Jaroslav Halak

David Perron

Coach Hitchcock

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  Meanwhile, the Predators are hoping Jerred Smithson’s penalty on Alexandre Burrows is rescinded.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.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

Led by a management team that includes John Davidson, Larry Pleau and Doug Armstrong, the Blues are in great hands.  The combination of experience and knowledge among the aforementioned three managers is tremendous and the Blues’ plan moving forward is indicative of just that.

After surprisingly making the playoffs last season, the Blues may be the surprise team in the National Hockey League in 2009/10.  Without further ado, let’s explain why that will be the case.

Forwards:

This team has a nice blend of youth and experience up front.  Led by the unassuming Brad Boyes, St. Louis possesses a ton of offensive talent.  In Boyes, the Blues have a big body who has a wicked shot—making his presence on the team’s power play vital (16 power play goals last season).  Boyes’ 72 points led the team in scoring last season and his 19:00+ minutes per-game led all forwards in ice-time per-game.

Along with Boyes, the Blues are led by speedster Andy McDonald.  McDonald, who was just recently invited to the Canadian Olympic orientation camp, posted an impressive 44 points in 46 games last season.  Injuries have been an issue for McDonald in the past (especially concussions) but prior to last season’s injury, McDonald had played 82 games in three consecutive seasons.  The former Ducks’ speed is his biggest asset, as well as his tremendous passing skills.

Before examining the team’s tremendous amount of youthful talent, let’s not forget about two veteran players the Blues will rely on this season.  Paul Kariya isn’t the dominating player he once was with the Anaheim Ducks but the former 50-goal scorer still has good wheels, a nasty shot and great passing skills.  Kariya played only 11 games last season and was actually off to a blazing start with 15 points, until he went down to injury.  While some may think of Kariya as injury-prone, similar to his teammates McDonald, Kariya played 82 games in three consecutive seasons prior to 2008/09.

The veteran Kariya is also joined by 37 year-old Keith Tkachuk.  Tkachuk is not the former 50 goal-scorer he used to be, but he still is able to contribute 25 goals a season which is no small task.  The Blues count as much on his veteran influence on the bench and in the locker room as they do on his on-ice production.  With the Blues working more young players into the line-up, expect Tkachuk’s totals to decrease to around 18-20 goals next season.

Now, let’s examine the team’s young core of offensive players.  First off, it is difficult to select a starting point.  Should we take a look at Patrik Berglund? What about T.J. Oshie?  Maybe David Backes?  Or how about David Perron?  Yes, the Blues organization is that stacked with young talent.

We will start by talking about Patrik Berglund, who was a candidate for rookie of the year last season.  The big Swedish center started off the season on a tear, slumped a bit during the three quarters point of the year and then started to find his game again in late March.  The 21 year-old Swede is big, strong and possesses tremendous hockey sense.  With his size and awareness he will eventually be able to control a game and his 41 points in 79 games, with only 14:43 minutes of ice-time per-game is a testament to that.  Of the Blues’ talented youngsters, he may be the best.

In a contrast of styles to Berglund, the Blues also have T.J. Oshie.  The former UND Fighting Sioux is spunky, aggressive and does not shy away from contact.  He reminds some of Theoren Fleury due to his size and style of play.  While some doubted his ability to make it in the NHL, Oshie tallied 39 points in only 57 games last season and finished a more than impressive +16 on the Blues (Best +/- on the team).

T.J. Oshie reminds some of Theoren Fleury. (Picture courtesy of Yahoo!)

Was there a more impressive player in the Blues’ short playoff run than David Backes?  He was all over the ice, played aggressive, yet controlled and contributed on the scoresheet (3 points in 4 games).  On top of that, he was counted on to play over 20:00 minutes per-night for Andy Murray.  Backes is big (6”3, 216 pounds) and plays that way (204 hits last season—which led the Blues by over 70 hits).  To compliment his aggressiveness, he also has soft hands (31 goals last season) and now everyone knows why Vancouver signed him to an offer sheet prior to last season.

With so much young talent up front, sometimes you forget the Blues have David Perron.  I know, it is hard to forget about a player that was third on the team in scoring last season, but that is just how much young talent the Blues have.  Perron has loads of offensive skill, he is a great stick-handler, passer and has a nose for the net.  There is a reason he saw 3:12 minutes per-game on the power play in 2008/09.  Perron is not big (6”0, 194 pounds) but does not back away from physical play either.  He is able to play this way because he trusts his skills and skating ability.  The Quebec native’s maturation (he almost doubled his point total from his rookie year) should only continue to see him tally more points.

Well, that is a close look at the team’s top eight offensive forwards.  Obviously offense is sexy, but the Blues also have some important grinders on the roster—namely Jay McClement.  McClement is the team’s top penalty killing forward (he averaged 3:50 minutes of penalty killing time per-game last season) and is team’s best checking forward.  He is not overly aggressive but he did lead the team in blocked shots by forwards last season (57 blocked shots) and is positionally sound.  Considering the depth of offensive talent up front, any offense he adds in (12 goals last season) is a bonus.

Filling out the team’s depth lines will be the likes of Alexander Steen (a smart player who is a good passer and has developed a solid two-way game), B.J. Crombeen (an aggressive player who plays the game kind of like a chicken with his head cut off) and Brad Winchester ( a big body who can play a responsible defensive game).

Defensemen:

The Blues incurred a fair amount of injuries on the blue line last season, so expect a far consistent group this season.  First off, Erik Johnson stopped golfing this summer so he could avoid missing another season to injury.  Jokes aside, the Blues missed Johnson’s game badly in 2008/09.  He is big, fast, a good passer, a good shooter and a great hitter.  Let’s just say there is a reason he was the top overall draft pick three years back.  Once Johnson gets back into the line-up this season, he will be the Blues’ best defenseman.

To say the Blues missed Erik Johnson last season, would be a massive understatement. (Picture courtesy of sportsnet.ca)

Joining the soon to be superstar Johnson, is the reliable Barrett Jackman.  Jackman is the classic Western Canadian defenseman, as he is unassuming off the ice and nasty on it.  The British Columbia native is tough (86 penalty minutes last season), aggressive (his 124 hits led all Blues defensemen in 2007/08) and willing to sacrifice his body (his 145 blocked shots were second on the team).  Jackman is the stay-at-home defenseman that every team covets, which is why the Blues have him locked up for the next three seasons.

After Johnson and Jackman the Blues count on Eric Brewer to play big minutes.  Brewer’s availability to being the season is now in doubt due to off-season knee surgery, but the injury does not appear to be overly serious.  The former Olympian never turned into the offensive defenseman many had hoped, but his skating ability for a man his size is truly impressive.  Moreover, his defensive awareness is very strong which is why he is always in good position.  He isn’t an overly aggressive player but his smarts make him a go-to guy for coach Andy Murray, as Brewer played 25:07 minutes per game in the 28 games he dressed for last season.

 Joining the top three defensemen on the Blues roster is the unheralded Roman Polak.  Polak is big (6”1, 232 pounds), and is only 23 years-old.  Last season Polak finally made his mark in St. Louis playing 69 games and logging the second most total minutes of any Blues defenseman.  In fact, Polak played 21:32 minutes per game and saw significant time on the power play and on the penalty kill.  The Slovakian has a wide-body and uses it to his advantage (his 110 hits was second highest in terms of the team’s defensemen); furthermore, he blocked the third highest amount of shots (109) on the team.

Before talking about the team’s depth defenseman we certainly cannot overlook arguably the team’s top prospect—Alex Pietrangelo.  The 19 year-old is a great skater who needs to fill out in order to compete at the NHL level.  There are few questions about his offensive ability, so once he matures and understands how to play in the pros, the Blues expect him to become a top-two defenseman along with Erik Johnson.

