2nd Round Preview: Wings vs. Avalanche

Kris Draper, Darren McCarty, Tomas Holmstrom, Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk provide grit, strength, and unrivalled skill for the President's Trophy winning Detroit Red Wings. Detroit will need a little bit of all these things to get past a dangerous Colorado Avalanche club loaded with goal scoring talent like Joe Sakic, Milan Hejduk and Peter Forsberg, as well as a solid defensive core that includes veteran Adam Foote. This series should be a dandy.

If this feels like an episode of deja vu, it's because that exact same paragraph, or something close to it, was likely written prior to the 2002 Western Conference Final between these two clubs. And, despite some noted differences between then and now (namely, the absence of Stevie Y and Pat "If you love your father, fight!" Roy) this series by and large sets up the same way as the 2002 series. Like years past, the Avs are an offensive-minded, risk-taking machine (for evidence of this see some of the Wild players' comments before the first round series about how they expected to take advantage of the Avs' defensemen jumping up in the play), while the Wings are a supremely-well balanced club that, once again, faced unexpected hurdles in the first round, this time in the name of the Nashville Predators.

While the retro Wings sport the same goaltending tandem of Hasek/Osgood (or, seemingly, more like Osgood/Hasek) as years past, the Avs have a different face between the pipes in Jose "Can You Thee"-adore, who is magically once again playing at the level he was at during his rookie season with the Habs. Theodore single-handedly prevented the Wild from running over the Avs during many a third period, and was arguably the hottest goaltender in the first round of the playoffs.

We all know how the saying goes: Goaltending wins championships......
But they don't say "Goaltending wins second round Western Conference matchups against a far better opponent."

Prediction: Wings in 5

For Illegal Curve, I'm Steve Werier.

2nd Round Preview: Sharks vs. Stars

How they got here:

The Sharks took out the Flames in 7 hard fought games. They prevailed because their secondary scoring was able to capitalize on Flames mistakes. Patrick Marleau is playing great hockey and Joe Thornton did just enough to win.

The Stars laid a dirty whoopin' on the defending champion Ducks, who looked either woefully unprepared or disinterested. They certainly lacked discipline, and the Stars made them pay for it. Apparently had no answer for Stephane Robidas, but then, who does?

The two teams split the season series with 4 wins apiece, though San Jose needed OT and a shootout for two of their wins. The games were relatively low scoring, with San Jose scoring 21 goals and the Stars scoring 24.

Just like last time, I will break down the teams in a number of different categories to see who will prevail.

Forwards:

Patrick Marleau, Ryan Clowe and the ghost of Jeremy Roenick circa NHL '94 led the Sharks in the first round. Joe Thornton's game improved as the series went on and is showing flashes of his regular season self. Jonathan Cheechoo had three goals in the first round, and Joe Pavelski had a strong series. The Sharks are still a deep, talent laden team with many scoring options. If Thornton, Marleau and Cheechoo can get established in front of Turco, they may be able to put up big numbers.

The Stars do not boast the same depth as San Jose, but do pack some offensive punch. Brad Richards has re-emerged in the playoffs, tallying 5 points in the first round. Mike Ribeiro looked very good, putting up 8 points in the first round while Louie Erickson chipped in with 3 goals. Mike Modano still has something in the tank and the Stars put up 10 power play goals in the first round. Niklas Hagman will have to step up if the Stars hope to match the Sharks firepower. Brendan Morrow will be counted on to play a physical game and contribute some offense.

Edge: Sharks. I really like their depth and I think their forwards will thrive in this series, which shouldn't be as physical as the first round match-up with the Flames.

Defence:

Brian Campbell did not bring as much to the table as he did in the regular season. The Sharks still have a formidable defensive core, but will be tested much more in this series, as Dallas has more offensive options to throw at them. They have some talented puck movers who will be counted on to provide some offense this series. Craig Rivet was solid, if unspectacular in the first round.

The Dallas Stars were without Sergei Zubov in the first round and Phillippe Boucher dressed for only 3 games. The defensive core didn't seem to skip a beat as youngsters Matt Niskanen, Trevor Daley and Mark Fistric all filled in admirably. Stephane Robidas out Niedermayered Scott Niedermayer on his way to a 6 point series. They are a confident bunch right now, and Zubov and Boucher will likely both play in the 2nd round. If Zubov is healthy and can contribute, the Stars will see a major boost.

Edge: Stars because they are playing with a lot of confidence and are about to get their best two defenders back into the fold.

Goaltending:

Norris Candidate Evgeni Nabokov kept the Flames at bay long enough for the Sharks to come out with the series victory. He gave up a little over 2 goals a game, which should be more than enough for San Jose's high-powered offense. That being said, Nabokov will have to deal with a better offensive team and a power play that is clicking.

Marty Turco appears to have shaken the playoff monkey off his back. He was solid in the first round and effectively stymied the Ducks. He will have to deal with the Sharks shooters and will likely see a lot more traffic in his crease. If his defensemen can't clear the crease, he may have some trouble.

Edge: Tie. Both goalies are playing well right now and are each capable of stealing a game for their team. I can't pick a clear cut winner.

Coaching:

Ron Wilson out dueled Mike Keenan in the first round but will be up against another guy coaching for his job. With both bench bosses staring at the Sword of Damacles, Wilson will have to uncross those arms and come up with some solid tactics to beat the confident Stars.

Dave Tippett has also shed some demons with his first round victory. He beat an excellent coach in Randy Carlyle, and will now have to deal with a different type of team. He should get some help when Zubov comes back, as he should make a good powerplay better. How he deals with the Sharks' size at forward may decide this series.

Edge: Stars. I am still not sold on Ron Wilson, and I have heard good things about Tippett from an inside source. He apparently has his team very focused and motivated.

Intangibles:

San Jose may have finally realized that they are a good team. After a couple years of playoff futility, they beat a good team in a Game 7 and look poised to go on a run. Their powerplay needs to improve its numbers and Brian Campbell needs to help drive the offense. Jeremy Roenick and Ryan Clowe, if they can continue their hot play, may be the difference. Plus Roenick has better hair than Modano.


The Stars powerplay was the straw that stirred the drink in the first round. They likely won't get as many chances as San Jose plays a more disciplined style than did Anaheim. The return of Sergei Zubov could be what the Stars need to take this series. Modano can't match Roenick's hair, but does have a hot wife.

Edge: Stars because they are due to get their best two defensemen back. Zubov skated in full equipment yesterday and I would bet he plays sooner rather than later. He will make the difference in this series.

The Stars will take this one in 7 games because they won the coin flip at my office. Expect a lot of overtime games. In the end the Stars will out work the Sharks AND be able to provide the timely goaltending that Calgary could not.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

NHL Morning Papers: Non-Playoff Teams (Thursday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the teams that were eliminated from the first round:

• Brian Burke has decided to stay with the Anaheim Ducks.
• Don't expect any big changes with the Bruins this off-season, writes Fluto Shinwaza. In injury news, Zdeno Chara does not want surgery on his shoulder but he may have to have it anyways.
• David Poile would prefer to not play with three goaltenders next season, writes John Glennon.
• George Johnson of the Calgary Herald wonders if it is going to be Mike Keenan or Miikka Kiprusoff? That aside, the Flames will need some secondary scoring next season. Here is a closer look at the entire Flames' roster and whether they should stay-or-go for next season.
• Olaf Kolzig was nowhere to be found for the Capitals mandatory meeting on Wednesday, writes Tarik El-Bashir.
• Hugh Adami of the Ottawa Citizen believes the way the Senators lost to Pittsburgh does not bode well for next season.

