Here are the morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups:
Detroit versus Nashville:
- One of the biggest benefits of beating the Predators in six games is that the Wings get a couple days to recharge their batteries, writes Helene St. James. Here are some quotes by Mike Babcock from his interview with the Fan 590 in Toronto. The Detroit Free Press takes a look at the two possible opponents for the Red Wings.
- Jason Arnott was extremely disappointed that the couldn’t be out there to help his teammates for Games 6 and 7, writes John Glennon. Heading into the off-season, the Predators have some depth in net and on the blueline, so except a couple transactions. Not that there was ever any doubt, the Predators have re-signed their entire coaching staff to extensions.
San Jose versus Calgary:
- It’s win or go home for the Sharks tonight, writes David Pollak. The Sharks are surprisingly loose heading into Game 7 tonight. In roster news, veteran forward Jeremy Roenick can’t wait to get back in the line up for tonight’s tilt.
- The Flames roster has much experience with Game 7s so expect them to draw on that for tonight’s game. What can we expect from big-game Jarome Iginla tonight? Mike Keenan absolutely loved the way Kristian Huselius played in Game 6.
Minnesota versus Colorado:
- Jacques Lemaire provides the press with his review of the season. Here is GM Doug Risebrough’s to-do list over the off-season, writes Michael Russo.
- The Pepsi Center was rockin‘ like the old days in the first round, writes Mike Chambers. If the Avalanche play the Stars in he second round, the series won’t begin until Saturday.
Anaheim versus Dallas:
- The Ducks have some competition for Brian Burke’s services, writes Eric Stephens of the L.A. Times.
- The Stars are very happy with their current Co-GM arrangement between Les Jackson and Brett Hull.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.
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