Five for Fighting

Texas Stars lose Game 6. 2-0; Game 7 on Tuesday

Here is the press release:

WOLVES SHUTOUT STARS 2-0, TIE SERIES 3-3

Chicago Hosts Game 7 on Tuesday, May 11th at 7:00 PM

Rosemont, IL - The Texas Stars (7-3) were defeated by the Chicago Wolves (7-6) 2-0 on Sunday afternoon in front of 3,316 fans at the Allstate Arena in Game 6 of the West Division Finals. Chicago goalie Drew MacIntyre (1-1) made 28 saves for the victory, tying the series 3-3 and forcing Game 7 on Tuesday night in Chicago at 7:00 pm. Wolves forwards Anthony Stewart and Joey Crabb each scored in the Chicago win. Stars goalie Brent Krahn (7-3) made six saves before he was knocked out of the game by a collision in front of the Texas net at 14:59. Goalie Matt Climie relieved Krahn and stopped 26 of 27 in the defeat. Wolves forwards Matt Anderson and Tim Stapleton set up both Chicago goals.

Chicago scored the lone goal of the first period. The Wolves struck on the power play at 12:28 for the 1-0 lead. Chicago's Matt Anderson centered to the Texas crease and winger Anthony Stewart redirected the puck past Texas goalie Brent Krahn for the first goal of the night, his ninth of the postseason. Tim Stapleton also added an assist on the only goal of the first period. Stars goalie Brent Krahn was injured at 14:59of the period and was taken out of the game. Goalie Matt Climie replaced Krahn with 5:01 left in the first frame.

After a scoreless second period, the Wolves extended their lead to 2-0 at 6:06 of the third period. Winger Joey Crabb chipped the puck to the Texas next and it bounced past Stars goalie Matt Climie for Crabb's sixth goal of the postseason and a 2-0 final score.

West Division Finals Schedule (best of seven)
Game 1 - Texas 4 at Chicago 3 (OT)
Game 2 - Texas 3 at Chicago 4 (OT)
Game 3 - Chicago 5 at Texas 3
Game 4 - Chicago 2 at Texas 3
Game 5 - Chicago 3 at Texas 5
Game 6 - Texas 0 at Chicago 2 (Series tied 3-3)
Game 7 - Tues., May 11 - Texas at Chicago, 7:00 p.m.

Jamie Benn has five-point night, Texas Stars win 5-3

Here is the press release:

STARS TAME WOLVES 5-3, TEXAS LEADS SERIES 3-2

Stars Head to Chicago for Game 6 on Sunday, May 9th at 3:00 PM

Cedar Park, TX - The Texas Stars (7-2) defeated the Chicago Wolves (6-6) 5-3 on Friday night in front of 5,112 fans at Cedar Park Center in Game 5. Texas rookie forward Jamie Benn posted the first hat trick on home ice and the first five-point game in Stars history, leading Texas to a 3-2 series lead in the West Division Finals. Stars goalie Brent Krahn (7-2) made 43 saves for the victory. Texas forwards Perttu Lindgren and Raymond Sawada each added two points in the win. Chicago goalie Peter Mannino (6-5) made 12 saves in two periods of work, giving up four goals in the defeat. Wolves' winger Anthony Stewart scored two goals in the loss. Game 6 of the West Division Finals is on Sunday, May 9th at 3:00 PM in Chicago.

The Wolves opened the scoring with a power-play goal just 2:23 into the first period. Forward Joey Crabb centered a pass to the Texas crease and Anthony Stewart picked up the goal, beating goalie Brent Krahn on the stickside. Stewart leads the team in power-play goals, notching five in the postseason. Texas tied the game 1-1 with a power-play tally at 9:40. Forward Jamie Benn scored from the bottom of the right-wing circle, his first goal of the night. Center Perttu Lindgren set up Benn for his team-leading fifth goal of the playoffs. Stars defenseman Andrew Hutchinson also tallied an assist on the power-play goal. Just 3:17 later, Benn scored his second goal of the night, giving the Stars a 2-1 lead over the Wolves in the opening frame. Benn received a pass from right wing Raymond Sawada at the front of the net and stickhandled the puck past Mannino for his second goal of the night. With 32 seconds remaining in the period, the Stars increased their lead to 3-1. Defenseman Dan Jancevski collected a rebound in the slot and set up Lindgren for a shot from the left-wing circle. Benn also added an assist on Lindgren's fourth goal of the postseason.

At 14:17 of the second period, Sawada set up Benn for his third goal of the night, extending the Stars lead to 4-1. Benn moved the puck through the Chicago zone and fired a wristshot from the left-wing circle past Mannino on the gloveside. Mannino was replaced by goalie Drew MacIntyre after stopping 12 of 16 Texas shots in 25:43 minutes of play. Chicago cut the Stars' lead in half at 4-2, as Anthony Stewart scored his second of the night at 11:14. Jason Krog dished the puck from the goal-line to the Texas crease, where Stewart fired a shot past Krahn on the gloveside. Stewart has eight goals in the postseason.

Wolves' winger Tim Stapleton scored with 1:31 left in the third period, bringing Chicago within a goal of tying the game at 4-3. Defenseman Nathan Oystrick and forward Matt Anderson assisted Stapleton's team-leading tenth point of the postseason. Stars center Aaron Gagnon added an empty-netter with 16.5 seconds left in the game, sealing the 5-3 victory over Chicago.

West Division Finals Schedule (best of seven)
Game 1 - Texas 4 at Chicago 3 (OT)
Game 2 - Texas 3 at Chicago 4 (OT)
Game 3 - Chicago 5 at Texas 3
Game 4 - Chicago 2 at Texas 3
Game 5 - Chicago 3 at Texas 5 (Texas leads series 3-2)
Game 6 - Sun., May 9 - Texas at Chicago, 3:00 p.m.
Game 7 - Tues., May 11 - Texas at Chicago, 7:00 p.m. -X
X = If Necessary

The West Division Finals best-of-seven series moves to Chicago for Game 6 and a possible Game 7. Game 6 is on Sunday, May 9th at 3:00 PM. If needed, Game 7 is slated for Tuesday, May 11th at 7:00 PM.

Stars and Andy Moog to part ways

Andy Moog will not return as an assistant coach, Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk confirmed Friday.

Moog's contract runs out on July 1, and the two sides have decided to go in different directions, Nieuwendyk said.

``It was a situation where Andy was ready to move on and we discussed some things and just came to a mutual decision,'' Nieuwendyk said.

Moog agreed: ``I think we both agreed it was time to try something else. It was just something where there are things they want to do and things they need to try.''

Moog had served as goaltending coach and goaltending consultant in previous seasons with the Stars, but was elevated to assistant coach last season under new head coach Marc Crawford. He and Stu Barnes alternated between spending time on the bench and being the eye-in-the-sky in the press box. There were several times when both were on the bench with Crawford and assistant coach Charlie Huddy.

Nieuwendyk said he has plans to hire a new assistant coach to replace Moog, but was not finished with the process.

Moog said he'll take about a month off and then start to look for other opportunities. He said he will not stick simply to goaltending situations, but will be open to any idea.

``It just depends on how I can fit in and help,'' Moog said. ``I'm really open to anything, but I have time to find the right fit.''

Texas Stars get ready for Game 5 Friday night _ Peters suspended one game

The Texas Stars saw Warren Peters join Garrett Stafford on the suspension list. Peters was suspended one game for his major penalty in Game 4.

The Stars will play Game 5 against Chicago tonight in Cedar Park.

In 109 AHL series that have been tied 2-2, the winner of Game 5 has gone on to win the series 86 times (78.9%), so this is a big game for Texas (especially at home).

Here is the press release updating the series:

Game 5: West Division Finals

Texas Stars (6-2) at Chicago Wolves (6-5) (series tied 2-2)

The two teams are split with up to three games remaining in the series. Texas won Game 1 in Chicago and Game 4 at Cedar Park Center. Chicago won Game 2 at home and took Game 3 at Texas.

This is the first time Texas meets Chicago in the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Stars swept Rockford in the first round to advance to the West Division Finals. Chicago edged Milwaukee in seven games to get to their second round match up with Texas. The two teams played eight times during the regular season with each team winning four games. The road team went 3-1-0-0 in the regular season series. So far in the postseason, the road team is 2-2.

Texas went 24-13-2-2 at home in the regular season and is 3-1 in the post-season. Chicago finished the regular season with a 20-16-1-3 record away from Allstate Arena in the regular season. The Wolves are 2-3 in five road playoff games.

West Division Finals Schedule (best of seven)
Game 1 - Texas 4 at Chicago 3 (OT)
Game 2 - Texas 3 at Chicago 4 (OT)
Game 3 - Chicago 5 at Texas 3
Game 4 - Chicago 2 at Texas 3 (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5 - Fri., May 7 - Chicago at Texas, 7:30 p.m.
Game 6 - Sun., May 9 - Texas at Chicago, 3:00 p.m.
Game 7 - Tues., May 11 - Texas at Chicago, 7:00 p.m. -X
X = If Necessary

Series Leaders -
Chicago winger Brett Sterling leads all scorers in the playoff series with four assists and seven points in four games. Chicago forwards, Jason Krog and Anthony Stewart, each has five points in the first four games of the series. Left wing Francis Wathier leads Texas in scoring against Chicago in the postseason with four assists and five points in four games. Stars centers Travis Morin, Aaron Gagnon and Perttu Lindgren each lead the team with two goals against the Wolves. Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson and Dan Jancevski, along with right wing Greg Rallo, each have four points in the four-game series. Texas goalie Brent Krahn is 2-2 with a 3.07 goals against average and a .897 save percentage against Chicago. Wolves' goalie Peter Mannino is 2-2 with a 2.85 goals against average and a .891 save percentage against the Stars.