Fighting for the final two spots on the Blues’ back-end will be Carlo Colaiacovo (a good skater and puck-mover who lacks defensive awareness), Mike Weaver (a veteran puck-mover who skates fairly well), Brendan Bell (a tremendously skilled offensive defenseman who can play the power play but is poor in his own end) and Darryl Sydor (a veteran who has seen his better days but is a good leader).

Goaltending:

Last season, the Blues came into the year with Manny Legace as the team’s starting netminder.  Legace struggled mightily as the Blues’ starter and was demoted about halfway through the campaign.  When Legace was demoted, the Blues’ starting netminding job became Chris Mason’s and, boy, did he excel when given the chance.  In 2008/09, Mason posted an impressive .916 save percentage and a 2.41 G.A.A.  Along with those impressive totals, Mason posted six shutouts.  Heading into this season, Mason is the undisputed number one netminder for St. Louis.

Chris Mason took over between the pipes for St. Louis last season. (Picture courtesy of ST. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Backing up Mason, will be veteran NHL backup Ty Conklin.  Prior to the 2007/08 season, Conklin was seen as someone who was a fringe NHL backup.  However, a season in Pittsburgh and a season Detroit (Talk about bad timing!!! Did he ask Marian Hossa for career advice?) restored his standing across the league and the confidence he has in himself.  His solid .909 save percentage last season is more than serviceable for a backup netminder—so, expect Conklin to play more than your average backup.

Prediction:

I will admit it; I think the Blues are this year’s surprise team.  I love the mix of talent, youth, veteran leadership, coaching and managing. 

Ceiling: The team’s young players continue to improve; Chris Mason plays net like he did last season and Kariya, McDonald and Tkachuk stay relatively healthy.  2^nd in the Central Division (Yes I really do think they can finish higher than one of Detroit/Chicago) and 4^th in the Western Conference.

Floor: Chris Mason falter some, the team’s youngsters struggle to reach the next level and Columbus/Detroit/Chicago play too well.  4^th in the Central Division and 8^th in the Western Conference.

• Randy Carlyle is happy with his team’s moves this off-season, especially the addition of a couple scoring forwards, but his main focus will still be team defense come the fall.  He should be happy.  The team has one of the best top-six forward units in hockey, some nice talent on defense and a great young netminder.  Obviously the loss of Pronger will hurt, but the extra offense should help ease that pain.  Expect the Ducks to be a force in the ultra-competitive Western Conference next season.
• Fluto Shinzawa talks (in video form) about the progress of Bruins prospect Joe Colborne.  I know he’s big and I know his name is Joe, but people shouldn’t expect him to become Thornton-like.  Thornton’s skills were far ahead Colborne’s when he was in his late teens.  So, don’t expect the Bruins to rush Colborne–especially considering the team’s depth at forward.
• Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch previews the St. Louis Blues heading into 2009/10.  I think the Blues are going to be better than Columbus next season and could even be the fourth best team in the Conference.  John Davidson, Larry Pleau and Doug Armstrong are running the organization as well as any organization in the NHL.  So yeah, I’m pretty high on the Blues moving forward.
• The Habs were impressed enough with Andreas Engqvist at the team’s development camp that they have signed him to a three-year deal.  Needless to say, not many people know much about this kid.  However, he’s young and has good size and experience playing in a tough league, so there is little, if any, downside to a move of this nature.
• With the Jiri Hudler situation currently under review, John Glennon wonders if the IIHF will show any bite this time around by not allowing his move to the KHL to occur?  Not likely.  As Glennon says, what did the IIHF do last season when Alexander Radulov clearly broke the rules?  Why would we expect things to change?
• Rumor has it Jacques Lemaire is heading back to New Jersey to become the team’s head coach.  Well, that retirement lasted long!  This move really isn’t surprising.  Lemaire and Lamoriello are old friends, and both know what they are getting into.  He’s obviously more than a capable replacement for the departed Brent Sutter and the Devils will be a force to be reckon with next season, yet again. 
• The Hershey Bears have named Mark French as their new coach.  He takes over for Bob Woods, who led the team to a Calder Cup Championship last season.   

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.

Illegal Curve is now on Twitter and Facebook.

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

• Rest assured, if the Sharks lose Game 5 tonight, the team will look a lot different come next season.  When asked about the Sharks’ playoff struggles this season, coach Todd McLellan had a very interesting answer.  Wasn’t this Sharks team put together to avoid this type of first round result?
• The Ducks’ top three forwards are doing a terrific job of mucking it up against the Sharks.  One of the reasons for the Ducks’ success has been their success in the face-off circle.  The pressure really is squarely on San Jose to prove the critics are wrong, writes Dan Wood.  Mid-season acquisition Ryan Whitney is someone Ducks fans should get to know because he will be with the team for a long time.  Bobby Ryan isn’t only a young man, he is the man in Anaheim.

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

• Helene St. James thinks that the Wings would defeat the Ducks in six games if the teams meet in the second round.  For these Wings, playing on the road doesn’t really matter.  Be smart and don’t mess with the Johan.
• He had a terrific rookie season, but the Blue Jackets admittedly overplayed Steve Mason.  Rick Nash loves Columbus, but he was non-commital yesterday when it came to talking about his future.  (Writer’s note: Let the Leafs rumours begin…)

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

• For his Canucks teammates, it was nice to see Taylor Pyatt back on the ice yesterday.  Meantime, Mats Sundin may not be ready for the start of the second round.  Roberto Luongo is not talking about dehyrdation.  Ryan Johnson is getting credit on a pretty cool national platform for his solid defensive play.
• Keith Tkachuk is a pending UFA, but he says he wants to return to St. Louis next season.

Chicago Blackhawks (4) versus Calgary Flames (5)

• Chicago players know they have to clamp down on Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen.  Nikolai Khabibulin is not going to replaced in net by Cristobal Huet.
• Dion Phaneuf has been less noticeable for the Flames through the first four games of this series and that is actually a good thing, writes Steve Macfarlane.  If Calgary wants to win this series, they have to win a game on the road.  It looks like the Hawks woke up a sleeping giant in Jarome Iginla and are regretting it.  Apparently the Hawks claim they aren’t getting worn down by the Flames’ physical play.

Illegal Curve is now on Twitter and Facebook.

Boston Bruins (1) versus Montreal Canadiens (8)

• After being so injured last playoffs, the Bruins realize just how important rest is during the playoffs.  This Boston team just has a quiet confidence about them.  Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara has been nominated for the Norris Trophy.
• It appears the sale of the Montreal Canadiens this summer is inevitable.  It may be an understatement to say that Bob Gainey is not a fan of the Tampa Bay management.  Carey Price sat and faced the bright lights of the Montreal media on Thursday.  What’s next for long-time Canadien forward and leader Saku Koivu?  If there is talk that Bob Gainey won’t be back next season for Montreal, it doesn’t appear to have come from Gainey himself, as he says he has work to do when it comes to the Habs’ off-season.  Alexei Kovalev has voiced his interest in returning to the Habs.

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

• The Capitals have the same difficult task they were faced with last season against Philadelphia, writes Barry Syrluga.  You’d be surprised to know that Alexander Ovechkin reads Capitals message boards.  Capitals defenseman Mike Green has been nominated for the Norris Trophy.  Illegal Curve’s Ari Baum-Cohen calculated the Capitals’ odds of coming back in this series.
• John Tortorella wouldn’t say whether he’d healthy scratch Sean Avery for Game 5 tonight.  Chris Drury has his team pumped up for tonight’s possible clinching game at the Verizon Center.

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

• After blowing the game late in Game 4, the Devils hung on to defeat the Hurricanes 1-0 yesterday at The Rock.  The Devils are now focused on Sunday’s Game 6.  It is truly amazing how clutch Martin Brodeur is.
• The Hurricanes were shutout by Martin Brodeur last night, but they are holding their heads high.  With last night’s game behind them, the Hurricanes’ focus has shifted directly to Game 6.  Anton Babchuk was a healthy scratch on Thursday night.

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Philadelphia Flyers (5)

• “We didn’t play as well as we could,” said Penguins veteran defenseman Sergei Gonchar about his team’s performance in Game 5.  Petr Sykora was not in the lineup for Pittsburgh on Thursday and was surprised to find out the news.  Give Dan Bylsma credit for making a difficult lineup decision concerning Sykora.  A storm in Atlanta caused many Penguins fans to miss the majority of yesterday’s game on television.
• Claude Giroux is becoming a Flyers fan favorite with his play in the first round.  Giroux is becoming a favorite, but the Flyers couldn’t have won last night without a terrific performance from Martin Biron.  Depth helps; as Flyers fourth liner Arron Asham turned the tide of Thursday’s tilt.  Right now, Philadelphia simply has to focus on one game at a time.

Western Conference

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

• It will all come down to Saturday for the Sharks, after a terrible performance last night in Anaheim.  The Sharks just are not playing with any purpose right now, opines Mark Purdy.  When are the Sharks going to trade Joe Thornton?
• Anaheim’s performance in Game 4 was their best of the series so far, writes Dan Wood.  Bobby Ryan is playing a ten-year veteran for the Ducks, writes Helene Elliot.  Ryan’s linemates were pretty darn good too.  In surprising news, the Ducks finished with less penalties than the Sharks.

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

• Not only did the Red Wings sweep the Blue Jackets, but they didn’t even trail in the series once.  The Wings really looked like a well-oiled machine the entire series.  Columbus fans were not happy after a late third period penalty call and actually hit Wings coach Mike Babcock with debris.  In non-playoff news, Nicklas Lidstrom was once again nominated for the Norris Trophy.
• Sure the Jackets were down 3-0 in the series heading into last night’s game, but the way they lost the series may sting for a while, writes Aaron Portzline.  For all the anger from the Blue Jackets team and fans, GM Scott Howson says the officials got the late penalty call right.  Last night’s loss may have been painful, but there is nothing for the Columbus player to be ashamed of.

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

• Just how important is Roberto Luongo to the Canucks’ success?  Luongo doesn’t have the best record of playing well after long layoffs, but he is not worried about the past.  The Blues were a perfect appetizer for the Canucks, writes Cam Cole.
• Blues defensemen Jay McKee and Eric Brewer will both be undergoing post-season surgery.

Chicago Blackhawks (4) versus Calgary Flames (5)

• Eric Duhatschek talks about the similarities of Eric Nystrom to his father.  Andre Roy has been suspended by the NHL for Game 5.
• After a tough Game 4, the Hawks aren’t suddenly going to lose confidence in Nikolai Khabibulin.  For a young team, do not expect the Blackhawks players to panic, writes Tim Sassone.  Interestingly, the Hawks were given Thursday off.  More Chicago players have to play like Kris Versteeg.

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

• Patrick Marleau has to bring his “A” game into tonight’s criticial Game 4 contest, writes Mark Purdy.  No question that the additions of Dan Boyle and Rob Blake have improved the Sharks’ power play immensely.  Meanwhile, Torrey Mitchell had a hand in his return.  If the Sharks win this series, it will be because their support cast has given Joe Thornton some support.
• In shocking news (sarcasm alert), penalties have been the achilles heel for the Ducks.  The winner of this series may be determined by which team’s top defensemen play better, explains Dan Wood.  Ducks rookie Bobby Ryan has been nominated for the Calder Trophy.

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

• In Columbus, Red Wings Brad Stuart and Chris Osgood save their talking for the ice.  Marian Hossa summed it up perfectly when he said that “winning is fun.”  It may surprise you that Detroit has not had much success with sweeping teams out of the first round.
• The Blue Jackets have nothing to lose tonight, so they may as well play like it.  Ken Hitchcock does not think his team is out of gas.  The Wings’ puck possession style has been too much for the inexperienced Jackets.

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

• The Canucks players and coaches think the team’s upcoming break can only be seen as a positive.  Did Roberto Luongo get in the Blues’ heads?  Luongo was the best player for Vancouver in round one, but the Sedins have vastly improved from their past playoff performances.  Sure the Canucks won’t say who they want to face, but they would not mind home-ice advantage.
• The Blues can take a lot from their loss to the Canucks, writes Jeremy Rutherford.  Both David Backes and T.J. Oshie are heading overseas to play for U.S. at the World Championships.

Chicago Blackhawks (4) versus Calgary Flames (5)

• After an impressive comeback, the Hawks fell short in Calgary and Chris Kuc thinks this series is bound to go seven games.  Here are some Blackhawks notes.
• Eric Nystrom is becoming a cult hero in Calgary with his clutch playoff play.  Mike Keenan gave credit to Eric’s dad Bobby for his ability to come through when it matters most.  Nystrom was great, but Olli Jokinen also brought his top game yesterday.  Flames fans were pumped up and relieved at the same time, after the Flames took Game 4.  If the Flames advance in the playoffs, Wayne Primeau could return to the lineup.

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

• Last night, the Sharks came out to play when they had to most, writes Mark Purdy.  Everything they set out to accomplish in Game 3, they did just that. Torrey Mitchell returned to the San Jose lineup last night for the first time all season.
• “It’s ridiculous. It’s almost like hitting yourself in the head,” said Teemu Selanne about his team’s penchant for unnecessary penalties.  “We’re still in the driver’s seat,” said Corey Perry after last night’s 4-3 home loss.  All Anaheim players need to do for Game 4 is pretend they are playing on the road.

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

• The Red Wings rained on the Jackets playoff parade about one minute into Game 3.  This series is basically over, writes Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press.  Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News calls this series a “giant mismatch.”
• “We’ve let the fans down, we’ve let ourselves down and we’ve let the coaching staff down,” said Blue Jackets netminder Steve Mason.  Even though they are getting dominated, the Blue Jackets fans are just happy to be in the playoffs.  Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch pronouncing this series over.  At least it was a fun party inside the arena.

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

• Roberto Luongo turned aside 47 shots and led the Canucks to a sweep of the youthful Blues.  Alexandre Burrows says last night’s win was for the late Luc Bourdon.  Will this break actually hurt the Canucks?  The Canucks fans were partying hard after last night’s win.  Sami Salo did not suit up for yesterday’s game.
• The Blues dressing room was silent for about 15 minutes after last night’s loss.  The goal that was called back last night may have cost St. Louis the series.  Even though they lost, this season has been a great learning experience for the young Blues.

Chicago Blackhawks (4) versus Calgary Flames (5)

• The Flames and Blackhawks are going at it on the ice and off of it.  These teams just plain do not like each other.  Patrick Kane will return to the Blackhawks lineup tonight.  Former Flames and Blackhawks forward Theo Fleury is enjoying sober life. 
• The Blackhawks are trash-talking Jarome Iginla hard, and it appears that only motivates the veteran right winger.  Most of the Flames players believe Iginla plays better when he’s angry.  The NHL has told both teams to ease up on the trash-talking.  “I think, in the last two games, we showed we can dominate them and came up on the short end of the stick because we didn’t play a full 60 minutes,” said Eric Nystrom.

 Game Notes:

• IC Trivia:  Which are the only two teams to come back from a 3-0 series deficit?
• For the 1st time in the 38 year history of the Canucks they’ve swept a 7 game series.
• Paul Kariya is out for tonight’s game and Mats Sundin is a game time decision.
• Since moving to Raleigh, the Canes have thrived when falling behind 2-1 in the postseason, losing only one out of four series. 
• Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane says he’s ready for Game 4.
• The hit of the night goes to Detroit’s Brad Stuart who CRUSHED R. J. Umburger in the 2nd.

Final		T				Final		T
	Pittsburgh	3					Detroit	4
	Philadelphia	1					Columbus	1
Game Preview						Game Preview
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Team Game Threads: Pensburgh Broad Street Hockey						Team Game Threads: Winging it in Mowtown The Canon
Game Recap						Game Recap

Final		T				FINAL OT		T
	New Jersey	3					Vancouver	3
	Carolina	4					St. Louis	2
Game Preview						Game Preview
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Team Game Threads: In Lou We Trust Canes Country						Team Game Threads: Nucks Misconduct St. Louis Game Time
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL		T
	San Jose	4
	Anaheim	3
Game Preview
Game Scoresheet
Team Game Threads: Fear the Fin Battle of California
Game Recap

Red Wings vs. Blue Jackets 3 Stars:

• 1st Star:  Dan Cleary:  The Carbonear, Newfoundland and Labrador native got the party started with a big 1st goal (turned out to be the game winner) which took the Columbus crowd out of the game.  He also added two assists and a number of bone crushing hits which helped the Wings take a strangle hold on this series.
• 2nd Star: Chris Osgood:  As I said in my playoff preview “he is a veteran goalie who knows what it takes to win a series” and he is proving me right and his worth to the team having only given up 2 goals in 180 minutes of playoff hockey.
• 3rd Star:  Detroit’s Penalty Kill:  This much maligned group finished the regular season in 25th spot but has only given up 1 power play goals in 11 Columbus opportunities.. 

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

• For a team that cannot score any goals on the ice, at least the Sharks are doing well when it comes to television ratings.  San Jose just has to continue sticking with the process and ramp up their intensity a little bit more, says GM Doug Wilson.  Travis Moen is not talking to any of his former teammates until the series is over.
• The Ducks were not very good at home this year.  The Ducks have to make sure they don’t let the Sharks realize their potential.

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

• Mike Babcock says he has enough players to matchup against Rick Nash, so he isn’t overly worried about not having last change.  Perhaps Detroit has learned from last year’s first round series against Nashville, that you can’t take road games lightly.  Jiri Hudler, for all his talent, doesn’t get much attention outside of Detroit.
• The Blue Jackets are hoping the crowd will be the seventh man on ice tonight.  If Columbus has a chance in this series, they better start getting after Chris Osgood.  Fear not Jackets fans, Steve Mason still has confidence in himself.

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

• Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province says Mason Raymond has been great in his team’s first round series.  Don’t expect Mats Sundin in the Vancouver lineup tonight.  Tony Gallagher wonders how the Canucks will play when they face stiffer competition?  The Canucks know they are good team.
• If only every Blues player could play like Andy McDonald.  Here is how the Blues have fared in the playoffs as compared to the regular season.  The Blues may be down 3-0, but they aren’t done yet.

Chicago Blackhawks (4) versus Calgary Flames (5)

• The Blackhawks blew a 1-0 lead yesterday to lose 4-2 at Calgary.  The Hawks most definitely missed Patrick Kane on Monday.  If Nikolai Khabibulin does falter, Cristobal Huet is ready to go.
• Olli Jokinen answered his critics yesterday with a solid game.  Calgary’s role players were the key last night.  Todd Bertuzzi played a very physical game.  Mike Cammalleri’s play during the playoffs may have a significant effect on his next contract.

For now, here’s what beat writers are saying this afternoon:

• Here is the lineup the Bruins expect to roll out for tonight’s game in Montreal.  Bitz, while not the player Lucic is, brings many of the same qualities.
• Predictions on tonight’s Flames/Hawks games from the Calgary Herald writers.   I’ve got the Flames winning 4-1.
• Here are Calgary’s lines for tonight’s game.  At least until the first three shifts.
• Antoine Vermette has replaced Manny Malhotra on the number one line in Columbus.  Malhortra just doesn’t have the offensive game to be a top-two line centerman.
• Some numbers on the Ducks/Sharks series after Anaheim took a 2-0 lead last night.  San Jose still has a shot but only if their best players show up at John Wayne Airport…
• No word yet on who is starting between the pipes for the Habs.  I suspect Halak, but we’ll see in due time.
• Some quotes from Rangers coach John Tortorella heading into Game 3.  That first period tonight should be a real doozy.
• With the Blues down 3-0, Andy Murray is changing things up.  This playoffs has been a great learning experience for the young Blues, but they are done
• Bruce Bourdeau on tonight’s game.  The critics will be after Boudreau if his team loses tonight.

Non-Playoff teams

• John Tavares the third best prospect in the NHL draft?  Not buying this.
• There has been lots of reflecting after a lost season in Buffalo.  That team was far too talented to miss the playoff.

Western Conference

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

• Interestingly, Joe Thornton and Ducks netminder Jonas Hiller are good friends.  The Sharks’ veterans are doing their best to keep the team’s young players from getting down on themselves.  Tim Kawakami says Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau need to pick it up.
• More on on the unknown netminder Jonas Hiller from Helene Elliot of the L.A. Times.  Do this Ducks team remind you of another Ducks team?

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

• Dan Cleary says the Red Wings are making the Jackets do things they are not comfortable doing.  As of now, Datsyuk and Zetterberg will continue to play on different lines.  Ken Hitchcock is claiming the Red Wings cheat on face-offs.
• The Blue Jackets were very happy with the play of Rostislav Klesla in Game 1.  Ken Hitchcock is in his element when coaching during the playoffs.  Here are the Blue Jackets’ probable lines for tonight’s tilt.

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

• Roberto Luongo is proving he is the best goaltender in the world with his play so far in the Canucks/Blues series.  Andy Murray was not happy with the Canucks bench at the end of yesterday’s game.  Vancouver is paying the price to win.
• Andy Murray is not worried about the Blues’ ability to handle pressure.  Down 2-0, the Blues are pumped up to be coming home to a raucous crowd.  The “Kid Line” was kept intact for yesterday’s game.

Chicago Blackhawks (4) versus Calgary Flames (5)

• Mike Keenan had some entertaning interactions with Chicago Tribune beat writer Chris Kuc.  The controversy from Game 1 may linger into Game 2.  With such a veteran team, the Flames aren’t panicking down 1-0.  The Hawks understand that Calgary is a physically imposing bunch.
• Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun said the referees got the call right in Game 1.  Cory Sarich remains day-to-day for the Flames.  If the Flames want to win this series, they need Jarome Iginla to be Jarome Iginla.

• Don’t mess with the Devils.  Hilarious clip.
• Bill Guerin gets his first ever Playoff OT goal in his 17 year career.
• Sundin scores his first playoff goal in 5 years giving the Canucks a 1-0 lead.
• J.D. being interviewed as 3rd period starts.  You hear that voice and you think you’re watching a Rangers game.
• Keith Tkachuk playoff goals: 28.  Remainder of St. Louis Active Roster: 23.  Shockingly he was also the voice of reason holding back Andy Murray at the end of the game when it looked like his coach was going to jump onto the Canucks bench.

