2011 Stanley Cup Final (Prediction)

Vancouver Canucks vs. Boston Bruins

Three rounds have been completed, and only two remain. At stake, the chalice known as the Stanley Cup is on the line. Somebody will end a long drought without a Cup. For the Canucks, it would be their first, as they entered the league in 1970. They fell to the NY Rangers in their last bid in 1994. The Bruins last raised it in 1972. Blues fans of the older generation will remember Boston sweeping your hometown team in the 1970 Final, but the B's have been on the losing end of the last five trips to the Final, most recently in 1990. This series features the Presidents' Trophy winning Canucks, who have brushed aside Chicago, Nashville and San Jose to get here. The Bruins, the third seed in the East, got by Montreal, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay to secure their berth. It's not a surprise that the combatants in this series feature two of the three finalists for the Vezina Trophy: Vancouver's Roberto Luongo and Boston's Tim Thomas. Both had terrific regular seasons and despite some inconsistencies here and there this postseason, both have been relatively key cogs to their respective teams' successes. I'm going to call this battle dead-even, because both are solid in their own ways and have the ability to carry their teams if needed. Defensively, Zdeno Chara is a component the Canucks do not have, but they do boast a group that has been effective at both ends. Kevin Bieksa has been the mainstay on that Vancouver blue line. For the Bruins to have an edge back there, now might be as good a time as any for Thomas Kaberle to make an appearance in this postseason, because up until now, he's been a virtual non-factor. Or should I say any time his name's brought up, he's making an egregious error. The Canucks have an edge up front. Their forwards seem to run deeper than that of the Bruins, with the Sedins catching fire against the Sharks and Ryan Kesler being ... well, Ryan Kesler. But one concern I have if you're Vancouver is: how beat up is Kesler? He's taken a pounding in these playoffs -- OK, who hasn't? -- but he seems to soldier on. It's going to be interesting to see Kesler matching muscle with Milan Lucic. It's no secret that the Canucks PP has a decisive edge over Boston's anemic man advantage. The Bruins PK will have to be better than they were against the Lightning, who at times torched the B's. The return of Manny Malhotra could prove beneficial for the Canucks, but after being out for such a stretch with that eye injury, how effective can he really be as the postseason winds down. Everyone else, right now, is at another level and a different pace. I have two wildcards for this series: Michael Ryder for Boston and Alexandre Burrows for Vancouver; my X-factors: Nathan Horton for Boston and Daniel Sedin for Vancouver. OK, I'm not going to go into all the detailed X's and O's like some of the other media brethren have. I picked the Canucks to get here at the start of the season, losing to Pittsburgh. They seem to be the overwhelming choice but I don't think it's going to be so overwhelming. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Pacific Northwest get its first Cup but I'm going on a limb here. Each time the Bruins seem to be challenged, they rise to the occasion. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci play important roles ... more important than expected, and how cool would it be to see 43-year-old Mark Recchi win his third Cup ... 20 years after winning his first with the Penguins? I'm going to go against the grain and go with the ... BRUINS in 6.

Blues' Berglund avoids free agency, signs extension

Center inks two-year contract after posting career

numbers in goals, assists, points in third NHL season

By LOUIE KORAC
ST. LOUIS -- By signing Patrik Berglund to a two-year contract extension on Tuesday, the Blues made sure one of their impending restricted free agents isn't susceptible to an offer sheet.

Especially a player who's stock is on the rise.

Berglund, who turns 23 on Thursday and would have become an RFA on July 1, said upon his exit meeting with the team in April that he'd like to get a contract done "pretty quick."

"That was a big priority for me," Berglund said by conference call Wednesday afternoon. "I wanted to get it done as fast as I could. I wanted to be a part of the team and keep looking forward. I'm taking it step-by-step and I'm really excited to be a part of the team again and I can't wait for next year."

The Blues and general manager Doug Armstrong obliged despite saying there was no real time frame.

"Patrik was just someone, when I was dealing with his representative, the parameters were there for a deal quickly and we just decided to move forward," Armstrong said by conference call Tuesday. "I think in Patrik's case, he's happy to have the contract signed ... he knows what the situation is. He doesn't have to worry about anything over the summer. He can train and focus on preparing himself. He knows that he has a home for the next two years."

The deal will pay Berglund $2.25 million in each of the next two seasons. Once the deal expires, the Vasteras, Sweden native will once again be a restricted free agent.

"I'm really happy with the contract," Berglund said. "I can't wait to spend the next two years with the Blues."

The contract is along similar parameters of one signed by David Perron last summer.

"I believe, coming out of that first contract, the shorter-term deals are both beneficial to the team and the player," Armstrong said. "I think what this does, it allows Patrik to define himself as a player. He'll have five years of NHL experience when this deal is done and he'll be entering that next phase of his career. I think the two-year deal really helps solidify his position not only on our team but in the league."

Berglund completed his third season with the Blues by setting career highs in games played (81), goals (22), assists (30) and points (52) in addition to leading the club with a career best eight power play goals.

"I want to be a player that the team can count on in every situation," Berglund said. "I'm going to keep working hard, I'm going to keep developing myself.

"I'm not stopping at all. I want to be as good as I can. I know I still have a lot of things to learn, but I feel like I'm headed in the right direction." 

Berglund also earned a Silver Medal with Team Sweden and was named to the tourney's all-star team at the 2011 IIHF World Championship in Slovakia, which was completed in early May. In nine games, Berglund was second among all skaters in points (10), goals (8) and plus-minus (+7).

"It was obviously a great experience for me," Berglund said. "I got a big role and also was an assistant captain. This was a big experience for me to have the 'A' on my chest. We had a really young team, too, so I feel like I had to take a lot of responsibility out there on the ice.

"It was a great experience and I hope to bring that to St. Louis as well."

"Patrik has been with our team for three years now, and we really think that he's starting to mature as a player and come into his own," Armstrong said. "His third season was obviously his best season in our opinion and we think that he's just starting to hit his stride. As our team matures, Patrik matures with it, and we think he's going to be a big piece of our team moving forward."

The 6-foot-4, 218-pound forward has appeared in 228 games for the Blues during his three-year NHL career, collecting 125 points on 56 goals and 69 assists. He was originally drafted by the Blues in the first round, 25th overall, of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

"Just the progression he made last year, he understands that he has a chance to be a top-six forward on our team," Armstrong said. "I thought the way he finished his season and then went into the World Championships and continued that, he understands that he's now just starting the prime of his career. The one thing talking to Patrik at the end of the season and over at the World Championships, he wants to not only be a player in the NHL, but he wants to be an important player on a winning franchise. We're excited that he has those goals."

With Berglund in the fold, Armstrong was asked on the progression on the remaining free agents, most notably T.J. Oshie. The Blues' GM did not want to comment nor speculate when/if deals get done.

"I don't want to publicly comment on the negotiations," Armstrong said. "That's been my platform. Not because I'm trying to be secretive. I don't like playing with the emotions of our fans by misleading them that you're closer or further away than you really are.

"We certainly are in contact with our players and we're trying to move ahead to get players signed. But again, there's no rush on our side and I don't think there's any rush on the players' side. We have a lot of time until training camp."

The Blues' remaining RFA's include Oshie, B.J. Crombeen, Roman Polak, Matt D'Agostini, Vladimir Sobotka, Ryan Reaves, Nikita Nikitin, Tyson Strachan, Ben Bishop, Adam Cracknell, T.J. Hensick and Nicholas Drazenovic.

"There's no real pattern to getting these players signed," Armstrong said. "We have contact with all the players and some negotiations go quicker than others. But I'm very confident that everyone will be signed by training camp and be in here."

* NOTE -- Oshie, Barret Jackman, Carlo Colaiacovo, Alex Pietrangelo, Ben Bishop, Tyson Strachan and Philip McRae are teaming up with the United Way and St. Louis Area Foodbank to host a food drive to support families in Joplin affected by the recent tornado.

The food drive will be held today at Scottrade Center from 4-7 p.m. The players will be joined by KSHE 95’s Favazz, who will broadcast live from Scottrade Center during the drive.

Fans can drop donated items off at the 14th & Clark entrance. The players will be on hand to collect items and greet fans during this time. All fans that donate will receive a free ticket to a 2011 Blues preseason game. In addition, for a small donation, fans can also have their photo taken on the Olympia, aka the Zamboni.

The St. Louis Area Foodbank recommends donations of any canned goods that can be considered a complete meal like peanut butter, soups and canned tuna or chicken. In a crisis like this, needs change every day. Those impacted may not know what to expect from day to day or long term.

Also, Northern Edge Elite Hockey has offered to serve as an alternate drop off location for anyone in the West St. Louis County area that may not be able to make it downtown today. Food donations can be dropped off at the Northern Edge office today from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Northern Edge employees will deliver the donations to Scottrade Center today.

For more information on the food drive and a complete list of items needed, visit www.stlouisblues.com.

Tarasenko staying in Russia

2010 No. 1 pick decides to play in KHL at least one more season

By LOUIE KORAC
ST. LOUIS -- When the Blues were having exit meetings and Doug Armstrong was having his "exit" interview with the media in mid-April, the Blues' general manager was asked if he'd like to have 2010 No. 1 pick Vladimir Tarasenko here as soon as possible.

"We'd love to get him signed, we'd love to get him over here," Armstrong said at the time.
Well, that time apparently isn't now or any time this year.

It looks like the Blues will have to wait at least one more year, as it was confirmed today by Armstrong that Tarasenko, the No. 16 overall pick in last summer's NHL Entry Draft, has decided to play one more season in the KHL.

Tarasenko, who is vacationing after playing for Russia at the IIHF World Championships earlier this month, will play a fourth season with Sibir Novosibirsk after making a short, to-the-point internet announcement on Sibir's team website this morning. It was first reported by Allesandro Seren Rosso of russianprospects.com.

"Dear Sibir's fans," Tarasenko declared in the video. "I decided to spend a further year with the club. I hope to please you with my play. Thank you for the support."

Armstrong spoke with former Blues netminder and Tarasenko's agent Mike Liut before confirming the end result. He would not say what kind of offer was made.

"At the end of the day, (Tarasenko) feels that it's best for his development to spend one more season in the KHL, and we certainly support that decision," Armstrong said. "At that age, 19, I'm sure he had to take a look at all the different options he had. Obviously he felt that playing in the KHL and staying in an environment he was comfortable with will increase his development and make him a better player in North America when he gets here."

There's growing concerns among Blues fans that the team could lose Tarasenko, as NHL teams normally have two years to sign European and/or junior players from the time they're drafted. But since Russia is not part of the International Ice Hockey Association transfer agreement, there is no deadline on signing Tarasenko.

Reports coming out of Russia are that Sibir is prepared to offer Tarasenko a two-year extension. He still has one year remaining on his current contract. But Armstrong was unaware of an impending new deal.

Sibir general manager Kirill Fastovsky told SovSport.ru that the Blues made an "exclusive offer" to Tarasenko, "like no other ... guaranteeing he'd play (in the NHL)," per Yahoo hockey writer Dmitry Chesnokov.

Armstrong was not so forthcoming on that guarantee.

"You can't guarantee anyone anything coming into the NHL," the Blues' GM said. "I think my philosophy is you can't guarantee something you can't fulfill ... it's just going to put a strain on the relationship.

"He was told that there was a great opportunity here, that his game would transcend to the NHL quickly. But we were crystal clear that he has to come and earn that job. Ultimately, he had to come and earn the job. We weren't just going to give them away. You have to earn your spot in the NHL."

There is a growing sentiment that the reason many European players balk at moves to North America immediately/if at all is that the player fears being moved to play in the American Hockey League. Players want that guarantee that they'll play in the NHL.

"When I did talk to (Tarasenko in recent months), I did tell him that I thought there was a very good opportunity for him to come and compete for a spot in St. Louis," Armstrong said. "With our roster, there are jobs to be had."

Those jobs will be filled by players on the current roster and possibly players that could be brought in through free agency and/or trade.

"Obviously it's going to create some more opportunities for some other players," Armstrong said. "It's a space that we thought he might compete for. So now do we look to fill that spot via trade? Do we look at filling that spot via free agency or internal competition?

"The positive is that we have the information (on Tarasenko) now and we can move forward and look to see how we can make our team better."

In three seasons with Sibir, the 6-foot-1, 198-pound Tarasenko tallied 29 goals and 23 assists in 122 games, including nine goals and 19 points in 42 games this past season.

