SB Nation Los Angeles: All Posts by Matt Brigidi

Alexei Emelin injury: Canadiens defenseman undergoes reconstructive surgery

2013-05-21T19:50:20Z

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin successfully underwent reconstructive knee surgery, the team announced Tuesday afternoon.

Emelin sustained a season-ending injury in a game against the Boston Bruins at the start of April. Emelin was attempting to hit Bruins forward Milan Lucic but ended up receiving the worst of the blow. He was forced to leave the game after the incident.

For more on the Canadiens visit: Eyes on the Prize

In 38 games in 2013, the 26-year-old contributed 12 points (three goals, nine assists). Emelin was averaging 19:40 of ice-time per game, which included an average of 2:11 on the penalty kill.

Many believe the Canadiens' struggles at the tail-end of the season were impacted by Emelin's injury. Despite winning the Northeast Division, Montreal fell to the Ottawa Senators in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Of course, the team was overwhelmed with several injuries, which certainly played a factor.

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Stanley Cup playoffs 2013, Kings vs. Sharks Game 4: Time, TV schedule and more

2013-05-21T18:16:09Z

The San Jose Sharks left Los Angeles trailing the Kings 2-0 in their Western Conference Semifinal. When they return, they hope to be facing the prospects of a three-game series.

The Sharks managed to pull within a game of the Kings after completing a 2-1 overtime victory in Game 3. It marked the second consecutive contest that was decided by a single goal between the Pacific Division rivals. In addition, it was the second instance of special teams success aiding the winner in victory. Both of San Jose's goals were the result of a power play, including the game winner from Logan Couture.

Couture has been a key member of the Sharks this postseason. However, he appeared to sustain an injury in Game 3 that left questions about the severity of the issue.

How effective will Couture be in Game 4?

This is, of course, under the assumption that he plays in the game. According to reports from morning skate, Couture will be available for Game 4. With that in mind, it questions whether he is battling through injury. Will this alter his game in any way? Will his ice time minutes take a hit?

Will Los Angeles improve their road record?

The Kings have a 1-3 record on the road in the playoffs this season. Of course, with an undefeated record at home, this less than stellar showing hasn't mattered much. With that being said, Los Angeles would be in position to close out the series on home ice in Game 5 with a win on Tuesday night.

Will the Brown-Kopitar-Williams line contribute any production?

Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown and Justin Williams have combined for a single goal in the semifinal. Considering how important this line is to the Kings, any kind of production could help push the team to victory. Will this be the case in Game 4?

Game Time: 10 p.m. ET

TV information: RDS, TSN, NBCSN

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NHL playoffs 2013: Dennis Seidenberg unlikely for Game 3

2013-05-21T17:23:57Z

Boston Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg is unlikely to play in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night, according to head coach Claude Julien after morning skate.

Julien stated that he didn't expect Seidenberg to participate in warmups for Game 3 and would be as surprised as anyone if he was able to do so. The head coach also directly said he didn't expect Seidenberg to be available.

Seidenberg sustained a lower-body injury in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. He has missed the first two games of the semifinal series due to the issue. On Monday, Julien stated Seidenberg was likely a game-time decision for Game 3 and that his status was going to be determined based upon how he felt. Apparently, he still isn't ready to return to action.

In addition to Seidenberg, Wade Redden has missed time due to injury. He's expected to be a game-time decision.

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Stanley Cup playoffs 2013: Bruins, Rangers resume in NYC; Sharks look to even series

2013-05-21T16:46:57Z

The 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs resume Tuesday night with two games. The New York Rangers will host the Boston Bruins in Game 3, while the San Jose Sharks look to draw even with the Los Angeles Kings.

Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville stated the referees erred in their decision to disallow the team's second period goal for goaltender interference.

The Blackhawks trailed the Detroit Red Wings by a single goal in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinal on Monday night, when Viktor Stalberg attempted a shot on net that seemingly tied the contest only moments after Patrick Kane had scored the team's first goal of the game.

However, the officials determined that Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard was obstructed by Chicago forward Andrew Shaw, who was in the crease. This led to the on-ice officials immediately ruling no-goal from the moment the puck crossed the goal line.

It appears as though Shaw didn't make contact with Howard and attempted to avoid the goaltender at all cost.

This is how Quenneville viewed the situation, via USA Today:

"I disagree with the call. He didn't touch the goalie."

Captain Jonathan Toews also expressed that Howard was cleanly allowed to make the save and that Shaw's presence had little to do with the puck entering the net.

This play was a continuation of controversial circumstances for the on-ice officials. On Kane's goal, Red Wings forward Johan Franzen was checked into the boards in the Chicago defensive zone, which helped gain puck possession for the Blackhawks in order to move the puck up ice.

Some believe Franzen was illegally hit and the play should not have been allowed to progress. This has led to speculation that the disallowed goal was a makeup call. Whether that is truly the case is up for interpretation.

Detroit ultimately went on to win the game, 3-1, and hold a 2-1 series lead.

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Stanley Cup playoffs 2013: Henrik Lundqvist injured shoulder in Game 2

2013-05-21T14:45:36Z

New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist sustained a shoulder injury during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal against the Boston Bruins on Sunday.

The injury occurred during the third period when Lundqvist made a save on a shot attempt by David Paille. Lundqvist explained that he fell awkwardly after the play and hurt his shoulder in the process. Despite some discomfort, Lundqvist plans to play in Game 3 on Tuesday night. The goaltender stated that everyone is dealing with soreness during the playoffs and the injury will not alter his availability.

After recording consecutive shutouts to close out the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal, Lundqvist has allowed eight goals on 80 shots in the semifinal series against Boston. He is hoping for improved performance when the team returns to Madison Square Garden.

Lundqvist stated he will attempt to put last game's performance behind him, via ESPN New York:

"You're never happy or satisfied giving up five goals, but you have to move on and take the good parts and try to learn something from it."

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Stanley Cup playoffs 2013: Dennis Seidenberg, Wade Redden traveling to New York; nearing returns

2013-05-21T14:05:31Z

The Boston Bruins will carry a 2-0 series lead into Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. It won't be the only positive development the team brings with them to the contest.

Injured defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Wade Redden will be traveling with the team to New York. While it remains unclear when the two blue liners will be available, it's apparent that both players are progressing towards returns and could potentially play over the course of the next two games.

Seidenberg has been dealing with a lower-body injury, while the nature of Redden's injury has remained undisclosed. Redden stated that he is day-to-day but confirmed that he has made progress and is feeling good.

Head coach Claude Julien stated Seidenberg will be a game-time decision for Game 3, via ESPN Boston:

"Whether it's next game or not, we'll see how he feels tomorrow."

In the event that either player is available, Julien will likely need to scratch one of Dougie Hamilton, Matt Bartkowski and/or Torey Krug. Julien stated he isn't going to think about the situation until the injured players are officially ready to return.

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Stanley Cup playoffs 2013: Joel Quenneville disagrees with disallowed goal call

2013-05-21T13:41:08Z

Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville stated the referees erred in their decision to disallow the team's second period goal for goaltender interference.

It appears as though Shaw didn't make contact with Howard and attempted to avoid the goaltender at all cost.

This is how Quenneville viewed the situation, via USA Today:

"I disagree with the call. He didn't touch the goalie."

Captain Jonathan Toews also expressed that Howard was cleanly allowed to make the save and that Shaw's presence had little to do with the puck entering the net.

Detroit ultimately went on to win the game, 3-1, and hold a 2-1 series lead.

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