In Cleveland, Chris Fedor notes the Cavaliers "unveiled their new playoff slogan ... 'Whatever it Takes.'" The new slogan "becomes the latest theme, just as 'All In' and 'Defend the Land' were used in past playoff runs." Signage went up Friday morning on the "exterior of Quicken Loans Arena, with massive banners and window wraps to [be] displayed all around the arena" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 4/13).
BETTER DAYS AHEAD: In Edmonton, Terry Jones notes Oilers CEO & Vice Chair Bob Nicholson gave a "public vote of confidence" when he announced that President of Hockey Operations & GM Peter Chiarelli would return next season. In doing so, however, the Oilers left coach Todd McLellan "hanging in limbo." Nicholson has previously "offered the opinion that the Oilers made far too many coaching changes during the decade of darkness." He said this is about "going forward, starting with the decision to keep Chiarelli at the helm" (EDMONTON SUN, 4/13).
TROUBLING TREND: BLEACHER REPORT's Mike Freeman noted Panthers LB Thomas Davis "received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy." Players suspect the NFL is "paying close attention to the Panthers because of the team's recent history." Panthers DE Charles Johnson received a four-game suspension in '17 for violating the league's PED policy, while G Chris Scott was suspended for four games for a PED violation in '16 and DE Wes Horton received the same punishment in '15. The league "watches these sort of trends closely" (BLEACHERREPORT.com, 4/11).
