Posted by admin on 22nd, 2008
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Major News
- Bruins Bergeron Suffers Re-Concussion
Patrice Bergeron has been diagnosed with a concussion and placed on injured reserve. He was released from Massachusetts General Hospital on Sunday. The Bruins’ centre left in the second period of Saturday’s game against the Hurricanes after a collision with the Canes’ Dennis Seidenberg. (The Full Story on TSN)
- Crosby sets new NHL record for All-Star votes, passes Jagr
With almost two weeks of voting remaining, Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby surpassed Jaromir Jagr’s record for the most votes ever received by a player in NHL all-star game fan balloting on Sunday. (The Full Story on TSN)
Suspensions:
Signings & Extensions:
- Penguins centre Maxime Talbot has signed a two-year extension with the team. The extension will see Talbot earn $1,050,000 per season.
Trades & Transactions:
- Montreal Canadiens re-assigned G Marc Denis to AHL.
- Philadelphia Flyers recalled Randy Jones from a conditioning stint in the AHL.
Injuries:
- Patrice Bergeron (C – Boston) IR. Concussion.
- Tyler Bozak (FA) Out of WCHA Playoffs with leg injury.
- Vesa Toskala (G – Toronto) Sore Groin / Leg.
- Teemu Selanne (RW – Anaheim) Out 4-6 weeks with a quad muscle injury.
- Marco Sturm (LW – Boston) Long-term IR.
- Sami Salo (D – Vancouver) Out 4 weeks with broken rib.
- Owen Nolan (RW – Minnesota) IR. Leg injury.
Rumours & Gossip (from spectorshockey.net):
- It’s rumored the Atlanta Thrashers and Minnesota Wild could be working on a blockbuster trade that would go down following the Christmas trade freeze, which would see the Wild ship Marian Gaborik and Kim Johnsson to the Thrashers for Ilya Kovalchuk and Colby Armstrong.
- (Read more at spectorshockey.net)
Scores:
- Philadelphia 2 – 3 New Jersey (Shootout)
- Colorado 0 – 3 Florida
- Boston 6 – 3 St Louis
- Carolina 3 – 2 Montreal (Overtime)
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
Posted by admin on 6th, 2008
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:
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).
Scores:
- Calgary 4 – 3 St Louis (Overtime)
- Vancouver 2 – 1 Minnesota
- Dallas 2 – 1 Colorado (shootout)
- Edmonton 5 – 4 Los Angeles (Shootout)
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
Posted by admin on 22nd, 2008
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:
| Anaheim vs Toronto |
|
| Anaheim |
3 |
Final SO |
| Toronto |
2 |
|
|
|
|
Boston
vs Buffalo |
|
| Boston |
2 |
Final SO |
| Buffalo |
3 |
|
|
|
|
Vancouver
vs Columbus |
|
| Vancouver |
2 |
Final |
| Columbus |
4 |
|
|
|
|
Atlanta
vs Tampa Bay |
|
| Atlanta |
2 |
Final OT |
| Tampa Bay |
3 |
|
|
|
|
Washington
vs Calgary |
|
| Washington |
1 |
Final |
| Calgary |
2 |
|
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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Posted by admin on 29th, 2008
Player Updates:
- D Liles takes stick to eye
Liles had to leave Saturday’s exhibition game against Los Angeles after taking a stick below the eye, the Denver Post reports. (read more)
- Jason Blake leaves game with foot injury
Blake left Saturday’s game against Buffalo late in the third period with a foot injury.(read more)
- DiPietro to be re-evaluated early next week
DiPietro (hip/knee) is slated for re-evaluation in the early part of next week, according to the Islanders’ Blog by Newsday. (read more)
NHL Updates:
- Penguins land in Sweden
The Pittsburgh Penguins arrived in Sweden after an eight-hour flight from the United States, then hit the practice rink a few hours later Sunday. “It wasn’t too bad,” captain Sidney Crosby said after the workout. “A lot of us have been through similar situations before. You usually don’t expect the sharpest practice, but these guys out there were awake and getting adjusted.” (read more)
Signings & Acquisitions:
- Ducks re-sign Teemu Selanne
The Anaheim Ducks re-signed right wing Teemu Selanne on Sunday, bringing back the club’s all-time leading scorer for his 16th NHL season. The team did not officially disclose terms of the contract, but the Los Angeles Times reported that the deal is worth $5.25 million over two years. (read more)
Trades & Rumours:
From Spectorshockey.net:
- Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli “has made it no secret he’d like to acquire another veteran defenseman via trade”. Harris reports of “whispers” Chiarelli might be interested in a major deal for a number one defenseman, although such a move could cost him one or more of their top forwards, although they do have depth and “substantial upside” with several promising young players up front.
- Jean Lefebvre reports that when Flames blueliner Adrian Aucoin looks around the dressing room and sees ” eight one-way contracts worth a total of $25 million, he realizes something has to give.” Aucoin admits he’s heard the trade rumors about himself but finds them enjoyable.
- Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic dismisses talk that this season could be his last.”Who said this is my last year? I won’t evaluate until the season is over”, said Sakic.
- Petr Nedved admits his NHL career is likely over after being cut by the NY Rangers this past week. He has a contract to play for his hometown team in the Czech Extraliga.
- Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Luke Richardson to a one-year, two-way contract.
Game Results:
(Results data courtesy of yahoo! sports)
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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Posted by admin on 28th, 2008
Signings & Acquisitions:
- Thrashers acquire Schneider
The Thrashers acquired two-time All-Star defenseman Mathieu Schneider from Anaheim for defenseman Ken Klee and forwards Brad Larsen and Chad Painchaud. (read more)
Trades & Rumors:
From Spectorshockey.net:
- Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke may not be finished making moves as he still has to free up more cap space to re-sign winger Teemu Selanne, currently attending Ducks training camp on a tryout contract.
- former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mats Sundin said in an interview to be televised on Sportsnet that if he decides to return to the NHL this season it’ll be on a one-year contract as he’s not interested in multi-year deals.
- Senators GM Bryan Murray expects to meet with Daniel Alfredsson’s agent during the club’s swing through Sweden next week to discuss a potential contract extension for the Senators captain in the “four to five year range”.
- Former Rangers forward Brendan Shanahan was spotted practicing on his own at the club’s training facility.
Game Results:
(Results data courtesy of yahoo! sports)
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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Posted by admin on 21st, 2008
It’s that time of year people, and the rumour mills are running wild. On the eve of the NHL Entry Draft, rumours about trades and free agency are starting to heat up. Here is a brief rundown of a few of the latest.
- The Sedin Twins. Although Canucks GM denies it, the rumours are rampant.
- Markus Naslund will apparently become a free agent, and will not be re-signed.
- Toronto acquired Jamal Mayers from the Blues for a 3rd round pick.
- Bryan McCabe is rumoured to be on the block in Toronto. Cliff Fletcher, GM of the Leafs denies all.
- Tampa Bay are rumoured to be trying to tie up top line centre, Vinnie Lecavalier to a multi-year deal.
- The San Jose Sharks are rumoured to be contemplating shopping the rights to Brian Campbell before the draft.
- The LA Kings are rumoured to have put Mike Cammalleri on the block.
- The Ottawa Senators are rumoured to be wanting to trade Ray Emery, however there is also talk of a buy-out if a trade can not be found.
- Wade Redden will most probably be leaving Ottawa if rumours prove to be true. Senators GM Brian Murray has confirmed he is open to the idea.
- Pavel Kubina’s NTC is no longer an issue, so he may change teams before the season starts.
And what of the 2 most popular trade rumours?
- Patrick Marleau has been talk of the town for a few years now, so trade rumours about the Sharks shipping him are not unheard of. At over $6 million a year, and declining offensive numbers it may be harder than it appears.
- Florida captain Olli Jokinen apparently wants out of Florida, and is rumoured to have made it clear to Panthers management he wants a trade. Olli would be a positive addition to most NHL teams… but which one?
Article Sources: NHL – Yahoo! Sports | Slam Canoe | NHL.com
Technorati Tags: ice hockey, nhl, florida panthers, ottawa senators, san jose sharks, carolina hurricanes, pittsburgh penguins, toronto maple leafs
Posted by admin on 12th, 2008
Todays article by Ross McKeon of Yahoo! Sports is all about the Brad Richards trade to the Dallas Stars, and talks about how Richards shines during the post season. Richards fit into the Dallas system didn’t come easy however. After a career best 5pt game in his first appearance for the Stars, the star forward went the next 11 games with only a handful of points.
“It was a lot tougher than I ever imagined,” Richards said in preparation for Saturday’s Game 2 of a best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal series the Stars lead over the Anaheim Ducks. “The last couple of weeks I wasn’t doing anything wrong but I wasn’t doing anything right either. I had clogged my head with too many things. It’s tough when you get traded and your new team loses. It’s a new experience for me.”
- Yahoo! Sports
And then there was 2 days ago in Anaheim, in the Dallas Stars post season opener against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Anaheim Ducks. A game that saw the Stars, with Richards assistance win by a convincing 4-0 shutout.
…Tippett said it was Richards’ best game as a member of the team, and that includes the Feb. 28 score-a-thon against the Chicago Blackhawks.
“It’s like when a traded player finishes up and comes back the next season. Everything comes easier, and that’s what we’re looking for right now,” Tippett said. “And (Game 1) was a byproduct of that transition from one phase to another.”
- Yahoo! Sports
Anaheim Ducks players and coaches alike had nothing but praise for Richards after his impact on Game 1 of the series.
“You’re talking about an MVP of the playoffs, we’re not talking about a player who doesn’t know how to get around the rink,” Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle said.
“He’s one of those guys who can cause everyone a lot of headaches when they’re on the ice because it’s up to everybody to play smart and be in position to protect breakout passes and stuff like that,” Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer added.
- Yahoo! Sports
Game 2 between the 2 clubs starts this evening, and the Stars can be sure to see a much more physical and determined Ducks team than they did in game 1.
Posted by admin on 26th, 2008
Change. Often said to be as good as a holiday, sometimes said to be a hockey players best friend. For Jeff Halpern, the change of teams from Dallas to Tampa Bay seems to have litten a spark within him, and he’s been shining on a regular basis since.
You could go as far as to say that for the moment, Jeff Halpern is the best thing since sliced bread for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In the 64 games Halpern played with the Dallas Stars this season, he put up seemingly good numbers of 10 goals, 14 assists for 24 points. Halpern, the checking center on the Stars roster was not expected to be a top line goal scorer.
The trade deadline however saw Halpern shipped to Tampa Bay Lightning along with team mates Jussi Jokinen and netminder Mike Smith. Halpern has not looked back! In the 13 games with the bolts this season Halpern has put up 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points… better than a point a game!
In todays 3-1 win over the Florida Panthers, Halpern netted a goal and 2 assists.
Jussi Jokinen has 1 goal and 9 assists for 10 points in 14 games with the Lightning, down on goals from his average with the Stars, but up on points.
*** image courtesy of gettys images .
*** Original location of image: http://lightning.nhl.com
Posted by admin on 12th, 2008
Joe Pavelski and Milan Michalek led the San Jose Sharks to a new record tonight, defeating the Nashville Predators 2-1 on the road. The win, the Sharks 10th in row has them sitting atop the Pacific Division, 1 point ahead of the Dallas Stars and 4 points ahead of the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Anaheim Ducks.
The Sharks, 10-0-0 in their last 10 games have been surging since acquiring Brian Campbell from Buffalo at the Trade Deadline. They have been favorites to win the cup since the beginning of the season, and are starting to make the push at the right time of the season.
Ross McKeon commented in his latest column…
“It is a battle in that Pacific Division,” said Joe Thornton, the team’s leading scorer. “I believe we’re going real good right now, and it’s a good time to play those good teams and see how good we actually are.”
Three key factors have put San Jose on track. First, Jonathan Cheechoo is healthy. Second, Patrick Marleau rediscovered his game. And last, the addition of defenseman Brian Campbell at the trade deadline added a new dimension to the team.
- Yahoo! Sports
Threatening the Sharks for the Division Title are the Dallas Stars who are 6-4-0 in their last 10 games. The Stars made big news recently by acquiring Brad Richards from Tampa Bay in a blockbuster move at the Trade Deadline. The Stars have been leading the Division for the last month, but a few recent losses now see them having to compete hard to win the Division.
4 points back from the Sharks sit the Anaheim Ducks, who have also started to make a push. They are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. The Ducks have been on again off again however and will need to push harder if they wish to compete with the Sharks and Stars.
The Sharks have 2 games in hand over both the Stars and the Ducks which could put them a few points ahead of their Division Rivals come the end of March.
Posted by admin on 1st, 2008
When the Dallas Stars traded for Brad Richards on the day of the trade deadline, they knew they were getting a top playmaker and setup guy. They never expected however the impact he would have on the team in his first outing as a Star.
Richards led the Stars to a decisive 7-4 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, setting up 5 of the 7 goals.
The team seems very happy with Richards;
“We brought in an elite player and he is going to make us better around him,” said Modano, who had a goal and an assist. “I think talent and skill guys never have a hard time adjusting and coming in and fitting in on a team. If anything, they raise their level and everybody raises theirs right with them. Those type of players are few and far between that can make an impact like that.”
- Yahoo Sport
The Stars next play the Nashville Predators on March 1 at the American Airlines Center.
