Boston Bruins Bruins putting pieces of puzzle together Better B s still far from their best B's enter final weekend

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1 SPORT-SCAN Anaheim Ducks Corey Perry ready to carry the Ducks on his back Ducks' Allen welcomes return to playoffs Ducks, Kings playoff scenarios Boston Bruins Bruins putting pieces of puzzle together Better B s still far from their best B's enter final weekend Buffalo Sabres Sabres season ticket prices going up again Sabres notebook: Rolston hasn t heard about return Ryan Miller s house for sale Miller basks in the moment Sabres' Hecht says goodbye; Miller, too? Sabres inform season-ticket holders that prices are going up 4 percent next season Islanders still need victories while Sabres focus on saying goodbye, Miller's 500th game All-around game Reinforcements arrive for Amerks, but how will Cassidy use them? Grigorenko, Flynn, Pysyk to join Amerks for playoffs Calgary Flames Flames fight to the bitter end in season finale Change in philosophy season highlight for Flames Flames Snapshots -- Horak joined by other youngsters Flames close out sorry season with loss Disappointing season comes to a close tonight for the Calgary Flames against league-leading Chicago Blackhawks Carolina Hurricanes For Canes Jordan Staal, a bittersweet return to Pittsburgh Chicago Blackhawks Several Hawks may rest against Blues Emery, Bolland out for Hawks' final regular season home game Corey Crawford steps up again as Hawks top Flames Goalie Carter Hutton likely to make debut in finale Michal Handzus sparkles on second line Friday s result: Blackhawks 3, Flames Strong finish to season for Crawford First-round foe doesn t matter to Hawks Kane, Toews lift Blackhawks to 3-1 win over Flames Hawks face Flames in home finale Hawks preparing for playoff run as regular season nears end Hawks end home schedule with win over Flames Colorado Avalanche Avalanche defenseman Ryan Wilson will not play again this season Giguere eyes positive endgame Avalanche wins 5-4 in shootout at Phoenix Duchene helps Avalanche beat Coyotes 5-4 in shootout Columbus Blue Jackets Michael Arace commentary Fans: It has been a long wait for a game like this Blue Jackets notebook: Atkinson receives two-year extension Blue Jackets: Playoff believer NHL 4/27/2013 DAILY BRIEF Dallas Stars Heika: Stars' changes in off-season, midseason, yield same end Heika: Dallas Stars owner Tom Gaglardi says team 'underachieved' but think it's in a 'great place' Saturday Preview: Dallas Stars trying to win season series and possibly spoil playoff hopes against Detroit GameDay: Detroit Red Wings at Dallas Stars Detroit Red Wings Jamie Samuelsen's blog: Other teams should be wary of low-seeded Red Wings Mike Brudenell: 'Mr. Hockey' salutes Gordie Howe, a must-see movie Red Wings sneaking into playoffs may not be bad thing Helene St. James: 'Desperation,' Franzen, Filppula pacing Red Wings' playoff push Red Wings' second line scoring burst coming just in time ways the Red Wings can make the playoffs Stars could play spoiler role to Red Wings' playoff hopes Red Wings emerge from a most challenging season with chance to extend remarkable playoff streak Rookie Gustav Nyquist, third line helping Detroit Red Wings in push for 22nd straight playoff berth Red Wings regained sense of urgency during crucial final week of playoff push, but their job is not done Win Saturday would give Detroit Red Wings seventh seed in Western Conference playoffs Franzen s hot streak came when Wings needed him most Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers player grades: A win in Minnesota. Really Oilers offence explodes for six goals in rout of Wild in Minnesota Edmonton Oilers defenceman Theo Peckham has mononucleosis Can Edmonton Oilers salvage one small piece of pride against Minnesota Wild? Is Taylor Hall the only Oilers player who truly got the job done this season? Was this Nikolai Khabibulin s last game in net for Edmonton Oilers? Edmonton Oilers turn tables on Minnesota Wild with offensive outburst Florida Panthers COMEBACK KID: Peter Mueller Florida's Masterton Nominee Florida Panthers Peter Mueller nominated for Masterton Trophy Panthers forward Peter Mueller overcomes adversity to be nominated for Masterton Trophy Maple Leafs blank Panthers 4-0 Los Angeles Kings Kings' Darryl Sutter has eye on home-ice advantage Ducks, Kings playoff scenarios KINGS NOTEBOOK: Playoff destination remains up in air

