The Minnesota Wild have found their man. It is announced today that the Wild have named Todd Richards as the new head coach. The Wild are taking a huge risk with Richards, who has just 1 year NHL experience behind the bench as an assistant coach for the San Jose Sharks last season. Richards will replace Jacques Lemaire, who resigned in April, possibly ending the defense first style of play the Wild are known for. This change in coaching follows the recent firing of Dave Tippett and hiring of Marc Crawford by the Dallas Stars.
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.”
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.”
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.
My apologies for the delay in updates guys, have been hectic lately with work.
News:
NHL / NHLPA Reach Agreement on Intl Events (report)
According to TSN, the NHL and NHLPA have come to terms on future international events that could see 6 teams start next season in Europe, as well as the return of the World Cup of Hockey in 2010/11.
Maple Leafs Fire Al Coates from Front Office
The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly fired the Director of Player Personnel, Al Coates today. The report comes from the Toronto Star.
Oilers Retire Glenn Anderson’s #9
The Edmonton Oilers have honored Hall of Famer Glenn Anderson today by raising his jersey to the rafters of Rexall Place, Edmonton.
Injuries:
Teppo Numminen (D – Buffalo) Out indefinitely after face surgery.
There were 28 new Hockey videos added to the site today, including game highlights from the days NHL matches, some great fights and a fantastic interview with Alexander Ovechkin (below).
1st Period – 11/8/08: The Washington Capitals beat the New York Rangers 3-1 to remain unbeaten at home. Brooks Laich and Tom Poti scored for the Capitals in the first period.
Minnesota Wild 2008-2009
minneosta wild 2008-2009 08 09 is this our year nhl hockey commercial ice mikko koivu meittmen born to be wild skate fights derek boogaard brent burns tribute best awesome alittleproduction fan kryptonite i gave my life to save her we will fight till the end until the navy song talent GO WILD!!!!!!!! thanks for watching high quality works best, sub for more thanks! marian gaborik MVP best game ever amazing national hockey league
2002-03 Round 4/Game 6: Scott Stevens Crushes Paul Kariya
The last of the classic Scott Stevens bone crushing hits. It happens only a few minutes after the Pandolfo goal. Scott Gomez turns the puck over in center ice and Paul Kariya grabs it. A second or two after Kariya dished a pass off, Scott Stevens catches Kariya with a punishing hit that knocks him out cold. It looks like this would be the turning point for the Devils. And it would be. Unfortunately it would turn the wrong way for the Devils as Kariya would not only return, but score a goal, making it 4-1 Anaheim. Clip is (c) ABC Sports/ESPN and the NHL and no copyright infringement is intended against them.
top 5 NHL teams
Here are my favorite NHL teams more vids coming soon
NHL Hockey Players
A funny video created by KILLERGUILDE and ALTADAR! Go Habs Go!
Grant Marshall Goal – 2002-03 Round 4/Game 6:
Score now 5-1 Ducks, and the Devils get a power play goal from Grant Marshall who deflected a Brian Rafalski point shot, to make the score 5-2 Ducks.
Maple Leafs vs Flames – 10/14/06!
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Leafs beating up on the Flames so here is the fourth of four classic Leafs’ thrashings of the poor lil\’ Flames! All videos dedicated to Robert O\’Connor.;)
2002-03 Round 4/Game 7/Pregame: NBC Interview!
My cousin was interviewed on the local NBC(NY Channel 4) affiliate before Game 7! I’m in the background too, in the black t shirt behind Aimee Nuzzo Clip is (c) WNBC/4 New York and no copyright infringement is intended against them.
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)
Jim Vandermeer vs Ryan Carter Nov 2, 2008 Jim Vandermeer vs Ryan Carter from the Calgary Flames at Anaheim Ducks game on Nov 2, 2008. via http://www.hockeyfights.com
Darren McCarty vs Mike Brown Nov 2, 2008 Darren McCarty vs Mike Brown from the Detroit Red Wings at Vancouver Canucks game on Nov 2, 2008. via http://www.hockeyfights.com
Brodeur Wins # 6 – Thrashers 1 VS Devils 6 – But With A Cost.. November 1, 2008 Devils Beat The Thrashers.. Broduer – 8 More Wins To Goooo… And Bye Bye To Roys Record.. Brodeur – 6 More Shutouts To Go And Bye Bye Sawchuck\’s Record.. Brodeur Was Injured In The Second Period With A Bruised Elbow And Will Miss The Game Against The Sabres On November 3rd..
Wild vs. Coyotes 11/1/08 – Power Play in 3rd and more Power play action with an extra 2 minutes or so until the next whistle after the power play. The Wild ended up getting an ugly goal later in the 3rd period to win 3-2
NHL Brawl – Detroit Red Wings – Colorado Avalanche Rivalry This brawl happened @ March 26th, 1997. 300 Penalty Minutes during the last Period. Enjoy! Due to several “requests”: The Song is called “Hey Man Nice Shot” by Filter. Congrats to the Stanley Cup 2008! The full credits are going to the original author of that video. It´s not MY work! Keep up with your comments!
Tobias Stephan (G – Stars) earns our player of the day for his win over the Minnesota Wild. Stephan played in only his 2nd ever NHL game. His last game, almost a year ago was on the road in Chicago, a game where he played solid but lost the game in overtime. A year is a long time to wait to prove you can play at this level, but Stephan did that today.
Stars of the day:
Teemu Selanne (Ducks), got his game on with a hat trick against the Detroit Red Wings
Tobias Stephan (Stars) made his NHL debut for 2008 with a 4-2 win over the Wild
Ryan Getzlaf (Ducks) had 5 assists in the Ducks win over the Red Wings
Matt Stajan (Maple Leafs) scored 2 goals in the Leafs shootout win over the Devils
Pavel Datsyuk (Red Wings) scored a pair against the Ducks
…and there were none:
Going into todays game the Wild had no suffered a regulation loss this season, the only team remaining to do so. Tobias Stephan and the Stars put and end to that with a solid 4-2 win over the travelling team.
Demoted:
Jordan Staal has been demoted to the third line during Wednesday’s Penguins practice.
Trade Deadline moved:
The NHL has announced that the Trade Deadline will be moved back to March 4. The change has been approved by both the NHL and the NHLPA.
oh, they’re hurt:
Sergei Zubov (Stars) should be back in the Stars lineup this Saturday.
Randy Jones (Flyers) could resume skating in 2 weeks and should be back on the team before Christmas.
Jere Lehtinen (Stars) is rumored to begin skating again soon.
Tim Connolly (Sabres) is unlikely to play this weekend with a back injury.
Pascal Leclaire (Blue Jackets) is looking at a second opinion after his MRI revealed just a sprained ankle.
Bryan McCabe (Panthers) began skating on his own Monday.
Rick DiPietro (Islanders) will not be on the upcoming road trip.
He shoots… the scores:
Toronto Maple Leafs 6 – 5 New Jersey Devils (shootout)
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.