Here are the morning papers for the teams that did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs:

• Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford still won't comment on coach Peter Laviolette's future with the Hurricanes.
• Here is a closer look at the Blue Jackets' farm team.
• Both Sam Gagner and Mathieu Garon have been named to Team Canada's entry at the World Hockey Championships as extras.
• Panthers GM Jacques Martin claims he is in no rush to hire a new head coach.
• Damien Cox tells us that Brian Burke wanted to talk to the Maple Leafs about their open GM position, but his owner would not let him. Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun wonders if not Burke then who?
• Mike Gillis is the new GM of the Vancouver Canucks and Jason Botchford has the story. Meanwhile, Ed Willes of the Vancouver Province wonders about the process the Canucks used in hiring their new GM. It won't talk long for Gillis to be put in a precarious position, writes Tony Gallagher.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Thursday Edition)

Here the morning papers for the second round playoff teams:

Eastern Conference:

Montreal (1) versus Philadelphia (6):

• Carey Price had a little fun with the media on Wednesday, writes Pat Hickey. Meanwhile, Saku Koivu and Kimmo Timonen's friendship will be on hiatus until the Habs/Flyers series is complete.
• Here is a complete breakdown of both squads, courtesy of Ed Barkowitz. Barkowitz likes the Flyers in 7. The Flyers understand that playing the Habs is a lot different than the Capitals. Philadelphia is a different team now than the one that was dominated by the Canadiens during the season.

Pittsburgh (2) versus New York Rangers (5):

• The Penguins plan to ignore Rangers winger Sean Avery throughout their series. If the Pens want to score, they know they will have to create a lot of traffic in front of Henrik Lunqvist. On the injury front, Gary Roberts will be a game-time decision for the Penguins tomorrow night.
• John Dellapina of the NY Daily News breaks down all the aspects of the Rangers/Penguins series. With all the talk about the Penguins' youth, the Rangers think their young players are pretty good too. In an interesting article, Jaromir Jagr doesn't think Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby are in Mario Lemieux's league. (Writer's note: I agree.) Well, that sure did not take long; as you can now say goodbye to the Sean Avery shirt.

Western Conference:

Detroit (1) versus Colorado (6):

• The Wings are very excited to rekindle their rivalry with the Avalance, writes Helene St. James. This series includes arguably the two best players in the NHL when it comes to playing in front of the opposition's net, writes George Sipple. It appears the Wings will play Game 1 without Kirk Maltby and Brad Stuart. Helene St. James likes the Wings in 7.
• Terry Frei has a nice article about the turnaround of Jose Theodore's fortunes. The Wings are concerned about the Avalanche's impressive power play. The Denver Post has a full analysis of the series.

San Jose (2) versus Dallas (5):

• The Sharks and Stars are very closely matched, writes David Pollak. Here is the schedule of the series. Hockey is hot in the Bay Area as Tuesday's Game 7 was the region's highest rated hockey game since 2002.
• It looks like Sergei Zubov is close to returning to the Stars line-up. Many of the Stars feel like their final game of the regular season versus the Sharks really brought them together.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

2008 Second Round Playoff Schedule

Here is the Second Round NHL Playoffs schedule courtesy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Penguins vs. N.Y. Rangers
April 25: Rangers at Penguins, 7 p.m.
April 27: Rangers at Penguins, 2 p.m.
April 29: Penguins at Rangers, 7 p.m.
May 1: Penguins at Rangers, 7 p.m.
May 4: Rangers at Penguins, 2 p.m.
May 5: Penguins at Rangers, 7 p.m.
May 7: Rangers at Penguins, TBA

Montreal vs. Philadelphia
April 24: Philadelphia at Montreal, 7 p.m.
April 26: Philadelphia at Montreal, 7 p.m.
April 28: Montreal at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
April 30: Montreal at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
May 3: Philadelphia at Montreal, 7 p.m.
May 4: Montreal at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
May 6: Philadelphia at Montreal, 7 p.m.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit vs. Colorado
April 24: Colorado at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
April 26: Colorado at Detroit, 3 p.m.
April 29: Detroit at Colorado, 10 p.m.
May 1: Detroit at Colorado, 10 p.m.
May 3: Colorado at Detroit, 1 p.m.
May 5: Detroit at Colorado, 10 p.m.
May 7: Colorado at Detroit, TBA

