What team beat writers are saying this afternoon:
- With the U.S. economy ailing, the Ducks were unable to sell out the team’s first playoff game of the first round. Have to admit I’m pretty surprised about this.
- Who could the Bruins play in Round 2? Ideally they’d play the Rangers because the Rangers just aren’t that good.
- The injury statuses of a couple important Flames players has yet to be decided for Game 5.
- No Jamie Langenbrunner or Bryce Salvador tonight for New Jersey. This series gets the least publicity but it has been too close to call since Game 1.
- The Hawks’ best players just weren’t very good last night. We can analyze the playoffs as much as we want, but most of the time it comes down to which team’s top players play the best.
- Kristian Huselius has been dropped to the third line in Columbus. Huselius ineffective in the playoffs??? Couldn’t be…
- Andy Greene will be checking in for Bryce Salvador tonight for Jersey. Certainly not a bad seventh defenseman to have fill in.
- Tyler Kennedy is performing well enough for Pittsburgh to find himself listed in some beside some top performers. Depth player is making all the difference for the Penguins; especially with Petr Sykora’s struggles.
- Todd McLellan’s patience is paying off for the Sharks. Let’s see if his players pay him off with a big performance tonight…
- Mike Green has been nominated for the Norris Trophy. My pick is Chara.
Non-playoff team news, plus other tidbits
- Ales Hemsky says he doesn’t mind playing center at the World Championships. As Hemsky importantly points out, his defensive responsibilities don’t increase as much as some would think.
- CBC still rakes in better television ratings than TSN. Surprised the Flames can’t crack one million viewers on TSN.
- Another team in Toronto? Makes too much sense.
- Shane Doan will captain Team Canada at the World Championships. Tremendous choice.