Condolences go out to the family of Derek Boogaard, the NY Rangers and the Minnesota Wild for the loss of 28 year old forward Derek Boogaard who was found dead yesterday at his apartment in Minnesota at the age of 28. Boogaard did not play the second half of this season as he recovered from a concussion he suffered in a fight with the Ottawa Senators' Matt Carkner. At this time, there appears to be no foul play involved and an autopsy is scheduled for today. There is some speculation that the concussion may have been a contributing factor, however, that is not known at this time. Regardless of fan affiliation or your stance on fighting and the enforcer in the game, I think all can agree that it is always a tragedy when a person is taken at such an early age. Thoughts and prayers for all who knew him. [Fanshot Here]
The NHL playoffs resume tonight with the Tampa Bay Lightning (Southlanders) in Boston for an 8pm start on Versus.
The Hockey News: Special Features: NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Preview: Round 3
We're down to the final four teams this NHL season and with the conference finals set to go Saturday, we breakdown the matchups.
More news and links after the jump.
Additional links on the Michael Grabner signing: (Most of which are a little redundant)11-05-13 Michael Grabner.mp3 (audio/mpeg Object)
NY Islanders 7th Woman: Gremlin Signs for Five
Michael Grabner credits emergence to weight loss
This is old, and I never saw it. (Feb 17th), but goes to show, sometimes, size sucks.
5 Years for Grabner - NHL Fans Blog post Brian Compton NHL.com
Islanders lock up Grabner for 5 years, continue good vibes - Puck Daddy - NHL Blog - Yahoo! Sports
Matt Moulson congratulates Grabner
Michael Grabner Signs Long-Term Deal With New York Islanders - SB Nation New York
Islanders' Grabner cashes in with 5-year deal CBC Sports
CBC Sports covers the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Featuring a live video stream, series updates, live stats and news.
Prospects:
The Prospect Park: A Sad Way To End It
Recapping the Portland Winterhawks elimination at the hands of the Kootenay Ice. Nino Niederreiter was essentially invisible in this series.
Arena Stuff:
IPB is attempting to organize social medier in the push for the areneer vote.
NHL News:
Robert Nilsson wants to kick some Russian ass at the WCs
Thrashers sale could come this weekend | Atlanta Business Chronicle
Atlanta, GA News - View Daily Local Business News, Resources & more in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Hockey News: Adam Proteau's Blog: Proteau: Sean Avery's gay marriage stance, fans' attack on agent shows evolution in NHL community
Sean Avery's public service commercial in support of gay marriage stirred a new kind of debate in hockey circles.
Shea Weber says he’s staying with Predators - The Globe and Mail
Nashville defenceman says new deal is ‘going to get done’
5-hole.com | "Expert" Picks Standings
How did you stack up against Scott Burnside? My guess is pretty damn good!
Sens Heritage Jersey Logo Leaked | May
And finally, this video was hooked up to twitter yesterday, and I couldn't hear it because my computer is broken, but it is an old video of Wayne Gretzky visiting Vladislav Tretiak in Russia (Look for the bro-hug at 3:20...wonder if they invented that). Happy Saturday to all.