What team beat writers are saying this afternoon:
- Jonas Hiller needs a better performance from his teammates in Game 6. The Ducks looked like a tired group on Sunday. I expect a far better performance tomorrow, but I also expect that game to go into overtime. This really is Detroit’s series to win.
- Sounds like Aaron Ward probably will play in Game 6. Good news for Boston.
- Speaking of Ward, Scott Walker will not be suspended for Game 6. The NHL got this right in my opinion. Ward went after a player with concussion issues, Walker came in to defend his teammate and then Ward got punched. That isn’t a sucker punch. A sucker punch is something you don’t see coming. Ward has been in this league long enough to realize what was going to happen. You never like to see anyone get hurt, but Walker’s actions, to me, didn’t warrant suspension.
- Expect a big game from Henrik Sedin tonight. Well written post by Botchford.
- A Q & A with Alexander Ovechkin. Tonight’s game is going to be unbelievable.
Teams that are not in the playoffs:
- The Sabers have agreed to terms with Tyler Myers. This prospect can skate and is massive.
- David Steckel and his ties to Columbus. Don’t see the Caps letting him go anytime soon.
- Scott Gomez for Dustin Penner? I linked Brooks’s original article yesterday but didn’t comment on that specific rumour because I think there is zero chance it happens.
- Where will Jacques Lemaire end up consulting? I still think the Habs are in there if their ownership situation is straightened out.
- Drew Doughty for Team Canada 2010? I love absolutely everything about Doughty’s game and thought he should have probably been nominated for the Calder Trophy but it is one Olympics too early to be on Team Canada in 2010. He still needs to gain valuable playoff experience before jumping into the most heated hockey competition in the world.
- What’s next for San Jose? Facelift on the horizon.
- Rick Tocchet has been re-signed as coach of the Lightning. Even with the team’s probable drafting of Victor Hedman, Tocchet has his work cut out for him in Tampa.