Illegal Curve: NHL Morning Papers--Western Conference (Friday Edition)

Friday, April 4, 2008

Here are the Northwest Division morning papers:

"Mentally, it was probably the hardest season I've played. For many reasons, not just the ones you guys are thinking about. There's a lot of stuff going on this year," said Roberto Luongo after his team was eliminated from playoff contention last night versus Edmonton. The Canucks just straight up collapsed, writes Elliot Pap of the Vancouver Sun.
The Wild won its first ever Northwest Division crown last night, with a 3-1 victory over the Flames. Marian Gaborik was the difference in the third period on Thursday, and that is just how Jacques Lemaire wanted it.
"I've never been one to call a non-playoff season a success but I'm changing that now," said Oilers coach Craig MacTavish after the Oilers finished their season last night with a 2-1 victory over the Canucks. In other Oilers news, it looks like Ales Hemsky will skip the World Championships.
The Flames backed up into a playoff spot late last night, but they will take it nonetheless. In contract news, it appears the Flames are close to re-signing Daymond Langkow to a contract extension.
Avalanche GM Francois Giguere is keeping his focus on the playoffs for now and will worry about off-season issues at a later date.

Here are Pacific Division morning papers:

The Coyotes lost last night to the Stars, but the team's focus was on its young players, writes Jim Gintonio.
The Sharks are hoping their first regulation loss in 21 games will wake them up a little bit heading into the playoffs, writes David Pollak. Rookie Tom Cavanagh played his first NHL game last night and recorded a point on his first shift.
With last night's victory over San Jose, the Kings moved into a tie for the least amount of points in the NHL.
The Ducks have an odd schedule, but they are not complaining about their current late-season break, writes Al Balderas.
After last night's victory over Phoenix it is official, the Stars are facing the Ducks in the first round.

Here are the Central Division morning papers:

Detroit won the President's Trophy last night in dramatic fashion over the Blue Jackets. The Red Wings will either face the Flames or Predators in the first round next week.
The Predators took care of business against the Blues last night, then got some help later in the day to clinch a playoff spot. Jan Hlavac has been a pleasant surprise for Nashville, writes John Glennon.
Blues forward Jamal Mayers is expected to miss the last two games with an eye injury.
The Blue Jackets lost a tough one last night, however, the loss cannot be blamed on Pascal Leclaire who was terrific.
The Blackhawks gave it a good run, but they are now looking towards next season after being eliminated late last night.