The Wolves have gone 6-14 on the power play against Texas in the West Division Finals, including 3-6 in Game 3 on Tuesday night at Cedar Park Center. Texas is 3-16 on the power play in the playoffs after going 2-28 in the regular season against the Wolves.

AHL Announces Peters' Suspension - May 7, 2010
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. ... The American Hockey League announced on Friday that Texas Stars center Warren Peters has been suspended for one (1) game as a result of his actions in a game vs. Chicago on May 5. Peters was suspended under the provisions of AHL Rule 29.1 (supplementary discipline). Peters will miss Game 5 (tonight) of the West Division Final playoff series between the teams.

AHL Announces Stafford's Suspension - May 3, 2010
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. ... The American Hockey League announced on Monday that Texas Stars defenseman Garrett Stafford has been suspended for three (3) games as a result of his actions in a game at Chicago on May 2. Stafford was suspended under the provisions of AHL Rule 29.1 (supplementary discipline). Stafford will miss Game 3 (Tuesday), Game 4 (Wednesday) and Game 5 (Friday) of the West Division Final playoff series between the teams.

Game 4 Recap:
Cedar Park, TX - The Texas Stars defeated the Chicago Wolves 3-2 on Wednesday night at Cedar Park Center in Game 4 of the West Division Finals. Stars defenseman Dan Jancevski broke a 2-2 with 6:17 remaining in the third period, leading Texas to victory over the Wolves. Stars center Travis Morin scored twice as Texas tied the best-of-seven series 2-2. Goalie Brent Krahn (6-2) picked up the win, stopping 21 of 23 Chicago shots. Wolves' winger Brett Sterling scored twice in the loss. Chicago goalie Peter Mannino (6-4) stopped 20 of 23 Texas shots.

Game 3 Recap:
The Texas Stars were defeated by the Chicago Wolves 5-3 on Tuesday night at Cedar Park Center in Game 3 of the West Division Finals. Chicago right wing Spencer Machacek and defenseman Nathan Oystrick each scored a pair of goals as the Wolves claimed a 2-1 lead in the best of seven series. Chicago goalie Peter Mannino picked up the win with 27 saves, while Stars goalie Brent Krahn suffered the loss after stopping 18 of 22 Chicago shots in 40 minutes of play. Texas center Perttu Lindgren scored two goals in the Stars first home loss of the playoffs.

Game 2 Recap:
The Texas Stars were defeated by the Chicago Wolves 4-3 in overtime on Sunday in front of 3,732 fans at the Allstate Arena. Chicago's Anthony Stewart scored his second goal of the night at 12:21 of the second overtime to lift the Wolves over the Stars and tie the best of seven series 1-1. Texas scored twice in the last eight minutes of play to erase a two-goal deficit, including a goal with 54 seconds remaining to force overtime in Game 2 of the West Division Finals. Stars goalie Brent Krahn made 42 saves in his first loss of the playoffs. Chicago goalie Peter Mannino picked up the win with 35 saves for the Wolves. Stars forwards Warren Peters and Aaron Gagnon each scored in a game that lasted 92:21, the longest in the team's short history. Defenseman Andrew Hutchinson scored a goal and added an assist in the first road loss of the post-season.

Game 1 Recap:
The Texas Stars defeated the Chicago Wolves 4-3 in overtime on Friday night in front of 3,576 fans at the Allstate Arena. Defenseman Garrett Stafford scored a power-play goal 2:22 into overtime to give Texas the 4-3 victory. The Stars took a 1-0 series lead in best-of-seven series with the win. Texas goalie Brent Krahn made 32 saves in the team's fifth straight playoff win. Rookie forward Jamie Benn scored and assisted on the game-winning goal for the Stars. Forwards Colton Sceviour and Francis Wathier also scored as Texas improved to 3-0 on the road in the playoffs. Chicago goalie Peter Mannino suffered the loss with 24 saves. Wolves forwards Anthony Stewart, Joey Crabb and Jason Krog each scored in the defeat.

Stars Notes - Playoffs
Rookies Travis Morin and Jamie Benn lead Texas in postseason scoring. Morin has a team-high seven assists and nine points in eight playoff games. Benn has recorded four goals and eight points in eight playoff games. Defenseman Andrew Hutchinson is third on the team with seven points in eight games. Hutchinson has registered three goals and added four assists. Morin is tied for the AHL lead for points by a rookie, while Benn is tied for fourth. Forward Greg Rallo leads the Stars with 23 shots on goal.

Goalie Brent Krahn (6-2) sits in second place among AHL goaltenders with a 2.19 goals against average and .929 save percentage.

Stars Notes - Regular Season
Center Aaron Gagnon led Texas in scoring during the regular season with 27 goals and 31 assists for 58 points in 77 games. Gagnon has posted career highs for goals, assists and points. Forward Travis Morin finished second on the team in scoring with 52 points. Morin finished the year ranked fifth in the AHL for points by a rookie. Perttu Lindgren led the team with 33 assists and was third in team scoring with 47 points in 74 games played. Defenseman Andrew Hutchinson led all Texas defensemen with 28 assists and 37 points in 77 games and he was ranked in the top 20 for points by an AHL defenseman. Winger Luke Gazdic was in the top five among AHL rookies with 155 penalty minutes and 21 major penalties over 49 games played.

Goalies Matt Climie and Brent Krahn split time in net for Texas during the regular season. Goalie Matt Climie (21-17-3) had a .919 save percentage and a 2.46 GAA in 43 games played. Krahn (17-4-0-0) posted a 1.83 GAA and a .945 save percentage this year, including five shutouts.

Regular Season vs. Chicago
Texas center Aaron Gagnon led the team in scoring against the Wolves, dishing out eight assists and totaling nine points in eight games. Forwards Warren Peters, Francis Wathier, Greg Rallo and Colton Sceviour are tied for second in scoring in the regular season series. Center Warren Peters has six points on three goals and three assists in seven games. Wathier led the team with four goals and totaled six points in eight games. Rallo scored twice and set up four others. Sceviour scored a goal and assisted on five others for six points.

Goalie Brent Krahn went 3-1-0 with a 1.47 goals against average and a .947 save percentage with one shutout. Matt Climie was 1-1-0 with a 3.49 GAA and a ,896 save percentage.

Chicago Wolves - Playoffs
Forwards Spencer Machacek, Jason Krog and Tim Stapleton, along with defenseman Nathan Oystrick are tied for the team lead in scoring with nine points each. Machacek has recorded five goals and four assists in 11 games, including two goals against the Stars in Game 3. He also leads the team with 32 shots on goal. Stapleton and Oystrick are tied with forward Matt Anderson with a team-high seven assists in 11 games. Forwards Joey Crabb, Anthony Stewart and Brett Sterling are tied for fifth, recording eight points each. Right wing Anthony Stewart leads the Wolves in goals, notching six in ten games.

Goalie Peter Mannino has received the majority of the time in net, going 6-4 with a 2.87 goals against average and a .897 save percentage. Mannino posted two shutouts in the opening round. Goalie Drew MacIntyre has appeared in two games, posting a 0-1 record with a 4.27 GAA and .792 save percentage.

Chicago Wolves - Regular Season
Veteran center Jason Krog led the Wolves in scoring with 61 assists and 75 points in 78 games played. Heading into the season, Krog had played in 377 AHL games over his 11-year career, posting 157 goals and 291 assists for 448 points. Krog finished third in the AHL with 86 points in 74 games of the 2008-09 season for Manitoba. He finished second in the league in assists and seventh in points.

Left wing Brett Sterling led the team in goals scored with 34 and he was third in team scoring with 56 points in 55 games. Sterling was the only Wolves skater to finish the season with more than a point a game average. Tim Stapleton was second in scoring with 59 points and second in goals scored with 30 in 73 games played.

The most notable Wolf is defenseman Chris Chelios, who was second on the team and sixth in the AHL with a +34 rating in 46 games played. The long time NHL defenseman has played in over 1,641 NHL games with Detroit, Chicago and Montreal. He ranks first all-time among American-born players and fourth all-time in NHL history in games played. Chelios ranks eighth all-time among NHL blueliners with 763 assists. The Chicago native won the Norris Trophy, given annually to the NHL's best defenseman, three times (1989, 1993, 1996). The 47-year old was named to the NHL's First All-Star Team five times (1989, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2002) and Second All-Star Team twice (1991, 1997). Chelios has appeared in the NHL All-Star game 11 times, he also has registered 113 assists, 144 points and 423 penalty minutes in 266 career Stanley Cup playoff games. Chelios has won three Stanley Cup Championships (1986 with Montreal, 2002 and 2008 with Detroit) and reached the Finals three other times (1989, 1992, 2009). The Chicago-born defenseman also ranks first all-time among NHL players with 266 Stanley Cup playoff appearances.

Chicago used a tandem of goalies, Drew MacIntyre and Peter Mannino. Mannino finished sixth overall in the AHL with a 2.34 goals against average and fourth with a .921 save percentage. Mannino finished the year 26-5-1 and was named the AHL Goalie of the Month in January after going 6-1-0 with a 1.28 goals-against average, a .958 save percentage and one shutout. MacIntyre finished 20-17-2 with a 2.54 goals against average and a .917 save percentage for Chicago this year.

Regular Season vs. Texas
Captain Jason Krog led the Wolves and all scorers in the season series with eight assists and 11 points in seven games played. Brett Sterling and Anthony Stewart tied for the team lead with four goals each. Sterling totaled seven points in six games, while Stewart tallied seven points in eight games. Former Stars defenseman Ivan Vishnevskiy had two assists in four games against his old team. Vishnevskiy also posted a +5 in four games vs. Texas. Goalie Peter Mannino went 2-1-1 with a 2.39 GAA and a .909 save percentage. Drew MacIntyre went 2-1-0 with a 2.86 goals against average and a .886 save percentage.

"Special" Teams - Playoffs
Chicago is first overall on the power play at 34.1%, and is seventh on the penalty kill at 79.2%. Texas is fifth overall on the power play at 23.5%. The Stars penalty kill is at 71.0% and ranked 15th overall, last among all the teams remaining in playoffs.

"Special" Teams - Regular Season
The Texas Stars penalty kill was second overall on the penalty kill at 86.4%. Texas ranked ninth best in the AHL, converting on 19.1% of its power plays. The Wolves were 16th overall on the power play, converting 17.3% of the time. Chicago was seventh overall on the penalty kill, stopping 85.1 % of their opponents' power plays.

Offense and Defense - Playoffs
The Stars sit third offensively, averaging 3.50 goals per game. Texas is second defensively with a 2.38 goals against average, allowing only 19 goals in eight postseason games. Chicago is ninth offensively, scoring 3.09 goals per game and ninth overall with a 3.18 goals against average.

Offense and Defense - Regular Season
The Texas Stars were second overall in team defense, allowing 2.48 goals against per game. The Hamilton Bulldogs finished first with a 2.28 GAA. Texas was ranked 12th out of 29 teams, scoring an average of 2.98 goals per game. Chicago's defense ranked seventh overall with a 2.68 goals against per game. The Wolves were fourth offensively, averaging 3.30 goals per game.

Modano to be honored by National Italian American Fourndation

Here is the press release:

NHL ALL-STAR MIKE MODANO TO BE HONORED
AT TEXAS GALA IN DALLAS

(Washington, D.C. - May 6, 2010) Mike Modano, Stanley Cup champion and seven-time NHL All-Star for the Dallas Stars, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Sports at the National Italian American Foundation's (NIAF) Texas Gala on May 15, 2010. The event will be held at the historic Adolphus hotel and features a 6 p.m. cocktail reception followed by a silent auction, awards program and dinner.

Regarded as one of the best American-born NHL players in history, Modano is the team's alternate captain. He is the all-time goal-scoring and points leader among American-born players in the NHL and led the Stars to win the Stanley Cup in 1999. At age 18, he began his career with the Minnesota North Stars as the first overall selection in the1988 NHL Entry Draft. Modano's 22-year career includes the 1991 and 2000 Stanley Cup Finals, and he has represented the United States at three Olympic Winter Games (1998, 2002, 2006). Modano has also been a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, the Frank J. Selke Trophy and the Lady Byng Trophy.

Several prominent business executives will join Modano as honorees. Jay Lombardo, president and CEO of Lombardo Custom Apparel, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Fashion; Bruno Mascolo, CEO and a co-founder of international hair care business TONI&GUY, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business and the Arts; and Victor "Vic" Salvino, dealer principal of Texas Kenworth Co., will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award for Humanitarian Service. Additionally, Bruno Mascolo's brother Gaetano Mascolo, also a co-founder of TONI&GUY, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business and the Arts, posthumously.

President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura W. Bush will serve as honorary patrons of NIAF's Texas Gala.

Joe DePinto, president and CEO of 7-Eleven, Inc., will serve as the gala's chairman. DePinto received a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business at the Foundation's 2008 Anniversary Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., and is a member of the NIAF Board of Directors. DePinto will be joined by Daniel A. DeMatteo, CEO and director of Gamestop Corporation, as well as prominent Italian and Italian-American business leaders, sports celebrities and community leaders.

Dinner tickets: $250-$1,000 per person. Attire: Cocktail. For sponsorship and ticket information, contact Geri Jones at 202/387-0600, jerry@niaf.org or visit www.niaf.org/texas .

NHL Players Association names finalists for newly named Ted Lindsay Award (MVP).

Here is the press release:

NHLPA ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2009-10 TED LINDSAY AWARD

...Crosby, Ovechkin, Sedin voted by fellow members of the National Hockey League Players' Association as finalists for the "Most Outstanding Player" award

TORONTO (May 6, 2010) - The National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) announced today that Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals and Henrik Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks have been selected as finalists for the 2009-10 Ted Lindsay Award. The Ted Lindsay Award will be presented annually to the "Most Outstanding Player" in the NHL, as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA.

On April 29, 2010, the Ted Lindsay Award was introduced, and it remains the only award voted on by the players themselves, carrying on the tradition established by the Lester B. Pearson Award. The Award honours Ted Lindsay, an All-Star forward known for his skill, tenacity, leadership and his role in establishing the original Players' Association.

The Ted Lindsay Award will be presented at the 2010 NHL Awards in Las Vegas on June 23, 2010 to one of the following finalists:

Sidney Crosby, of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada, appeared in 81 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009-10, finishing second in the league in points (109), while his career-high 51 goals tied him with Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos for the "Rocket" Richard Trophy. In just his fifth NHL season, the 22-year-old has proven himself to be a bona-fide superstar, having already won the NHLPA's "Most Outstanding Player" award (2006-07), the Hart Trophy (2006-07), the Art Ross Trophy (2006-07) and led his club to the 2008-09 Stanley Cup. Crosby is looking to cap off a brilliant season that also saw him score the Olympic gold-medal winning goal for Canada.

Alexander Ovechkin, of Moscow, Russia, appeared in 72 games for the Washington Capitals in 2009-10, finishing amongst the top-three players in the league in points (109) and goals (50). This is the third straight season that Ovechkin has reached the 100-point plateau and tallied more than 50 goals - reaching the 50-goal plateau for the fourth time in his five-year career. The two-time defending recipient of both the NHLPA's "Most Outstanding Player" award and the Hart Trophy, Ovechkin led the Capitals to their third-consecutive Southeast Division title in 2009-10, as well as the first Presidents' Trophy in franchise history. Should Ovechkin be selected, he would join Guy Lafleur and Wayne Gretzky as the only players to win the award in three consecutive seasons.

Henrik Sedin, of Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, appeared in all 82 games for the Vancouver Canucks in 2009-10, winning the Art Ross Trophy with a league-high 112 points (29 goals, 83 assists). Playing every game of the season for the fifth consecutive year, Henrik far surpassed the 82 points he registered in 2008-09, establishing a new career-high in points. Henrik also set three different Canucks franchise records in 2009-10: passing Trevor Linden for the club's all-time assists lead; eclipsing Pavel Bure's single-season points record; and besting the Canucks single-season assists record, breaking the previous record he set in 2006-07.

The NHLPA also launched the 2009-10 Ted Lindsay Award Contest today on www.nhlpa.com . Fans are encouraged to select the Ted Lindsay Award recipient, just like the players do. A random draw will take place June 24, 2010, following the 2010 NHL Awards in Las Vegas NV, to determine the Grand Prize winner, as well as the second and third-place finishers.

To honour the history of the "Most Outstanding Player" Award, an NHLPA Goals & Dreams equipment donation will also be made in Lester B. Pearson's name to a Canadian youth hockey organization, which will be selected together with members of the Pearson family. Launched in November 1999, NHLPA Goals & Dreams was created as a way for the players to give back to the game they love, and has donated more than $18-million worldwide to grassroots hockey programs.

Fans and media are encouraged to visit www.nhlpa.com for further background information on the Ted Lindsay Award, media materials, in-depth finalist profiles and contest information.

NHL releases finalists for Top GM

Here is the press release:

MALONEY, McPHEE AND POILE NAMED FINALISTS
FOR INAUGURAL NHL GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD

NEW YORK (May 6, 2010) -- Don Maloney of the Phoenix Coyotes, George McPhee of the Washington Capitals and David Poile of the Nashville Predators have been voted finalists for the inaugural NHL General Manager of the Year Award, the National Hockey League announced today.

Voting for this new award was conducted among the 30 Club General Managers and a panel of NHL executives, print and broadcast media. The winner will be announced during the 2010 Stanley Cup Final.

Following are the finalists, in alphabetical order, for NHL General Manager of the Year:

Don Maloney, Phoenix Coyotes

Maloney steered the Coyotes through an uncertain and turbulent off-season, charting the course for the most successful regular season in franchise history. His biggest move was hiring head coach Dave Tippett, who guided the Coyotes to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2002 by posting a 50-27-5 record for 107 points and setting franchise records for wins and points in a season. With the Coyotes already enjoying a breakout season, the acquisitions of forwards Lee Stempniak and Wojtek Wolski plus defensemen Derek Morris and Mathieu Schneider at the Mar. 3 trade deadline propelled the club to even greater heights.

George McPhee, Washington Capitals

McPhee's Capitals set a club record with 121 points (54-15-13) on the way to the first Presidents' Trophy in franchise history and their third consecutive Southeast Division title. The Capitals tallied 313 goals, becoming the NHL's highest-scoring club since 1995-96. The club's biggest free-agent signing last summer, forward Mike Knuble, tallied 29 goals and made a good fit on the top line alongside Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Organizational depth was highlighted by the contributions made by several players recalled from the Capitals' AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, who also posted the top record in their league (60-17-3).

David Poile, Nashville Predators

Under Poile's leadership the Predators qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fifth time in the past six seasons with a 47-29-6 record for 100 points. More than half of the regular lineup was drafted and developed by the organization, including core defensemen Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, Dan Hamhuis and Kevin Klein. Leading scorer Patric Hornqvist and starting goaltender Pekka Rinne were selected by Nashville with the 230th and 258th overall selections in their respective draft years. Poile entered an elite class on March 21 when the Predators defeated St. Louis for his 1,000th regular-season win as a GM.

Allen Americans to host end of season party on Friday

Here is the press release:

Americans to host postseason party Friday

ALLEN, Texas - The Allen Americans are hosting a postseason party Friday, May 7, to celebrate their inaugural season. The party lasts from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Dodie's Place Sports Grill across from the Allen Event Center in The Village at Allen.

The entire team, plus coaches and staff, will be on hand to welcome fans. Additionally, the Americans inflatable slap shot cage will be outside, as well as other games. Andrew Dutton will be providing live music.

This will be the last chance for fans to see the players before they go home for the summer.

The Americans accomplished a great deal in their inaugural season. A few highlights include:

* Finished fourth overall in the regular season with 42-17-5 record, 23-5-4 at home
* Won two playoff series against Laredo and Odessa
* Earned 2010 Southern Conference Champions title
* Sent four players up to American Hockey League (Charlie Effinger, Justin Bowers, Chris Whitley, Brandon Straub)
* Won four Best of the Best Awards: Best Team Logo, Best Team Uniforms, Best City and Best Host Hotel

Season tickets for Allen's second season are on sale now. Ticket prices start as low as $9 per game. As always, there is free parking at every game. For more information, call 972-912-1000.

Texas Stars win Game 4 to tie series with Chicago

The Texas Stars won Game 4 of their best-of-seven series with Chicago, 3-2, Wednesday and now are tied at two games apiece.

Game 5 is Friday in Cedar Park.

Here is the press release:

Stars Host Game 5 on Friday at 7:30 PM

Cedar Park, TX - The Texas Stars (6-2) defeated the Chicago Wolves (6-5) 3-2 on Friday night at Cedar Park Center in Game 4 of the West Division Finals. Stars defenseman Dan Jancevski broke a 2-2 tie with 6:17 remaining in the third period, leading Texas to victory over the Wolves. Stars center Travis Morin scored twice as Texas tied the best-of-seven series 2-2. Goalie Brent Krahn (6-2) picked up the win, stopping 21 of 23 Chicago shots. Wolves' winger Brett Sterling scored twice in the loss. Chicago goalie Peter Mannino (6-4) stopped 20 of 23 Texas shots. Game 5 of the West Division Finals is on Friday at 7:30 PM in Cedar Park.

Texas took an early 1-0 lead when center Travis Morin scored on a breakaway after going one-on-one with Wolves goalie Peter Mannino. Morin's first goal and eighth point of the postseason came at 6:23 of the opening period. Chicago tied the game 1-1 with a power-play goal at 11:12. Defenseman Nathan Oystrick fired a shot from the blue-line and Brett Sterling redirected the puck in the Texas crease past goalie Brent Krahn. The goal was Sterling's second of the playoffs.

After a scoreless second period, the Stars jumped ahead 2-1 as Morin scored his second goal of the game at 6:06 of the final frame. Morin found a rebound in front of the net from Greg Rallo's shot and fired a backhander past Mannino on the stickside. Defenseman Matt Stephenson also tallied an assist on the rookie's team-leading ninth point. Just 2:31 later, the Wolves tied the game 2-2. Sterling scored his second goal of the night, finishing off a centering pass from winger Anthony Stewart for his second goal of the night. With 6:17 remaining in the third period, Stars defenseman Dan Jancevski scored off a rebound in the crease, giving Texas a 3-2 victory over the Wolves. Francis Wathier and Greg Rallo both notched assists on the game-winning goal.

West Division Finals Schedule (best of seven)
Game 1 - Texas 4 at Chicago 3 (OT)
Game 2 - Texas 3 at Chicago 4 (OT)
Game 3 - Chicago 5 at Texas 3
Game 4 - Chicago 2 at Texas 3 (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5 - Fri., May 7 - Chicago at Texas, 7:30 p.m.
Game 6 - Sun., May 9 - Texas at Chicago, 3:00 p.m.
Game 7 - Tues., May 11 - Texas at Chicago, 7:00 p.m. -X

X = If Necessary

Texas Stars have to bounce back for Game 4 Wednesday

Here's the press release from the Texas Stars:

One night after dropping a 5-3 decision in Game 3 of the West Division Finals, Texas will look to pull back even with
Chicago when the teams meet up for Game 4 tonight at the Cedar Park Center. Spencer Machacek, who hadn't put up a multiple-point showing in any of his first nine playoff games, paced the Wolves on Tuesday with two goals and an assist. Machacek's nine postseason points (5-4-9) are now tied with Tim Stapleton (2-7-9) for the Chicago team lead. Defenseman Nathan Oystrick also scored twice in Game 3 for the Wolves, registering his first two goals of the playoffs. Brett Sterling, who led the Wolves with 34 goals (34-22-56) in 55 games during the regular season, rounded out Chicago's offense with his first marker of the postseason, giving him a team-high five points (1-4-5) vs. Texas this round. Anthony Stewart is riding a four-game scoring streak (4-1-5) for the Wolves, while Jason Krog, who chipped in two assists on Tuesday, has a point in his all three games this series (2-2-4). Chicago goaltender Peter Mannino (6-3, 2.85, .899) made 27 saves for the Wolves. Texas forward Perttu Lindgren had been without a point through the first two games of this series before breaking out with a pair of goals in the Game 3 defeat. Aaron Gagnon also scored for the Stars, giving him a point in all three tilts against the Wolves (2-1-3). Defenseman Andrew Hutchinson is riding a five-game scoring streak (3-4-7) after failing to produce a point in the Stars' first two playoff outings; Hutchinson's current run matches his longest run of the regular season, as he had a point in five straight from Feb. 21-28. Matt Climie played the third period in relief of Brent Krahn last night, his first game action since Apr. 9. The Stars are looking to avoid their first three-game losing skid since Feb. 19-23 and their first back-to-back home losses since dropping three straight - including two at the hands of Chicago - from Feb. 9-13.

West Division Finals Schedule (best of seven)
Game 1 - Texas 4 at Chicago 3 (OT)
Game 2 - Texas 3 at Chicago 4 (OT)
Game 3 - Chicago 5 at Texas 3 (Chicago leads series 2-1)
Game 4 - Wed., May 5 - Chicago at Texas, 7:30 p.m.
Game 5 - Fri., May 7 - Chicago at Texas, 7:30 p.m.
Game 6 - Sun., May 9 - Texas at Chicago, 3:00 p.m. - X
Game 7 - Tues., May 11 - Texas at Chicago, 7:00 p.m. -X

X = If Necessary

Decisive Game 5 Tonight in Worcester
Deadlocked at two games apiece, the Atlantic Division Finals has been reduced to a best-of-three series, and Manchester visits Worcester for the pivotal Game 5 tonight at the DCU Center. The teams have been idle since splitting a pair of games in Manchester last weekend. Worcester suffered a 5-0 defeat on Friday night but rallied from a 2-1 second-intermission deficit to post a 3-2 victory the next night.

Hamilton Takes 2-1 Series Lead with Win on Tuesday at Abbotsford
Gabriel Dumont and Olivier Fortier each scored his first pro goal, and Brock Trotter posted two assists as Hamilton rallied for a 3-2 road win over Abbotsford on Wednesday, giving the Bulldogs a 2-1 series lead in the North Division Finals. Game 4 will be back at the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre on Thursday night.

Wednesday's Games 5-5-10:
Game 4 - Chicago at Texas, 7:30 pm (CDT) (CHI leads series, 2-1)
Game 5 - Manchester at Worcester, 7:05 pm (EDT) (Series tied, 2-2)

TUESDAY'S SCORES:
Game 3 - Chicago 5, TEXAS 3 (CHI leads series, 2-1)
Game 3 - Hamilton 3, ABBOTSFORD 2 (HAM leads series, 2-1)

SERIES SUBPLOTS.......
* Chicago has won four straight at Cedar Park Center since a 4-1 loss on Oct. 31.
* The Wolves have gone 5-11 on the power play against Texas in the West Division Finals, including 3-6 in Game 3 on Tuesday night at Cedar Park Center. Texas is 2-11 on the power play in the playoffs after going 2-28 in the regular season against the Wolves.
* Texas goalie Brent Krahn is 1-2 with a 3.40 goals against average and a .893 save percentage against Chicago in the playoffs. Wolves' goalie Peter Mannino is 2-1 with a 2.79 goals against average and a .896 save percentage against the Stars.

Playoff Format.......

Four rounds, with each round slated as a best of seven series. The top four teams in each division qualify for playoffs. The teams play within their division for the first two rounds. The division winners will meet in the conference finals. The winner of the Western Conference will play the winner of the Eastern Conference for the Calder Cup. In order to take the Calder Cup, a team must win 16 games.

The Calder Cup.......
The coveted Calder Cup has been a motivational force for American Hockey League teams throughout the League's 73-year history. It is one of our sport's greatest challenges and ultimate honors to hoist the Calder Cup in victory.

The trophy is named for Frank Calder, who served as the National Hockey League's first President from 1917 to 1943. During the 1920's, Mr. Calder was instrumental in guiding hockey into the mainstream of America's major cities including Boston, New York, Detroit and Chicago, while helping in the formation of the American League.
The Calder Cup trophy itself was actually first awarded in 1938 to the Providence Reds for winning the second International-American Hockey League championship. (In 1996, George Parsons of the Syracuse Stars was presented the Calder Cup in a ceremony at the Onondaga County War Memorial, as it is believed the Stars never received a trophy for their 1937 championship.