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Burrows is on of my favorite players in the league. Dude is an all out type of player doing whatever needs to be done.
Official NHL Regular Season Thread... Capitals win President's trophy
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by addictedtofreshkicks,
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Burrows and the Sedins are having their way with opponents as of late...
DeadsetAce
Supporter
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savard with a knee injury...when will it end. fml and fos
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What a crappy loss last night, after the way the Kings came back in the 3rd.
I don't understand how Sean O'Donnell would let Darren Helm waltz into the net, after he had him pinned by the boards
I don't understand how Sean O'Donnell would let Darren Helm waltz into the net, after he had him pinned by the boards
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So does Mike GreenOriginally Posted by Carlos Tevez
Man, !$#@ Matt Carle. I dropped that dude for a reason. He went scoreless for like 3 weeks straight
The Sedins have been BEASTING since Daniel came back. They've been the best duo in the NHL over the past month. They have combined for 61 pts in the last 18 games
Which is why he wouldn't help much
Many rumors come with their own salt shaker, so to speak, but the ones surrounding Ilya Kovalchuk are more than enticing. His likely destinations seem to be limited to four: Atlanta (his current residence), Chicago, L.A. Kings and our very own Caps. A brief look at the home team's chances:
Putting Kovy and Alex Ovechkin on the same team (with or without Alex Semin) could be a ticket to the Stanley Cup. It probably would surpass the Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin duo in Pittsburgh and, combined with Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green, could make the Caps even stronger perennial contenders than they've already become.
The biggest obstacles, though, are the Thrashers' willingness to trade away their captain to a division rival, the salary cap and who would be sent to Atlanta -- considering those players may or may not haunt the Caps for the foreseeable future.
The salary cap probably wouldn't get in the way. Just look at what the Chicago Blackhawks are doing, balancing long-term deals for Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Brian Campbell with the rest of a roster that has the best record in the NHL as of today. In other words, if George McPhee wants to fit Kovy under the cap, he'll find a way.
Kovalchuk apparently is looking for a long-term deal so that might factor in as well -- and certainly would affect who the Caps might offer to the Thrashers. If GMGM intends to keep the 26-year-old Russian left winger in D.C. beyond this season, then he might be more willing to part with more players. However, there's no way the Caps would give Kovy more money than Ovie -- so Atlanta's Russian captain would have to accept less money to play with one of his closest friends, not exactly a stretch-of-the-imagination.
Rest of article below....
http://www.stormingthecrease.com/2010/01/kovalchuk-question.html
I am really against this move for Kovalchuk...ESPECIALLY if we have to part ways with many of our young prospects....Imagine if McPhee said "ok" towhat the Ducks wanted for Pronger
I am in the minority that think if they get Kovy, I don't see them winning a cup. He's too much of a liability on the defensive side to me and theyalready have their share of defensive lacking players and with their goalie situation in shambles right now...just don't see it.
Where did half a season go? And what the heck are the Phoenix Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche still doing in our playoff bracket? Where the heck did the Philadelphia Flyers go? And just how bad are Columbus and Edmonton. Wow ... that bad.
Read on for our midseason grades, and don't look for any grading curve unless it's the curve of a stick.
[h3]Eastern Conference[/h3]
New Jersey Devils: The Devils have taken a significant step ahead of the other Eastern Conference powers, Washington and Pittsburgh. It is difficult to see how they will finish anywhere but at the top of the Atlantic Division and with the top seed in the East come playoff time. Martin Brodeur remains at the top of his game, although one wonders about his workload. Great depth and character up and down the Devils' lineup. Grade: A-plus.
Washington Capitals: Interesting dilemma brewing over the goaltending configuration as Jose Theodore has become an afterthought and Semyon Varlamov continues to struggle with injury. That leaves untested Michal Neuvirth as the go-to guy, at least right now. Still, a tough, deep, big and talented lineup and a guy named Alex Ovechkin (now wearing the captain's "C") make the Caps a formidable foe. Grade: A.
Pittsburgh Penguins: The defending champs hit a rough patch at the midpoint of the season, and the offensive struggles of defending scoring champ Evgeni Malkin are perplexing. Plus, their power play ranks dead last in the NHL. How does that happen? Still, this is a fine team capable of yet another long playoff run. Grade: A-minus.
Buffalo Sabres: See what great goaltending will net you? Third in the league in goals allowed per game thanks to the play of U.S. Olympian Ryan Miller, the Sabres may not wow you offensively, but they are hard to play against every night. If Thomas Vanek ever comes around, the Sabres are a potentially dangerous playoff team. Grade: A-minus.
Boston Bruins: The Bruins remain among the most difficult teams to score on and boast the best one-two goaltending punch in the league with Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask. Still, the fact they've had to turn to Miroslav Satan, a player who hasn't played since June, for offensive help illustrates how thin the offense has been for the Bruins. They will be without Patrice Bergeron for the first couple of weeks of the second half. Grade: B-plus.
