Western Conference Final Stars-Red Wings Morning Papers

• Phillipe Boucher is recovering from a strained hip and could return this series, but is doubtful for Game 1. Stu Barnes took a hit to the head in Game 3 and is “possible” to play in Game 1. The Stars are planning on playing very tight D versus the Red Wings, not trying to give them too much room to work.
• Chuck Carlton marvels over the greatness of the Red Wings front office. Their payroll is now $20 million less than than their 2003 payroll (pre cap era) and this is their 17th consecutive season making the playoffs (the longest streak in pro sports). GM Ken Holland and a central scouting staff that has been together for over ten years have done a fantastic job, finding gems like Pavel Datsyuk (6th round/1998 draft) and Henrik Zetterberg (7th round/’99 draft)
• Dallas writer Bob Kowalski gives five reasons why Detroit is Hockeytown. (Detroit may be Hockeytown, but Minnesota is the State of Hockey)
• Detroit could face fines if Octupi are littered on the ice. In in game news, Valtteri Filppula is “hopeful” for game 1. If he can’t go, Dan Cleary will be moved up a line with Kirk Maltby taking Filipula’s spot.

Game 1 takes place on Thursday at 7:30pm Eastern.