e good players. I thought we did really well. We tried to play them physical, limit their time and space, and I thought we did a good job. Romy's obviously a big, physical guy. He made it tough on those guys. I tried to use more body position, stick-work and my speed. I thought we did a good job."The Blues went away from the pair late in the season, trying something different because, as Hitchcock said, "We tried to get more from Russ. We thought we could get a little bit more in some areas and then we just decided … he is what he is; he's a mobile, defending defenseman that can play a little bit on the power play, and that's how we're using him and it's made him way more effective."Both guys,Marian Gaborik Jersey, when they play together, they keep it simple, basic, and over a course of a series, those type of players have a big impact."With the Kings posing a threat with their size,lya Kovalchuk Authentic Red Jersey, speed and skill, Russell and Polak will figure to play prominent roles if the Blues are to advance."I think they're a little bit more physical, their top six," Russell said of the Kings. "They've got some bigger bodies, they like to play that physical game, get pucks and drive to the net."It's a tough task. Every team's good. That's the thing about playoffs. Any team one through eight can win the Stanley Cup. L.A.'s put themselves in a good position, as we have. Romy and I look forward to the challenge."
The Boston Bruins and the owner of the Washington Capitals are scolding hockey fans who let loose with a burst of racist comments directed at Joel Ward after the black Canadian player scored an overtime goal that won their playoff series for the Caps late Wednesday.Soon after, disappointed fans posted their reaction on Twitter, hurling the n-word at Ward.The Bruins say in a statement that are disappointed by the insults and, "these classless, ignorant views are in no way a reflection of anyone associated with the Bruins organization."Capitals owner Ted Leonsis says on his blog: "Shame on these folks who decided to take to their keyboards and show their ignorance and their racism and hate."He's vowing his organization will support Ward.
Dustin Penner only said what a lot of hockey people have thought for a while when he recently told a Los Angeles Times reporter, "I don't know if you watched me but I used to be a good player."He was a pretty good player in the Kings' five-game Western Conference Quarterfinal series win against the Vancouver Canucks. He scored the winning goal in Game 1, and he set up Trevor Lewis' goal in Game 2. He also threw his 6-foot-4, 222-pound body around for 11 hits.It was a pretty good contribution, one the Kings certainly could use more of if they hope to lengthen their stay in the postseason.As well as he played against the Canucks, coach Darryl Sutter knows there's more for Penner to give."He can be a whole lot better for all three periods,Henrik Lundqvist Jersey," Sutter said after Game 1. "We're talking about him because he scored one goal. If it's just about scoring I don&r