Boston Bruins: Last Skate Of The Day, April 27, 2014

Apr 26, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing

(17) celebrates with right wing

(12) after scoring an empty net goal during the third period against the Detroit Red Wings in game five of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. The Bruins won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

While it may be a little premature, the team at NESN sees Tuukka Rask as the early favorite for the Conn Smythe this year. While that sounds great, I’d just like to see us get all the way to the Finals first. (NESN)

Also from NESN, Matt Cooke says it wasn’t his intention (this time) to engage in the knee-on-knee hit on Tyler Barrie. Cooke ended up getting a seven game suspension for that hit. As for Avalanche Coach Patrick Roy, he doesn’t think seven games was enough.

The Bruins power play has a 37.5% goal percentage going into the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Bruins power play was so anemic last season that Boston sportswriters often lamented on the possibility that the Bruins should be allowed to refuse the penalty. Now, Bruins special teams are dangerous on both sides of the ice. (CSNNE)

As everyone knows, the second round matchup will be against old the B’s oldest rival, the Montreal Canadiens. The Bruins are looking forward to the matchup. The Habs went 3-1 against us in the regular season (then again, so did the Red Wings), and it certainly going to be another page in this long (and occasionally) ugly story. (ESPN)

The Dallas Stars wrap up their season with a disappointing OT loss against the Anaheim Ducks. Their team takes a minute to thank their fans for being so supportive. As a former resident of Dallas, I got my first taste of NHL hockey watching Mike Modano and the Dallas Stars win the Stanley Cup back in ’99. *stick tap* to you guys. Great season, and it was great to see Tyler Seguin redeem himself in a new city (Dallas Stars)