The Los Angeles Kings are the first team since the current postseason format started in 1994 to successfully eliminated the first and second seed teams as an eighth seed. More quick hits from around the NHL:

  • Florida Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon tells the Sun Sentinel’s Harvey Fialkov he’s “got nothing but admiration” for Scott Clemmensen, but given the current situation, it might be tough for the Panthers to keep him around.
  • Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch writes, “Talk is that Carey Price is seeking a contract similar to the seven-year, $49 million deal to Nashville gave Pekka Rinne earlier this season.”
  • Columbus Dispatch’s Aaron Portzline points out, the Columbus Blue Jackets have a choice between the Kings’ 2012 or 2013 NHL Entry Draft first-round pick. And yesterday’s win likely means the Jackets will defer that pick to 2013.
  • Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock traveled to the World Championship to observe the Canadian team, so the Canadian Press’ Chris Johnston wonders, “It raised the obvious question: Is he in line to reprise his role as Olympic coach in 2014?”
  • St. Louis Blues coach Ken Hitchcock tells ESPN.com’s Pierre LeBrun, “Jonathan Quick is the same as Dominik Hasek, same as Ed Belfour, never quits on a puck. It’s a very unique skill. It’s not common. He never stops looking for a puck.” The folks out West already knew of Quick’s dominance but this playoff run could really give some leverage to the 26-year-old goalie, who is slated to hit unrestricted free agency in 2013. There was already some worry that he might be able to demand more than Pekka Rinne who got a seven year deal at $7 million per and now it seems quite possible Quick’s deal will exceed that number. The Kings could try talking with Quick about an extension this summer, though they probably won’t want to have any serious talks until after the new CBA is hashed out.

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