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| Craig Rivet was in the Sharks lineup in Game 4, despite appearing to be injured after a Brenden Morrow hit on Tuesday. |
Our View: The defenseman is expected to be available for Friday night's game 5.
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| Joe Pavelski has become a go-to guy for head coach Ron Wilson and the Sharks. The sophomore played a whopping 27 shifts in Game 4, matching Joe Thornton's total. |
Our View: He leads the team, or is tied for, the lead in goals, points, plus-minus, game-winning goals, power play goals, and shots. Game 5 isn't just an opportunity for Pavelski to shine, he has to produce or the Shark's season is likely over.
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| Patrick Marleau scored a short-handed goal in Game 4, identical to his in Game 3. The Sharks captain streaked in, virtually untouched without resistance, and slammed a slap shot over Marty Turco's left shoulder to tie the game 1-1. |
Our View: Marleau was an average scorer during the regular season but the threat he has become in the playoffs has meant everything to the team.
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| Maxime Talbot missed Game 4 and is considered day-to-day with a broken foot, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I'll see how the pain goes," Talbot said. "Hopefully, I can be back as soon as possible. It's never fun to be out, but I think that's the smart decision, just to rest it." |
Our View: Veteran Gary Roberts replaced Talbot in the lineup. With the Pens up 3-1 on the Rangers, there's no need to rush Talbot back this round.
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| Sean Avery, W, New York Rangers | Friday 5/2, 10:56 AM CT |
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| Sean Avery's internal bleeding resulting from a lacerated spleen stopped yesterday afternoon, according to Newsday. If the bleeding stops for a period of time, the forward will be moved out of the ICU. |
Our View: Great news for Avery. Hopefully he'll make a full recovery and be ready for the start of next season.
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| Carey Price, G, Montreal Canadiens | Friday 5/2, 9:46 AM CT |
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| Carey Price is expected to start in Game 5, though coach Guy Carbonneau has yet to make anything official. Backup Jaroslav Halak started on Wednesday for the first time in more than a month. There has been speculation that Price is dealing with a hand injury, but his coach quashed those rumors. "Carey Price is not hurt," Carbonneau said in the Montreal Gazette. "Not his finger, hand, shoulder or knee. He has no injuries. But his confidence is hurt a little." |
Our View: Halak wasn't a savior in Game 4, allowing three goals on 25 shots. It's time to get Price back in there.
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| It sounds like the Red Wings are done with 2001 draft pick Igor Grigorenko. The 25-year-old Russian forward showed up to camp out of shape last fall and was sent to the team's AHL affiliate before deciding to head back home to Russia. |
Our View: It appears Grigorenko will never suit up for an NHL game, which is a shame because he has a lot of potential.
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| Although he was coy when asked about his intentions directly, Trevor Linden hinted at a fund-raiser recently that he is contemplating retirement, according to the Vancouver Sun. |
Our View: The 38-year-old has had a tremendous career, but he hasn't been a fantasy factor for a few years now.
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