Pittsburgh and Detroit – the series will start Saturday. Look for the panel's take on it tomorrow.

Detroit rearguard Jonathan Ericsson was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and had to undergo surgery. It is expected that he will be back for Game 1. Don't ask me how that works, that's just what I've read.

Martin Havlat finally missed a game. Usually when I write that, it's on the heels of playing 10 straight games – a huge feat for him. But no, he actually played 81 regular season games and 16 out of 17 playoff ones. Man, I would have lost my house on that one. You will hear talks playing down his concussion, since he is a UFA this summer. But as a keeper league owner I strongly advise that you pay it no heed – it is simply spin. Not only is his shoulder hanging by a string, but you can add "concussion" to the list of risks with this guy now.

Nikolai Khabibulin had a lower body injury. Huet stopped 44 of 46 shots and played a strong game. Curiously, the team once again went with Crawford as the backup over Niemi. A sign?

Pavel Datsyuk's broken foot kept him out of his third straight game. I doubt we'll see him Saturday, but if the Wings ever get down 0-2 or 2-3 in the series, I suspect he'll play on that foot.

Nik Lidstrom remains out with an undisclosed injury.

The other four times that Detroit eliminated a team that was coached by Joel Quenneville was in 2008, 2002, 1998 and 1997 – all years that they won Cups.

With Chicago now out, here are some observations:
– Patrick Kane was a minus-9. It was an eye-opener for him and the experience has shown him that there are two ends of the rink and both are important in the postseason. He was minus-6 against Detroit alone.
– Jonathan Toews had two PIM in his last eight games, but 24 PIM in the first nine. Just found that interesting. His 51 PIM in the season topped any of his last five seasons at any level.
– Dave Bolland: the next Chris Drury, in my books. He's clutch.
– Patrick Sharp had just 11 points in 17 games, but I suspect he was playing hurt. It will all come out into the open today or tomorrow, but he was logging ice time in some of these games at around 12 minutes.
– Dustin Byfuglien could be Chicago's answer to Holmstrom. They just plant the big giant in front of the net and he can't be moved.
– Andrew Ladd: breakthrough season, horrible playoffs. Four points? He had a chance to gain his keeper owners some value, but he regressed instead.

The Rangers have signed Swiss forward Andres Ambuhl as a free agent. The 25-year-old tied for leading Davos in scoring with 41 points in 50 games, but had 90 PIMs indicating a feisty side to him. In the playoffs, he posted just seven points in 21 contests. He'll be a depth forward at best, with some agitating qualities.

The Pens signed rearguard Robert Bortuzzo to a contract. He was the last player the team needed to sign by June 1 or risk losing. He missed much of this OHL campaign after shoulder surgery. His shoulder has been a problem for years. His minimal upside is not worth the risk in your deep keeper.

Thrashers GM Don Waddell has indicated that with the No.4 pick he will take either Schenn or Kane – assuming the Big 3 go as planned.

Follow Dobber on TWITTER