Stanley Cup Final
Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)
- Some of the Wings players believe the team has not yet played its best in the Final. Others may be worried, but Mike Babcock is confident in his team and feels good about Game 5. Drew Sharp wonders who much the Wings have left in their tank? If fans think Nicklas Lidstrom’s leadership qualities have changed as captain, they are wrong. Pavel Datsyuk’s return is going to really help the slumping Marian Hossa. The fact that Detroit controls the matchups tonight will be vitally important.
- This Pittsburgh writer believes Marc-Andre Fleury’s performance is the key to Game 5. Detroit will continue to have trouble, if they can’t score on the power play. Here’s a number of Penguins tidbits from Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Penguins made sure to get some rest on Friday, with few regulars opting to take the ice. Meantime, Evgeni Malkin’s parents are the most popular parents in Pittsburgh. Bob Errey saw some significance in Jordan Staal’s big short-handed goal in Game 4.
Teams that have not made the playoffs
- With Chuck Fletcher in the GM seat, the Minnesota Wild are looking to deal. As well as sifting over other rosters, Fletcher also plans on hiring a coach before the Draft.
- Devils fans are apparently eager for Martin Brodeur day.
- Is there finally some good news coming from the Islanders’ efforts for a new arena?
- As you probably already know, the Rangers are raising season ticket prices for next season.
- Dave Perkins of the Toronto Star mocks this new Toronto group trying to secure an NHL expansion franchise. This whole attempt is foolish, writes Sean Fitz-Gerald of the National Post.
- Staying in Toronto, the Leafs have let go AHL Marlies coach Greg Gilbert.
- Corey Masisak profiles Capitals prospect defenseman John Carlson.
The Coyotes situation
- Jim Balsillie told ESPN Radio that he doesn’t think another team in Southern Ontario would hurt Buffalo.
- In a court document, the other three professional sports leagues penned their concern over a bad precedent being set.
- Tuesday is decision day in this case.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star calls Judge Redfield Baum the most powerful man in sports.
- According to Paul Waldie of the Globe & Mail, the Argos owners are interested in purchasing the Coyotes.
AHL Calder Cup
- It is amazing how so many hockey people can be connected in some way, writes Tim Campbell. On the ice, Scott Arniel says his team’s goal is to win at least one game on the road to ensure a return to Manitoba for Game 6. Many people think the Moose/Bears series is pretty much even. Meanwhile, Chris Bourque may be Ray Bourque’s son, but he is good enough to have made it without that name on the back of his jersey.
