Did voters get Jack Adams finalists right?

This morning, the NHL named Ken Hitchcock of the St. Louis Blues, Paul MacLean of the Ottawa Senators, and John Tortorella of the New York Rangers as the three finalists for the esteemed Jack Adams Trophy. The award, which honors the best head coach in hockey, will be announced at the 2012 NHL Awards on June 20th.

And even though all three coaches exemplified the standard of "contributing the most to his team's success", the exclusions are certainly glaring. Let's take a look at the three finalists as well as another three that are fully deserving of consideration.

Capitals need to turn offense up a notch

The Washington Capitals need more offense if they wish to get by the top-seeded New York Rangers in this round.

Morning Skate: April 30

The Morning After:

Yesterday’s results:

Flyers 4, Devils 3 (OT)
Coyotes 5, Predators 3

RLD 3 stars of the night:

1. Danny Briere (2 goals)

2. Shane Doan (1 goal, 1 assist)

3. Petr Sykora (1 goal)

---

Tonight’s slate:

Capitals @ Rangers, 7:30 ET, Game 2

Kings @ Blues, 9:00, Game 2

Islanders still have work to do

The Islanders missed the playoffs for the fifth straight year this season and once again head into the offseason questioning what went wrong.

Top 5 players who need to step up

With the second round under way, here is a look at five underperforming players that need to step up for their respective teams.

Morning Skate: April 29

The Morning After:

Yesterday’s results:

Rangers 3, Capitals 1

Kings 3, Blues 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:

1. Chris Kreider, NYR (1 goal, 1 assist)

2. Jonathan Quick, LA (28 saves)

3. Ruslan Fedotenko, NYR (1 assist)

---

Tonight’s slate:

Devils @ Flyers, 3:00 ET, Game 1

Predators @ Coyotes, 8:00, Game 1

Saturday Faceoff: Should Boston deal Thomas?

Immediately after Boston’s first-round exit, speculation grew that the Bruins should trade or will trade veteran goaltender Tim Thomas this off-season.  But should they do so?  Tab and I debate…

Morning Skate April 28

The Morning After:

Yesterday’s results:

Coyotes 4, Predators 3 (OT)

RLD 3 stars of the night:

1. Mike Smith, PHX (39 saves)

2. Ray Whitney, PHX (1 goal)

3. Francis Bouillon, NSH (2 assists)

---

Tonight’s slate:

Capitals @ Rangers, 3:00 ET, Game 1
Kings @ Blues, 7:30, Game 1

Second round previews: Eastern Conference

Ranking the all-time 8 vs. 1 upsets

By Ryan Porth and Alexander Monaghan


In the just-completed first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a No. 8-seed beat a No. 1-seed for the 10th time under the current playoff format, as Los Angeles topped Vancouver in the West (not to mention Ottawa came oh-so-close to beating New York in the East).

With Round 1 now in the rear view mirror, where do all of the memorable 8 vs. 1 upsets rank?

Conn Smythe Watch

It’s early, but through one round of action in the Stanley Cup Playoffs here are the top contenders for the Conn Smythe Trophy, which is given annually to the NHL’s postseason MVP.

Morning Skate: April 27

The Morning After:

Yesterday’s results:

Rangers 2, Senators 1

Devils 3, Panthers 2 (2OT)

RLD 3 stars of the night:

1. Adam Henrique, NJ (2 goals)

2. Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (26 saves)

3. Dan Girardi, NYR (1 goal)

---

Tonight’s slate:

Predators @ Coyotes, 9:00 ET, Game 1

Second round previews: Western Conference

Big decisions looming in Pittsburgh

Following another disappointing playoff showing in Pittsburgh, Penguins GM Ray Shero is now faced with some tough decisions in the offseason to determine where his team goes from here.

Rinne, Smith to battle it out in Round 2

The first thing that comes to mind when breaking down the upcoming Western Conference Semifinals series between the Predators and Coyotes is how similar the two teams are.  Both rely on systematic approaches.  Both have good, underappreciated coaches behind the bench.  Both have more depth than star power.

Oh yeah, both have outstanding goaltending.

