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.
NHLPA Plans to file grievance on Avery suspension
The National Hockey League Players Association is planning on grieving Sean Avery’s 6-game suspension. The PA believes NHL commissioner Gary Bettman handed down a summary suspension before the hearing, constituting a violation of the collective bargaining agreement. The CBA suggests for off-ice discipline a hearing must take place before action is taken. (The Full Story on TSN)
News
Wild keeping Gillies from World Juniors
While Team Canada’s December camp roster for the World Junior Hockey Championship has room for additions, forward Colton Gillies will not be one of them. (The Full Story on TSN)
Wilson puts struggling leafs through early morning skate
For most NHL teams taking a road trip through a warm and sunny locale, a round of golf is usually on the schedule. But for a Toronto Maple Leafs club that dropped two of three games after a humiliating loss to the Phoenix Coyotes, it’s a good ol’ fashioned bag skate. (The Full Story on TSN)
Can the Stars start fresh without Avery?
While it has been made clear that the Dallas Stars aren’t interested in getting Sean Avery back in their lineup anytime soon — if at all — are there any other opportunities that might work with other teams around the NHL? (The Full Story on TSN)
Canucks GM Gillis believes Sundin decision imminent
As Mats Sundin continues to ponder his future, Canucks general Mike Gillis is once again attempting to convince the Maple Leafs all-time leading scorer that Vancouver should be his destination of choice. (The Full Story on TSN)
Trades & Transactions:
None
Injuries:
Sam Gagner (C – Oilers) Day-to-Day with concussion.
Owen Nolan (RW – Wild) Day-to-Day with lower body injury.
Robert Nilsson (LW – Oilers) Placed on Injured Reserve.
Rumours & Gossip:
Possible trade locations for Avery?
Could there be a trade involving Sean Avery? An article allegedly from TSN lists 5 teams who could provide possible trade locations for the forward. All would involve long term contracts that have not paid off; Dustin Penner (LW – Oilers), Jason Blake (LW – Maple Leafs), Radim Vrbata (RW – Lightning), Rostislav Olesz (LW – Panthers) & Sergei Samsonov (LW, Hurricanes).
The San Jose Sharks have hired a new head coach. Todd McLellan, formerly an assistant coach with the Stanley Cup winning Detroit Red Wings will be formerly announced as the new head coach on Thursday.
“It’s a very good feeling,” McLellan said in a statement released by the team. “From the first moment Doug called to the moment he offered the job, I felt comfortable. I think the Sharks have done a tremendous job. You don’t get that close to 50 wins for a number of years in a row without a lot of talent. It’s a matter of getting over the hump. There are some real parallels between the Wings and the Sharks.” - NHL – Yahoo! Sports
The Sharks hope that McLellan, who has experience with cup winning teams will help take the Sharks all the way.
A month after being fired from the San Jose Sharks, Ron Wilson has a new job, one that to many, could be considered a promotion.
It was announced today that Ron Wilson has been hired as the new head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“I’m the happiest person in the National Hockey League today,” Wilson said. “I’m fulfilling a dream.
“Obviously if you lose your job in the league you often wonder if you’ll get another opportunity,” he said. “The furthest thing from my mind at any point in my hockey career was that I would have an opportunity—ever—to coach a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs with their incredible history.”
- NHL – Yahoo! Sports
When talking about the Maple Leafs as a team, Ron Wilson was quoted as saying;
“I view the Leafs as a team in transition,”. “It’s going to require a lot of work and a lot of attention to detail. - NHL – Yahoo! Sports
Ron Wilson, who’s coaching career in the NHL stands at 518-446-127 has coached for the Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks before heading to his last post in San Jose.
In Game 5 of the Western Conference semi-finals between the Stars and Sharks there were 2 goals by Brenden Morrow that were waved off. The first of these 2 goals was a supposed “distinct kicking motion” by Morrow.
The goal was reviewed, re-reviewed and reviewed some more before being waved off. The rule book states that a goal should be waved off it there is a “distinct kicking motion”.
Do you see such a motion in this video (below)?
There are 3 things that must be highlighted here.
1. Brenden Morrow was DRAGGING his foot while crashing the net. No kicking motion, not even any movement in that leg that would create further momentum on the puck.
2. Brenden Morrow didn’t even know the puck was there, as he was looking the other way.
3. This is a set play for the Stars. Morrow crashes the net, the center passes the puck into the slot, and usually a defenseman takes the shot. Morrow gets the re-bound if needed.
So why is Ron Wilson the biggest know-it-all of the NHL?
He supposedly stated that he saw this was a distinct kicking type goal the minute it happened. Yes, he claims he saw that Morrow “kicked” the puck, all the way from his bench, through his own team, as well as all the Dallas players on the ice.
The referees needed to review this goal a number of times… and Ron Wilson saw it clear as day the first time? Give me a break! Ron Wilson, stop being an egomaniac know-it-all and get some reality in your coaching.
The San Jose Sharks have hired a new head coach. Todd McLellan, formerly an assistant coach with the Stanley Cup winning Detroit Red Wings will be formerly announced as the new head coach on Thursday.
A month after being fired from the San Jose Sharks, Ron Wilson has a new job, one that to many, could be considered a promotion.
