy Ben Eager even chipped in 11 goals on the fourth line last season and he is expected to be matched up with former Red Wings prospect Tomas Kopecky and feisty pest Adam Burish.

In fact, Chicago is so deep that prospects such as Jack Skille and Kyle Beach may not even see consistent ice time until sometime next season because of the rapid development of players like Dave Bolland and Kris Versteeg who thrived playing together last season.

Grade of Forwards: A

Defensemen

Chicago’s rearguard crew is the envy of every coach and GM in the NHL these days.  After years of exceptional drafting and scouting, and a certain free-agent signing (Brian Campbell, seven years, $52 million) the Hawks have the best collection of defensemen in the NHL with arguably the exception of the Red Wings.  Led by future Olympians Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, who were a combined plus-56 last season, the Hawks are quick on the draw out of their own end and possess a mean streak that was especially felt by the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks during last year’s playoffs.

Even though Campbell put up 52 points last year, he was criticized for his poor defensive zone play.  On a team that is clearly striving to become a more complete team like the afformentioned Red Wings and San Jose Sharks, it will be interesting to see if Campbell will be asked to reform his game or if he will be allowed to continue ripping around the ice like a jet ski knowing that the dividends include more goals on the scoresheet.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of last year was the all-around development of Winnipeg’s Cam Barker. Barker clearly showed that he was more serious about his game last year and has turned into a dandy.  Barker is physical and posseses underrated power-play quarterbacking abilities. Barker has found a match playing alongside high-flying Brian Campbell and takes some of the offensive load off his counterpart, giving Coach Joel Quenneville yet another weapon on the blueline.

22-year-old Niklas Hjalmarsson will pair up with veteran Brent Sopel on the team’s third defensive pairing and will be counted on for smart defensive play and some  extra offensive contributions. Both Hjalmarsson and Sopel have a sandpaper element to their game which compliments the bad boy persona of the team’s forward group.

It appears that Aaron Johnson and Richard Petiot will battle it out in training camp for the team’s final defensive spot.  Johnson played 38 games for the Hawks last season while Petiot was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Grade of Defensemen: A

Goalie

Predictably, superstar goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin bolted (get the pun?) for the Edmonton Oilers shortly after the playoffs ended, which instantly made Cristobal Huet the undisuputed Number-1 goaltender in the Windy City.  Huet is a relative enigma in the NHL but he has always put up very good numbers.  Because Khabibulin inhabited the crease for most of last season, Huet was relegated to the back up role, which was not part of the original plan when he signed a multi-year big pay day contract.  Huet managed to post 20 wins and a solid .909 Save percentage in only 41 games last season and will surely benefit this season from knowing that he will be the go-to netminder heading into training camp. Huet is the type of goaltender who thrives when he sees a lot of rubber.  Remember, Montreal was not exactly a defensive juggernaut when Huet was there and he posted some pretty special numbers.

Huet’s back-up this year will likely be Montreal native Corey Crawford, who has been developing his game in the American Hockey League. Crawford has spent four seasons on the farm and will fight off Finnish stopper Antti Niemi for the job.

Grade of Goaltenders: B+

Overall

The Hawks are front-page news in Chi-Town and have created a colossal buzz by signing known superstar Marian Hossa. Chicago unfortunately had a difficult off-season with the firing of Dale Tallon and the bizarre incident involving Patrick Kane and a taxi cab driver but the team is in a position to compete for a Stanley Cup.

The Hawks have kept most of their team in tact from last season and have added one of Detroit’s best players from last year so the pressure has increased substantially.

A Western Conference finals appearance may not cut it this year.

Final Prediction (ceiling): 2^nd in Central Division, 4th in the Western  Conference, and 41 sellouts at the United Center.

(floor): 3rd in Central division, 6th in the Western Conference

Picture courtesy of the Globe & Mail

• Chris Chelios may be playing in the Olympics for Team USA…I am kidding, but he has been suiting up for Team USA to help fill the spot for injured defenseman Paul Martin.  I love that Chelios wants to play hockey at his age and won’t give it up.  Give the guy full credit because this isn’t about the money, it is about the love of the game.
• Andrew Peters thinks his time in Buffalo is close to coming to an end.  He certainly gave his all for the Sabres, but they feel like they have enough players that can play that role if need be.
• Don’t expect Patrick Kane to end up in jail, writes Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald.  The cabbie has sure backed off those original comments, hasn’t he?
• John Glennon talks about David Legwand’s chances of playing at the Olympics for Team USA.  If Legwand is in the lineup for Team USA, I don’t seem them winning a medal.

Clearly Tallon’s mistake concerning qualifying offers to a set of players on his team (which included Cam Barker and Kris Versteeg) was the straw that broke the camel’s back.  One of the reasons I was not surprised by the news was because rumblings have been going on for a while (I believe Al Strachan started rumblings of possible discord in the Hawks front office on the Hot Stove late in the year) that Tallon may have been on thin ice. 

Now, I have to readily admit that I’ve been puzzled by many of Tallon’s moves.  While he made some great additions to the team’s young core, his attempt to augment the team’s young talent with a number of veteran players was not very successful.  The contracts given to Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet have come back to bite the Hawks, never mind the funds needed to sign Cam Barker, Kris Versteeg, et. al, after the team’s qualifying disaster; and I didn’t even mention Dustin Byfuglien.

But while Tallon can be criticized for some moves, he did turn this team around.  He drafted Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, (even though they were high draft picks, he still selected them), traded litte to acquire the highly underrated Patrick Sharp, and re-signed Martin Havlat to a contract extension when things in Chicago weren’t exactly rosey.

My biggest question at the end of the day is: Why on earth did the Blackhawks organization make this move now?

People will respond to that by referring to the Barker and Versteeg contracts, however, that is not the issue in my opinion.  Instead, the issue really centers around Tallon being on such thin ice that his mistake resulted in his firing.  Clearly people within the Blackhawks management structure did not think Tallon was doing a great job because this mistake, while significant, does not seem to be the only reason he was fired.

So, if that is the case, then why not fire Dale Tallon prior to free agency?  To me, it seems odd that the organization would let the GM sign a player, Marian Hossa, to a twelve-year deal when they are hardly confident in his managing ability.  Additionally, the re-signings of Versteeg, Barker, et al, eat up a lot of cap room.  For a team that is going to have serious cap troubles next season, it makes little sense why you’d let the person who made the mistake, rectify it at his own volition.

All in all, I understand the Hawks firing Dale Tallon.  Each franchise has a vision, and clearly Tallon’s was not the same as what the Blackhawks had in mind.  However, if the team was this unhappy with Tallon, you have to wonder what took the Blackhawks so long to make this move?

According to both the NHL and the NHLPA, the investigation into how and why the Chicago Blackhawks bungled a number of their qualifying offers is ongoing.

Neither side will comment, however since this story broke Friday evening on TSN.ca, interest into how the league and players association will respond is significant.

If the NHL grants leniency and attempts to sweep this issue away, it’s expected the NHLPA will swiftly file a grievance and the matter will go to a hearing.

Sources with hands on knowledge of how qualifying offers have to be filed say as innocent as this mistake may have been, there is no excuse for it, and the league should follow through with the ultimate penalty and declare all players who didn’t received proper notification, unrestricted free agents.

Read the entire article here.

Needless to say, this would be the ultimate mistake if the Blackhawks lose the rights to these players (the list includes Cam Barker and Kris Versteeg).  If the NHL follows the letter of the law, they may have no choice but to announce that these players are outright free agents.  However, for the time being the NHL is attempting to sort this issue out behind closed doors.  Even so, the article correctly states that the NHLPA will be following the situation closely and if the PA feels there is a chance that these players really should be free agents according to the rules–it will file a grievance.

Regardless of the result, you can bet teams will now pay even closer attention than ever to responsibilities like this. 

Stanley Cup Final

• Compared to their other championship teams, this Wings squad has faced the most significant injuries.  Good point by Wilkinson.  This is obviously a testament to the Wings’ depth.  Consider that they can insert Ville Leino or Justin Abdelkader into the lineup and get solid production, as well as see players like Valtteri Filppula take on more responsibility and their depth truly is impressive.
• Bruce Garrioch wonders if Marc-Andre Fleury can find his game when he needs to most?  I believe he can, but I may be in the minority.
• Seth Rorabaugh links up the CBC’s opening for Game 5.  CBC’s ratings may be down, but their ability to dominate the headlines with eye-catching openings is probably the best it’s ever been.

Everyone else

• It is expected the Carolina Hurricanes coaching staff will be the same next season.  Good work by Rutherford to bring back the same group.  They clearly did a tremendous job with the club they had, and with a full season under this coaching staff, the Canes are surely aiming to finish higher than the sixth seed next season.
• The Blackhawks have signed four prospects.  Nothing overly significant, or surprising about these moves.
• Michael Russo thinks Derek Boogaard could find himself on the move this summer.  He is one of the most physically intimidating players in the NHL and a player that would fit well on a number of teams Russo mentioned. 

I’m sure fans of the Winnipeg Jets certainly wish Khabby would have played.

• Luck played a factor in yesterday’s result, writes Mitch Albom.  With Game 2 tonight, Albom believes the Penguins saw many signs that gave them confidence heading into Sunday night.  Last night had to be frustrating for Pittsburgh, explains Bob Wojnowski.  Dave Dye says Marc-Andre Fleury wasn’t as sharp as Chris Osgood.  Jonathan Ericsson probably wouldn’t have played had this been a regular season game.
• The Penguins probably deserved to win on Saturday but a few bad bounces led to a Game 1 loss, writes Dave Molinari.  Pittsburgh needs to be a lot better in the face-off circle.  Penguins coach Dan Bylsma made sure to reinforce to his team that they should not be in awe of the high-powered Red Wings.  In a rare appearance, Mario Lemieux spoke to the media yesterday.  (Writer’s note: Mario looks like he can still play.)  The Penguins’ fans sure travel well.

Teams that are not in the playoffs

• Terry Frei says that Avalanche coach Tony Granato would be fighting a losing battle if he coached the team next season.
• Damien Cox likes the fact that the game can take some of the spotlight away from the NHL’s off-ice problems.
• Gary Bettman wants to see stronger drug testing in the NHL, writes Corey Masisak of the Washington Times.

Sunday special articles

• Fluto Shinzawa subs in for Kevin Paul Dupont in this week’s edition of Hockey Notes from the Boston Globe.
• Bucky Gleason warns the Blackhawks of possible salary cap problems down the road. 
• Larry Brooks says Gary Bettman needs to drop his personal issues with Jim Balsillie and negotiate with him to take the Coyotes to Hamilton.

Coyotes situation

• Gary Bettman addressed the Coyotes situation at his league news conference yesterday.
• The city of Glendale has seen some hope in the results of the court hearings so far.
• Chris Chelios is in favor of another team in Ontario.

Calder Cup Final

• Last night, Alex Giroux demonstrated why he was the MVP of the AHL this season, writes Ken Wiebe.  Paul Friesen says last night’s game had all the action one could have hoped for.  “Our pain was self inflicted. We had a number of guys that didn’t bring their A-game,” said Moose coach Scott Arniel.

So, I went back and examined the penalty levels of Quenneville coached teams.  He has been the head coach of three National Hockey League franchises: St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche and then Chicago Blackhawks.  For purposes of this analysis, I only took into account seasons that Quenneville coached in full–so that removes his first and last seasons in St. Louis.

I used penalty minutes per game as our metric.  Here are what the numbers demonstrated:

1997/1998: The Blues were ranked 7th in the NHL in penalty-taking (the higher the ranking, the less penalties that team takes)

1998/1999: The Blues were ranked 12th in the NHL in penalty-taking

1999/2000: The Blues were ranked 15th in the NHL in penalty-taking

2000/2001: The Blues were ranked 22nd in the NHL in penalty-taking

2001/2002: The Blues were ranked 24th in the NHL in penalty-taking

2002/2003: The Blues were ranked 30th in the NHL in penalty-taking

So as you can probably see, the Blues became more undisciplined during each of Quenneville’s full seasons in Missouri.  In fact, they were the most undisciplined team in the entire NHL in 2002/03.  While this is indeed interesting, his experience with Colorado was almost the complete opposite.

2005/2006:  The Avalanche was ranked 8th in the NHL in penalty-taking

2006/2007:  The Avalanche was ranked 3rd in the NHL in penalty-taking

2007/2008:  The Avalanche was ranked 5th in the NHL in penalty-taking

So, while Quenneville’s St. Louis teams were clearly undisciplined, his Colorado teams were anything but.  The fact that his team was ranked in the top ten in penalty-taking during each of his three seasons in Denver, debunks the theory that his teams are clearly undisciplined.

