The Morning Skate: 6/02/13

I am sure that you didn’t miss the action yesterday; the hard hitting, fast paced, because its the cup, hockey continued in the first games of the Conference Finals. If you did miss the action though, here is your recap as well as other news.

Jun 1, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing

(81) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period in game one of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Two goals in the second period saw the Blackhawks taking game one by a score of 2 to 1. The LA Kings started the scoring in the first with a little more than five and half minutes left in the period. The Kings had established a great forecheck on the play and it resulted in a not so pretty goal (especially if you are a Hawks fan), but it was a goal nonetheless. Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa scored the two goals for the Hawks, just four minutes apart from each other in the second period. Here is the full game recap from NHL.com. Game two is tonight at 8:00 PM in Chicago at the United Center, you can see it on NBC Sports Network.

Tuukka Rask shuts out the Penguins in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals last night. David Krejci and Nathan Horton lead the way on the scoreboard for the B’s. Krejci had two of the Bruins three goals, and Horton contributed one goal and two assists. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin didn’t show any poise last night, and Penguins fans were probably starting to reminisce of last years playoff series against the Flyers. Not to mention the Pens power play went ZERO for FOUR! The Penguins need to get back to their game and put pucks into the back of the net. Here is the full game recap from NHL.com. Game two is Monday at 8:00 PM in Pittsburgh at the CONSOL Energy Center, you can see it on NBC Sports Network.

Jun 1, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie

(40) makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins left wing

(14) and right wing

(36) look for a rebound during the first period in game one of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Quick Hits:

*Andrew Ference returned to the line-up for the Bruins just in time for game one. Fansided reported that Ference stated that he was ready to play, Claude Julien had the final say.

*Matt Cooke in the headlines again. I am not shocked, are you? CBS Sports highlights the video of the hit Cooke had on McQuaid last night in the second period.

*Bleacher Report breaks down the winners and losers of the NHL Draft Combine.

*Two Rangers players underwent shoulder surgeries this past week. See who at SI.com.

Jarmo Kekalainen is going to be like a kid in a candy store when it comes to this years draft. With three picks in just the first round alone it leaves a lot of possible options for the Columbus Blue Jackets, especially when you have a GM who has a great eye for talent.

"“It seems like it’s a good draft, but I always am kind of cautious about getting too excited about the good drafts or too pessimistic when people say it’s a down year because someone will always surprise you in a good way or, unfortunately, in a bad way,” Kekalainen told NHL.com at the NHL Scouting Combine. “Either way, we’re excited for our franchise with three first-round picks.”[NHL.com]"

Read more on Kekalainen and his thoughts on the upcoming draft here.