Eric Stephen of the OC Register: Ducks goalie Ray Emery is still being bothered by a lower body injury and may not be ready to go. Jonas Hiller is still dealing with vertigo symptoms. Dan Ellis is likely to be the start for Game 1. “You go with the hot hand. Dan has been very strong in the nets for us. He’s been a great guy as far as his work ethic and hasn’t wavered in is support of his teammates,” Carlyle said.
Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Despite skating on his own, Max Pacioretty “isn’t close to returning” according to coach Jacques Martin.
David Pollak of the San Jose Mercry News: Sharks forward Ryane Clowe should be ready for their playoff opener. “Clowe’s fine,” the coach said. “I talked to him after practice. He felt really good. He was smiling. I asked him about his legs and his lungs and he said everything felt good. Like I said before, we expect him to be playing and I think he expects himself to play.”
