The NBA and NHL Playoffs

04:37

April 23, 2011

Canadiens' goalie Carey Price started the playoffs strong but fell apart in the Game 4 overtime against the Bruins (AP). — Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price started the playoffs strong, but fell apart in the Game 4 overtime against the Bruins. (AP)

After an update of the latest scores from the NBA and NHL playoffs, Bill will be joined by LA Times hockey writer Helene Elliott. The Detroit Red Wings advanced to the second round of the playoffs after a four-game bashing of the Phoenix Coyotes. Who will be next to move on? The defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks? The never-say-die Boston Bruins? Bill and Helene look at the NHL teams whose Cup hopes are still alive.

The Buffalo Sabres made a late season surge and are now considered by many to be the Eastern Conference favorites. Helene Elliott of the LA Times is not one of those people. She thinks the Philadelphia Flyers have the experience and the talent to move past the Sabres.

“The Flyers know what it takes. They got to the Finals last year. They were the upset special darlings last spring. They know what it takes; they know what it takes to ride emotion. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them get to the Finals again.”

In the Western Conference Elliott thinks the Vancouver Canucks have reason to be anxious. Their fan base certainly is biting nails over the series with the Chicago Blackhawks.

“Boy is everybody in Vancouver very nervous. I think the entire continent was just sagging in that direction. It was just amazing. It was just an incredible spectacle to see Vancouver take that 3 to 0 lead and just completely collapse the next couple of games.”

Click on the listen link above to hear the full interview with Helene Elliott.

This segment aired on April 23, 2011.