Here are the morning papers for the second round playoff teams:
Eastern Conference:
Montreal (1) versus Philadelphia (6):
- Tom Kostopolous hasn’t had anything handed to him in his hockey career, writes Pat Hickey. You aren’t hearing any loud complaints from the Flyers about a couple of controversial calls from Game 1. Red Fisher of the Montreal Gazette was very impressed with the way Flyers coach John Stevens handled his post-game remarks after Game 1. Also in this morning’s Montreal Gazette, Fisher has some more information on the Scott Niederymayer fine.
- The Flyers need to play like they did in Game 2 versus the Capitals, writes Phil Sheridan. Kimmo Timonen is really angry heading into tonight’s game. There are a few things Martin Biron wants to touch up for Game 2. Meanwhile, Biron’s best friend, Flyers center Daniel Briere expected a negative reaction from the Habs faithful.
Pittsburgh (2) versus New York Rangers (5):
- Sidney Crosby gave it everything he had on his slapshot that led to the winning goal with under two minutes remaining, writes Dave Molinari. In other Crosby news, the superstar says he never dives. Meantime, the Penguins’ energy and tough guys really did their jobs last night. The team’s comeback from down 3-0 really demonstrated how good their offensive capability is.
- The Rangers were horrible last night and were lucky to even be in the game, writes Larry Brooks. “Our team’s good at turning the page,” said Rangers coach Tom Renney after last night’s loss. Sidney Crosby may claim he doesn’t dive, but Martin Straka sure doesn’t agree.
Western Conference:
Detroit (1) versus Colorado (6):
- Helene St. James has a feature on Johan Franzen. In roster news, Brad Stuart will be back in the Wings line-up today and he will be doing so as a new dad. Bill Patrick of Versus thinks the Red Wings are the team to beat.
- Peter Forsberg (groin) is questionable for today’s game; however, Wojtek Wolski has been ruled out. The Avalanche have to focus on stopping, not only the Wings’ number one line, but also their number two line featuring Johan Franzen. In more injury news, Jose Theodore felt well enough to practice on Friday.
San Jose (2) versus Dallas (5):
- The Sharks played the Stars’ game more than their own, and that’s why they find themselves down 1-0, opines Mark Purdy. At least the Sharks have been in this situation before, writes David Pollak. The Sharks have made a number of adjustments to their penalty kill for Round 2.
- The Stars will take a win with only an 18 shot performance, writes Tim Cowlishaw. The fact is, the Stars are finding ways to win games right now.
The morning papers for teams that were eliminated from the playoffs or that did not make the playoffs at all are soon to follow…
For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.
Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com
