Friday fun: Dumont's enduring doghouse

The playoffs proceeded into the second round last night in San Jose, while in Nashville the coach and general manager met with the media to wrap up the season and must about the road ahead.

After the jump, we'll point you to the video from yesterday's proceedings, and also to word that J.P. Dumont's reduced ice-time this season is likely permanent. All that, and an interview with one of the pivotal figures in the field of hockey analytics...

Last Night in the Playoffs

San Jose 4, Detroit 3: Cue the "blood in the water" references, as the Sharks strike first in this Western Conference Semifinal.

Predators News

Preds On The Glass: Predators Post Season Press Conference and Friday Round-Up
Buddy's got all the video from yesterday's press conference... expect to see more from this in the days ahead.

Nashville Predators say J.P. Dumont should expect similar role next season - The Tennessean
In addition, John Glennon notes that Denis Grebeshkov sounds more like a "Plan B" if the team can't re-sign Dan Hamhuis. That sounds about right, but I just don't see how the Preds will be able to afford Hammer, given the likely suitors that will come calling July 1.

Around the NHL

Flu bug, fever sideline Marleau for Game 1 - NHL.com
What? "Playoff fever" isn't a good thing?

The art of blocking a shot - The Globe and Mail
Shot-blocking has seemingly become more commonplace, especially at playoff time, and not knowing the proper technique is an invitation for disaster.

Interview with Jim Corsi, NHL statistical innovator, Sabres goalie coach. - Cult of Hockey
An interesting interview with the man, the myth, the legend.

Offseason plans: Some should tinker, others need overhaul - USATODAY.com
Kevin Allen looks at what Nashville, along with the other 7 1st-round losers, need to do this summer.

First Round Corsi Percentages by Score - Behind The Net
When you look at the Total Shots figures, the Preds stood toe-to-toe with the Blackhawks.

Series Preview - Vancouver's Blue Line - Second City Hockey
The defense corps is probably the weak spot in the Canucks lineup.

Alexander Semin’s Playoffs - Hockey or Die
I don't think you can really pin the Capitals problems on their high-scoring winger. He fired the puck, it just didn't go in.

Los Angeles Kings Blogger Post-Mortem - From The Rink
Connie Kim lets us know where it all went wrong for the Kings, and where they go from here.

Playoff Preview: Penguins vs Canadiens - View From My Seats
Matt Reitz consults with a Pittsburgh and Montreal blogger to get the scoop on this series.

And lastly, more video awesomeness from Bloge Salming: