EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Washington Capital vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens

Thursday, April 15th - Game One, Montreal at Washington (VERSUS/TSN, 7pm)
Saturday, April 17th - Game Two, Montreal at Washington (VERSUS/TSN, 7pm)
Monday, April 19th - Game Three, Washington at Montreal (TSN, 7pm)
Wednesday, April 21st - Game Four, Washington at Montreal (TSN, 7pm)
*Friday, April 23rd - Game Five, Montreal at Washington (VERSUS/TSN, 7pm)
*Monday, April 26th - Game Six, Washington at Montreal (VERSUS/TSN, 7pm)
*Wednesday, April 28th - Game Game Seven, Montreal at Washington (TSN, TBD)

#2 New Jersey Devils vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers
Wednesday, April 14th - Game One, Philadelphia at New Jersey (TSN, 7:30pm)
Friday, April 16th - Game Two, Philadelphia at New Jersey (TSN, 7:30pm)
Sunday, April 18th - Game Three, New Jersey at Philadelphia (TSN, 6pm)
Tuesday, April 20th - Game Four, New Jersey at Philadelphia (TSN2, 7:30pm)
*Thursday, April 22nd - Game Five, Philadelphia at New Jersey (TSN, 7pm)
*Sunday, April 25th - Game Six, New Jersey at Philadelphia (TSN, TBD)
*Tuesday, April 27th - Game Seven, Philadelphia at New Jersey (TSN, 7:30pm)

#3 Buffalo Sabres vs. #6 Boston Bruins

Thursday, April 15th - Game One, Boston at Buffalo (CBC, 7pm)
Saturday, April 17th - Game Two, Boston at Buffalo (NBC/CBC, 1pm)
Monday, April 19th - Game Three, Buffalo at Boston (VERSUS/CBC, 7pm)
Wednesday, April 21st - Game Four, Buffalo at Boston (VERSUS/CBC, 7pm)
*Friday, April 23rd - Game Five, Boston at Buffalo (CBC, 7pm)
*Monday, April 26th - Game Six, Buffalo at Boston (CBC, 7pm)
*Wednesday, April 28th - Game Seven, Boston at Buffalo (CBC, 7pm)

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Ottawa Senators

Wednesday, April 14th - Game One, Ottawa at Pittsburgh (VERSUS/CBC, 7pm)
Friday, April 16th - Game Two, Ottawa at Pittsburgh (VERSUS/CBC, 7pm)
Sunday, April 18th - Game Three, Pittsburgh at Ottawa (CBC/VERSUS, 6:30pm)
Tuesday, April 20th - Game Four, Pittsburgh at Ottawa (CBC/VERSUS, 7pm)
*Thursday, April 22nd - Game Five, Ottawa at Pittsburgh (VERSUS/CBC, 7pm)
*Saturday, April 24th - Game Six, Pittsburgh at Ottawa (CBC/VERSUS, 7pm)
*Tuesday, April 27th - Game Seven, Ottawa at Pittsburgh (CBC, 7pm)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Colorado Avalanche

Wednesday, April 14th - Game One, Colorado at San Jose (VERSUS/CBC, 10:30pm)
Friday, April 16th - Game Two, Colorado at San Jose (VERSUS/CBC, 10:30pm)
Sunday, April 18th - Game Three, San Jose at Colorado (VERSUS/CBC, 9:30pm)
Tuesday, April 20th - Game Four, San Jose at Colorado (VERSUS/CBC, 10pm)
*Thursday, April 22nd - Game Five, Colorado at San Jose (VERSUS/CBC, 10:30pm)
*Saturday, April 24th - Game Six, San Jose at Colorado (CBC, TBD)
*Monday, April 26th - Game Seven, Colorado at San Jose (CBC, TBD)

#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #7 Nashville Predators

Friday, April 16th - Game One, Nashville at Chicago (VERSUS/TSN2, 8:30pm)
Sunday, April 18th - Game Two, Nashville at Chicago (VERSUS/TSN, 8:30pm)
Tuesday, April 20th - Game Three, Chicago at Nashville (VERSUS/TSN, 9pm)
Thursday, April 22nd - Game Four, Chicago at Nashville (VERSUS/TSN2, 8:30pm)
*Saturday, April 24th - Game Five, Nashville at Chicago (NBC/TSN, 3pm)
*Monday, April 26th - Game Six, Chicago at Nashville (TSN, TBD)
*Wednesday, April 28th - Game Seven, Nashville at Chicago (TSN, TBD)

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 Los Angeles Kings

Thursday, April 15th - Game One, Los Angeles at Vancouver (CBC/VERSUS, 10pm)
Saturday, April 17th - Game Two, Los Angeles at Vancouver (CBC/VERSUS, 10pm)
Monday, April 19th - Game Three, Vancouver at Los Angeles (CBC/VERSUS, 10pm)
Wednesday, April 21st - Game Four, Vancouver at Los Angeles (CBC/VERSUS, 10pm)
*Friday, April 23rd - Game Five, Los Angeles at Vancouver (CBC, 10pm)
*Sunday, April 25th - Game Six, Vancouver at Los Angeles (CBC/VERSUS, TBD)
*Tuesday, April 27th - Game Seven, Los Angeles at Vancouver (CBC, TBD)

#4 Phoenix Coyotes vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings

Wednesday, April 14th - Game One, Detroit at Phoenix (VERSUS/TSN, 10pm)
Friday, April 16th - Game Two, Detroit at Phoenix (VERSUS/TSN, 10pm)
Sunday, April 18th - Game Three, Phoenix at Detroit (NBC/TSN, 3pm)
Tuesday, April 20th - Game Four, Phoenix at Detroit (TSN, 6:30pm)
*Friday, April 23rd - Game Five, Detroit at Phoenix (VERSUS/TSN, 10pm)
*Sunday, April 25th - Game Six, Phoenix at Detroit (NBC/TSN, 2pm)
*Tuesday, April 27th - Game Seven, Detroit at Phoenix (TSN, TBD)

It's no secret that I despise the Pittsburgh Penguins, but they played one of the best road "Game Sevens" that has ever been executed. Add to that one of the most ridiculous seasons ever, and you have what dreams are made of. Enjoy it, Pennsylvania....

I have no idea why league websites always do this, but if you go to NHL.com right now, you can buy your very own Detroit Red Wings 2009 Stanley Cup Champions T-shirt! Take a look....


I mean, I'm rooting for them as much as the next person (sorry...have hated the Penguins since birth), but that could be a little damning. Hopefully they haven't planned the parade already too.

Reebok Detroit Red Wings 2009 Stanley Cup Champions Locker Room T-shirt (NHL Shop)

Both Pittsburgh and Detroit had been holding viewing parties inside and outside of their arenas for away games, but those fun times have come to an end. Last week you may have noticed a giant jumbotron screen missing from Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, and today comes word that the NHL told the team to remove it. Via Detroit News....

There will be no "Joe Vision" broadcast of Tuesday night's Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals because NBC would not rescind its exclusive rights to the telecast.

The game will not be shown at Pittsburgh's outdoor plaza either.

At issue is television ratings, and a large crowd at Joe Louis Arena could be hundreds -- if not thousands -- of television sets not tuned in to NBC.

"It is certainly something we wanted to show but were unable to secure the rights," said Steve Violetta, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs for the Wings.

NBC representative Brian Walker did not immediately return a phone message for comment, but NHL media relations vice president Frank Brown confirmed the situation while expressing sympathy to Red Wings fans.

"We are very much in tune and very sensitive to the great experience that fans have by coming to a great venue and watching a great hockey game," Brown said. "That said we need to be sensitive to the business end of things and that business is ratings driven."

Really? Really NBC? You're trying to make the argument that a thousand or so people not watching the game at home would cause a dip in the ratings? Really?!?! That's just idiotic. Ratings in those two cities will still be through the roof because it's a Game Six, and to deny Red Wings fans a chance to witness their team win the Cup in their own arena, is just plain wrong. Hopefully wiser heads prevail, but with the game starting at 8pm tonight, there's not much time to change the decision.

NBC blocks Joe Vision broadcast of Red Wings-Penguins (Detroit News)

The ratings for the NHL have been pretty solid throughout the Playoffs, and with the Finals now tied 2-2, they're only going to get better. On the heels of this great news, comes even more great news for NBC in that the NHL has decided to extend the contract with the network for another two years. Via Globe and Mail....

Now, NBC and the NHL are set to announce an extension to their relationship for another two years, past the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and Stanley Cup playoffs.

It will likely be a continuation of the no-money-down/split-revenues-after-costs arrangement that has existed since the two sides fell into each other's arms after the NHL lockout in 2004-05.

At that time, NBC got an inexpensive property to fill out its sports schedule, while the NHL got the perfume of network respectability after locking out its players and fans for a complete season.

Despite the hiccup of NBC switching away from a playoff overtime to a Kentucky Derby prep show in 2008, the relationship has worked reasonably well for both sides.

I still think NBC has to get their priorities straight when it comes to the use of Versus, but they've improved their broadcast over the last few years immensely. It also doesn't hurt that the star power is finally there for advertisers, and that the network is also airing the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.

NBC, NHL set to extend broadcast deal (Globe and Mail)

So NBC and the NHL have officially moved up the Stanley Cup Finals to this Saturday, and have released the full seven game schedule. There is a little bit of a TBD though for this Sunday, and according to Fang's Bites, it's due to Taylor Swift and the movie "The Last Templar". There is a possibility of the game being moved to Versus, but it's more than likely that NBC will bump one or both programs. Add to that the fact that NBC doesn't want Hockey running into the debut of Conan on the Tonight Show, and it's a huge cluster "f". Here's the schedule....

Saturday, May 30th- at Detroit (NBC/CBC/RDS, 8pm)
Sunday, May 31st- at Detroit (NBC/CBC/RDS, TBD)
Tuesday, June 2nd- at Pittsburgh (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 8pm)
Thursday, June 4th- at Pittsburgh (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 8pm)
* Saturday, June 6th- at Detroit (NBC/CBC/RDS, 8pm)
* Tuesday, June 9th- at Pittsburgh (NBC/CBC/RDS, 8pm)
* Friday, June 12th- at Detroit (NBC/CBC/RDS, 8pm)

Everyone in and around the World of Hockey knows that you absolutely DO NOT touch the trophies after winning the Conference Championship. Well yesterday, following the Penguins sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes, Sidney Crosby did the unthinkable by picking up the Prince of Wales Trophy and skated it over to his teammates. Here's the clip....

I'm just as superstitious as the next person, but when you are looking at facing the Red Wings in the Finals for a second year in a row, you mind as well try something different. In fact, that's exactly why Crosby said he touched it.

Sidney Crosby accepts the Prince of Wales trophy (Blitz Corner)

With both the Red Wings and Pens on the verge of closing out their respective Conference Finals, the NHL is in a bit of a pickle. The current Finals schedule is set to start on Friday, June 5th, and if both teams finish off their respective series, the two wouldn't play for over a week. With that taken into account, the NHL is considering a move up. Via Associated Content....

As it looks now, the Red Wings and Penguins could both wrap up berths in the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals within two days. The Penguins can finish a sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes tonight, with the Red Wings set to close out the Chicago Blackhawks in five tomorrow.

The start date of the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals schedule was set for Friday, June 5, since both the Eastern and Western Conference Finals would not end in a sweep. But if nothing changes in the Stanley Cup Finals schedule, and both the Red Wings and Penguins win their next game, they will not play each other for over a week.

For teams that have a long rest going into the championship series, they face constant, incessant questions about being off too long. The Phillies got this question before the World Series last year, but still handled the Tampa Bay Rays in five.

Both the Red Wings and Penguins could face those questions when they finally start the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals schedule. As usual, the needs of television would get the blame, as NBC and Versus need to set the Stanley Cup Finals dates on specific nights. TV needs are also the reason that the first two games of the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals will take place on back-to-back nights.

But in this case, a week plus layoff for the Red Wings and Penguins may be pushing it. So the NHL and NBC are set to save face, assuming the Red Wings and Penguins do win their next games.

The rumored start day would be this Saturday if both teams win, with the Red Wings hosting Game One, and Game Two would follow on Sunday. It seems like a great idea, and when you consider sweeps week is coming up, and the launch of the new Tonight Show with Conan limits late night NBC placement of games.

2009 Stanley Cup Finals Schedule May Need to Move Up (Associated Content)

There's a whole lot of choices as far as games go tonight, but your biggest choice is going to be in Hockey. The NHL has chosen to start the two game sevens for tonight, an hour apart. Not only is the timing ridiculous in its own right, both games are being aired on Versus, meaning that you will likely only being getting the Anaheim-Detroit game because it's starting earlier. There is good news though, you can watch the other game online. For $19.95....

For U.S. hockey fans who live outside the local Carolina and Boston viewing areas, Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal between the Hurricanes and Bruins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET is available live on NHL Center Ice and NHL GameCenter LIVE. Please call your cable, satellite or telephone provider for details on how to order Center Ice. Or to watch online with NHL GameCenter LIVE, visit nhl.com/gamecenter.

NHL Center Ice is the only way to watch your favorite teams and players on TV if you don't live in their area, with up to 40 out-of-market games per week during the regular season and select games in the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

As a reminder, fans in the Carolina area can watch on Fox Sports Carolinas, and fans in Boston can watch on NESN. The game will also be joined in progress by Versus following the conclusion of Anaheim at Detroit.

Canadian viewers can see the Carolina-Boston game in its entirety on TSN.

You would think with all of the bad press that the NHL has gotten over recent years, and more recently about games on Versus, that they would make tonight's game available for nothing. Other leagues seem to pull this off just fine. Just another great move in the legacy that is Bettman. God forbid, the Wings and Ducks goes into overtime.

'Canes-Bruins to be on Center Ice, NHL GameCenter (NHL.com)

Obviously I'm biased here, but Simeon Varlamov could have quite possibly made the best save of the Playoffs just now. Nearing the end of the second period, Sidney Crosby did a wonderful drag and drop with Chris Kunitz, and had a wide open net to shoot at. Somehow Varlamov dove backwards and kept the puck out of the net with his stick.

Just insane. Great game so far, 2-2 after two, and I'll keep adding videos if craziness like this keeps happening.

I think I'm dying today (stupid swine flu), but I wanted to pass along the second round NHL Playoffs schedule for you to discuss. If last night's game sevens weren't enough to get you interested in this year's Playoffs, I don't know what to tell you. The games start this Friday, so be ready!

#1 Boston Bruins vs. #6 Carolina Hurricanes

Friday, May 1- at Boston (VERSUS/TSN, 7:30pm)
Sunday, May 3- at Boston (VERSUS/TSN, 7:30pm)
Wednesday, May 6- at Carolina (VERSUS/TSN, 7:30pm)
Friday, May 8- at Carolina (VERSUS/TSN, 7:30pm)
*Sunday, May 10- at Boston (VERSUS/TSN, 7:30pm)
*Tuesday, May 12- at Carolina (VERSUS/TSN, 7pm)
*Thursday, May 14- at Boston(TSN, TBD)

