Yzerman says playoff exit ‘good lesson’

When it was over, Steve Yzerman tried to look on the bright side. “It’s a good lesson,” the captain said. “After winning the Stanley Cup, there was a lot of stuff going on - high-profile team, a bunch of stars, whatever. We got brought back down to earth hard in one week Maybe being humbled is good for us in the long run.” The Red Wings finished the regular season on a 21-3-1-2 streak - and had 110 points, fourth-most in franchise history - but they stumbled in their final two games, lost the Western Conference title and drew a matchup with Anaheim. Instead of winning their fourth Cup in seven years, they became the first defending champions since the 1952 Maple Leafs to lose in the first round…Right winger…

Aulin aims to Improve skating, strength

Despite Manchester’s first round sweep from the American League playoffs, the Kings were pleased with the performance of center Jared Aulin, one of their top prospects. Aulin didn’t make the Kings out of training camp last fall, but would have received considerable playing time in L.A. had he not been slowed by elbow and knee injuries. Aulin, 20, scored just one goal for the Kings, but had 12 goals and 44 points in 44 games at Manchester. “Jared was our best player on the ice in the playoffs,” said Monarchs coach Bruce Boudreau. “He showed great stickhandling skill and made a great transition to the professional game.” Aulin has returned to his native Calgary for the summer to work on his skating and upper-body strength. He was injury-plagued during his…

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

POOR LITTLE RICH TEAMS Capitals owner Ted Leonsis isn’t happy with Jaromir Jagris gigantic contract. Poor guy, eh? It’s a case of “what-goes-around-comes-around” for these teams with deep pockets who strut their stuff when they sign players to ridiculous contracts knowing full well that small market teams can’t afford to compete. When the player turns out to be a shadow of himself or an underachiever, they’re stuck with him. Looks good on them, I say. Morgan MacInnis, Marion Bridge, N.S. LEAVE THE GAME ALONE Hockey analyst after hockey analyst wants to change the game, such as taking out the red line or making the nets bigger. Such nonsense is ridiculous. Our great game needs no changes and is in the rut it is in due to the changes that already have been imposed. Here’s an idea: don’t change…

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