And Another Two

Two of three games last night led to eliminations: the Sabres ended the Islanders season and the Sharks took care of the Predators.

The end of the Lightning at Devils game, the only non-elimination game last night, got physical.  The Bolts were definitely frustrated by the Devils and were already trying to put the game past them and try and set the tone for the next game in Tampa.  Devils assistant coach John MacLean let Lightning head coach John Tortorella know how he felt after the Nolan Pratt-Jamie Langenbrunner fight.  Maybe he didn’t like Andre Roy and Pratt looking for trouble at the end of the game, or maybe it was just because the linesmen weren’t in a rush to break up the second fight, where Pratt had the clear upper-hand.  Neither would say, but Lighting captain Tim Taylor spoke of setting the tone for next game:

“It’s about Game 6. That’s what it’s all about: getting ready for Game 6 and letting them know we’re not a team that just gives in,” Taylor said. “It’s about one game, winning Game 6, and that’s what the end of the game was about, that we’re letting them know we’re not giving in.”

Chris Simon’s Suspension

The Islanders played a total of 5 playoff games.  That leaves Chris Simon with 5 games remaining on his suspension.  These carry into next regular season, assuming he signs with an NHL team.  Simon is an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Sean Hill’s Suspension

Hours prior to last night’s games it was announced that Hill has been suspended 20 games.

League bans Hill for drug violation

If the Islanders were wondering what else possibly could go wrong in their Stanley Cup first-round series against Buffalo, they got the answer hours before Game 5 against the Sabres Friday night at HSBC Arena. Defenseman Sean Hill made ignominious history Friday afternoon when he became the first player ever suspended under a new NHL program for violating policy banning the use of performance-enhancing substances. There was no announcement of the substance used by Hill that violated the policy.

Hill, now 37-years old, has 19 games left on this suspension and is an unrestricted free agent this summer.

The Islanders didn’t make much of a peep regarding Hill’s suspension.  GM Garth Snow said “The Islanders support the commissioner’s decision.”  The Toronto Star’s Damien Cox thinks the timing of it is suspicious.

Last night’s fights

Andre Roy vs Michael Rupp Apr 20, 2007
Nolan Pratt vs Jamie Langenbrunner Apr 20, 2007

Today’s games

Calgary Flames vs Detroit Red Wings 3:00 PM ET
Vancouver Canucks vs Dallas Stars 8:00 PM ET

Some reads

Clearly, Wild have a long way to go
Assessing midseason NHL deals
Not the same old Sens
Stars’ Sydor thrives on hitting
Lindros rusty but happy to be back
Rangers Sign Colton Orr to a Contract Extension
Rangers Sign Hollweg, Pock and Sanguinetti to New Contracts

Update 325pm: Randy Youngman writes about the Wild-Ducks series, focusing on Lemaire and Boogaard, neither of whom shook hands after the series was over.