Empty Netter Assists - 05-31-10
Penguins
The Penguins are taking part in an auction to benefit ailing equipment attendant Dave “Ziggy” Zeigler.
Blackhawks-Flyers
-"Hoss does so much more than just score goals for us that he's a valuable player for our team. He plays physical, he made plays with the puck and he's good defensively. It's not always about scoring goals." - Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp on teammate and former Penguin Marian Hossa (right).
-"He was probably the best player on the ice (Saturday) night." - Blackhawks forward Troy Brouwer on Hossa's effort on Game 1.
-Did you know Hossa played with the Penguins? And the Red Wings? And lost the last two Stanley Cup finals?
-Blackhawks forward Dave Bolland said his team stole Game 1.
-With four short-handed goals, the Blackhawks have been dangerous on the penalty kill in the postseason.
-Brouwer's dad is fighting the good fight.
-Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews didn't score a point in Game 1, but he dominated in the faceoff circle going 18 for 24.
-Michael Leighton (right) is expected to start in net for the Flyers tonight.
-Do the Flyers have a goaltending controversy?
-It looks like the Flyers will put forward Daniel Carcillo back in the lineup for Game 2. He was scratched for Game 1.
-With 14 points, Flyers forward Ville Leino is one point away from tying Brian Propp's franchise record (set in 1980) for points by a rookie.
-Warm weather in Chicago actually impacted the ice in the United Center for Game 1.
-Even if he's the most evil human being ever, Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger is a pretty charming, funny fellow.
-Do yourself a favor and read this solid story by the New York Daily News on Flyers assistant coach and former Penguins forward Joe Mullen (right).
-Game 1 drew the best ratings for a Stanley Cup final game since Game 1 of the 1999 final between the Sabres and Stars.
Non-Playoff Stuff
Northeast Division
-The Bruins signed of defenseman Yuri Alexandrov, a second-round pick in 2006, to a two-year entry-level contract.
-Sabres prospect Zack Kassian, a first-round pick in 2009, was arrested in connection to a bar fight in Windsor, Ont.
Patrick Division
-Former Blackhawks forward Igor Radulov joined Severstal Cherepovets in the KHL.
(Photos: Hossa-Bruce Bennett/Getty Images; Leighton-Andre Ringuette/Getty Images; Mullen-eBay)