Here are the morning papers for Monday the 6th of April:
- The Ducks think they received some reputation calls last night, writes Helene Elliot. You could tell the Ducks were a little bit tired last night, as the team was playing its fourth game in six nights. Even so, a no-call on a Ryan Getzlaf mugging may have been the difference.
- The Thrashers have recalled Onrej Pavelec to get into some game action before the season ends. Atlanta lost yesterday in what has been a disappointing season overall.
- Don’t be surprised if the Bruins opt to sit some of their injured players for the remainder of the regular season. The Bruins say they don’t care who they face-off against in Round 1.
- The Sabres need lots of help to make the playoffs.
- If the Flames can play well over their final four games, everyone will forget the team’s recent struggles. Curtis Glencross urged his old Oilers teammates to beat the Canucks on Saturday and they did their job. Predictions for tonight’s Kings/Flames tilt.
- “I’m proud of the way we played the last month,” said Hurricanes captain Rod Brind’Amour.
- In a playoff type game, the Blackhawks defeated the Blue Jackets 1-0. Hawks GM Dale Tallon is very excited to be heading to the post-season.
- Joe Sakic is still attempting to return this season. The Avalanche somehow beat Vancouver yesterday.
- The Blue Jackets are learning there is quite a price to pay to make the NHL playoffs. Kris Russell was dangerous at both ends of the ice yesterday. At least this chase for a playoff spot is very exciting.
- Stephane Robidas continues to prove all the naysayers wrong, writes Mike Heika.
- The Wings played a playoff-esque game on Sunday versus the Wild and it paid off. Chris Osgood is rounding into form at the right time. Winning 50 games in four straight seasons is quite the accomplishment.
- Even if the Oilers win-out, they’ll still need lots of help to make the playoffs.
- After defeating the Penguins on Sunday, the Panthers now sit tied with the Rangers for 8th place in the Eastern Conference. Was Keith Ballard’s hip-check on Evgeni Malkin too low?
- Niklas Backstrom was tremendous, but Marian Hossa broke through with under a minute remaining and probably ended Minnesota’s chances at the playoffs. Nick Schultz injured his eye in Sunday’s game.
- Things are finally looking up for Les Habitants, writes Dave Stubbs. It is no surprise that the Canadiens go as Carey Price and Alexei Kovalev go.
- In the chase for the final spot in the Western Conference playoff spot, St. Louis has a more favorable schedule than the Predators do, writes John Glennon. The Predators are shooting for 90 points. Nashville’s work on the forecheck is one of the reasons they are where they are in the standings.
- Patrik Elias’s groin injury may be worse than anticipated.
- Islanders coach Scott Gordon is happy with the play of Jesse Joensuu.
- The Rangers have a difficult schedule to close out the season, explains Steve Zipay. “We can’t really beat ourselves up too much because we’re still in the eighth spot, and if we do the job the rest of the way here we’ll take care of business,” said Rangers superstar Henrik Lundqvist. Larry Brooks calls out the Rangers.
- Cory Clouston has earned the right to return to coach the Senators next season. Injured netminder Pascal Leclaire is growing impatient for next season.
- The Flyers haven’t clinched a playoff spot yet but it is basically a formality. Ed Moran examines the potential of JVR.
- The Penguins lost at Florida yesterday, but the game wasn’t without some action, as Sidney Crosby dropped the gloves. Petr Sykora currently sits at 299 career goals.
- The Sharks and Ducks had a heated game in the second of back-to-back games on Sunday in what could be a first round preview.
- JD thinks the Blues are going to make the playoffs.
- Tampa Bay is going to be receive a large revenue sharing check and still lose money. An interview with Len Barrie.
- For all the controversy surrounding Mikhail Grabovkski, the Leafs want more players with his grit. Brad May is closing in on his 1000th game which will, not be coincidence, be against the Buffalo Sabres.
- The Canucks were just horrible in every aspect of the game on Sunday night, writes Ben Kuzma. “There’s no excuses tonight,” said Roberto Luongo after the embarassing affair.
- The Capitals are one dangerous team at even strength.
**Both the Edmonton Sun and Journal haven’t updated the papers this morning, so feel free to post those article links in the comments section if you come across them**
