We had a chance to get their final thoughts in this Q & A about the game, the crowd and the people of Manitoba.

Q.  What was your day like leading up to the game?

A.  The day was insane.  Nothing like we could have imagined.  One of the HFBoards members, Brent, picked us up and took us to the Kings Head pub.  We had a radio interview with Larry Updike followed by a TV interview at the hotel.  We had a lot of fun with it, but it’s definitely not something that we’re used to.  There were snow angels involved, but that’s all I can say We got to see a bit more of Winnipeg and to enjoy some of your great beers.  Before the game, we met up with a bunch of great boys from HFBoards.com over at the Tavern at MTS Centre. We couldn’t have hand picked a nicer bunch of guys to hang out with.  That was followed up by meeting up with the news crew again to film us walking in to MTS Centre and heading to our seats.  That was a little odd for us too, but it makes for a fun story later.

Q.  What were your initial impressions of the MTS Centre?  The Crowd?  Etc.

A.  Our initial impression was that we couldn’t believe a minor league hockey team played in such a nice facility.  It’s obvious to an outsider that this place was built to host the NHL from the beginning which is great.  The crowd was great.  We were surprised to see a few other Sharks jerseys sitting around us.  It was interesting to hear how some fans had adopted other teams in the absence of the NHL locally.  Most people were great to us and I think we got our fair share of good natured ribbing.  During our last interview at the end of the second period, a Jets fan pulled my toque down over my eyes, but I’m sure he did it with love.  Due to the Jets not scoring, we didn’t get a chance to hear too much of the famous loud building.  The times when the crowd was together though, we could tell that this place was capable of some serious volume!  It’s a little smaller than the Shark Tank (17,562) and the levels look a bit steeper due to squeezing an entire venue on to one city block!

Q.  What were your thoughts on the game?

A.  First off, I have to be happy that our boys took home two points tonight.  We do wish that it was more of a harder-fought closer contest.  My dream was that the Sharks would win it 4-3 in a shootout or something.  Our Sharks looked pretty decent and I thought maybe the Jets came off a little flat.  Is it due to their road trip?  I’m not sure.  You’ve got a handful of key players out injured and I think you could have used them last night.  I do have to say when Pavelec made that diving stick save on our guys, my mouth was hanging open.  Just a beautiful clutch save.  I think in maybe 2-4 years, we’ll have a chance of playing each other in the playoffs, which would be AWESOME.

Q.   How does this experience rank against the other cities you guys have traveled to?  Difference between here and other places?

A.  This ranks near or at the top for different reasons.  Last year will always be a special memory for us because we got to see two Canadian hockey teams in two days.  Calgary and Edmonton.  It was our first time to Canada (I was in Prince Rupert, BC a few years ago as a cruise ship stop, but that didn’t count) and our first time checking some Canadian teams off of our hockey bucket list.  We also got to meet the Sharks after the game in Calgary.  So that was special because it was a sort of first for us.  This trip is tied right at the top I think with last years’ adventure.  The fans here have made the difference.  Just being welcomed like long lost family, meeting the Sharks again and all of the crazy media stuff we fell in to has made this something we’ll never forget.  The energy here is just phenomenal.  Talking to nearly anyone is great.  It was so cool that everyone here treats a hockey game like some huge event.  Everyone is excited, ticket or not.  The biggest difference for me though was the weather.  Last year I thought it was pretty cold in Edmonton.  I was wrong!  I live 30 minutes from the ocean in Hollister, CA so it was a novelty treat for me.  My Cousin loved it…although he seems to be fine with no warm clothes on while I’m bundled up like a Randy from “A Christmas Story” getting sent off to school.

Q.  How does it feel that your journey became quite the story across the city?

A.  We were really surprised.  We ran in to 3 or 4 other Sharks fans that had flown in for the game and they weren’t getting the same craziness that we were. It feels good to know that your community cares that much about a couple of fans from the states and how your local crowd interacts with them.  It just reinforces the reputation of Canadians being a genuinely warm and caring people.

Q.  What is your best Winnipeg memory?

A.  There are a lot of insanely great memories.  From making snow angels with the CBC reporter in front of the Inn at the Forks to just hanging out with the boys after the game.  These are memories that I will hold close to my heart until the day I die.  It’s impossible to pick just one.

Q.  What are your final thoughts?  Do you want to say anything to the people of Winnipeg?

A.  In just a few short days, we’ve come to love your town and your people.  I said this before, but it feels like we’ve finally come home to the place where we belong.  You all have a lot to be proud of. If I could communicate anything to someone wondering what it’s like to have hockey back in Winnipeg, it would be that the energy and enthusiasm here is intoxicating.  Even if we didn’t happen to be given game tickets, rides, food and beer, this would still be up at the top of my list of favorite NHL venues to date.  The Jets are right back where they belong at home.  I’ll be happy to get home to my wife and two baby boys, but I’ll be sad to go.  Thanks for the great trip Winnipeg!!!

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A big thank you should go out to Brad for exemplifying the generosity of Manitobans.

