NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Sunday Edition)

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

Montreal versus Boston:

• "We were trying to get him off the ice, but he's like a pitcher who wants to be out there in the ninth inning," said Habs coach Guy Carbonneau about his plan for Alexei Kovalev right before he scored the overtime winner. Last night's overtime winner broke the Habs' 0-for-6 powerplay streak. The Habs brass has been very impressed with the play of their energy line. Meanwhile, the Bruins were furious that the Canadiens were even on the powerplay at the end of the game, writes Herb Zerkowsky.
• The Bruins know it was a tough loss last night but they are staying positive, writes Fluto Shinwaza. After last night's game, the Bruins were still angry about the delayed call at the end of the game. Kevin Paul Dupont has a terrific article about the atmosphere of a playoff hockey game in Montreal.

Pittsburgh versus Otttawa:

• Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette attributes much of the Penguins' 2-0 lead to the play of superstar Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins offense will be pretty scary when Marian Hossa decides to start scoring. Sidney Crosby had four assists in Game 2 and wasn't even one of the game's three stars.
• The Penguins' top players have been better than the Senators' top players, writes Chris Stevenson. Erin Nicks of the Ottawa Sun wonders what Martin Gerber has to do to get a little bit of respect. It doesn't look like Daniel Alfredsson is coming back anytime soon.

Washington versus Philadelphia:

• Capitals defenseman Mike Green was admittedly nervous to start Game 1, but he settled in after the first few shifts. Even writers are jumping on the Capitals bandwagon.
• The Flyers need to do a better job of slowing down the aforementioned Green, writes Tim Panaccio. The Flyers coaches were happy with the game-plan in Game 1, it was the execution that was the issue. Injured Patrick Thoresen may be available for today's game.

New Jersey versus New York Rangers:

• The Rangers don't really compare this season's playoff series with their series against the Atlanta Thrashers last season. Devils forward Zach Parise is still seething over Christian Backman's cross-check to his face. Meanwhile, Dainius Zubrus knows the Devils can comeback from their 2-0 hole, writes Rich Chere.
• "We can't go into this game trying to put on a show for the people; we can't be thinking that way," said Jaromir Jagr about his team's game tonight at MSG. That being said, the Garden house is going to be rocking tonight.

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

Detroit versus Nashville:

• The Wings are a little bit lucky to be up 2-0 in the series, writes Steve Schrader. Schrader also thinks Nashville defenseman Greg Zanon lacks respect. Meanwhile, Mitch Albom has a nice article about Darren McCarty's first goal back last night.
• The Wings' top line has bested the Predators' top line, writes John Glennon. The Predators have shifted their focus to winning Game 3, and if they do that, they will be back in the series. Usually calm Predators GM David Poile was furious that there was not video review of a shot that he believed was a goal early in the game.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News tells readers how intense the City of Calgary is about the Flames. Ryane Clowe is going to have a little bit of a fan club at tonight's game. On the injury front, Christian Ehrhoff may be able to return to the line up for tonight's game.
• Warren Sterlow is surely looking down on both Evgeni Nabokov and Miikka Kiprusoff and is feeling very proud. The Flames are finally happy to be back on home-ice, since they haven't been there in over two weeks. "I haven't played in front of it. I expect it to be loud and it's going to be exciting. Should be a lot of fun," said defenseman Jim Vandermeer.

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• The Wild need to start getting shots through to the net, writes Michael Russo. Branko Radivojevic played the third period of Friday's game with an apparent leg injury.
• Adrian Dater of the Denver Post has called out Paul Stastny to improve his play. Remember when Brian Rolston played for the Avalanche? Terry Frei does.

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• The Ducks had their chances to win last night's game but just could not score when it mattered most, writes Dan Wood. The Ducks are following the script for past Stanley Cup Champions, writes Randy Youngman. Veteran Stars forward Mike Modano is still making a difference.
• Mike Ribiero was terrific last night in leading the Stars to a 5-2 victory over the defending champions. "It's encouraging, because we are getting rewarded for our work and our belief," said Stars netminder Marty Turco.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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