- Here are the morning papers for Saturday the 18th of April:
Western Conference
San Jose Sharks (1) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)
- Interestingly, Joe Thornton and Ducks netminder Jonas Hiller are good friends. The Sharks’ veterans are doing their best to keep the team’s young players from getting down on themselves. Tim Kawakami says Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau need to pick it up.
- More on on the unknown netminder Jonas Hiller from Helene Elliot of the L.A. Times. Do this Ducks team remind you of another Ducks team?
Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Columbus Blue Jackets (7)
- Dan Cleary says the Red Wings are making the Jackets do things they are not comfortable doing. As of now, Datsyuk and Zetterberg will continue to play on different lines. Ken Hitchcock is claiming the Red Wings cheat on face-offs.
- The Blue Jackets were very happy with the play of Rostislav Klesla in Game 1. Ken Hitchcock is in his element when coaching during the playoffs. Here are the Blue Jackets’ probable lines for tonight’s tilt.
Vancouver Canucks (3) versus St. Louis Blues (6)
- Roberto Luongo is proving he is the best goaltender in the world with his play so far in the Canucks/Blues series. Andy Murray was not happy with the Canucks bench at the end of yesterday’s game. Vancouver is paying the price to win.
- Andy Murray is not worried about the Blues’ ability to handle pressure. Down 2-0, the Blues are pumped up to be coming home to a raucous crowd. The “Kid Line” was kept intact for yesterday’s game.
Chicago Blackhawks (4) versus Calgary Flames (5)
- Mike Keenan had some entertaning interactions with Chicago Tribune beat writer Chris Kuc. The controversy from Game 1 may linger into Game 2. With such a veteran team, the Flames aren’t panicking down 1-0. The Hawks understand that Calgary is a physically imposing bunch.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun said the referees got the call right in Game 1. Cory Sarich remains day-to-day for the Flames. If the Flames want to win this series, they need Jarome Iginla to be Jarome Iginla.
