2nd Round Matchups
Eastern Conference
Boston Bruins (1) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)
Washington Capitals (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)
Western Conference
Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)
Vancouver Canucks (3) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)
Teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs:
- “This was a first-round loss, it’s not like we were playing for the Cup, but we felt we had a great opportunity to be successful with the season we had,” said Devils netminder Martin Brodeur after yesterday’s difficult loss to the Hurricanes. Game 7 losses really don’t come much more harsh than that, writes Mark Everson. Tom Politi wonders how surprised Devils fans should really be with last night’s result? “To be honest, I’m still in kind of shock,” said Jamie Langenbrunner last night.
- We know the Rangers lost in Game 7 last night, but Larry Brooks wonders what would have happened had the Rangers played the way they did last night in Games 5 and 6? Chris Drury apparently played the series with a broken hand. John Tortorella was impressed with Sean Avery’s play last night. (Writer’s note: I’ve been critical of Avery on numerous occasions, but he was terrific last night.) With the series over, Tortorella did admit he was regretful over his Game 5 actions. In light of yesterday’s loss, here is what the Rangers need to do next.
- In Philadelphia, Bob Clarke is enjoying his new hands-off position with the Flyers. Meantime, Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News says the Flyers should re-sign Martin Biron. Captain of the Flyers Mike Richards speaks candidly about what the Flyers can do better next season.
- Patrick Marleau has to be traded, writes Mark Purdy. Any rumors that Doug Wilson was going to be fired as Sharks GM have been quashed. Ray Rotto of the San Francisco Chronicle grades all the Sharks.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun calls for Mike Keenan to be fired.
Teams that did not make the playoffs:
- Read about the Coyotes’ ownership and money issues here.
- Don’t expect Steve Tambellini to move too fast when it comes to naming the Oilers’ next coach, writes Jim Matheson.
- Tobias Enstrom suffered facial fractures during the World Championships but will be ready for Thrashers training camp in the fall.
- In Minnesota, Marc-Andre Bergeron’s back surgery was deemed a success.