As for his one season in Chicago, Quenneville’s team was not exactly disciplined, but wasn’t horrible either.

2008/2009: The Blackhawks were ranked 17th in the NHL in penalty-taking

What do all these numbers mean? I’m actually not quite sure.  They may indicate that the players on the ice are the main indicator of team penalty minutes accumulated rather than a coach’s emotion and philosophy.  While I agree that is probably true, I also think that coaches do play a fairly significant role in determining a team’s high/low penalty output.  Suffice to say, it will be interesting to see which direction the Hawks go next season when it comes to discipline.

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)

• Chris Osgood was tremendous last night for the Wings, writes Mitch Albom.  Darren Helm is becoming a cult hero in Detroit.  Marian Hossa is going to try to limit the distraction that is going to be his return to Pittsburgh.  In good news, the Wings expect to have Jonathan Ericsson back in the lineup on Saturday.  Here are the Penguins that Wings fans should know about beginning Saturday
• The Penguins have been generating big television numbers in the Pittsburgh area.  Those ratings should continue to soar now that the Penguins face the Red Wings in a rematch of last year’s Finals.  Coach Bylsma gave his players the day off on Wednesday.  People don’t realize how much the Penguins have learned since last year’s playoff experience.  Veteran winger Bill Guerin is just happy to have been given the opportunity to join this team mid-season.

Teams that are not in the playoffs

• The Blackhawks’ season ended last night, but they enter the summer feeling good about themselves.  They have to realize they lost to the best, writes Steve Rosenbloom.  It looks like Nikolai Khabibulin has played his last game as a member of the Blackhawks.
• Ken Hitchcock thinks the Oilers hit a home run with their new coaching selections.  While people may love the Quinn/Renney hirings, it will still be the players that determine whether the Oilers turn their fortunes around or not.  Meantime, there are rumblings that the Oilers have re-signed Dennis Grebeshkov at approximately $3 million per season.
• If Don Waddell has yet to lead the Thrashers organization to a playoff victory, then why should fans believe this time is different?
• Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs says his GM has permission to spend up to the salary cap next season.  In other news, Jacobs expects the next outdoor game to be played in Boston at Fenway Park.
• Adrian Dater of the Denver Post with the details of Patrick Roy’s decision not to coach the Avalanche next season.
• New Minnesota GM Chuck Fletcher wants to meet with the entire Wild staff before making any decisions on who will return and who will be let go.
• Former Islanders forward John Tonelli has been arrested for DWI.
• Former Rangers radio play-by-play man, and current Islanders television play-by-play man, Howie Rose recounts the classic “Matteau” call he made fifteen years ago.
• Phil Sheridan has a very well written piece this morning commemorating the late Peter Zezel.  “It obviously is way too early for a man to die at 44 years old. The tragedy surrounding it is just horrific for any of us who knew Peter,” said Bobby Clarke.
• The Sharks’ current routine is going to lose its charm quickly, writes Ray Rotto.
• Lightning GM Brian Lawton has been working hard studying draft prospects.
• Could there be more than one Schenn in the Leafs organization after draft day?
• Maybe the Niedermayer brothers will end up on different teams next season?
• The Canucks have re-signed Rick Rypien.

Steroids issue

• Capitals players have fully participated in the NHL’s random drug testing program, and at no point has a Capitals player tested positive,” said Capitals team President Dick Patrick about yesterday’s steroids rumors.
• Capitals players don’t seem to think any of their teammates are on steroids.  (Writer’s note: I agree with Steve Eminger’s comments in this article.  It isn’t like most of the players in hockey are bulky or ripped.  I really don’t think there is a steroids issue in hockey at all.)
• Meanwhile, Bruce Arthur of the National Post wonders if this is the NHL’s first real drug problem?
• The NHL needs to get serious about steroids, writes Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star.

Coyotes situation

• As reported yesterday, Judge Redfield Baum has moved up the relocaiton hearing in the Coyotes case. 
• Yesterday Judge Baum also ruled that Jerry Moyes will run the club day-to-day until a sale decision has been made. 
• Apparently Tony Tavares was not interested in making an offer for the Coyotes.

Calder Cup Finals

• If the Manitoba Moose want to win the Calder Cup, here are their keys to victory, courtesy of Gary Lawless.  Guillaume Desbiens wants to drink from the Cup again.

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• Pittsburgh is the first team to return to the Finals with two different coaches since the Pittsburgh teams of 1991 and 1992.  Getting close to the Cup and losing is not a pleasant experience, so the Penguins don’t want to repeat that once again.  Hurricanes winger Scott Walker says the Pens are playing at a very high level right now.  Last year they lost the Finals, so this season the Penguins had no problem holding up the Prince of Wales Trophy.  Evgeni Malkin reminds Paul Maurice of Jaromir Jagr.  Don Cherry loves the way Sidney Crosby plays these days.
• Just because they lost quickly in the third round, it should not take away from the Hurricanes’ playoff run, writes Chip Alexander.  Yesterday marked the first time that Cam Ward has ever lost a NHL playoff series.  It did not take long for Luke Decock to wonder what is up next for Carolina this off-season.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• The Red Wings play their own kind of tough hockey, writes Helene St. James.  Throwing Patrick Kane’s mouthguard away amused some Red Wings.  Both Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom are game-time decisions tonight.  See, if you look at the Red Wings dressing room, Swedes and Finns can get along.  Jonathan Ericsson has provided a great boost for the Red Wings in so many different ways.
• Cristobal Huet seems most likely to get the start tonight for Chicago.  “It’s going to be 60 or more minutes that’s going to decide our future,” says Huet.  The Hawks aren’t focusing on the 9% chance they’ve been given to win this series.

Teams that are not in the playoffs

• Darryl Sutter says he’s the best candidate to coach the Flames right now, but has not yet named himself coach of the team.  Eric Duhatschek touches upon the likelieness of Sutter returning to coach the Flames.
• Mr. Hockey in Minnesota, Lou Nanne, will be honored by USA Hockey early next month.
• Peter Laviolette is interested in the Minnesota Wild head coaching position, writes Michael Russo.
• Are the Habs becoming a religion in Montreal?
• Staying in Montreal, the Molson family is apparently interested in buying the Canadiens.
• There are apparently some legal issues regarding seating for the New Jersey Devils.
• The Hall of Fame is not going to change Al Arbour’s plaque to account for his one new coaching win from 2007.
• The Rangers have signed defenseman Michael Del Zotto to an entry-level contract.
• The latest on the Phoenix saga, courtesy of Craig Harris of the Arizona Republic.  Safe to say that the sides are squabbling yet again.
• The Blues have re-signed Jay McClement to a three year, $4.3 million contract.
• Could there be a steroids controversy about to hit hockey?
• The Capitals are facing big-time competition from the KHL when it comes to re-signing their free agents.

Edmonton Oilers coaching hire

• Pat Quinn stayed humble during his time away from coaching in the NHL, writes Damien Cox.
• Quinn will have the chance to win the Stanley Cup, one of the only titles he has yet to win.
• Steve Tambellini really liked the experience and versatility of his new coaching hires.
• Terry Jones with all you need to know about Pat Quinn.
• Tom Renney as the strategy guy has worked well in the past.
• Kelly Buchberger is the only member of the Oilers’ coaching staff that will return from last season.
• Derek Van Diest gets the reaction of a number of Oilers players to yesterday’s hirings.  (Writer’s note: Van Diest will be on the IllegalCurve.com Radio Show tonight to discuss the hiring and what’s next for the Oilers this summer.)
• It takes two special personalities for this coaching arrangement to work, writes Robert Tychkowski.
• The Oilers look to be an attacking team next season.
• Pat Quinn was a safe choice for Steve Tambellini, writes Eric Duhatschek.

Remembering Peter Zezel

• Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News remembers the classy Zezel from his time with the Flyers organization.
• Peter Zezel was the kind of guy that would literally give you the shirt off his back, writes Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star.
• Zezel played on a lot of teams, and all of his teammates loved him.
• Allan Maki tells readers that Zezel wasn’t just a great hockey player.

AHL Playoffs

• The Moose are a round away from reversing some of the bad playoff luck from past seasons, explains Tim Campbell.

**The IllegalCurve.com Radio Show can heard live tonight from 7pm central time through to 9pm central time.  Tonight’s guests include: Darren Eliot (Sports Illustrated and Versus) and Derek Van Diest (Edmonton Sun).  We hope you tune in.**

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar is feeling better every game he plays.  Probably not coincidentally, the Penguins’ power play has been dominant as of late.  Meanwhile, Maxime Talbot is not getting down on himself for missing a couple golden scoring chances while playing alongside Malkin.  Speaking of Malkin, he wants to and has proved his critics wrong.  Planning on stopping them is one thing, but the Penguins are just that good, says Cam Ward. 
• Carolina knows it has to be more physical with Malkin and Crosby.  They may be down 3-0, but the Hurricanes believe they can comeback.  Any chance of that happening depends on Cam Ward.  Caulton Tudor doesn’t believe the Hurricanes will comeback, but he does believe they have no reason to be embarassed about that.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• Experience is paying off for Detroit this round, writes Ted Kulfan.  Valtteri Filppula has been quietly terrific for the entire playoffs so far, explains Dave Dye.  The Wings are hoping to have both Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom in the lineup tomorrow night.  Looking at these two franchises make one imagine that ownership may just be the most important aspect of running a successful franchise.  Some believe that Brad Stuart and Niklas Kronwall have been the best pairing this playoffs.  Detroit is hoping to win tonight, even though the Wings lost twice in the same situation last season.
• “We can’t win three games at once,” said Patrick Sharp in the most classic cliche teams down 3-1 have to say.  Wednesday night will be the Blackhawks’ first elimination game of the playoffs.  It doesn’t help that the Hawks are 3-5 on the road this playoffs.  By all accounts, it appears unlikely Nikolai Khabibulin will suit up tomorrow for Chicago.

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• Terry Frei wonders if Patrick Roy is playing the Avalanche versus the Habs?
• Islanders coach Scott Gordon thinks Kyle Okposo could crack the 2010 USA Olympic hockey team.
• Eric Duhatschek examines who may start in Canada’s net in 2010.
• Could Team Russia be the favorite?
• Blues defenseman Erik Johnson is back on the ice three times a week working with Al MacInnis.
• The latest on the Coyotes saga from Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star.  David Shoalts of the Globe & Mail also has more on the myriad of issues each side is dealing with.
• Lance Hornby provides us with an update on Peter Zezel’s condition which apparently isn’t very good.   (Writer’s note: Wishing Peter the best.)
• Jonas Gustavsson, the highly coveted free agent Swedish netminder, has put his NHL dreams on hold as he deals with the passing of his mother.

AHL playoffs:

• The Manitoba Moose have advanced to the AHL Calder Cup Final.
• The Moose will be up against the Hershey Bears for the Cup, as Hershey defeated Providence yesterday to take the Eastern Conference title.

**The IllegalCurve.com Radio Show is tomorrow night from 7pm CST until 9pm CST.  Don’t forget to tune in.**

Playoff teams:

• All three of Erik Cole, Scott Walker and Tuomo Ruutu missed practice today.  Don’t worry Caniacs, all three are expected to play tomorrow.
• Tim Sassone has some concerns about Cristobal Huet being the Hawks’ starting netminder next season.  Huet certainly didn’t inspire confidence with yesterday’s performance.

Non-playoff teams:

• The Habs have signed Swedish winger Mikael Johansson.  His stats aren’t jumping off the page, but aside from money, it doesn’t cost the Habs to take a look and see what he can bring to the table.
• If Game 7 were a regular season contest, rest assured that Marc Savard would have been nowhere near the Bruins lineup.  He had to have been hurt because he was better than his performance demonstrated.
• Scott Gordon loves Kyle Okposo.  He’d better, he is supposed to be one of the cornerstones of that franchise moving forward.

