NHL Morning Papers–Western Conference (Saturday Edition)

Here are the Pacific Division morning papers:

• Wayne Gretzky really believes in Daniel Carcillo’s goal-scoring ability and it was on display last night, writes Jim Gintonio.
• “I think right now we’re playing for the fans,” said Kings forward Anze Kopitar heading into today’s game versus Anaheim.
• The Ducks still have two regular season games remaining before they face the Stars in the playoffs, but they can’t help but talk about the playoffs.
• David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News talks about who might be the Sharks opponent in the first round of the playoffs.
• The Stars aren’t exactly rolling into the playoffs, writes Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.

Here are the Northwest Division morning papers:

• After their impressive rookie display this season, the Oilers’ youngsters are looking to comeback next season and avoid the usual sophomore slump. Expect to see Marty Reasoner back with the Oilers next season. Meanwhile, Dustin Penner is just scratching the surface of his potential.
• The Canucks were almost impossible to cheer for during the team’s run to the playoffs.
• The Flames don’t care how they got into the playoffs, they just care that they got in, writes George Johnson. Bruce Dowbiggen doesn’t exactly love the Flames’ chances come playoff time.
• The Wild feel confident in its chances with goaltender Niklas Backstrom playing so well heading into the playoffs. Jacques Lemaire expects to dress a competitive line up in his team’s meaningless season finale tomorrow.
• The Avalanche don’t care if they face the Sharks or the Wild in the first round of the playoffs.

Here are the Central Division morning papers:

• The Wings will be facing the Predators in the first round of the playoffs, writes Helene St. James. Detroit is heading into the first round with many injuries.
• Ken Hitchcock will continue to play his top players for big minutes until the season ends on Sunday. Here are the Blue Jackets’ probable lines for today’s game.
• Apparently the Predators are looking forward to facing the Red Wings. On the injury front, David Legwand is unlikely to suit up in the first round.
• Blues rookie defenseman Erik Johnson may be asked to join the team’s AHL affiliate in Peoria at season’s end.
• Unlike past season’s, the Blackhawks can enter this off-season with hope and look forward to next season, writes Chris Kuc.

For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.

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