FINAL OT		T				FINAL OT		T
	Philadelphia	2					Carolina	2
	Pittsburgh	3					New Jersey	1
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Broad Street Hockey PensBurgh						Canes Country  In Lou We Trust
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL		T
	St. Louis	0
	Vancouver	3
Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:
St. Louis Game Time Nucks Misconduct
Game Recap

Canucks vs. Blues 3 Stars:

• 1st Star:  Roberto Luongo.  Having seen him do it live (in Detroit last year vs. Hasek) and after watching him tonight, he is just unbelievable.  He makes amazing saves look routine.  Shutout.
• 2nd Star: Sedin Twins & Burrows.  Fantastic energy all game long.  Buzzing in all ends of the rink.  (combined 6 points tonight)
• 3rd Star:  Andy McDonald must have hit 15 posts and crossbars tonight.  Best Blue on the ice.

Western Conference

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

• The Sharks’ power play cost them on Thursday going 0-for-6.  Only nine of San Jose’s 35 shots were recorded within six feet of the crease.  The pressure is squarely on the Sharks’ shoulders now.
• Jonas Hiller was terrific last night, turning aside 35 shots as the Ducks upset the Sharks 2-0.  Scott Niedermayer was tremendous for Anaheim all night.  “We still played a pretty good game, but we know they’re going to step it up next game,” said Chris Pronger.

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

• He may get criticized a lot but Chris Osgood has confidence in himself and that was evident last night.  Steve Mason did not seem phased by the rowdy Detroit crowd.  Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock was not happy after yesterday’s loss.  Jonathan Ericsson played extremely well in his first NHL playoff game.  The Wings’ third line played like the team’s first line.
• The Blue Jackets played a solid first period, but it was ugly after that, writes Aaron Portzline.  Give Chris Osgood credit for playing well yesterday.  Columbus gave the Red Wings too much help, by putting two pucks in their own net.  “They got the bounces tonight, and we didn’t get a one,” said Rick Nash.

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

• Due to a donation from Save-On-Foods, the Canucks/Blues games in St. Louis will now be aired in high definition.  In terms of the actual series itself, Roberto Luongo is not fazed by the Blues’ attempts to get under his skin.  If you looking from information from the Canucks’ assistant coaches, that is not going to happen.  Vancouver is a very confident team at five-on-five.  Having Sami Salo in the lineup has been a great benefit for the Canucks.
• Andy Murray was only happy with the performance of seven of his players in Game 1, so he is encouraged for Game 2.  Andy McDonald is claiming his snowing of Roberto Luongo was not intentional.  Patrick Berglund admits he did not play well on Wednesday.

Chicago Blackhawks (4) verses Calgary Flames (5)

• The Blackhawks gave their fans a lot to cheer about in the first playoff game in Chicago in seven years.  The roar of the United Center was back last night, writes Rick Morrissey.  Even Joel Queneville was nervous for Game 1.  The Hawks’ youthfulness was apparent early on but it did not cost them.
• The Flames just could not hold on to their two leads on Thursday.  Calgary was not happy with the no-call on Andrew Ladd’s goalie interference.  Without three regulars on defense, it was evident that the Flames were having trouble in the defensive zone.  If the Flames want to win this series, they have to turn around their awful power play.  The Blackhawks’ youth did not show for long.

The Eastern Conference playoff morning papers will be posted a little bit late today.

• Drury has been scratched from the Rangers lineup for Game 1.
• Sidney Crosby scores the 1st goal of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
• Alex Ovechkin with 6 shots and 6 hits in the 1st period.  Scores 1st goal of series in 2nd.

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	NY Rangers	4					Philadelphia	1
	Wasington	3					Pittsburgh	4
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Blueshirt Banter  Japers’ Rink						Broad Street Hockey  PensBurgh
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Carolina	1					St. Louis	1
	New Jersey	4					Vancouver	2
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Canes Country  In Lou We Trust						St. Louis Game Time  Nucks Misconduct
Game Recap						Game Recap

A few interesting things to note about the predictions:

1) The New York Rangers might as well not bother to show up. Eight predictors, eight Washington victories predicted.

2) The goaltending disparity between Chris Osgood/Ty Conklin and Steve Mason is weighing heavily on the minds of the predictors.

3) Anaheim is a team to be feared and avoided? Not according to the IC team who feel, by a seven to one margin, that the Sharks will get by their in-state cousins.

4) Four series are to close to call (Car-NJ, Pitt-Phil, CBJ-Det, and Cgy-Chi). Despite this, the only team to receive two votes for Cup champion are the New Jersey Devils, who four predictors believe won’t even get out of the first round.

5) Along the same lines of the Devils winning the cup, Zach Parise receives two votes for Conn Smythe.

6) We invite all of our Illegal Curve readers to submit their own predictions. I would be pleased to add it to the chart below upon receiving them. If we get enough entries, perhaps we will even offer a touque as a prize once I figure out some sort of convoluted scoring method. Please send your predictions to drew@illegalcurve.com . If you don’t want to be subjected to ridicule over bad predictions, but still wish to comment on our predictions (cowards!), please comment below.

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins (1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (8)

• According to an EA Sports simulation, the Bruins will beat Chicago in six games to capture the Stanley Cup.
• The Canadiens have been more than just a playoff nemesis to the Bruins, they have flat-out owned the Black ’n’ Gold over the years.
• Considering that the Bruins just delivered their finest regular season in 37 years, how about just giving every player, coach and manager an A-plus.
• Georges Laraque said he’s not surprised that he has been pencilled into the lineup for Game 1.
• Looks like the feisty Habs revel in their new underdog role instead of favorite as they were last season.

 Washington Capitals (2) vs. New York Rangers (7)

• The biggest question facing the Washington Capitals as they prepare to open the Eastern Conference first round against the New York Rangers is whether José Theodore can catch fire.
• Tarik El-Bashir was on Washington Post Live to preview the Caps’ first-round series with the Rangers.
• Maybe there is hope for the Rangers going into their opening-round series against the high-powered Capitals, but if you’re going to think that way, it’d help to have evidence.

New Jersey Devils (3) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• It could be the bounce in Martin Brodeur’s step, the beneficial result of an injury-shortened season that leaves the Devils goalie well-rested and anxious for the playoffs to begin
• Brent Sutter coached Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward for three seasons of junior hockey at Red Deer (WHL).
• Midseason coaching changes are as much a part of the NHL’s culture as playoff beards.  But how teams respond to the first phenomenon has a lot to do with whether they even get to grow the second.
• There was a time in January when the Carolina Hurricanes looked nothing like a team capable of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs, much less one that would sizzle during the stretch run of the NHL season.
• Cam Ward has waited three years to return to this stage, this chance to prove what he did last time he was here was no accident.

 Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (5)

• It is the contemplative aspect of angling that appeals to Pittsburgh interim coach Dan Bylsma, so it doesn’t bother him that no one can corroborate his definitive fish story
• Penguins interim coach Dan Bylsma didn’t rule out using enforcer Eric Godard against rough-and-tumble Philadelphia.

Western Conference

San Jose Sharks (1) vs. Anaheim Ducks (8) 

• It’s not as if the Sharks don’t know the Anaheim Ducks. After all, the two teams knocked heads three times in the last month of the season, twice in its final week.
• Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry have united to help revive the Ducks and form a dominant line.
• The one and only Don Cherry voiced the original opinion that the NHL officials should let the Ducks play.

Detroit Red Wings (2) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (7)

• The Chris Osgood factor.  The Red Wings, trying to become the first to win back-to-back Cups since they did it in 1997 and ’98, are dangerous if …
• The NHL’s salary cap is a farce.  All you have to do is look at the decade-plus contracts of Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen to know that.

