2011 STANLEY CUP CONFERENCE SEMIFINAL SCHEDULE

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2011 STANLEY CUP CONFERENCE SEMIFINAL SCHEDULE

NEW YORK (April 27, 2011) – The National Hockey League today announced the dates, starting times and national broadcast coverage for the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoff Conference Semifinal round, which begins Thursday, April 28, when the Vancouver Canucks host the Nashville Predators.  On Friday, April 29, the Washington Capitals host the Tampa Bay Lightning and the San Jose Sharks host the Detroit Red Wings.  Saturday, April 30, the Philadelphia Flyers host the Boston Bruins in Game One of that series.  CBC, TSN and RDS televise nationally in Canada.  NBC and VERSUS provide national television coverage in the United States, with VERSUS providing exclusive coverage of two games in each series. 

2011 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

SERIES I                        TIME (ET)        #1 Washington vs. #5 Tampa Bay                Network         
Friday, April 29, 2011                7 p.m.                Tampa Bay at Washington                        VERSUS**, TSN
Sunday, May 1, 2011                7 p.m.                Tampa Bay at Washington                        VERSUS**, CBC
Tuesday, May 3, 2011                TBD                Washington at Tampa Bay                        VERSUS, TSN
Wednesday, May 4, 2011                  7 p.m.                Washington at Tampa Bay                        TSN
*Saturday, May 7, 2011                12:30 p.m.        Tampa Bay at Washington                        NBC, TSN
*Monday, May 9, 2011                TBD                Washington at Tampa Bay                        VERSUS, TSN
*Wednesday, May 11, 2011        TBD                Tampa Bay at Washington                        VERSUS, TSN
SERIES J                        TIME (ET)        #2 Philadelphia vs. #3 Boston                Network         
Saturday, April 30, 2011                3 p.m.                Boston at Philadelphia                        NBC, CBC
Monday, May 2, 2011                7:30 p.m.                Boston at Philadelphia                        VERSUS**, TSN
Wednesday, May 4, 2011                7 p.m.                Philadelphia at Boston                        VERSUS**, CBC
Friday, May 6, 2011                8 p.m.                Philadelphia at Boston                        VERSUS (JIP), CBC
*Sunday, May 8, 2011                3 p.m.                Boston at Philadelphia                        NBC, CBC
*Tuesday, May 10, 2011                TBD                Philadelphia at Boston                        VERSUS, CBC
*Thursday, May 12, 2011                TBD                Boston at Philadelphia                        VERSUS, CBC
                               

2011 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

SERIES K                        TIME (ET)        #1 Vancouver vs. #5 Nashville                Network                 
Thursday, April 28, 2011                9 p.m.                Nashville at Vancouver                        CBC, VERSUS
Saturday, April 30, 2011                9 p.m.                Nashville at Vancouver                        CBC, VERSUS**
Tuesday, May 3, 2011                TBD                Vancouver at Nashville                        CBC, VERSUS
Thursday, May 5, 2011                TBD                Vancouver at Nashville                        CBC, VERSUS
*Saturday, May 7, 2011                8 p.m.                Nashville at Vancouver                        CBC, VERSUS**
*Monday, May 9, 2011                TBD                Vancouver at Nashville                        CBC, VERSUS
*Wednesday, May 11, 2011        TBD                Nashville at Vancouver                        CBC, VERSUS
SERIES L                        TIME (ET)        #2 San Jose vs. #3 Detroit                        Network                 
Friday, April 29, 2011                10 p.m.                Detroit at San Jose                        VERSUS, TSN
Sunday, May 1, 2011                3 p.m.                Detroit at San Jose                        NBC, TSN
Wednesday, May 4, 2011          8 p.m.                San Jose at Detroit                        VERSUS (JIP), TSN
Friday, May 6, 2011                7 p.m.                San Jose at Detroit                        VERSUS**, TSN
*Sunday, May 8, 2011                8 p.m.                Detroit at San Jose                        VERSUS**, TSN
*Tuesday, May 10, 2011                TBD                San Jose at Detroit                        VERSUS, TSN
*Thursday, May 12, 2011                TBD                Detroit at San Jose                        VERSUS, TSN

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DATSYUK NAMED SELKE TROPHY FINALIST