Tarasenko, a co-captain, also had four goals and 11 points in seven games while leading Russia to the World Junior Championship in January.

2011 Stanley Cup Conference Final (Predictions)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Vancouver Canucks vs. 2. San Jose Sharks

Well, as the seeds have picked out for us, the west's top two will battle it out for right to represent in the Stanley Cup finals. Both squads needed to dispose of a pair of pesky Central Division foes -- Vancouver knocked out Nashville in six games, San Jose over Detroit in seven -- to get to where they are today. There are a number of factors that can play out that could very well determine who wins and who goes home between these two teams. Both are loaded up front, both have a solid d-core and the goaltending has been as good as advertised even though both Roberto Luongo and Antti Niemi have had their moments. However, both were very good in the conference semifinals. What can the Canucks do to get the Sedins going? Neither have been effective in some time and it will be hard for the Canucks to succeed too much longer without some contribution from Daniel or Henrik. Alex Burrows has held up his end of the bargain and Vancouver has seen some better-than-expected play from third- and fourth-line members. As for the Sharks, they finally got some clutch play from Patrick Marleau, who was thrown under the bus from former teammate-turned-commentator Jeremy Roenick, as the Sharks nearly saw a 3-0 series lead turn into disaster if they would have went down in a seventh game. Devin Setoguchi was money against the Wings, Ryane Clowe was a welcomed sight in Game 7 and Joe Pavelski was the clutch player in the first round against the Kings. I'll cut to the chase because this series is so close, cutting it with a knife may not decide it. The two players that will decide this series are: Ryan Kesler of the Canucks and Joe Thornton of the Sharks. Forget Luongo, forget Niemi ... OK, they'll have to be clutch for their respective teams, but I believe this comes down to Kesler and Thornton. They better get used to one another, cause they'll be seeing each other a ton throughout this series. I'll tell you this, the Nashville Predators are one of the most -- if not the most -- structured and disciplined defensive teams in the NHL. And look what Kesler did to them. This guy is one of the best two-way players in the game and is only getting better. I'm just having a hard time believing the Sharks can hold him back. They may slow him at times, but hold him down ... not a chance. But I think the Canucks' underrated defense can slow Thornton, Marleau and Dany Heatley in check. They haven't been to the finals since falling to the Rangers in 1994 but they get back there with a hard-fought series win in what will be a great series. ...

CANUCKS IN 7

EASTERN CONFERENCE

3. Boston Bruins vs. 5. Tampa Bay Lightning

Who are these teams anyway? When did they last play? Unlike the west combatants, the Bruins and Lightning easily made quick work of their conference semifinal opponents with sweeps of the Flyers (Boston) and Capitals (Tampa Bay). When I look at the Bruins, I see blue collar. I see talent but guys working their tails off for every inch they get. I see Tim Thomas unwavering and unflappable. I see Zdeno Chara imposing his will at both ends of the ice. I see David Krejci finally unleashing his full offensive throttle and slowly bringing Milan Lucic along with him. You get the picture here. When I see the Lightning, I see star-studded players. Marty St. Louis, Vinny Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos and ... Sean Bergenheim? Really? They have quick-striking ability. Just ask the Penguins and Capitals. And now they have former Blue Eric Brewer anchoring what coach Guy Boucher likes to call a tough-minded, hard-nosed defense to play against now. And they have the ageless Dwayne Roloson, who can steal games as has been witnessed in these playoffs and in playoffs past. I'm also going to say this series will come down to two players. Both have been instrumental to their respective teams and both will need to come up huge if they want their team to represent the east in the Stanley Cup final. This series, I believe, comes down to Thomas and Roloson. Both have been stellar, both have shown some creaks in their respective games but overall, they've taken on a heavy burden ... and thrived in the process. I give the nod to Thomas simply because this has been his calling for an entire season, not just in the postseason. I believe the Bruins' D gets a slight nod over Tampa's revamped unit and helps Thomas outduel Roloson here. Thomas may be all over the place, but the guy has been on a mission this season, and that mission leads the B's to the finals for the first time since 1990. ...

BRUINS IN 6

Blues, Davidson agree to contract extension

Team president's current contract was to expire at end

of June; four-year deal in place despite ownership questions

By LOUIE KORAC
ST. LOUIS -- With the Blues' ownership situation up in the air, John Davidson had a decision to make.

The Blues' president likes what he sees, and he wants to continue to be a part of the building process.

Davidson's contract was all set to expire at the end of June. His five-year term after being hired by Dave Checketts as the Blues' team president was coming to a close.

And with an impending change in ownership for the Blues as a looming factor, there were questions whether Davidson would continue on in his current position.

Davidson laid those questions to rest Tuesday when the Blues and Davidson reached agreement on a contract extension, with a source indicating that it is for four years.

Davidson, 58, was about to finish up a $10 million contract but an extension has been in place for some time. Putting the finishing touches on the new deal was apparently put on hold while Checketts and his company, Sports Capital Partners Worldwide, were in the process of putting the Blues up for sale.

That debate is now a moot point.

"John was our first hire as an ownership group" Checketts said in a statement. "We believed then and still believe now in his ability to rekindle the passion of the Blues in St. Louis .

"Along the way John has played a lead role in helping to rebuild the St. Louis Blues both on and off the ice. He became the face of the franchise at a time when it was dearly needed and his hands have been on the wheel steering it in the right direction ever since. ... The Blues are now well positioned for long term success."

Davidson, a goaltender who the Blues chose in the first round in 1973, and his contract will now go along with the price tag that the franchise will have for a prospective new owner. But if the team is sold to a group led by local businessman Tom Stillman, the team's current minority owner who apparently has made the only offer for the franchise thus far, that won't be a problem.

Stillman has previously endorsed the job Davidson and management have done guiding this franchise.

For Davidson, the time was right.

"For me, it's a case of enjoying the city of St. Louis, my family really enjoys it," Davidson said. "That plays into it, no question.

"Wherever the ownership thing goes, for me, it's more about the team. I like where we're sitting. I like the direction we've gone. I like the acquisitions we've made. I like the future that I sense we're getting close to. I want to be a part of that. We've gone through a lot of pain here over the years and we've made gains. We're not where we want to be obviously, but we're getting closer and I have a good feeling about this group."

Under Davidson's guidance, the Blues have only qualified for the playoffs once but they have assembled quite a cast of young talent through drafting, free agency and trades, they've seen attendance rise in each of Davidson's five seasons -- they sold out all 41 games this past season -- and they've rejuvenated fan interest. Davidson's also entrusted the guidance behind the bench to one who was groomed within the organization in current head coach Davis Payne.

"We've found a way to get as many talented kids as we could," Davidson said. "And in turn, we've been able to make a couple deals because of it. It includes Erik (Johnson), it includes the (Jaroslav) Halak deal.

"We're trying to find a way to continue to tweak this lineup by finding ways to get itself to the next level. We're working at that. We're a team that's built from within. Our fans have had a great opportunity to come see us grow as a group. I think they've enjoyed that. They're striving for results like we are, too. I think we're in a position to do some good things."

Davidson's ultimate goal is obviously a Stanley Cup, which would be the franchise's first, but there have been some bumpy decisions along the way (free agent contracts to Paul Kariya and Jay McKee as well as the dismissal of coaches Mike Kitchen and Andy Murray to name a few). But overall, it's evident the Blues are making the necessary strides in the difficult National Hockey League.

"I think when you look back, you look back with an open mind (wondering) what could you have done better," Davidson said. "Certainly there's things in the world of sports that you can always do better. There's nothing that's pure. There's nothing that's exact.

"The team has made strides both off the ice and on the ice. The fans have a real good, strong feeling about this group. I like the way our players over the years have reconnected with the city. ... We have a long road trip to go on. When I first got here, there weren't a lot of people in the building. The people that were in the building were great. There was not a lot of anything, so we've worked at it and worked at it and worked at it. Obviously, you try and make intelligent moves. Some work, some don't and you learn from them. We've stayed with our game plan, and in doing so, I think we've put ourselves in position to take that next step, and I feel good about it."

Davidson will stay the course and continue to build upon the game plan that he and management feel is important to get this hockey club where it needs to go.

