The NHL Minute: April 8

Senators sign Clouston to new deal

The Ottawa Senators are keeping Cory Clouston as their head coach, removing his interim tag Wednesday and signing him to a two-year deal.

The 39-year-old Clouston took over the Senators on Feb. 2, when Craig Hartsburg was fired after the team got off to a 17-24-7 start. They’ve been 19-10-3 since then, but will still miss the postseason after 11 straight appearances.

Still, owner Eugene Melnyk and general manager Bryan Murray moved quickly to lock up the architect behind the turnaround.

“Cory’s come in and done a remarkable job,” Murray said during a news conference at Scotiabank Place, where the Senators play their final home game Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils. “He’s made (the players) accountable.”

- Read more on Yahoo

Gaborik puts focus on playoffs, not next contract

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)—Marian Gaborik didn’t bite. Given yet another opportunity to expound on his preferred career path beyond this season, Minnesota’s injury-burdened, goal-scoring superstar stayed mum on the subject.

Even with his potentially final home game as a member of the Wild approaching.

“Still playing here,” Gaborik said, laughing, “so obviously we’ll see what’s going to happen down the road. But we’re still in the season right now, so that’s where my head is, that’s where my heart is, and that’s where my focus is.”

- Read more on Yahoo

Blue Jackets clinch first playoff spot

CHICAGO (AP)—Rick Nash put Columbus in the playoffs for the first time, and Fedor Tyutin capped the Blue Jackets’ big night with the shootout winner.

After Nash scored a late goal to force overtime and give the Blue Jackets the final point they need to clinch a playoff spot, Tyutin scored the lone goal in the shootout in Columbus’ 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night.

Columbus, which entered the NHL in 2000-01, was the only active team that hadn’t made the playoffs. Against Chicago, the Blue Jackets overcame 2-0 and 3-2 deficits.

- Read more on Yahoo

The NHL Minute – 6 Jan

News:

• Predators announce game time change to avoid clash with Titans
  The Nashville Predators have changed the time of their game Saturday so it doesn’t conflict with the Tennessee Titans’ playoff game. (The Full Story on TSN)
• Sundin to make NHL debut
  According to TSN, Mats Sundin may make his NHL debut for this season tomorrow, Vs the Edmonton Oilers.
• Jarkko Ruutu bites Andrew Peters
  Jarkko Ruutu added another chapter to the bitter rivalry between the Ottawa Senators and the Buffalo Sabres.  He bit the gloved thumb of Sabres enforcer Andrew Peters during a first-period altercation Tuesday night, overshadowing Buffalo’s 4-2 win. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
• The NHL is coming to a Cellphone near you
  The NHL is coming to a cellphone near you.  Bell Mobility has reached an agreement with the league and the NHL Players’ Association to be the exclusive carrier of NHL content. As of Tuesday, customers will be able to sign up for a service that allows them to access video highlights, up-to-date scores and summaries and other unique features on their phones. (The Full Story on Yahoo)

Transactions:

• None.

Injuries:

• Rick Nash (LW – Columbus) Left game against the Red Wings early with apparent ankle injury.
• Paul Kariya (LW – St. Louis) Underwent successful surgery.
• Marian Gaborik (RW – Minnesota) Underwent successful surgery on left hip.  Expected to miss 10 weeks.
• Adam Foote (D – Colorado) Placed on IR with tricept injury.

scores:

• New Jersey 2 – 3 Carolina
• Philadelpha 1 – 2 Washington (Shootout)
• Minnesota 1 – 0 Boston
• Ottawa 2 – 4 Buffalo
• Florida 4 – 2 Toronto
• Columbus 0 – 3 Detroit
• Atlanta 1 – 3 Pittsburgh
• Colorado 2 – 1 Nashville
• Chicago 6 – 0 Phoenix
• San Jose 2 – 5 Calgary
• Los Angeles 1 – 3 Anaheim

Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN

The NHL Minute – Jan 1

News:

• CHICAGO – If you closed your eyes and put your ear to the ground of the Frozen Confines on Thursday, you could almost hear Ernie Banks saying, “Let’s skate two.” The NHL’s New Year’s Day spectacle at Wrigley Field was just that good. (The Full Story on Yahoo)

Transactions:

• None.

Injuries:

• Jamie Heward (D – Tampa Bay) Carried off ice after Ovechkin check.
• Kent Huskkins (D – Anaheim) Will miss 2 – 3 weeks with broken bone in foot.
• Alex Tanguay (LW – Montreal) Will miss min. 6 weeks with shoulder injury.
• Marian Gaborik (RW – Minnesota) May opt for season ending surgery.
• Marc-Andre Bergeron (D – minnesota) Has missed 5 consecutive games, now placed on IR.
• Craig Rivet (D – Buffalo) Shoulder injury, no date set for return.

scores:

• Detroit 6 – 4 Chicago
• Buffalo 4 – 1 Toronto
• Pittsburgh 2 – 4 Boston
• Tampa Bay 4 – 7 Washington
• Vancouver 2 – 1 Nashville

Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN

The NHL Minute – Dec 31

News:

• Weathor major topic on eve of Winter Classic
  With only hours til the 2009 Winter Classic gets underway, the hot topic around the league is wether the weather will be good… or bad.  Chris Johnston talks about this on Yahoo Sports.
• Steve Mason continues shutout streak
  Columbus Blue Jackets rookie netminder Steve Mason is making the NHL look easy.  Mason backstopped the Blue Jackets to a 2-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks, his third consecutive shutout.

Injuries:

• Patrice Bergeron (C – Boston) Placed on IR for concussion.
• Rick DiPietro (G – NY Islanders) Re-injured groin.
• Marian Gaborik (RW – Minnesota) Re-injured, day-to-day.
• Simon Gagne (LW – Philadelphia) Shoulder Injury.

Transactions:

• Vancouver Canucks acquired Netminder Jason Labarbara from the LA Kings for a 7th round draft pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Scores:

• Florida 2 – 4 NY Islanders
• San Jose 2 – 3 Minnesota (Overtime)
• Colorado 1 – 3 Phoenix
• Atlanta 1 – 3 Carolina
• New Jersey 2 – 4 Dallas
• Columbus 2 – 0 Anaheim
• Edmonton 4 – 6 Calgary

Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN

The NHL Minute – 16 Dec

News

• The Windy City blows no challenge for Winter Classic
  Those capricious winds at Wrigley Field that make baseballs do crazy things could be a factor on New Year’s Day when hockey takes over the home of the Chicago Cubs.  But when the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings meet on a rink that will stretch from first to third base, neither team will have an advantage in the third period—even if it’s a blustery and cold day.  That’s because they’ll switch sides in the middle of the final period, NBC coordinating producer Sam Flood said Monday during a conference call promoting the network’s coverage of the Winter Classic.  (The Full Story on Yahoo)
• Lemieux starts the long road back
  You could call Claude Lemieux “the Comeback Kid.” Except that at his age, he’s no kid. And as for the comeback part, now that’s where it gets interesting.  Five years after hanging up his skates for good – or so he thought at the time – the feisty (some prefer to call him dirty) Lemieux is back in the game he loves, but hasn’t always loved him back.  (The Full Story on Yahoo)

Suspensions:

• None
  

Trades & Transactions:

• None

Injuries:

• Marian Gaborik (RW – Wild) Hopes to return Wednesday.
• Carey Price (G – Canadiens) Could be out til after Christmas.
• Craig Rivet (D – Sabres) Out 2 weeks after shoulder surgery.
• Roberto Luongo (G – Canucks) No time frame for return.

Rumours & Gossip (from spectorshockey.net):

• Bob McKenzie reports barring the unforeseen Mats Sundin’s choices are now down to the Vancouver Canucks and NY Rangers.
• Michael Russo reported on the possibility something could be brewing between the Wild and Atlatna Thrashers. “I was told two days ago from a source of mine in the league that the two teams were talking trade. Then, all of a sudden, Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell appears and attends both Wild games in California. And during the first intermission, Waddell and Wild GM Doug Risebrough looked to be having a serious conversation”, reports Russo.
• Aaron Portzline reports the Blue Jackets have placed goalie Fredrik Norrena on waivers but it remains to be seen whether they’ll try to demote him if he clears waivers on Tuesday since he’s already refused to accept a conditioning stint in the minors.
• (Read more at spectorshockey.net)

Scores:

• Colorado 3 – 2 Detroit
• San Jose 3 – 2 Los Angeles (Shootout)

Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN

The NHL Minute – 15 Dec

News

• Avery & Stars Part Ways
  Even with his six-game suspension being over, troubled Stars forward Sean Avery will not be returning to Dallas.  The Stars said on Sunday that representatives for both Avery and the team said they would continue to work together in support of Avery during “this critical time” for the player.  (The Full Story on TSN)
• Sundin meets with Rangers Brass
  Sundin, who took in Saturday night’s encounter between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils in a private box, met with Rangers brass following the game.  (The Full Story on TSN)
• Coyotes McGrattan enters NHLPA Drug Program
  Phoenix Coyotes forward Brian McGrattan has voluntarily entered stage 1 of the NHL and NHL Players Association Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program it was announced on Saturday. (The Full Story on TSN)

Suspensions:

• None
  

Trades & Transactions:

• The Dallas Stars acquired center Brian Sutherby from the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday for center David McIntyre and a conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2010. (The Full Story on Yahoo!)

Injuries:

• Jeremy Roenick (C – San Jose) IR.  Out 3-4 weeks with shoulder injury.

Rumours & Gossip (from spectorshockey.net):

• The Dallas Stars have reportedly had talks with the Rangers about a possible deal that would see Sean Avery dealt back to the Big Apple in exchange for struggling d-man Michal Rozsival. Avery would be demoted to the minors until he addressed his anger management issues.
• Al Strachan noted speculation the Vancouver Canucks might try to sign both Marian Gaborik and Marian Hossa next summer to have them join Pavol Demitra and thus off-set the potential loss of the Sedin Twins to free agency.
• Bill Watters claimed Panthers forward Nathan Horton is unhappy playing for Jacques Martin in Florida, even noting a rumor Horton might consider retiring but could give it another try after this season but preferably with another NHL team.
• (Read more at spectorshockey.net)

Scores:

• Columbus 1 – 3 Chicago
• Minnesota 2 – 4 Anaheim
• Florida 3 – 5 Vancouver

Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN

The NHL Minute – 3 Dec

Avery Alert: With so much news surrounding the Sean Avery situation, our new section “Avery Alert” will bring you all the news comments you need in one handy location.  Don’t worry though, this section will only last a short time and will stop once we all get sick off hearing about Avery.

• Avery to meet with Bettman and the NHL Thursday.
  The date of the hearing has been set; this Thursday.  Avery will travel to New York to face the NHL.  Stars co-GM Brett Hull is said to be traveling with Avery.  (The Full Story on TSN)
• No Way Out For Avery
  Ross McKeon of Yahoo! Sports breaks down the Avery situation and explains that there may be no way for Avery to come out of this in a good position. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
• Avery Apologises to NHL, Team, Ex’s
  Avery’s publicist wasted no time in drafting a well written apology.  (The Full Story on Yahoo)
  
• NHL Suspends Avery Indefinitely
  After making the “sloppy seconds” comment, the NHL quickly jumped in and indefinitely suspended the agitator. (The Full Story on TSN)

News

• Fan injured in fall at Senators game
  A male fan was injured at Scotiabank Place on Wednesday during the Ottawa Senators’ 5-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers after falling from the top level of the arena.  The man, who Senators president Roy Mlakar stated was not inebriated, originally fell over in row D of the 300 level. He then plummeted into row D of the 200 level, falling on a woman who also sustained injuries.  Mlakar believes the man was not seriously hurt. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
• Canes Sack Peter Laviolette
  Carolina fired Peter Laviolette on Wednesday. The Hurricanes brought back Paul Maurice to take over as coach, and moved assistant general manager Ron Francis behind the bench as Maurice’s associate coach. Laviolette led the team to the 2006 Stanley Cup title. He’s the career victory leader among U.S.-born coaches.

Trades & Transactions:

• Anaheim acquired defenseman Logan Stephenson from Phoenix on Wednesday for left wing Joakim Lindstrom. Stephenson will report to Iowa of the AHL.

Injuries:

• Brian Rolston (NJ Devils) – Expected back thursday.
• Joe Sakic (C – Avalanche) Expected to miss 6 weeks.
• Marian Gaborik (Wild) Not yet ready to return.

Rumours & Gossip:

• What to do with Avery?
  Rumours are ripe that Avery has played his last game in a Stars jersey.  If that’s the case, there are a few options the team has, which include: Demoting him to the minors, buying out his contract, looking for a trade, or going through legal channals to void his contract.  Either way, if it’s true that Avery is on the out, this could mean a very positive thing for the team.
• Havlat on the block?
  After recent changes which ended up with Martin Havlat being demoted to the teams 3rd line, speculation suggests the Hawks could be looking to move him at some stage.

Scores:

• Pittsburgh Penguins 2 – 3 NY Rangers (Shootout)
• Atlanta Thrashers 1 – 5 Ottawa Senators
• St Louis Blues 0 – 4 Minnesota Wild
• Anaheim Ducks 2 – 4 Chicago Blackhawks
• Dallas Stars 2 – Edmonton Oilers 5

Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN

The NHL Minute – 4 Nov

2 mins Player of the day:

• Ryan Miller (G – Sabres).  Miller gets the 2 Minutes Player of the Day after posting his 2nd shutout in as many games.  Miller led the Sabres to a 2-0 win over the New Jersey Devils today, facing 24 shots on goal.

Stars of the day:

• Chris Campoli (D – Islanders) 2G 0A 2Pts
• Ryan Miller (G – Sabres)24 shots, 0GA 1.00% SV%
• Andrew Ladd (LW – Blackhawks) 2G 1A 3Pts
• Patrick Sharp (C – Blackhawks) 2G 1A 3Pts

Stars make more moves:

• The Dallas Stars made more moves today to try and fix their woes.  Stars co-GMs Brett Hull and Les Jackson signed former Minnesota Wild forward Mark Parrish to a 1-year deal worth $500k (NHL) or $100k (AHL).  Parrish, who was bought out by the Wild could bring a scoring touch to a Stars team that has been struggling to find it’s identity.

Senators & Coyotes swap minor leaguers

• The Ottawa Senators traded prospect Alexander Nikulin to the Phoenix Coyotes for defenseman Drew Fata on Monday.  Nikulin, 23, told the Senators last week that he would return to his native Russia if a deal wasn’t completed.  The 6-1, 203-pound center was a fourth-round pick – 122nd overall – by the Senators in the 2004 draft. Nikulin recorded two goals in five games with Binghamton of the American Hockey League this season. In 2007-08, Nikulin had 14 goals and 36 assists in 71 games with Binghamton.

oh, they’re hurt:

• Owen Nolan (Wild): Placed on IR with a lower body injury
• Marian Gaborik (Wild): Still not ready to return.
• Jere Lehtinen (Stars): Questionable for Nov 7 Vs Anaheim
• Sergei Zubov (Stars): IR, expected return Nov 7 Vs Anaheim

He shoots… the scores:

• Buffalo Sabres 2 – 0 New Jersey Devils
• New York Islanders 4 – 3 Columbus Blue Jackets (Overtime)
• Chicago Blackhawks 6 – 2 Colorado Avalanche

Technorati Tags: ice hockey, nhl teams, nhl, nhlpa, hockey results, sports, sporting teams

Around the NHL – 22 Oct

Top News:

• Wild reportedly shopping RW Gaborik
  Arguably the greatest player in franchise history, Marian Gaborik appears to be on his way to becoming a former member of the Minnesota Wild.

  Gaborik, who can become an unrestricted free agent following the 2008-09 season, was offered by the Wild to an unnamed team in a trade proposal last weekend, according to a report by the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Tuesday.

  The report stated its source, an NHL team executive, told Minnesota he was not interested in acquiring Gaborik, the lone remaining original member of the Wild.

  It is believed Minnesota general manager Doug Risebrough has had discussions with the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings regarding Gaborik, the Star Tribune reported. The right wing has turned down a number of contract extension offers, and Risebrough and agent Ron Salcer both told the Star Tribune the sides have not spoken in two weeks.

  Drafted third overall in 2000, Gaborik has recorded 207 goals and 415 points – both franchise highs – in 487 career games with the Wild. This season, the 26-year-old Slovakian notched one tally in two contests before missing the team’s last two games with a “lower body” injury.

  A two-time All-Star, Gaborik has reached the 30-goal mark five times during his seven seasons in the NHL, netting a career-high 42 in 2007-08. He also represented his country at the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Injury Updates:

• Red Wings D Lilja undergoes appendectomy
  Red Wings defenceman Andreas Lilja has undergone an appendectomy.  The team says Lilja could return to the lineup as soon as Friday following Tuesday’s surgery at the Detroit Medical Center. The team also says forward Darren Helm has been assigned to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Helm was called up to Detroit on Thursday and appeared in two games.  Helm was Detroit’s fifth-round selection in the 2005 draft.

• Blue Jackets activate centre Malhotra and place winger Modin on IR
  The Columbus Blue Jackets activated centre Manny Malhotra off injured reserve Tuesday.  He has been nursing a lower-body injury that has kept him out of the lineup through the club’s first five games.  The Blue Jackets also placed left-winger Fredrik Modin on injured reserve with a hip injury. Modin, who has three assists in five games, is expected to miss at least three games.
• Ducks C Getzlaf out of lineup
  The Anaheim Ducks are without one of their top players for Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs as center Ryan Getzlaf was scratched due to an issue with his teeth.

Signings & Acquisitions:

• Blues claim LW Koci on waivers from Lightning
  The St. Louis Blues on Tuesday claimed left wing David Koci on waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Koci, 27, played in one game with Tampa Bay this season, posting four penalty minutes. The 6-6, 238-pounder has skated in 28 career NHL contests, recording 160 penalty minutes.  The Czech Republic native originally was taken by Pittsburgh in the fifth round of the 2000 draft.

• Rangers place LW Rissmiller on waivers
  Patrick Rissmiller’s days with the New York Rangers could be coming to an end.  According to a report by New York Newsday on Tuesday night, the Rangers placed the left wing on waivers.
• Ducks place D Klee on waivers
  The Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday placed defenseman Ken Klee on waivers.  Teams have until 9 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday to claim the 37-year-old Klee, who could be assigned to Iowa of the American Hockey League should there be no takers.

Suspension Updates:

• Michael Peca (C – Columbus): Suspension over

• Ryan Hollweg (LW – Toronto): Suspension over

Game Results:

Source: Yahoo! Sports | TSN.ca | ESPN | NHL.com

Technorati Tags: nhl, ice hockey, game results, trade rumours, trade rumors, nhl contracts

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Around the NHL – 17 Oct

Brunnstrom makes statement in debut
By Zachary Ingraham PA SportsTicker Staff Writer

(Click here to view the full article)