Antti Niemi

Logan Couture

Andrew Murray

Coach McLellan

Frazer McLaren

Andrew Murray

Logan Couture

Coach McLellan

Of course knowing that tickets are a hot commodity, they took to the Winnipeg Jets section of the HF Message Boards to spread the word of their arrival and to inquire with locals as to what is the best means of procuring tickets.  Almost 200 comments and 7000+ views later, Peggers’ were offering advice on everything from hotels to whether to rent a car and where to eat.  Brad, a gracious and quite generous member of the HF Jets community even gave the cousins a pair of seats in the 105 section.  Not only that but he picked them up at the airport and dropped them off at their hotel.  If that doesn’t define ‘Friendly Manitoba’ I don’t know what does.

We had the chance to ask the cousins some questions about why they chose Winnipeg and their preliminary thoughts on our fair city.

Q.  How did you guys start this tradition?

A.  My Cousin and I had lost touch for most of our lives.  When we started talking after years had gone by, we found out that we both LOVED hockey.  This may not sound like a huge deal in Canada, but in California it may as well have been a bonafide miracle.  We started going to games together (Sharks mostly, though Mike also had Fresno Falcons/ECHL season tickets).  We began by driving to the teams closest to us (Anaheim mostly) but it wasn’t really a tradition.  We just decided one year after a “How cool would this be” conversation that it would be awesome to see the Sharks play all of the NHL venues before we died.  Instead of continuing to talk, we just decided to book the trip. So far, we’ve done Winnipeg 2011, Calgary / Edmonton / Los Angeles 2010, Phoenix 2009, Anaheim 2008 and 2005.  I’ve also been to Carolina and Washington DC, but those don’t count against our goal since the Sharks weren’t playing at the time.  It has been one of the best decisions we have ever made and a worthy life-long goal to achieve.  We get to see the world and we’ve made friends in nearly every city we’ve visited.  I’ve had two sons in the last two years and I hope that in a few years, I’ll be able to share this adventure with them.  As far as my wife is concerned, she should be granted sainthood for taking care of our little ones and being OK with me doing this.  Thank you Mary, I Love You!

Q.   Why Winnipeg?

A.  When we committed to doing at least one trip a year, Mike’s first pick this year was Winnipeg.  You only get so many chances to see a new (or reborn) team play in the NHL in their first year.  We almost booked Chicago due to the considerably smaller travel expense, but in the end we came to our senses and booked Winnipeg.  Besides, the Canadian trips are the most fun right?

Q.  What did you think when you got offered everything from free drinks to free lower bowl  tickets on HF Boards?

A.  To be honest, we thought you all were playing a joke on the gullible Americans!  I still to this very moment sitting here in our hotel room cannot believe what has been provided to us, a pair of total strangers.  From the FREE premium tickets OVERNIGHTED to us by Brad (ps241), to having Brad show up at the airport as a surprise to drive us to our hotel, it still all seems too good to be true.  I have to say that this is my fourth trip in to Canada and on every occasion, we have been welcomed with open arms by our Canadian hosts.  The hospitality and generosity of Manitobans has been unparallelled by any other experience in my 32 years.  Even at lunch today a woman gave us a hug and welcomed us to Winnipeg.  We talked with her and her friends all through lunch and they thanked us for coming here.  I have never experienced anything like this.  We couldn’t possibly be more humbled and grateful.  There is no possible way for us to ever fairly repay the favor.  I also think that if I accept all of the free drinks offered, I’m not going to be able to walk very well after the game

Q.  When you heard Winnipeg in January, did you have any idea what to expect?  What have your first impressions been like?

A.  Cold. Cold. More cold.  From the replies on my hfboards.com topic, people couldn’t believe that we would come from sunny California to the frozen tundra of Winnipeg at this time of year.  For us, the icy weather and scenery is a welcome treat.  My very first impression of Winnipeg came on the airplane as we approached YWG.  Looking out the window I could see rink after outdoor rink peppered across the land with kids skating.  That is an alien sight to those of us living in California.  Very cool.  Everything else we’ve seen in our 10 hours here so far has been beautfiul.  The Forks area is beautiful.

Q.  What was it like hanging with the Sharks at Earls Main?

A.  Earlier in the day, we were walking around the Forks area wearing our jerseys.  A group of people walked by us and yelled “Hey Sharks fans!.”  As we braced for our heckling, one of them shouted “My friend here plays for the Sharks…him…the tall one!”  We thought they were just messing with us and kept walking.  After reconsidering though, we felt like we missed a great, and possibly only, chance to meet a Shark player on this trip.  Brad told us to head to Earl’s tonight and that the Sharks might be there.  We had no idea that he would be 100% right.  We took a seat at the bar and noticed after a few double-takes that Logan Couture, Antti Niemi, James Sheppard, Colin White, Benn Ferriero, Douglas Murray were sitting right behind us!  We spent a good 40 minutes trying to find a way to approach them without annoying them too much.  Finally I called their waitress over and asked her to let us buy them a round of drinks and to tell them good luck tomorrow.  They were very cool with us and spent a considerable amount of time talking with us.  When it was time to settle our bill at the end of the night, we had found that they had bought us several rounds without saying anything.  Thanks guys!  They were appreciative that we would travel this distance to see them.  All of them treated us like regular, down-to-Earth guys.  It was an absolute pleasure.

Q.  What has made this trip unique from the other road trips you’ve taken?

A.  I think the main stand-out features of this trip have been the hospitality shown by Jets’ fans and the punch-in-the-face cold outside.  The other difference is that we get to see your Jets in their first year!  We may not get that kind of opportunity again for decades to come, if ever.  Considering many people cannot even get tickets without spending a month’s wage, we can’t believe we’ll be sitting center ice.

Q.  What are your expectations of the MTS Centre crowd?

A.  Last year in Calgary, as we were leaving the game, a lady grabbed us and snuck us back down to the ice.  She had heard that we were in from San Jose.  As it turns out, the Sharks were meeting friends and family after the game and we got to spend time talking and taking pictures with them.  Another supremely nice deed from a Canadian stranger.  Before that, a nice little old lady on the airplane drew us a paper map of how to drive from Calgary to Edmonton.  She spent a lot of time on it,  It must be in your blood!  It’s something for us to try to live up to when we see traveling fans visiting the HP Pavilion in San Jose.  It really sets an example of how to treat guests on your home ice.

I have to say again that we are eternally grateful to the Jets fans from hfboards.com and Brad in particular.  They have taken two totally foreign strangers and made us feel like we hit the hockey lottery!  We’re just two regular hockey fans from the states, but as Mike and I discussed today, we feel like we have finally come home.  The term “Friendly Manitoba” is a gross understatement.

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On Friday, we will get the guys thoughts on the game, the MTS Centre crowd and their overall impression of the trip to Winnipeg.  If you see them tonight, be sure to give Mike and Bryan a ‘Friendly Manitoba’ hello!!

Here is the 2nd part of the Q & A.

To listen to the interview, download part 3 of the podcast. To have the podcast sent to your iPod each and every week, subscribe to the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on iTunes, non iTunes users can subscribe via RSS.

This Saturday’s Illegal Curve Hockey Show will air at a special time from 8am-11am on TSN 1290. The podcast will be available on IllegalCurve.com & on iTunes by Monday morning.

Is this the year for the Sharks?

“Certainly hope so. It’s a different year as every season is different. This one for the Sharks is a work in progress, they haven’t been outstanding, they haven’t been bad, they’ve just kind of been. Over the last couple of weeks they are much more positively trending in an upward direction. They’ve taken over first place in the division by a point over LA, they’re in the three spot in the Western Conference right now.  The other thing, depending on how you look at it, they have to their advantage, they’ve played fewer games than everyone else in the Western Conference, they’ve only played 37 games and for example LA and Phoenix have played four more at 41. They have some games in hand, but you have to win those to make them count.

They’re in a pretty good place right now, they’ve won three in a row and seven of nine. They are trying to work on special teams which has been the biggest obvious problem this year, they are 17^th on the power play and 28^th on penalty kill, second worst in the league. There’s a lot of improvement to be made in those areas in the second half of the season. If they can get those improved and get the problems fixed there then they should be in pretty good heading into the playoffs, and then once the tournament starts…who knows.

They still have the core that got them to the Western Conference final last year, they have the goalie who won the Stanley Cup a couple of years ago with the Chicago Blackhwaks. They have what should be a better blue line with Brent Burns on it now. They have some pieces in place, but as I say, they’ve been average until recently, now they seem to be on the uptick.”

On Brent Burns growth into his role with San Jose

“I think that if you’re going to paint a perfect picture the growth into the role would have been a little more accelerated than it has been for Brent Burns. 6 goals, 10 points, you always think of the offensive side when you bring a defenseman with a big shot into a structure such as the Sharks have with some great offensive players. What you need to take a closer look at is his place defensively. That is the most important transition that the coaching felt he had to make in the first half of this season.

I’m not saying he brought bad habits with him from Minnesota, but he played within a different structure and a different system and had to assimilate here into what Todd McLellan and his staff wanted. I think that’s been the focus on the first half of the year. He is a +10, he is a plus player, we know what a big body he is, and what a great shot he has. I think that as he continues to increase his comfort level within the system and the structure the Sharks coaches bring into play, I think you’ll see a better second half from Brent Burns.”

On the performance of the additions of Michal Handzus and Colin White

“Michal Handzus has come in to a situation where the Sharks were looking to have better third and fourth line play, particularly in his case third line play. They felt that they were outplayed especially by Vancouver in the Conference Final by the 3^rd and 4^th lines. Handzus on the scene is one of the pieces that needed to change the third line. I think he has done that, he’s very good defensively, he’s a penalty killer, he’s very good in face-offs. Handzus numbers aren’t there as far as generating a lot of points. He’s a veteran presence, a guy who’s going to work with the players alongside him to make them better. Players like Jamie McGinn who’s having a breakthrough year for the Sharks, you talk to McGinn he credits a lot of his confidence and development this year from playing with someone like Handzus.”

“Colin White it’s a smaller body of work because of the injury situation he’s been through, he’s on IR and hasn’t consistently been in the lineup that much. What Colin White will bring to the Sharks still needs to be determined once he gets back off IR. He did have a stretch before he got hurt where he settled into a good defensive defensemen role, and of course he brings that experience coming from New Jersey with Stanley Cups.”