"The biggest challenge and what I've learned most is to stay with the plan that you've devised," Davidson said. "In turn, a lot of times you have an opportunity to make short-term gains that are going to hurt you in the long-term. We stayed away from that.

"The patience level, it's hard, especially those early years. Some of those early games, we weren't even in some games. Now I see us play and we're in all these games with an opportunity to win. The old days, that just wasn't happening. ... We started at 30th (in the league) and I respect all those players that came through here. Most of them are gone. They did their part in trying to get us in a position where we can move forward. Now I feel when we come to camp this season, we should have a chance to play with anyone in this league, and I like that."

2011 Stanley Cup Semifinal (Predictions)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Vancouver Canucks vs. 5. Nashville Predators

The Canucks are coming off a grueling seven-game series that saw them take down the defending Stanley Cup champ Chicago Blackhawks, so we will have a new champion in June. But the story there is the degree of difficulty for the Canucks after racing out to a 3-0 series lead, only to see them come within one shot of becoming the fourth team in NHL history to blow a 3-0 series lead. Can you imagine the catastrophic proportions in Western Canada had that happened? Now, Vancouver wastes little time in going up against the Predators, who disposed Anaheim in six games, winning their first playoff series in franchise history. I personally would like to see the Preds prevail here. I like Barry Trotz (my Jack Adams winner), I like Shea Weber (my choice to win the Norris Trophy, by the way), I like Pekka Rinne and I like Nashville's us-against-the-world mentality. How does Nashville do this year after year without that major superstar power in their lineup up front? They do it with a structured style of play that is frustrating to deal with. Just ask the Ducks. They play extremely stingy defense and Rinne has quietly risen into that group of upper echelon netminders, so much so, that he's a candidate for the Vezina Trophy this year. And as much as the Canucks just taxed themselves in the first round with the Blackhawks, I just can't see the Predators shutting down this Canucks offense. I think they can slow them down but to completely shut them down, I don't think it happens. The Sedins, up and down in the Chicago series, will be the focal point of Nashville's stingy defense, but the ones I see having a difference-making series here are Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows. Burrows was huge in Game 7 against Chicago and that trend continues in this series. Even with the addition of Mike Fisher, Nashville just simply doesn't score enough for me to keep pace. They did against the Ducks and Ray Emery, but finally getting that monkey off his back, Roberto Luongo now can set his sights on prospering and doing greater things in the playoffs. Luongo is better than Emery and is good enough, along with that Canucks d-unit, to limit Nashville's chances. The Predators can sneak out a couple wins, but that's about it ...
CANUCKS IN 6

2. San Jose Sharks vs. 3. Detroit Red Wings

You want action? You want drama? You want high-powered offenses? You want 5-4, 6-5 games? Strap on your seatbelts, because this is the series for that. These teams met a year ago in this same round, with the Sharks winning in five games. Detroit, who I keep thinking will melt down and fold into the old-age mantra and they continue to slap me in the face, will be motivated by that series defeat and the fact they will have plenty of rest after sweeping Phoenix in the opening round. The Sharks got here after slipping past a very game and tough LA Kings group. I look at both of the rosters in this series and I see very little that differentiates one from the other. The offenses are powerful, they're deep and very skilled. The defensive units play a very similar shutdown style with a flare for offensive production as well. To me, this series comes down to goaltending, and right now, I take Jimmy Howard over Antti Niemi. I know Niemi has a Cup to his resume (last season with Chicago) and was stellar with the Hawks, but that was last season. Niemi has been pulled in these playoffs a couple times already and his play has been suspect, to say the least. I'm not a big fan of Howard's -- yet -- but he did outperform (by a country mile) the Coyotes' Ilya Bryzgalov and looked very good in doing so. Special teams could play a big role in who walks away from this series as well. There are plenty of big names in this series: Lidstrom, Thornton, Datsyuk, Zetterberg (provided he's healthy), Heatley, Marleau, Franzen, Boyle, Rafalski ... the list goes on and on. But to me, it boils down to Howard vs. Niemi. I like Howard. It goes the distance ...

