TheSpread.com

Holmqvist Likes the Attention

Surrounded by a pack of reporters in the Tampa Bay Lightning locker room, goalie Johan Holmqvist conceded that he enjoys the attention that comes with being in the NHL playoffs.

``This is what you play the whole year for,'' the 28-year-old native of Sweden said. ``When the media comes around, it's a bonus.''

Predators Rest While Sharks Swim

Most of the Nashville Predators didn't participate in an optional team skate Tuesday. Instead, they attended meetings and rested up in their San Jose hotel after a tough night at the Shark Tank.

Across town, the San Jose Sharks held a full practice at their training complex. After taking charge of Game 3 with physical punishment and a frenetic pace, the Sharks were determined to keep their edge while the Predators gathered themselves for another attack in a playoff series that's been every bit as good as these opponents' records.

Islanders Need to Rally

Ryan Miller peeled off layer after layer of equipment following practice Tuesday, showing no ill effects of the two shots that rattled his mask the night before.

All the protection saved him from serious injury and stopped the shots that could've given the New York Islanders a big win on home ice.

Unstoppable Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings have been unstoppable in the first two games of this postseason. Recent history suggests that could change in Calgary.

The Red Wings are looking to take a 3-0 series lead over the Flames, but would need to win for the first time at the Pengrowth Saddledome this season as the teams continue their Western Conference quarterfinal series Tuesday night.

Rangers Return Home

It's been a decade since the New York Rangers won a playoff series. Not surprisingly, they're all fired up about returning to Madison Square Garden with a chance to finish off the Atlanta Thrashers.

"I get goose bumps just thinking about how loud it's going to be," New York's Sean Avery said. "We don't want to let our fans down. We have to win two more games."