On the Beat: Tickets still available for Game 1

What team beat writers are saying this afternoon:

Stanley Cup Final:

• Tickets aren’t exactly hard to come by for Game 1 tomorrow night, writes Dave Dye.  Surprising that so many tickets are avaialble but with the economy the way it is, and those prices being so high, it is not jaw-dropping.
• Stop comparing the Penguins and the Oilers of the 80’s to each other.  I couldn’t agree with Staples more.  This Penguins team is great but the Oilers of the 80’s were beyond ridiculously stacked.
• These five things have changed since last year’s Stanley Cup Final.  Another great read.

The rest:

• The Ducks are currently working on finding a new AHL affiliate.  These things really don’t sound important in terms of player development but they actually are.  When teams have to disperse their prospects to multiple teams it hurts the chemistry factor and these players all play different systems because they are under different coaches.
• Chad LaRose would like to remain a Hurricane.  The team and Larose should be able to come to a reasonable agreement that will see LaRose finally find some comfort iin a nice NHL deal.
• Tom Hicks is not looking to sell the Stars.  Hicks has been in some financial trouble as of late, but is apparently looking to sell off the Texas Rangers first.  Maybe George Bush will buy the team?
• John Tortorella’s son was arrested this morning.  Why is this news?  Give the kid some privacy.
• Speaking of the law, the three Habs have been cleared of any wrongdoing by Montreal police.  Do they have any relation to the “four guys”?