San Jose vs. Dallas
April 25: Dallas at San Jose, 10 p.m.
April 27: Dallas at San Jose, 9 p.m.
April 29: San Jose at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.
April 30: San Jose at Dallas, 9 p.m.
May 2: Dallas at San Jose, 10 p.m.
May 4: San Jose at Dallas, 9 p.m.
May 6: Dallas at San Jose, 10 p.m.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Ed Chynoweth, former WHL president, has passed away. Bob McKenzie has a mini-obit here.
2. NBC and the NHL have extended their agreement through next season.
3. Adam Proteau calls out the officials from last night's Caps-Flyers game.
4. Scott Burnside with a postmortem on the Capitals.
5. Interesting piece on Brian Burke, as found in the National Post.
6. A comprehensive look around the NHL by Stan Fischler.
7. Five for Fighting (wasn't that a band?) updates the injury situation in Dallas.
8. Doug McLean wants to coach the Panthers...again.
9. The Red Deer Advocate calls for more nudity and less arson should the Canadiens win again. Jean Beliveau is upset with the rioting.
10. Another article on playoff beards.
11. The LA Kings have signed Oscar Moller to an entry level deal.
12. The Hot List.
13. HV71 wins the Swedish Elite League championship.
14. Willa Ford blogs on the Stars' first round victory.
15. The IHL lives to play another season.
16. Elliotte Friedman discusses the Mike Gillis hire.
17. The Slapshot blog looks back at some memorable Montreal-Philly matchups.
18. The USA wins the bronze medal at the World Under-18's.
19. The Leafs' GM wish list.
20. Canada hangs a dirty one on the Russians; win Gold Medal.
21. Sean Avery will intern at Vogue this summer, while the NHL looks to cash in on its new rule.
22. Scott Burnside breaks down the Wings-Avs series.
23. Bruce Boudreau has been given a new contract by the Washington Capitals.
24. Allan Muir has questions about the Sharks.
25. Interesting article about the demise of the NHL.

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Wednesday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the Western Conference playoff matchups:

Detroit versus Nashville:

• The Red Wings face-off against their old rivals in Colorado starting Thursday. Wings winger Kirk Maltby isn't sure he will be ready to play Game 1 of the second round. Meanwhile, it is no surprise that the NHL wants certain teams to do better than others.
• With new contracts in hand, the Predators coaching staff is already looking at things they'd like to change of next year. In injury news, Steve Sullivan is still under contract for the Predators for next season, so David Poile would like to come to some sort of plan to deal with Sullivan's status.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• Jeremy Roenick proved he is a big-game player last night, writes Ann Killion of the San Jose Mercury News. Every game was close in the series, but the Sharks did outshoot the Flames by a substantial margin. Ron Wilson was proud of the performance of his entire team after last night's 5-2 victory. The Sharks had it in them, writes Mark Purdy.
• The Flames don't take any solace in taking the Conference's number two seed to the brink of elimination. George Johnson of the Calgary Herald does not think coach Mike Keenan should have pulled Miikka Kiprusoff. Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun echoes the same sentiments as Johnson, stating that Kiprusoff was the team's best player in Game 7 before he was pulled.

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• There are going to be lots of Minnesotans playing at this year's World Hockey Championships.
• The Avalanche are facing off versus the Red Wings in the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Terry Frei likes the NHL a heck of a lot better than the NBA.

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• Dan Wood of the Orange County Register examines the possibility of Brian Burke leaving the Ducks for the Leafs. In the end, there is a reason the games are played on the ice and not on paper, writes Randy Youngman.
• It took him a while, but Mike Modano has really taken to his checking line role, writes Mike Heika.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Wednesday Edition)

Note: This is the last installment of the first round playoff matchups. Starting tomorrow I will be writing second round morning papers.