#2 Washington Capitals vs. #4 Pittsburgh Penguins

Saturday, May 2- at Washington (NBC/CBC/RDS, 1pm)
Monday, May 4- at Washington (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 7pm)
Wednesday, May 6- at Pittsburgh (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 7pm)
Friday, May 8- at Pittsburgh (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 7pm)
*Saturday, May 9- at Washington (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 7pm)
*Monday, May 11- at Pittsburgh (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, TBD)
*Wednesday, May 13- at Washington (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 7pm)

#2 Detroit Red Wings vs. #8 Anaheim Ducks

Friday, May 1- at Detroit (VERSUS/TSN2, 7pm)
Sunday, May 3- at Detroit (NBC/TSN, 2pm)
Tuesday, May 5- at Anaheim (VERSUS/TSN, 10:30pm)
Thursday, May 7- at Anaheim (VERSUS/TSN, 10:30pm)
*Sunday, May 10- at Detroit (TSN, 5pm)
*Tuesday, May 12- at Anaheim (VERSUS/TSN, TBD)
*Thursday, May 14- at Detroit (VERSUS/TSN, TBD)

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #4 Chicago Blackhawks

Thursday, April 30- at Vancouver (CBC/VERSUS, 9pm)
Saturday, May 2- at Vancouver (CBC/VERSUS, 9pm)
Tuesday, May 5- at Chicago (CBC/VERSUS, 8pm)
Thursday, May 7- at Chicago (CBC/VERSUS, 8pm)
*Saturday, May 9- at Vancouver (CBC/VERSUS, 10:30pm)
*Monday, May 11- at Chicago (CBC/VERSUS, 9pm)
*Thursday, May 14- at Vancouver (CBC/VERSUS, TBD)

(*- If Necessary)

Game 5 between the Flames and 'Hawks was dominated by Chicago, but the highlight of the night was Defenseman Matt Walker entertaining a group of ladies behind the bench. He didn't throw a water bottle at them like Rangers' Coach John Tortorella, but rather showed them his broken finger. Walker blocked a Dion Phaneuf shot in the first period, and the two ladies just happened to get a look. From Puck Daddy via Keith's Sports Journal....

I love how Walker isn't even phased by his finger looking like a staircase. Too funny.

What Women Don't Find Attractive (Keith's Sports Journal)
Video: Blackhawk Walker's mangled finger frightens the ladies (Puck Daddy)

Lindsay Soto is a sideline reporter (or sideice reporter?) for Versus, and during game three of the Sharks-Ducks series, she conducted a very interesting interview with Ducks' D, Rob Niedermayer. Not really because it was that insightful, but rather because leaning over from the bench almost caused her to come out of her shirt....

Very good catch there, Lindsay. I'm pretty sure that was the best interview that Niedermayer has ever done. Good times.

(Thanks to SS for the clip)

I don't know if you've been following the NHL Playoffs, but they're putting the NBA to shame with some of the action that's gone on. Well, if there's one thing that could actually get you tune in, it's this. During last night's Carolina-New Jersey game, something happened that I never thought I'd see. A goal was scored at the end of the third period, with 0:00 on the clock....

Technically that was with .2 secs left on the clock, but you get the idea. Just a crazy play and a great call there at the end. I'm telling you, you should definitely be watching.

Jack Edwards has been giving us amazing soundbytes all year long, so why should the Playoffs be any different? Last night, as the Bruins were going up 3-0 on the Canadiens, Jack decided to lecture the listening audience on how the Bruins were "rag tag farmers" and the Canadiens were the "red coated" British. Via Puck Daddy....

Too funny. While the comparison isn't necessarily that bad, he just keeps going with and hammering it into the ground. Man, I love me some Jack.

Video: Announcer goes Revolutionary War crazy after Bruins win

NBC and Versus are readying themselves for the Playoffs and today you'll start seeing commercials for the NHL postseason on various channels across your cable dial. The Versus one is called "Look Up", and features the tagline "378,000 seconds in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Don’t miss a single one.", while the NBC spot is titled "The Cup Changes Everything." Here's they are together back to back in this Youtube clip....

