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New York Islanders: Rick DiPietro let his guard down and revealed the real reason the Islanders goaltender is so talkative. "You guys think it's confidence. It's just a bunch of nervous energy I have to relieve by talking as much as possible," DiPietro told The New York Times.

St. Louis Blues: One of the lowest points in Chris Osgood's career came 10 years ago in the playoffs against the San Jose Sharks. Two Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings and more than 300 victories later, the St. Louis goalie is again having to prove himself in a first-round series against the Sharks.

Philadelphia Flyers: Rookie defenseman Joni Pitkanen originally wasn't in Flyers head coach Ken Hitchcock's plans for Game 1 against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. But Eric Desjardins' season-ending arm injury will speed up Pitkanen's playoff debut.

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