On Logan Couture’s ceiling

“I don’t think there is a ceiling for Logan, he can be a star in this league, he might have the potential to be a superstar in this league. If you look at the Sharks organization and the young players at the forward position there’s no one else that even comes close to the top prospect in this organization. He’s already a permanent fixture on the second line at centre, mostly playing with Ryane Clowe on his left wing. He’s a tremendous talent, you always look for that player who makes those around him better and Logan Couture absolutely does that. Does he still need work? Of course, he’s a young player. I don’t think there is a ceiling for Logan, I think he has a chance to be huge in the NHL.”

On the acquisition of Brad Winchester

“Winchester has been a great pickup. He was a pro tryout at training camp and signed to a free agent contract by Doug Wilson. Brad Winchester’s been terrific, in 37 games, he has four goals, seven points, gives you that big physical presence. He’s got a great shot, scored a goal the other night off the post in Anaheim, which was an amazing shot, a great goal. He’s a terrific locker room guy as well, very popular in the dressing room with the guys.”

On areas to upgrade at the deadline

“(GM Doug) Wilson tends to make a deal every year before the deadline. The Sharks will go through some organizational meetings next week, if you look through their history they’ve tended to make those moves after their meetings. I think you’d be looking to bolster their 3^rd and 4^th lines, maybe with a guy that could move up and play a second line role. Right now Benn Ferreiro who’s up from Worcester has been productive, he’s got four goals in only ten games this year. Playing earlier last week with Thornton’s line when Marleau was on the second line, and now Ferrerio’s playing on the second line with Clowe and Couture. He’s been good, but I think Wilson would certainly look to find a way to beef up the third line with a swing kind of player who could step up and play on a top line if needed.”

For the latest updates on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show, follow Illegal Curve on Twitter @IllegalCurve, or stay tuned to IllegalCurve.com

This Saturday’s edition of the Illegal Curve Hockey Show will air from 8-11am on TSN 1290. The podcast will be available on IllegalCurve.com & on iTunes by Monday morning.

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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Had this preview been written two weeks ago, it would have started with the line: “other than Marleau being stripped of his captaincy, and Christian Ehrhoff being sent to the Canucks, the Sharks really didn’t do anything this off-season to rid themselves of demons from past playoff failures”.  That is until GM Doug Wilson pulled the trigger on a deal to acquire Dany Heatley, and all of his excess baggage.  Unfortunately, Heatley’s playoff track record isn’t exactly glowing, so a lot of questions still remain unanswered.

Forwards:

Upfront, the Sharks boast arguably the best top six forward group in the entire NHL.  Heatley is almost guaranteed to play with Jumbo Joe on the top line and score 50 goals, and form one of the best dynamic duos.  In turn, this will allow San Jose to play Marleau in his natural centre position, on the second line.  The speedy Devin Setoguchi will be the other winger on the top line, once again playing with Thornton, as he did for much of last season.  Setoguchi better make sure to eat his Wheaties, as both Heatley and Thornton aren’t exactly committed to defensive play in their own end.  This could pose problems, as Thornton at times was lazy and relied on the speedy Marleau for his back-checking prowess.  As mentioned, Marleau should centre the second line with Ryane Clowe, and possibly “Little” Joe Pavelski, although Pavelski could also centre a third line if needed.  This top six will likely be the same up front as well on the power play, but look for Clowe to perhaps swap with Setoguchi to wreck havoc in front of the net.  Having Marleau on the second PP unit provides nice balance in scoring.

Did Dany Heatley bring his baggage with him to San Jose? (Image from Flickr).

I can’t talk about the Sharks top forwards, without mentioning the departed Milan Michalek and the Cheechoo Train.  Michalek, who Sens fans I’m sure will come to realize is a lesser version of Marian Hossa, will be missed for his secondary scoring.  His speed was second on the team only to Marleau, and his inspired two-way play was integral in past regular season successes.  Cheechoo’s absence won’t be missed as much, for as the regular season was winding down, Cheechoo was more or less being fed passes by Jody Shelley, instead of receiving them on the top line from Thornton.

Now we get to the muckers and grinders.  Roenick’s speed and dressing room presence will be missed.  Claude Lemieux’s overweight figure will not.  The departure of Mike Grier on the other hand creates a large void in the checking department.  A healthy Torrey Mitchell provides great checking skills as the third line centre, however relative newcomers Brad Staubitz and Jamie McGinn will be relied on more to do the dump and chase thing that third liners do.  Jed Ortmeyer, Scott Nicholl, and fan favourite Jody Shelley round up the bottom forwards.

The big question that still remains unanswered with the Heatley trade, is will the Sharks once again flop in the playoffs?  No one can quite put their finger on it, but it’s almost a collective psyche issue within the team; something the Sens can relate to during their very successful regular seasons.  Obviously the offense lives and dies with Thornton, and now Heatley.  Look for Marleau to once again succeed in this secondary role, much like how he did when Cheechoo was winning the Rocket Richard trophy.  Thornton has been ridiculed for his lackluster playoff performances, after his dominating regular seasons; however, it seems that Thornton just continues his “normal” regular season play in the playoffs, while everyone else steps up their games.  It will be interesting to see how Heatley fairs come April, given a track record similar to that of Thornton.

Defense:

 Canadian Olympic candidate Dan Boyle will relied upon once again to quarterback the power play, and provide a veteran presence when the going gets tough…come April.  Although he isn’t a true shut down rearguard, the Sharks don’t need him to be.

Can Dan Boyle finally lead the Sharks to the promised land? Image from HFboards.com)

That’s the job of fellow blueliner Douglas Murray.  Although his name and style of play indicates that he should be from a farm in Saskatchewan, Murray is as Swedish as they come.  Nonetheless, his aggressive style of play in his own end has made him Evgeni Nabokov’s best friend.  Rob Blake is back for another tour of duty, and will likely see top PP duty with Boyle.  The mature-for-his-age ME Vlasic rounds up the top four, and has everything you want in a young blueliner.  Openings exist for the last two defenseman, with Kent Huskins and Alexei Semenov likely cracking the lineup.  Maybe Sandis Ozolinsh will try once again.  Let’s hope not.  Look for Pavelski to play the point on the second PP unit with Vlasic from time to time.

Goal:

 I still don’t quite get why the Nabby trade rumours persisted all summer.  Nabokov has posted great numbers since being the official number one after Toskala was traded, and there is no reason to think that he will slow down anytime soon.  Sure, he laid an egg in the playoffs, but so did all the Sharks.  The backup job now belongs to Thomas Greiss, with Brian Boucher back for his second tour of duty with Philly.

Evgeni Nabokov will carry the load once again (Image from Sharkspage.com)

Predictions:

Ceiling – If Thortnon can elevate his game, Marleau can shake off the loss of the Captain’s C, and Heatley doesn’t demand a trade to Florida, then the Sharks can take home the President’s trophy and Lord Stanley’s mug.

Floor – If Joe continues his lacksidasical play, Heatley’s past playoff performances continue, and Marleau’s self-confidence gets sucked dry, consider the Sharks to be another first round flop, after a decent regular season campaign finishing third in the West to the Wings, and I don’t know…let’s say the Canucks.

First off, it was clear last week and is now that the Sharks’ trade of Christian Ehrhoff was made to create cap space for a future deal.  Rumor had it that Heatley was San Jose’s guy and those rumors proved correct.  With Ehrhoff’s salary off the books, San Jose had more financial freedom to make a big trade for the former 50-goal scorer from Ottawa.

Today’s deal can be broken down as follows:

San Jose receives:

Dany Heatley–four years remaining on his contract at a total of a $7.5 million cap hit per season.

Ottawa receives:

Milan Michalek–five years remaining on his contract at a total of $4.3 million cap hit per season.

Jonathan Cheechoo–two years remaining on his contract at a total of $3 million cap hit per season.

Second round pick

Let’s first examine the addition of Heatley to the San Jose roster.  Heatley will almost certainly lineup alongside Joe Thornton to form one of the top offensive duos in the National Hockey League.  Thornton is arguably the best passer in the NHL and prefers to pass at almost every opportunity.  Heatley, in contrast, is a shooter first and foremost.  He has a terrific release and a bullet of a shot–so these two players should complement each other well. 

Last season Heatley posted 39 goals and that was considered a poor season for him.  Most NHLers would kill for a 39 goal total but Heatley has posted 50 goals in two consecutive seasons (2005/06 and 20006/07) and scored 41 times in 71 games in 2007/08.  Needless to say he is one of the top snipers out there.  His addition to the Sharks should give the team a needed (it is hard to say much-needed with their offensive weapons) goal-scorer that has posted point-per-game numbers in the playoffs–where this team will need him most.

Dany Heatley and Joe Thornton will be one scary combination. (Picture courtesy of sportsnet.ca)

With today’s move, the Sharks could very well have assured themselves another first place finish in the Western Conference.  That being said, Sharks fans do not really care about regular season success anymore.  The playoffs are all that matters to Bay Area fans and they must be wondering what this trade does for them in that regard?  Well, as mentioned above, Heatley has posted very respectable offensive totals in the playoffs.  But the question I have is: Will Heatley step up when the games matter most?  Stats are one thing, but anyone who saw Heatley play in the Stanley Cup Final against Anaheim remembers his poor performance in all five games.  Simply, Heatley was virtually invisible when the series was coming away from the Senators, and while a player like Daniel Alfredsson imposed his will on the competition, Heatley was nowhere to be found. 

So, consider me skeptical in terms of whether this move will payoff at crunch time, but it is almost impossible to argue that the move isn’t beneficial to San Jose’s regular season and, maybe even, first round success.

As for Ottawa, GM Bryan Murray was between a rock and a hard place.  Heatley demanded a trade, it became public and then he rejected the trade the Senators made when he was dealt to Edmonton. 

The key to this deal for Ottawa was Michalek–who is a great skater, with good size and pretty good hands.  Michalek skates like the wind and is not afraid of contact.  In fact, he is the type of player Ottawa has been looking for for some time now.  He is only 24 years old, although it feels like he been around for a while.  The last three seasons he has posted 26, 24, and 23 goals respectively and has never been a minus player during any of his four NHL seasons.  The Czech native had 36 even strength points last season (fourth best on the Sharks) and accumulated these totals without playing any significant amount of time with Joe Thornton (the same cannot be said for Marleau/Setoguchi).  There is also a physical element to his game (92 hits last season), which really makes him a solid all-around player.

Milan Michalek is the key to this trade for the Senators. (Picture courtesy of sharkspage.com)

In Cheechoo, the Senators get a player who broke out with a whopping 56 goals in 2005/06 while playing shotgun with Joe Thornton.  That season really did come out of nowhere considering Cheechoo had never even scored 50 goals in the Ontario Hockey League.  In 2006/07 Cheechoo didn’t post 50 goals but he still scored a more than respectable 37.  Unfortunately for Sharks fans, Cheechoo lost his confidence and shooting accuracy and with that he lost ice-time–in the next two seasons, Cheechoo scored 35 goals combined.

So, are the Senators getting a 50 goal scorer or a 12 goal scorer?  I’d say somewhere in between.  Cheechoo needs to gain some confidence back and will probably get a chance to ride shotgun to a player of similar skill level to Joe Thornton in Jason Spezza.  I could see Cheechoo posting a 25 goal season in Ottawa and regaining some of the confidence he lost over his final two seasons in the Bay Area.  All in all, at a $3 million cap hit, Cheechoo is no albatross in terms of finances, so the Senators might as well take a risk on him because of his upside (remember he is only 29).

Can Jonathan Cheechoo regain his old form in Ottawa? (Picture courtesy of espn.com)

Finally, the Senators also received a second round pick in this deal.  If you are looking at the value of a second round pick, I wrote a piece examining draft round value for Puck Prospectus that you can read here.  In today’s day and age of the salary cap, draft picks are important.  Now, I realize this pick will be around number 60 overall but it still carries value, either for Ottawa’s prospect group or in a future trade.

Who won this deal?

You know, it is actually possible for two teams to both be relative winners in a trade and I think that is what happened today.  I don’t think either team hit a homerun today, as I have questions about Heatley’s ability to help a team win the big game, and the Senators still had to trade away a former 50 goal scorer.

That being said, the Sharks added a valuable piece and the Senators received pretty good young value for their disgruntled star. 

I give both GMs a B+ for today’s deal.

First off, I’m thankful that something hockey–not law–related was actually at the forefront of all hockey webpages around the world.  For the first time in a while, an NHL story can actually be analyzed for its on-ice merits. 

With that said, let’s analyze the Canucks’ recent acquisitions.  Before analyzing each player, let’s set forth their respective contracts. (The figures are courtesy of NHLnumbers.com)

Mathieu Schneider: 1 year on his contract at $1.55 million.

Christian Ehrhoff: 2 years remaining on his contract;  2009/10–$3.15 and 2010/2011–$3.4.

Brad Lukowich: 1 year remaining on his contract at $1.8 million.

It certainly says something about the current free agent market when Brad Lukowich is actually going to make more money than Mathieu Schneider.  That aside, the three acquistions didn’t really cost the Canucks much–aside from money cap room and two lower-tier prospects.

In Schneider, the Canucks get a player who has obviously seen his best days; however, that does not mean that Schneider cannot be a helpful player on the Canucks’ back-end.  Schneider brings tremendous puck-moving skills, specifically an ability to effectively quarterback the power play.  In 23 games with Montreal last season, the veteran American blueliner tallied an impressive 17 points (14 of which were on the power play).  Additionally, he logged over 20 minutes of action per night. 

While he doesn’t possess the defensive ability he once did–nor the mobility–his smarts, along with the number of Canucks’ defensemen ahead of him on the depth chart (Mitchell, Bieksa, Edler) who can eat up the tough minutes against the opposition’s more talented and challenging offensive players, makes this a very astute signing.

In Ehrhoff, the Canucks have added a two-way defenseman who possesses solid offensive skills and sometimes questionable defensive skills.  His 42 points in 77 games was an impressive total for the 27 year old defenseman.  Unfortunately, Ehrhoff was -12 for the Sharks last season, which was 15 +/- points lower than the next worst Sharks defenseman (Alexei Semenov +3).  So while his offense took a step forward last season, his defense took a step back.  In Vancouver he’ll be counted on to help the team’s speed and size on the back-end, but if he continues to struggle in his own zone, his playing time will be limited to less time than he saw in San Jose.  If that is the case, he’ll prove to be overpaid.

As for Lukowich, the Canucks are getting a smooth skating veteran defenseman who knows his role and can adequately fill in if need be.  On the Canucks, Lukowich figures to slot in behind Salo, Bieksa, Edler, Schneider, Mitchell and Ehrhoff on the depth chart.  Additionally, the team has Aaron Rowe and Shane O’Brien on the back-end, so Lukowich should see himself as the 7th/8th defenseman on the team.  Luckily, the 33 year old B.C. native is a profesional player and should be a solid addition to the locker room.  His skating is his biggest asset and his defensive awareness is solid, but he won’t be counted on by the Canucks who boast a deep defense corps.

All in all, the Canucks have done well to shore up the team’s defensive depth.  Clearly GM Mike Gillis figured he could not count on Sami Salo to play a whole season and saw the opportunity to create team competition for defensive playing time, as well as an ability to get younger (Ehrhoff) and more skilled (Ehrhoff and Schneider) on the back-end.  Obviously helping the team’s middle-of-the-road power play (17th in the NHL) was a factor too.

Give Gillis a thumbs-up for these moves; however, something tells me the move for Schneider will be more significant than the move for Ehrhoff and Lukowich.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• As much as San Jose didn’t bring their “A” game last night, the Ducks most certainly did.  Just a great performance by the veteran group.
• Sergei Samsonov’s status for Game 6 has not yet been decided.  They could use him in Game 6, but I don’t see it being the determining factor.
• More reaction to the penalty call late in the Jackets/Wings game.  Straight up, that was a penalty.  It really wasn’t close Jackets fans.
• Both Jamie Langenbrunner and Bryce Salvador are questionable for Game 6.  With a Game 7 back home, I don’t see the Devils pushing it here if it is too close to call.
• Have trade deadline acquisitions paid off in the playoffs?  Great piece.
• An interesting interview with John Davidson.  We miss JD in the booth, but he has done a tremendous job turning that organization around.
• Taylor Pyatt has returned to the Canucks and issued a statement.  Hockey has to be the last thing on Pyatt’s mind.
• It is going to be a wild one tonight at the Verizon Center.  Desperation will definitely kick in tonight for the Caps.

Plus, some other NHL stories from around the league:

• Eric Duhatschek thinks Bob Gainey has probably closed the window on Vincent Lecavalier if he publicly called out Brian Lawton yesteday.  Great point by Duhatschek.  He mentions Briere as a possible trade candidate for Montreal.
• Elliotte Friedman isn’t convinced the Lecavalier to Montreal window has closed.  Tampa is desperate to get rid of salary, so that point is well-taken.
• Could Pierre McGuire end up being the next Wild GM?  Would be an interesting choice, as there are few who know as much about the game as McGuire.
• Rogers and TSN2 may finally be close to an agreement for GTA customers.  Stupid situation from the outset.
• Sharks fans just wanted to see some passion from their favorite team last night, but they didn’t get it.  Just an awful performance from San Jose.  They brought nothing to the table.
• Chris Higgins has been added to the U.S. squad for the World Championships.  I’m sure he’s trying to end his season on anything but the sour note that was the Habs’ “playoff run”.
• Damien Cox on video talking about the possibility of two NHL teams in Toronto.  Again, this makes too much sense for the league.  Whether there is ever any progress on this matter is another story.

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.

• The Ducks let the Sharks get their confidence back last night.  Too many stupid penalties by Anaheim.  You’d think at some point the players would stop taking useless penalties to allow the dangerous Sharks power play countless opportunities. 
• Blake Wheeler has not been nominated for the Calder.  He had a good season but wasn’t as good as the top three finalists.  I’ll say this, he certainly surprised me his output this season.  One of Peter Chiarelli’s shrewd moves.
• No Mathieu Schneider tonight for the Habs and Carey Price is starting in net.  This team will look a whole lot different beginning with the draft at the Bell Centre.
• Brent Sutter is happy his team battled back last night, but wasn’t happy with the team’s overall performance.  This series really is too close to call.  It feels like a Game 7 overtime series to me. 
• Bruce Boudreau thinks Mike Green can be better for the Capitals.  He seems to lack confidence right now.
• The Penguins are calling for a white-out tonight at Mellon Arena.  Come up with your own ideas and stop stealing this idea from the former Winnipeg Jets.
• Alexander Ovechkin talks about Sean Avery.  Prediction: Caps 3, Rangers 2 tonight.

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.

• Red Wings open the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Joe for a record 17th straight season.
• Chris Osgood is the last goalie in the NHL to wear the old school mask.
• The Canadiens were a No. 8 seed in the 2004 playoffs (under Claude Julien) when they knocked out the top-seeded Bruins from the playoffs in 7 games.
• It’s been 40 years since the NHL playoffs featured an all-California series.  Not since 1969, when the Oakland Seals and Los Angeles Kings played.
• Joe Thornton had his 1st shot of the game with 48.4 remaining in the 3rd period.

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Montreal	2					Columbus	1
	Boston	4					Detroit	4
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Four Habs Fans  Stanley Cup of Chowder						The Cannon Winging it in Mowtown
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL OT		T				FINAL		T
	Calgary	2					Anaheim	2
	Chicago	3					San Jose	0
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Matchsticks and Gasoline  Second City Hockey						Battle of California  Fear the Fin
Game Recap						Game Recap

Red Wings vs. Blue Jackets 3 Stars:

• 1st Star:  Osgood was fantastic when the Wings needed him to be.  (13 shots in the 1st period).
• 2nd Star: Detroit’s 3rd line played like the 1st line.  Combined for 5 points tonight.
• 3rd Star:  Steve Mason was fantastic and had some bad luck on deflections off his defenceman.

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.

Season Series- Sharks 4-2

The San Jose Sharks, fresh off a President’s Trophy win, will now have to put that regular season glory behind them and concentrate on the playoff success that has eluded them thus far. Their opponent will be the wily and grizzled Anaheim Ducks, who willed their way into the playoffs despite a massive dump of players at the deadline.

Let’s break down the match-up in a number of areas:

Goaltending:

The Sharks are led by Evgeni Nabokov, who has been a top 10 goalie in the NHL for some time. An excellent technical goaltender, Nabokov is certainly good enough to win a series all by himself. Though he put up 41 wins in the regular season, Nabokov has been so-so in the playoffs, going 30 and 27 thus far. If he can’t get on track this year, will the Sharks look towards experienced back up Brian Boucher?

The Ducks goaltending situation is a little more fluid. JS Giguere played only 46 games this year, and was somewhat supplanted by Jonas Hiller. Despite a minor goaltending controversy, it looks like Giguere will get the nod to start the series, likely given his extensive playoff experience. I do think his leash will be short, and Hiller is more than capable of coming in and winning.

Edge: San Jose

Defense:

The Sharks boast a stable of capable defensemen, many of whom are Stanley Cup champions. Rob Blake (who had a renaissance year), Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich are all excellent defenders. Blake is quite physical, Boyle and Blake can really move the puck and the Sharks top it all off with Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Douglas Murray and Christian Erfhoff, steady defenders in their own right. The Sharks may also see a return of Kent Huskins, who is on the DL with a broken foot.

The Ducks also boast a very good defensive core. Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger highlight a group that is long on playoff experience. The Ducks also added Ryan Whitney and James Wisniewski to their group, and as such boast a Top 4 that can skate and move the puck well. The Top 6 is rounded out by Francois Beauchemin, a great playoff performer. Brendan Mikkelson is also available

Edge: Anaheim

Forwards:

The Sharks have a big, dynamic group of forwards that supply balanced scoring. Patrick Marleau led the team with 38 goals, while 6 different forwards topped the 20 goal plateau. In addition to their size, the Sharks have some speedsters who can break a game open. Devon Setoguchi, Joe Pavelski, Ryan Clowe and Milan Michalek all have excellent skill levels and can supply goals by the bucket full. Lest we forget, the Sharks are led by Joe Thornton, who has become one of the NHL’s most feared playmakers. A couple of overlooked players are playoff pest extraordinaire Claude Lemieux, Travis Moen and (former?) sniper Jonathan Cheechoo, who may be a darkhorse if he can regain his scoring touch.

The Ducks forwards are not nearly as dynamic as the Sharks, but they are still dangerous. Led by young stars Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perrey and Bobby Ryan, the Ducks can score and play a gritty game, which should make this series fun to watch. Wily vets Teemu Selanne is still a top flight offensive player, and the fourth line of Petteri Nokelainen, George Parros and Mike Brown add some sandpaper to the Ducks roster. Andrew Ebbett has been on a hot streak as of late. Despite the experience and talent, I still think San Jose’s group is better.

Edge: San Jose

Coaching/Special Teams/Intangibles:

First year head coach Todd McClellan obviously had great success in his inaugural campaign. He brought his power play coaching skills with him from Detroit and has installed the program in San Jose, whose well oiled attack should serve them well in the post-season. As mentioned, the San Jose PP is quite lethal and scores at about a 25% clip. The penalty is also good, though not a strength of note. The intangibles here are how well Captain Thornton performs and whether or not super pest Claude Lemieux can rattle teams like he used to.

Randy Carlyle has the edge in games coached and experience, so you likely won’t fool him with anything in this round. He has been in Anaheim a while and has veteran charges, so motivation shouldn’t be a factor. How he manages his goalies may well be the deciding factor here. Anaheim’s power play is also good, coming in 5^th out of 30 teams. They do, however, suck on the penalty with an abysmal 79.7% success rate. As for intangibles, the Ducks boast a lot of experience and veteran moxie. If they can get the jump on the Sharks early, they know how to go in for the kill

Edge: Draw

Prediction: Sharks in 6. They have too much firepower and will be hungry for a win. I think their PP will be the difference.

• 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**

It’s the uptick of the Shark defenseman Rob Blake’s plus-minus rating, standing at plus-19 on Monday, with three games remaining in San Jose’s regular season.The minus-19 was a byproduct of a desultory campaign with the Kings last season. Stats may not lie but they can certainly deceive.

“When we signed Rob Blake

, we wanted Rob Blake to be Rob Blake,” said Sharks coach Todd McLellan on Sunday before San Jose defeated the Ducks, 3-2. “We didn’t need him to be a mentor or a king for all the young princes. We needed him to be Rob Blake. That’s all we wanted.”

Read Lisa’s whole story here.

We all know Rob Blake is a future HOF’er but I found McLellan’s quote there very interesting.  Many believed Blake was brought to San Jose to help them with leadership in the room and to provide a nice example for the team’s young defensemen, but clearly the team had different intentions.  By telling Blake to focus on being himself, basically telling him just to play hockey and not worry about anything else, McLellan seems to have read the situation perfectly.  Not many people thought Blake could have this type of season at his age (39), but McLellan clearly wasn’t one of those people.

The nominees for the 2009 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy have been slowly revealed by the NHL, and today it was the Pacific Division’s turn.

Please recall that the Masterton Trophy is “an annual award under the trusteeship of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association and is given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.” The Professional Hockey Writer’s Association chapters for each franchise put forward the candidates for their team.

Let’s see … George Parros of the Anaheim Ducks? Why not. Stephane Robidas of the Dallas Stars is a good choice, although Mike Modano could probably earn this nomination every season. Michal Handzus of the Los Angeles Kings is a stellar choice after a total turnaround season. Zbynek Michalek of the Phoenix Coyotes is evidently in the NHL. And for the San Jose Sharks, it’s … CLAUDE LEMIEUX?!

Read Greg’s entire rant here.

Hilarious.  If Lemieux actually wins, I hear Kris Draper is presenting him with the award…