The Press Box April 21 2012

Saturday is hockey day, and there are five games on tap today.

But first, congratulations to the Nashville Predators on their first round victory over the mighty Detroit Red Wings. That must feel good for the Preds!

Rumors: Has Nicklas Lidstrom played his last career NHL game? Most people doubt it including head coach Mike Babcock. Despite being 42 years old Lidstrom (like Selanne) is simply too good to retire!

Regardless if Lidstrom returns next year or not the rumor speculation surrounding Detroit has already begun. Could Ryan Suter join the Wings as the heir apparent to anchor the blue line in Detroit? Babcock also suggested that his team lacked sufficient forward depth in their series loss to the Predators. Could signing Zach Parise be the answer?

More Rumors: NHL expanding into Toronto? TSN reports the city of Markham (a sub-division of Toronto) voted unanimously on a funding plan to bring a new facility to the GTA. If it all goes forward according to plan the rink could be ready as soon as 2014!

Another Rumor: Patrick Roy seeking NHL Coaching job. Roy spoke in a press conference Firday and was asked about the vacant Habs coaching position. He said “I have had no discussions whatsoever with (Habs owner) Mr. (Geoff) Molson,” Roy told reporters in Quebec City Friday during an end-of-season newser for the Quebec Remparts.

“But my cellphone is always turned on.”

Injury updates:
Daniel Alfredsson will not play Saturday in game five. He remains in Ottawa. Rookie Mark Stone is a potential replacement as Jesse Winchester left game four with an injury.
Top Prospect Jakob Silfverberg will arrive in Ottawa on Sunday.

James Van Riemsdyk returned to the Flyers line up for game five on Sunday.

Marian Hossa will not play in game five.

With the Penguins win Friday night the series is now 3-2 and the Penguins are beginning to look like they can take the series!

Today's Games:

Washington @ Boston 3:00 PM Series tied 2-2

Who's hot
Washington:
Braydon Holtby: 1.6 GAA, and .953 save %
Brooks Laich: four points in two games
Alex Ovechkin: three points in two games
Alex Semin: two points in two games

Boston:
Tim Thomas: 1.6 GAA, .936 save%
Zdeno Chara: three points in two games
Chris Kelly: three points in four games
Brian Rolston: three points in four games

Notes: This is a goalies series no doubt. If the Bruins offense wakes up it will end quickly. Tyler Seguin, Brad Marchand, Milan Lucic, and David Krejci all have no points in four games.

New Jersey @ Florida 6:30 PM Series tied 2-2

Who's Hot
New Jersey
Marek Zidlicky: two points in two games
Ilya Kovalchuk three points in three games
Zach Parise three points in two games
Martin Brodeur shut out in last game

Florida
Brian Campbell three points in three games
Sean Bergenheim four points in four games
Mikael Samuelsson four points in four games
Thomas Fleischman three points in four games

Notes: Martin Brodeur has been a model of consistency throughout his legendary career. Will he deliver again tonight?

Ottawa @ New York 7:00 PM Series tied 2-2

Who's Hot
Ottawa
Craig Anderson 1.48 GAA .946 save %
Kyle Turris three points in four games
Nick Foligno three points in four games

New York
Henrik Lundqvist 1.46 GAA .957 save%
Brian Boyle three points in four games
Dan Girardi three points in four games
Ryan Callahan, Brad Richards, marian Gaborik two points in two games

Notes: Carl Hagelin will serve the final game of his suspension today.

San Jose @ St. Louis 7:30 PM Blues lead series 3-1

Who's Hot
San Jose
Joe Thornton four points in two games
Logan Couture three points in two games

St. Louis
Brian Elliott 2-0 1.51 GAA .944 save %
Andy McDonald five points in two games
Patrick Berglund four points in two games

Notes:
The Sharks are on the brink of elimination as the Blues are playing great hockey and getting contributions fromm all lines. Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski both have no points and Antti Niemi has a 3.1 GAA and a .882 save %
Look for the Blues to put the Sharks away tonight.

Chicago @ Phoenix 10:00 PM Phoenix leads series 3-1

Who's Hot
Chicago
Patrick Kane has four points in four games
Dave Bolland three points in three games

Phoenix
Mikael Boedkar three points in two games including two over time winners
Antoine Vermette, and Keith Yandle four points in four games

Notes:
All four games in this series have gone to over time. In a next goal wins scenario, Mike Smith over Corey Crawford has been the difference so far.