Here are the morning papers for the Eastern Conference playoff match ups:
Montreal versus Boston:
- Carey Price had a meltdown in the third period and the result is Game 6 on Saturday in Boston. “We have to forget this game right away,” said Canadiens youngster Maxim Lapierre after his team’s 5-1 home loss to the Bruins. For all the chances the Bruins have had this series, it was a fluke goal that led to last night’s victory. Meanwhile, the Habs have many players on their roster who had great regular seasons, so with that comes bonus payments, writes Pat Hickey.
- The Bruins knew they had 20 minutes to continue their season and with a dominant third period they did just that, writes Fluto Shinwaza. Glen Metropolit’s first career playoff goal was sure a big one, writes Kevin Paul Dupont. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli had a little talk with Harry Sinden yesterday. Meantime, if the Bruins lose on Saturday, that may be Glen Murray’s last game as a Bruin.
Pittsburgh versus Ottawa:
- Bob Smizik wonders if the Penguins are that good or the Senators are that bad? While they all want to grow playoff bears, not all the Penguins can. Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette examines the positives and negatives of having a layoff.
- Ray Emery discussed his season with the Ottawa press yesterday. (Writer’s note: Why do people give him so much attention? He’s an average goalie with an attitude problem. I’ve read enough about Ray Emery for five years.) In other Senators news, Jason Speeza loves Ottawa and it is the only city he wants to play hockey in. Here are all the Senators’ exit interviews.
Washington versus Philadelphia:
- The Capitals put forth their best game of the playoffs last night Philadelphia and still lost, writes Tarik El-Bashir. Mike Wise of the Washington Post wonders if the Capitals turned in their best game a little too late? You can’t teach experience, writes Jason La Canfora.
- Martin Biron turned his game up a notch when his team needed it most, writes Sam Donnellon. The Flyers were outplayed during regulation but they took the play to the Capitals during overtime, writes Tim Panaccio. Game 4 was just a terrific hockey game, writes Phil Sheridan.
New Jersey versus New York Rangers:
- Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger wonders when Martin Brodeur is going to steal a game for the Devils? “The message was we don’t have to win three games (tonight), just one,” said Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner. If the Devils want to slow down the pace of Game 5, the Rangers won’t be complaining.
- After predicting the team’s exit from the first round a week ago, Larry Brooks of the NY Post is suddenly examining the possibility that Jaromir Jagr could win the Conn Smythe and, as a result, trigger an option for next season. A couple of Rangers have been part of comebacks from down 3-1 in the playoffs so they won’t be taking their lead for granted, writes John Dellapina. Bob Raissman of the NY Daily News says that Sean Avery is good for hockey in the big picture.
The morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups are soon to follow…
For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.
Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com
