I wrote a while back about ways that the NHL could and should manage some of the issues that they have as a league. I think what these numbers support is a reduction/contraction in some of the teams. What I don’t think would be wise, at least for the game in the U.S., is to expand North of the border. But I guess one would have to ask, if there is money to be made in Canada why not move more teams there?

TSN is reporting that they have confirmed the city that will host the next NHL Winter Classic. The Detroit Red Wings will play the Chicago Blackhawks at either Wrigley Field or Soldier Field. While the exact spot hasn’t been announced, Blackhawks president John McDonough has close ties to the Cubs, so I would expect it to take place at Wrigley Field.

Four teams will continue their season after a relatively short semifinal round. In the West, Detroit completed a seemingly easy sweep of Colorado, giving them much needed (or unwanted depending on who you talk to) rest. They will take on Dallas, who won the 8th longest game in NHL history against the San Jose Sharks on Sunday night to complete their six game series. As mentioned in the alliterative title, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia will meet for the first time ever in the Eastern Conference Finals, assuring Pennsylvania as a host of the Stanley Cup Finals. Pittsburgh, thanks mostly to stellar goaltending and deep offense, made quick work of the New York Rangers in five games. Philadelphia gained their ticket by upsetting the top seeded Montreal Canadiens, and preventing the Stanley Cup from coming to Canada for the 14th straight year.

While the Avalanche were able to battle back from a 3 goal deficit in game 1 to lose 4-3, Johan Franzen and the Wings absolutely destroyed the Avalanche in game 2 with a 5-1 tally. Peter Budaj played in relief of Theodore in both of the games and played beautifully, allowing only one goal in the 20 shots he’s faced so far. Theodore is blaming is almost abrupt turnaround in performance on the flu and has assured the media he will be ready for game 3. But, what will Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville decide?

No other professional sport take the time to do it. Sure some football players run to the middle of the field and exchange pleasantries with guys they know, but no other sport makes an effort to go through a line and shake each others hands - congratulating each other on a well-played series.Losing teams will actually wait for the winning team to celebrate, even in the finals to shake each others hand. It isn’t a huge kumbaya moment, all rivalries aren’t forgotten and feuds forgiven, but it is a show of respect between teams. A chance for grown men to show that sportsmanship in one of the toughest sports is still alive.

The semifinals has given us some interesting matchups to chew on for the next couple of weeks. Colorado and Detroit have a chance to renew a sorely missed rivalry that has produced some of the baddest blood in sports. Pittsburgh is up against a seasoned New York team, leaving us to wonder if experience will once again be the Penguins’ downfall. Can Montreal keep up with the dominating physical presence of Philadelphia? Who will win the battle of the goaltenders between Dallas and San Jose. Below is my analysis and picks for the next round. I’m also including Fred Beery and Alan Shields’ picks to give you some perspective from other hockey fans.

It’s been 19 years since the Penguins have swept a team in the playoffs. Now the Ottawa Senators can be added to the likes of the Oakland Seals, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers after losing 3-1 against the Pittsburgh on Wednesday night. It’s the only sweep of the first round this year, earning Crosby and company some rest before playing again.

This is overkill. Colin Campbell has stuck his nose where it doesn’t belong and starting tweeking based on singular incidents that should NOT have this much impact. Other players have argued the rule change is good because it addresses an unwritten rule of hockey. If it’s an unwritten rule, have a Devil do some enforcing like so many other unwritten rules are dealt with!