NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Monday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups:

Detroit versus Nashville:

• Nicklas Lidstrom used his old slapshot trick from 2002 to lead Detroit into the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now that the Red Wings defeated the Predators in the first round they can breathe a big sigh of relief, writes Drew Sharp. Chris Osgood is heading into the Red Wings' next series versus either Colorado/Calgary as the team's starter.
• The Predators' storybook season came to an end yesterday afternoon, writes John Glennon. Jason Arnott sat out the Predators' final two games with a concussion he received on a celebratory hit from teammate Alexander Radulov. Even though they were defeated, the Predators sure impressed the Red Wings.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• After last night's performance, it is fair to say the Sharks left their game in San Jose, opines Mark Purdy. The Flames were desperate and the Sharks were not, it is that simple, writes David Pollak. Jeremy Roenick took the news that he was benched last night like a pro.
• The Flames were the dominant team last night, writes Scott Cruickshank. As George Johnson writes, the Sharks themselves admitted that they weren't competing at necessary levels. Bruce Dowbiggen wonders if Mike Keenan can win Game 7 against the Sharks? Give Kristian Huselius credit, he answered the bell.

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• The Wild is going to look a lot different at training camp than the team does now, writes Michael Russo. Jim Souhan thinks it would be foolish for the Wild to trade Marian Gaborik. Sid Hartman provides readers with GM Doug Risebrough's thoughts on the Wild's season.
• The Avalanche's disciplined game was one of the main reasons the team is playing in Round 2. If the Avs want to keep advancing, they will need Jose Theodore to continue playing at this elite level.

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• Dallas was the better team in the Ducks' six-game defeat, writes Dan Wood. It is no surprise what cost the Ducks the game in the third period last night, writes Helene Elliot. The Anaheim players were very impressed with the play of Stephane Robidas.
• The Stars ended their three-game power play drought at just the right time last night. The Stars did this all with three rookies on defense, writes Mike Heika. Stephane Robidas was the best defenseman in the series. Meanwhile, Mike Ribiero is thankful Bob Gainey traded to him to an organization like Dallas.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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