On the Beat: NHL going head-to-head with NBA and Lafleur says Habs should let Koivu go

What team beat writers are saying this afternoon:

Wings and Penguins

• Dan Wood of the Orange County Register recounts Dan Bylsma’s feelings right after he lost Game 7 of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals as a member of the Ducks.  Will Bylsma be outcoached by the NHL’s best in the Finals?  So far, we have no reason to believe that will happen.
• For some reason, the NHL has decided to go head-to-head with the NBA Finals.  After a while, you’d figure this stuff couldn’t continue to happen.  But it does…
• Here are some comparisons of the Wings/Penguins head-to-head.  Some really good work here by Rorabaugh.

The Rest

• The Hurricanes don’t believe much needs to change for them to move forward next season.  I’d like to see another solid defensive defenseman on that blueline.
• The Hawks lost to the better team in round three.  Sassone is right.  That group has lots to be proud of.
• Guy Lafleur says the Habs should say goodbye to Saku Koivu.  I disagree here but think that may be the case anyhow.  Koivu, in my opinion, doesn’t receive the credit he deserves for his on-ice performance. 
• Read more about some top draft prospects from Newsday’s Greg Logan here.  Logan will be on the IllegalCurve.com Radio Show next week to discuss what the Islanders are planning to do with their first overall pick.