Morning Skate: April 26

The Morning After:

Yesterday’s results:

Capitals 2, Bruins 1 (OT)

RLD 3 stars of the night:

1. Joel Ward, WSH (1 goal)

2. Braden Holtby, WSH (31 saves)

3. Dennis Seidenberg, BOS (5 blocked shots, 25:20 TOI)

---

Tonight’s slate:

Senators @ Rangers, 7:00 ET, Game 7

Devils @ Panthers, 8:30, Game 7

Video: Ward scores Game 7 winner

Last spring, forward Joel Ward was a big playoff contributor for the Nashville Predators with 13 points in 12 games. Ward signed a four-year, $12 million contract with Washington in the off-season, but struggled to live up to expectations in the regular season. He redeemed himself tonight with an overtime goal in Game 7 against the defending-champion Boston Bruins, as the Capitals have moved on to the second round with a 2-1 victory. The rest of the Eastern Conference will be sorted out tomorrow night in a pair of Game 7's. Philadelphia and Washington have advanced.

Playing Ranger hockey means wins for the Blueshirts

While the NHL regular season does not mean much when it comes to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, there are things that a team did during the regular season that helps when it comes to playing in hockey's second season.

This concept applies when it comes to the New York Rangers.

Is Game 7 a defining moment for Ovechkin?

The debate of “Who’s better: Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin?” is a thing of the past – or at least it’s been put on hold for the moment.  But the biggest knock on Ovechkin has always been his inability to win the big game compared to Crosby’s ability to do the opposite.  And it’s safe to say Ovechkin is staring at a big game tonight.

Morning Skate: April 25

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Devils 3, Panthers 2 (OT)

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Travis Zajac (GWG, assist)
2. Sean Bergenheim (goal)
3. Steve Bernier (goal)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Capitals @ Bruins, 7:30 ET, Game 7

Canucks should hold on to Schneider

Vancouver Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault made the bold move to start Cory Schneider over Roberto Luongo prior to Game 3 of their first-round series against Los Angeles.  Vigneault never looked back, starting Schneider for the rest of the series.

Schneider proved all year that he is ready to be a starter in this league.  By giving up just four goals in three games against the Kings, he further proved it in the playoffs.  Schneider should be starting in the NHL next season, and it should be with the Canucks.

Morning Skate: April 24

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Rangers 3, Senators 2
Coyotes 4, Blackhawks 0

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1.Mike Smith (39 saves, shutout)
2.Derek Stepan (1 goal, 2 assists)
3.Oliver Ekman-Larsson (1 goal, 2 assists)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Panthers @ Devils, 7:30 ET, Game 6

Sharks' early exit to force more changes

Are the Sharks still technically chokers?

Back in 2009, Joe Thornton and company drew the ire of their peers by losing in the first round after capturing the Presidents' Trophy. And despite consecutive appearances in the Western Conference Finals in 2010 and 2011, this organization has never really realized their true potential.

The only difference between this season and years past is the scapegoat. Who takes the blame for this lost season? Furthermore, what direction will the club take during the offseason?

Dirty or not, it's still a goal

By Bill Whitehead

SUNRISE, Fla. -- After the last rat had been hurled to the ice at BankAtlantic Center following Florida's 3-0 win over New Jersey on Saturday -- one vermin even parachuted safely to the ice with a soft landing -- the question was asked: What's a "dirty goal"?

Holmgren deserves credit for roster makeover

At this time last year, the Philadelphia Flyers had a different look.  They were swept out of the second round, which prompted GM Paul Holmgren to boldly reconfigure the look of his roster in the off-season.  Holmgren received criticism for the makeover he orchestrated, but it has proved to be successful – so far.

Morning Skate: April 23

The Morning After:

Yesterday’s results:

Flyers 5, Penguins 1

Bruins 4, Capitals 3 (OT)

Kings 2, Canucks 1 (OT)

RLD 3 stars of the night:

1. Claude Giroux, PHI (1 goal, 2 assists)

2. Tyler Seguin, BOS (1 goal, 1 assist)

3. Jonathan Quick, LA (26 saves)

---

Tonight’s slate:

Rangers @ Senators, 7:00 ET, Game 6

Coyotes @ Blackhawks, 9:00, Game 6

NHL makes example of Torres

On Saturday, the NHL officially threw the book at Phoenix Coyotes forward Raffi Torres.

For his hit on Marian Hossa, the league suspended the repeat offender for 25 games, which takes care of at least the rest of the Coyotes' 2012 postseason.

Blues carry mojo into second round

The St. Louis Blues were one of the NHL’s best this season due to a simple formula: good goaltending, sound defense and timely offense.  They executed that formula to a ‘T’ as they quickly deposited San Jose in five games to claim their first playoff series win since 2002.

