May 6th

'HAWKS AGREE TO TERMS WITH NIEMI

The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with Finnish goaltender Antti Niemi. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Niemi posted a record of 26-6-14 with a 2.35 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage in 49 games last season with Pelicans of the Finnish Elite League.

"Antti is one of the top European goaltenders and had been courted by the majority of NHL teams," said Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon. "We like his size, athleticism, ability and the depth that this gives us at this position. We're thrilled to add a young talent like Niemi to our stable of prospects."

The 24-year-old Niemi notched a mark of 56-44-29 with a 2.71 GAA over the past three seasons with Pelicans.


LEAFS SIGN MITCHELL TO ENTRY LEVEL DEAL

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed forward Dale Mitchell to a three-year entry level contract.

Mitchell was the Maple Leafs' first choice, 74th overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. 

The 19-year-old skated in 15 playoff games for the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League in 2008 with 16 points and scored 24 goals and 60 points in 63 regular season games.

Over the past three seasons with Oshawa, Mitchell has played in 195 games, collecting 183 points (87 goals, 96 assists) along with 223 penalty minutes.

Mitchell signed an amateur try-out contract with the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies last week and will join the Marlies for the Calder Cup playoffs.


START TIMES AND COVERAGE ANNOUNCED FOR CONFERENCE FINALS

(Game--Date--Time--Home Team--Network)

Western Conference Final: #1 Detroit vs #5 Dallas

Game 1--Thur, May 8--630pm--@ Detroit--Versus
Game 2--Sat, May 10--6pm--@ Detroit--Versus
Game 3--Mon, May 12--7pm--@ Dallas--Versus
Game 4--Wed, May 14--7pm--@ Dallas--Versus
*Game 5--Sat, May 17--1230pm--@ Detroit--NBC
*Game 6--Mon, May 19--7pm--@ Dallas--Versus
*Game 7--Wed, May 21--630pm--@ Detroit--Versus

Eastern Conference Final: #2 Pittsburgh vs #6 Philadelphia

Game 1--Fri, May 9--630pm--@ Pittsburgh--Versus
Game 2--Sun, May 11--630pm--@ Pittsburgh--Versus
Game 3--Tues, May 13--630pm--@ Philadelphia--Versus
Game 4--Thur, May 15--630pm--@ Philadelphia--Versus
*Game 5--Sun, May 18--2pm--@ Pittsburgh--NBC
*Game 6--Tues, May 20--630pm--@Philadelphia--Versus
*Game 7--Thur, May 22--630pm--@Pittsburgh--Versus

*If Necessary