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

Montreal versus Boston:

• The Canadiens were 4-0 against the Flyers in the regular season, so they are not afraid of facing Philadelphia in Round 2.
• The Bruins are already very excited for next season and are taking a lot of positives from their 2007/08 campaign. The play of the team's young players was extremely encouraging, writes Howard Ulman. In awards news, Zdeno Chara has been nominated for the Norris Trophy.

Pittsburgh versus Ottawa:

• Penguins winger Pascal Dupuis has been a pleasant surprise since his arrival from Atlanta. The Penguins face the Rangers in Round 2, marking the first time Jaromir Jagr has played his old team in the playoffs. Here is the second round playoff schedule.

Washington versus Philadelphia:

• "I just told them they gave me the best year of my life, and I thanked them," said Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau after his team was defeated in Game 7 by the Flyers. The wait is finally over for the Ted Leonsis and Capitals fans for a proven winner and contender. The Capitals fans were so impressed, that at game's end they gave their team a standing ovation.
• Joffrey Lupul got to score the goal all kids dream about in their backyards, writes Ed Barkowitz. Martin Biron has been one of the great stories for the Flyers so far this playoffs, writes Ed Moran. The Flyers don't have much time to savor their victory, as they visit Montreal to begin Round 2 on Thursday night.

New Jersey versus New York Rangers:

• The NHL reaches new levels of hypocrisy, writes Larry Brooks, after it has been discovered that the league approved a Sean Avery t-shirt by Reebok. On the ice, the Rangers' next series versus the Penguins doesn't lack for stars. The Rangers seem more focused for Round 2 this year than they were last year.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions illegalcurve@gmail.com

Second Round Playoff Matchups

Here are the matchups for the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs:

Eastern Conference:

Montreal (1) versus Philadelphia (6)

Pittsburgh (2) versus New York Rangers (5)

Western Conference:

(1) Detroit versus Colorado (6)

(2) San Jose versus Dallas (5)

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. The weekly release from the USHL.
2. By way of correction to an item posted yesterday, it is the Ducks, and not the NHL, that are fining Niedermayer $500,000. The NHLPA is working on getting that money refunded.
3. Canada will play Russia for World Under-18 Gold, Wednesday on TSN.
4. Memorial Cup History, 1931.
5. Vandals damage the new arena being constructed in Fargo, ND.
6. James Duthie would like to see the NHL stagger the start times of playoff games.
7. Everyone wants to talk about Sean Avery, including the New Yorker.
8. Pierre Lebrun says Marty Turco was the difference in the Ducks-Stars series.
9. Chris Elliott spends the day with the New York Rangers.
10. William Houston with his thoughts on the CBC's on-air quality.
11. Mike Smith discusses his Domi/King for Olczyk trade.
12. EJ Hradek's Morning Skate.
13. Ping-pong eases the pressure in San Jose.
14. Will Brian Burke be offered a 5-year, $23 million deal?
15. Scott Morrison notes that the Sharks have more to lose tonight.
16. Darren Eliot writes that the Bruins are now back on the NHL radar, despite their Game 7 loss.
17. Martin Brodeur has declined an invitation to join Team Canada.
18. Mark Emmons discusses the post-series handshake.
19. The Hot List from the Hockey News.
20. The Telus Cup is underway in Arnprior, Ontario.
21. A look at the draft eligible Justin (You Must be) Jokinen.
22. The Junior Report.
23. The Berlin Polar Bears have won the DEL Championship.
24. Team Great Britain finishes 4th at the World Division 1 championships.
25. Ken Campbell wants to see more Washington-Philadelphia games.

NHL Morning Papers: Non-Playoff Teams (Tuesday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the teams that did not qualify for the post-season:

• Sabres netminder Ryan Miller has joined the NHL competition committee.
• A lot of the Hurricanes are going to be participating in the World Hockey Championships in Quebec City and Halifax.
• The Islanders have signed prospect Tomas Marcinko the team's fourth round draft pick in 2006.
• Here is some news on the Lightning's pending sale. (Writer's note: Wake me up when this saga is over. No one wants to hear about this anymore.)
• Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star thinks Brian Burke will be the next GM of the Maple Leafs. Apparently the Leafs are offering Burke a whopping $23 million over 5 years!!!

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Tuesday Edition)

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

Detroit versus Nashville:

• One of the biggest benefits of beating the Predators in six games is that the Wings get a couple days to recharge their batteries, writes Helene St. James. Here are some quotes by Mike Babcock from his interview with the Fan 590 in Toronto. The Detroit Free Press takes a look at the two possible opponents for the Red Wings.
• Jason Arnott was extremely disappointed that the couldn't be out there to help his teammates for Games 6 and 7, writes John Glennon. Heading into the off-season, the Predators have some depth in net and on the blueline, so except a couple transactions. Not that there was ever any doubt, the Predators have re-signed their entire coaching staff to extensions.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• It's win or go home for the Sharks tonight, writes David Pollak. The Sharks are surprisingly loose heading into Game 7 tonight. In roster news, veteran forward Jeremy Roenick can't wait to get back in the line up for tonight's tilt.
• The Flames roster has much experience with Game 7s so expect them to draw on that for tonight's game. What can we expect from big-game Jarome Iginla tonight? Mike Keenan absolutely loved the way Kristian Huselius played in Game 6.

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• Jacques Lemaire provides the press with his review of the season. Here is GM Doug Risebrough's to-do list over the off-season, writes Michael Russo.
• The Pepsi Center was rockin' like the old days in the first round, writes Mike Chambers. If the Avalanche play the Stars in he second round, the series won't begin until Saturday.

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• The Ducks have some competition for Brian Burke's services, writes Eric Stephens of the L.A. Times.
• The Stars are very happy with their current Co-GM arrangement between Les Jackson and Brett Hull.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Tuesday Edition)

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

Montreal versus Boston:

• The Canadiens were as close to perfect as a team can be for a Game 7 last night, writes Pat Hickey. Habs coach Guy Carbonneau made a good line up move by switching Alexei Kovalev onto Saku Koivu's line for last night's contest. The Habs should enjoy this victory because in Red Fisher's opinion they were outplayed in four of the seven games.
• "It's a good feeling to have, proving a lot of people wrong. I think we can build a lot on what we did this year and carry it on to next year," said Bruins rookie Milan Lucic after his team's 5-0 loss in Game 7. It was tough to beat the impressive Carey Price last night, writes Bob Ryan. Last night's game may have been Glen Murray's last as a Bruin.

Pittsburgh versus Ottawa:

• The Penguins have been very pleased with their acquisition of big defenseman Hal Gill at the trade deadline, writes Dave Molinari. Meanwhile, Jarko Ruutu has found his comfort zone in Pittsburgh.
• Apparently the Senators are looking to add Fabian Brunnstrom to their forward mix for next season.

Washington versus Philadelphia:

• The Capitals' roster, which is heavy on Europeans, is responding just fine to the playoff grind, writes Jason LaCanfora. Alexander Ovechkin is the main reason that the Capitals were victorious in Game 6, so can he be the reason they advance to the second round too? "Well, we had no doubts in this room," said Caps netminder Cristobal Huet about his team being down 2-0 early in Game 6.
• The Flyers still have one more chance to close out the Capitals tonight, writes Phil Sheridan. One mistake can change the complexion of a game and it did last night, writes Tim Panaccio. Riley Cote is hoping to replace Mike Knuble's scoring with some energy and physical play.

New Jersey versus New York Rangers:

• It is evident by this article that Martin Brodeur had become mentally exhausted from the Devils season. Devils fans can say bye-bye to Karel Rachunek.
• Things are looking up for the Lundqvist brothers after some hard times this season, writes Jay Greenberg. Henrik Lundqvist is very deserving of his Vezina Trophy nomination. The Rangers will be starting on the road in Round 2 regardless of if they play the Habs or the Pens.

The morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups are soon to follow...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Canada defeats Finland at World Under-18's. Advances to semi-finals.
2. The 1976 Canada Cup team will hold a reunion in Halifax.
3. An interesting article from the National Post as to why Michael Nylander didn't sign in Edmonton.
4. Time Warner Cable (upstate New York) bumped the 3rd period of the Wild-Avalanche game to air a Victoria Principal infomercial. Still better than watching the Wild, no?
5. Hitler's reaction to the Canucks missing the playoffs.
6. The CBC will show more Canadiens games in prime time next season.
7. Adam Proteau attributes the Predators' loss to bad luck.
8. The CBC is targeting Chinese fans with hockey broadcasts in Mandarin.
9. Prospect Casey Pierro-Zabotel has been signed by the Penguins.
10. Mike Brophy wonders what's next for the Ducks?
11. Kevin Smith's final thoughts on the Devils' demise, including an invitation to "entertain" Ranger hockey widows.
12. The NHL is trying to fine Scott Niedermayer $500,000 for missing the first half of the season.
13. Darryl Parks makes his case to the next GM of the Vancouver Canucks. First step: learning to spell "fantasy".
14. Whats next for the Wild.
15. Chris Zelkovich calls for the CBC to check its biases at the door when broadcasting games.
16. Adrian Dater throws Scott Howson under the bus for trading Adam Foote. Illegal Curve thinks that Dater's comments are out of touch. Howson received fair compensation for a guy that wasn't part of the Jackets' plan going forward.
17. Scott Morrison writes that the Canadiens seem unprepared for the Bruins' onslaught.
18. Memorial Cup history from 1928, 1929 and 1930.
19. Has Fabian Brunstrom shifted his focus to the Toronto Maple Leafs?
20. Cue the Brian Burke to Toronto stories.
21. Pierre Lebrun likes the Rangers' chances.
22. Al Strachan comments on the NHL's "Dream Post-season".
23. Yahoo's Ross McKeon on why the playoffs are so great.
24. This week's rumour roundup.
25. Kristian Huselius wins $1 million on a horse bet.

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.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Monday Edition)

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

Montreal versus Boston:

• It doesn't look likely that Patrice Bergeron will get the okay to suit up for the Bruins tonight, writes Pat Hickey. The pressure is on the Habs to prove they have the killer instinct tonight. The Canadiens are making their fans sweat this one out, writes Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette.
• Forget momentum, it is just a winner-take-all games tonight, writes Steve Conroy. The Bruins have been playing seventh games for a while now, writes Fluto Shinwaza. Even with all the competition going on between them, the Bruins have much respect for their opponent. In an unknown story, Tim Thomas overcame an annoying mask problem last game to lead the Bruins to victory.

Pittsburgh versus Ottawa:

• Sergei Gonchar does not seem to think the Senators were as much of a push-over as everyone is making them out to be. The Penguins are still waiting on an opponent, however, that could be decided tonight if the Bruins upset the Habs.
• From yesterday's paper, here are Bruce Garrioch's ratings of each and every Senators player this season.

Washington versus Philadelphia:

• Alexander Ovechkin is used to post-season play now and will be looking to be the difference when the Capitals vistit Philadelphia for Game 6 tonight. Bruce Boudreau's line changes have served the Capitals well, writes Corey Masisak.
• R.J. Umberger is going to try and pick up the slack for the injured Mike Knuble on the Flyers' power play. Knuble will be replaced by either Riley Cote or Steve Downie. The Flyers will be treating tonight's Game 6 at home as if it is a Game 7, writes Tim Panaccio.

New Jersey versus New York Rangers:

• In yesterday's NY Post, Mark Everson suggests the Devils finally open their wallet and spend some money.
• Rangers coaches are pushing their players to attack so far this playoffs, writes Larry Brooks. Ryan Callahan has been a different player for the Rangers since his demotion to Hartford of the AHL at mid-season.

The morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups are soon to follow...


For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com