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NEW YORK (April 27, 2011) -- Centers Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings, Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks and Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks are the three finalists for the 2010-11 Frank Selke Trophy, which is awarded "to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game," the National Hockey League announced today. 
Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association submitted ballots for the Selke Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters designated as finalists. The winner will be announced Wednesday, June 22, during the 2011 NHL Awards from the Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Hotel Las Vegas. The 2011 NHL Awards will be broadcast by VERSUS in the United States and CBC in Canada. 
Following are the finalists for the Selke Trophy, in alphabetical order:
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings A master at getting and keeping the puck, Datsyuk ranked 11th in the League in takeaways with 71 despite being limited to 56 games due to injury. Datsyuk tied for second on the Red Wings in plus-minus with a +11 rating and was the club's top face-off man, posting a 54.6% winning percentage (429 of 785) -- his seventh consecutive season posting a win rate above 53%. Datsyuk could become the first player to win the Selke Trophy for four consecutive seasons since Bob Gainey of the Montreal Canadiens won it the first four seasons it was presented, from 1978 through 1981.
Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks Kesler helped the Canucks record the lowest team goals-against average in the NHL (2.20) for the first time in franchise history. He ranked fourth among NHL forwards in blocked shots (80), appeared in all 82 games and averaged a career-high 20:29 in ice time to lead all Vancouver forwards. The speedy center ranked sixth among NHL centers in face-offs taken (1,496), winning a team-best and career-high 57.4% of them (859), dished out 124 hits; recorded a team-high 65 takeaways and posted a +24 rating. Kesler is a Selke Trophy finalist for the third consecutive year, finishing second in 2010 and third in 2009.
Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks Toews led all Chicago forwards in plus-minus and ranked second on the club overall with a career-high +25 rating. He took 1,653 face-offs, second in the NHL behind Carolina's Eric Staal (1,751), and won a League-leading 937 of them (56.7%). He recorded 95 takeaways, also second in the NHL behind San Jose's Joe Thornton (114), delivered 74 hits and blocked 28 shots. The Blackhawks captain, who turns 23 on Friday, is a first-time Selke finalist and a second-time NHL trophy finalist -- he finished third in Calder Trophy voting for the League's top rookie in 2008.
History The trophy was presented in 1977 by the National Hockey League Board of Governors in honor of Frank J. Selke, one of the great architects of Montreal and Toronto championship teams.

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LIDSTROM NAMED NORRIS TROPHY FINALIST

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NEW YORK (April 25, 2011) -- Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins, Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings and Shea Weber of the Nashville Predators are the three finalists for the 2010-11 James Norris Memorial Trophy, which is awarded “to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position,” the National Hockey League announced today. 
Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association submitted ballots for the Norris Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters designated as finalists. The winner will be announced Wednesday, June 22, during the 2011 NHL Awards from the Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Hotel Las Vegas. The 2011 NHL Awards will be broadcast by VERSUS in the United States and CBC in Canada. 
Following are the finalists for the Norris Trophy, in alphabetical order:
Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins 
 Chara is a Norris Trophy finalist for the third time in the past four seasons and for the fourth time overall; he finished second in 2004, third in 2008 and captured the award in 2009. The Bruins captain led the NHL in plus-minus in 2010-11 with a +33 rating, matching his career high set in 2003-04. He recorded 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists), marking the seventh consecutive season he has surpassed the 40-point plateau. Chara also ranked second among NHL defensemen in shots (264), tied for third in power-play goals (eight) and was sixth in average ice time per game (25:26).
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings 
Lidstrom is a Norris Trophy finalist for the 11th time in the past 13 seasons. He has captured the award six times, placed second three times and third once. Lidstrom enjoyed one of his most productive seasons, ranking second among NHL defensemen in scoring with 62 points (16 goals, 46 assists) in 82 games, highlighted by a career-best 11-game point streak. He tied for fourth place among League defensemen in goals, was third in assists and tied for sixth in power-play goals (six). The Red Wings captain, who turns 41 on Thursday, led the Central Division champions in ice time, averaging 23:28 per contest.
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators 
Weber, drafted by Nashville in second round of the 2003 Entry Draft, is a Norris Trophy finalist for the first time. Only two NHL skaters saw more ice time in 2010-11 than Weber, who appeared in all 82 games and averaged 25:19 per contest. The Predators captain set single-season career highs in several categories, including games, average ice time, assists (32) and shots (254). Topping all Nashville defensemen in scoring with 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists), his offensive contribution proved crucial to Nashville in securing a sixth playoff berth in seven seasons; the Predators posted a 13-2-1 record when he scored a goal.
History 
The James Norris Memorial Trophy was presented in 1953 by the four children of the late James Norris in memory of the former owner-president of the Detroit Red Wings.

