16 replies to this topic

[Dark Knight]

Please post your thoughts, pictures and comments on tonight's games in this thread.

Minnesota at Colorado
SJS at Dallas
NYR at NJD
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia
Chicago at Detroit
STL at Columbus

[Dark Knight]

Just tuned in to the Chicago at Detroit game, in time to hear what the experts had to say about their coach of the year predictions: "Babcock or Ron Wilson, Bodreau, Therrien should all get consideration." "Yeah, it's time the coaches of elite teams get some attention."

Conspicuously absent, a certain Randy Carlyle who, apparently either isn't coaching an elite team, or is doing a poor job of coaching. Considering all the distractions Carlyle had to deal with this year I think he deserves a nod.

[BigBadDucksGal]

I also agree that Carlyle should get some consideration as well.

Here in Canada on TSN during the intermission of the detroit and chicago game they did a poll of 27 of the 30 coaches and ask them who they thought the coach of the year is and 11 picked Carboneau (montreal), Trotz (nashville), Boudreau (washington), Julien (boston) also got some votes. I missed a couple of names on their list but Carylye wasn't on it. Of course they don't vote for the award.

[Dark Knight]

SJS and Dallas have seemed to forget that today's game is meaningless. There have been plenty of fisticuffs in the first period alone. Don't hold back boys, fight all you want. Hell, injure each other

[DropThePuck]

TSN's Ice Chips:

On Sunday, defenceman Chris Pronger is eligible to return from the 8-suspension he received for stepping on the leg of Canucks' forward Ryan Kesler.

Marc Savard skated for the second time in as many days on Saturday. Savard, who suffered a back injury March 22 when he was smacked by a Steve Begin cross-check, skated for only 5-6 minutes Friday, then Saturday stretched it out to about 20 minutes. Ideally, said Savard, he will be able to suit up for Game 1. Patrice Bergeron (concussion) continues to increase his on and off-ice workouts, and has an appointment with a neurologist Monday at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he hopes to be given the go-ahead for his first contact drills. Goaltender Manny Fernandez, who underwent knee surgery in December, is fit for game action, but head coach Claude Julien has opted to stay the course with Tim Thomas and Alex Auld. - Boston Globe

Jose Theodore is expected to get the start against the Minnesota Wild Sunday. Theodore has started 25 of the last 27 games. Defenceman Adam Foote, who took 20 stitches to close a cut to his ear Tuesday, has some lingering pain but is ready to rejoin the lineup. - Denver Post

Marty Turco gets the start in net Sunday against the San Jose Sharks. The return date of defenceman Sergei Zubov (sports hernia) is still undetermined. Head coach Dave Tippett said Zubov was expected back in town late Saturday or early today, and would be re-evaluated then. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Forwards Mike Ribeiro (flu), Brad Richards (soreness) and Steve Ott (flu) are questionable. - Dallas Morning News

Forwards Kirk Maltby (hamstring) and Mikael Samuelsson (groin) aren't expected back for the beginning of the playoffs. General manager Ken Holland said Kris Draper (groin) and Tomas Holmstrom (abdominal/groin strain) plan to play Sunday in the regular-season finale against Chicago and, hopefully, will be ready for the playoffs. Holmstrom, however, is not expected to be at full strength. Defenceman Brad Stuart (broken finger) will be reassessed on Wednesday. The team is hopeful he will be ready for Game 1. - Detroit News

Saku Koivu said Saturday the swelling in his broken left foot has diminished but he has not tried to put on a skate boot. He will see doctors again next Tuesday or Wednesday. He could not predict when he'll be back on the ice, which would suggest a return for Game 1 of the playoffs - which would likely be next Thursday - remains a longshot. He is no longer using crutches, but his foot remains in a walking cast. - TSN

Bryce Salvador, sidelined with a left foot contusion, is hopeful of being ready for the start of the playoffs even though he is not yet skating. Brent Sutter, who said there is no chance Salvador will play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Rangers, was cautious. - Bergen Record

Centre Scott Gomez, who is still bothered by sore ribs, received some treatment and didn't practice Saturday. Neither did defenceman Michal Rozsival. Brendan Shanahan, who took 12 shots Friday, and centre Blair Betts, who has been out since minor foot surgery on March 21, are expected to play. Defenceman Marek Malik, who has not dressed in five games, is another possibility. - Newsday

Centre Daniel Briere has a sprained left knee and the Flyers want him rested for the playoffs. Derian Hatcher, who has been out of the lineup since March 15 with a broken leg, is likely to play in the first round. Sami Kapanen is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Penguins. He still has the flu and is having persistent sinus problems. Scott Hartnell also was out with the flu. - Philadelphia Inquirer

Winger Gary Roberts is expected to return Sunday for the regular-season finale at Philadelphia. He has been out since Dec. 29, when he suffered a broken left leg and a high ankle sprain. Forwards Jordan Staal and Evgeni Malkin are expected to play in their 82nd game Sunday. - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Maple Leafs packed it up on Sunday, with several players revealing their offseason plans. Defenceman Tomas Kaberle says he will play for the Czech Republic at the World Championship, while Pavel Kubina (viral infection), Alex Ponikarovsky and Bryan McCabe (wife expecting) will not. Nik Antropov will undergo an MRI Monday on his injured knee, while Vesa Toskala is 50-50 to play for Finland at the Worlds. - TSN

[DropThePuck]

Penguins center Sidney Crosby was scratched from Sunday's season finale against the Flyers with Pittsburgh playing for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Coach Michel Terrien decided to give Crosby the game off, likely as a precautionary measure after their captain missed 28 games with a sprained right ankle. Crosby finished the season with 24 goals and 72 points in 53 games.

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[DropThePuck]

1 - Kane, P. (PPG, 17:40 in 3rd)
4 - Hudler, J. (07:21 in 1st), Lidstrom, N. (PPG, 18:29 in 2nd), Hartigan, M. (06:28 in 3rd), Lidstrom, N. (PPG, 14:02 in 3rd)


Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom, of Sweden, accepts the 2008 Presidents’ Trophy as the National Hockey League’s regular season champion prior to their NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks in Detroit, Sunday, April 6, 2008.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)


Detroit Red Wings' Tomas Holmstrom, right,of Sweden, checks Chicago Blackhawks' Kris Versteeg, left, into the bench in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Detroit, Sunday, April 6, 2008.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)


Detroit Red Wings Jiri Hudler's (26) shot beats Chicago Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, of Russia, in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Detroit, Sunday, April 6, 2008.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)


Detroit Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek, right, of the Czech Republic, stops a Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane (88) shot in the second period of an NHL hockey game in Detroit Sunday, April 6, 2008.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

[Cassie8236]

Dallas and San Jose seem intent on beating the crap out of each other!! 100 Penalty minutes in the 1st period alone! It's on the NHLN is anyone wants to watch!

[UltraDavid]

Come on Pens, beat the Flyers! I want the Caps to face now-horrible Ottawa!

On the Adams thing, Boudreau should run away with it. The Caps were the worst team in the league under Hanlon and have been among the best in the league ever since under Boudreau. I'm not sure I've ever seen such a stark turn-around caused by a coaching change.


Edit: Flyers just sealed it with an empty netter. Cripes! Oh well, I don't think the Caps will have too much trouble anyway.

[Dutch Duck]

Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom, of Sweden, accepts the 2008 Presidents’ Trophy as the National Hockey League’s regular season champion prior to their NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks in Detroit, Sunday, April 6, 2008.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Shouldn't the 'C' be on the left chest? This looks weird. Well this way, there isn't any room for the Stanley Cup Final patch, so that's a good thing

Flyers beat Pinguins 2-0. Flyers will meet the Caps in the first round.

[Dark Knight]

Shouldn't the 'C' be on the left chest?

That was discussed when the new jerseys were introduced at the beginning of this season. Because of the flare on the upper right side of the wing, they didn't think there would be room for the "C." If they make it to the SCF, the logo would go on the shoulder.

[Dutch Duck]

Rangers and Devils are really batteling for home-ice. 2-2, going into OT.

That was discussed when the new jerseys were introduced at the beginning of this season. Because of the flare on the upper right side of the wing, they didn't think there would be room for the "C." If they make it to the SCF, the logo would go on the shoulder.

Oh... I see. Still looks weird though. SCF patch on the shoulder is cool though, like the 1994 Rangers, I liked that.

Rangers and Devils are really batteling for home-ice. 2-2, going into OT.

Scratch that. Because of the one point allready. The Devils have clinched the fourth seed.

[DropThePuck]

3 - Parrish, M. (PPG, 17:02 in 1st), Carney, K. (16:32 in 2nd), Rolston, B. (16:39 in 3rd)
4 - Stastny, P. (05:25 in 2nd), Sakic, J. (PPG, 05:48 in 3rd), Hejduk, M. (PPG, 09:02 in 3rd), Wolski, W. (SHG, 00:00 in SO)


Goal keeper Josh Harding #29 of the Minnesota Wild stays cool against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on April 6, 2008 in Denver, Colorado.
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)


Keith Carney #3 of the Minnesota Wild clears the puck while under pressure from Ryan Smyth #94 of the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on April 6, 2008 in Denver, Colorado.
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)


Goal keeper Josh Harding #29 of the Minnesota Wild turns the puck away against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on April 6, 2008 in Denver, Colorado.
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)


Tyler Arnason #39 of the Colorado Avalanche tries to control the puck as Eric Belanger #25 and Petteri Nummelin #33 of the Minnesota Wild defend at the Pepsi Center on April 6, 2008 in Denver, Colorado.
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

[DropThePuck]

2 - Marleau, P. (PPG, 17:33 in 1st), Cheechoo, J. (PPG, 05:46 in 2nd)
4 - Miettinen, A. (11:35 in 2nd), Barnes, S. (16:13 in 2nd), Norstrom, M. (19:47 in 2nd), Ott, S. (PPG, 18:38 in 3rd)


Dallas Stars' Krystofer Barch (13) and San Jose Sharks' Kyle McLaren (4) fight during the first period of their NHL hockey game on Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Dallas.
(AP Photo/Tim Sharp)


Dallas Stars defender Trevor Daley, top, tries to restrain San Jose Sharks left wing Jody Shelley (45) as he drags Stars left wing Niklas Hagman (15) of Finland to the ice during a altercation in the first period of their NHL hockey game Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Dallas.
(AP Photo/Tim Sharp)


San Jose Sharks defender Sandis Ozolinsh (24) is knocked off his feet after a collision with Dallas Stars center Joel Lundqvist (39), of Sweden, in the first period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Dallas.
(AP Photo/Tim Sharp)


Dallas Stars goalie Marty Turco looks at the puck after deflecting a shot from the San Jose Sharks in the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Dallas. Dallas won the game 4-2.
(AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

[DropThePuck]

2 - Drury, C. (00:19 in 2nd), Jagr, J. (04:46 in 3rd)
3 - Madden, J. (04:26 in 1st), Rupp, M. (12:57 in 1st), Elias, P. (00:00 in SO)


Arena security deals with fans in the regular season game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers at the Prudential Center April 6, 2008 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils beat the Rangers 3-2.
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)


David Clarkson #23 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates his first period goal against the New York Rangers as Dainius Zubrus #16 joins him on April 6, 2008 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)


Paul Martin #7 of the New Jersey Devils takes a punch from Fredik Sjostrom #20 of the New York Rangers on April 6, 2008 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)


David Clarkson #23 of the New Jersey Devils hits Fredrik Sjostrom #20 of the New York Rangers at the Prudential Center April 6, 2008 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils beat the Rangers 3-2.
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

[DropThePuck]

0
2 - Upshall, S. (18:30 in 2nd), Knuble, M. (19:07 in 3rd)


Philadelphia Flyers' goalie Martin Biron, left, deflects a shot on goal by Pittsburgh Penguins' Jarkko Ruutu, right, of Finland, during the first period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Philadelphia.
(AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)


Philadelphia Flyers' goalie Martin Biron, left, deflects a shot on goal by Pittsburgh Penguins' Ryan Malone, right, during the third period of an NHL hockey game on Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Philadelphia. The Flyers won 2-0 as Biron had his second shutout in a row.
(AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

[DropThePuck]

4 - Backes, D. (14:46 in 1st), Boyes, B. (13:08 in 2nd), Perron, D. (PPG, 10:12 in 3rd), Tkachuk, K. (SHG, 18:26 in 3rd)
1 - Peca, M. (PPG, 04:50 in 1st)


St. Louis Blues' Hannu Toivonen, left, of Finland, makes a save as teammate Jay McKee, center, and Columbus Blue Jackets' Zenon Konopka wait for a rebound during the second period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio.
(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)


Columbus Blue Jackets' Gilbert Brule, right, and St. Louis Blues' Ryan Johnson fight for a loose puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, April 6, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio.
(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)