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Atlantic Division

NHL Playoff Morning Papers (Friday Edition): Jeremy Roenick claims Mike Babcock doesn’t like Chris Chelios, the Malkin show and reaction to the Chuck Fletcher hire in Minnesota

3rd Round Playoff Matchups

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

  • Should we take Todd Richards’ name off the list of possible candidates to coach the Oilers next season?
  • Phil Kessel is expected to be out of commission for 4-6 months after undergoing successful shoulder surgery.
  • Andy Vuong of the Denver Post thinks the Avalanche are going about their next coaching hire the wrong way.  Staying in Denver, Adrian Dater reminds us that greatness on the ice is certainly not a guarantee of success behind the bench.
  • Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune says the Wild made a good choice for GM.  Sid Hartman says the Wild got its first choice, a much better deal than the Timberwolves were able to pull off.  Chuck Fletcher is a tremendously qualified candidate, writes Michael Russo.  Here is his portfolio.  (Writer’s note: This really is a great hire.  I thought Fletcher probably should have been considered the favorite from the outset because of his vast experience in so many different areas.  Look for Fletcher to do a great job in the land of 10,000 lakes.)
  • Niclas Havelid isn’t playing in the NHL next season.

The Coyotes situation:

  • Randy Turner of the Winnipeg Free Press wants Jim Balsillie to be a little bit more honest about his dream of a seventh franchise in Canada.
  • Some NY Senators oppose the Coyotes relocation to Southern Ontario.
  • What about the Coyotes’ lease?

The AHL playoffs: