NBC's Pierre McGuire has "found his calling" with the net's "Inside The Glass" element, combining his "insights with those of his frequent partners, Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, in the broadcast booth above the ice," according to Allan Kreda of the N.Y. TIMES. McGuire "originated the 'Inside the Glass' role when the NHL returned" for the '05-06 season. His "frenetic energy ... has become indispensable on NBC’s telecasts," and coaches have "grown accustomed to McGuire’s quick in-game interviews, which follow the first commercial break after the 10-minute mark of the first and second periods." McGuire "enjoys the opportunity to analyze the games up close and is heartened that the youngest wave of players embrace his role." Meanwhile, yesterday's Wild-Blues game marked McGuire's fifth broadcast in five days and is "part of a stretch of eight games in eight days in six cities to open the playoffs." Last spring he "broadcast 44 playoff games in 51 days" (N.Y. TIMES, 4/16).
TELL IT LIKE IT IS: In Tampa, Tom Jones writes NBCSN studio analyst Mike Milbury delivered "great stuff," talking about a "dumb roughing penalty taken" by Canadiens C Steve Ott in Game 2 of his team's series against the Rangers. Millbury said, "Ott can't control himself. He's a bum when it comes to this stuff. ... Make a pass, score a goal. Stop being a jerk all the time!'' (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 4/17).