Pretty good. I know I'm ready for some Playoff Hockey!

I hope all of you have Versus if you want to watch any of the First round of the NHL Playoffs this year. Here is the TV schedule via Puck Daddy, and there's even a bonus for you folks north of the border!

2009 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS

No. 1 Boston Bruins vs. No. 8 Montreal Canadiens

Thursday, April 16- Montreal at Boston (CBC/RDS, 7pm)
Saturday, April 18- Montreal at Boston (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 8pm)
Monday, April 20- Boston at Montreal (CBC/RDS, 7pm)
Wednesday, April 22- Boston at Montreal (CBC/RDS, 7pm)
*Saturday, April 25- Montreal at Boston (CBC/RDS, 7pm)
*Monday, April 27- Boston at Montreal (CBC/RDS, TBD)
*Wednesday, April 29- Montreal at Boston (CBC/RDS, TBD)

No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 7 New York Rangers

Wednesday, April 15- NY Rangers at Washington (TSN, 7pm)
Saturday, April 18- NY Rangers at Washington (NBC/TSN, 1pm)
Monday, April 20- Washington at NY Rangers (VERSUS/TSN, 7pm)
Wednesday, April 22- Washington at NY Rangers (VERSUS/TSN, 7pm)
*Friday, April 24- NY Rangers at Washington (VERSUS/TSN/RDS, 7pm)
*Sunday, April 26- Washington at NY Rangers (NBC/TSN/RDS, 2pm)
*Tuesday, April 28- NY Rangers at Washington (VERSUS/TSN/RDS, TBD)

No. 3 New Jersey Devils vs. No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes

Wednesday, April 15- Carolina at New Jersey (TSN/RIS, 7:30pm)
Friday, April 17- Carolina at New Jersey (TSN/RIS, 7:30pm)
Sunday, April 19- New Jersey at Carolina (TSN/RIS, 7:30pm)
Tuesday, April 21- New Jersey at Carolina (TSN/RIS, 7:30pm)
*Thursday, April 23- Carolina at New Jersey (TSN/RIS, 7:30pm)
*Sunday, April 26- New Jersey at Carolina (TSN/VERSUS, TBD)
*Tuesday, April 28- Carolina at New Jersey (TSN, 7:30pm)

No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers

Wednesday, April 15- Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 7pm)
Friday, April 17- Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 7pm)
Sunday, April 19- Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (NBC/CBC/RDS, 3pm)
Tuesday, April 21- Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 7pm)
*Thursday, April 23- Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 7pm)
*Saturday, April 25- Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (NBC/CBC, 3pm)
*Monday, April 27- Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (VERSUS/CBC, TBD)

2009 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS

No. 1 San Jose Sharks vs. No. 8 Anaheim Ducks

Thursday, April 16- Anaheim at San Jose (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 10:30pm)
Sunday, April 19- Anaheim at San Jose (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 10pm)
Tuesday, April 21- San Jose at Anaheim (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 10:30pm)
Thursday, April 23- San Jose at Anaheim (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 10:30pm)
*Saturday, April 25- Anaheim at San Jose (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, 10pm)
*Monday, April 27- San Jose at Anaheim (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, TBD)
*Wednesday, April 29- Anaheim at San Jose (VERSUS/CBC/RDS, TBD)

No. 2 Detroit Red Wings vs. No. 7 Columbus Blue Jackets

Thursday, April 16- Columbus at Detroit (VERSUS/TSN, 7pm)
Saturday, April 18- Columbus at Detroit (TSN, 6pm)
Tuesday, April 21- Detroit at Columbus (TSN, 7pm)
Thursday, April 23- Detroit at Columbus (TSN, 7pm)
*Saturday, April 25- Columbus at Detroit (VERSUS/TSN, 7pm)
*Monday, April 27- Detroit at Columbus (TSN, TBD)
*Wednesday, April 29- Columbus at Detroit (VERSUS/TSN, TBD)

No. 3 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 6 St. Louis Blues

Wed., April 15- St. Louis at Vancouver (CBC/VERSUS/RDS, 10pm)
Friday, April 17- St. Louis at Vancouver (CBC/VERSUS/RDS, 10pm)
Sunday, April 19- Vancouver at St. Louis (CBC/VERSUS, 7pm)
Tuesday, April 21- Vancouver at St. Louis (CBC/VERSUS, 8pm)
*Friday, April 24- St. Louis at Vancouver (CBC/VERSUS/RDS, 10pm)
*Sunday, April 26- Vancouver at St. Louis (CBC/VERSUS/RDS, 8pm)
*Tuesday, April 28- St. Louis at Vancouver (CBC/VERSUS/RDS, TBD)

No. 4 Chicago Blackhawks vs. No. 5 Calgary Flames

Thursday, April 16- Calgary at Chicago (TSN/VERSUS, 8:30pm)
Saturday, April 18- Calgary at Chicago (TSN, TBD)
Monday, April 20- Chicago at Calgary (TSN/VERSUS, 9:30pm)
Wednesday, April 22- Chicago at Calgary (TSN/VERSUS, TBD)
*Saturday, April 25- Calgary at Chicago (TSN/RIS, 10pm)
*Monday, April 27- Chicago at Calgary (TSN, TBD)
*Wednesday, April 29- Calgary at Chicago (TSN, TBD)

(*- If Necessary)

Every year, whether I've watched much of the Hockey Season or not, I watch a clinching game of the Stanley Cup Finals. I watch it not for the action itself (which is always awesome) but for the celebration. There's nothing else like it in Sports.

You celebrate at the buzzer, you shake hands with the other team, you celebrate the Conn Smythe winner, and then you pass the Cup around. Every single league should adopt this policy and credit the NHL. It's the best trophy and the best celebration.

Detroit got to celebrate tonight, and for the 11th team as a team, but it wasn't without a scare....

It goes without saying that Detroit was just too fast and too strong for the Pens, but it was a great Series none-the-less. Let's hope the NBA Finals follows suit.

I can't believe I watched basically two full Hockey games tonight, but it was such an amazing Game Five that it was completely worth it. The OT was ridiculously intense, and the added bonus of having no commercials made the 110 minutes just fly by.

While the refs tried to decide the game in the first two OTs with some crappy calls, it was a high-sticking call in the third that provided the game winner from Petr Sykora. A goal that he told Pierre McGuire he was going to score between plays earlier in the 2nd overtime.....

Pretty badass to go up to a Hockey sideline reporter (let's be honest...that's what he is) and say you're going to score and then pull it off. The Red Wings were dominating those overtimes up until that penalty, so I don't see the Penguins winning this thing, but with a game at home and then a Game Seven....anything could happen.

It always amazes me when sober people purposely get kicked out of Sporting Events for just acting dumb, but this story is worth sharing. Red Wings fan Zach Smith got kicked out of Pittsburgh's Mellon Arena just after the National Anthem for throwing an octopus on the ice. Well young Zachary had a plan....

Then he got tossed. Security guards threw him out. "You're outta here," Smith said they told him. "Come back in and you get arrested." But Smith and his two friends from metro Detroit, who asked not to be identified, had a plan.

They had bought an extra ticket in anticipation of his booting. That's an extra $300 from a scalper. And Smith was wearing a regular T-shirt, instead of Red Wings gear, when he threw the octopus. Outside, he quickly threw on a Red Wings sweater and walked back into Gate 3.

"I feel great," Smith said as he roamed around the arena. "I'm not nervous. Anything with an adrenaline rush, I love it."

Genius. Seems like a waste of $300 to me but whatever floats your boat.

Wings fan throws octopus, kicked out of Pittsburgh arena, sneaks back in (Detroit Free Press)