Canadiens and Lightning prepare for Game Six, plus the latest on the Flames, Maple Leafs, Oilers and Canucks.
THE TAMPA TRIBUNE/MONTREAL GAZETTE: An emergency appendectomy has sidelined Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Callahan indefinitely. Meanwhile, Montreal Canadiens coach Michel Therrien believes the pressure of the series has now shifted to the Lightning following the Habs winning two straight to force Game Six.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s expected the Lightning will use rookie winger Jonathan Drouin to replace Callahan. While the coaches of both clubs have provided plenty of soundbites for the media, Therrien’s right about the pressure now shifting to the Bolts. Win tonight and the Lightning advance to the Eastern Conference Final. Lose, and they face a Game Seven in Montreal against a fired-up Canadiens team looking at a chance of becoming only the fifth team in NHL history to win a series after falling behind three games to none.
CALGARY SUN: The Flames have released a video thanking their fans for their support throughout their remarkable run this season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll have more on the Flames possible offseason moves in the “Rumors” section.
TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan’s secretive search for a new general manager is raising some eyebrows, especially among the pundits. It’s also raising concerns the Leafs won’t have a new GM or coach in place in time for the 2015 NHL Draft next month in Florida.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I recall similar worries around this time last year emanating from the Vancouver media because Canucks president Trevor Linden didn’t yet have a new GM in place. Everything turned out fine as they hired Jim Benning on May 21. Folks, we’re barely into mid-May. The draft isn’t until June 26-27. Shanahan has plenty of time to get a new GM in place. If the position hasn’t been filled when the calendar turns to June, then you can start worrying.
EDMONTON SUN: Former San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McLellan is open to being courted by the Edmonton Oilers.
NEWS 1130: Vancouver Canucks forward Brad Richardson underwent ankle surgery yesterday.
Considering teams like Chicago MacIver MacIssac, the Rangers Gorton are still playing, and The Preds with Fenton and Blues with guys like McInnis and McDonald season ended 10 days ago Id suggest those teams that may have some persons of interest have been kinda busy to conduct all these interviews with potential candidates that Shanny may want to talk to right now….successful teams with good front offices to raid seem to be all tied up this time of year.
good point
This blow to Callahan although nothing to laugh about and I feel for the guy might be the thing that pushes Montreal through to the upset.
Should be interesting. I’m routing for the Habs.