- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Columbus Blue Jackets have brought up the idea of moving to the Eastern Conference. It’s not likely to happen anytime soon, if at all. A team from the East would have to move to West, likely due to relocation. Phoenix moving to Winnipeg wouldn’t change anything, nor would a team team relocating to Quebec City. The Board of Governors would also have to be convinced. It’s been rumored that the Red Wings could be the first team to switch Conferences if the option becomes available.
- Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins center Evgeni Malkin and coach Dan Bylsma haven’t ruled out his return during the playoffs. Malkin is at about 9 weeks into his 4-6 month rehab.
“He’s doing well, he’s working hard, but getting on the ice for him right now is really more to get his skates on, test the ice,” Bylsma said. “It’s not really part of rehab or part of him getting back into game shape. It’s part of his rehab, so it’s good for him to be getting on the ice. Again, that’s nine weeks into a long haul for Geno. He’s been working hard. He’s been working diligent. Getting on the ice is probably more for his mindset than it is to get him ready for a practice situation or anything to that accord.”
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers still haven’t named a starting goalie for this afternoon’s game (3 pm). Chris Pronger took some shots at yesterday’s practice and is a game time decision.
- Brian Hamilton and Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: The Blackhawks hope to have Brent Seabrook back in the lineup today. He didn’t skate with the top 6 defenseman at practice yesterday and will likely need to pass a ‘fitness test’ before he’s given clearance to play.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Sabres have recalled Matt Ellis to replace the injured Jason Pominville. Brad Boyes was shifted to center. Derek Roy is very close to returning and he could return for a Game 7. “Derek is very close, very close,” Ruff said. “I would put him in a category of within days. Jochen Hecht is a matter of days, too. Help is on its way.”
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove: Glen Healy mentions that if the Coyotes were to relocate to Winnipeg, they’d ask Shane Doan if he’d want to come. If he doesn’t, they’d look to trade him, to a team “like LA.”
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons can’t see the Bruins or any other team that excited about signing Tomas Kaberle, “If he ever was a prominent player, he isn’t one anymore.” Ilya Bryzgalov isn’t first person who doesn’t want to play in Winnipeg, Zybnek Michalek choose Pittsburgh with one of the reason’s being he didn’t want to move to Winnipeg if the team relocated.
- Sarah McLellan of hte Arizona Republic: Ilya Bryzgalov’s best bet may be to re-sign with the Coyotes. His playoffs likely cost him some money. “A $1-1.5 million raise from his $4.5 million salary this season is fair and puts him right under the $6 million range enjoyed by the game’s most successful goalies.” Getting Keith Yandle’s contract settle soon would be the best for the organization. Yandle could receive an offer sheet this summer. He’ll be getting a big raise from the $1.3 million he made this season.