The GLOBE & MAIL's Matthew Sekeres reports the Canucks "will request that their front-office staff be seated in a protected area" of United Center should their Western Conference Quarterfinals series against the Blackhawks require a sixth game Sunday. Canucks President & GM Mike Gillis and VP/Hockey Operations & Assistant GM Laurence Gilman "got into a verbal joust with Blackhawks fans seated in the upper reaches of the arena" during Tuesday night's game. Gillis, Gilman and other Canucks officials "were only seated in that booth because three television outlets are covering the series, occupying the suites usually reserved for visiting team officials" (GLOBE & MAIL, 4/21).
BETWEEN THE ROCK AND A HARD PLACE: In Newark, Rich Chere notes after the Devils missed the playoffs this season, "there is a lot" on team Owner Jeff Vanderbeek's plate during the offseason, "including the ultimate issue of ownership." Vanderbeek yesterday said that he is "unable to speak of the situation involving partner Mike Gilfillan, who wants to sell his share in the Devils, and what impact that will have on his own control of the franchise." Chere notes there also are "questions surrounding" President, CEO & GM Lou Lamoriello's status with the team. Vanderbeek plans to meet with Lamoriello "in the near future, but said nothing should be inferred by the fact that it hasn't happened yet" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 4/21).
PLAYING FAVORITES? In Philadelphia, John Smallwood notes Comcast-Spectacor Chair Ed Snider "has been viewed as considering the Sixers as second class, compared with his beloved Flyers." Snider said, "I can't change the misconception, but I know why it's there. I started the Flyers, and they are my baby. We bought the Sixers, and that's a little bit of a different thing. I know what the perception is, but I don't feel a need to try to change that. I'm just me" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 4/21).
MAKING THEIR PITCH: In N.Y., Kosman & DeCambre cite sources as saying that former Glencore Int'l Managing Dir Ray Bartoszek and Carriage House Partners' Anthony Lanza have emerged as leaders of a "fourth bidding group interested in buying a minority stake" in the Mets. The sources indicated that Bartoszek and Lanza have met with Mets Owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon and Saul Katz "in the last few days" (N.Y. POST, 4/21).
