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It took about 48 hours for the Chicago Blackhawks to get a stranglehold in their Western Conference Finals series against the Los Angeles Kings. Game two, which took place Sunday night, after Saturday afternoon's game one, is one of the many scheduling flukes for the NHL this season. Most were caused by the lockout. This one was because of the Rolling Stones. [LA Times]
The short rest didn't appear to have a negative impact on either team, as both squads looked to have stepped up their game from the previous meeting. The bad news for Kings fans is that their intensity was matched and surpassed by the Blackhawks, who are beginning to look quite dominant, with their fifth straight victory of these playoffs. [CBS]
Raffi Torres's soulmate, Matt Cooke, is breathing a sigh of relief this morning, as he learned last night that he would not be facing any disciplinary action for his hit on Boston's Adam McQuaid on Saturday. The Bruins, who appeared to easily handle the star-power of the Penguins offense, will suit up for game two of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight at 7pm central time. [The Globe and Mail]
Former Dallas Stars legend Mike Modano is engaged again. The relatively recently divorced center confirmed reports yesterday that he and professional golfer Allison Micheletti are planning to get married. If that name sounds familiar to you (and you're not a fan of women's golf), then it's probably because of her father, former NHLer, and current broadcaster, Joe Micheletti. [Fox Sports Southwest]
In other Stars news, Dallas has been granted permission to speak with Toronto Marlies coach Dallas Eakins about their open head coaching position. The former defenseman is in high demand around the league as one of the brightest young coaching prospects around. [TSN.ca]
The Dallas Stars aren't the only team prepping to unveil new uniforms tomorrow. The Carolina Hurricanes have been trying to virally market what they're calling a "New Storm" of an identity. The changes aren't nearly as drastic as the changes the Stars are expected to unveil, but they're definitely a departure from the warning-flag striped uniforms the Hurricanes have worn for every game since moving south from Hartford. [Carolina Hurricanes]
The New York Islanders goaltending carousel is about to get even more interesting. Remember when they traded Roberto Luongo for a chance to snag Rick DiPietro with the first overall draft pick? Rumors are now swirling that the Isles are interested in picking up the veteran Luongo again, as things with Dipi haven't quite worked out as they had planned. [SBNation]
In unrelated Islanders goalie news, Tim Thomas plans to actually make a comeback to the league next season. The Islanders currently own his rights, but there are many who believe that the Islanders will not toll his contract, and allow him to become an unrestricted free agent. It will be interesting to see if this plays into their goaltending search at all, and if there's even a market for Thomas anymore. [ProHockeyTalk]
If you're looking for a long-read this morning, here is story out of Vancouver about a transgendered teenage goaltender that is seeking acceptance while focusing on the sport they love. [The Province]
Today's video features a pretty sweet goaltender stare-down during some rough stuff in Chicago. It's good to see the Western Conference series match the intensity and hatred we've seen in the Eastern Conference.