Paul Holmgren not too concerned about signing Jeff Carter

Quote Holmgren on Jeff Carter: "We'll get him signed," Holmgren said, flatly. "I have no doubts about that . . . I refuse to live in fear [of what other teams might do]."

Here is the full article by Ed Barkowitz of the Philadelphia Daily News.

My take: I like Jeff Carter as a player, but I wonder if the Flyers would match a high-price offer for his services. They already have centers Mike Richards and Daniel Briere under long-term contracts at big bucks. To match a Carter offer, would have them spending too much cash up the middle. Especially with their need for help on defense. If a team were to sign the restricted free agent to a deal about $4.5-5 million, I see the Flyers taking the draft picks as compensation and letting Carter walk.

Eastern Conference Final - Morning Papers

• After Braydon Coburn took a puck in the face, the Flyers probability to win the game went down significantly. With many players falling to injuries, or playing banged up, the Flyers can't afford any careless mistakes like the one Steve Downie made last night.
• Coburn's left eye is swollen shut right now, he's putting ice on it, and is "possible" for tomorrow nights game.
  
• Down in the series 2-0, the Flyers have lost their number one and possibly number two defensemen (Timonen/Coburn). However, one thing remains constant, Mike Richards is doing a heckuva job leading them.
• Coming back from injury, Maxime Talbot wasn't expected to produce. But he contributed in a significant way scoring the game winning goal. I was watching the game last night with my dad and we were not sure how Gary Roberts knew where Talbot was on that play. Roberts says that Talbot called for it and based on the positioning of the defesnsemen he (Roberts) figured Talbot was wide open. Way to communicate out there boys.
• Marc-Andre Fleury has been dy-no-mite these playoffs and is apart of their successes as much as Crosby and Malkin. Since returning from injury, Fleury's play has picked up considerably and the Penguin's commitment to defense puts Fleury in a position to stop pucks.
• Penguins defenseman Mark Eaton is likely out for the remainder of the playoffs recovering from reconstructive knee surgery. Marc-Andre Fleury questions weather Ribeiro's stick to Osgoods chest protector really hurt.
  

Morning Papers: Timonen Injury is a Big Blow to the Flyers

• Kimmo Timonen had never been more disappointed as a hockey player, when he discovered he would be out for the playoffs with a blood clot. If he did play, and got hit in the same spot again, his toes could be amputated. It's best he sit this one out.
• While the Flyers' have sustained many injuries this year, none will have more impact than losing 25 minute per game Timmonen. Jaroslav Modry or Ryan Parent will replace him in the lineup.
• Phil Sheridan introduces the Flyers' to new hockey fans, calling Mike Richards the Chase Utley of the Flyers and Braydon Coburn the Flyers' best defensemen since Mark Howe.
• Dave Molinari gives an in depth breakdown of the series. The Pittsburgh writer calls for Penguins in six.
• The Penguins have overcome bankruptcy and four consecutive last place finishes (leading to several number one overall draft picks) and are 4 wins away from the cup. The Penguins are capturing Pittsburgh's under 30 fans and are better role models than the NFL's steelers.
  
• The Battle of Pennsylvania has a bit of a history.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Just in case you need another Top 10 list, here is James Duthie.
2. Jim Kelley discusses the pros and cons of non-playoff teams tanking games.
3. Former Regina Pat may make the Pittsburgh Pirates roster. Yes, I said the Pirates. Arrrrrrr Matey.
4. The Michigan High School hockey final was called after 8 overtime periods, and both teams declared winners. Awwwwwww. I wonder if Hil and Barack will do the same?
5. Mike Toth wonders why more goalies don't emulate Martin Brodeur. Presumably because not every dude wants to hump their sister in law.
6. Kane and Toews have re-introduced Chicago to meaningful springtime hockey.
7. A look around the North American junior hockey leagues.
8. Jamie Arniel hopes to be the second member of the Sarnia Sting drafted this June.
9. The Top 20 Prospects in the Canadiens system.
10. David Desharnais is a 5'6 dynamo tearing up the.......ECHL.
11. The Top 10 draft eligible prospects from the QMJHL.
12. Eric Duhatschek comments on the Western Conference playoff race.
13. The Calgary Oval X-treme look to cap their perfect season.
14. Brian Duff of the Hockey News says Mike Richards' new contract will be the benchmark for a host of young talent.
15. Krauts love hockey.
16. Bob Duff (Duff Man?) of the Windsor Star gives his list of the most overpaid NHL'ers.
17. The Penguins are not sure if they will commit to Marian Hossa long term.
18. Nik Backstrom discusses his own goal from this weekend's game versus the Pens.
19. All Things Avs says that Peter Forsberg is enjoying his return to Colorado's injured list.
20. If you are desperate for entertainment, check out Kings's Madness.
21. The weekly release from the USHL.
22. Ryan Kennedy updates the potential choices for this year's draft.
23. Interesting story on the Oxford-Cambridge game in England.
24. Ken Campbell says the Canucks are willing to keep Naslund and Morrison, but at a reduced rate.
25. The Slapshot blog updates us on the college hockey situation in the US.