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• “That would definitely be really interesting,” said former Penguins winger Marian Hossa about meeting the Penguins in the Stanley Cup Final.  It is hard to believe Dan Bylsma could have imagined things would have come to him this fast.  While most think the series is over, Pittsburgh still knows there is some work to do.  Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby’s beard is leaving much to be desired.  Speaking of Crosby, with extra time off between games two and three, coach Bylsma was able to get his two superstars some extra ice time.  They are up 3-0 in the series, but that doesn’t mean Brooks Orpik is satisfied.
• Needless to say, the Penguins aren’t anticipating that the Hurricanes have thrown in the towel quite yet.  Luke Decock thinks the Hurricanes have looked completely worn down in Round 3.  Obviously coach Paul Maurice sees a bigger issue and that has been the Hurricanes’ poor defensive coverage.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• The Blackhawks were embarassed on home ice yesterday afternoon, writes Dave Dye of the Detroit News.  Embarassed by a team without its captain and leading goal-scorer no less.  Keep in mind that Detroit players were very surprised to be without Nicklas Lidstrom on Sunday.  Chicago was clueless yesterday, writes Steve Schrader of the Detroit Free Press.  Marian Hossa had a lot to do with yesterday’s dominating performance.
• “We witnessed probably the worst call in the history of sports [Sunday] at the end of the [first] period there,” said coach Joel Quenneville about the call on Matt Walker at the end of the first period.  Rick Morrissey thinks Quenneville knows the Red Wings are just too good.  Meantime, Steve Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune cannot get over how bad Sunday’s game was.  It is fair to say people were pining for Nikolai Khabibulin after Cristobal Huet’s performance.  “We can’t win three games at once, so we just have to worry about Wednesday’s game in Detroit,” said Patrick Kane, as he tries to put Game 4 behind him.

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• Bruce Dowbiggen thinks Hockey Night in Canada condones head shots.  (Writer’s note:  I think Dowbiggen is getting carried away here.  That may have been interference, but it was certainly not a head shot.)
• Adrian Dater tells us that reports out of Montreal have Patrick Roy being offered the head coaching position and the open GM position of the Avalanche.
• Perhaps the Lightning will decide to keep the number two overall selection in the NHL Entry Draft instead of trading it?
• Gary Loewen of the Toronto Sun says, among many other things, that the NHL’s third round has been a dud.
• Who is ready for the Don Cherry movie?
• Heather Schroeder sure loves her Phoenix Coyotes.
• Top Capitals prospects Karl Alzner has not been able to suit up for Hershey in the AHL playoffs the past two weeks because of a concussion.

AHL Playoffs

• Even though they’ve dropped two consecutive games to Houston, the Moose are not panicking at all, writes Gary Lawless.
• The Providence Bruins blew another 2-0 lead in Game 4 and now trail their best-of-seven Conference Finals 3-1 to the Hershey Bears.

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Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• The Penguins themselves are in awe of both Crosby and Malkin.  Pittsburgh has held its own it the face-off circle this series.  Good teams have that killer instinct, and that is exactly what the Penguins demonstrated last night.  Joe Starkey of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review thinks the Penguins are better this season than last.
• “This isn’t going to be a four-game series,” said Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason after his team fell behind 3-0 in the series.  Cam Ward has not been at his best in this series.  The combination of Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby is proving to be overpowering.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• The Red Wings are going to do their best to get to Cristobal Huet.  Dave Dye of the Detroit News thinks it is doubtful that Pavel Datsyuk will play today.  Kris Draper is also doubtful.  The aftermath of Niklas Kronwall’s hit should make this series more heated.  Remember when Chris Chelios said he’d never play for Detroit?
• The Blackhawks are still mad about Kronwall’s hit.  Even though he was hit hard, the Hawks are hoping Havlat can play today.  If Martin Havlat cannot dress today, Colin Fraser is expected to take his place.  Here is an interesting profile of Hawks forward Patrick Sharp.  “What’s going on in Chicago is fantastic,” said NBC boss Dick Ebersol.

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• Here is Kevin Paul Dupont’s Sunday notes article.
• Bruins defenseman Aaron Ward has been taken aback by the harsh feelings towards him in Carolina.
• In Bucky Gleason’s Inside the NHL, he discusses Scotty Bowman’s time in Chicago.
• Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch is calling for an annual best GM trophy to be presented at the NHL Awards Show.
• In his Wild Insider, Michael Russo tells us that new Panthers GM Chuck Fletcher really values draft picks.  Lou Nanne thinks the Chuck Fletcher hire is a great one.  Fletcher already has permission to interview Todd Richards for the Wild head coaching job.
• Larry Brooks says the Devils should let Brent Sutter out of his contract.
• Rich Chere talks about the falling cap levels expected the next two seasons.
• Jim Matheson wonders whether Kevin Dineen could be the next coach of the Oilers?

AHL playoffs:

• Having blown a 3-0 series lead, and now only being up 3-2, the pressure is on the Manitoba Moose, writes Tim Campbell.

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• The Penguins should be ready for Cam Ward’s best tonight.  It works to the Penguins’ advantage that they continue to outshoot everyone.  Well, that and the fact Evgeni Malkin has been a dominating force lately.  Additionally, the Penguins should anticipate one of the loudest crowds they’ve ever played in front of tonight.  Even though he hasn’t played in a game for a while now, Pascal Dupuis is keeping a good attitude.  Off the ice, the Penguins have named Jason Botteril new assistant GM.
• Paul Maurice has changed some since his first tenure with Carolina.  What about coach Maurice’s contract?  Luke Decock with a funny cliche filled article.  If the Hurricanes want to win, they have to slow down Evgeni Malkin.  Slowing down Evgeni Malkin is important, but Eric Staal stepping out his game is probably most important.

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• Michael Rosenberg gives the Blackhawks credit for their resilience.  Nicklas Lidstrom’s stick breaking was the key that led to Patrick Sharp’s goal.  Niklas Kronwall’s hit was legal, says Detroit.  The hit was illegal, says Chicago.  Meanwhile, Mike Babcock knows Brad Stuart’s game takes a step up at playoff time.
• “We’re a pretty confident group. Our third period was one of the strongest we’ve played all playoffs,” said overtime hero Patrick Sharp.  The Blackhawks just don’t know how to win without excitement.  Cristobal Huet was perfect in the third period and overtime after coming in to replace Nikolai Khabibulin.  Apparently Khabibulin has a lower-body problem.  If the Hawks don’t have Martin Havlat for Game 4, that is a huge loss for Chicago.

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• Here is Eric Duhatschek’s weekly notebook, easily one of the best reads of the week.
• Bruins defenseman Matt Hunwick made a lot of progress this year and was very much missed against Carolina.
• Apparently prized free agent Jonas Gustavsson is considering signing in Colorado.
• New Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher wants the WIld to play an up-tempo style next season.  Read Cliff Fletcher’s take on his son’s hiring.
• Mark Everson is reporting that Bobby Holik is going to retire.
• Steve Stamkos really proved himself at the World Championships.

Mike Keenan firing

• Former Flames GM Craig Button says Mike Keenan isn’t the only one to blame in Calgary.  Flames center Craig Conroy was surprised by the move.  People are still calling for Darryl Sutter to return behind the bench.  Robyn Regehr thinks Keenan was a coach better off in the 80′s and 90′s.  Brent Sutter feels bad about Mike Keenan’s firing.  “Our team did not meet expectations,” said Darryl Sutter.
• Brent Sutter has told the NY Post that Mike Keenan’s firing will not affect his decision to return to the Devils or not.  Sutter has also told Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger he doesn’t want to work under his brother.

The Coyotes situation:

• What if the City of Winnipeg followed the Green Bay Packers model?
• The largest creditor of the Coyotes supports Jim Balsillie’s bid.

The AHL Playoffs

• The Manitoba Moose are heading home to play a sixth game against the Houston Aeros, after last night’s overtime loss at the Toyota Center.
• The Providence Bruins blew a big lead last night and lost Game 3 to Hershey.

**The IllegalCurve.com Radio Show has permanently become two hours and can now be heard Wednesday nights from 7pm CST through until 9pm CST.  Next week’s guests include: Kelly Hrudey (Hockey Night in Canada) and Darren Eliot (Sports Illustrated)**

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• Evgeni Malkin was that dominant on Thursday, explains Dave Molinari.  The Penguins’ other supersatar tied a record last night.  Nice to see the Staal brothers bickering over face-offs.  What was Chris Kunitz’s play like before he finally scored last night?  For all the success of the Penguins’ stars, where have the Hurricanes’ best players been?  Last night’s game was more intense than Game 1.
• “We’re just finding a hard time finding that push,” said coach Paul Maurice after last night’s game.  The Canes just could not stop Evgeni Malkin.  In good news, Erik Cole said he felt good after playing last night.  Meanwhile, Ryan Bayda may get suspended for his late game actions.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• Jeremy Roenick is claiming that Mike Babcock doesn’t like Chris Chelios and American players in general.  Speaking of Chelios, Mitch Albom quizzes the veteran defenseman about Chicago compared to Detroit.  It appears Pavel Datsyuk could possibly miss Game 3.  If that is the case, Detroit’s depth will become that much more important.  Some are wondering if the Wings can keep playing this well without their top scorers performing at normal levels? Meantime, the Wings players know that the United Center will be as loud as ever tonight.  For whatever reason, journeymen players always look great playing for the Wings.
• Rocky Wirtz says people still don’t really know what Versus is.  On the ice, Patrick Kane knows it is time for him to improve his play dramatically.  The Blackhawks defense has to stop with the uncharacteristic turnovers immediately.  As well, Nikolai Khabibulin has to outplay Chris Osgood tonight.  Chicago was physical in the first two games of this series, but they hope the home crowd makes them even more physical in Game 3.

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• Should we take Todd Richards’ name off the list of possible candidates to coach the Oilers next season?
• Phil Kessel is expected to be out of commission for 4-6 months after undergoing successful shoulder surgery.
• Andy Vuong of the Denver Post thinks the Avalanche are going about their next coaching hire the wrong way.  Staying in Denver, Adrian Dater reminds us that greatness on the ice is certainly not a guarantee of success behind the bench.
• Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune says the Wild made a good choice for GM.  Sid Hartman says the Wild got its first choice, a much better deal than the Timberwolves were able to pull off.  Chuck Fletcher is a tremendously qualified candidate, writes Michael Russo.  Here is his portfolio.  (Writer’s note: This really is a great hire.  I thought Fletcher probably should have been considered the favorite from the outset because of his vast experience in so many different areas.  Look for Fletcher to do a great job in the land of 10,000 lakes.)
• Niclas Havelid isn’t playing in the NHL next season.

The Coyotes situation:

• Randy Turner of the Winnipeg Free Press wants Jim Balsillie to be a little bit more honest about his dream of a seventh franchise in Canada.
• Some NY Senators oppose the Coyotes relocation to Southern Ontario.
• What about the Coyotes’ lease?

The AHL playoffs:

• Providence netminder Tuukka Rask thinks he is ready for the NHL.

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• Evgeni Malkin has almost already surpassed his playoff point totals from last season.  Sidney Crosby affects the game in so many ways it is scary.  Just as their parents would want it, the Staal’s were 50% against each other on face-offs in Game 1.  Dave Molinari touches on the Penguins’ defense and its propensity for scoring goals this playoffs.  Rob Scuderi may not get on the scoresheet, but he does all the little things that his teammates notice.  The NHL has chosen not to suspend Matt Cooke.
• Luke Decock of the News & Observer says the Hurricanes have to be better in every facet of the game tonight.  That task could be a lot more difficult, as it appears both Erik Cole and Tuomo Ruutu could miss tonight’s game.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• Mikael Samuelsson just scores big goals, writes Helene St. James.  Samuelsson may be clutch, but Chris Osgood is a salary cap MVP, explains Drew Sharp.  Mike Babcock was sure to give his team Wednesday off.  After being a healthy scratch for the past three games, it looks like Kirk Maltby will be checking back into the lineup for Game 3.  The odds of winning this series seem pretty good for Detroit.  Are the Wings destined to repeat?
• The Blackhawks may have lost in overtime on Tuesday, but Versus won with big ratings in the Chicago area.  “It’s a goon game now“, says the great Glen Hall about today’s game.  Chicago may be down 2-0 but they feel like they were better in Game 2 and still have room to improve.  Tim Sassone says the Hawks need to stop turning the puck over so much.  Barry Rozner tries to scare Chicago fans by warning them that the Wings haven’t played their best game yet.

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• Pierre McGuire really wants the GM spot in Minnesota.
• In Boston, Manny Fernandez may be backing off his mid-season comments about retirement being a distinct possibility.  Staying with the Bruins, Peter Chiarelli has been selected Executive of the Year.
• The more you read, the more you think Patrick Roy is on his way to the NHL, probably with the Avalanche.
• Jim Day will apparently no longer be a part of Fox Sports Ohio’s Columbus Blue Jackets coverage next season.
• Mike Richards comments on the difficulties of having two shoulders surgically repaired in the same summer.

The Coyotes situation:

• The National Post tells you everything you need to know about the Coyotes issue.
• Mediation 101 courtesy of the National Post as well.
• Looks like there could be a local buyer in Phoenix that could bid on the team if given the chance.  (Writer’s note: After looking at these numbers, I’m not so sure anyone would want to do that.)
• Phoenix versus Canada.
• This whole Coyotes situation reminds Damien Cox of the Saskatoon controversy from years back.
• Regardless of what everyone else is saying, Balsillie sure seems confident that his dream will come true. 

The AHL Playoffs:

• The Moose’s ten-game winning streak came to an end last night, as the Houston Aeros won Game 4 of the Western Conference Final by a score of 5-4.
• A rib injury will keep Byron Bitz out of the Providence Bruins lineup for the remainder of the AHL playoffs.

Playoff teams

• Brian Campbell is getting roasted this morning.  I still don’t understand how Campbell can say that he would make the same move on the ice again?  It was a poor decision and led to the game-winning goal?  Maybe he’s just stubborn.
• The Penguins have been getting a lot of goal production from their defense.  Teams continually collapse around the net, so if you can find your pointmen and they can get their shots through, you are in business.

Non-playoff teams

• Randy Carlyle wants Bobby Ryan to continue his off-season training progress he began last year.  Ryan became a real force this season and looks like he may develop quickly enough to be on Team USA 2010.
• Milan Lucic would not use his team’s long layoff as an excuse.  I can’t see how that hurts the Bruins.  They were well rested after beating a poor Habs team, had some time off and then played a team that had played a fast and hard seven game series.  Great teams win that Round 2 series, so the Bruins still have some work to do to get to that next level.
• Some Islanders draft talk with Greg Logan.  If the Islanders don’t want Tavares or Hedman (which I strongly doubt) then they’d be best to trade into the three slot and make a move with Colorado if the Avalanche is interested.

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma was impressed with the Hurricanes’ performance in Game 1.  The Penguins need some offensive production from Chris Kunitz.  One of the keys for Kunitz breaking out of his struggles, is to put more shots on net.  Brooks Orpik comments on his on-ice rivalry with Erik Cole.  The Penguins’ power play is rolling right now.  Who is former Steelers coach Bill Cowher hoping for in Round 3?
• “I do not think it looks good for either player,” said Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford about the playing statuses of both Tuomo Ruutu and Eric Cole for Game 2.  The conspiracy theorists are out in full force for this series.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• “You need your goalie to win games for you in the playoffs, and Ozzie did today,” said Henrik Zetterberg about Chris Osgood’s performance last night.  Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press is already prononcing this series over.  Mitch Albom thinks the Hawks missed their best chance to make a dent in this series.  It is amazing the Wings are playing this well, even without goals from the team’s big-time scorers.  “We need two days in between games so bad, it’s not even funny, just to re-energize,” said Wings coach Mike Babcock after Game 2.
• “It was a brutal loss today,” said Chicago coach Joel Quenneville after yesterday’s heartbreaker.  Brian Campbell says that he’d make the same play at the blue line again, even though his turnover led to the Wings’ winning goal.  Campbell should have known better, writes Barry Rozner.  Rick Morrissey thinks the Hawks are probably done.

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• Here are the top 10 highlights from the Ducks’ season.
• It appears Phil Kessel could find himself on his way out of Boston this off-season.  Speaking of Kessel, both he and David Krejci are set to undergo off-season surgery that will most likely see them miss the beginning of next season.  Meanwhile, Bruins rookie Blake Wheeler already wants to get back on the ice and prove his worth.
• Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post says that if Patrick Roy is smart, he won’t take the Avalanche coaching job.  Find out what Patrick Roy’s mom thinks of the situation.
• Daniel Briere’s eye surgery was deemed a success.

The Coyotes situation:

• Craig Harris of the Arizona Republic updates readers on what happened during yesterday’s court hearing.
• The City of Glendale is now getting involved in this mess.
• Both sides can find reasons to be optimistic after yesterday’s results, writes Kevin McGran.
• Jim Balsillie’s lawyer took yesterday’s hearing to be a plus for his side.
• Damien Cox explains to readers what judge Redfield Baum was like yesterday.
• Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch finds himself rooting for the Coyotes to move north.
• Regardless of the outcome, this is a zero-sum game for both sides, writes Bruce Dowbiggen.
• Don’t expect a successful appeal of Judge Baum’s final ruling.
• While the case continues in the desert, Winnipeg politicians chime in on the possibility that a NHL team may one day return to Winnipeg.  (Writer’s note: Somebody tell Hugh McFadyen that teams plays 41 home games not 80.)

The AHL Playoffs:

• For whatever reason, Jason Krog always finds himself playing for a league championship at the end of most seasons.  Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun says the Moose can play better.

**Remember to listen to the IllegalCurve.com Radio Show tonight from 8pm CST until 10pm CST.  Tonight’s guests include Allan Maki of the Globe & Mail.**

Here is a picture passed along to me late this afternoon by a Chicago fan.  Should be a good one tonight.

• Luke Decock of the News & Observer thinks Tuomo Ruutu will play on Thursday but Erik Cole will not.  His offensive numbers haven’t been strong this playoffs, but Cole’s loss is still very significant.
• Tim Sassone says the Hawks may very well learn more from losing their current series against Detroit than they did beating either Calgary or Vancouver.  If the Hawks have a chance in this series, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook will have to play ten times better than they did on Sunday.
• People who see Pavel Datsyuk as only a goal-scorer are missing the big picture.  Agreed.  This guy is about as good an all-around player as there is in the game today.
• Maybe Miroslav Satan’s playoff performance shouldn’t be surprising people as much as it is.  Interesting piece.

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• In Anaheim, Chris Pronger knows it is possible he could be moved this summer.  It will be decision time for Bob Murray this summer.  On one hand, he could choose to ride out Pronger’s remaining year and go for a Cup run.  On the other hand, he could trade Pronger while he still has a year left on his deal before possibly losing him for nothing.  Should be an interesting summer in SoCal.
• It seems like Manny Fernandez is seriously considering retirement.  If you’ve been reading his comments all season long, retirement kind of seems likely at this point.
• In other Boston news, Claude Julien has won Sporting News Coach of the Year.  They may have lost out in the second round, but few predicted so much success for Boston this season and that’s a testament to the job Julien did.
• Erik Erlendsson gained a lot of respect for Mark Recchi this season.  He’s a veteran leader for sure.

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• Shelly Anderson with a quick recap of Game 1.  Many of the Penguins were giving credit to Marc-Andre Fleury for keeping the team in last night’s contest.  Apparently Pittsburgh Tribune-Review columnist Joe Starkey felt the same way.  Fleury was good, but two unlikely contributors were also the key for Pittsburgh on Monday.  “He was cutting across the middle. I turned sideways to hit him, and he turned the other way. I almost fell over, too,” said Matt Cooke about his hit on Erik Cole.  (Writer’s note: Let’s call a spade a spade.  Matt Cooke is a dirty hockey player and has been for sometime now.  He continually makes cheap plays and last night’s hit on Cole was no exception.)   Penguins fans unfamiliar with Tuomo Ruutu should realize his game is very different from his brother’s.
• He was very, very good but last night Hurricanes fans realized that Cam Ward is, in fact, human.  It is not like the Canes haven’t been down 1-0 before this playoff season.  Scott Walker has more important things on his mind than hockey, but it helps that his wife is tougher than his teammates.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• Mike Babcock wants his Red Wings players to improve in the puck control department for Game 2.  Having been a veteran of so many playoff battles, do not expect Tomas Holmstom to panic because of his current goal-scoring drought, writes George Sipple.  Superstitions are running rampant in the Wings dressing room.  Even though he’s been a Red Wing for a while now, Chris Chelios still has a place in his heart for Chicago.
• Can Patrick Kane bounce back from a poor Game 1 performance?  Jonathan Toews will also try to do the same.  It will certainly help if they leave Game 1′s performance behind him like the rest of their teammates have done.  WIll Wings fans want to fight Bob Probert after hearing that he’s rooting for Chicago?  Many Blackhawks fans probably remember Daniel Clearly from his days with the Hawks, and boy, has he come a long way.  “The thing is against him is you need to be hungry to keep the puck and not give it up,” said Jonathan Toews about playing against Nicklas Lidstrom.  Mike Imrem of the Chicago Herald wonders why Dale Tallon doesn’t get more credit for the job he’s done in Chicago?

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• Here is some video on the possibility of Teemu Selanne retiring from the OC Register.
• What’s next for the Bruins?  Meanwhile, Bruins netminder Tim Thomas is going to try not to agonize all summer long over the Game 7 overtime goal he let in.  Sure they had a heartbreaking loss, but at least the team is trying to learn from this setback and move forward.  In other Boston news, long-term Bruins forward P.J. Axelsson may have played his final game for the franchise.
• Patrick Roy may deny it, but Adrian Dater is reporting that the choice is up to him whether he coaches the Avalanche next season or not.
• Michael Russo gives readers an inside view at the personality and perspectives of Minnesota Wild acting GM Tom Lynn.
• In Philadelphia, Flyers center Daniel Briere has decided to undergo corrective eye surgery.
• Some notes about the Sharks, courtesy of John Ryan.

The Coyotes situation:

• Could Jim Balsillie be stuck with the Coyotes in Phoenix?
• David Naylor elicits help from Bankruptcy experts in an attempt to predict which way the court will rule today.
• Apparently if Balsillie loses the court ruling, he won’t appeal.
• Winning cures everything, writes Paolo Boivin of the Arizona Republic.
• Craig Harris of the Arizona Republic has an interesting piece examining whether the Coyotes really are viable in Phoenix.
• Did only 7,000 homes tune into Coyotes games on television in the Phoenix area last season?
• One thing is for certain, the other professional sports league are supporting the NHL.

AHL Playoffs:

• The Manitoba Moose have taken a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Houston Aeros in the Western Conference Final.

Goaltending

Experience versus Experience.  Osgood was drafted in 1991 and Khabibulin was drafted in 1992.   Osgood was a member of the Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings in 1997, 1998, 2008 (as starter in 1998 and 2008).  Khabibulin won as the starter in Tampa’s 2004 run to the Stanley Cup.  Both goalies are solid, technically sound and know what it takes to win. 

Edge: Even

Defence:

The Detroit core of Lidstrom, Rafalski, Stuart, Kronwall were incredibly solid in front of Osgood in the first 2 rounds.  They continue to limit the shots he faced (3rd best in the playoffs at 27.5 per game).  Lidstrom continues to show that he is not only the best defensive defenceman on the Wings but also the most potent weapon on offence (#1 points overall for defenceman).

The Hawks defence has continued to improve throughout the playoffs.  Keith and Seabrook are both playing over 25 minutes per game.  Brian Campbell is quietly putting together quite an impressive playoff run.  He has the most points for a Hawks defenceman and is a +5 which is 2nd only to the Wings Lidstrom(+6).  As with the Hawks forwards, nobody told the defence that they aren’t supposed to be ready to be playing at this high a level but they continue to impress. 

Edge: Hawks

Forwards:

If I asked you who provided a significant portion of the scoring for the Wings through two round’s my guess is you would say Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen and Hossa.  Well you’d be partly right and partly wrong.  The Wings scoring machine was led by Franzen (5th overall in points) and Zetterberg (8th) but the next in the Wings attack were Dan Cleary (26th) and Jiri Hudler (28th).  The Wings come at you with all 4 lines and any one player has the ability to lead Detroit on any given night.  I expect Hossa and Datsyuk to step up in Round 3 and really display the true firepower in the Wings arsenal.

The names speak for themselves; Havlat, Kane, Toews, Versteeg, Sharp and Bolland.  Add in solid role players like Byfuglien and Burrish round out this list of young talent who have taken the Hawks soaring to unimaginable heights.  None of the Hawks are in the top 10 for points but they have spread out the scoring to create a balanced attack that the Wings defence is not going to enjoy facing.  As stated in the breakdown of the Hawks defence, these guys have everyone telling them they will be good in a few years, but continue to show that they are ready for the big show right now. 