Ottawa Senators: Credit coach Cory Clouston for getting as much as he has out of the Sens after the noisy offseason departure of Dany Heatley and the disappointing play from Alexei Kovalev for much of the first half. Frankly, hard to imagine they can keep it up. Grade: B.
New York Rangers: If Marian Gaborik doesn't score, it generally doesn't get done for the Rangers, who scored more than three goals in one game just three times in 26 games through the midway point. This team has enough holes in its lineup to drive a Zamboni through it, but good goaltending and a great penalty-killing unit are enough a lot of nights. Are they enough, though, to get the Rangers into the playoffs? Grade: B-minus.
Montreal Canadiens: The Habs don't win unless Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price stand on their respective heads -- the Canadiens are tied for 27th in goals scored per game. (And GM Bob Gainey wants to trade Halak? Huh?) But having defenseman Andrei Markov back may be just enough to coax the Habs into the postseason in a very ordinary conference. Grade: C-plus.
Philadelphia Flyers: A huge disappointment through the first half as the Flyers' inconsistency on the ice and issues in the dressing room conspired to cost coach John Stevens his job. Peter Laviolette looks like he's got this squad pointed in the right direction. Although goaltending is going to be an issue with Ray Emery still out, making the playoffs is a definite possibility. Grade: C.
Tampa Bay Lightning: The Lightning are a curiosity. The offense you'd expect from a talented, experienced lineup hasn't been there, except in stretches. Mike Smith looked like he was going to lose his starting goaltending job to Finnish Olympian Antero Niittymaki, but has played well of late and the Lightning have closed back in on a playoff spot. Next week? Who knows. Grade: C.
New York Islanders: A testament to the mediocrity in the Eastern Conference, the Isles had given up 27 more goals than they'd scored (through Wednesday's games) and yet were within hailing distance of the playoffs. Hard-working, but not particularly deep, the Isles still look like a long shot to make the playoffs. Grade: C-minus.
Florida Panthers: Another up-and-down season for the Panthers as they try to sneak into the playoffs for the first time since 2000. Nathan Horton and Stephen Weiss are having terrific seasons, but the goaltending isn't as good as it needs to be on a nightly basis. Grade: C-minus.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Apart from a brief period of strong play, the Leafs have been a major disappointment. No team has allowed more goals and they boast the league's worst penalty-killing unit. Star acquisition Phil Kessel has gone dry, and the Leafs are poised to be a lottery draft pick team. The only problem is they've traded that pick away. Grade: D.
Atlanta Thrashers: The Thrashers are in the midst of squandering a solid first half as they hit the midway point without a win in nine games, while the goaltending and team defense is a shambles. No wonder Ilya Kovalchuk is having second thoughts about signing on long-term in Atlanta. Grade: D-plus.
Carolina Hurricanes: Give the Canes credit for turning in hard-working performances most nights, even though their ghastly start to the season relegated them to a draft lottery position early on. Will be interesting to see how many bodies GM Jim Rutherford tries to offload at the trade deadline. Grade: D-minus.
[h3]Western Conference[/h3]
Chicago Blackhawks: The Hawks are doing it all with balanced offense, stingy defense (they allow the fewest shots per game in the NHL) and the conference's best penalty-killing unit. Never mind the worries over goaltending; Cristobal Huet and Antti Niemi don't need to stand on their heads as the Hawks build toward what should be a long playoff run. Grade: A-plus.
San Jose Sharks: If you take a snapshot of the Sharks at the midway point, they are in a dead heat with the Blackhawks at the top of the West standings and the overall standings. They are offensively dynamic and will send a bevy of players, including four Canadians, to the Olympics. Of course, we've seen this movie before, haven't we? Based on that nagging feeling that the Sharks could just go completely sideways come April, we downgrade them from what should be an automatic A-plus. Hey, no one said life was fair. Grade: A.
Phoenix Coyotes: Who woulda thunk it? The Coyotes are holding the fourth seed -- and the home-ice advantage that comes with that position. A year ago, the Coyotes were fifth in the conference at the All-Star break and fell off the map. This season, though, coach Dave Tippett has the team rolling defensively and Ilya Bryzgalov is turning in a Vezina-worthy performance. Whatever backsliding may happen, we figure, will be modest. Playoffs, here they come. Now, the question is whether anyone will show up in Glendale to watch. Grade: A-minus.
Colorado Avalanche: Time to stop wondering when the Avs will retreat to the bottom of the standings, where we all thought they'd be. Great job by rookie coach Joe Sacco in getting consistent production from youngsters like Matt Duchene, Chris Stewart, Ryan O'Reilly and David Jones. American goalie Craig Anderson was denied an Olympic berth, but won't be denied a trip to the playoffs. Grade: A-minus.
