2nd Round Playoff Matchups
Eastern Conference
Boston Bruins (1) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)
- Tonight’s crowd in Carolina may be louder than the Bell Centre, says Bruins defenseman Aaron Ward. For the Bruins to start scoring on Cam Ward, they will have to get in his face. Being on the road tonight, line-matching will be that much harder for Claude Julien. In injury news, both Marco Sturm and Matt Hunwick were on the ice yesterday.
- Veteran Rod Brind’Amour may find himself on the fourth line once again for tonight’s contest. The Hurricanes would like to see some more penalties called agains the Bruins.
Washington Capitals (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)
- “I hope we’re not going to be lulled into a false sense of security, because we haven’t really played well,” said Capitals defenseman Brian Pothier. Capitals owner Ted Leonsis has admittedly matured as owner of the franchise. Since being put together for Game 5 of the first round, the Capitals’ third line has been tremendous. Kids just love Alexander Ovechkin. For all the criticism he endures, Sidney Crosby has become a more complete player this season, writes Ben Goessling of the Washington Times.
- “Even though we’re down two, we’re in a situation where we very easily could have won both games,” said Penguins winger Matt Cooke. Pittsburgh players think the Capitals are getting away with some obstruction. Should the Penguins start shadowing Alexander Ovechkin? Kris Letang didn’t practice yesterday due to injury. Is Ovechkin playing with an illegal curve? Talk about a marketing gaffe.
Western Conference
Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)
- The Wings were plain robbed by the referees last night, writes Michael Rosenberg. With all the experience in the Wings room, they have to put last night’s call behind them. Detroit has to eliminate its slow starts, opines Bob Wojnowski. Meantime, Ty Conklin is trying to adjust to having not played in game action in a long time.
- Jonas Hiller was once again the difference in Game 3. The Ducks know they got pretty lucky with the late third period no-goal call. “There’s no sense complaining about the referee,” said Wings coach Mike Babcock. The Ducks players were scared to see James Wisniewski down on the ice like he was last night, but reports say he will be okay.
Vancouver Canucks (3) versus Chicago Blackhawks (4)
- The Canucks finally held onto a lead last night, defeating the Blackhawks 3-1 at the United Center. The Vancouver players were inspired by the return to the lineup of Taylor Pyatt. Sami Salo flew to Chicago during Game 3 and is expected to be dressed for Game 4. “That would be huge going back to Vancouver up a couple of games with a chance to close it,” said defenseman Kevin Bieksa.
- “I didn’t like anything about our game,” said Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville. The Hawks need to simplify their game, writes Steve Rosenbloom. The Hawks’ slow starts are akin to paying bills with credit cards, explains Rick Morrissey. Tim Sassone wonders why the Hawks had such a poor performance in such a big game. (Writer’s note: Sassone will be guesting on the IllegalCurve.com Radio Show tonight to discuss the Hawks/Canucks series)
Teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs:
- Lou Lamoriello does not seem like he knows if Brent Sutter will choose to return to New Jersey.
- Even with rumors of a Ray Emery signing, that doesn’t bother Martin Biron.
Teams that did not make the playoffs:
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News writes about Steve Ott being voted as one of the dirtiest players by the players of the NHL.
- The Tampa Bay Lightning and Edmonton Oilers will play an exhibition game in Winnipeg next pre-season.
- David McNab has been intereviewed by the Minnesota Wild for their GM opening, writes Michael Russo.
- Meanwhile, the Lightning is looking to bring on some new investors, reports Erik Erlendsson.
- Is drafting John Tavares not yet a sure thing for the Islanders?
The Coyotes situation:
- Craig Harris of the Arizona Republic has the latest on the Coyotes sale situation.
- If the sale to Jim Balsillie was complete, that would most likely mean a return to Southern Ontario for Wayne Gretzky, writes Damien Cox.
- Cox also wonders if Balsillie is perceived by other owners to be the next Al Davis?
- Balsillie’s silence for some time should not have been mistaken as inaction, writes Stephen Brunt.
- Apparently Balsillie and Bettman did not speak before this announcement came out.
**Remember to tune into the IllegalCurve.com Radio Show tonight. Tonight’s guests are Tim Sassone (Daily Herald) and Kenny Albert (MSG and 1050 ESPN in NY)**
