As I noted in the forum, I didn’t feel that the Seabrook hit should result in a suspension. He got three games. And after much discussion with other folks, I have to agree that it was a head shot and the NHL is clamping down on that so…okay. But consider – the hit was not from behind, Backes saw it coming. Seabrook’s one skate was still on the ice. And had Backes been standing up straight, it would have been shoulder to shoulder. I don’t think there was intent. Given all that, and the fact that it’s the playoffs…I still don’t see more than a game here.

And disclosure: I have no vested interest in the Blackhawks. I don’t own any in a fantasy league or hockey pool, and I’m not a fan of the team itself. I picked the Blues to win the series (and the Cup) and if anything, I would prefer that calls go against Chicago. I’m on an island alone in this, but I just don’t see more than a game for this hit. Chicago’s hopes really took a beating with this decision. Here’s the hit:

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Former junior star (108 points for Kitchener in 2010-11) and Adirondack leading scorer Jason Akeson is an underrated player. Never drafted, not really respected due to a perceived lack of size, strength and speed – he looks alright to me. You often see prospects make a splash for a game or two upon being recalled, I’ll grant you that. But I’d like to see him get a longer look in training camp. The problem is, Scott Laughton probably gets the next free spot. And so we go back to the ‘respect’ thing. Last week I asked for suggestions on a name for someone who is the opposite of Golden Boy. The name I liked the best was Rodney Dangerfield related – I’d like to explore something along those lines, I’ll give it more thought.

Anyway, Akeson scored Sunday, giving him points in three of his four career NHL games. I love it when players produce, and overcome the hurdles of status and pedigree – and opportunity, for that matter – to do it. Sometimes they really pan out (David Desharnais) and sometimes timely injuries get in the way just when it was starting to roll (Cal O’Reilly) and sometimes they just never earn enough respect to really get going (Simon Gamache). But I root for them all.

More on Akeson here. And a lot of positive things were said about him by his teammates here, despite the double-minor in Game 1.

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You know who has something to prove and he’s playing like it? Brad Richards. One point in 10 games last year, then he goes out and gets three points in Game 1 this year. Sunday he had six shots on goal – and has 11 in the two playoff games. He saw more ice time in those two games than any two games dating back to January 21 and 23. So ‘A’ for effort. I just don’t see the production coming though – he has been blanked in 12 of his last 16 games.

By contrast – Mats Zuccarello, a superior player receiving an inferior check, saw 31:37 over the last two games (Richards saw about 40 minutes). And he has been blanked in five out his last 16 games.

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Nathan MacKinnon. That is all. Just had to say his name, as his awesomeness calls for it.

Whatever you can pay to acquire him, pay it.

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Brandon Dubinsky has 17 hits in two games for Columbus so far…

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Five periods. Twelve goals allowed by Jonathan Quick so far. During the Cup run he allowed 29 goals in 20 games. After getting the hook in Game 1, I find it hard to believe that Sutter didn’t do it again in Game 2. But rather – Sutter left him for all seven goals against. Hardly his fault. The team is completely outmatched. The Sharks are embarrassing them. Even if you ignore the score and just watch the game for 10 minutes.

Two series that we were so disappointed in seeing in the First Round because it was such a shame that two of these mighty teams won’t see Round 2 – LA vs. SJ and CHI vs. STL. Tight, elite, much-anticipated battles. And at this point, it’s entirely possible that there will be a pair of sweeps.

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James Sheppard has 17 points in his last 26 games now (three in the playoffs). Good for him.

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No update on Fedor Tyutin‘s status for Game 3. He left Game 2 with an undisclosed injury. Nick Schultz or Dalton Prout are waiting in line for their chance to take his spot if he can’t go.

Nick Foligno is getting closer…

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Brian Gibbons also left the game Saturday – undisclosed injury. And of course, no status update.

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The Anaheim Ducks have recalled Emerson Etem and sent down Sami Vatanen and John Gibson. Vatanen has played seven out of the last 14 games – and has seven points in those seven games. Gibson started three games and has three wins while allowing just four goals. But off to the minors the both of you! You know the Ducks are good when…

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Brenden Dillon was back skating for the Stars, but is not expected to play in Game 3.

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Ondrej Palat is the real deal. Look at this playoff-game kind of statline – a goal, four shots, five hits and a blocked shot. He was out on both special teams (a shocking 4:18 on the PK). And he was a game-time decision!

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If the Habs have the Rene Bourque of old on their team – that guy who plays a tough power game and scores 25 goals – then they go from a 10th or 12th best team to a Top 7 team. Adding a forward of that caliber on a team in need of size/skill combo is priceless. And they’re pretty much ‘adding’ him. Because he’s been garbage all season. Three goals and 12 shots in the last two games. An early candidate to be this year’s Bryan Bickell. Sheppard, noted above, is another candidate.

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Dallas line combos in practice – more rotating in and out of that top-line spot (first Nichushkin, then Whitney, now Chiasson):

Jamie Benn-Tyler Seguin-Alex Chiasson

Erik Cole-Cody Eakin-Valeri Nichushkin

Antoine Roussel-Vernon Fiddler-Ryan Garbutt

Ray Whitney-Shawn Horcoff-Colton Sceviour

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Don Cherry weighs in on Duncan Keith‘s cheap shots:

Chicago is rattled. Seabrook is out for three games. Toast.

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