1. I'm thrilled to see the schedule for the CF flatters Gonchar's leg healing. It's a huge advantage for us; hope we use it well.

2. I hope my Wings-fan friends here will remember my steadfast admiration of them these last several years. But I am originally a Hawks fan, so.... but I'm OK with whichever team wins that series-- it will be such GREAT HOCKEY.

3. I'm actually OK if the Canes win the Pens series, too, but GO PENS!

4. Are ANY of you coming over? :~)


2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Conf. Finals Schedule
As of Thursday, 05.14.2009 / 7:05 PM / 2009 Playoffs Conference Finals
NHL.com

The National Hockey League today announced the dates for the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoff Conference Finals, which begin in the Western Conference on Sunday, May 17 when the Detroit Red Wings host the Chicago Blackhawks. The Eastern Conference Final will match the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Carolina Hurricanes and will start on Monday, May 18.

National rightsholders NBC and VERSUS in the United States and CBC, TSN and RDS in Canada will provide exclusive broadcast coverage of the Conference Finals. All games also will be carried on Sirius XM Radio. Start times and broadcast information will be announced when available.

  2009 EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
  SERIES M         
  #4 Penguins                 vs. #6 Hurricanes                   Networks
  Monday, May 18               at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.         VERSUS, TSN, RDS
  Thursday, May 21      at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.         VERSUS, TSN, RDS
  Saturday, May 23      at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.         VERSUS, CBC, RDS
  Tuesday, May 26       at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.         VERSUS, CBC, RDS
  * Friday, May 29      at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.         VERSUS, CBC, RDS
  * Sunday, May 31      at Carolina, 7:30 p.m.         VERSUS, CBC, RDS
  * Tuesday, June 2     at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.         VERSUS, CBC, RDS
                                 
  2009 WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
  SERIES N         
  #2 Wings                vs. #4 Hawks                Network
  Sunday, May 17               at Detroit, 3:00 p.m.         NBC, TSN, RDS
  Tuesday, May 19       at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.         VERSUS, TSN, RDS
  Friday, May 22               at Chicago, 8:00 p.m.         VERSUS, CBC, RDS
  Sunday, May 24               at Chicago, 3:00 p.m.         NBC, CBC, RDS
  * Wednesday, May 27   at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.         VERSUS, CBC, RDS
  * Saturday, May 30    at Chicago, 8:00 p.m.         VERSUS, CBC, RDS
  * Monday, June 1      at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.         VERSUS, CBC, RDS
  
  -  * denotes if necessary
  -  All Times are Eastern Standard Time
  

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~S~