RED WINGS IN 7

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Washington Capitals vs. 5. Tampa Bay Lightning

Here is the East's version of the San Jose-Detroit series: action-packed, offensive talent galore, plenty of drama. These divisional rivals were locking up toe-to-toe throughout the season before the Caps went on a tear to overtake the Lightning for not only the division but the top seed in the East as well. Washington's five-game series win over the Rangers was impressive on many fronts, but what's most impressive is the Caps' defensive mentality and goaltending. Finally, Bruce Boudreau gets it. You won't win Cups outscoring people, you do it with a shutdown mindset first, score goals second. The Caps have the pieces in place to do both now. The Lightning overcame a 3-1 deficit to eliminate the Crosby- and Malkin-less Penguins, thanks to Dwayne Roloson stealing a 1-0 Game 7 win at the new Igloo. As the Sharks-Wings series, the names jump at you in this series: Ovechkin, St. Louis, Stamkos, Lecavalier, Semin, Backstrom, Green ... all difference makers. And what about the play of Michal Neuvirth for Washington? Stood up and faced the challenge of Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers. The Capitals won four of six games with the Lightning in the regular season and I give them a slight edge in the postseason as well. I like their ability to defend and use the transition game to have success. Speed kills and Washington's forwards have the edge in that department over Tampa's D. This will be a challenge for the Caps D as well to contain the Lightning firepower, and guys like Malone and Gagne can really make a difference if Washington focuses primarily on St. Louis, Stamkos and Lecavalier. This series will be entertaining, but I think the Lightning strike stops here ...

CAPITALS IN 7

2. Philadelphia Flyers vs. 3. Boston Bruins

A rematch of historical proportions takes place one year later here. And we all remember the Bruins blowing that 3-0 series lead, with the Flyers winning a seven-game series after trailing 0-3 for the first time since 1942. The Bruins have been looking forward to this and would want nobody else in this situation. What better way to erase a painful memory than to look your culprit straight in the eye and meet it head-on? However many games this series takes to win, there will be enough drama to rekindle an old soap opera. The Flyers overcame a 3-2 series deficit to dispose of Buffalo in seven games, while the Bruins likewise needed the maximum to eliminate nemesis and fellow Original Six foe Montreal. There's tons of talent on both sides in this series, but what sticks out for me will be Boston's emotion and Tim Thomas. The Bruins will play with a chip on their shoulders from start to finish and Thomas can steal wins, if needed. Although I didn't care for the Flyers' goaltending going against Ryan Miller, they somehow managed to stare adversity in the face and Brian Boucher won there by default despite the shoddy play of Sergei Bobrovsky and Michael Leighton. Philly may have the deepest group of forwards in the league from top to bottom. All four units have goal-scoring ability and can make plays on a whim. I think Zdeno Chara will play like the Norris Trophy candidate that he is here and will rise to the occasion and Thomas continues to amaze in net. Boston's wildcard, in my opinion, is Nathan Horton. He already has two overtime game-winners and the Bruins brought him into Beantown to balance out the scoring when going up against the likes of Briere, Carter, Richards, Giroux and Co. Chris Pronger is not the same and may not be until next season. I can't see him being a difference-maker against Bergeron, Krejci, Lucic, Ryder and the ageless Mark Recchi. Boston gets its revenge. I like them to move on ...

BRUINS IN 6

Perron vows he will return from concussion

Blues remain cautious, optimistic; will

move on if necessary without him next season

By LOUIE KORAC
ST. LOUIS -- When he took the brunt of Joe Thornton's shoulder to the head in early November, who would have thought it would be David Perron's last game of the season?

But on that Nov. 4 night, Perron, who would finish off the game -- even score a goal in the Blues' 2-0 victory over Thornton and the San Jose Sharks -- saw his No. 57 sweater hung up for the last time this season (click here for related video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJr33aaE_MM).

Perron would see 10 games before the last 72 would be spent mostly watching his teammates from the press box or in front of a television when permitted.

Not exactly what someone known as a rink rat had in mind.

Instead of spending the post-injury time working on and ultimately wondering when he would get back into the lineup after being diagnosed with a concussion, Perron will have the spring and summer to get himself ready to hopefully get back to doing what he does best.

The 2011-12 season won't officially begin until training camp gets underway in mid-September, but the Blues are hoping time -- which is basically all they and Perron have at this point -- will be the cure-all and the Sherbrooke, Quebec native can skate again.

But for the time being, Perron, who scored five goals and added two assists in 10 games last season, will spend however much time he needs where he grew up. The soon-to-be 23-year-old has gone home.

"When I feel good enough, I'll come back down here (to St. Louis)," Perron said. "... When I feel good enough, I'll do the protocol to get back."

The good news is Perron feels better than he did when he was hurt. But it seems like the progression has hit a plateau for the time being.

"You just stay positive and keep looking forward to the day it's going to be good enough," Perron said. "It's been better. I keep saying that, but it's just myself staying positive."
As positive as Perron tries to be, it has been the most frustrating 5-6 months of his playing career.

"You play hockey and you know stuff like that can happen sometimes," said Perron, who has not accused Thornton of hitting him deliberately. "It did, and it's a process I wasn't familiar with."

And even though there are roughly five months before camp opens, the Blues must face the prospects that No. 57 may not be with them when a new chapter unfolds, according to general manager Doug Armstrong when asked, based on what he knows at the present time.

"No," Armstrong said matter-of-factly. "Based on what we know, he hasn't changed from Game 11. ... If the season was to start tomorrow, he would not be in it. He would not be playing.

"The reality is, time being an ally in David's situation, we're going to give this time. But if we get into mid-summer, and he's at the same position he is this summer ... we have to hope for the best, but plan for him to not be part of our roster ... until he clears."

As difficult as it would be for the Blues to have to move on without Perron, they already did so for most of this past season already. But replacing a key piece who was expected to make great strides will be in line with the many challenges the Blues will have to face moving forward.

"It's unfortunate for Perry obviously missing the entire season," Blues coach Davis Payne said. "(But) with our young, skilled group and the names you're talking about ... the Perrons and the (T.J.) Oshies and the (Patrik) Berglunds, even a Chris Stewart, the years aren't necessarily behind him, more so in front of him.

"I think it's been a very, very valuable year for us in that regard."

Perron's plight continues to fluctuate, depending on what day it is. He admits to feeling good during the day, then experience symptoms, mostly in the evening/night hours.

The Blues tried to slowly have Perron begin a light workout regimen, primarily involving light bike riding. He even visited the same specialist while in Vancouver that helped teammate Andy McDonald and various other NHL players who have dealt with the same types of symptoms.

Perron would not disclose what he is/isn't allowed to do these days as far as workouts go but did say he continues to search for ways until finally finding the right formula.
"There's not much I didn't try to do to get better and we're still looking obviously to find if there's stuff out there that can help or not," Perron said. "... You want to be out there and maybe create a spark and help the team."

Perron's plight could determine if the Blues would be more aggressive in pursuing a forward. If they are fortunate enough to get him back, likely not. Without him, it's a toss-up.

"It's an ugly part of the business, where you care about the individual as a person, you want the best for them, but you can't leave roster spots on the hope and the wish and the maybe," Armstrong said of Perron. "His health will tell us how close he is or how far he is. Then you have to respond to it. But we don't have to make that decision as an organization until July at the absolute earliest."

It's not that the Blues are thinking Perron won't be back. They're just being realistic.

"When he got hurt, did I expect him to be back on January 1? Sure. Did I expect him to be back on February 1? Sure. Did I expect him to be back March 1? Sure. Do I expect him to be back? Sure, I expect him to," Armstrong said. "But all those dates are getting clicked off the calendar and that piece of paper getting thrown away and you get into the next month.

"I was trying to say, if training camp started tomorrow and we had one month, I wouldn't expect David to be on the ice. Now, that's not the case, so I'm not trying to be evasive, but I don't have a crystal ball. I don't know how he's going to feel. What we have to do now is get David healthy enough just to be able to train to play. With these concussions, we all know, he can't train yet. He doesn't have the ability to go for a six- or eight-mile run or ride the bike for an hour. He's still showing symptoms, keeping him inactive from physical exertion."

Perron vows to be back one day, determined to make it all the way back. It's a similar challenge he faced trying to make into the NHL, period.

"I swear, I don't care if I'm still not feeling better in September, I'll still say the same: When I was younger, I had my back against the wall to make it to the NHL and I found a way," Perron vows. "So I know I'll find a way, and I don't care what way it is ... I'll get there one day."