Morning Skate: April 22

The Morning After:

Yesterday’s results:

Capitals 4, Bruins 3

Panthers 3, Devils 0

Senators 2, Rangers 0

Blues 3, Sharks 1

Blackhawks 2, Coyotes 1 (OT)

RLD 3 stars of the night:

1. Craig Anderson, OTT (41 saves, shutout)

2. Jose Theodore, FLA (30 saves, shutout)

3. Jonathan Toews, CHI (1 goal)

---

Today’s slate:

Penguins @ Flyers, 12:00 ET, Game 6

Bruins @ Capitals, 3:00, Game 6

Kings @ Canucks, 8:00, Game 5

Preds finally get over Detroit hump

NASHVILLE – With a 2-1 win in Game 5, the Nashville Predators became the first team to advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Their first playoff series win over Detroit is a signal that times have changed in Nashville.

Saturday Faceoff: Will Pittsburgh finish comeback?

After looking dead in the water following a Game 3 loss in Philadelphia, the Pittsburgh Penguins found themselves on the brink.  However, they are now halfway to history.  Only three teams in NHL history have successfully come back from down 0-3 in a series.  Will the Penguins become the fourth team to do so?  Patrick and Alexander debate…

Morning Skate: April 21

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Penguins 3, Flyers 2
Predators 2, Red Wings 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. David Legwand, NSH (1 goal, 1 assist)
2. Marc-Andre Fleury, PIT (24 saves)
3. Alexander Radulov, NSH (1 goal, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Capitals @ Bruins, 3:00 ET, Game 5
Devils @ Panthers, 6:30, Game 5
Senators @ Rangers, 7:00, Game 5
Sharks @ Blues, 7:30, Game 5
Blackhawks @ Coyotes, 10:00, Game 5

Could Nicklas Lidstrom be done with hockey?

For the past few seasons, the Detroit Red Wings have waited with bated breath after the playoffs have ended, wondering just what Nicklas Lidstrom was going to do. Retire? Play another season? Thankfully, it was always the latter option.

This year is no exception. And Red Wings fans are concerned that he may opt for the first choice.

Deep rookie class leads to abundance of Calder snubs

This morning, the three finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy were announced. The rookies-- stud prospects Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Gabriel Landeskog, and Adam Henrique--all edged out a number of worthy candidates as they now hope to hear their name called during the 2012 NHL Awards on June 20th.

Let's take a look at the other skaters who were more than worthy of some additional press.

Nashville’s Klein, Bourque emerge as early playoff heroes

NASHVILLE – Two role players have stepped up in a big way for the Nashville Predators in their first-round series against Detroit.

Morning Skate: April 20

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Devils 4, Panthers 0
Capitals 2, Bruins 1
Coyotes 3, Blackhawks 2 (OT)
Blues 2, Sharks 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Braden Holtby, WSH (44 saves)
2. Martin Brodeur, NJ (26 saves, shutout)
3. Mikkel Boedker, PHX (1 goal)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Flyers @ Penguins, 7:30 ET, Game 5
Red Wings @ Predators, 8:00, Game 5

Senators poised to pull off upset

With their injured captain out and the team down two goals less than six minutes into Game 4, the Ottawa Senators looked to be in serious danger of falling behind 3-games-to-1 while on the verge of being a first-round casualty vs. the top-seeded New York Rangers.

A few hours later, that all changed.

Ryder shines in first season with Stars

Big names always get the most attention on July 1st during the free agent frenzy. Last summer the buzz centered around Jaromir Jagr and Brad Richards, causing other signings to get lost in the fray. One of those signings featured Dallas inking Michael Ryder. The well-calculated signing paid dividends for the Stars this season.

Morning Skate: April 19

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Senators 3, Rangers 2 (OT)
Penguins 10, Flyers 3
Canucks 3, Kings 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Jordan Staal, PIT (3 goals)
2. Cory Schneider, VAN (43 saves)
3. Craig Anderson, OTT (31 saves)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Panthers @ Devils, 7:00 ET, Game 4
Bruins @ Capitals, 7:30, Game 4
Coyotes @ Blackhawks, 8:00, Game 4
Blues @ Sharks, 10:30, Game 4

How do Blackhawks replace injured Hossa?

Obviously the entire hockey world has seen the hit Coyotes forward Raffi Torres put on Marian Hossa on Tuesday night. The league has already suspended Torres indefinitely, and the Blackhawks have already ruled Hossa out of Game Four on Thursday night.

Playoffs bring an excess of controversial hits

The first round of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs has been exhilarating to say the least. Only two teams find themselves in danger of being swept-- the Penguins and Canucks-- and both of those organizations were favored to defeat their first round opponent. With everything on the line, teams have, as expected, elevated their games, and in turn brought a new level of physical play.

And with added physical play comes both excitement and controversy.

Morning Skate: April 18

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Panthers 4, Devils 3

Predators 3, Red Wings 1

Coyotes 3, Blackhawks 2 (OT)

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Pekka Rinne (40 saves, win)
2. Rostislav Klesla (1 goal, 2 assists)
3. Scott Clemmensen (19 saves, win)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Rangers @ Senators, 7:30 ET, Game 4
Penguins @ Flyers, 7:30, Game 4
Canucks @ Kings, 10:00, Game 4

Video: Torres hit takes Hossa off in stretcher

Tonight, the chippy play between the Chicago Blackhawks and Phoenix Coyotes escalated as Raffi Torres took star winger Marian Hossa out of the game with a controversial hit. Hossa was taken off the ice on a stretcher after playing only 3:08.

The hit is expected to be reviewed by the league shortly. How do you expect the NHL to discipline Torres, a repeat offender?

How deep can these Kings go?

A two-day break could not have come any sooner for the Vancouver Canucks. Down 3-0 in their first round series, the Presidents' Trophy winning squad certainly did not expect to face such a formidable foe in the Los Angeles Kings. However, the league's royalty have found timely goal scoring while piggybacking stellar play from starting goalie Jonathan Quick.

So as the Canucks attempt to be the fourth team in NHL history to surmount a comeback from a three-game deficit, and win, the Kings simply need to win one of their next four games in order to advance.

But is a first-round victory all we can expect from the team who slayed the reigning Western Conference Champions? No, not at all.

Reasons for Oilers to keep, trade No. 1 pick

Thanks to some luck in the annual draft lottery, the Edmonton Oilers are on the clock for the NHL Entry Draft well before the event actually takes place – for the third consecutive summer. With a surplus in young talent, there is talk that the Oilers may deal the top overall pick. Should they trade it and gain assets, or select Nail Yakupov, far and away the top prospect?

Morning Skate: April 17

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Rangers 1, Senators 0
Bruins 4, Capitals 3
Blues 4, Sharks 3

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (39 saves, shutout)
2. Zdeno Chara, BOS (1 goal, 2 assists)
3. Andy McDonald, STL (1 goal, 2 assists)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Panthers @ Devils, 7:00 ET, Game 3
Predators @ Red Wings, 7:30, Game 4
Coyotes @ Blackhawks, 9:00, Game 3

Lead early, hold on in Devils-Panthers' series

By Bill Whitehead

SUNRISE, Fla. -- Before red-clad fans of the Florida Panthers could barely get settled in their seats Sunday night at BankAtlantic Center, stow away their plastic rats somewhere safe and get their food and beverage situated, the home team was on the power play and Stephen Weiss was preparing to get the fans back on their feet.

Holtby stepping up for Capitals

Goaltender Braden Holtby -- the Capitals' third option between the pipes -- has stepped up in a big way for the Washington Capitals thus far this postseason.

Morning Skate: April 16

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Predators 3, Red Wings 2
Flyers 8, Penguins 4
Panthers 4, Devils 2
Kings 1, Canucks 0

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Jonathan Quick, LA (41 saves, shutout)
2. Danny Briere, PHI (2 goals, 1 assist)
3. Pekka Rinne, NSH (41 saves)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Rangers @ Senators, 7:30 ET, Game 3
Bruins @ Capitals, 7:30, Game 3
Blues @ Sharks, 10:00, Game 3

Video: Penguins-Flyers sideshow

On Sunday afternoon the Philadelphia Flyers cruised to an 8-4 win over rival Pittsburgh to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. But it didn't come without some fireworks; a lot of them, actually.

Sidney Crosby found himself in the middle of everything midway through the first period. He dropped the gloves with Philadelphia's Claude Giroux, while Kris Letang and Kimmo Timonen each got ejected for their fight that happened simultaneously.



Moments later, Penguins forward Arron Asham viciously cross-checked Philadelphia's Brayden Schenn after Schenn delivered a huge hit. Asham received a match penalty.

Rangers-Senators series heats up after Game 2

“There’s going to be a lot of stitches and blood before this series is over,” Ottawa Senators Forward Zenon Konopka told Newsday after his team's 3-2 overtime win.

Playoff road teams getting it done

Home-ice advantage in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is supposed to mean everything. Well, do not tell that to visiting teams this postseason because home ice advantage has been anything but an advantage throughout the first round this year.

Rangers power play continues to struggle

It is said that in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, special teams play is absolutely crucial.

In last night's Game 2 between the Ottawa Senators and New York Rangers, it played a big role in a 3-2 overtime losing cause for the New York Rangers. In fact, it is something that has not worked too well for the Rangers' this postseason.

Morning Skate: April 15

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Capitals 2, Bruins 1 (2OT)
Senators 3, Rangers 2 (OT)
Blues 3, Sharks 0
Blackhawks 4, Coyotes 3 (OT)

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Braden Holtby, WSH (43 saves)
2. Bryan Bickell, CHI (2 goals)
3. T.J. Oshie, STL (2 assists)
---

Today’s slate:
Predators @ Red Wings, 12:00 ET, Game 3
Penguins @ Flyers, 3:00, Game 3
Devils @ Panthers, 7:30, Game 2
Canucks @ Kings, 10:30, Game 3

#4 Nashville Predators @ #5 Detroit Red Wings
Game 3… 12:00 ET… TV: NBC, CBC

Video: Shaw knocks over Smith

In the second period of Saturday's game in Phoenix, Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw ran into Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith behind the net. As Smith was playing the puck, Shaw skated behind the net, attempted to cause a turnover and barreled over Smith. The Coyotes goaltender was down on the ice for a few minutes before he stayed in the game. Meanwhile, Shaw was given a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct.



Will Shaw face supplementary discipline for this incident? We'll see. One thing is for certain: Brendan Shanahan will be busy tomorrow...

Video: Rangers-Senators melee

Just moments into Game 2 between the Ottawa Senators and New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, Senators defenseman Matt Carkner started a melee with Rangers forward Brian Boyle. The Senators put Carkner (best known for his fighting) into the starting lineup, signalling something was up.

Carkner, who didn't play in Game 1, sucker-punched Boyle to set off the fireworks at the 2:15 mark of the first period. Carkner and Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky both received game misconducts on the play. As you will see, Dubinsky was unhappy with the result and let the Gatorade cooler on his way to the locker room know how he felt.

Here is the incident...


This melee stemmed from Boyle's excessive punching to Erik Karlsson in Game 1. Expect Carkner to receive a suspension for his actions.

The Senators won the game, 3-2, to knot the series at 1-1.

Cup favorites behind the eight ball

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouver Canucks were supposed to be playing hockey in June. Both Stanley Cup favorites dropped their first two games at home and now have their backs against the wall. What do they have to do to avoid a devastating first-round exit?

Saturday Faceoff: NBC’s playoff coverage

Just a few days into Stanley Cup Playoffs, there are some good and bad reviews of NBC’s nonstop coverage of the playoff games. Can improvements be made, or is the network doing just fine? Tab and Patrick debate…

Morning Skate: April 14

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Devils 3, Panthers 2
Red Wings 3, Predators 2
Flyers 8, Penguins 5
Kings 4, Canucks 2

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Claude Giroux (hat trick, 6 points)
2. Sean Couturier (hat trick, assist)
3. Dustin Brown (2 goals, assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Capitals @ Bruins, 3:00 ET, Game 2
Senators @ Rangers, 7:00, Game 2
Sharks @ Blues, 7:30, Game 2
Blackhawks @ Coyotes, 10:00, Game 2

Preds search for 2-0 series lead

NASHVILLE – Last spring as a postseason of firsts for the Predators – first series win, first overtime win, first win in a Game Five, first win when facing elimination. They have a chance to scratch another ‘first’ off their list tonight: gaining a 2-0 series lead.

Trophy Tracker finale

All year we provided regular updates on the status of each major award. Now with the regular season in the rear view window and the voting completed, here is RLD’s look at who should win and be nominated for the Hart, Vezina, Norris, Calder and Jack Adams trophies.

Morning Skate: April 13

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Rangers 4, Senators 2
Bruins 1, Capitals 0 (OT)
Sharks 3, Blues 2 (2OT)
Coyotes 3, Blackhawks 2 (OT)

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Martin Havlat, SJ (2 goals)
2. Mike Smith, PHX (43 saves)
3. Tim Thomas, BOS (17 saves, shutout)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Devils @ Panthers, 7:00 ET, Game 1
Flyers @ Penguins, 7:30 ET, Game 2
Red Wings @ Predators, 7:30, Game 2
Kings @ Canucks, 10:00, Game 2

Is it too early to worry about Luongo?

In Vancouver, the Canucks' faithful expect the best. Much like the New York Yankees in baseball, or anybody in college football's SEC, the affectionately named Canuckleheads want their team to win every single game. Having said that, they want the best, and last night Roberto Luongo wasn't the best goalie.

Blockbuster trades prove "win-win" for Flyers, Kings

By Dan Berlin

Last offseason, the Philadelphia Flyers sent Mike Richards and Jeff Carter packing in separate blockbuster deals. Now teammates again in Los Angeles, the newly reunited duo made a big impact in Game 1 of their opening round series victory in Vancouver, only to be matched Wednesday night by the very players they were traded for.

Panthers ignore critics in historic season

By Bill Whitehead

SUNRISE, Fla. -- No disrespect intended by any means, but the Florida Panthers aren't really looking for anyone's respect or approval at this point in the season.

Or to be more clear, this point in the postseason.

Morning Skate: April 12

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Flyers 4, Penguins 3
Predators 3, Red Wings 2
Kings 4, Canucks 2

Video: Shea Weber slams Zetterberg's face into boards

As time winded down in tonight's Predators-Red Wings match, Shea Weber decided to make things interesting with some chippy play. During a board battle, Weber proceeded to slam opposing forward Henrik Zetterberg's face directly into the side boards in what could only be described as a move fit for the WWE. One can only imagine this play will be looked at by the league.
See for yourself and let us know in the comments if (and if yes for how long) Weber deserves a Shanaban.

Will Detroit find their playoff groove?

Detroit Red Wings fans are concerned for these playoffs. The majority didn't want to be facing the Nashville Predators, even if the Red Wings had home-ice advantage. The Predators have their number this season (and have for the past few seasons as well), and Pekka Rinne always tends to play like Dominik Hasek mixed with Terry Sawchuk mixed with Martin Brodeur in his prime whenever he plays the Wings.

Hockey media is jumping on the idea of the Predators ousting the Red Wings in the first round, and they may not be wrong.

However, it's the playoffs and anything can happen.

RLD staff playoff predictions

The RLD staff makes their predictions for the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs...

Quick could be latest goalie to engineer upset

Jean-Sebastien Giguere carried the Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks to the Stanley Cup final in 2003. Seven years later, Montreal’s Jaroslav Halak willed the Canadiens to the third round. If there’s a goalie on one of this spring’s lower-seeded teams that can pull off what Giguere and Halak accomplished, it’s Jonathan Quick.

Morning Skate: April 11

Tonight’s slate:
Flyers @ Penguins, 7:30 ET, Game 1
Red Wings @ Predators, 8:00, Game 1
Kings @ Canucks, 10:30, Game 1

#5 Philadelphia Flyers @ #4 Pittsburgh Penguins
Game 1… 7:30 ET… TV: NBC Sports Network, TSN, Local Networks

Fearless playoff predictions

On the eve of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’s time to gaze into the crystal ball and make predictions for the opening round and beyond.

Top 5 veterans without a Cup ring

We all remember rooting for Colorado Avalanche defenseman Raymond Bourque in 2001. In 2006, we all wanted to see Carolina Hurricanes' forward Rod Brind'Amour lift the Cup and in 2007, we were waiting for Anaheim Ducks' offensive machine Teemu Selanne to finally lift hockey's Holy Grail over his head.

This season, there are five veterans without a Stanley Cup who we will be keeping our eye on in hopes that they can get the one big thing missing from their respective careers.

Series-by-series previews: Western Conference

Series-by-series previews: Eastern Conference

Top 5 Stanley Cup droughts

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are just a few short days away and once again should be action packed. This year features a few teams that have not won Lord Stanley’s cup in their franchise history. Let's take a look at the top five Cup droughts among this year’s playoff bound teams.

Do the Panthers have a goalie controversy?

By Bill Whitehead

SUNRISE, Fla. -- After the up-and-down performance by Florida starting goaltender Jose Theodore, Panthers coach Kevin Dineen decided to have a heart-to-heart moment with his No. 1 goalie during the club's pivotal game in Washington Thursday night. That moment has led to serious consideration by some about how the Stanley Cup quarterfinal round will open.

Which series have the most intrigue?

We’ve known the first-round matchups for over 24 hours now. Which series are the most intriguing? What about the least intriguing? Which ones are must-see TV? Here are our rankings of the eight first-round playoff series on tap.