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LIDSTROM NAMED LADY BYNG TROPHY FINALIST

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NEW YORK (April 21, 2011)  --   Dallas Stars left wing Loui Eriksson, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom and Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Martin St. Louis are the three finalists for the 2010-11 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, which is awarded "to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability," the National Hockey League announced today.

The members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association submitted ballots for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters designated as finalists. The winner will be announced Wednesday, June 22, during the 2011 NHL Awards from the Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Hotel Las Vegas. The 2011 NHL Awards will be broadcast by VERSUS in the United States and CBC in Canada.

Following are the finalists for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, in alphabetical order:

Loui Eriksson, Dallas Stars
Eriksson is a trophy finalist for the first time in his five-year NHL career. The 25-year-old Gothenburg, Sweden native played a strong two-way game for the Stars, leading the club in power-play goals (10) and game-winning goals (six) and placing second in scoring with a career-high 73 points (27 goals, 46 assists) and in plus-minus with a +10 rating. He posted a nine-game assist streak from Dec. 28 to Jan. 15, tied for the longest in the League this season. Eriksson received just eight minutes in penalties, the fewest among the League’s top 50 scorers and by any player appearing in at least 76 games.

Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Lidstrom is a Lady Byng finalist for the first time in eight years and for the sixth time in his NHL career. He has never won the trophy, finishing second or third in the voting for five consecutive years from 1999 through 2003. Lidstrom enjoyed one of his most productive seasons, ranking second among NHL defensemen in scoring with 62 points (16 goals, 46 assists) in 82 games, highlighted by a career-best 11-game point streak. The Red Wings captain, who turns 41 on Apr. 28, assumed his usual heavy workload yet rarely saw the penalty box, receiving just 20 penalty minutes in a team-leading 1,924:25 of ice time.
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning
St. Louis joins Lidstrom as a six-time Lady Byng Trophy finalist, all in the past seven seasons; he captured the award for the first time in 2009-10 after finishing second from 2007 through 2009 and third in 2004. The 35-year-old wing surged late in the season, tallying points in each of his last nine games and in 15 of his final 17 to finish second in League scoring with 99 points (31 goals, 68 assists). He tied a franchise record for assists in a season and posted the second-highest point total in his 12-year NHL career. St. Louis was assessed just 12 minutes in penalties, matching his career low set last year.

History
Lady Byng, wife of Canada’s Governor-General at the time, presented the Lady Byng Trophy during the 1924-25 season. After Frank Boucher of the New York Rangers won the award seven times in eight seasons, he was given the trophy to keep and Lady Byng donated another trophy in 1936. After Lady Byng’s death in 1949, the National Hockey League presented a new trophy, changing the name to the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.

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TEAMMATES NOMINATE LIDSTROM FOR KING CLANCY MEMORIAL TROPHY

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… Award to be Handed Out at NHL Awards Show on June 22 …

Detroit, MI… Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom has been selected by his teammates as the Red Wings’ 2010-11 King Clancy Memorial Trophy nominee. This honor is annually awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy contribution in his community. The winner will be announced at the NHL Awards Show on June 22nd.

On the ice, Lidstrom posted his best offensive season since 2007-08 this year with 16 goals and 46 assists for 62 points at the age of 40, becoming the oldest NHL defenseman to record 60 points in a single season. He ranks fourth all-time in Detroit history in games played (1,494) and points (1,108).

With a career spanning 19 seasons, the Swedish defenseman has a laundry list of accomplishments, including four Stanley Cup titles (1997, ’98, 2002, ’08), one Olympic gold medal (2006), six Norris Trophies in the last nine seasons and the Conn Smythe Trophy (2002). He has also been named to 12 NHL All-Star Games, including being tabbed captain of Team Lidstrom at this year’s NHL All-Star Game.

Whether he is lending his image for a poster to support soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, meeting a sick child after a practice or game or making an appearance at a local school, Lidstrom is an active member in the Metro Detroit community.

