Prime Time Sports Summary - April 25, 2007

Here are the NHL Stories from Prime Time Sports last night (National Hour):

Host: Bob McCown
Guests: Stephen Brunt from the Globe & Mail,
NHL Phone In: Al Morganti from Comcast Sports and Neil Smith, former GM of the Islanders

Main NHL Story: Smith was subbing in for Eric Duhatschek. Smith and McCown started off reacquainted themselves with each other. First issue: Peter Forsberg - has he played his last NHL game? Morganti says that this is true and the problems he had with his ankle showed how much of a "diva" he was. He was such a distraction for both teams he played with this year and because he is injured there is no way anyone will pay the high price his agent commands. McCown took Morganti's point about the distraction to ask - would the Predators have gone further without Forsberg? Both Smith and Morganti agree that he didn't hurt the team, but he didn't really help the team either. Brunt and Smith then went on a tangent to talk about deadline deals made in the NHL. Smith said that the deals that work out are ones that don't affect the core of the team - and Forsberg's deal did impact the core. Brunt and Smith went on to talk about other deals that did and did not work out in the past and this season. McCown then moved on to a comment made by NY Rangers coach Tom Rennie, when he said that he didn't think Buffalo was the "cream of the crop." McCown asked Smith if this type of thing affects the series or the play of the game. Smith or Morganti said the comments made by Rennie usually have no impact on the game - especially given the underdog position of the NY Rangers. McCown's next discussion was on the bet placed by Buffalo's Mayor to New York's Mayor about the outcome of the series and the dismissal by Mayor Bloomberg of the bet. McCown said this was just a chance for Buffalo's mayor to get his name in the paper.
Round 2 Predictions:
Sabres vs. Rangers - Smith said the Rangers really have a chance against this Buffalo team, simply due to some of the acquisitions made at the trade deadline. Their play down the stretch and the return of Brendan Shanahan may give them a fight in the series, but overall the Sabres should easily win this series.
Devils vs. Senators - Morganti holds his faith in Brodeur and that he will be able to push his team through to the Eastern Finals. Neil Smith agrees that the Devils will move forward in this series based on the tender and the playoff experience.
Canucks vs. Ducks - Morganti says there really is no chance for the Canucks to beat this powerful Ducks team. Smith agrees, plus with the injuries and sicknesses the Canucks are facing is just too much for the Canucks to overcome.
Red Wings vs. Sharks - Smith calls the Red Wings on this one. Morganti also picked Detroit to win, based on their toughness. McCown feels the Sharks will win - based on his points system...