NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Thursday)

Here are the morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which begin on Saturday night.

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

• Michael Rosenberg wants to see the Red Wings and Pistons both win titles this season and thus have Detroit become the first city to hold both the NHL and NBA titles in the same year. George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press gives readers a quick background look at Sidney Crosby. It appears Dallas Drake may retire at season’s end. In injury news, don’t expect to see Johan Franzen suit up in Game 1. Finally, here are the Red Wings’ playoff stats.
• Fans should not underestimate the role that Georges Laraque has played in the Penguins’ run to the Finals. Unlike Laraque, most Pens are going to be playing on Saturday without any Finals experience. Apparently Hal Gill is a better puck-mover than the Pittsburgh brass expected. Do us all a favor, and don’t mix politics and hockey.

For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.

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