Lidstrom visited the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, which is a 758-bed nursing home for military veterans, as part of the team’s third annual Community Relations Tour right before the start of training camp in September. “Everyone involved enjoyed it very much,” activity therapy manager Tiffany Carr explained. “It’s this kind of activity that makes life more pleasurable for our residents.”

Later that same day, Lidstrom along with four of his teammates stopped at Churchill Elementary School in Muskegon, Mich., where forward Justin Abdelkader had attended school as a kid. Following a 45-minute Q&A session, Lidstrom posed for photos with each grade and high-fived every single student as they exited the gym at the end of the assembly.

Each year, the team makes its annual trip to Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit to bring some holiday cheer to the patients getting treatment. As the team spokesman, Lidstrom addresses the media, staff and fellow teammates with a brief speech to kick off the hospital visit.

Lidstrom joined Red Wings’ radio play-by-play announcer Ken Kal at Field Elementary School in Canton, Mich., back in January to talk to 570 kids about the importance of eating healthy and staying active. “He took the time to individually support their new learning, through encouragement and special attention,” principal Peter Kudlak said. “He was engaging, personable and positive with every student.”

Past winners of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy include former Red Wings player Brendan Shanahan, who started a smoke detector collection initiative during the 2002-03 season.

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RED WINGS REASSIGN SEVERAL PLAYERS TO AHL’S GRIFFINS

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… Eight ‘Black Aces’ Now Remain with the Club ...

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that several players have been reassigned to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. A complete list of players who have been reassigned can be found below:

Joakim Andersson

Travis Ehrhardt

Ilari Filppula

Thomas McCollum

Francis Pare

Logan Pyett

Brent Raedeke

Eight Griffins players now remain with the Red Wings, serving in the capacity of ‘Black Aces’ (playoff reserves). These prospects and veteran AHLers will practice after/before the Red Wings every day and will be on hand to dress for an NHL post-season game should the need arise.

Currently leading their Western Conference Quarterfinal showdown with the Phoenix Coyotes 2-0, Detroit’s 2011 playoff schedule continues on Monday night at Arizona’s Glendale Arena 10:30 p.m.

Detroit’s next possible home game would be the series’ fifth game on Friday, April 22 (puck drop – 7:00 p.m.)

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RED WINGS RECALL SMITH, JANIK AND EMMERTON FROM GRAND RAPIDS

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… Detroit’s Quest for a 12^th Stanley Cup Begins Wednesday Night at The Joe ...

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that three players have been recalled from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins to serve as ‘Black Aces’ during the team’s impending Stanley Cup Playoff drive. Forward Cory Emmerton has been called up from the Griffins, as have defensemen Doug Janik and Brendan Smith. Bios of all three players can be found in the attached excel file.

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NHL ANNOUNCES 2011 STANLEY CUP CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINAL SCHEDULE

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NEW YORK (April 10, 2011) – The National Hockey League tonight announced the dates and times for the 2011 Stanley Cup Conference Quarter-Final round, which begins Wednesday, April 13.  All times listed are ET and subject to change.  National broadcast information will be announced when available.

2011 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS

SERIES A                              TIME (ET)       #1 Washington vs. #8 NY Rangers               

Wednesday, April 13, 2011               7:30 p.m.               NY Rangers at Washington                              

Friday, April 15, 2011                         7:30 p.m.               NY Rangers at Washington                              

Sunday, April 17, 2011                      3 p.m.                     Washington at NY Rangers                              

Wednesday, April 20, 2011               7 p.m.                     Washington at NY Rangers                              

*Saturday, April 23, 2011                 3 p.m.                     NY Rangers at Washington                              

*Monday, April 25, 2011                  TBD                       Washington at NY Rangers                              

*Wednesday, April 27, 2011             TBD                       NY Rangers at Washington                              

SERIES B                              TIME (ET)       #2 Philadelphia vs. #7 Buffalo                         

Thursday, April 14, 2011                   7:30 p.m.               Buffalo at Philadelphia                                     

Saturday, April 16, 2011                    5 p.m.                     Buffalo at Philadelphia                                     

Monday, April 18, 2011                     7 p.m.                     Philadelphia at Buffalo                                     

Wednesday, April 20, 2011               7:30 p.m.               Philadelphia at Buffalo                                     

*Friday, April 22, 2011                      7:30 p.m.               Buffalo at Philadelphia                                     

