Here are the morning papers for Monday the 30th of March:
- Jonas Hiller continued his terrific play for the Ducks, as they defeated Colorado 4-1 and moved within one point of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Putting Bobby Ryan on the Ducks’ top line has worked wonders.
- The Bruins made it three victories in a row on Sunday. Of concern is the fact that Boston gave up 40+ shots to Philadelphia. Jeremy Reich could be a useful asset down the stretch.
- The Sabres better be ready for the marathon stretch that awaits them, if they want to make the playoffs.
- Eric Nystrom is not getting a big head over the recent publicity he has garnered. Steve Macfarlane tells us just what Jamie Lundmark has done to transform himself back into the scorer everyone one believed he would be.
- The Hurricanes will sure antsy over the next fews days, as the team’s next game is not until Thursday.
- If the Blackhawks play Vancouver in the first round, they will have to play a whole lot better than they did yesterday at the United Center, writes Chris Kuc. Meantime, Colin Fraser was a healthy scratch yesterday.
- “It’s like it won’t end, this nightmare we’re in,” said longtime Av Milan Hejduk after the team’s seventh consecutive loss last night. The Avalanche do not plan on calling up any goaltenders from the AHL.
- If Columbus plays like it did last night, the Blue Jackets may not even make the playoffs. Steve Mason made a uncharacteristic mistake yesterday as he had a terrible turnover that led to an easy Brad Boyes goal.
- The Stars have lost an astounding 322 man-games to injuries this season, writes Mike Heika.
- “I didn’t think we were fantastic at the start but I thought we took the game over totally, and we found a way to lose the game,” said Wings coach Mike Babcock after his team lost 4-3 at home to Nashville. Detoit does not have a very difficult remaining schedule, so they should probably be considered the favorite to take the number one seed in the conference. Brian Rafalski (groin) did not suit up yesterday.
- Robert Tychkowski calls the Oilers performance last night against Minnesota “lifeless.” The Oilers have a lot of home games remaining, but the team’s home record is not flattering. The team now has six games left to prove they are better than they have shown. Will the Oilers ever get a new arena?
- Is Craig Anderson the new starter in Florida?
- “We lost today, it would have been probably over,” said Wild defenseman Martin Skoula about the team’s desperation level for Sunday’s game against Edmonton. Minnesota remains in playoff contention with last night’s win over Edmonton. Read about Wild propsect Carson McMillan.
- If you are looking to blame someone for the Habs’ struggles, start at the top, writes Jack Todd. Legendary Elmer Lach is still going strong.
- The Predators have lost Martin Erat for the rest of the season with a broken leg.
- For the last twelve years, the Rangers have had to play catch up with the Devils. Playing the Rangers might be exactly what New Jersey needs to get back on track.
- Give the Islanders fans credit for sticking with a bad team for so long.
- Brodeuer versus Avery tonight. The anticipation is building, but Avery has yet to pour fuel on the fire. The Rangers are close to getting Michal Rozsival back in the lineup.
- Cory Clouston is looking for more shots and improved decision-making from Chris Campoli. Brian Elliot shutout the horrible Lightning yesterday night.
- The Flyers want to clinch a playoff spot a lot earlier than they did last season, writes Ed Moran. Tim Thomas delayed the Flyers’ chance to move closer to clinching that spot with a terrific performance yesterday.
- With a lot of travel over the next few days, Wayne Gretzky is going to make a point of keeping his players fresh and focused in the desert.
- The players’ jobs don’t stop after the game is over, writes Dave Molinari. No more alternate blue jerseys for the Pens this year. Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero had faith in Mark Eaton and that faith has paid off.
- Patrick Marleau (lower body) will not play tonight versus Calgary.
- With yesterday’s win over Columbus, St. Louis finds themselves in a playoff spot with six games remaining in the season. T.J. Oshie sure nailed Rick Nash with a big hit yesterday.
- The Lightning backed down to the Senators on Sunday night and Rick Tocchet was not happy. There have been a lot of injuries for Tampa this season.
- The Leafs won’t throw Justin Pogge under the bus. Alex Ponikarovsky has become a leader in the Leafs locker room and his production has improved on the ice as well.
- Last night’s victory at Chicago was a statement game for the Canucks, writes Brad Ziemer.
- Are the Capitals re-creating the Red Wings of the mid-nineties?