Vancouver Canucks (3) vs. St. Louis Blues (6)

• The Vancouver Canucks were likely preparing to face a different, higher-profile goaltender named Mason in the first round of the playoffs.
• Written off in a brutal slump in January, the Vancouver Canucks are suddenly the hottest ticket in town.
• St. Louis Blues goalie Chris Mason will be playing his 39th consecutive game and making his 34th start in a row Wednesday against Vancouver.
• Although there were indications from the Blues that Paul Kariya could be available for Game 1 Wednesday, he hasn’t made the trip to Vancouver.

 Chicago Blackhawks (4) vs. Calgary Flames (5)

• What has been a tumultuous season for Nikolai Khabibulin could well be his last one with the Blackhawks.
• As the Flames prepared for Game 1 of their playoff series against the Blackhawks, Rene Bourque skated with Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen on the top line.
• The smile on Jarome Iginla‘s face fades, ever so slightly, at the mere suggestion his Calgary Flames rank as underdogs heading into Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
• As the Calgary Flames get ready for Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, bar owners, police and residents around the Red Mile are preparing for potential celebrations.

Non-Playoff Teams

• The NHL holds its draft lottery tonight with five teams having a chance at landing the No. 1 pick — and most likely Tavares.  TSN has ranked who they feel with be the top 14 picks.
• It’s not the playoffs in any sport until Las Vegas puts down its odds.
• The questions echoed off the empty locker stalls over and over Monday. What went wrong? What needs to be fixed? How can the Buffalo Sabres return to the playoffs?
• Bryan Murray spoke to the media for one last time this season, touching on everything from the failed campaign to the futures of individual players in Ottawa.
• Four different networks are gearing up to broadcast the NHL playoffs to the masses starting Wednesday and their assortment of experts are already busy making their opinions known.
• Thrashers‘ priorities this offseason: Job No. 2 for the Thrashers this summer is signing Ilya Kovalchuk to a new contract.  That might be impossible unless they complete job No. 1, finding Kovalchuk a few new teammates.
• Andrew Brunette and Mikko Koivu revealed the seriousness of their knee injuries as the Wild packed up for the offseason.
• The voice of the Oilers goes silent for a moment as he packs up his gear and leaves the broadcast booth with a cherished gift, a seat cushion, tucked under one arm.
• The Predators roster that finished the 2008-09 season may look a good bit different than the one that begins the 2009-10 campaign.
• The Dallas Stars will have to plug holes next season on a budget, co-general manager Brett Hull said as the team held exit interviews and physicals with players.
• With numerous free agents, the face of the Coyotes could dramatically change.

• Andrew Ebbett has quietly been very productive for the Ducks since being called up from the AHL, writes Billy Witz.
• A number of the Thrashers players are heading to the World Championships.
• Add Chuck Kobasew to the list of Bruins players that are injured, explains Kevin Paul Dupont.  Even though Boston has clinched first place in the conference, they will be geared up to face the Habs tonight.
• With yesterday’s victory at Toronto, the Sabres stayed alive in the playoff race.  Sure they stayed alive, but after reading Bucky Gleason’s article this morning, you will realize they have no chance of getting in.  At least the future looks bright, as Sabres prospect Nathan Gerbe has won AHL rookie of the year.
• The Flames are aiming to ‘get that swagger back’.   Eric Francis tells us the Flames are banking on the return of Rene Bourque and maybe even Rhett Warrener, with all the injuries they have sustained.  It is clear from listening to the Flames players that their goal is the Stanley Cup or bust.  Calgary has had its cap issues, but if you are wondering, no team can go over the cap.
• Little known Chad LaRose has been a bargain of an impact player for the Hurricanes. 
• The Blue Jackets denied the Hawks‘ bid to clinch the fourth spot in the Western Conference.  With the Hawks leading more games, Adam Burish has been involved in less fights. 
• Peter Budaj may be having a difficult season numbers wise, but his attitude is certainly respected in the room.
• “I don’t know if it has quite sunk in yet,”, said Rick Nash after his team clinched the first ever playoff spot in team history.  The fans are just as excited as the players are about the team’s first ever playoff birth.  Meanwhile, coach Hitchcock wants  Jiri Novotny to continue to play hard.
• The Stars must take a hard look at themselves.  J.J. Taylor guaranetees Mike Modano‘s return to Dallas next season.  Learn more about Stars rookie Ivan Vishnevskiy here.
• In Detroit, the Wings are expecting Andreas Lilja to miss the start of the playoffs.  If we are talking matchups, it appears the Wings are hoping to duck Anaheim.  In contract news, the Wings have tabled an offer to Johan Franzen.
• Disappointment was the catch phrase around Rexall Place on Wednesday.  With the Oilers out of playoff contention, Dwayne Roloson is finally going to get some rest.  Sam Gagner is taking the Oilers’ struggling finish to heart.  At least they can bring over Linus Omark….maybe not.
• Florida Panthers coach Pete DeBoer said he is going to make his decision on whether he starts Vokoun or Anderson today.
• In Los Angeles, Kings owner Phil Anschutz should take the Kings’ fate personally.
• Concussions have been an issue in the Wild room this season and a serious one continues to keep a frustrated Brett Burns off the ice.  The youngsters’ struggles in Minnesota may be the reason the Wild is probably going to miss the playoffs.
• Bob Gainey is searching for a winning lineup in Montreal.  Tough economy or not, there are many suitors who are aiming to purchase the Habs franchise. 
• Consecutive wins may not be enough for the Predators to make post-season play.  At least Nashville is not intimidated by Detroit, their matchup tonight.  David Legwand’s hopes of returning for the team’s final two regular season games was taken away when doctors told him his injury is still too fresh.
• The up-and-down Devils can clinch the Atlantic Division title tonight.  Martin Brodeur admits that it is tough getting in a groove when you’ve missed most of the season.
• Bill Guerin has been grateful for the opportunity to move from the Island to Pittsburgh where he has a chance to compete for the Cup.
• If the Rangers defeat the Flyers tonight, they make the playoffs.  The Rangers know they control their own destiny.
• The Senators players were happy for coach Cory Clouston on Wednesday, as he was allowed to smile upon signing a two-year contract extension.  Is Alex Auld going to stick around with Clouston?
• Flyers coach John Stevens gives you his take on a possible matchup with Carolina.  Daniel Carcillo is moving in the right direction.  Former Flyers center Keith Primeau is doing his best to help further concussion research.
• Petr Prucha has been excited about getting more ice-time in the desert as compared to NY.
• Next goal for the Penguins: Some rest, tuning up for playoffs.  Should the Pens have locked up Sid and Geno longer?  Ruslan Fedotenko has really found his game as of late.
• Patrick Marleau and Ryane Clowe are expected to return to the Sharks lineup tonight.  Ray Rotto lays down the gauntlet for the Sharks, saying it is Cup or bust.
• Injury prone defenseman Jay McKee‘s turnaround has really given the Blues a boost.  The Blues are close to throwing a big party, writes Bernie Miklasz.
• The Lightning organization is not any more stable than it was last summer.  Martin St. Louis is a great team guy.
• Cujo, May record milestones, as Leafs fall 3-1 to Sabres.  One Leafs milestone was celebratory, one wasn’t, writes Lance Hornby.  Could the Marlies be getting help from the Leafs for the AHL playoffs?
• In Vancouver, the Canucks are getting back to basics.  The Canucks have to ensure they don’t have a letdown against the Kings, with the division yet to be wrapped up.
• Caps’ Rookie Goaltender Simeon Varlamov wins confidence From Boudreau.  The Capitals have some nice organizational depth between the pipes.
• Lastly, here is an update on injured hockey player, Derek Zike from the NAHL, who appears to be recovering well.