2 Minnesota Wild Chart: The Wild's season comes down to this Humiliated in home finale, Wild now heads to Denver for "Game 7" Scoggins: Fans came to party, Wild never showed up Wild pummeled 6-1 at home with playoff berth on the line Gameday preview: Wild at Colorado Recap: Edmonton 6, Wild Wild routed by Oilers with playoff berth on line Wild notes: Suter, Brodin touted for year-end awards Wild wins, it's in: Pominville out, Rupp returns tonight vs. Edmonton Carson McMillan recalled by the Wild Minnesota Wild lay gigantic egg with chance to clinch playoff berth Tom Powers: At crunch time, Wild have big problem in net Oilers 6. Wild 1: Minnesota routed in chance to clinch playoffs Minnesota Wild: Jason Pominville out with head injury Minnesota Wild: Ryan Suter, Jonas Brodin deserving of some hardware Minnesota Wild call up forward Carson McMillan Montreal Canadiens Oilers thwart Wild from clinching postseason berth Stress ratchets up for Habs fans in playoffs Dave Stubbs: Habs set their sights on postseason Habs need a victory in Toronto Habs, Leafs get ready for regular-season finale Nashville Predators Analysis: How to repair the Nashville Predators Preview: Predators at Columbus Blue Jackets New Jersey Devils Wounded by Missing the Playoffs, the Devils Refuse to Blame Injuries Devils' Pete DeBoer calls Andy Greene 'arguably our MVP' this season Devils' Martin Brodeur will watch season finale and club's offseason moves Former Devils captain Zach Parise glad he left for Minnesota Devils hold last practice session of season Devils' Martin Brodeur has confidence in GM Lou Lamoriello Devils vs. Rangers: Saturday, April 27 New York Islanders Isles not sure of playoff fate Isles pick up point in shootout loss to Sabres Isles' regular season ends with shootout loss to Sabres NHL's Bettman: Get Isles to Brooklyn 'as soon as possible' New York Rangers NY Rangers look to avoid Pittsburgh Penguins in first round of playoffs Crushed Ice: Review of NY Rangers 4-3 win over Canes; Ryan Callahan, Brad Richards talk about their clutch go NY Rangers, Ottawa Senators and Islanders battling for sixth, seventh and eighth seeds in Eastern Conference Rangers need point to avoid No. 8 seed Rangers looking to climb higher in the standings Devils vs. Rangers: Saturday, April Rangers coach John Tortorella says team can exhale briefly NHL NHL: Struggling Carey Price an issue for Canadiens: Feschuk Ottawa Senators Scanlan: 'Erik Karlsson is special (with video) Ten Takes Ottawa Sens forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau makes playoff case Playoff homecoming for Ottawa Sens defenceman Marc Methot Ottawa Sens await playoff destination Ottawa Sens star Jason Spezza returns to the ice Ottawa Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson the talk of the town after remarkable recovery Philadelphia Flyers Call-up Akeson hoping to make NHL debut with the Flyers Young defense getting job done for Flyers Makeshift defense aiding Flyers Team MVP Voracek's future bright Home finale ends on a positive note Flyers' defense excelling despite youth, inexperience Flyers Notes: Team awards handed out for Hartnell vow: Back quicker, stronger Phoenix Coyotes Phoenix Coyotes Lauri Korpikoski returns after missing month with concussion Phoenix Coyotes home slate ends with dud Sarah McLellan's Coyotes blog Pittsburgh Penguins For ex-pens star Staal and his replacement Sutter, a role reversal Penguins notebook: Martin, Neal to play Saturday Crosby returns to practice Not score that counts; it's how they play game Crosby practices with Penguins, return to games still uncertain San Jose Sharks San Jose Sharks playoff opponent still a mystery Meeting between leaders, coaches key to Sharks' turnaround Gomez could return Saturday Sharks' playoff scenarios St Louis Blues Blues-Blackhawks matchup box Win would give Blues home ice in first round Blues updates: Playoff scenarios heading into Saturday's action Blues getting a lot of energy and production with gritty fourth line trio Tampa Bay Lightning For Lightning's St. Louis and Stamkos, a 1-2 finish in reach Lightning prospect fined $1,000 for part in bench-clearing brawl Lightning finale is St. Louis Fundraising Night Lightning's St. Louis, Stamkos pursue league titles

3 Toronto Maple Leafs Reimer chosen Leafs nominee for Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy New MLSE boss Tim Leiweke says Raptors, TFC top priorities: Cox MLSE: Tim Leiweke hailed as a visionary by L.A. civic leaders Tim Leiweke: MLSE names former Los Angeles Kings exec as new CEO Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs: Saturday NHL game preview Maple Leafs: Tyler Bozak nursing mystery injury Maple Leafs: James Reimer nominated for Bill Masterton Trophy Leafs Beat: How far can they go? Our experts weigh in Maple Leafs: Will it be the Canadiens, Bruins or Capitals? Sky-high cost of attending Leaf game squeezing out the common man: Kelly Why Leafs should want playoff series vs. Habs Leafs' Bozak still MIA Young Leafs won't let inexperience hinder them as they enter playoffs MLSE names Tim Leiweke president, CEO Leafs goalie James Reimer nominated for Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy Parlez-vous Francais, Maple Leafs? Leafs line clicks, may not stick Grabovski ready for catcalls Maple Leafs nominate James Reimer for Bill Masterton Trophy Tim Leiweke wants to end Maple Leafs' Cup drought Leafs sending wrong message with combative style, critics say Tough, blue collar Maple Leafs have become Canada s team: Jacques Demers Leafs are keeping their plans under wraps ahead of playoffs Nazem Kadri soars on Leafs top line against Panthers Leafs playoff tickets sell out but not everyone ended up a winner Vancouver Canucks Last-minute cramming: a 2013 Canucks season review Canucks' Kevin Bieksa is team's nominee for Masterton Trophy Bonus hardware! Handing out the real end-of-year Canucks team awards Canucks Juice expects to be set loose for final playoff tune-up Coach Vee subdued after 3-1 loss to under-manned Ducks Canucks look to be gambling with Schneider and Corrado If Tiger Williams was still playing: I d make about 12 million a year. then I d hit somebody and I d be sus Gallagher s Hat Trick: Who s dreaming of California in the first round? The Canucks probably are, and so shoul Bieksa s work to honour memory of Rick Rypien is at the heart of his Masterton nomination Canucks Power play returns just in time Washington Capitals Washington Capitals first-round playoff opponent remains unknown Capitals potential playoff opponent: New York Rangers Capitals potential playoff opponent: Toronto Maple Leafs Capitals potential playoff opponent: New York Islanders Capitals potential playoff opponent: Ottawa Senators Capitals patiently await first-round playoff opponent Capitals notes: Braden Holtby seeks return of rhythm Jim Williams: Mid-season adjustments got Capitals back on track for playoff run Websites ESPN / Need to know: Little has changed for Jets ESPN / Wild a win away from reaching postseason NBCSports.com / Report: ECHL Titans to cease operations in NBCSports.com / PHT Morning Skate: Hockey had a case of the Mondays Winnipeg Jets Injuries a factor in Jets' performance this season Up in the air Noel not worried about next year Playing for his Czech Jets' Olli Jokinen not pulling any punches Decisions... Decisions Antti Miettinen figures he, and other underachievers, won t return to Jets SPORT-SCAN, INC

