The Conference Finals started yesterday, but we still have some leftover previews to share with you, as well as a great article about what players mean when they say they're playing "The System". Check it out right below!
Kennedy geared up for next season - The Buffalo News
Tim Kennedy gathered his belongings during training camp because he didn't know if he would stick with the Sabres and wanted to be prepared, just in case.
What's in a system? - The Globe and Mail
Roy MacGregor explains what "the system" is for a hockey team. Does it even exist, or is just an amalgamation of strategy, planning, and inventiveness?
East:
No rally necessary: Flyers rout Habs in opener - NHL.com
Philadelphia thoroughly dominated the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, driving Jaroslav Halak from net in a 6-0 victory.
Having to regroup nothing new to Canadiens - NHL.com
Sunday wasn’t the first time in these playoffs the Habs have lost big. Can they respond the same way they did against the Caps and Pens?
Preview: 10 facts about (7) Philadelphia vs. (8) Montreal - Puck Daddy
The No. 7 seed Philadelphia Flyers and the No. 8 seed Montreal Canadiens begin their Eastern Conference final series on Sunday night in Philadelphia. Here are 10 facts you should know about this series.
Flyers-Canadiens Preview - SI.com
Alan Muir gives us a preview of the Eastern Conference series.
West:
Hawks draw first blood behind Niemi, Byfuglien - NHL.com
Jason Demers scored his first career playoff goal for the Sharks but the Blackhawks reeled off two unanswered goals, including the game-winning tally by Dustin Byfuglien in the third period to take Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. 2-1, Sunday at San Jose.
Sharks' top line stymied by a bevy of Blackhawks - NHL.com
A major reason why the Blackhawks got the edge on the Sharks with a Game 1 win was their ability to completely shut down the top line.
Nabokov must be better for Sharks - THN
San Jose outplayed Chicago in Game 1, but solid play from Antti Niemi and one shaky goal from the Sharks keeper was the difference.
San Jose Sharks should get more respect - ESPN
San Jose has been a hockey success story since the team's inaugural 1991-92 season, and the franchise is long overdue in receiving the national attention it deserves.
The Rest:
Round 2 Awards - THN
Before the action kicks off on the conference finals, let's look back at the best of the best from the second round of the NHL playoffs.