Edge: Slightly Detroit

Special Teams:

We’ve played two rounds of playoff hockey and from the Wings we continue to get the same old thing.  Fantastic powerplay and anemic penalty kill.  I’m not sure what the disconnect is, but if they can limit the chances for the Hawks and continue to capitalize on the opportunities they are given, then the Wings should be ok. 

Similar to the Wings, the Hawks have an even more sizzling power play (1st overall) coupled with a cold as ice penalty kill.  Common sense would suggest that the best thing the Hawks can do is stay disciplined against this Veteran Detroit team and use their speed when on the power play to do some damage.

Edge: Even

Past Playof History:

If you’re a Hawks fan you want to remember 1991/92 when the Hawks led by Carmen, Manitoba’s Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Belfour, swept the Wings on their way to the Cup finals versus the Penguins. 

If you’re a Red Wings fans you want to look back at 1994/95 when the Wings beat the Hawks in double OT to win the series in 5.  (if any IC readers can find video of the Game 5 Double OT goal I would appreciate it)

Interestingly both teams (91/92 Hawks and 94/95 Wings) were swept in the Stanley Cup Finals.  (Hawks by a Mario Lemieux led Penguins and Wings by a young Martin Brodeur).

Bottom Line:

This is the 15th time that the Red Wings and Blackhawks have met in the post season.  With the exception of the goalies we have a young, up and coming Hawks teams versus a wily, veteran Wings team.  Detroit’s players with the exception of Hossa and Conklin have rings.  The Hawks only have 3 rings on the team (Andrew Ladd, Sammy Pahlsson and Nikolai Khabibulin).  In the end I feel that experience will win this series and ultimately the team from the Motor City will be victorious.

Winner:  Detroit in 6.

TSN’s Maggie the Macaque feels differently;

Maggie the Macaque has not had a great playoff run thus far in 2009, but Canada’s favourite predicting primate has high hopes for her picks in the Conference Finals.

Maggie sits at 4-8 after the first two rounds and on Friday spun the wheel to determine her selections for the Detroit Red Wings-Chicago Blackhawks Western Final and Pittsburgh Penguins-Carolina Hurricanes Eastern Final.

In the West, Maggie is going with Patrick Kane and the exciting young Blackhawks to knock the defending Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings from the playoffs.

As always feel free to share your thoughts with us on who you expect to prevail in the battle between Chicago and Detroit.

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins (1) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• Bruins attempt to finish the rally tonight.  Net worth in game 7 as goalie‘s are key factors to winning the series.  Claude Julien reiterated yesterday that Marc Savard will be able to play in Game 7 tonight.  As last night’s Illegal Curve Radio show guest and Boston Herald Bruins beat writer Stephen Harris said, when Savard, during Game 6,  came onto the ice to test whatever was ailing him, he didn’t last long.  Stephen then writes about the unique perspective that Andrew Ferrance has to view the B’s erratic performance.
• Are the Canes loaded for bear because they’ve got a big bad Bruin in their sights and if they don’t step it up they are in for a mauling.  Canes coach Paul Maurice said there could be an adjustment on defense and with the lines for Game 7 against the Bruins.  Carolina Hurricanes’ captain Rod Brind’Amour, then (2006) and now, didn’t have to say much to make his impact felt, but when he thought something had to be said, he said it.

Washington Capitals (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)

• Tarik El-Bashir discusses how the Capitals’ Nemesis took control quickly and closed an otherwise thrilling series with an easy win.  In the end, Crosby was the better player opines Mike Wise.  After last night’s loss, the Caps have nothing but praise for Simeon Varlamov.  What some of the Caps players did to keep their minds off game 7.
• Game 7s, like the one the Penguins and Washington played last night to determine the winner of their second-round playoff series, are always special.  Game 7, the drama, became a comedy or a tragedy depending on your rooting interest with Sidney Crosby as the hero.  The Pens never stopped believing, not after they fell behind two games to none and not after they were beaten at home in Game 6, a 5-4 Capitals victory that necessitated Wednesday night’s Game 7.  With a swipe of his glove, goalie Marc-Andre Fleury sent a message to everyone who doubted his abilities.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)

• A little nastiness to end Game 6, now Game 7 to decide which team keeps its Stanley Cup dreams alive and which one’s season ends abruptly.  What more can you ask for?  The Wings’ response should be to do what they do, which is show poise and experience and skate the feathers off the Duckies.  As I’ve been saying for quite some time, after an MVP-quality regular season, Pavel Datsyuk has slumped at a bad, bad time for the Red Wings.  Detroit’s most dependable distraction, Tomas Holmstrom, is suddenly nowhere to be found.  There isn’t much to hate about Hiller, except this: he is quite capable of standing on his head (figuratively), winning this series (literally) and ripping the Wings’ hearts out.
• To defeat the Red Wings, Ducks will need to outsmart them, and not rely on passion alone.  Could this be the Ducks’ most impressive playoff series victory. Ever.  The Ducks prepare for game 7 and all that entails.

Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• All the Blackhawks and their fans can do is sit back and watch as the other Western Conference semifinal series plays out to determine who the team will face in the conference finals and then try and figure who they’d rather face.  What do the Blackhawks do with all those hats thrown on the United Center ice?  Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane now understands Denis Savard firing.  GM Dale Tallon talks hockey, golf, pressure.

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• Predators General Manager David Poile came away from a recent meeting with Alexander Radulov believing the talented Russian forward does want to return to the NHL.
• Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke appeared on Toronto radio station AM 640 on Wednesday afternoon to dismiss rumours he was looking to move up in the NHL Entry Draft by making a deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning.  A serious error has been committed by Sports Illustrated in judging the Maple Leafs ownership to be the worst in the NHL.
• The Monreal Canadiens have signed defencemen P.K. Subban and Andre Benoit, GM Bob Gainey announced on Wednesday.
• They packed their bags, shook hands, and for some Vancouver Canucks, walked out of the dressing room for the last time yesterday.
• Of all of the coaches in Calgary Flames organization — at the National Hockey League level, at the American Hockey League level — only Mike Keenan has another year remaining on his contract.  Yet it’s his future, above all others’, that seems most uncertain.
• While the Avalanche remains without a general manager and intrigue surrounds its head coaching position, the team did manage to sign a couple of top prospects Wednesday to pro contracts.
• Comcast Corp. has no plans to sell its majority ownership stakes in the Sixers and Flyers because of the weak economy.
• The Atlanta Spirit were named one of the five worst owners in the NHL in a recent ranking by Sports Illustrated’s Web site.
• The Sharks are paying the price for their first-round playoff exit. The team, in a packet to season-ticket holders that included a letter from CEO Greg Jamison calling the loss “disappointing and embarrassing,” announced that season-ticket prices will remain the same for 2009-10.
• As soon as Willie Desjardins told his wife, Rhonda, he’d been chosen head coach of Canada’s next junior team, her reply was: “‘Well, we’ll have to win six.”
• India’s women’s field hockey team have cancelled their tour of Canada this month because of fears over the H1N1 influenza outbreak.

The Phoenix situation:

• Hamilton council approves Balsillie lease option for Copps Coliseum.
• Coyotes can’t be sold to Balsillie, Arizona city says.
• The provincial government is doing the old spinarama when it comes to financial help for BlackBerry billionaire Jim Balsillie’s bid to bring the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes to Hamilton.

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins (1) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• The Bruins performance last night allows for fans to see one of the great events in sports, a seventh game at the Boston Garden.  Marc Savard left yesterday’s game as a precautionary measure, but is expected to suit up for Game 7.  Mark Recchi’s leadership and clutch play are making Peter Chiarelli look good.  Meanwhile, Patrice Bergeron really came to play on Tuesday.  Boston was a motivated group last night.  So much for Carolina’s home-ice advantage.
• “I believe in this hockey team, I really do,” said Paul Maurice after his team’s home loss last night.  With the series heading back to Boston, the Hurricanes are once again the underdogs.  Boston was winning the one-on-one puck battles on Thursday.

Washington Capitals (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)

• Tonight’s game is only the tenth Game 7 ever hosted by the city of Washington.  If Capitals want to win this Game 7, then they will have to stay out of the penalty box.  Combine staying out of the box with solid secondary scoring, and Washington should be in business.  Winning tonight would conquer a lot of Pittsburgh demons for Capitals fans.
• Pittsburgh fans are unhappy with the play of Marc-Andre Fleury.  Game 7 is Fleury’s time to prove just how good he is, writes Joe Starkey.  Sergei Gonchar could possibly be in the lineup tonight against the Capitals.  Experience could be a big benefit for the Penguins tonight.  Off the ice, the Penguins have done a tremendous job marketing their product.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)

• The Wings are going to need Pavel Datsyuk to step up on offense if they want to win Game 7 tomorrow night.  Speaking of Datsyuk, Jonas Hiller turned aside his shot late in regulation, along with 37 others, as he kept the Ducks in yesterday’s game to force Game 7.  Detroit had a slow first period and it took them a while to get going, opines Bob Wojnowski.  Meantime, Niklas Kronwall reflects back on just how valuable his time in the AHL was to his current development.
• A healthy Ryan Getzlaf helped turn his team around yesterday, explains Helene Elliot of the L.A. Times.  Anaheim is doing a good job of keeping Pavel Datsyuk in check, writes Lisa Dillman.  Here is a description of the game play-by-play.  Will the Wings now feel the pressure by hosting Game 7 at home against an eight seed?

Vancouver Canucks (3) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• What’s next for the Vancouver Canucks?  Cam Cole isn’t sure that spending $8 million on a starting goaltender is the right way to do business in the salary cap era.
• Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune wonders if he can change his prediction that the Canucks would win the Round 2 series against Chicago?  Patrick Kane is the real deal and many Chicagoans are finding that out one game at a time.  Tim Sassone says he doesn’t buy the talk that the Hawks don’t care who they face in Round 3.

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch profiles Ohio State product and Washington Capitals center David Steckel.
• Apparently the Wild want to arrange for second interviews before naming the team’s new GM, but is has become difficult to schedule these interviews with a number of the candidates still involved in the playoffs.
• Johnny Oduya is that good, just ask his agent.
• Tampa Bay players better be ready for training camp, says coach Rick Tocchet.
• Brian Burke has shot down an absurd rumor about what he may possibly give up to move into the number two overall slot in the draft.
• Eric Duhatschek wonders if Canadian teams are going to win the Cup anytime soon?

The Phoenix situation:

• Wayne Gretzky is backing Jerry Reinsdorf’s bid to purchase the Coyotes.
• The Coyotes are asking to see what the possible terms were for a sale to Jerry Reinsdorf.
• Apparently the NHL wants to keep this deal quiet because it is not a high offer.
• Also, if you are in the Phoenix area, the Coyotes’ rally has been relocated.
• Apparently Jim Balsillie will want taxpayers to pitch in for the Copps Coliseum renovations.
• Want more information on the Coyotes situation?  Stephen Brunt of the Globe & Mail has a chat about it later today.

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins (1) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• Aaron Ward is questionable for tonight’s game.  The Bruins are hoping that Blake Wheeler can learn a lot from watching the game up in the press box.  If the Bruins want to win, they will need another monster game from Zdeno Chara.  The Hurricanes haven’t been in this situation this playoffs but know how important it is to close the door at home.  The in Carolina hasn’t been very good this series.
• Carolina need to take care of business tonight.  If you didn’t read yesterday, Scott Walker was fined but not suspended.  Will Walker’s punch unnecessarily motivate the Bruins?

Washington Capitals (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)

• “He’s a big-game guy,” said Bruce Boudreau about Capitals checking line center David Steckel.  Steckel wouldn’t have had the ability to score the overtime winner, had it not been for Viktor Kozlov’s two big goals.  FSN Pittsburgh recorded the best rating ever for a FSN regional hockey broadcast.  It’s a shame this series has to only go seven games.
• Game 7 should be a classic.  Why are the Penguins being so secretive about Sergei Gonchar’s injury?  The Penguins have been very happy with the play of Hal Gill and Rob Scuderi against Alexander Ovechkin.  Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin have been as good as advertised.  The Game 7 ending is going to be fitting, writes Mike Prisuta.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)

• Drew Sharp says that the Wings have been physically intimidating the Ducks.  Henrik Zetterberg has turned up his game lately.  Zetterberg’s been good, but he’s no Mule.  Brian Rafalski will be a game-time decision for tonight’s tilt.
• The Wings’ depth is one of the big advantages they have over the Ducks.  This Wings team is built to go on a Cup run.  Which Ducks team will show up tonight?  Anaheim does have a lot of players who have never experienced playoff intensity like this before.

