On the day Dobber welcomes a daughter, the family of enforcer Derek Boogaard is mourning after losing their son. Sad news, no matter how you felt about his style of play. Boogaard was 28. No cause of death at this time.

Congrats to Dobber – his wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl this morning!

Eric Lindros with some harsh words for Matt Cooke (among others). Interesting read.

Is this the end of the road for Nick Lidstrom? I sure hope not… but I’d expect to see more NHL games in 2011-12 from Brendan Smith, the prospect who may take his spot long term on the top PP unit.

Happy Friday the 13th! Two perennial “chokers” will be meeting in the Western Conference final… one will emerge.

Expert's Panel picks for round three will be posted on Friday evening. My picks: Vancouver in 7 and Boston in 6.

Why I like the Canucks:

Depth on defense to handle San Jose's three line attack (or at least contain it).

Luongo over Niemi (this isn't 2010). San Jose compared to Nashville is like comparing a water pistol to an AK47 in terms of fire power, so that must be factored in as well.

Vancouver's forwards finally are free from an elite defensive pairing: Keith-Seabrook and then Weber-Suter.

This series is going to be a dandy. Two deep, big, fast, skilled clubs who can score, hit, and defend.

Why I like the Sharks:

Size up front. Hard for defensemen to contain three lines with big, skilled forwards.

Dan Boyle. Has gamebreaking abilities and showed them off last series against Detroit.

Why I like the Bruins:

Tim Thomas was unbelievable last round against a deep and talented Flyers squad.

Boston is more physical than Tampa Bay – they are also quicker and deeper.

Why I like the Lightning:

Boucher’s system stifled the Capitals – the Bruins don’t have the same offensive players as Washington.

Multiple superstars up front, and the re-emergence of Vinny Lecavalier as one of them.

Who has two thumbs and hopes Alex Radulov is returning? This guy! (As well as every single Nashville Predator fan with two thumbs). More on a potential return here.

Why I like Justin Bourne so much as a writer – this Datsyuk article. Fantastic piece on the most skilled player in the league.

On Datsyuk: "His game has no excess, just artistry. Somehow he’s flashy but not showy, confident but not cocky, and along the way he helps folks remember what being a “fan” is supposed to be like."