Quantity and quality: New York Rangers star Mark Messier is just one game away from tying the record for most playoff games. Messier played in his 226th postseason game Friday night against Florida, scoring twice in a 3-2 overtime win. Larry Robinson played 227 postseason games in his career with Montreal and Los Angeles.
Change of fortune: When in Winnipeg as the Jets, the Phoenix Coyotes made the playoffs 11 times and got past the first round twice. In eight tries, the franchise was unable to overcome a 2-0 deficit. Now, however, the Coyotes, in their first playoff, are one win from advancing to the second round after losing the first two games to Anaheim. The Coyotes can close out the Ducks on Sunday in Phoenix.
Set in net: Jose Theodore, the Canadiens’ rookie goalie, assured himself the starting job for at least the rest of the series against New Jersey with a 56-save performance in Thursday night’s win. Theodore’s effort in the 4-3 triple-overtime victory helped Montreal fend off playoff elimination and just the third postseason sweep in franchise history. The Devils still lead the series 3-1.
Dangerous travel: Since the Jan. 18 All-Star Game, Pittsburgh has won in just one other NHL city, beating the Canadiens at Montreal on Jan. 26 and Feb. 5. Since that second victory, the Penguins are 0-14-1 away from the Igloo. The Penguins needed to win at Philadelphia Saturday night to stay alive against the Flyers.
Referee dead: Hugh McLean, a longtime hockey referee who worked at all levels including the NHL, has died in London, Ontario. He was 84.
“He loved people and being with people,” said Ontario Hockey Association President Brent Ladds. “He had charisma, the kind of guy who when he walked into a room people went out of their way to say hi to.”
McLean refereed for 29 years, including 10 in the NHL. He was referee in chief of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association for 10 years and was president of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1976 to 1978.
Soccer was another love. He officiated for more than 25 years and was one of only three Canadians with credentials to ref a game anywhere in the world. He also coached the Hamilton Steelers pro soccer team.
