Western Conference Finals: Blackhawks take 1-0 series lead over Kings

BLACKHAWKS 2 – KINGS 1 The Chicago Blackhawks have opened a 1-0 series lead over the Los Angeles Kings, defeating the Kings 2-1 on Saturday evening. Marian Hossa (6) and Patrick Sharp (8) scored the Hawks and Corey Crawford made 21 saves on 22 shots. The Blackhawks carried the play and the Kings struggled to skate with the Hawks. The Kings were outshot 17-2 in the first period but opened the scoring when Justin Williams scored off a Blackhawks turnover at 14:23 of the first period as the Kings scored on one of their two shots in the period. Chicago would respond with two second period goals from Sharp and Hossa. Joanthan Quick looked unbeatable early on and to beat

Trade Analysis: CBJ deal Jeff Carter to Kings in-exchange for Jack Johnson and first-round pick

CBJ deal Carter to Kings The Los Angeles Kings have acquired center Jeff Carter from the Columbus Blue Jackets in-exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson and a first round pick, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus-Dispatch reports. Both players must pass physicals. The first round pick is conditional and the Blue Jackets receive a 2012 first round pick if the Kings make the playoffs, or a 2013 first round pick if the Kings miss the playoffs. Carter, 27, has 15 goals and 25 points in 39 games this season. He is signed through the 2021-2022 season with a cap hit of $5,272,727 million. Johnson, 25, has six years left on a seven year, $30.5 million deal that carries a $4,357,143 million cap

NHL: Latest Trade Rumblings: Teams preparing to make a run at Kovalchuk

Hurricanes not moving Eric Staal A number of league sources have disputed any talk that the Carolina Hurricanes are even considering the possibility of moving Eric Staal. Not going to happen under any circumstances I’m told A report by the Ottawa Sun indicated the St. Louis Blues were making a play for Staal. Market growing for Ilya Kovalchuk The Atlanta Thrashers have yet to make Ilya Kovalchuk available for trade but when or if they do, teams are already beginning preparations. The Flyers, Kings, Oilers and Canucks are four teams prepared to make a major play for Kovalchuk, sources tell me. The Kings are willing to offer a package centering around Dustin Brown and Jack Johnson, while Philadelphia has made

Series Preview: Penguins in 6

(Courtesy of South Central) Season Series 10/14/08: PIT 3 – PHI 2 11/13/08: PIT 5 – PHI 4 12/13/08: PHI 6 – PIT 3 1/13/09: PIT 4 – PHI 2 2/21/09: PIT 5 – PHI 4 3/22/09: PHI 3 – PIT 1 Star Power PIT: Evgeni Malkin (112 pts), Sidney Crosby (103 pts) PHI: Jeff Carter (84 pts), Mike Richards (80 pts) Advantage – Pittsburgh Forwards Pittsburgh: Down the middle the Penguins are the deepest team in the NHL with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal. While Crosby, Malkin had little help for much of the season, Penguins general manager Ray Shero added Chris Kunitz (18 points, 20 pts) and Bill Guerin (12 points, 17 games) prior to the