*Sunday, April 24, 2011                    3 p.m.                     Philadelphia at Buffalo                                     

*Tuesday, April 26, 2011                  TBD                       Buffalo at Philadelphia                                     

                                                                             

SERIES C                              TIME (ET)       #3 Boston vs. #6 Montreal                             

Thursday, April 14, 2011                   7 p.m.                     Montreal at Boston                                            

Saturday, April 16, 2011                    7 p.m.                     Montreal at Boston                                            

Monday, April 18, 2011                     7:30 p.m.               Boston at Montreal                                            

Thursday, April 21, 2011                   7 p.m.                     Boston at Montreal                                            

*Saturday, April 23, 2011                                 7 p.m.                     Montreal at Boston                                            

*Tuesday, April 26, 2011                  TBD                       Boston at Montreal                                            

*Wednesday, April 27, 2011             TBD                       Montreal at Boston                                            

SERIES D                              TIME (ET)       #4 Pittsburgh vs. #5 Tampa Bay                   

Wednesday, April 13, 2011               7 p.m.                     Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh                                 

Friday, April 15, 2011                         7 p.m.                     Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh                                 

Monday, April 18, 2011                     7:30 p.m.               Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay                                 

Wednesday, April 20, 2011               7:30 p.m.               Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay                                 

*Saturday, April 23, 2011                 TBD                       Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh                                 

*Monday, April 25, 2011                  TBD                       Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay                                 

*Wednesday, April 27, 2011             TBD                       Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh                                 

2011 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS

SERIES E                              TIME (ET)       #1 Vancouver vs. #8 Chicago       

Wednesday, April 13, 2011               10 p.m.                  Chicago at Vancouver                      

Friday, April 15, 2011                         10 p.m.                  Chicago at Vancouver                      

Sunday, April 17, 2011                      8 p.m.                    Vancouver at Chicago                      

Tuesday, April 19, 2011                     8 p.m.                     Vancouver at Chicago                      

*Thursday, April 21, 2011                 10 p.m.                  Chicago at Vancouver                      

*Sunday, April 24, 2011                    8 p.m.                     Vancouver at Chicago                      

*Tuesday, April 26, 2011                  TBD                       Chicago at Vancouver                      

SERIES F                              TIME (ET)       #2 San Jose vs. #7 Los Angeles                      

Thursday, April 14, 2011                   10 p.m.                  Los Angeles at San Jose                    

Saturday, April 16, 2011                    10 p.m.                  Los Angeles at San Jose                    

Tuesday, April 19, 2011                     10:30 p.m.            San Jose at Los Angeles                    

Thursday, April 21, 2011                   10:30 p.m.            San Jose at Los Angeles                    

*Saturday, April 23, 2011                 10:30 p.m.            Los Angeles at San Jose                    

*Monday, April 25, 2011                  TBD                       San Jose at Los Angeles                    

*Wednesday, April 27, 2011             TBD                       Los Angeles at San Jose                    

SERIES G                             TIME (ET)       #3 Detroit vs. #6 Phoenix              

Wednesday, April 13, 2011               7 p.m.                     Phoenix at Detroit                              

Saturday, April 16, 2011                    1 p.m.                     Phoenix at Detroit                              

Monday, April 18, 2011                     10:30 p.m.            Detroit at Phoenix                              

Wednesday, April 20, 2011               10:30 p.m.            Detroit at Phoenix                              

*Friday, April 22, 2011                      7 p.m.                     Phoenix at Detroit                              

*Sunday, April 24, 2011                    TBD                       Detroit at Phoenix                              

*Wednesday, April 27, 2011             TBD                       Phoenix at Detroit                              

                                               

SERIES H                             TIME (ET)       #4 Anaheim vs. #5 Nashville             

Wednesday, April 13, 2011               10:30 p.m.            Nashville at Anaheim                        

Friday, April 15, 2011                         10:30 p.m.            Nashville at Anaheim                        

Sunday, April 17, 2011                      TBD                       Anaheim at Nashville                        

Wednesday, April 20, 2011               TBD                       Anaheim at Nashville                        

*Friday, April 22, 2011                      10 p.m.                  Nashville at Anaheim                        

*Sunday, April 24, 2011                    TBD                       Anaheim at Nashville                                        

*Tuesday, April 26, 2011                  TBD                       Nashville at Anaheim                        

* if necessary

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