Here are the other half of the morning papers for Friday the 17th of April:
Eastern Conference
Boston Bruins (1) versus Montreal Canadiens (8)
- The Bruins blew a two-goal lead, but got a huge third period goal from Zdeno Chara and are off to a 1-0 series lead. Now is the perfect time for the Bruins to capature the Boston marketplace. The Habs do not exactly look intimidating, writes Kevin Paul Dupont. P.J. Axelsson does all the important things many fans don’t notice. Former Bruin Glen Metropolit is playing an offensive role for the rival-Canadiens.
- The Habs didn’t play poorly, but they still need to play a lot better, explains Pat Hickey. Former Habs coach Claude Julien doesn’t want to take credit for the resurgence of former Hab winger Michael Ryder in Boston. Roy MacGregor felt like Carey Price looked shaky last night.
Washington Capitals (2) versus New York Rangers (7)
- The question in Washington is who will man the net for Game 2? It looks like Jeff Schultz will miss tomorrow aftrernoon’s game for the Capitals. Viktor Kozlov can finally relax after scoring his first ever NHL playoff goal. Sergei Fedorov’s leadership and experience is helping keep the young Capitals confident and relaxed.
- Coach John Tortorella was very happy with the play of Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival in Game 1. Wade Redden’s experience is helping the Rangers on the back-end. Easy on proclaiming a Wade Redden turn-around, opines Larry Brooks.
New Jersey Devils (3) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)
- “We got some of our confidence back, our swagger,” said Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner. The playoff beards are in full force on the Devils’ blue line. Fear not Jersey fans, Johnny Oduya will be in the lineup for Game 2.
- Eric Staal and Zach Parise have been going head-to-head since they were young kids. After a poor performance in Game 1, Cam Ward is not down on himself. Paul Maurice says his team is not tired.
Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Philadelphia Flyers (5)
- Speaking of a Staal brother, Jordan has become a dominant third line center for the Penguins. Pittsburgh is expecting a vastly improved Flyers team tonight at Mellon Arena. If this series is going deep, the Flyers need to be far more discplined. The acquisition of Chris Kunitz has worked wonders for the Pens. (Writer’s note: That trade has been a great one for both teams.)
- The Flyers have to get off to a quick start in Game 2. Daniel Carcillo will not be in the lineup tonight due to his one-game suspension. The stupid penalties need to stop, writes Phil Sheridan.
