The Conference Finals begin today! I feel as if I haven’t seen a hockey game in forever, I can’t imagine being a player and waiting to play game one of the Conference Finals. Both games will be played tonight, starting with LA vs CHI and ending with BOS vs PIT.
LA vs CHI, game one at the United Center in Chicago at 5:00 PM est on NBC Sports Network. The last time these two teams met was on March 25th and LA won a barn burner of a game, 5-4. Chicago won two out of three times facing the Kings this season though. Check out the preview here.
Mar 25, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie
Jonathan Quick(32) makes a save against Chicago Blackhawks center
Andrew Shaw(65) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
BOS vs PIT, game one at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh at 8:00 PM est on NBC. Pittsburgh won the last meeting between the two teams 3-2 on April 20th. They only met two other times, and Pittsburgh won both of those games as well. Check out the preview here.
March 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center
Sidney Crosby(87) and Boston Bruins defenseman
Zdeno Chara(33) talk during a timeout during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Messier has been pegged as a possible candidate for the coaching position in New York for the Rangers. With Alain Vigneault and Lindy Ruff also available, the NYR have quite a conundrum. Dallas and Vancouver are also currently seeking a coach, and one name that has been thrown into the mix for the available coaching positions is Dallas Eakins, the current coach of the Toronto Marlies in the AHL. For more on Messier check out the article on Two Many Men On The Site.
May 21, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman
Robyn Regehr(44) ahead of San Jose Sharks center
Tommy Wingels(57) during the third period of game four of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at HP Pavilion. The San Jose Sharks defeated the Los Angeles Kings 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Quick Hits:
- *Robyn Regehr, who was traded to the LA Kings via the Buffalo Sabres, signed a two year contract worth $6 Million with the Kings. [ESPN.com]
*The top three prospects in this years draft decided to sit out of the physical portion of the NHL Draft Combine. [CBC Sports]
Last but not least, an insight on CBJ and the NHL Draft Combine:
The NHL Draft Combine has been going on since May 27th which includes interviews, and a grueling physical test. The physical testing began yesterday and will conclude today for the prospects. Jarmo Kekalainen is in Toronto for the event, he had this to say about the physical portion of the Combine, “You can see a lot of things, you can see how the body is built, you can see the structure, you can see some of the weaknesses they might have, structural weaknesses,”. Kekalainen is known for his keen eye for talent within the draft, CBJ fans have to be excited about this upcoming draft. [ESPN.com]