Morning Skate (4/30)

Written by Chris Wassel | 30 April 2010

Good morning and now Ryan will wake us up with his Morning Skate.

The Morning After:
Last night’s scores:
Sharks 4, Red Wings 3
Predictions record: 1-0

My 3 stars from last night:
1. Joe Pavelski, SJ (2 Goals, 1 Assist)
The ‘Big Pavelski’ came up big again, tallying 3 points and the game-winner.
2. Dan Boyle, SJ (3 Assists)
Boyle had a real strong game, picking up 3 assists and logging 28-plus minutes.
3. Johan Franzen, DET (1 Goal, 1 Assist)
‘The Mule’ had a solid showing despite the loss.
‘RLD Game-Changing Performance’ of the night:
Three-goal barrage… Midway through the 1st period, Pavelski, Dany Heatley, and Devin Setoguchi scored within a span of 1:19. They blitzed the Wings early, and set the tone for the game (and possibly the series).
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Tonight’s Slate:
Montreal @ Pittsburgh, Game 1, 7:00 ET

Game of the Night:
Montreal Canadiens @ Pittsburgh Penguins
Game 1, 7:00 ET… TV: VERSUS, CBC, Local Networks

Players to watch:
MTL- Hal Gill
Going up against his former ‘mates, will Gill be a thorn in their side like he was against opponents when wearing a Pens uni?
PIT- Sidney Crosby
Crosby had an outstanding first round, and has lit up Montreal in his career.

Starting Goaltenders:
MTL- Jaroslav Halak (Playoff stats: 4-2, 2.46 GAA)
PIT- Marc-Andre Fleury (Playoff stats: 4-2, 2.75 GAA)

Injury Report:
MTL- Jaroslav Spacek (illness, questionable), Paul Mara (shoulder, out)
PIT- Chris Kunitz (undisclosed, questionable), Tyler Kennedy (leg, questionable), Jordan Leopold (head, questionable)

Game Thoughts:
Two days after pulling off the big upset, the Canadiens look to carry over the success to their series against the Pens. Pittsburgh has had some rest since eliminating Ottawa, and should be ready to go tonight. I expect to see the Habs keep it close behind Halak’s goaltending, but it won’t be enough. Go with the Pens here…
Prediction: Penguins 3, Canadiens 1

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