2nd Round Playoff Matchups
Eastern Conference
Boston Bruins (1) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)
- Kevin Paul Dupont says the Bruins faced a far different Hurricanes team than they faced in Game 1. Carolina was just the better team last night. Even though they lost, the Bruins did catch a break at the end of the second period, although Tim Thomas thinks the NHL got the call right. While people wondered whether that goal went in, Cam Ward didn’t let anything get close to the goal line for the Hurricnaes. After leaving Boston and having trouble finding a home, former Bruin Sergei Samsonov looks comfortable in Carolina. Meanwhile, Dan Shaughnessy tells us that Whalers fans still exist.
- Any pre-game obstacles that had existed for Carolina were overcome during Game 2, writes Chip Alexander. “We haven’t had much luck against these guys going back to the regular season, and this is a big confidence booster,” said Hurricanes star Cam Ward.
Washington Capitals (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)
- Over the past few months Simeon Varlamov hasn’t changed, but the circumstances around him sure have, explains Barry Svrluga. George McPhee seems to have made the right decision by keeping his young assets at the deadline, including Varlamov. Varlamov’s success has brought about a role reversal for Jose Theodore. The Capitals need to put their nerves aside and come out with a good start in Game 2. In other Capitals news, Matt Bradley has fit in great on the team’s third line.
- Evgeni Malkin says he will be better in Game 2. With a veteran laden team, do not expect Pittsburgh to panic down 1-0 in the series. The Penguins are actually taking a lot of good things from Game 1. One of the aspects of their game they are looking to improve is the power play, writes Rob Rossi.
Western Conference
Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)
- After yesterday’s marathon affair, Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press tells Wings fans to expect more overtime in this series. “We have to put that behind us and come out and be ready for the next game,” said Nicklas Lidstrom. Detroit is hoping Ryan Getzlaf begins to tire in this series from playing too many minutes. However, before worrying about Getzlaf tiring, they need their big guns to step up.
- For Jonas Hiller’s first marathon contest of his career, he definitely looked calm, cool and collected, writes Helene Elliot. Randy Carlyle’s roster moves ended up paying dividends. “The guy that made the play was really Rob Niedermayer driving the middle lane,” said coach Randy Carlyle about Todd Marchant’s overtime winning goal. You think overtime is hard, try one of Carlyle’s long practices.
Vancouver Canucks (3) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)
- The Canucks believe they lost Game 2 because of poor breakdowns. In injury news, Sami Salo didn’t travel with the team yesterday to Chicago. Elliot Pap says the Canucks need at least one win in Chicago. The Sedins have made themselves a lot of money since the playoffs began. If the reports about Markus Naslund are true, will Vancouver retire his number?
- Chicago wants to carry the momentum of Game 2 onto home ice tomorow night. Steve Rosenbloom says the Hawks know how to beat Roberto Luongo. One thing is for certain, Chicago will continue to go to the net hard.
Teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs:
- Is Ray Emery going to sign with Philadelphia? The link is broken on the Ottawa Citizen page but that’s the headline.
Teams that did not make the playoffs:
- The Denver Post’s Adrian Dater already crowns the Red Wings with the 2009 championship. (Writer’s note: I remember Dater picking Anaheim for the Finals, and then came upon his blog entry from last night admitting such.)
- Damien Cox talks about the possibility of Pierre McGuire being hired by the Minnesota Wild.
- Chris Zelkovich says having a broadcaster stand between the benches has been a great move by NBC.
