Here are the NHL Morning Papers for Friday the 17th of April:
Western Conference
San Jose Sharks (1) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)
- The Sharks’ power play cost them on Thursday going 0-for-6. Only nine of San Jose’s 35 shots were recorded within six feet of the crease. The pressure is squarely on the Sharks’ shoulders now.
- Jonas Hiller was terrific last night, turning aside 35 shots as the Ducks upset the Sharks 2-0. Scott Niedermayer was tremendous for Anaheim all night. “We still played a pretty good game, but we know they’re going to step it up next game,” said Chris Pronger.
Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Columbus Blue Jackets (7)
- He may get criticized a lot but Chris Osgood has confidence in himself and that was evident last night. Steve Mason did not seem phased by the rowdy Detroit crowd. Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock was not happy after yesterday’s loss. Jonathan Ericsson played extremely well in his first NHL playoff game. The Wings’ third line played like the team’s first line.
- The Blue Jackets played a solid first period, but it was ugly after that, writes Aaron Portzline. Give Chris Osgood credit for playing well yesterday. Columbus gave the Red Wings too much help, by putting two pucks in their own net. “They got the bounces tonight, and we didn’t get a one,” said Rick Nash.
Vancouver Canucks (3) versus St. Louis Blues (6)
- Due to a donation from Save-On-Foods, the Canucks/Blues games in St. Louis will now be aired in high definition. In terms of the actual series itself, Roberto Luongo is not fazed by the Blues’ attempts to get under his skin. If you looking from information from the Canucks’ assistant coaches, that is not going to happen. Vancouver is a very confident team at five-on-five. Having Sami Salo in the lineup has been a great benefit for the Canucks.
- Andy Murray was only happy with the performance of seven of his players in Game 1, so he is encouraged for Game 2. Andy McDonald is claiming his snowing of Roberto Luongo was not intentional. Patrick Berglund admits he did not play well on Wednesday.
Chicago Blackhawks (4) verses Calgary Flames (5)
- The Blackhawks gave their fans a lot to cheer about in the first playoff game in Chicago in seven years. The roar of the United Center was back last night, writes Rick Morrissey. Even Joel Queneville was nervous for Game 1. The Hawks’ youthfulness was apparent early on but it did not cost them.
- The Flames just could not hold on to their two leads on Thursday. Calgary was not happy with the no-call on Andrew Ladd’s goalie interference. Without three regulars on defense, it was evident that the Flames were having trouble in the defensive zone. If the Flames want to win this series, they have to turn around their awful power play. The Blackhawks’ youth did not show for long.
The Eastern Conference playoff morning papers will be posted a little bit late today.
