Illegal Curve Hockey

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Friday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the second round playoff match-ups:

Eastern Conference:

Montreal (1) versus Philadelphia (6):

The Canadiens used the magic of their past and came back to defeat the Flyers 4-3 in overtime, writes Pat Hickey. Alexei Kovalev was the Habs’ first star last night as he scored two huge goals for the club. They may have won, but the Canadiens were not the better team on the ice last night, opines Red Fisher. A couple of breaks went Montreal’s way last night and that was the difference.
Phil Sheridan of the Philadelphia Inquirer has the game report. “It was our third game in 4 nights and I was really, really happy with the way we responded here tonight,” said Flyers coach John Stevens after last night’s 4-3 overtime loss at Montreal. The Montreal fans are not making a good impression around the NHL. In injury news, it appears doubtful that Mike Knuble (hamstring) will return for this series.

Pittsburgh (2) versus New York Rangers (5):

Dave Molinari has in depth analysis of the all facets of the game for the Penguins/Rangers series. Heeee’s back, writes Shelly Anderson about Jaromir Jagr. The Penguins are going to make sure they protect Marc-Andre Fleury from the over-aggressive Rangers. Thinking back, the Penguins probably wouldn’t be here without Ty Conklin.
Larry Brooks suggests the Rangers do not try and match a checking line with Sidney Crosby’s line. Brooks also breaks down both teams and gives his prediction for the series. The Rangers will surely be fresh for tonight’s game, writes John Dellapina.

Western Conference:

Detroit (1) versus Colorado (6):

Chris Osgood shut the door when he had to last night, writes Helene St. James. If you are a Detroit fan, there was a lot to like about Game 1. Last night’s game was a good one, but it did not really bring back memories of the late 90’s. Meanwhile, Johan Franzen continues to impress.
Terry Frei takes a closer look at Joel Quenville’s line-up changes last night. Jose Theodore clearly wasn’t sharp last night, writes Woody Paige. Peter Forsberg pulled his groin during the game-day skate and that is why he did not suit up last night.

San Jose (2) versus Dallas (5):

Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News likes the Sharks in 6. Sharks winger Ryane Clowe explains how to deal with Steve Ott. Here are the results of the Sharks/Stars games from the regular season. Meantime, the Sharks brass is hoping that Milan Michalek regains his scoring touch this series.
Steve Ott is apparently giving Sean Avery a run for his money in the pest of the year contest. This series sure won’t lack emotion, writes Mike Heika. Marty Turco is a changed goalie from the one earlier in his career, writes Tim Cowlishaw. Here is a preview of tonight’s Game 1.