NHL Western Conference News

“Considering we were basically counted out a month ago, I think it shows a lot about the character in the room, especially the older guys”

- Where their playoff hopes are concerned, all the Edmonton Oilers can do is beat the Calgary Flames in regulation time at Rexall Place on Tuesday, do likewise Thursday against the Vancouver Canucks, and then hope for help.

It's as simple as that for the Oilers, who five weeks ago sat in 14th place in the Western Conference and were 13 points out of a playoff spot before they put together a 13-4-1 roll that has given them something to play for against the Flames.

It's the best they could hope for. Read more

Comment?

It is a cliche, popularized by Rodney Dangerfield, a favourite comedian of the 1970s, that professional sports teams embraced like a loving grandmother - the idea that they don't receive enough respect from ... via The Globe and Mail

Comment?

“We did everything we wanted to do. We stopped penetration, closed out to the shooters, got a hand in their face and they shot 56 percent from 3s. You kind of got to live with that”

Lakers 126, Wizards 120 Kobe Bryant scored six of his 26 points in overtime, and the Lakers defeated the Wizards 126-120 Sunday night to snap a two-game losing skid. via NBA.com

Comment?

Trevor Linden recorded two goals to lead the Vancouver Canucks to a crucial 6-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on Sunday. via CANOE

Comment?

“That's the first priority right there”

In what could be a preview of a first-round playoff matchup, the Anaheim Ducks seem to finally be figuring out the Dallas Stars.

'We've certainly had our struggles against them this year. The last couple of games, we've reversed the fortunes,' Anaheim defenseman Mathieu Schneider said Sunday after he scored twice in regulation in the Ducks' 3-2 shootout victory.

'It's been a great back-and-forth series. They are one of the elite teams in the Western Conference,' Schneider said. 'If we do end up playing them (in the postseason), it's going to be a battle. If we can get home ice, that's a big a bonus for us.' Read more

Comment?

“You really have to give it to them”

David West scored 32 points and pulled down seven rebounds, as New Orleans held off the Toronto Raptors, 118-111, at Air Canada Centre. via SanLuisObispo.com

Comment?

“It comes out to (Dion Phaneuf) and it rolls on him and goes off the end of his stick. It's that close to being a tie game.”

Nothing, it appears, is going to be settled early this winter. Not Jarome Iginla's rambunctious rip at 50 goals. via National Post

Comment?

** Dell Curry skipped out on a Bobcats radio assignment this week, but no one's complaining.

Curry was to do color analysis on this four-game Western Conference swing, working with play-by-play announcer Scott Lauer. That's before Curry's son, Stephen, decided to make a run at the cover of Sports Illustrated, as Davidson's superstar.

Now the Wildcats are a game away from the Final Four. Everyone on this trip is caught up in Davidson's unexpected success.

** Some of the Bobcats' traveling party made sure to get out of their hotel rooms more than they usually might during Thursday's off day. That's because this could be the last trip to Seattle, with the SuperSonics seemingly poised to move to Oklahoma City whenever their arena-lease situation is resolved. Read more

Comment?

Two teams battling to qualify for the Western Conference playoffs meet tonight, as the Golden State Warriors visit the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. via WKRC-TV Cincinnati

Comment?

' Joe Sakic forced overtime Friday night by scoring with 5.9 seconds left in regulation, then added the decisive goal in a shootout as Colorado beat Edmonton 5-4 and strengthened its playoff position. via Arizona Daily Star

Comment?