**The IllegalCurve.com Radio Show archives of yesterday’s show with Dan Wood of the OC Register and Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail should be posted on the website early this afternoon**

**Also, special thanks to David who gave a nice helping hand for the morning papers**

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	New Jersey	3					Montreal	6
	Buffalo	2					Toronto	2
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
In Lou We Trust  Die by the Blade						Habs In/Out  Pension Plan Puppets
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL SO		T				FINAL		T
	Philadelphia	3					Tampa Bay	1
	Ottawa	4					NY Islanders	3
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Broad Street Hockey  Silver Seven						Raw Charge  Lighthouse Hockey
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL OT		T				FINAL SO		T
	Pittsburgh	2					Columbus	4
	Carolina	3					Nashville	5
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
PensBurgh  Canes Country						Light the Lamp  On the Forecheck
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL OT		T				FINAL		T
	St. Louis	4					Vancouver	3
	Dallas	5					Edmonton	5
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
St. Louis Game Time  Defending Big D						Nucks Misconduct  Lowetide
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Anaheim	5					Phoenix	1
	San Jose	2					Los Angeles	6
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Battle of California  Fear the Fin						Five for Howling  Battle of California
Game Recap						Game Recap

Congrats go out to the Michigan State Spartans who make the National Championship Game.   Go State!

FINAL		T
	Michigan State	82
	U Connecticut	73
Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:
Game Recap

• Are the NY Islanders already looking for Free Agents?  Would you sign in Long Island right now?
• Update around the Sens world. 
• Flyers fans are upset with the B’s play by play announcer, Jack Edwards.  His laugh is rather maniacal.
• Preds a lock to achieve key attendance goal.  Impressive that with all the talk of a move, the fans continue to show up.
• Alex Burrows hair pull that’s being heard around the world.  I’ve used this move on my sister.  Works everytime.
• Top Av’s of all time: #6 (on the list) Rob Blake.  I usually think of him as a King first.
• Defending Forest Gump and Sidney Crosby.  In a strange sort of way her argument makes sense.
• A message to Dallas Stars fans. 
• Alexander Semin: “The Playoffs can’t start soon enough”.  It seems like the Capitals are just waiting around for the playoffs to start.
• The Swedish machine that never breaks, Nicklas Backstrom.  Guys a beast.
• Panthers fans are irate with Steve Ott.  Bet lots of NHL teams feel the same.
• The future of the Thrashers is discussed. 

• Apparently Florida fans are happy to see the Kostitsyns reunited.  Now those are twins!!
• Marty Turco is unhappy with his level of play.
• An interesting hockey innovation, Marsh Pegs.  I did not know that.
• Canes beat writer is back on the road.
• Should he stay or should he go?  That is the question many are asking about Darcy Regier.
• Marc-Andre Fleury is a shutout freak, on March 25th.

FINAL		T				FINAL SO		T
	Florida	4					NY Rangers	4
	Philadelphia	2					Atlanta	5
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
The Litter Box Broad Street Hockey						Blueshirt Banter Bird Watchers Anonymous
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL		T				FINAL OT		T
	Calgary	0					Tampa Bay	2
	Columbus	5					Montreal	3
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Matchsticks and Gasoline Light the Lamp						Raw Charge  Eyes on the Prize
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	San Jose	2					Vancouver	2
	Nashville	3					St. Louis	4
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Fear the Fin On the Forecheck						Nucks Misconduct  St. Louis Game Time
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL SO		T				FINAL		T
	Los Angeles	1					Edmonton	2
	Dallas	0					Phoenix	3
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Battle of California Defending Big D						Lowetide Five for Howling
Game Recap						Game Recap

• NHL awards show moves to Vegas. 
• St. Louis Blues say forward Keith Tkachuk is OK after injury scare.
• Martin Brodeur is closing in on another record.
• Hockey surviving, barely, on rebuilding Gulf Coast.

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Minnesota	0					NY Islanders	4
	New Jersey	4					Carolina	5
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Hockey Wilderness In Lou We Trust						Lighthouse Hockey Canes Country

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Philadelphia	6					Los Angeles	1
	Buffalo	4					Pittsburgh	4
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Broad Street Hockey Die By the Blade						PensBurgh

FINAL		T				FINAL SO		T
	Detroit	6					Edmonton	5
	Atlanta	3					Chicago	4
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Winging It in Mowtown						Second City Hockey

FINAL		T
	St. Louis	3
	Calgary	2
Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:
St. Louis Game Time  Matchsticks and Gasoline

• Ovechkin gets goal #50.
• Canucks trying to avoid twin distractions.
• Surging Penguins seek to clock Kings.

FINAL OT		T				FINAL		T
	Los Angeles	3					Montreal	4
	Boston	2					Ottawa	5
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Recaps:						Game Recaps:
Inside the Kings Stanley Cup of Chowder						Habs Inside/Out Black Aces

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Washington	5					Toronto	1
	Tampa Bay	2					Florida	3
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Recaps:						Game Recaps:
Japer’s Rink Raw Charge						Pension Plan Puppets  Litter Box Cats

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Edmonton	8					St. Louis	0
	Colorado	1					Vancouver	3
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Recaps:						Game Recaps:
Cult of Hockey Mile High Hockey						St. Louis Game Time Nucks Misconduct

FINAL OT		T				FINAL SO		T
	Anaheim	3					Nashville	2
	Phoenix	2					San Jose	3
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Recaps:						Game Recaps:
Ducks Blog Five for Howling						Tennessean Mercury News

In other hockey related news congrats to Martin Brodeur who passed Patrick Roy at the Prudential Center this evening in a victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Chicago	0	1	1	2	32	N. Khabibulin
	New Jersey	2	1	0	3	30	M. Brodeur
Scoring Summary:
CHI:  Barker, C. (PPG, Brian Campbell, Patrick Kane), Byfuglien, D. (Matt Walker)
NJD:  Langenbrunner, J. (Zach Parise), Zajac, T. (Zach Parise, Paul Martin), Gionta, B. (SHG, Patrik Elias, Mike Mottau)
Attendance: 17,625
Headlines:
Game Review (Second City Hockey – Chicago)  Game Review (In Lou We Trust – New Jersey) Brodeur sets NHL Win record

FINAL SO		1	2	3	OT	SO	T	SOG	GOALIES
	NY Rangers	0	1	2	0	1 (3-3)	4	42	H. Lundqvist
	Montreal	0	1	2	0	0 (2-3)	3	29	C. Price
Scoring Summary:
NYR:  Antropov, N. (Chris Drury, Wade Redden), Zherdev, N. (Scott Gomez, Marc Staal), Callahan, R. (Brandon Dubinsky), Drury, C. (in SO)
MTL:  Kovalev, A. (PPG, Andrei Markov, Mathieu Schneider), Lapierre, M. (Andrei Markov), Markov, A. (Guillaume Latendresse)
Attendance: 21,273
Headlines:
Game Review (Rangers Report – NY Rangers)  Game Review (Habs Blog – Montreal)

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Buffalo	2	0	0	2	13	M. Tellqvist
	Ottawa	0	2	2	4	36	B. Elliot
Scoring Summary:
BUF:  Lydman, T. (Henrik Tallinder, Jason Pominville), Pominville, J. (Thomas Vanek)
OTT:  Heatley, D. (Jason Spezza, Chris Neil), Bell, B. (PPG, Daniel Alfredsson, Filip Kuba), Alfredsson, D. (PPG, Jason Spezza, Filip Kuba), Bell, B. (PPG, Filip Kuba, Ryan Shannon)
Attendance: 20,053
Headlines:
Game Review (Die By the Blade – Buffalo) Game Review (Silver Sevens – Ottawa)

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Atlanta	1	1	0	2	20	J. Hedberg
	Pittsburgh	2	3	1	6	31	M. Fleury
Scoring Summary:
ATL:  Little, B. (Todd White, Slava Kozlov), Boulton, E. (Chris Thorburn, Eric Perrin)
PIT:  Gonchar, S. (PPG, Bill Guerin, Evgeni Malkin), Kunitz, C. (PPG, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin), Staal, J. (Tyler Kennedy, Kris Letang), Malkin, E. (Sergei Gonchar, Kris Letang), Malkin, E. (PPG, Sergei Gonchar, Sidney Crosby), Eaton, M. (Sergei Gonchar, Evgeni Malkin)
Attendance: 17,088
Headlines:
Game Review (PensBurgh – Pittsburgh)  Malkin surpasses 100 in Pens’ win.

FINAL SO		1	2	3	OT	SO	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Toronto	0	1	2	0	1 (2-6)	4	39	C. Joseph
	Tampa Bay	1	2	0	0	0 (1-6)	3	22	K. Ramo
Scoring Summary:
TOR:  Mitchell, J. (Jason Blake, Anton Stralman), Blake, J. (Lee Stempniak), Hamilton, J. (Boyd Devereaux, Matt Stajan), Mitchell, J. (in SO)
TBL:  Lecavalier, V. (PPG, Cory Murphy, Martin St. Louis), Stamkos, S. (PPG, Martin St. Louis, Karri Ramo), Pettinger, M. (Martins Karsums, Lukas Krajicek)
Attendance: 18,793
Headlines:
Game Review (Pension Plan Puppets – Toronto)  Game Review (Raw Charge – Tampa Bay) Artyukhin Gaining A Reputation

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Washington	0	1	2	3	27	J. Theodore
	Florida	0	0	0	0	19	T. Vokoun
Scoring Summary:
WSH:  Laich, B. (SHG, John Erskine), Kozlov, V. (Michael Nylander, John Erskine), Green, M. (EN, Alexander Semin, Alexander Ovechkin)
Attendance: 14,650
Headlines:
Game Review (Japers Rink – Washington)  Game Review (The Litter Box – Florida)

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Philadelphia	1	1	0	2	26	M. Biron
	Detroit	0	1	2	3	48	C. Osgood
Scoring Summary:
PHI:  Hartnell, S. (Braydon Coburn), Lupul, J. (Jeff Carter, Scott Hartnell)
DET:  Datsyuk, P. (Johan Franzen), Franzen, J. (Pavel Datsyuk, Brad Stuart), Zetterberg, H. (Mikael Samuelsson, Jonathan Ericsson)
Attendance: 20,066
Headlines:
Game Review (Winging It in Mowtown – Detroit)  Game Review (Broad Street Bullies – Philadelphia)

FINAL SO		1	2	3	OT	SO	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Colorado	0	2	0	0	0 (1-3)	2	26	P. Budaj
	Minnesota	0	1	1	0	1 (2-3)	3	29	N. Backstrom
Scoring Summary:
COL:  McLeod, C. (Ben Guite), Smyth, R. (Wojtek Wolski)
MIN:  Veilleux, S. (Martin Skoula, Eric Belanger), Schultz, N. (Dan Fritsche, Eric Belanger), Zidlicky, M. (in SO)
Attendance: 18,568
Headlines:
Game Review (Hockey Wilderness – Minnesota)  Game Review (Mile High Hockey – Colorado)

FINAL SO		1	2	3	OT	SO	T	SOG	GOALIES
	St. Louis	0	1	0	0	0 (0-3)	1	32	C. Mason
	Edmonton	1	0	0	0	1 (1-3)	2	34	D. Roloson
Scoring Summary:
STL:  Backes, D. (PPG, T.J. Oshie, Brad Boyes)
EDM:  Souray, S. (PPG, Denis Grebeshkov, Sam Gagner), Kotalik, A. (in SO)
Attendance: 16,839
Headlines:
Game Review (St. Louis Game Time - St. Louis)  Game Review (Edmontonoilers.com – Edmonton)

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Dallas	1	0	1	2	26	M. Turco
	Vancouver	1	2	1	4	25	R. Luongo
Scoring Summary:
DAL:  Robidas, S. (PPG, Mike Modano, Steve Ott), Ott, S. (Chris Conner, Mike Ribeiro)
VAN:  Sedin, D. (PPG, Henrik Sedin, Kevin Bieksa), Kesler, R. (Pavol Demitra, Mats Sundin), Sundin, M. (PPG, Kyle Wellwood, Ryan Kesler), Bernier, S. (Mason Raymond, Kevin Bieksa)
Attendance: 18,630
Headlines:
Game Review (Defending Big D – Dallas) Game Review (Nucks Misconduct – Vancouver)  Canucks win 10th straight at home.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	San Jose	0	1	2	3	36	B. Boucher (L) , E. Nabokov
	Phoenix	3	0	1	4	20	I. Bryzgalov
Scoring Summary:
SJS:  Thornton, J. (PPG, Jonathan Cheechoo, Rob Blake), Thornton, J. (Rob Blake, Jonathan Cheechoo), Marleau, P. (Joe Thornton, Rob Blake)
PHX:  Turris, K. (Shane Doan, Peter Mueller), Turris, K. (PPG, Shane Doan, Dmitri Kalinin), Kalinin, D. (PPG, Kyle Turris, Shane Doan), Doan, S. (PPG, Scottie Upshall, Kyle Turris)
Attendance: 15,563
Headlines:
Game Review (Five for Howling – Phoenix)  Game Review (Fear the Fin – San Jose)

Here is a video I took of the Red Wings powerplay in the 3rd period which ends with Rafalski’s PPG and a roar from the 20,066 fans in attendance. 

My Winnipeg Jets hat was underappreciated except by one hard core hockey fan.  Has it really been that long?  Alas I was unable to start a Go Jets Go chant.  I expected to see a few Wpg jerseys but it appears I was the lone Manitoba resident at the game.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Calgary	1	0	1	2	37	M. Kiprusoff (L) , C. McElhinney
	New Jersey	0	2	1	3	31	M. Brodeur
Scoring Summary:
CGY:  Jokinen, O. (David Moss, Michael Cammalleri), Glencross, C. (PPG, Michael Cammalleri, Dustin Boyd)
NJD:  Langenbrunner, J. (SHG, Colin White, Paul Martin), Rolston, B. (PPG, Niclas Havelid, Brendan Shanahan), Parise, Z. (Jamie Langenbrunner, Travis Zajac)
Attendance: 14,598
Headlines:
Brodeur moves within 2 wins of record. A summary of the game from Calgary Flames.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Buffalo	1	0	1	2	29	P. Lalime (L) , M. Tellqvist
	Philadelphia	1	0	4	5	33	M. Biron
Scoring Summary:
BUF:  Afinogenov, M. (Teppo Numminen), Hecht, J. (Paul Gaustad)
PHI:  Hartnell, S. (PPG, Claude Giroux, Mike Richards), Carter, J. (Joffrey Lupul, Scott Hartnell), Richards, M. (PPG, Kimmo Timonen, Simon Gagne), Carter, J. (Joffrey Lupul, Scott Hartnell), Hartnell, S. (Kimmo Timonen)
Attendance: 19,421
Headlines:
Carter dominate in Flyers victory. A summary of the game from the Flyers. And one from Die By The Blade.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Boston	0	0	0	0	35	T. Thomas
	Columbus	0	0	2	2	34	S. Mason
Scoring Summary:
CBJ:  Torres, R. (PPG, Antoine Vermette, Jason Williams), Nash, R. (EN, Mike Commodore)
Attendance: 16,675
Headlines:
Mason makes 35 saves for 9th shutout. A summary of the game from Puck-rakers. And one from The Bruins Blog.