Apr.21/08

Jason Arnott missed last nights' series ending 3-0 loss to Detroit and we are now told he has a concussion. This is after Barry Trotz told the media he had the flu or food poisoning.

David Legwand returned and played nearly 20 mins. but obviously it was to little and too late for the Preds. Dan Ellis was great again in the loss and Nashville now has a pressing goalie issue this off-season. It looks like Mason will be gone because they want Pekka Rinne as the backup next year.

Sticking with goalie controversies:Do the Wings start Hasek next round or do they stay with Osgood now. My feeling is they will roll with "Ozzie" until he has a bad game. Then Hasek would draw back in. Besides he got a shutout yesterday so they have to start him in game 1 of round 2.

Look for the Selanne retirement to come rather quickly this summer. I am not so sure about Neideramyer but we know Burke is not going to let him talk until December to make up his mind this time. Eventhough these guys returned and gave their club a push the "Cup Hangover" was to much to overcome.

Corey Perry notched another goal and had 3 points in the last half of this series. Rob Neidermayer missed his 4th straight game.

Inspirational playoff performer so far……….Stepane Robidas from the Stars. This guy has been unbelievable at both ends of the ice. He broke his nose in game 5 but came back strong last night with 2 more points and was the games 1st star.

Kyle Mclaren missed last nights loss to Calgary. He is still day-to-day on a wonky knee.

Aaron Ward will play again tonight for the Bruins in Game 7 at Montreal. He did play in game 6 Saturday. I only mention this now because I missed it yesterday.

According to TSN sources now that Dave Nonis has been fired in Vancouver, Toronto may have emerged as a frontrunner to land unresticted free agent Fabian Brunnstrom. He wants a confirmation of top 6 icetime and that shouldn't be a problem in Leaf-land.

Cody Hodgson scored the game-winner yesterday leading Canada's under 18 team into the semis today. Expect him to be the 2nd or 3rd forward taken in this summers NHL entry draft. Top Russion prospect Nikita Filatov is more dynamic and has more upside but teams may steer away from him as the second forward taken behind Stamkos because their is no transfer agreement with the Russian Ice Federation.