Vancouver Canucks (3) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• Roberto Luongo took the blame last night and placed it squarely on his own shoulders.  The Blackhawks were better than the Canucks in all the important categories.  The Hawks’ speed and youthful exuberance seemed to intimidate the Canucks.  Daniel Sedin says the better team won.
• Patrick Kane took over the United Center last night.  Apparently Kane was fired up by some comments made by Willie Mitchell.  What a night, writes Dan McGrath.  Canucks coach Alain Vigneault says he has a lot of respect for the Blackhawks’ defense.  Meanwhile, Tim Sassone recaps what was a memorable night at the United Center.

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• What the heck is going on in Colorado?
• The NHL is hiding its game by putting it on Versus, writes Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch.
• Mike Modano is returning to the Stars next season.
• Philadelphia should forget about signing Ray Emery, writes Ed Moran.
• The Lighning have made Rick Tocchet the team’s official head coach.  The team also had an open forum yesterday.
• Jonas Gustavsson is currently with his ailing mother, so Brian Burke and the Leafs have decided to give the young man some space.

The Coyotes situation:

• The city of Phoenix is holding a rally to save the Coyotes.
• Are the Stars going to follow the Coyotes and also file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy?
• Apparently Hamilton is close to an arena deal.
• What do Canadians think about Balisillie’s bid?
• Some legal experts expect Balsillie to lose his court battle.
• Even if he loses, Balsillie has set the wheels in motion for another team in Southern Ontario, writes Stephen Brunt.

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins (1) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• “I don’t know that they keep time of possession stats, but if they do, you’ll definitely see a major difference between tonight’s game and the previous three games,” said Bruins netminder Tim Thomas after the Bruins’ impressive 4-0 home victory.  Boston gave its fans what they deserved last night, writes Bob Ryan.  Game 5 looked a lot more like Game 1 than any of the games in between, opines Kevin Paul Dupont.  It didn’t hurt that Zdeno Chara was back to his dominant ways yesterday.  The momentum was already in Boston’s favour, but the massive hit by Milan Lucic on Dennis Seidenberg got the crowd into the game.  The Bruins were mad about a couple cheap shots yesterday.  (Writer’s note: I am not one to defend cheap shots but c’mon here.  Jokinen didn’t exactly two-hand Chara hard.  I mean, the guy is like 6’7 and 260 pounds, a tap like that isn’t going to injure him.  Secondly, Aaron Ward was going after Matt Cullen (who has a bad concussion history) and Scott Walker, one of the more well respected players in the league, stuck up for his player.  Ward, the veteran defenseman that he is, has to be ready to defend himself.  What did he think Walker was going to do?  You go after a player with concussion issues, you are going to have to defend yourself and Ward isn’t exactly a soft player.  It is unfortunate that Ward may have a broken orbital bone, but I didn’t think it was a “sucker punch.”)
• “I think we got sucked into their style of game,” said Hurricanes netminder Cam Ward.  Carolina should not have been surprised with Boston’s performance Sunday night at the Garden.  Claude Julien and Paul Maurice both have their opinions on the alleged cheap shots.

Washington Capitals (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)

• “And we have to believe that it’s capable of being done, and it is capable of being done,” said coach Bruce Boudreau about coming back against the Penguins.  The Capitals head into tonight’s game confident that their play in must-win games has been very strong.  Who as we kidding? The rivalry between these two teams is personal.  Has Mike Green played himself off the Canadian Olympic team?
• “I don’t think there’s going to be a letdown. We know we’re going to face a team that’s good, that’s dangerous and that’s going to be giving everything they’ve got,” said Penguins coach Dan Bylsma.  The Penguins’ defense has done a great job of blocking shots in front of Marc-Andre Fleury.  Miroslav Satan has come back from the AHL and played very well in this second round series.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)

• Last night’s scoreboard was closer than the play on the ice, writes Steve Schrader.  Johan Franzen’s scoring in the playoffs has been astounding.  The Wings are now playing this series the way the wanted to all along.  “Depth can wear on you over a seven-game series,” said Dan Cleary.
• “We’ll fly home. We’ll re-energize, re-focus. We’ll visit on the things that we have to do and emotionally try to charge ourselves. We weren’t emotionally involved enough on a consistent basis,” said coach Randy Carlyle.  Bobby Ryan wants his team to finish more checks.  Was it the flu that was the reason for Ryan Getzlaf’s post-season point streak ending at eight games?  “We had no business out there. They were better in every area and there’s no excuse,” said Teemu Selanne.

Vancouver Canucks (3) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• If the Canucks are going to comeback from down 3-2, they are going to need their veterans to step up.  Willie Mitchell does have experience mounting comebacks.  “Yes, there will,” said Alex Burrows when asked if there is going to be a Game 7 in this series.  Down on the farm, Cody Hodgson has been assigned to the Manitoba Moose.
• The Blackhawks realize they are one win away from playing in the Western Conference Finals.  Even though they are one win away, Chicago knows Vancouver is going to bring its best game on Monday.  Brian Campbell’s play this playoffs has made critics forget his play during last season’s playoffs.

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• There will be a Town Hall Meeting for Lightning fans today in Tampa.
• With his play in the World Championships, did Jason Spezza move his way into consideration for Canada’s 2010 Olympic Team?

The Coyotes situation:

• Does the NHL need to keep the Coyotes in Phoenix because of the market size?
• Did the NHL start running the Coyotes in return for cash?
• Hamilton continues to focus solely on working with Jim Balsillie.
• Apparently a deal between Hamilton and Balsillie could be completed as early as this week.

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins (1) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

•  A tremendous Bruins season has come down to the need to win three straight games, writes Fluto Shinzawa.  Bob Ryan is wondering where Jussi Jokinen has come from?  “Our team has picked the worst time of year to play their worst hockey,” said coach Claude Julien.  Meantime, Blake Wheeler continued to struggle yesterday.  The pressure is on Zdeno Chara to step up his game.
• The Hurricanes are not getting ahead of themselves even though they are only one game away from the Conference Finals.  For all the talk before the series about Zdeno Chara shutting down Eric Staal, Staal is proving that certainly is not the case.  Jussi Jokinen has been playing so well the crowd has been chanting his name.

Washington Capitals (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)

• The confidence the Capitals had coming into Pittsburgh is now gone, as they head back to Washington for tonight’s Game 5 all tied at two.  Simeon Varlamov picked a bad time to have his worst game of the playoffs.  Where has Alexander Semin been?
• Pittsburgh made it an even series with a 5-3 home victory over the Capitals on Friday.  The Penguins were not happy with Alexander Ovechkin’s hit/knee of Sergei Gonchar.  In terms of Gonchar’s playing status for tonight, while it is up in the air, it looks likely that he won’t play.  At least both sides agree the ice during this series has been terrible.  In other news, Sidney Crosby commented on the Alexander Ovechkin threat.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)

• The Wings returned to Motown brimming with confidence, writes Helene St. James.  They may be confident, but they’ll have to play Game 5 without Tomas Kopecky.  Both Kris Draper and Brian Rafalski will miss Game 5.  Good thing Marian Hossa is playing his best hockey of the season at just the right time.
• How will Randy Carlyle react to Mike Babcock’s changes in Game 5?  The Ducks are happy there are two days off between games.

Vancouver Canucks (3) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• If the Canucks want to win Game 5, they will need to get more shots on Nikolai Khabibulin.  Don’t worry Canucks fans, Kevin Bieksa is going to play in Game 5.  Here is some bulletin board material the Canucks can use.  If Vancouver wants to win this series, their best forwards need to step up.
• “Now we’re going there tied and with a confidence boost. We can get in there and get at them right away,” said Hawks center Dave Bolland.  Andrew Ladd has been clutch for Chicago.  Hawks fans should not expect the Canucks to sit back again in Game 5.

Boston Bruins (1) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• Coach Claude Julien gave his players the day off with the hope that time away from the rink will help shake the Bruins from their two-game slide, writes Fluto Shinzawa.  Game 3 was a bad deal from the start, as evidenced by Bob Ryan’s notes and he feels that fate is swaying Carolina’s way.  Marc Savard takes responsibility for his penalty on Cam Ward after reviewing the video.
• Two players who were deemed expendable on other teams played a large part in helping the Canes defeat the Boston Bruins in Game 3.  It wasn’t just fans who erupted in celebration when the Canes made the 2nd round, so did bar owners, hotel managers, store clerks — even high school band parents.  On a lighter note, it appears some people don’t love the music being played during the Canes games.

Washington Capitals (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)

• The relationship between Caps coach Bruce Boudreau and Pens coach Dan Bylsma dates back more than 15 years.  While Gary Bettman is distracted in Phoenix, Washington Capitals General Manager George McPhee voiced his displeasure with the officiating in his team’s second-round series with the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Dan Steinberg tells us that for their first 33 years of existence, the Washington Capitals never played two playoff games in consecutive nights in different cities. Credit the organization as a whole for putting the team in position to get the most out of its success.
• Max Talbot knows his role on the team. That’s one of the reasons the Pens have been successful. Pens fans wonder if Gonchar needs to be on the power play since it appears he’s lost a step.  The teenager who was questioned in connection with the death threat against Ovechkin has not been charged.  Penguins defenseman Kris Letang follows a ritual before every game, he showers, then stretches, then sits alone in silence inspired by the memory of his friend.  Both the Capitals and Penguins were not exactly ecstatic to hear they were playing back-to-back games in Round 2.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)

• The Red Wings earned the result they wanted, even if it started off on the wrong note, writes Ted Kulfan.  However, this time there were no controversies or premature stoppages of play, as Marian Hossa finally lived up to his reputation.  The entire Wings team contributed to yesteday’s victory although what was probably most encouraging to Wings fans was the play of the team’s stars.  Don’t expect the highly coveted Jim Nill to end up taking any of the current GM openings around the NHL.
• “Our team didn’t play very well,” said Ducks coach Randy Carlyle after yesterday’s loss to Detroit.  James Wisniewski was seething over being elbowed in the head by Tomas Holmstrom while he was reeling from the shot.  Helene Elliot’s questions for the Ducks now is whether they can silence the Detroit offense after it awoke with a roar on Thursday.

Vancouver Canucks (3) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• The Vancouver Canucks lost a game, momentum and maybe a key defenceman Thursday night.  Iain MacIntyre laments on how the Canucks were within three minutes of building a 3-1 series lead against the Chicago Blackhawks.  If you don’t shoot, you can’t score.  Rose Dimanno thinks Mats Sundin is a good fit as a support scorer.  Dimanno also writes about the tragedy that Taylor Pyatt deals with everyday.
• The Blackhawks came to life at exactly the right time on Thursday.  “We had good chances all game and I thought we deserved to win tonight,” said Duncan Keith.  The emotional swings of the NHL playoffs are something else.

Teams that did not make the playoffs:

• Patrick Roy is in Denver today meeting with Pierre Lacroix.
• Pierre McGuire would be the Wild’s gain if they decide to hire him for their open GM spot, opines Bruce Dowbiggen.

The Coyotes situation:

• Who controlled the Coyotes and for how long?
• It won’t matter in a court of law, but Jim Balsillie has much support in the court of public opinion.
• The date to circle on your calendar is May 19, writes Craig Harris of the Arizona Republic.
• Dave Perkins says the owners aren’t going to welcome Balsillie to their club.
• “We were up against a time frame by the NHL that a decision had to be made, this was the only option,” said Jerry Moyes.
• Don’t underestimate Gary Bettman.
• Stephen Brunt of the Globe & Mail tries to figure out how Phoenix got to the point of bankruptcy.
• Here are the arguments of both sides.

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins (1) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• The Bruins are at their best when they are not looking for the perfect play.  “We would just throw pucks at the net. We weren’t patient with it. We didn’t hold onto it. That’s a big key to our game,” said veteran forward Mark Recchi.  That impatience also translated to poor special teams play, writes Steve Conroy.  Over on the other side, Ron Francis is still having a great effect on the Hurricanes organization.
• “I don’t think we have the kind of hockey team right now that thinks this season has been good enough,” said coach Paul Maurice about his Hurricanes squad.  The Bruins are beatable, but it won’t be easy, writes Luke Decock.  What are some ex-Whalers/Hurricanes doing these days? 

Washington Capitals (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)

• This matchup is somehow living up to all the hype, writes Tarik El-Bashir.  “Thus, in the series’ first two games — both won by Washington — unmatchable hype is being matched, because the two best players have four goals apiece and are delivering the kind of performances that forge true rivalries,” opines Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post.  “I think it’s great for our sport,” said Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau after yesterday’s contest.  Hockey historian Joe Pelletier tells us just how rare two hat tricks in the same playoff game has been.  Simeon Varlamov did a good job of holding onto the lead as well.  Tyler Sloan filled in on the back-end for the Capitals last night and did a solid job.
• Where have all the Penguins’ secondary scorers been?  Chris Kunitz doesn’t think his struggles are due to a lack of chemistry with Sidney Crosby.  If you think Sidney Crosby can’t score goals, you haven’t been watching these playoffs.  Simeon Varlamov is frustrating the Penguins with his solid play.  Are the Penguins running Varlamov?

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)

• Wings coach Mike Babcock isn’t concerned at all about Pavel Datsyuk’s point struggles so far this series.  Not surprisingly, the Wings did not have a hard skate on Monday.  Dave Dye of the Detroit News says the Wings need more secondary scoring.  With so many veterans on board, Detroit isn’t going to let the downer of Game 2 carryover into Game 3.  Speaking of veterans, both Brian Rafalski and Kris Draper have been ruled out for tonight’s game.
• The Ducks have complete confidence in the goaltending ability of Jonas Hiller.  Even if the veterans on both sides are tired, they won’t be telling the media anyhow, writes Dan Wood.  “Ryan Getzlaf is the best, I really believe that,” said teammate Teemu Selanne.  Meantime, Randy Carlyle wants a better performance from Bobby Ryan tonight.

Vancouver Canucks (3) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• “We don’t want to trade chances with them,” said Canucks winger Alex Burrows.  Sami Salo won’t be dressing tonight for Vancouver.  Do not expect the Canucks to panic after one loss.  Big Dustin Byfuglien is having a huge impact on the series thus far, opines Eric Duhatschek.
• As Duhatschek pointed out, Byfuglien is doing his best to irritate Luongo.  Jonathan Toews has denied rumors that he has a shoulder injury.  The Canucks know they have to limit Chicago’s speed.

Teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs:

• Current televison color commentator and former NHL All-Star Danny Gare has been let go by the Blue Jackets organization.
• Darryl Sutter says he isn’t looking to change up the core of his team in Calgary.
• Markus Naslund was a class act that was never the same after the Todd Bertuzzi incident, writes Larry Brooks.
• Flyers GM Paul Holmgren has confirmed reports that he’s interested in signing Ray Emery.

Teams that did not make the playoffs:

• Short-time Sabres netminder Mikael Tellqvist has signed overseas.
• The top two candidates for the Wild GM post appear to be Pierre McGuire and Chuck Fletcher, explains Michael Russo.

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins (1) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• Kevin Paul Dupont says the Bruins faced a far different Hurricanes team than they faced in Game 1.  Carolina was just the better team last night.  Even though they lost, the Bruins did catch a break at the end of the second period, although Tim Thomas thinks the NHL got the call right.  While people wondered whether that goal went in, Cam Ward didn’t let anything get close to the goal line for the Hurricnaes.  After leaving Boston and having trouble finding a home, former Bruin Sergei Samsonov looks comfortable in Carolina.  Meanwhile, Dan Shaughnessy tells us that Whalers fans still exist.
• Any pre-game obstacles that had existed for Carolina were overcome during Game 2, writes Chip Alexander.  “We haven’t had much luck against these guys going back to the regular season, and this is a big confidence booster,” said Hurricanes star Cam Ward.

Washington Capitals (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)

• Over the past few months Simeon Varlamov hasn’t changed, but the circumstances around him sure have, explains Barry Svrluga.  George McPhee seems to have made the right decision by keeping his young assets at the deadline, including Varlamov.  Varlamov’s success has brought about a role reversal for Jose Theodore.  The Capitals need to put their nerves aside and come out with a good start in Game 2.  In other Capitals news, Matt Bradley has fit in great on the team’s third line.
• Evgeni Malkin says he will be better in Game 2.  With a veteran laden team, do not expect Pittsburgh to panic down 1-0 in the series.  The Penguins are actually taking a lot of good things from Game 1.  One of the aspects of their game they are looking to improve is the power play, writes Rob Rossi.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)

• After yesterday’s marathon affair, Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press tells Wings fans to expect more overtime in this series.  “We have to put that behind us and come out and be ready for the next game,” said Nicklas Lidstrom.  Detroit is hoping Ryan Getzlaf begins to tire in this series from playing too many minutes.  However, before worrying about Getzlaf tiring, they need their big guns to step up.
• For Jonas Hiller’s first marathon contest of his career, he definitely looked calm, cool and collected, writes Helene Elliot.  Randy Carlyle’s roster moves ended up paying dividends.  “The guy that made the play was really Rob Niedermayer driving the middle lane,” said coach Randy Carlyle about Todd Marchant’s overtime winning goal.  You think overtime is hard, try one of Carlyle’s long practices.

Vancouver Canucks (3) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• The Canucks believe they lost Game 2 because of poor breakdowns.  In injury news, Sami Salo didn’t travel with the team yesterday to Chicago.  Elliot Pap says the Canucks need at least one win in Chicago.  The Sedins have made themselves a lot of money since the playoffs began.  If the reports about Markus Naslund are true, will Vancouver retire his number?
• Chicago wants to carry the momentum of Game 2 onto home ice tomorow night.  Steve Rosenbloom says the Hawks know how to beat Roberto Luongo.  One thing is for certain, Chicago will continue to go to the net hard.

Teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs:

• Is Ray Emery going to sign with Philadelphia?  The link is broken on the Ottawa Citizen page but that’s the headline.

Teams that did not make the playoffs:

• The Denver Post’s Adrian Dater already crowns the Red Wings with the 2009 championship.  (Writer’s note: I remember Dater picking Anaheim for the Finals, and then came upon his blog entry from last night admitting such.)
• Damien Cox talks about the possibility of Pierre McGuire being hired by the Minnesota Wild.
• Chris Zelkovich says having a broadcaster stand between the benches has been a great move by NBC.

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins (1) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• Kevin Paul Dupont predicts the Bruins win in six games.  Former Hurricanes defenseman Aaron Ward knows just how good some of the Carolina weapons are.  So far this season, Zdeno Chara has shutdown Eric Staal.  Here are the Canes that Bruins fans have to watch for.  Also, here are the five keys to winning for the Bruins.
• It is hard not to fall in love with the Hurricanes at playoff time, writes Luke Decock.  Decock also provides Carolina’s three keys to winning this series.  That said, there is no secret who the Canes will be relying on to win this series.  Here is a breakdown of the team’s four regular season matchups.  Finally, Decock says Boston in seven.

Washington Capitals (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)

• Corey Masisak of the Washington Times previews every aspect of this series.  (Writer’s note: He did the same on the IC Radio Show this week.  Click here to listen to the show, and fast-forward to the 30 minute mark to hear Corey.)  After dispatching the lowly Rangers attack, Simeon Varlamov’s task gets a lot more difficult.   Ryan O’Halloran thinks a quick start for Washington is imperative.  Check out this interesting profile on Capitals defenseman Mike Green.  Finally, there was even more rest for Ovechkin on Thursday.
• Crosby versus Ovechkin is going to be as good as people are making it out to be.  Since his return from injury, Sergei Gonchar has a been a steadying force on Pittsburgh’s back-end.  Gonchar’s countryman wants the Cup as bad as anyone.  This series is going to have so much intensity, it will be a fan’s dream.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)

• The Wings are hoping they get to Jonas Hiller just like they did Steve Mason.  Mike Babcock isn’t pulling any punches, as he wants all penalties called this series.  Helene St. James breaks down the series position by position.  What is Kris Draper’s injury status? Here are predictions for the series from the Detroit Free Press staff.
• Not surprisingly, Ducks coach Randy Carlyle wants his team to cutdown on its penalties coming into Detroit.  Speaking of Carlyle, there is a clear mutual respect between him and Mike Babcock.  The Ducks are aware just how dangerous the Red Wings are.  Here is a recap of the season series between the two squads this season.  So, who is going to win?

Vancouver Canucks (3) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• The Canucks pulled out a wild 5-3 win at GM Place on Thursday night.  Ed Willes cannot get over how strange yesterday’s game was.  Leafs fans may not recognize this Kyle Wellwood, but he was a game-changer last night.  Vanouver will take the win, but they know they can be a lot sharper in Game 2.  Meantime, the Canucks have added Jeff Cowan to the team’s playoff taxi squad.
• “It’s tough to lose like that, especially with a minute left,” said Blackhawks sniper Patrick Kane.  The Hawks blew a pretty good chance yesterday, opines Steve Rosenbloom.  Even so, there is a lot that Chicago can take from this game.  In fact, Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times thinks yesterday’s performance was a strong statement from Chicago.

Teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs:

• Two Blue Jackets, Jan Hejda and Alex Picard, underwent wrist surgery on Wednesday.
• Jeff Carter was playing in the playoffs with a separated shoulder.  (Writer’s note: He really didn’t look right, so this doesn’t surprise me.)
• The city of San Jose and the entire Sharks organization is mourning the passing of Frank Jirik.
• Sean Avery believes that Rangers coach John Tortorella will make him a better player.  Just how similar are Avery and Tortorella?  Speaking of Tortorella, he came out yesterday and apologized for his water bottle incident. “It was a terrible year, not only the way the team ended, but personally,” said Scott Gomez.
• “We’re 48 hours away from the most devastating loss I’ve had as a coach or a player,” said Devils coach Brent Sutter.  Brian Gionta is an UFA this summer and he says he wants to comeback to play for the Devils.  Meantime, Zach Parise is just plain tired of losing.

Teams that did not make the playoffs:

• Dan Bickley wonders if the city of Phoenix would miss the Phoenix Coyotes in this morning’s Arizona Republic?
• “And if I ever got there (back to the NHL), they would be my No. 1 pick because they showed me the interest first. I never forget that. I respect that and they would be my first pick,” said Jaromir Jagr about the Edmonton Oilers.
• Ilya Kovalchuk has been playing great over at the World Championships.
• Panthers winger Richard Zednik has left the NHL to sign with the KHL.
• Leafs prospect Dale Mitchell has become a bit of a cult-hero in Windsor.  Hey Toronto, remember Paul Maurice?

• Detroit/Anaheim
• Vancouver/Chicago
• Boston/Carolina
• Washington/Pittsburgh

FINAL		T
	Vancouver	5
	Chicago	3
Game Preview
Game Scoresheet
Team Game Threads: Nucks Misconduct Second City Hockey
Game Recap

In the lost city of the left-coasters, at a faceoff time adjusted with the potential viewing audience in mind, the crown jewel of the second round begins. OK, it’s the only stone out there tonight; and that’s a good thing because it’s also the forgotten series. Check out any second round preview splash in any medium: Canucks and Hawks are last on the list and least in the cover. Let’s be fair, I wasn’t able to hear the IC show live last night and it hasn’t been archived at this moment so our boys may have given it some props; and it’s way behind the Champs vs the Underdogs and Sid vs OV and the Cardiac Kids vs the Big Bad Bruins in terms of glitz.

But still…let’s have a look.

Goaltending

Let’s start here because Vancouver will win this series and the reason will be Roberto Luongo.

It isn’t just that head-to-head he’s better than Nikolai Khabibulin, though he is; or that he’s younger, though he is; or that he’s more rested, though he is; it’s that he’s playing the best lights-out goal on the planet right now.

His team has complete faith in him and that allows them to play with confidence. They believe they will win.

Very soon, the Chicago Blackhawks will believe it too. They’ll try to run him, but that’ll only motivate him and bring his teammates closer together to defend him. He’s waited a long time for this chance with this team and the look in his eye says he’s not going to let it go.

Edge: Canucks, not even close.

Defense

I like the Blackhawk D. They’re young, mobile, gritty, tough, and determined. They play well together and there’s a lot of them — good depth. Seabrook, Barker and Campbell can bring it on O; and Keith and the rest are solid on D. I think Campbell’s still too soft for my liking with that team, and his contribution on O can stand some improvement; but he fits in well with the others. They played well most of the time against the Flames but there were some real lapses. They won’t get away with that against the Canucks — a lot of speed there.

I like the Canuck D. They’re solid, experienced defenders who can play it any way you want. Banging game? No problem. Wanna go? Ask Kevin or Willie or Shane. Power play points? Ask Kevin or Sami or Alexander or Mattius. The Canucks allowed 5 goals in 4 games vs the Blues, and yes that was in large part due to RL, but he and the D are so comfortable and in tune with each other they make a tough unit to beat. They move the puck up ice very well and can skate with anyone, and one through six they’re quality is higher than the Hawks’.

Edge: Canucks, but closer than the Goaltending.

Forwards

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Chicago’s young guns are fast and talented and are just that — young. They’ve got spirit and young legs and hands and hands and hands. Nothing in the way of NHL Playoff experience though and that could be interesting as the pressure mounts. The Hawk “vets” like Havlat (who would have believed a full year — except cynical Richard — from him?) and Sharp have played well, and Eager and Byfuglien are always ready to nail the opposition to the wall and drop ‘em. The acquisition of Sammy Pahlsson has added an element of stability that only comes with experience and savvy. He’s a lot like P.J. Axelsson of the Bruins that way: what used to be called a utility player.

The Canucks’ forwards are in a groove. It looks to me like Burrows is reading the twins and they him a lot like Gretzky and Kurri did. They’ll kill you if you blink, and did you notice — Henrik is getting downright cranky! OK, maybe not cranky. Feisty? Yeah, feisty. Can’t be a bad thing. I’m always worried about Sundin and Demitra and their various wonky body parts, but Demitra has looked solid for quite a while and Sundin is reported by his coach to be skating the best he has since his arrival. They’re always two winces away from the IR, those two, but what they bring to the table while they’re there is big. Sundin isn’t what he was but his presence is significant to his team, I think. As for Ryan Kesler — he’s a warrior. He’s on my team any day.

The most intriguing player on both teams to me is Kyle Wellwood. I think he just may have started along the most amazing journey of remaking himself since Stan Mikita did it as a Blackhawk. He’ll never be the star Mikita was, but his reinvention of himself as a Canuck is nothing but good news for his team. He’s my X-factor this series and the next. Look for him to play a significant role.

Edge: Close, but again, Canucks.

Coaching, Special Teams, Et cetera

I like Joel Quenneville. He’s classy and smart and I think his team plays hard for him. Alain Vigneault is a complete mystery to me. I can’t ever remember a head coach who survived a GM/President change for a whole season. And prospered. Without much in the way of rumours. In Vancouver? No way. Oh yes. So it looks like he can handle pressure.

PP: Edge to Vancouver.

PK: Slight edge to the Hawks with Pahlsson.

Home Ice Advantage: Big for Vancouver. Chicago can win on the road, but should it come to that, can they play from 2 games back? I think they might have to.

Edge: Canucks

So?

So in the first round I was good. Seven of eight. Where did I miss? You can go back in the IC archives and look it up if you want. Nah — it was Vancouver. I thought the Blues would just roll over them. Hey Canucks — won’t get fooled again.

Prediction: Canucks in 6 (but 5 wouldn’t surprise me).
We shall see. That’s why we watch.

Washington Capitals (2) versus New York Rangers (7)

• Could Chris Clark return to the Capitals lineup tonight to replace the suspended Donald Brashear?  The Capitals have a chance to redeem last season’s Game 7 heartbreak versus Philadelphia tonight at the Verizon Center, writes Mike Wise.  Nothing like ESPN reporting that Mike Green would be suspended.
• According to coach John Tortorella, the Rangers have absolutely nothing to lose tonight.  Jay Greenberg takes issue with Tortorella’s methods in this morning’s NY Post.  Tortorella aside, the Blueshirts have a chance if Henrik Lundqvist stands on his head.  If hockey was on people’s radars, then maybe there would be a big outcry about the two Game 7s of the NY area being aired at essentially the same time.

New Jersey Devils (3) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• Amazingly, Jamie Langenbrunner had knee surgery after Game 2 of this series and somehow came back to play Game 6.  The Devils’ top young duo of Travis Zajac and Zach Parise is nervous but looking forward to tonight’s Game 7.  As Mike Rupp says, the team that is the most relaxed will win tonight.  Stopping Eric Staal may be the key to winning tonight’s game.  Off the ice, Lou Lamoriello is reportedly going to be relieved of his business duties with the team.  That report is now being denied.
• Sure it is Game 7 tonight, but the Hurricanes have learned that every game is important.  Don’t expect any lineup changes by Paul Maurice.

Second Round Matchups

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus Anaheim Ducks (7)

• Kris Draper thinks he will be able to return for the start of Round 2.  Darren Helm, who has picked up the slack in Draper’s absence, played extra physical in the first round.
• Helene Elliot says that last night’s result in favor of Anaheim proves that the regular season means very little.  Ryan Getzlaf led the Ducks from beginning to end, writes Dan Wood.  “I thought we were hungrier,” said Teeme Selanne.  Yesterday’s game was good old playoff hockey.

Vancouver Canucks (3) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• If the Canucks were going to take the next step this season, they had to replace Markus Naslund, opines Ed Willes.  Coach Alain Vigneault is confident his entire defense corps will be ready for the start of Round 2.  Speaking of Round 2, the Canucks now know their opponent.  If you think the Canucks are taking it easy at practice, you are sadly mistaken.
• The Blackhawks defeated Calgary on Monday, marking the first time the organization has won a playoff round in thirteen years.  Yesterday’s series victory was an impressive feat for the young Hawks.  Even post-series, Adam Burish claims he was never told by any teammates or coaches to stop yapping.  The Seabrook brothers have a great bond, explains Shannon Ryan.

Boston Bruins (1) versus TBA

• Tim Thomas is now recognized around the NHL as one of the league’s top netminders, so he won’t be surprising anyone anymore.  Earlier this playoffs, Matt Hunwick had his spleen removed, so he’s hoping the Bruins make a long run to enable him to return to the fold.  It doesn’t appear the Bruins will start Round 2 until Friday.

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus TBA

• The Penguins don’t know who they’ll play in Round 2, but they know they’ll probably play on Thursday or Friday.  During Dan Bylsma’s day off, he paid a visit to Wilkes-Barre.  More talk on whether fighting can change the momentum of a game.  (Writer’s note: Good points by Starkey, but I still don’t agree in this case.)

Teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs:

• The San Jose Sharks lost in the first round for the first time since 2001.  Mark Purdy says the Sharks never got a hold of the series.
• Jarome Iginla says he didn’t do enough in the Flames’ six-game series loss to the Blackhawks.  Last night’s loss means that the Flames have lost four first round matchups in a row.  Miikka Kiprusoff says fatigue was not a factor in his playoff performance.  Excuses may be for losers, but the Flames did have some valid reasons for losing to Chicago.  Mike Keenan was outcoached, writes Eric Francis.  What will become of the Flames’ pending free agents?
• Steve Mason’s first time in Vegas this June for the NHL Awards should be fun.

Teams that did not make the playoffs:

• After undergoing hip surgery, Niklas Backstrom got some good news yesterday, writes Brian Stensaas.
• If Sabres fans don’t knoiw the name Jhonas Enroth, they should get to know it.
• Apparently the Oilers are interested in Tom Renney for the vacant head coaching position.

Boston Bruins (1) versus Montreal Canadiens (8)

• Did you know Mark Stuart and Shane Hnidy were only on the ice for one Montreal goal against in the entire first round?  For now, the Bruins are just watching the playoffs to see which team they will meet in Round 2.
• Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette says the Habs are an awful bunch from top to bottom.

Washington Capitals (2) versus New York Rangers (7)

• The Capitals defeated the Rangers at MSG yesterday and now hold all the momentum going into Tuesday’s deciding Game 7.  If Henrik Lundqvist was in the Capitals’ heads earlier this series, he sure isn’t anymore, writes Dan Steinberg.  For a guy who was booed out of New York, Sunday’s four point performance must have been sweet revenge for Tom Poti.  Speaking of defensemen, Mike Green is back on track offensively for the Caps.
• “You look at the score of the last two games, it’s hard to say we worked hard enough,” said Chris Drury.  The Rangers just don’t look very good right now, explains Jay Greenberg.  Subject to an elbow from Donald Brashear, Rangers center Blair Betts will miss Game 7.  Meanwhile, Brandon Dubinsky claims he was bitten during Game 6.

New Jersey Devils (3) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• “One team played like there was no tomorrow; the other team played like there was,” said Devils coach Brent Sutter after his team’s 4-0 loss last night.  You play all season for home-ice advantage and the Devils are hoping that will give them the edge in Game 7.  Home-ice won’t even matter if the Devils’ best players don’t come to play on Tuesday.
• With a terrific performance from Eric Staal, it all comes down to Tuesday night for Carolina.  Has Paul Maurice finally found the right combinations for the Hurricanes’ lines?

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Philadelphia Flyers (5)

• Evgeni Malkin has had some important fans in the stands to cheer him on.  It was sure important for the Penguins to avoid a Game 7 with the Flyers.  Penguins GM Ray Shero is happy his team has faced some adversity during this season’s playoffs.
• The Flyers seemed at a loss for words when it came to identifying what went wrong this season.  Here is the team’s free agent situation heading into the summer.  Don’t expect the Flyers organization to panic after the series loss, says Comcast President Peter Lukko.

Western Conference

San Jose Sharks (1) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)

• As long as the Sharks keep sarcifing their bodies, they have a chance to win this series, opines Mark Purdy.  If the Sharks are to win the next two games, they need Joe Thornton to play like he did in Game 5.  Are the Sharks similar to the 2007 Dallas Mavericks?
• Teemu Selanne is keeping a positive attitude, even though he’s only tallied one assist all series versus San Jose.  Having short-term memories really does help the Ducks from game-to-game, writes Dan Wood.

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Columbus Blue Jackets (7)

• Here are the teams that the Red Wings could face in Round 2.  The legendary Jimmy Devellano reflects back on his time with the Red Wings.

Vancouver Canucks (3) versus St Louis Blues (6)

• Kyle Wellwood has played really well so far this playoffs but he may be even more proud of the way his brother has played in the OHL playoffs.  When it comes to who they may match up against in the second round, the Canucks don’t care.  Ryan Kesler has become a beast for the Canucks, writes Grant Kerr.

Chicago Blackhawks (4) versus Calgary Flames (5)

• “We believe we can win in their building,” says Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith.  They may have confidence they can win in Calgary, but the Hawks know it won’t be easy.
• If the Flames want force Game 7, they will have to eliminate their mid-game lapses, writes Eric Duhatschek.  “We don’t want it to be over, and we don’t believe it will be over. We believe we’re going to win that game and force Game 7,” said Flames captain Jarome Iginla.  In injury news, Dion Phaneuf is still listed as day-to-day.

Non-Playoff Teams/Stories:

• Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says fighting isn’t always responsible for changing the momentum of the game.  (Writer’s note: Maybe he’s been reading this site, as I’ve been arguing the same thing for the past two days)
• Not surprisingly, Canada dominated Hungary at the World Hockey Championships.

San Jose Sharks (1) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)

• The Sharks’ top line all scored one time, as San Jose managed to stay alive by defeating the Ducks in overtime last night.  Marleau, Thornton and Setoguchi wanted to be reunited and coach McLellan granted their wish.  After yesterday’s performance, there is no doubt as to who the number one unit is in San Jose.  Evgeni Nabokov was sharp yesterday.
• Anaheim was not happy with the overtime goal scored by Patrick Marleau.  Even though they lost, the Ducks still remain confident heading home. 

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Columbus Blue Jackets (7)

• Chris Osgood is ready to roll for Round 2.  Meantime, fourth line center Darren Helm has added a nice element to the team’s fourth line.
• The Blue Jackets season in review courtesy of Aaron Portzline.  Looking forward to next season, the Jackets need to look to add depth.

Vancouver Canucks (3) versus St Louis Blues (6)

• Ryan Kesler is fast becoming the favorite Canuck player for many of the team’s fans.  In encouraging news, Mats Sundin had another good practice yesterday.  Speaking of injuries, Willie Mitchell took some of practice off due to general soreness but should be alright.
• With players returning from injury next season, the Blues’ power play should be much improved.

Chicago Blackhawks (4) versus Calgary Flames (5)

• The Blackhawks plain dominated the Flames yesterday night.  The Flames were just stupid last night, writes Steve Rosenbloom.  “We want to keep some gas on the pedal,” said coach Joel Quenneville.  Here is an interesting profile on Dustin Byfuglien.
• Miikka Kiprusoff doesn’t really know why he was pulled in last night’s game.  The man who pulled him, Mike Keenan, took responsibility for last night’s loss.  The Flames are now on the brink of elimination.

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