Nashville Predators: The third member of the Western Conference "defying the odds" club is the Preds, who have found hidden offense from players like Olympian Patric Hornqvist, Martin Erat and Joel Ward to complement the team's traditional defensive prowess and impressive goaltending. Can they hang on? Why not? Grade: B-plus.
Los Angeles Kings: The Kings have suffered through injury and the kinds of growing pains all good, young teams experience and remain, in our minds, playoff-bound. A big win against San Jose at the midway point was a good statement game, and goalie Jonathan Quick seems capable of shouldering the load as the games become more meaningful. The Kings' goal differential (they were plus-8 as of Wednesday) needs to get a little better, but there should still be playoff games in L.A. this spring. Grade: B-plus.
Calgary Flames: We know, the Flames hit the midseason mark within a point or two of Nashville, Phoenix and Colorado. But the issue for the Flames isn't where they're at, but where they should be, which is challenging Chicago and San Jose at the top of the heap. But they aren't and need a healthy dose of consistency to be considered a Cup-worthy team instead of just a good one. Grade: B-plus.
Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks hit the halfway point playing their best hockey of the season, but they still have the mother of all road trips looming when the Olympics come to town (they are under .500 on the road so far). The blue line suffered a blow with the long-term loss of Kevin Bieksa, which means the playoffs are likely, but a long run is not guaranteed. Grade: B.
Detroit Red Wings: OK, so we are going to grade on the curve. The Red Wings, of course, have been crippled by injuries to key personnel up and down the lineup and are still within a shout of the playoffs. They are going to get healthy and are going to make life uncomfortable for the teams just inside the playoff bubble. Kudos to Jimmy Howard for shaking off early season yips to deliver consistent starts in net. Grade: B-minus.
Dallas Stars: No team that cannot win more than two games in a row -- something the Stars failed to do through the first half of the season -- deserves to be in the playoffs, so you can expect to see the Stars on the outside looking in for a second straight season. Top 10 in both goals and goals allowed per game, yet cannot seem to get it done in the clinch. How's that Marc Crawford experiment working out, by the way? Grade C-plus.
Minnesota Wild: The Wild managed to rise up after a devastating start to the season, but that kind of hole doesn't allow for much mediocre play the rest of the way. That's a problem for the often mediocre Wild, who rank 21st in goals per game and are a long shot to make the playoffs despite a new GM (Chuck Fletcher), coach (Todd Richards) and sniper (Martin Havlat). Grade: C-minus.
St. Louis Blues: One of the biggest disappointments of the first half, the Blues cannot win at home and lost faith in coach Andy Murray, who was fired over New Year's weekend. Davis Payne takes over, but the chances of the Blues putting on a second-half display like last season (when they surged into the playoffs) is remote at best. Grade: D-plus.
Anaheim Ducks: Another team that was looking to build on a strong second half and playoff performance from last season (the Ducks upended top seed San Jose and took Detroit to a seventh game in the second round), but has flopped mightily thus far. Injuries to Teemu Selanne and Joffrey Lupul, and a slow start by Ryan Getzlaf, have hurt, but the Ducks just never seemed to be in synch from the start and appear unlikely to make a run at the playoffs. Grade: D-plus.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Talk about going from the penthouse to the outhouse. The Blue Jackets qualified for the playoffs for the first time last spring and then followed by losing their defensive marbles this season (they rank 25th in goals allowed per game). They are 23rd in goals scored per game and have two wins in their past 18 games, which explains their position at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Grade: F.
Edmonton Oilers: What a mess. We figured with a top-notch coaching staff that includes Pat Quinn and Tom Renney, the Oilers would take strides forward. Except for brief spasms of life, the Oilers have been woeful and appear ready to vie for the worst record in the league and a lottery draft pick. Maybe it wasn't Craig MacTavish's fault after all. Grade: F.
http:// [h3][/h3][h3]Too much pressure for Kessel?[/h3]
10:12AM ET
[h5]Phil Kessel | Maple Leafs[/h5]
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Coach Ron Wilson singled out Phil Kessel and ripped him for his recent struggles. Wilson told the Toronto Star, "I'm pissed off. ... You do need a kick in the rump once in a while and we'll see how people respond."
Kessel didn't seem to be in the mood to respond, while his friend Jason Blake told reporters that Kessel is trying his hardest and he's feeling the pressure.
But part of the reason Wilson might be so angry -- specifically at Kessel -- is that the Maple Leafs gave up two first round pick and a second rounder for him. So unless the Leafs can acquire draft picks, they won't be adding any top young talent for a while.
Kessel was already thought to have work ethic problems when he was in Boston, but now he's the main man in Toronto -- a role he was thrust into after coming back from injury. He played well early on but has struggled lately, with just one point in the last 10 games.
http:// [h3]What Pietrangelo's demotion means[/h3]
10:04AM ET
[h5]St. Louis Blues[/h5]
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The St. Louis Blues finally demoted Alex Pietrangelo after weeks of deciding whether to keep him in St. Louis or send him to the AHL.
Team president John Davidson said Pietrangelo wouldn't get enough ice time in the NHL so that's why he was demoted. However, this brings up the question of whether new coach Davis Payne was involved in the decision making -- or whether the power from above simply forced this decision on him.
Even Davidson said in the past that he wanted Pietrangelo to play, but that would mean he would lose his rookie status. Others in the organization were rumored to be favoring a delay in keeping him here.
It's unclear which side Payne would've wanted, but given former coach Andy Murray's reluctance to let the younger players take over the team, Payne may be looking to bring the youth movement into St. Louis -- therefore, he may have wanted to keep Pietrangelo in the NHL. Either way, it's obvious there was some disagreement within the Blues organization of whether to keep the top prospect or not.
http:// [h3]A Letang trade?[/h3]
9:56AM ET
[h5]Kris Letang | Penguins[/h5]
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Both Kris Letang and Sergei Gonchar are free agents at the end of this season, and it appears the Pittsburgh Penguins are trying to keep both. There are reports that Gonchar and the Pens have already talked, but most people believe the Pens would much rather lose Gonchar than Letang.
That said, if the Pens don't see eye-to-eye with Letang on contract negotiations, could he be dealt?
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Dave Molinari writes, "If general manager Ray Shero would make it known that Letang was available, there'd be no shortage of teams interested. Of course, those clubs would be interested for the same reason the Penguins have no desire to deal Letang: He's a right-handed defenseman who skates well, has good offensive talent and should develop into an excellent two-way player."
Still, Molinari reports that talks between Letang and the Pens haven't been very productive. Molinari predicts this might not be resolve easily, because Letang is a restricted free agent so the Pens can match any offer. But the Letang camp knows that the Pens desperately do not want to lose him.
http:// [h3]More on Cogliano to NY[/h3]
9:50AM ET
[h5]Andrew Cogliano | Oilers[/h5]
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A trade between the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers might be close to being done, and it might involve sending Oilers C Andrew Cogliano to New York.
But the Edmonton Journal writes today that Cogliano shouldn't be traded: "Trading Cogliano now, just as he's ready to take a noticeable step up as an NHLer, would be a big mistake, akin to the ill-advised attempt to trade Dustin Penner last summer."
This rumor was first seen on Hendricks Hockey. The site attributed a source that said Rangers are talking to a handful of other teams, as well.
The website talked to Oilers coach Pat Quinn, who said the team isn't mortgaging its future, but they aren't ready to give up on this season. In short, they want young players for a low price.
Hendricks Hockey also adds that a handful of Oilers players might be moved, including Patrick O'Sullivan, Steve Staios, and Ethan Moreau. They Oilers have been rumored to be trying to move Shawn Horcoff, as well, but league GMs may feel he is overpriced. We wrote earlier today that all of those players may be hard to move for various reasons.
http:// [h3]Modano's ice time may increase[/h3]
9:46AM ET
[h5]Mike Modano | Stars[/h5]
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Mike Modano will likely see more of the ice after Dallas Stars C Mike Ribeiro injured his throat. He'll be out four to six weeks.
Modano and Tom Wandell were alternating between the third and fourth lines, but the Dallas Morning News reports both might step up in Ribeiro's absence.
But from what coach Marc Crawford said, he might give Wandell more time because it would allow the youngster to develop. Modano, on the other hand, will likely retire at the ends of the season so this extra space wouldn't benefit the Stars in the long-term.
"I think we've been kind of training Tom Wandell to get more of an important role as time goes on. And Mike Modano has been a top guy in the league, been a top guy on the team, been a top guy in the conference, so he knows how to play," Crawford told the Morning News.
http:// [h3]Rangers OK with Johnson as No. 2?[/h3]
9:18AM ET
[h5]New York Rangers[/h5]
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Despite all the buzz that the http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=nyrNew York Rangers are going to trade for a backup goalie, the Rangers may instead put a young Chad Johnson back there and take what he gives them.
Johnson was called up from the AHL, replacing http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3789Matt Zaba, after playing well for the Hartford Wolf Pack. Previously, Zaba was called up to replace Johnson.
Last night, Johnson played OK, stopping 17 of 20 shots. Coach John Tortorella told the New York Post, "He was solid. He made some great saves without any type of panic in his game. He was there. The puck hit him and he looked very confident. That's a very good sign for a guy starting his first game."
This situation started when goalie http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=968Steve Valiquette was sent down to the minors after struggling as http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3081Henrik Lundqvist's backup. Though this might be the solution for now, it will be interesting to see what the Rangers do once players like http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=72Martin Biron and http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=2106Kari Lehtonen become available. But with the Rangers planning on playing their backup just 10 games the whole season, they might end up standing pat.
http:// [h3]The potential Kovy-to-Hawks deal[/h3]
9:15AM ET
[h5]Ilya Kovalchuk | Thrashers | Interested: Flames?, Kings?, Flyers?, Bruins?, Maple Leafs?[/h5]
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[h5]Kovalchuk's rumored suitors[/h5]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torToronto Maple Leafs: They might save up and spend it all in one place.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=losLos Angeles Kings: There was a lot of buzz about this one, but two sources say this rumor is false.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyCalgary Flames: Calgary GM Mike Gillis' denied the rumors, as did other Flames sources in the media, but it's possible they are playing this one close to the vest.
KHL: KHL president Alexander Medvedev might also swoop in with a huge deal. He said he's already talked to Kovalchuk and can offer a better deal than the NHL because of tax laws.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=boshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=bosBoston Bruins: Won't happen until February. A trade would include http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3961Blake Wheeler and http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3405Tuukka Rask.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colColorado Avalanche-- Here's why.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=pithttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=pitPittsburgh Penguins-- No money, no space.
A league source tells the Boston Globe that if the Chicago Blackhawks were to trade for http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=1175Ilya Kovalchuk, it will have to involved Cam Barker and Kris Versteeg, as well as a few draft picks.
This price may be derived from Thrashers GM Don Waddell's thinking that he should receive more Kovalchuk than he did for Marian Hossa two years ago. When he sent Hossa to Pittsburgh, he got Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, Angelo Esposito, and a first-round pick.
Chicago Daily News writer Tim Sassone also predicted what will be went to Atlanta for Kovy: "I'm thinking possibly two top-nine forwards, a defenseman and maybe a high draft pick or two."
Strangely enough, this might be the Blackhawks best way of dealing with their money issues. But it might be a short-term rental because Kovy will likely demand a max contract, worth $11.36 million per season, when he becomes a UFA.
One GM told The Sporting News that he couldn't think of a better player who was available for a trade near the trade deadline. The Sporting News added that the Kings might be favorites right now to land Kovy.
http:// [h3]Winter Classic in Boston every year?[/h3]
8:41AM ET
[h5]Boston Bruins[/h5]
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That's what Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo wants -- an annual game in Boston.
This comes after the successful Winter Classic game on New Year's day which matched the Boston Bruins against the Philadelphia Flyers. The NHL planned to have, at most, two outdoor games on New Year's and next year's game was slated to be in New York or maybe Washington, as well as one in Canada.
But DeLeo wants it to be a Boston tradition to have an outdoor game there each year. It's unlikely, but he wrote a letter to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman asking for one. He said it would solidify the league's base in the area.
http:// [h3]Price for Biron[/h3]
8:35AM ET
[h5]Martin Biron | Islanders[/h5]
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http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=72http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=72Martin Biron has been on the trade block for a while now. And with Rick DiPietro likely playing in the next few days, Biron is now expendable.
So what will it cost his suitors? According to Islanders Point Blank, a third-round pick: "The rest of the league knows what Biron is as a locker room presence and as a goaltender. His nightmarish 2-11-2 record doesn?t diminish his value."
One possible destination for Biron was the Flyers, but the emergence of Michael Leighton probably means they won't make this trade. Also, the Ottawa Sun writes that Biron might head back to Buffalo because the Sabres aren't sold on http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=501Patrick Lalime as their backup.
Puck Prospectus write that the two teams most likely calling up the Islanders will be the http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torToronto Maple Leafs and http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=losLos Angeles Kings.
As for Islanders Point Blank: "Oh, the wonders his positive outlook and goaltending could do for a team down in the dumps like Edmonton."
[h5]Puck Prospectus[/h5]
The Kings?
http:// [h3]Phaneuf's suitors, GM's denials[/h3]
8:31AM ET
[h5]Dion Phaneuf | Flames[/h5]
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http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=2282Dion Phaneuf may have asked for a trade and there may have been some buzz around the league about it.
But GM Daryl Sutter had just one thing to say about it all. He told the Calgary Herald, "There are no rumors, believe me. I don't know where that crap comes from."
OK, so not true? Well Phaneuf trade rumors have been in the air for a while, since he was rumored to be going to the Rangers. Today, Hendricks Hockey -- who originally reported the rumor -- writes that two sources say the Philadelphia Flyers are interested, maybe with Scott Hartnell involved in the trade.
But, at this point, few other news outlets have found Hendricks Hockey's "confidential source" that is leaking this information, so there is reason to be skeptical.
http:// [h3]Buzz on Wings' goalie situation[/h3]
8:15AM ET
[h5]Jimmy Howard | Red Wings[/h5]
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Most people felt, at least this season, http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=700Chris Osgood would come back and play in the playoffs. Even coach Mike Babcock hinted at this kind of development last week.
But, oh how things change. Sure, Osgood has been the backup for the last few weeks. And, sure, he's quite unhappy about it
As the blog Abel To Yzerman writes, however, Howard's performance last night against the Los Angeles Kings might've been the best ever by the Red Wings goalie in a long time.
Howard had 51 saves on 52 shots, helping the Wings to a crucial two points. If this kind of play continues, there may be no way the Wings can afford to go back to Osgood for the playoffs.
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the lights went out at the Prudential Center and so far it's been a 1 hour & 30 minute delay...
UPDATE: GAME SUSPENDED
Never seen this happen before. Pretty weird stuff.
UPDATE: GAME SUSPENDED
Never seen this happen before. Pretty weird stuff.
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Parise GWG tonight
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lilstarz07
Banned
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letif the caps can land him, CURTAINS!
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Weird situation with the conclusion of tonights Devils game. For the fans, if you were at Fridays mishap your ticket was still valid today even though lessthan 3,000 ppl showed up. You are however entitled to a "ticket to a future game" according to an email I received from the organization. The Devilshad Danis finish the rest of the game which was good. IMO he needs to play more. Brodeur shouldnt be playing 75+ games.
- 1,093
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- Jan 20, 2002
Weird situation with the conclusion of tonights Devils game. For the fans, if you were at Fridays mishap your ticket was still valid today even though lessthan 3,000 ppl showed up. You are however entitled to a "ticket to a future game" according to an email I received from the organization. The Devilshad Danis finish the rest of the game which was good. IMO he needs to play more. Brodeur shouldnt be playing 75+ games.
http:// [h3][/h3]
[h3]Bruins eying Oilers, Canes for trade[/h3]
9:42AM ET
[h5]Boston Bruins[/h5]
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The Boston Bruins are reportedly looking at the players the Edmonton Oiler and Carolina Hurricanes have to offer. Those two teams are likely going to do most of the moving come the trade deadline, and there are a handful of player they could offer.
This rumor comes via the Twitter of James Murphy of NESN.com. He says he knows they have interest in the Canes Ray Whitney, who has been a hot name on the trade market as of late. He also speculates that they may be in on Shelden Souray of the Oilers.
The Bruins might pull off a big trade as the trade deadline approaches because they have a load of draft picks they can swap for a top-six forward they've long been looking for.
http:// [h3]Kings have an offer for Kovalchuk?[/h3]
9:37AM ET
[h5]Ilya Kovalchuk | Thrashers | Interested: Flames?, Kings?, Flyers?, Bruins?, Maple Leafs?[/h5]
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[h5]Kovalchuk's rumored suitors[/h5]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=chiChicago Blackhawks: They might solve their cap issues this way... and they may be the favorite at this point.
Washington Capitals: This has been buzzing quietly for a while. Ovechkin + Kovalchuk = Stanley Cup?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torToronto Maple Leafs: They might save up and spend it all in one place.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=losLos Angeles Kings: There was a lot of buzz about this one, but two sources say this rumor is false.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyCalgary Flames: Calgary GM Mike Gillis' denied the rumors, as did other Flames sources in the media, but it's possible they are playing this one close to the vest.
KHL: KHL president Alexander Medvedev might also swoop in with a huge deal. He said he's already talked to Kovalchuk and can offer a better deal than the NHL because of tax laws.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=boshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=boshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=boshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=bosBoston Bruins: Won't happen until February. A trade would include http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3961http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3961http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3961Blake Wheeler and http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3405http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3405http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3405Tuukka Rask.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colColorado Avalanche-- Here's why.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=pithttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=pithttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=pithttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=pitPittsburgh Penguins-- No money, no space.
Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi will travel to Atlanta to speak to Thrashers GM Don Waddell about an Ilya Kovalchuk trade, according to a "well placed source" for The Fourth Period. The Kings may have the proper combination of young players, prospects and draft picks to pull this off as Waddell begins to prepare for a trade.
The Washington Capitals might also be in on Kovalchuk, but only as a rental. They'll have to offer up prospect and draft picks -- Karl Alzner, perhaps? The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch wrote yesterday that the Caps will make the most aggressive push to land Kovy.
Several people believe the Blackhawks are the favorites to land Kovalchuk. That trade would most likely involve http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3148http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3148Cam Barker and http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3392http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3392Kris Versteeg, as well as a few draft picks. Chicago Daily News writer Tim Sassone also predicted what will be went to Atlanta for Kovy: "I'm thinking possibly two top-nine forwards, a defenseman and maybe a high draft pick or two."
http:// [h3]The Calder frontrunner[/h3]
9:15AM ET
[h5]Tyler Myers | Sabres[/h5]
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The early favorite to win the Calder Trophy, given to the league's top rookie, was No. 1 pick John Tavares. But it is a strong rookie class, so it was bound to be a tight race.
Now, though, another player has taken the lead in the eyes of ESPN The Magazine's E.J. Hradek and scouts around the NHL: Tyler Myers. Hradek wrote last week, "The big 6-foot-9 blue liner has quickly become a go-to guy for Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff. Through 41 games, Myers is averaging a team-high and rookie-best 23:02 minutes per game."
Today the Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson tells us almost all the NHL scouts says Myers is the favorite for the Calder. "He is going to be a fixture on many Canadian international teams down the road. No Buffalo player plays within two minutes of his regular ice time."
The 19-year-old has 26 points this season.
http:// [h3]Filatov trade for a top-four blueliner?[/h3]
9:08AM ET
[h5]Columbus Blue Jackets[/h5]
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There was speculation that http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3997Nikita Filatov, the 19-year-old who left the Blue Jackets for the KHL after 13 games, would be back next season. But with all the drama he's causing, and his public discontent, the Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson says he'll definitely be dealt.
GM Scott Howson has said Filatov is in the franchise's longterm plans, but he might not follow through on that statement. Matheson writes that Howson will probably deal Filatov close to the NHL Draft in June -- likely for a top-four defenseman.
There will surely be teams who will want FIlatov, and a change of scenery might push the youngster to return from Russia. He has publicly stated his dismay for coach Ken Hitchcock and his lack of playing time in Columbus.
http:// [h3]Caps' next move[/h3]
9:02AM ET
[h5]Washington Capitals[/h5]
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The Washington Capitals are trying to capitalize on all the offensive firepower they have, so they may make one big trade to boost themselves to a championship.
But what is that next move? They are rumored to be interested in Ilya Kovalchuk, but some may say that's not the smartest thing to do. Today, USA Today writes that they are looking for a proven defenseman -- and it may cost them a goalie, not Semyon Varlamov though.
The biggest name on the blueline market is probably Tomas Kaberle. He'll likely waive his no-trade clause to end up with a championship caliber team, but the Leafs will demand a first-round pick in return.
http:// [h3]Flyers may make big trade[/h3]
8:57AM ET
[h5]Philadelphia Flyers[/h5]
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"There's a feeling around the NHL that some significant move will be made by Philadelphia before the trade deadline," writes USA Today's Kevin Allen.
Hmm, a "feeling," eh? Well the Flyers were close to dealing for Habs goalie Jaroslav Halak, and they were also part of several other rumored trades -- but nothing came of it. But apparently there is something brewing in Philly, so we'll keep you posted.
Meanwhile, one player who probably won't be part of this potential trade is Jeff Carter, after GM Paul Holmgren told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun, "I don't know where all these rumors are coming from. We are not trading him, I can tell you that."
http:// [h3]Selanne to Penguins?[/h3]
8:43AM ET
[h5]Teemu Selanne | Ducks[/h5]
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It's rumored that Teemu Selanne will waive his no-trade clause if he has a chance to go to a contender, and USA Today's Kevin Allen writes that he might be headed to Pittsburgh to play alongside either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.
The Anaheim Ducks are in sell mode now, and they are rumored to be dealing Selanne, Scott Niedermayer and Saku Koivu. Allen writes that the Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames may also be interested.
Only one problem, though: "Selanne might be content to ride off into the sunset with his Ducks," Allen writes.
http:// [h3]How Avs part with Liles[/h3]
8:27AM ET
[h5]John-Michael Liles | Avalanche[/h5]
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It's long been known the http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colColorado Avalanche are trying to trade D http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=2283John-Michael Liles.
Except there's just one problem: His cap number for this year is $4.125 million, next year is $4.425 million and the year after is $4.55 million.
His skill-to-salary ratio may be scaring teams away, especially given the number of team who are tight on money. So the Denver Post's Adrian Dater wonders today if the Avs should just buy out Liles' contract. Also, Dater points out he has a limited no-trade deal.
http:// [h3]Leafs' chances of acquiring picks[/h3]
8:17AM ET
[h5]Toronto Maple Leafs[/h5]
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About three weeks ago, the Toronto Star wrote that the value of several Toronto Maple Leafs players was skyrocketing thanks to Phil Kessel's strong play. But oh how quickly things change.
The Leafs are struggling mightily -- last in the Northeast division -- but that also means their players are struggling, which lowers their trade value.
So the Globe and Mail writes today that only one player on the Leafs would yield a first rounder, and that's Tomas Kaberle. GM Brian Burke has thought about trading Kaberle, but in the end he may end up keeping the defenseman because as the paper writes, "If you traded Kaberle, your next job would be to find someone to replace him and good luck with that."
So guys like Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman and Alexei Ponikarovsky may have to be packaged in exchange for a second-round pick. A first rounder may be out of the question. Burke has long been rumored to be looking for draft picks because he traded away his next two first rounders and a second rounder for Kessel.
http:// [h3]More Rangers trade ideas[/h3]
7:57AM ET
[h5]New York Rangers[/h5]
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The New York Rangers are legitimate playoff contenders, but the New York Post's Larry Brook writes that they should be sellers -- not buyers -- come the trade deadline.
He suggests swapping out Vinny Prospal, Christopher Higgins and Dan Girardi as trade bait for draft picks. Prospal may net a first rounder for a contender that really needs an offensive threat, while Higgins may be worth a third rounder, Brooks writes.
As for Girardi, Brooks writes, "If the Rangers believe that Girardi is a solid top four, no questions asked, then there is no reason to move him. But if there are questions, and if Sather can hit a home run by getting a first-rounder back for Girardi, the GM cannot stand there with the bat on his shoulder."
Though he never says it, Brooks may be suggesting that the Rangers won't make it deep into the playoffs, especially with the handful of elite teams in the league. The team has been searching for a second scoring threat behind Marian Gaborik, but perhaps that search has ended. Also, the Rangers were rumored to be interested in Andrew Cogliano of the Oilers.
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"There's a feeling around the NHL that some significant move will be made by Philadelphia before the trade deadline," writes USA Today's Kevin Allen.
Hmm, a "feeling," eh? Well the Flyers were close to dealing for Habs goalie Jaroslav Halak, and they were also part of several other rumored trades -- but nothing came of it. But apparently there is something brewing in Philly, so we'll keep you posted.
Meanwhile, one player who probably won't be part of this potential trade is Jeff Carter, after GM Paul Holmgren told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun, "I don't know where all these rumors are coming from. We are not trading him, I can tell you that."
I hate these Halak rumorsjust say no. What Homer gotta do is lock up Betts, dude does everything
I really hope Selanne doesnt go to the pens
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Some concept art renderings of a Winter Classic in Los Angeles, with some artificial snow of course......
Looks very cool.
Looks very cool.
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http://www.youtube.com/v/BSXVv80XXD...xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1http://www.youtube.com/v/BSXVv80XXD...xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1 http://www.youtube.com/v/BSXVv80XXD...xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1http://www.youtube.com/v/BSXVv80XXD...xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1
Not sure if anyone has seen this yet
Not sure if anyone has seen this yet
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It's 80 degrees in Los Angeles right now.Originally Posted by FrenchBlue23
Some concept art renderings of a Winter Classic in Los Angeles, with some artificial snow of course......
Looks very cool.
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- Oct 13, 2000
Man, Malkin is just frustrating right now, and even worse he is getting depressed about it
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It would be awesome to have it in Dodger Stadium or the Coliseum. Its definitely possible with the pipe/compressor system they implemented this year. The weeklong events with public skating and other games probably isnt though.
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- 22,885
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The way the Pens are playing right now, it might resort to that. Gotta pick it up, hopefully just a slump like last year. FSN could be in some hot waterthough, haha
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You see First Born, someone else is with me.
Also, Pittsburgh being so damn dirty like that, damn.
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- Jan 23, 2005
The officiating in last night's game was VERY questionable. With the game tied 2-2 in the dying minutes of the 3rd, Alex Burrows is called for a phantominterference call to take the Canucks off the power play. Seconds later, Henrik Sedin is called for tripping, giving Nashville a 4 on 3 power play that allowedthem to score the game winner.
After the game, Alex Burrows accused Stephane Auger (the referee) of approaching him before the game and telling him that he was going to get back at him.Earlier in the season, Auger called a match penalty on a Nashville player who hit Burrows from behind. The call was later rescinded because Burrows was nothurt as he appeared to be. Apparently, the Burrows "dive" made Auger look bad, thus giving him the motivation to get back at Burrows.
With seconds left in the game, Burrows was given a 10 minute misconduct after having words with Auger. Considering Burrows was called for three very weakpenalties in the game, including one for diving, I wouldn't be surprised if Burrows is telling the truth and Auger is suspended.
After the game, Alex Burrows accused Stephane Auger (the referee) of approaching him before the game and telling him that he was going to get back at him.Earlier in the season, Auger called a match penalty on a Nashville player who hit Burrows from behind. The call was later rescinded because Burrows was nothurt as he appeared to be. Apparently, the Burrows "dive" made Auger look bad, thus giving him the motivation to get back at Burrows.
With seconds left in the game, Burrows was given a 10 minute misconduct after having words with Auger. Considering Burrows was called for three very weakpenalties in the game, including one for diving, I wouldn't be surprised if Burrows is telling the truth and Auger is suspended.
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Here's a review of the penalties: