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| Talbot, Scuderi doubtful for Game 4 | Wednesday 4/30, 11:49 PM CT |
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The Pittsburgh Penguins may be forced to move forward in their Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series without forward Maxime Talbot and defenseman Rob Scuderi, both suffering from foot injuries, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Both players missed optional practice today, suffering from injuries absorbed in blocking shots in Game 3. Their listed as day-to-day, but the Pens expect both to miss Game 4. |
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| Stastny likely done for series | Wednesday 4/30, 11:28 PM CT |
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Already ruled out for Game 4, a match that could spell the end for Colorado's season, the Avs' leading scorer Paul Stastny is now considered doubtful for the rest of the series regardless of how long it lasts, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Stastny sustained a knee injury during the first period of Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings and did not return to the ice. Stastny was Colorado's leading assist (47) and point (71) man during the season and his loss is a troubling reality for the Avs they hope to avoid elimination, down 3-0 to Detroit in the series. |
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| Michalek nets game winner to keep Sharks alive | Wednesday 4/30, 11:01 PM CT |
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It wasn't pretty, but the San Jose Sharks have staved off elimination with a tough-nosed 2-1 victory in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinal playoff series over the Dallas Stars. Winger Milan Michalek scored the game-winning goal with 16:34 left in the game, taking a pass from Joe Thornton to push the Sharks' first power-play goal of the game through the net.
Our View: Michalek has a goal in all but one of the games in this series, serving as one of few consistent sources of effort for the Sharks in what has been an otherwise disappointing performance. |
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| Marleau scores goal in win for Sharks | Wednesday 4/30, 10:54 PM CT |
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With their backs against the wall, the San Jose Sharks found a way to get the job done and earn a 2-1 win to avoid elimination in their Western Conference semifinal series against the Dallas Stars, their first win of the series now favoring Dallas 3-1. San Jose center Patrick Marleau scored the Sharks' first goal to tie the match at 1-1, putting a short-handed goal in the net off a turnover by Sergei Zubov.
Our View: Marleau wasn't a huge offensive contributor during the season (48 total points), but he now has a goal in each of the last two games, a huge presence for a team fighting to stay alive in the playoffs. |
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| Biron continues to carry Philly vs Montreal | Wednesday 4/30, 9:11 PM CT |
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The offense was the name of the game for the Philadelphia Flyers this evening, wrapping their Game-4 victory with a 4-2 beating that gives Philly a dominating 3-1 series lead. However, the work of goalie Martin Biron may have saved the day, posting 36 saves on 38 shots on goal.
Our View: After allowing four goals in a loss in the first game of the series, Biron has allowed just two goals per game in the three wins Philly has earned since, facing at least 34 shots on goal in all four games. That is an effort that will bring a team to the Stanley Cup. |
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| Umberger keeps scoring in Flyers' victory | Wednesday 4/30, 9:06 PM CT |
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The Philadelphia Flyers have taken a commanding 3-1 series lead over the top-ranked Montreal Canadiens in their Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series, using the effort of center R.J. Umberger to solidify tonight's 4-2 victory.
Our View: Umberger, possibly the hottest player in this year's NHL playoffs, netted two goals in the victory, giving him a whopping six goals for this series. |
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| Briere nets game winner vs Montreal | Wednesday 4/30, 9:02 PM CT |
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The Montreal Canadiens failed to produce the spark needed by changing goalies, and as a result, the Philadelphia Flyers are one win away from wrapping their Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series. Philadelphia center Daniel Briere netted the winning goal, slapping home a rebound with a touch over three minutes left in the game to give the Flyers a 4-2 win, taking a 3-1 series lead.
Our View: Briere also added an assist on the evening, giving him three points over the last three games. |
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| Barnes out after Cheechoo rings his bell | Wednesday 4/30, 8:51 PM CT |
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Dallas Stars center Stu Barnes has missed Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinal series against the San Jose Sharks this evening due to a possible concussion, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Barnes withstood a vicious check from Jonathan Cheechoo in last night's 2-1 OT victory over the Sharks and Stars coach Dave Tippett reports Barnes is still "feeling the effects" of the hit. The team reports Barnes is day to day. |
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| Biron fantastic in net | Wednesday 4/30, 5:09 PM CT |
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Martin Biron has faced 51 more shots than any other goalie in the league, but that hasn't stopped him from excelling, according to NHL.com. Biron has allowed more than two goals just once in his last four starts despite facing at least 34 shots in each game.
Our View: Biron is 6-4 with a .913 save percentage in these playoffs, solid numbers that don't speak to the magnificent work he has put forth to keep the Flyers on the winning track. |
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| Sharks look to make history | Wednesday 4/30, 5:06 PM CT |
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Patrick Marleau and his Sharks mates will look to start the long road back against the Stars in Game 4 on Wednesday night. The Sharks, down 3-0, will look to become just the third team in NHL history to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a series, according to TSN.
Our View: Nothing is going right for the Sharks at this point and honestly, unless their stars start playing like stars, and the suddenly porous PK unit finds the groove that made it the best unit during the regular season, this series will likely end tonight. |
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| Betts suffers broken jaw | Wednesday 4/30, 5:03 PM CT |
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Blair Betts suffered a broken jaw in Game 3 on Tuesday night leaving his ability to play in Game 4 in doubt, according to TSN.
Our View: The Rangers are in a huge hole in their series with the Penguins, and while Betts brings a nice grinding game to the table, the team needs to figure out a way to solve Marc-Andre Fleury a lot more than they need to worry about the health of a depth forward. |
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| Ovechkin named finalist for Hart Trophy | Wednesday 4/30, 4:54 PM CT |
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Alexander Ovechkin was named a finalist for the Hart Trophy awarded each year to the league MVP.
Our View: The odds on favorite for the award, Ovechkin lead the lead in goals (65), points (112), power-play goals (22) and game-winning goals (11). He also established an all-time record for goals by a LW in a season, and given the paucity of talent on his squad he obviously was a major reason that the Caps made the playoffs. |
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| Iginla named finalist for Hart Trophy | Wednesday 4/30, 4:51 PM CT |
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Jarome Iginla was named a finalist for the Hart Trophy awarded each year to the league MVP.
Our View: Iginla truly is an MVP both in the real world and in the fantasy game. He scored 50 goals with 15 on the power-play and nine of them going for game winners, not to mention being a +27 and producing 83 PIM. He should be a top-5 pick in drafts next year. |
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| Malkin named finalist for Hart Trophy | Wednesday 4/30, 4:47 PM CT |
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Evgeni Malkin was named a finalist for the Hart Trophy awarded each year to the league MVP.
Our View: Malkin was second in the league in scoring with 106 points, and he led the NHL in scoring from January 1st on with 65 points in 44 games largely playing without the support of the injured Sidney Crosby. |
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| Talbot may have broken foot | Wednesday 4/30, 4:41 PM CT |
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Maxime Talbot may have suffered a broken right foot while blocking a shot in Game 3, this according to TSN. Team officials have declined to officially comment on the situation, but Talbot was seen in a walking boot on Wednesday morning.
Our View: The Penguins are ahead in their series with the Rangers 3-0, so the Pens wouldn't figure to push Talbot even if the foot isn't broken since it's clear that he is at less than 100%. We wouldn't be shocked to see him sit out Game 4 as a precaution even if he is healthy. |
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| Halak to start over Price | Wednesday 4/30, 4:38 PM CT |
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In a surprising move, the Montreal Canadiens will go with Jaroslav Halak as their starter for Game 4, according to TSN.
Our View: Carey Price is 1-2 with an abysmal .853 save percentage against the Flyers, so the decision was made to go with Halak. The team certainly needs a boost, and this type of switch can often times spark a team that feels it has let its starter in net down. If the Habs lose tonight, the series will be all but over. |
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| Montreal yet to name starting goalie | Wednesday 4/30, 2:18 PM CT |
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Montreal will not name their starting goalie for tonight's contest against Philadelphia until game time, according to the AP. Rookie Carey Price was pulled after allowing three goals on just 12 shots in Monday’s 3-2 Game 3 loss. Jaroslav Halak replaced Price in the third period but faced only two shots. Price said, "This is the NHL playoffs. I’m 20 years old and I’m finding out the hard way that the NHL playoffs aren’t easy. It’s better to find out now than when I’m 30."
Our View: Price went 24-12 in the regular season, but has struggled in the three games against the Flyers, posting a 3.79 goals-against average and an .853 save percentage.
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| Stastny out for Game 4 | Wednesday 4/30, 2:11 PM CT |
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Paul Stastny will miss critical Game 4 against Detroit due to his knee injury sustained in the first period on Tuesday, according to the Detroit News.
Our View: Stastny was Colorado's leading scorer in the regular season with 71 points over 66 games, and Detroit will look to go in for the kill in Game 4 as they hold a 3-0 lead in the series. |
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| Avery suffered lacerated spleen | Wednesday 4/30, 12:41 PM CT |
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Sean Avery sustained a lacerated spleen during Tuesday's loss to Pittsburgh, and reportedly also suffered a cardiac arrest, according to NBCsports.
Our View: He was taken to the hospital in cardiac arrest, and will be sidelined for the remainder of the post-season, but is expected to make a full recovery. Avery is a tough NHL warrior.
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| Brisebois will be game-time decision | Wednesday 4/30, 8:56 AM CT |
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Patrice Brisebois will be a game-time decision for tonight's game against Philadelphia, according to the Montreal Gazette. He appears to have recovered from his leg injury.
Our View: The enforcer is needed back on the ice against the hard-hitting and gritty Flyers. Brisebois only scored 11 points in the regular season, but generated five points in the playoffs so far. |
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| Stastny injured knee | Wednesday 4/30, 8:43 AM CT |
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Colorado lost leading scorer Paul Stastny to a knee injury in the first period against Detroit on Tuesday, according to the AP. It wasn’t immediately known how Stastny was hurt, but he was examined in the locker room during the first intermission and the team stated he was through for the night.
Our View: Stastny led Colorado with 71 points in the regular season, and the team is down to Detroit 3-0 in the current series. His status for the crucial Game 4 is yet to be determined. |
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| Jagr still has hope in series | Wednesday 4/30, 8:24 AM CT |
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The Rangers trail the Penguins 3-0 in the series, but Jaromir Jagr still has hope the Rangers can come back, according to Newsday. Jagr said, "I got a very funny feeling about this series. It's not over yet. I truly believe we can change this. It's pretty tough to be down 3-0, but they have to win four games. They have to close it. Even a great team like the Yankees didn't hold a 3-0 lead. They were the best ever. We have a chance to make history." The Penguins are a perfect 7-0 in the playoffs so far.
Our View: Jagr has scored one goal and three assists over the three losses to Pittsburgh. He has played well, but wasn't able to help nail down a win in the series. |
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| Drury suffered rib injury? | Wednesday 4/30, 8:17 AM CT |
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Chris Drury may have suffered a rib cage injury in Game 3 against Pittsburgh last night, according to the NY Daily News. He sustained the injury late in the first period and was forced out of action.
Our View: Drury scored 58 points in the regular season, and will be missed if he cannot go in Game 4, with New York on the verge of an early exit as they trail Pittsburgh 3-0. |
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| Gonchar serves two assists | Wednesday 4/30, 8:11 AM CT |
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Sergei Gonchar served a pair of assists in Tuesday's 5-3 win over New York in Game 3. Pittsburgh holds a 3-0 lead in the series, and Gonchar has scored three assists over the last two games.
Our View: The enforcer has contributed four assists and one goal over seven games in the playoffs for Pittsburgh. Can anyone stop these guys? |
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| Hossa generates two points in win | Wednesday 4/30, 8:07 AM CT |
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Marian Hossa generated a goal and an assist in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Rangers in Game 3. Pittsburgh leads New York 3-0, and Hossa scored three points in the series.
Our View: Hossa scored eight points through seven games in the playoffs, and has helped send New York to the brink of elimination. |
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| Gomez scores two assists in loss | Wednesday 4/30, 8:03 AM CT |
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Scott Gomez dished out two assists in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to Pittsburgh in Game 3. New York trails 3-0 to Pittsburgh, and he scored three points in the series.
Our View: Gomez scored 10 points over eight games in the playoffs, and will remain a solid source of production until the Rangers play their final game, which isn't far away. |
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| Ribeiro contributes two assists | Wednesday 4/30, 7:50 AM CT |
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Mike Ribeiro contributed a pair of assists in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over San Jose in Game 3. Dallas leads 3-0, and Ribeiro recorded four assists and a goal in the series.
Our View: Ribeiro has racked up 13 points over nine playoff games, and will help Dallas go for the knockout in Game 4 with San Jose on the verge of elimination. |
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| Richards chips in another assist | Wednesday 4/30, 7:45 AM CT |
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Brad Richards chipped in an assist in Tuesday's 2-1 win over San Jose in Game 3. Dallas leads 3-0, and Richards generated four assists and a goal in the series so far.
Our View: Richards has scored 10 points over nine games in the playoffs, and has Dallas ready to go in for the kill with San Jose one game away from elimination in the second round. |
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| Marleau scores lone goal for Sharks | Wednesday 4/30, 7:33 AM CT |
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Patrick Marleau scored the lone goal for San Jose in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Dallas in Game 3. That was his third goal of the playoffs, and his first in the series against Dallas, who San Jose trails 3-0.
Our View: He also contributed four assists and has seven points over 10 playoff games this season. He will continue to play hard until the Sharks play their final game, which is seemingly soon. |
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| Samuelsson collects two assists | Wednesday 4/30, 7:26 AM CT |
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Mikael Samuelsson collected two more assists in Tuesday's 4-3 win over Colorado in Game 3. He has now scored an assist in all three games against Colorado, notching four over the span.
Our View: He has five assists in the playoffs, but is yet to score his first goal. He only registered 11 goals over 73 games in the regular season. |
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| Franzen extends streak | Wednesday 4/30, 7:23 AM CT |
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Johan Franzen blasted a goal in Tuesday's 4-3 win over Colorado in Game 3. He has now scored a goal in three straight games against Colorado, notching six over the span. He has helped guide Detroit to a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
Our View: Franzen has 11 points in the playoffs overall, with seven coming in the current series against Colorado. |
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| McLeod scores first goal of playoffs | Wednesday 4/30, 7:18 AM CT |
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Cody McLeod scored his first goal of the playoffs in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Detroit in Game 3. He has one assist through the playoffs as well.
Our View: McLeod only scored nine points over 49 games in the regular season, and isn't going to do much offensively in the next game for Colorado. |
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| Sakic chips in two assists in loss | Wednesday 4/30, 7:14 AM CT |
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Joe Sakic chipped in a pair of assists in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Detroit in Game 3. Those were his first points of the series.
Our View: Sakic scored eight points over nine games in the playoffs so far. |
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