4 Anaheim Ducks Corey Perry ready to carry the Ducks on his back The right wing has 15 goals and 21 heading into Saturday's regular-season finale at home against Phoenix. By Lance Pugmire 6:50 PM PDT, April 26, 2013 Corey Perry was a fresh-faced second-year player and just 21 when the Ducks started their playoff run to a Stanley Cup championship in Now, the Hart Trophy winner is a little more than a month removed from signing an eight-year, $69-million extension, and the attention on him is far more glaring with the Stanley Cup playoffs just days away. "Starting from a young age and maturing as a player, you're taught to put the team on your back," Perry said after practice Friday at Honda Center. "Everybody wants to do that." Perry has two goals and three assists in the last five games, and it isn't the first time he has gone on a scoring streak this season. From Feb. 15 to March 10 when the Ducks ( ) were going Perry had eight goals and 10 assists. He has 15 goals and 21 assists for the season heading into Saturday's regular-season finale at home against Phoenix. Health watch Ducks wing Bobby Ryan, who left Canada early to return home and recover from the flu, practiced Friday and said he was feeling better. Asked if he'll play the finale against Phoenix, Ryan said, "I'll try." Coach Bruce Boudreau said defenseman Luca Sbisa (lower body injury) will remain sidelined. "We want to win, end on a high note and feel good about ourselves going into our playoffs," Boudreau said of the otherwise inconsequential game. Surprise, surprise Reporters in Vancouver worked to get Boudreau to reveal which goalie he will start in Game 1 of the playoffs, which could open Tuesday at Honda Center against Detroit, Minnesota or Columbus. He wasn't biting. And goalie Viktor Fasth wasn't any more forthcoming. Asked after Friday's practice if he fully understands how Boudreau gauges who will start between Fasth and Jonas Hiller, Fasth said, "No." "You just have to be ready and focus on every game, and when you get the call, you have to be ready," Fasth said. Fasth, a 30-year-old rookie, won his first eight starts and posted his fourth shutout Monday against Edmonton. His goals-against average is Hiller, who began the season as the starter, has won his last two starts and has one shutout, with a 2.36 goals-against average. "You always want to play games," Fasth said. "We played a whole season to be in the playoffs. That's where all the fun starts." Boudreau explained Friday, "Hilly makes the more spectacular of the saves. Viktor's more of a great positional goalie. They're both great, both stop the puck, both compete. You're hoping you can't go wrong" with either one. VS. PHOENIX When: 7. Where: Honda Center. On the air: TV: KDOC. Radio: None. Record vs. Coyotes: Etc. The Ducks will be watching the scoreboard to see who emerges as their first-round playoff opponent. They are 3-0 against Minnesota, 1-2 versus Detroit and against Columbus. LA Times: LOADED:

5 Anaheim Ducks Ducks' Allen welcomes return to playoffs By SAM STRONG :07:51 ANAHEIM Early in Ducks defenseman Bryan Allen's NHL career, making the playoffs was a routine occurrence. As a wide-eyed 20-year-old, he was called up for his debut with the Vancouver Canucks during the final six games of the 2001 regular season and saw action in two playoff games. Vancouver had missed the playoffs in the previous four seasons. "That one really stands out to me," Allen said. Allen's Vancouver teams made the playoffs in 2003 and 2004, but he was traded to Florida in 2006 and again to Carolina in Allen, 32, hasn't had a taste of postseason hockey since "You're a little more naãƒâ ve when you're younger," Allen said. "You're just excited to be there and you think you're going to do it every year. When you realize how hard it is to make it to the playoffs, you appreciate it a little more." He will return to the Stanley Cup playoff stage next week as the Ducks have locked down the Western Conference's No. 2 seed. "It's one of those things that you still never really forget," Allen said. "Maybe you hold it with you more when you haven't had it as often. I'm excited about it." Teammate Andrew Cogliano now in his sixth NHL season will be making his playoff debut after spending his first four seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, who haven't made the playoffs since Coach Bruce Boudreau said he doesn't have to do much to get his players to understand the importance, but rather has to temper excitement. "Sometimes, you really have to clam them down," he said. "The experienced guys know what to expect. They don't panic. The younger guys have to learn. They're going to make mistakes as we all are but they won't be from lack of effort. They'll be working their rear end off." INJURY UPDATE Defenseman Luis Sbisa will not play Saturday night against Phoenix, Boudreau said Friday. Sbisa will have missed six consecutive games with a lower body injury. Boudreau had nothing to say about winger Bobby Ryan's status. Ryan was sent home from Canada with flu-like symptoms, missing the final two games of the trip. He did participate in Friday's optional skate. "My energy level is better than I thought it was going to be," he said. "It's been a long five days. If they need me to go, I'm certainly ready." The Ducks can't help or hurt their seed, rendering Saturday's game meaningless for playoff positioning, but Ryan said the team's safe situation had no bearing on his status. GIVEAWAYS GALORE The final regular-season home game means it is also Fan Appreciation Night at Honda Center. Fans can collect a team photo on their way into the game as well as a Stanley Cup Playoffs car decal on their way out. The Ducks will also sell playoff car flags for $5 and give away a 2013 Honda Accord during the second intermission to one of five finalists selected via participation in online games throughout the season. Orange County Register: LOADED:

6 Anaheim Ducks Ducks, Kings playoff scenarios RICH HAMMOND :38:52 DUCKS PLAYOFF SCENARIOS Ducks will face: Detroit if it wins at Dallas. Minnesota if it wins at Colorado and Detroit loses in any way at Dallas. Columbus if it wins at home against Nashville and Detroit loses in regulation at Dallas and Minnesota loses in regulation at Colorado. If Kings beat San Jose in any way (regulation, overtime, shootout) and Chicago beats St. Louis in any way...kings finish fourth and play No. 5 St. Louis. If Kings beat San Jose in any way AND St. Louis beats Chicago in any way...kings finish fifth and play No. 4 St. Louis. If Kings lose to San Jose in overtime or shootout AND Chicago beats St. Louis in regulation...kings finish fifth and play No. 4 San Jose. If Kings lose to San Jose in any way AND St. Louis beats Chicago in any way OR loses to Chicago in overtime or shootout...kings finish sixth and play No. 3 Vancouver. If Kings lose to San Jose in regulation and Chicago beats St. Louis in regulation...kings finish sixth and play No. 3 Vancouver. Orange County Register: LOADED:

7 Boston Bruins Bruins putting pieces of puzzle together By Nancy Marrapese-Burrell Globe Staff / April 26, 2013 WILMINGTON The Bruins have faced multiple challenges this season. There was the condensed schedule, as the NHL will have squeezed 48 games into, in Boston s case, 100 days. There were injuries, and then, at the trade deadline, there was the addition of new faces, all of whom had to be worked into the fold with next to no practice time. The regular season now comes down to two games: Saturday at Washington and Sunday with a rescheduled contest against Ottawa at TD Garden. The Bruins have a chance to win the Northeast Division and claim the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. With a game in hand, they are tied with Montreal at 61 points. The Canadiens finish up Saturday night with a game in Toronto. We re battling for first in our division and that s something that it s in our hands and we ve just got to go out there and do it, said center Patrice Bergeron. [Saturday] is a big game. Washington has been playing well. It s those types of games that get you ready for the playoffs. Had the Bruins played better consistently, they could have already clinched their playoff position and opted to rest key players this weekend. But Bergeron said the added intensity they are bringing into these games could turn out to be a positive. We ve put ourselves in that situation where it comes down to the last two games for the first spot, second seed in the conference, said Bergeron. It s a good way to finish the season, to be on our toes. If Thursday s shutout win over Tampa Bay was any indication, Boston s lines and defensive pairings appear to be stabilizing. A lot of it was about trying to deal with the injuries also but trying to have a feel of certain combinations and different lines, said Bergeron. I think it s nice to have some chemistry with your wingers and keep it that way. I think right now we have a really good mix, actually. When the Bruins were slumping, Bergeron took it upon himself to try to lead his teammates out of it, but everyone had to assume a role. It is a challenge, said Bergeron. It s a different season also with so many games [in a shorter time]. It s not just about us as a leader, it s about everyone being accountable for yourself, make sure you re ready for every game. I think it s something we ve talked about and have a better approach heading into games. When you are playing 48 games in 100 days, players prepare differently, trying to conserve energy where necessary. We had to not get too high and not get too low, and it s hard to do sometimes, said Bergeron. We play 82 games but we have a little bit more time in between games usually. This time around, there were [fewer] games in a shorter period of time. That was a little tougher on the body, but we re no different. There are 30 teams, so no one feels sorry for ourselves. When the new players joined the Bruins, said Bergeron, it took some time to jell. Just getting used to one another on and off the ice, because it is something where we need to get to know the guys, said Bergeron. Also, systemswise, when you don t practice, maybe you hesitate a little bit more with the new system. But that being said, I think it was about just getting back to basics and playing our game. I think we ve done that, and [Thursday] was a good example. Coach Claude Julien said there is a renewed optimism. There s no doubt there s a better feeling all around in the dressing room, he said. Obviously, we re hoping our fans liked our game a lot better [Thursday]. That s what you need and you need to build on that. Jagr takes a sick day Right wing Jaromir Jagr was given the day off because of flulike symptoms. Julien said he might play Saturday, depending on how he feels... Milan Lucic played much more like himself Thursday, which everyone interpreted as a good sign. Every time he uses his body, he creates a lot of room on the ice for his winger but also for himself, said Bergeron. I m sure he gets himself going for the rest of the game also. He does a lot of good when he s playing like that.... Julien said the Bruins toughness is a necessary ingredient going forward. We want to be able to score on our opportunities a little bit more, he said. But at the same time, we want to continue to defend well and have some great goaltending like we did [Thursday]. The physicality and the grit of our team is what defines us on a lot of nights and that s why it s important to have that. But you can t just go out and hit and bang people and not do the rest of the stuff because it s not going to help you win. Boston Globe LOADED:

8 Boston Bruins Bruins putting pieces of puzzle together By Nancy Marrapese-Burrell Globe Staff / April 26, 2013 WILMINGTON The Bruins have faced multiple challenges this season. There was the condensed schedule, as the NHL will have squeezed 48 games into, in Boston s case, 100 days. There were injuries, and then, at the trade deadline, there was the addition of new faces, all of whom had to be worked into the fold with next to no practice time. The regular season now comes down to two games: Saturday at Washington and Sunday with a rescheduled contest against Ottawa at TD Garden. The Bruins have a chance to win the Northeast Division and claim the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. With a game in hand, they are tied with Montreal at 61 points. The Canadiens finish up Saturday night with a game in Toronto. We re battling for first in our division and that s something that it s in our hands and we ve just got to go out there and do it, said center Patrice Bergeron. [Saturday] is a big game. Washington has been playing well. It s those types of games that get you ready for the playoffs. Had the Bruins played better consistently, they could have already clinched their playoff position and opted to rest key players this weekend. But Bergeron said the added intensity they are bringing into these games could turn out to be a positive. We ve put ourselves in that situation where it comes down to the last two games for the first spot, second seed in the conference, said Bergeron. It s a good way to finish the season, to be on our toes. If Thursday s shutout win over Tampa Bay was any indication, Boston s lines and defensive pairings appear to be stabilizing. A lot of it was about trying to deal with the injuries also but trying to have a feel of certain combinations and different lines, said Bergeron. I think it s nice to have some chemistry with your wingers and keep it that way. I think right now we have a really good mix, actually. When the Bruins were slumping, Bergeron took it upon himself to try to lead his teammates out of it, but everyone had to assume a role. It is a challenge, said Bergeron. It s a different season also with so many games [in a shorter time]. It s not just about us as a leader, it s about everyone being accountable for yourself, make sure you re ready for every game. I think it s something we ve talked about and have a better approach heading into games. When you are playing 48 games in 100 days, players prepare differently, trying to conserve energy where necessary. We had to not get too high and not get too low, and it s hard to do sometimes, said Bergeron. We play 82 games but we have a little bit more time in between games usually. This time around, there were [fewer] games in a shorter period of time. That was a little tougher on the body, but we re no different. There are 30 teams, so no one feels sorry for ourselves. When the new players joined the Bruins, said Bergeron, it took some time to jell. Just getting used to one another on and off the ice, because it is something where we need to get to know the guys, said Bergeron. Also, systemswise, when you don t practice, maybe you hesitate a little bit more with the new system. But that being said, I think it was about just getting back to basics and playing our game. I think we ve done that, and [Thursday] was a good example. Coach Claude Julien said there is a renewed optimism. There s no doubt there s a better feeling all around in the dressing room, he said. Obviously, we re hoping our fans liked our game a lot better [Thursday]. That s what you need and you need to build on that. Jagr takes a sick day Right wing Jaromir Jagr was given the day off because of flulike symptoms. Julien said he might play Saturday, depending on how he feels... Milan Lucic played much more like himself Thursday, which everyone interpreted as a good sign. Every time he uses his body, he creates a lot of room on the ice for his winger but also for himself, said Bergeron. I m sure he gets himself going for the rest of the game also. He does a lot of good when he s playing like that.... Julien said the Bruins toughness is a necessary ingredient going forward. We want to be able to score on our opportunities a little bit more, he said. But at the same time, we want to continue to defend well and have some great goaltending like we did [Thursday]. The physicality and the grit of our team is what defines us on a lot of nights and that s why it s important to have that. But you can t just go out and hit and bang people and not do the rest of the stuff because it s not going to help you win. Cautious on Horton Nathan Horton (upper-body injury) was back on the ice but didn t make the trip to Washington. Nathan is doing fine, he s skating every day, said Julien. He s getting better. We re just, again, maybe extra cautious, but we re going to make sure that we get him ready when the time comes.... Julien didn t say whether he would give some players a game off this weekend but he didn t rule it out. We ve cut down on ice time and stuff like that, he said. What we d like to do and what we have to do are two different things. We ve still got to look at it day by day. Had we controlled our destiny a little bit better, we might have been in a better position, but that s what ends up happening.... Defenseman Matt Bartkowski was sent to Providence to get some ice time. We need him to play, said Julien. He s been a real good addition to us, and if we need him, I d rather have him having played. You may see him back Sunday. We ll see how everything goes. He was sent there for the purpose of helping him out but also to keep playing. Boston Globe LOADED:

9 Boston Bruins Better B s still far from their best Saturday, April 27, 2013 Stephen Harris WILMINGTON - With the playoffs looming, the Bruins have won two of their last seven games. The wins came against Florida, ranked 30th in the NHL and in its last 10 games, and Tampa Bay, 28th in the league and in its last 10. The B s, to put it differently, eked out wins against two of the worst teams in the NHL, and used the games to claim, in part, that their play is improving. Maybe that s true. There s no doubt there s a better feeling all around in the dressing room, said coach Caude Julien. But over this final weekend of the quickie regular season, we ll get a far truer measure of just where the Bruins stand when they face much stronger and more motivated opposition, of the sort they ll encounter when the playoffs begin next week. The B s face Adam Oates resurgent Capitals in Washington tonight. Led by MVP front-runner Alex Ovechkin, the Caps are in their last 10 and will be the Southeast Division champions and No. 3 seed in the East. Washington has been a tough team for us in the past and it s been a tough building for us to play in, as well, Julien said. We ve got a good challenge. That s the kind of thing we need right now: A good challenge. We need to respond to it. And then on Sunday, there is one last game on the NHL schedule: The makeup from Marathon Monday between the Bruins and Ottawa Senators. The Sens are in the playoffs, but it s unsure whether they ll finish sixth, seventh or eighth. These are two teams that have been playing very good hockey, much better than the Bruins. So we will see if the B s truly are getting back on track and are ready for the physical and mental demands of the playoffs. It gives you a little extra motivation, Julien said. But at the same time it also has to be (about) looking at ourselves, fine-tuning our game and bringing it to where we want to be. Of course, the Bruins have been talking about fine-tuning their game for many weeks. Too frequently they fall short in execution, cohesion and work ethic. It s come down to the final 48 hours to try and get things sorted out. You can t go into the playoffs and flip a switch and start playing your best, said winger Brad Marchand. At this point in an ideal season, the Bruins would love to rest key players, to give them a nice break before Game 1 of the playoffs, likely Wednesday or Thursday. But this has hardly been an ideal season. What we d like to do and what we have to do are two different things, Julien said. We still have to look at it day-by-day. Had we controlled our destiny a little bit better we might have been in a better position, but that s what ended up happening. Bruins notes Nathan Horton (hand or wrist injury) skated before the team practice. That s not a good sign. It was hoped the winger could play in one of the final games as a playoff tuneup. He will did not accompany the team to Washington. He s skating every day and getting better, Julien said. We re being maybe extra cautious. We re going to make sure we get him ready when the times comes.... Defenseman Matt Bartkowski, a healthy scratch in four of the last five, was sent to Providence to play last night. He presumably will be back, perhaps for tomorrow night s finale. We need him to play, said Julien. He s been a real good addition. If we need him, I d rather have him having played. The only Bruin not at practice was Jaromir Jagr, who is battling an illness and may not play tonight against the Caps.... Julien on goalie Tuukka Rask s brilliant 30-save shutout of Tampa Bay on Thursday: That s the kind of performance that can carry a team to a long playoffs if he s like that every game.... Julien lavished praise on rookie defenseman Dougie Hamilton, but offered insight into why the 19-year-old has been a healthy scratch in four of the last seven games. Like any young player he realizes that he s going to have to get stronger, not just this summer but in years to come, Julien said. He s realized the guys are a lot stronger and it s a bigger battle for him.... B s trainer Don DelNegro has a black eye and bent pair of glasses, but avoided serious injury when struck in the eye with a puck during Thursday s game. Boston Herald LOADED:

10 Boston Bruins B's enter final weekend Friday, April 26, 2013 Stephen Harris WILMINGTON -- At this point in an ideal season, the Bruins would love to be able to rest key players, having them skip one or both of the final regular-season games to give them a nice break before Game 1 of the playoffs, likely Wednesday or Thursday. But this has hardly been an ideal Bruins season. "What we'd like to do and what we have to do are two different things," said B's coach Claude Julien after practice today. "We still have to look at it dayby-day. Had we controlled our destiny a little bit better we might have been in a better position, but that's what ended up happening." The Bruins play at Washington tomorrow night, and close the season Sunday night at the Garden against the Ottawa Senators. As of yesterday, there were still four possible first-round opponents. The B's cling to the narrowest lead in the Northeast Division and the No. 2 seed in the East. They are tied in points with Montreal, which wraps up its season at Toronto tomorrow night. Nathan Horton (suspected wrist or hand injury) skated on his own, not with the team, and will not play against the Capitals. Jaromir Jagr missed practice because of illness and may miss tomorrow night's game. Boston Herald LOADED:

11 Buffalo Sabres Sabres season ticket prices going up again By John Vogl on April 26, :56 PM, updated April 26, 2013 at 11:56 PM The Sabres on-ice product has gone down. The NHL salary cap is set to drop, too. Buffalo s season-ticket prices, however, are rising again. Sabres fans who checked their mailboxes Friday on the way to the season finale also known as Fan Appreciation Night received a letter informing them of a 4 percent, across-the-board increase on season-ticket prices. Seats are going up between $4 and $1 per game, which results in increases of $173 to $47 for the full-season package. The bump in prices comes following a lockout-shortened season. As part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement with our players, all teams must produce revenue primarily through ticket sales in order to keep the stability of the league and its franchises strong, John Sinclair, vice president of tickets and services, wrote in the letter. The new CBA also features a reduced salary cap. It was set at $70.2 million during the past two seasons, but it will drop to $64.3 million next year. The Sabres, meanwhile, finished last in the Northeast Division. They have missed the playoffs two straight years, part of a slide of four of six seasons and seven of 11. I can assure you that we are not happy with this season s results, Sinclair wrote. We are going to use the offseason to evaluate what actions need to be taken for us to improve and advance toward our goal of winning the Stanley Cup. The Sabres season-ticket package will consist of 45 games: 41 regularseason contests (ranging from $103 to $26 per seat), three preseason games ($28 to $12 each) and one free appearance by the Rochester Americans in Buffalo. The most expensive package (200 Level Club) is $4,307 per seat, while the least expensive (300 Levels III and IV) is $1,102. The Sabres say their 4 percent increase is the smallest in seven seasons, but it comes on the heels of last season s hike of up to 12.2 percent. Buffalo last made the playoffs following the season. Season tickets ranged from $88 to $22 per seat. Next season s range of $103 to $26 represents increases of 17.1 percent and 18.2 percent, respectively. Preseason games were first included in the season-ticket package in , with two games ranging from $25 to $10 per seat. Fans will have to buy tickets to an extra exhibition next season, and each game will cost $3 to $2 more. Buffalo News LOADED:

12 Buffalo Sabres Buffalo News LOADED: Sabres notebook: Rolston hasn t heard about return By John Vogl on April 26, :39 PM, updated April 26, 2013 at 11:56 PM Ron Rolston walked along the Buffalo bench for the 31st time Friday. Whether he ll be back next year for a 32nd game is among the biggest questions for the Sabres as they enter the offseason. Rolston has been carrying the tag of interim coach since taking over for Lindy Ruff on Feb. 20. He said he has not had any conversations with management about staying on permanently. Certainly, it s my dream to be an NHL coach, Rolston said in First Niagara Center. I had an opportunity this year, and I want to continue that. The Sabres were when he took over. They finished after the 2-1 shootout victory over the New York Islanders, giving Rolston a record of I think we ve made progress, Rolston said. I m not happy that we re not in the playoffs. We needed to do a better job there, but we made some progress I think as a team. We played better down the stretch in terms of the success that we ve had. Rolston, who previously worked for the Sabres minor-league club in Rochester and the United States National Team Development Program, was hired with a reputation for teaching young players. The Sabres are the youngest team in the NHL with an average age of 26.6, and they could get more inexperienced as they continue their rebuild. For me, that s one of the strong points I have in terms of helping players move on and get better in development situations, Rolston said. It s been difficult with the lockout year with the time that you have. A lot of your time is just trying to get yourself back to preparation for the next game. I think a longer season gives you the opportunity for more development and more of the hands-on stuff that we need to be doing in the future.... The Sabres were eliminated from playoff contention last week, which gave them plenty of time to prepare their goodbyes. They are wasting no time making them official. Buffalo will conduct its annual ritual of locker clean-out today. The Sabres usually gather for the last time two or three days after the season ends. The team also announced that President Ted Black and General Manager Darcy Regier will conduct a season-ending news conference Monday in First Niagara Center. There was no mention of owner Terry Pegula attending.... Thomas Vanek reclaimed his title of Buffalo s top goal-scorer after finishing the season with 20 in 38 games. Cody Hodgson was second with 15 goals in 48 outings. Though disappointed in the team results, Vanek was OK with his stats. He completed a hat trick of sorts, leading the team with 41 points and tied Tyler Ennis for the assist lead with 21. I felt like it was a solid season, Vanek said. The guys I played with, mainly Cody, I was just trying to go out there and make whoever I played with better, make plays. For the most part, I think I accomplished that. Vanek has led the Sabres in goals six times in the last seven seasons. Former captain Jason Pominville topped him last year. Steve Ott recorded the most penalty minutes with 93. Forward Jochen Hecht had the top plus/minus rating at plus-7, while right wing Drew Stafford was the worst at minus-16. Enforcer John Scott failed to record a point in 34 outings. Ott and Hodgson were the only players to dress in all 48 games.

13 Buffalo Sabres Ryan Miller s house for sale staff on April 26, :19 PM, updated April 26, 2013 at 11:19 PM Ryan Miller s townhouse in the Elmwood Village is listed for sale with Realty USA, an indication that the Buffalo Sabres season finale Friday could have been Miller s last game. The asking price for the 2,700-square-foot property is $659,900, according to an online listing. Miller bought it for $348,000 in 2007, according to county property records. While Miller may be on his way out, the Buffalo Bills new regime is moving in. Head coach Doug Marrone paid $1 million for an Amherst house that was owned by the Bills former president, Tom Donahoe, prior to the most recent owner. The same week in March that Marrone closed on the deal for his house, two staff members defensive coordinator Mike Pettine and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett bought homes in Orchard Park, according to county property records. Buffalo News LOADED:

14 Buffalo Sabres Miller basks in the moment By John Vogl on April 26, :30 PM, updated April 27, 2013 at 1:38 AM Ryan Miller has seen a lot of friends and teammates leave Buffalo the past few years. Another joined the list Friday night when Jochen Hecht announced his retirement from the NHL. As Miller observed the veteran s emotional departure and soaked in the atmosphere surrounding a special milestone Miller played his 500th game in the Sabres 2-1 shootout victory over the New York Islanders the goaltender reflected on change. Everything comes to an end, Miller said in First Niagara Center. It s not always clean and easy. Most of the time, it s a little bit dirty and not any fun. It was hard to watch these guys kind of leave a team one by one, but it s the nature of sports, nature of life. You can t just hold on to something that s not sustainable. Everything becomes stagnant if you re always trying to hold on to one thing. You have to keep searching. You have to keep talking to people, meeting people, living life. That s when things happen for you. That s when things like winning a championship can happen is when you accept that you can t just hold on. You have to let go a little bit. Though Miller was speaking in general, the message carried a personal undertone. Miller enters the offseason surrounded by uncertainty about his playing future. The Sabres are rebuilding, and the 32-year-old has just one season remaining on his contract. It s unclear whether the team wants him to be part of the makeover, or whether he s willing to be. So Miller did his best to live in the moment. For the second straight home game, he raised his glove hand in response to crowd noise. This time, the goaltender was acknowledging cheers after the team announced his 500th appearance. After making his third save of the shootout, Miller rolled in his crease and reached his arms skyward. He received a kiss on the cheek from a longtime, white-haired fan after a postgame jersey exchange. And after the Sabres gathered at center ice for one last salute to their fans, Miller was the final player to leave the circle. He did so with waves to every corner of the building. I was just trying to have some fun with it, just remind Buffalo people that I appreciate everything they ve done for me, Miller said. Because we re not going to make the playoffs, it s something where I can just step out of myself and try and appreciate the moment a little bit more. It was nice. I appreciate all the signs everyone had up. The crowd was very receptive, and I really appreciate that. It made it a fun night and something I ll remember. Miller was honored before, during and after the game. His teammates voted him as the Sabres Most Valuable Player prior to puck drop. He exited with a 30-save performance that earned First Star honors. Hecht shared in the spotlight. Interim coach Ron Rolston gave the 35-yearold a rare appearance in the shootout. The German native stood in the dressing room in the bulky, furry coat worn by the player of the game. Hecht s son and daughter hung out with him in the dressing room, and his wife joined the trio on the bench for pictures long after the arena emptied. It s best for everybody to start a new life, said Hecht, who will continue to play professionally in his homeland. I ve got some great memories. I lived here and loved this place for 10 years, 11 years, and Buffalo became a second home to me. Hecht arrived in Buffalo in 2002 after a trade from Edmonton. He finished 12th in franchise history with 612 games and is 18th in goals (138) and points (345). Drafted in the second round by St. Louis in 1995, he actually began his career in Buffalo on Jan. 13, 1999, as a member of the Blues. I was fortunate enough to play my first game in Buffalo with St. Louis, and I played my last game in Buffalo, Hecht said. It s kind of full circle, came around. It was a lot of fun. Said Miller: That s something where it s hard to watch someone have to step away from something. I m happy he gets to continue playing hockey, but we re going to miss him over here in North America.... He s played a long time, did a lot of great things. The same can be said of Miller. The stuff he s done for this organization and this team over a lot of years now, it s pretty special for him to get the 500th and get it here at home, said defenseman and Unsung Hero recipient Mike Weber. Obviously, to get the win for him, too, that s amazing. Buffalo News LOADED:

15 Buffalo Sabres Sabres' Hecht says goodbye; Miller, too? April 26, :47 PM By John Vogl Jochen Hecht announced his retirement from the NHL tonight and said goobye to Buffalo. Ryan Miller, while speaking in general about change, might have bid farewell, too. Their quotes: Hecht -- "It s best for everybody to start a new life. It s been a lot of fun. I ve got some great memories. I lived here and loved this place for 10 years, 11 years, and Buffalo became a second home to me. "Buffalo has been like a second home for everybody. I was fortunate enough to play my first game in Buffalo with St. Louis, and I played my last game in Buffalo. It s kind of full circle, came around. It was a lot of fun." Miller -- "Everything comes to an end. It s not always clean and easy. Most of the time, it s little bit dirty and not any fun. It was hard to watch these guys kind of leave a team one by one, but it s the nature of sports, nature of life. You can t just hold on to something that s not sustainable. Everything becomes stagnant if you re always trying to hold on to one thing. "You have to keep searching. You have to keep talking to people, meeting people, living life. That s when things happen for you. That s when things like winning a championship can happen is when you accept that you can t just hold on. You have to let go a little bit. "I ve just been talking to a lot of people in the last year or so about those kind of things. The common thing is that right there. You don t chase it. You just experience life and you do the right things, and those things just kind of happen." Buffalo News LOADED:

16 Buffalo Sabres Sabres inform season-ticket holders that prices are going up 4 percent next season April 26, :16 PM By John Vogl The cost of owning Sabres season tickets is going up again. Buffalo's season-ticket holders received a letter today -- on Fan Appreciation Night -- informing them of an across-the-board increase of 4 percent. The per-seat increase is $4 to $1 per game, which equates to package increases of $173 to $47 over this season's prices. The NHL salary cap, meanwhile, will go down from $70.2 million this season to $64.3 million next season. "As part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement with our players, all teams must produce revenue primarily through ticket sales, in order to keep the stability of the league and its franchises strong," John Sinclair, vice president of tickets and service, wrote in the letter. The season-ticket package will include 45 games: 41 regular-season contests (ranging from $103 to $26 per seat), three preseason games ($28 to $12 each) and one free appearance by the Rochester Americans in Buffalo. The most expensive package (200 Level Club) is $4,307, while the least expensive (300 Levels III and IV) is $1,102. A 10 percent deposit will be due June 12. The Sabres mention there is a season-ticket waiting list and say they will increase their season-ticket base. The Sabres will close their second staight season with no playoffs tonight, part of a run of four of six and seven of 11 with no postseason. "I can assure you that we are not happy with this season's results," Sinclair wrote. "We are going to use the offseason to evaluate what actions need to be taken for us to improve and advance toward our goal of winning the Stanley Cup." Buffalo News LOADED: