SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF - NHL.compenguins.nhl.com/v2/ext/media/pdf/12 22 2011.pdf · SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 12/22/2011. Anaheim Ducks. ... 601941 MSG and Time Warner take Sabres

SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 12/22/2011

Anaheim Ducks 601937 Boudreau: Ducks will get Kings' best game Boston Bruins 601938 Important assists by some cheerful Bruins 601939 Hamill ready to assist 601940 Bruins strive to improve Buffalo Sabres 601941 MSG and Time Warner take Sabres standoff public 601942 Sinking Sabres need to get back in swim 601943 Kaleta to face Leafs but Boyes not ready for Sabres 601944 Domestic-violence case against Barnaby not being revived

after DWI, Sedita says 601945 Random thoughts while watching the Rochester Amerks 601946 Peterson's fight with Parkinson's takes amazing turn for the

better 601947 Practice update: No Vanek, Boyes & Kaleta on lines 601948 Foligno returned to Amerks 601949 Buffalo Sabres defeat Toronto Maple Leafs 601950 Sabres call up Greece native Whitmore, Foligno 601951 Condra helps Ottawa defeat Buffalo Sabres Calgary Flames 601952 Giordano skating but return remains indefinite 601953 Flames' Backlund plays harder after benching 601954 Flames in better position, but can’t take a holiday 601955 Game Day: Detroit at Calgary 601956 Flames’ Giordano takes ‘step in right direction’ 601957 Flames Giordano resumes skating 601958 Bourque apologized to Seabrook 601959 Bourque: Suspension 'a little harsh' Carolina Hurricanes 601960 Coyotes rally for 4-3 win over Canes 601961 Nash recalled; Skinner on injured reserve Chicago Blackhawks 601962 Hawks put Carcillo on injured list, recall Pirri 601963 Hawks Game Day: Lead Canadiens 2-1 after 2 periods 601964 Campoli extols time with Hawks 601965 Hawks recall Pirri, place Carcillo on IR 601966 Jonathan Toews, Coach Q support John Scott’s police work 601967 Ex-Hawk Chris Campoli fitting in with Habs 601968 Blackhawks 5, Canadiens 1: Corey Crawford backstops

Hawks to win 601969 Forget the penalty, Hawks approve of Scott's actions 601970 Crawford back in net, Kruger out with concussion 601971 Blackhawks place Carcillo on IR, call up Pirri 601972 Crawford returns in a big way for Blackhawks 601973 Report: Sox sign Danks to 5-year deal 601974 Brunette, Sharp lead Blackhawks past Canadiens Colorado Avalanche 601975 Avs sticking with simliar lineup vs. Blues 601976 Malone shows good form on McClement line 601977 Avs win 7th straight game at Pepsi Center 601978 Forsberg now says he didn't mean Swedes threw Olympic

game 601979 Avs hold on to cool off Blues Columbus Blue Jackets 601980 Blue Jackets notebook: Injury puts Bass out rest of season 601981 Gameday scorecard: Blue Jackets at Predators 601982 Season status report 601983 Nash, Carter are split up in search of offense

Dallas Stars 601984 Game thread _ Philadelphia _ Philly takes 4-1 lead in third

period 601985 Heika: Steve Ott on 'arrogance' of Flyers coach,

undisciplined Stars 601986 Stars' quick start means little in 4-1 loss to Flyers 601987 Giroux lead Flyers over Stars Posted Wednesday, Dec. 21,

2011 Detroit Red Wings 601988 Canucks coach talks up Red Wings before tonight's game 601989 Canucks' Ryan Kesler objects to hit by Red Wings' Niklas

Kronwall (with video) 601990 Vancouver 4, Detroit 2: Canucks' 3-goal period sinks Red

Wings 601991 NHL roundup: Blackhawks bounce back vs. Canadiens 601992 Star goalie Roberto Luongo heaps praise on Red Wings'

Jimmy Howard 601993 Sweden's Peter Forsberg: We didn't throw game at 2006

Olympics 601994 Canucks' Ryan Kesler steaming after hit from Wings' Niklas

Kronwall 601995 Tempers flare as Canucks beat Red Wings, 4-2 601996 Star goalie Roberto Luongo heaps praise on Red Wings'

Jimmy Howard 601997 Canucks make prime matchup for Red Wings 601998 Red Wings show their offensive versatility in victory 601999 Drew Miller relishes expanded role with Red Wings 602000 Drew Miller's late goal gives Red Wings win in Edmonton 602001 Red Wings' Drew Miller enjoying some job security this

season 602002 Road slump is concern for Wings 602003 Wings crush Kings for 10th straight home win 602004 Red Wings trying to dispel reputation of not being physical 602005 Canucks discuss challenges of facing Red Wings' Nicklas

Lidstrom, Jimmy Howard, Tomas Holmstrom 602006 Canucks coach Alain Vigneault says Red Wings 'play the

right way,' entertaining for fans 602007 Red Wings, Canucks share mutual respect as two of

Western Conference's top teams 602008 Red Wings fall to Canucks, Roberto Luongo, 4-2; Ryan

Kesler irate after check by Niklas Kronwall Edmonton Oilers 602009 Oilers notebook: Gagner to play against Wild despite latest

injury 602010 All Belanger wants for Christmas is a goal ... or ten 602011 Tom Renney helped Hockey Canada change world junior

thinking 602012 Shot-shy Oilers outgunned 602013 Oilers practice line juggling 602014 Five Oilers on All-Star ballot Florida Panthers 602015 Injuries make Florida Panthers look forward 602016 Florida Panthers Lose Samuelsson, Sturm; Recall Dadonov

and Repik ... Penalties, Like Injuries, Mounting 602017 Panthers at Senators: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. 602018 Kevin Dineen blames refs, himself for penalty-marred loss Los Angeles Kings 602019 Darryl Sutter is ready to make some noise with the Kings 602020 Claude Giroux returns with a bang for Flyers in 4-1 win over

Stars 602021 Kings join NHL cycle of fire, hire, repeat Minnesota Wild 602022 Reusse: Hockey pioneer at Hill and U let his play do the

talking

602023 Wild's Yeo gives rest to the weary 602024 Game Day: Wild at Edmonton 602025 Postgame: Slumping Wild's winless skid hits five 602026 Sharks' Havlat out up to 8 weeks with torn tendon 602027 Wild's Mikko Koivu placed on IR, is doubtful to play Thursday 602028 Minnesota Wild upbeat despite skid 602029 Ex-Minnesota Wild Brent Burns assists injured Army veteran Montreal Canadiens 602030 Habs prove no match for Hawks 602031 Canadiens sign Michael Bournival to three-year contract 602032 Montreal Canadiens' P.K. Subban admits he needs to be

better 602033 The Chicago Blackhawks overpower Montreal Canadiens 5-

1 602034 In any language, the Montreal Canadiens don't show signs

of being a winner 602035 Habs, Jets in very tight playoff race 602036 Wins are wins in any language 602037 Blackhawks upend struggling Canadiens Nashville Predators 602038 Nashville Predators get surprise visit from Brent Peterson 602039 Nashville Predators' Kevin Klein likely to sit out again 602040 Game preview: Predators vs. Columbus Blue Jackets 602041 With season's longest win streak over, Predators look to

start another New Jersey Devils 602042 Devils' power play needs fixing, but coach Pete DeBoer isn't

worried 602043 Devils hold optional practice morning after loss to Rangers 602044 Devils-Rangers: As they play 602046 Devils hold optional practice morning after loss to Rangers 602047 Your comments: Devils fans frustrated after another loss to

Rangers 602048 Cam Janssen hoped fight with Mike Rupp would give Devils

an early lift 602049 Devils notes: Allow another short-handed goal New York Islanders 602050 Islanders lose Al Montoya, David Ullstrom to concussions New York Rangers 602051 Young Ranger Rebounds With Help From Richards 602052 NY Rangers coach John Tortorella shows two sides on

HBO's '24/7 Flyers/Rangers: Road to the Winter Classic' 602053 Gabby's line earning top grades 602054 Milestone for Marian Gaborik 602055 Rangers enjoy home cookin' before holiday 602056 Tim Erixon stays with Rangers, for now Ottawa Senators 602057 Veterans' return sparked Sens' fine defensive effort 602058 Senators practice update: Michalek nears return, Winchester

begins recovey 602059 Michalek laces up for Sens practice Philadelphia Flyers 602060 Thoughts on Giroux, Flyers; Bob starting 602061 Giroux returns, has four points in Flyers' win over Stars 602062 Winter Classic Countdown: 12 602063 Giroux is hoping he can see another type of Stars 602064 Flyers win testy matchup vs. Stars in Giroux's return 602065 Laviolette, Stars' Ott get into altercation 602066 Giroux pays immediate dividends in return 602067 Flyers' Bobrovsky to start in net against Stars 602068 Excited for WC, Luukko wants to skate at Bank 602069 Tonight's game notes: Flyers at Stars 602070 Jagr remembers late Czech president Havel

Flyers Continued 602071 Where was Jagr during Monday's shootout? 602072 Giroux stars in return as Flyers beat Stars 602073 Giroux on point in return to Flyers lineup 602074 A chip shot between Flyers' Laviolette, Dallas' Ott 602075 Hartnell protects and serves with Flyers' top line 602076 Sam Donnellon: '24/7' shows different side of Flyers,

Rangers 602077 Flyers Notes: Flyers hope shootout goal helps spark van

Riemsdyk 602078 '24/7' shows compelling inside look at Flyers, Rangers 602079 Stars' Ott blasts Lavy's 'arrogance' 602080 Giroux returns to dizzy up Stars in Flyers win 602081 Laviolette flubs best attempt to plug HBO’s leak on Giroux Phoenix Coyotes 602082 Lauri Korpikoski, Coyotes earn second win in two nights Pittsburgh Penguins 602083 Penguins' Engelland faces disciplinary hearing tomorrow 602084 League will have hearing on Engelland's head hit 602085 Penguins' Engelland waits to hear from NHL 602086 Lovejoy's return quickly pays off for Pens 602087 Lovejoy makes splash on return 602088 Penguins Notebook: Engelland's hearing on hit against

Kruger set for today San Jose Sharks 602089 San San Jose Sharks lose Marty Havlat for 6-8 weeks 602090 San Jose Sharks score five goals in first period, rout Tampa

Bay Lightning 602091 Havlat to miss up to 8 weeks 602092 San Jose Sharks beat Lightning, 7-2 602093 Couture scores twice as Sharks beat Lightning, 7-2 602094 Sharks' Havlat out up to 8 weeks with torn tendon St Louis Blues 602095 Oshie: "I feel like I can play better." 602096 Bernie Bytes: Can Blues be road warriors? 602097 Elliott is back in goal 602098 Blues seek a balance for their goaltending duo 602099 McClement scores winner as Avs top Blues 3-2 602100 Third Period Update: Avalanche 3, Blues 2 Tampa Bay Lightning 602101 Bolts notes: St. Louis' status for tonight's game uncertain 602102 St. Louis back on ice with Lightning 602103 Lightning spoil St. Louis' return, lose 7-2 at San Jose 602104 'Ridiculous' streak for Bolts' St. Louis: 499 straight games 602105 Marty St. Louis' return falls flat as San Jose Sharks rout

Tampa Bay Lightning 7-2 602106 Marty St. Louis returns to starting lineup for Tampa Bay

Lightning 602107 Five ways to fix the Tampa Bay Lightning's problems Toronto Maple Leafs 602108 Nazem Kadri back with Maple Leafs 602109 Maple Leafs' Armstrong only the latest NHLer to conceal

concussion 602110 Cox: Maple Leafs need to give Nazem Kadri a long look 602111 Leafs hoping to learn from mid-season slump 602112 Cox: Maple Leafs need to give Nazem Kadri a long look 602113 Armstrong noble, but not smart 602114 Steckel feeling better 602115 Boyce ready to help Leafs' penalty kill 602116 Meet the new, improved Nazem Kadri 602117 Leafs call Kadri back up from Marlies 602118 Forward Nazem Kadri rejoins Maple Leafs Vancouver Canucks 602119 Vancouver's Luongo clips Red Wings 602120 Stirred up Canucks clip Red Wings 602121 Game Within Game: Luongo and a turning point 602122 Canuck notes: Howard snarling over being 'steamrolled'

602123 Daniel Sedin and Canucks looking to continue roll against Red Wings

602124 Canucks reward faithful with an early Christmas gift as team downs Detroit 4-2

602125 Who said hockey players can't be sentimental? 602126 Red Wings looking forward to top-tier tilt against Canucks 602127 Canucks ready for 'measuring stick' battle with ageless Red

Wings 602128 Detroit D-power in effect against Canucks tonight 602129 Canucks vs Red Wings Gameday 602130 Canucks better than ever in 2012? Washington Capitals 602131 Capitals vs. Predators: Washington gets a boost from big

names in 4-1 win 602132 On Hockey: Alex Ovechkin shows flashes of his old self, but

Capitals need him back for good 602133 Dale Hunter’s contract with Capitals only through this

season, source says 602134 Balanced performances from lines help Capitals overcome

Predators 602135 When will the Capitals get the old Ovechkin back for good? 602136 Capitals hold optional practice on Wednesday 602137 Michal Neuvirth on a roll for Capitals 602138 Dale Hunter’s deal with Capitals covers just the rest of the

season, sources say 602139 Capitals' Neuvirth trying to save his season Websites 602151 ESPN / Trophy Tracker: Vezina Trophy candidates 602152 ESPN / Daily Debate: Who made out better in the Turris

deal? 602153 ESPN / '24/7' fails to deliver with Pronger news 602154 FOXSports.com / Kings should feel more urgency under

Sutter 602155 NBCSports.com / Forsberg backs off claim that Sweden

threw a game in 2006 Olympics 602156 NBCSports.com / PHT Morning Skate: Kevin Dineen’s power

play ‘schmazel’ 602157 NBCSports.com / Zigomanis assures Leafs — “the nude

photos are not of him” 602158 Sportsnet.ca / Gordon's return to Long Island 602159 USA TODAY / Canada has fallen on hard times in net Winnipeg Jets 602140 Jets' Noel mum on Habs' coaching controversy 602141 5,000 more Jets licence plates go on sale this week 602142 Ladd's stick, Buff's skates can now be yours 602143 Jets Report 602144 Jets don't pass 'click' test 602145 By Ed Tait and Tim Campbell Locals keeping low profile on

Habs controversy 602146 CHEAP THRILLS 602147 Jets to 'stick' it to fans 602148 Jets' bottom lines must improve 602149 Habs bring cirque to Winnipeg 602150 Pavelec calls ’em out SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 601937 Anaheim Ducks

Boudreau: Ducks will get Kings' best game

By JEFF MILLER / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

ANAHEIM – Taking over the team in mid-flight, new coach Darryl Sutter might not be sure what to expect from the Kings on Thursday night.

His counterpart, though, has an idea of what's coming.

Article Tab: image1-Boudreau: Ducks will get Kings' best game

"I gotta believe they'll play their best game of the year," Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau said. "When they get a new coach, especially one with the reputation of being a tough taskmaster and an intimidator like Darryl is, they'll put their best foot forward."

Sutter conducted his first practice Wednesday and will make his debut behind the Kings on Thursday against the Ducks at Staples Center.

"I think it's where he belongs," Boudreau of his old teammate returning to the bench. "He started out as a coach, and I think his forte is coaching.

"He's got a great hockey mind. I think he'll do great. I just don't want him to do great against us."

Mistakes, mistakes ...

In discussing his team's continuing struggles, Teemu Selanne summed up the Ducks' 0-3 trip by saying it put them back to "position zero again."

The Ducks lost at Chicago, Winnipeg and Dallas before returning home. After playing at Staples Center tonight, they're on the road again Monday at San Jose.

"Everybody has to raise their level of play, find their level of play every night," Selanne said. "If we do that and we still lose, then I give up. Then we're in the wrong place, in the wrong league. But I know for sure that if all of us can say, 'I had a good game tonight,' that means we're going to win a lot."

Road woes

The question was about the Ducks' road troubles and how much they've struggled away from Honda Center since ...

"Since Oct. 27?" Boudreau said.

Precisely. That's the last time the Ducks won on the road, 12 games ago. They are 0-9-3 since, including an overtime loss Nov. 1 against Washington, which, at the time, was being coached by Boudreau.

The Ducks trailed the Stars, 3-0, on Monday but came back with three consecutive goals to make it 3-3 entering the third period. Dallas then scored twice in the final 20 minutes to win, 5-3.

During their 12-game road winless streak, the Ducks have been outscored, 45-20.

"You can't play tentative," Boudreau said. "You can't play ... it's like prevent defense. You've gotta play to win. We have to find something to turn it around. There's an awful lot of road games left in this season."

Notes

Veteran center Saku Koivu (groin muscle) skated but did not practice and will not play tonight. He hasn't appeared in a game since Dec. 8, missing the past five. Boudreau said he hoped Koivu could return before New Years....

Selanne's nine-game point streak is the longest in NHL history by a player age 41 or older. The winger has three goals and 10 assists during the streak. The previous high was eight games, held by Detroit's Igor Larionov, who put together his stretch at age 42 in February 2003. "To be honest, it doesn't really make me feel much better," Selanne said. "Individual stuff, it's not really my goal. It hasn't been ever." His streak matches Chicago's Patrick Sharp for the longest in the league season.

Orange County Register: LOADED: 12.22.2011

601938 Boston Bruins

Important assists by some cheerful Bruins

By Nancy Marrapese-Burrell

The Bruins spent yesterday spreading good cheer with their annual holiday toy delivery to local hospitals.

It was a well-earned day off the ice after a 3-2 victory over the Canadiens at TD Garden Monday night.

The team is riding a wave, having won five straight games and 19 of 22. Boston has one more game before the Christmas break, home against Florida Friday. The Panthers shut out the Bruins at the Garden Dec. 8, the team’s last loss.

Brad Marchand, the hero of Monday night’s game with his highlight-reel-caliber goal at 14:14 of the third period, said it isn’t bad to have a couple of extra days between games.

“They’re very big,’’ Marchand said. “We have a chance to rest here before Friday, the last game before the break. Hopefully, we’ll [end] on a good note. They beat us last time they were in here and we obviously want to get some revenge. A few days to rest up and get prepared will be nice for us.’’

Marchand said one of the keys to beating the Panthers, particularly goaltender Jose Theodore, is to put pressure on.

“We just have to make sure we get traffic in front of him and get pucks to the net,’’ Marchand said.

The Panthers are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference and because it’s the last game before the recess and the last match before the Bruins have three games on the road, they want to keep their winning streak going.

“We’re obviously battling with them right now to stay on top of the conference,’’ Marchand said. “That’s a 4-point game for both teams and both teams are going to come out very hard so we have to make sure we’re ready for them.’’

Gregory Campbell returned to the lineup Monday night after missing three games because of a fractured foot. The Bruins were missing left wing Milan Lucic because of a one-game suspension but he will be back in the lineup Friday.

No matter who has been missing, the Bruins have found ways to win. One of the standouts lately has been Zach Hamill, who started Monday night on the first line, then was moved up to Lucic’s spot with David Krejci and Nathan Horton. Hamill saw time on the power play and penalty kill in addition to even strength.

“When you’re missing a big part of the puzzle like that, we all need to step up,’’ said center Patrice Bergeron, referring to Lucic’s absence. “I know I’ve said that a lot when we’re missing a guy, but that’s exactly what we need to do. Everyone needs to chip in.

“The guys who are coming in are always doing a good job. We have that depth that guys coming in are going to fill the void, not try to replace them, just play their game, and I think the guys did that. [Montreal] played a good game; it was a tough game for us to win but we found a way.’’

The first period was an unusual one for the Bruins. Although the score was tied at 1-1 after the first 20 minutes, there was virtually no contact. For a big, strong, fast team like the Bruins, it was very out of character.

“It took us a while, I guess, to get going,’’ Bergeron said. “Part of it was probably us not taking the body or not being first on the puck. We gave them too much time there and they created some offense and some plays out of it.

“I thought that third period was much better. That’s where we found our gear and we were executing and being first on the puck and that’s how we got that turnover for [Marchand’s] goal.’’

When he scored, Marchand’s goal looked to be an insurance tally because it gave the Bruins a 3-1 lead with less than six minutes remaining in regulation.

But at 18:46, Erik Cole closed the gap to a goal with his 13th of the season. Bergeron said it proved crucial that when the Bruins were ahead, 2-1, they kept trying to build on their lead.

“I think it’s important not to sit back,’’ Bergeron said. “When we’ve been doing that, it’s hurt us. The teams have been scoring and coming back against us, so I think we have to keep going at it and keep going on the offense. Not being careless, but still finding ways to create some offense.’’

Bergeron said this is the best run he can remember in his career.

“It’s been great,’’ he said. “That’s the way we need to keep playing.’’

…

According to NESN, Monday night’s game received a 7.7 rating (12.2 share), making it the second-highest-rated regular-season Bruins telecast in

network history. The highest-rated regular-season game in NESN history was Nov. 23 when the Bruins earned an 8.4 rating (14.1 share) for a shootout win in Buffalo.

The current season-average rating now is at 5.0, up 85 percent over last season after the same number of games (29).

Boston Globe LOADED: 12.22.2011


Hamill ready to assist

By Nancy Marrapese-Burrell

WILMINGTON - Ask Zach Hamill what role he enjoys playing and his answer is anything and everything. You name it, he is eager to try it.

The 23-year-old forward has played six games for the Bruins this season, and in Monday’s 3-2 win over the Canadiens he logged 13 minutes and 48 seconds of ice time. He began the night on the fourth line, but in the second period was moved up to left wing on the top line with David Krejci and Nathan Horton.

Milan Lucic was back in his usual spot with Krejci and Horton at practice yesterday after serving a one-game suspension, but it was clear Hamill had made an impression.

“He’s come up here every time he’s come up and done a really good job,’’ said coach Claude Julien. “I see a guy competing a lot harder and more confident than I have ever seen. He gets into battle and his playmaking ability is really showing more than ever. He’s made some unbelievable plays with us and we recognize those kinds of things. He’s playing like a guy who wants to stay and we’ve always talked about [that] guys who deserve to be here are going to be here. He hasn’t given us any reason right now to want to change our mind with regards to that.’’

Hamill also saw time on the power play and penalty kill against Montreal, and had an outstanding scoring chance with about eight minutes remaining when Carey Price somehow saved his point-blank one-timer.

“[Horton] made a great play,’’ said Hamill. “I don’t know if there was much more I could have done. I think I was down on one knee and I got a pretty good shot off, but he made a good save. As long as the chances are there, sometimes they don’t go in, but as long as you’re creating chances and taking care of your own end, that’s the most important thing.’’

Hamill enjoyed his time on the top line.

“It’s great to get up there, but it’s a lot better to earn it. I don’t just want to be put up there,’’ said Hamill, the eighth overall pick in the 2007 draft. “[For] the coach to have the confidence in you to play with [Krejci and Horton] and play against their top guys, too. I was happy to fill in for [Lucic] when I could. It was fun.’’

Hamill said his top priority is to help the team.

“Wherever I’m needed, I want to go,’’ he said. “[To have] the confidence of the coaching staff and they’ve kind of shown me the ropes and [taught] me things day by day. To have their confidence not just to go out there five-on-five but power play and penalty killing, it’s slowly starting to happen. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to stay up here to help the team and contribute as much as I can.’’

Hamill went to the coaches and asked about becoming a penalty killer, and has been given a chance.

“The last couple of years, obviously power play I was in a little bit, so I felt like penalty killing is something I’d like to contribute because it gets me on the ice,’’ he said. “This year I asked [Providence coach Bruce Cassidy, saying] I really wanted to be part of the penalty kill. I wanted to be one of the No. 1 or 2 guys to penalty kill and I think that’s helped my game a little bit. Going out there four on five and then as time went on, I was out there three on five. So in my mind, I think penalty killing kind of shows I can play both sides of the puck, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes.’’

…

Andrew Ference (flu) and Rich Peverley (maintenance) did not practice. “We’re having a good look here at our schedule and what it may do for him,’’ said Julien of Peverley. “We’re going to keep him off for the next couple of days.’’ . . . Julien ran the team through a 40-minute practice with the focus on puck protection. “We kept doing some drills, which might have looked more like a fun day, but it was more about being stronger on the puck,’’ said the coach. “Being able to battle and we wanted to get better at that. That’s another area where we’re trying to improve.’’ . . . The Bruins will practice again today before taking on the Panthers tomorrow night at TD Garden. “It’s like that every year, you want to finish on a positive note so that you can head into Christmas and probably enjoy it a little bit more,’’ said Julien. “Every team I’m sure thinks that the same way. On our end of it, we have no excuse. We’ve had some time off here from playing and hopefully we’ll be the fresher team of the two when that game comes around.’’

Boston Globe LOADED: 12.22.2011


Bruins strive to improve

By Stephen Harris

WILMINGTON — Don’t dare suggest to the Bruins they have been playing near-perfect hockey during their 19-2-1 surge.

They certainly have looked outstanding since the beginning of November — most recently in their 6-0 whitewash of the Flyers in Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon — but on most nights, there has been room for improvement.

The most obvious case was in one of their two regulation losses since Oct. 29, a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers on Dec.?8 at TD Garden. Mired in a short-lived scoring drought, the Bruins hit the post a handful of times and peppered first star Jose Theodore with 40 shots.

That rare blemish during the B’s remarkable stretch should provide some extra motivation when the Panthers return to the Garden tomorrow night. Claude Julien’s troops hope to enter their two-day Christmas break on a high note.

“You like to finish on a positive note as you head into Christmas, and probably enjoy it a little bit more,” the coach said yesterday. “Every team I’m sure thinks the same way. On our end, we have no excuse. We’ve had some time off here from playing, so hopefully we’ll be the fresher team when that game comes around.”

Indeed, the Panthers have to play tonight in Ottawa, then travel to Boston.

Julien stressed how closely he and his staff monitor flaws in the B’s play. The issue du jour at yesterday’s practice was subpar neutral-zone defense, leading to too many shots by the opposition. The B’s have allowed 35 or more shots in eight of their past 11 games after yielding that many only twice in the first 21 games.

“Right now we’ve been nit-picking at certain parts of our game,” Julien said. “We talk about the neutral zone. We’ve been giving up 40-plus shots for a few games. That wasn’t because of (Zdeno Chara missing time with an injury) as much as it was about our whole team not being very good in the neutral zone.”

Peverley iffy

The B’s might be without speedy winger Rich Peverley, who has six goals, 19 assists and a plus-12 rating in 30 games and has been one of the team’s top forwards.

Peverley has been playing with an undisclosed injury and has not taken part in practice this week. The Bruins don’t play again until next Wednesday in Phoenix, so skipping the Florida game would give Peverley nine days of rest.

“We’ll decide whether he’s in (tomorrow),” Julien said. “If he’s not, that’ll give him a good week.” .?.?.

Defenseman Andrew Ference has the flu and also was absent from practice.

Holiday spirit

Bruins players spent several hours visiting area hospitals Tuesday and delivering presents to ill youngsters.

“It is tough to go in there and see some kids who are in rough shape,” forward Chris Kelly said. “Some of these kids are so helpless, your heart goes out to them. If you can put a smile on their face, even just for a little while, it’s so worthwhile.” .?.?.

Zach Hamill is making a strong bid to remain with the B’s.

“I see a guy competing harder and with more confidence than I’ve ever seen before,” Julien said of the forward. “He gets into battles, and his playmaking ability is showing more than ever right now. He’s playing like a guy who wants to stay. We’ve always talked about (how) the guys who deserve to be here will be here. He hasn’t given us any reason to change our minds in regards to that.”

Boston Herald LOADED: 12.22.2011

601941 Buffalo Sabres

MSG and Time Warner take Sabres standoff public

By Gene Warner

Networks have gone public in their current standoff that threatens the airing of Buffalo Sabres games for Time Warner customers starting Jan. 1.

Tuesday’s Buffalo News carried a full-page ad, in the sports section, from MSG.

“Time Warner Cable Might Cancel Your Sabres Games,” says a huge headline below a photo of Sabres goalie Ryan Miller.

The MSG ad also directs readers to a toll-free phone number, 1-888-SABRES3, and a website, KeepMy-Sabres.com, which provide a petition and information on how to switch TV providers — to FiOS or DirecTV.

Time Warner issued a press release late Sunday, pledging not to take MSG off the air through the National Hockey League season.

A closer reading of the release, though, shows there is no guarantee that Sabres games will remain on Time Warner early next year.

“To be clear, Time Warner Cable has never threatened to, and will not, remove MSG/MSG+ from our lineups,” states a letter Time Warner sent to MSG Media on Sunday. “That decision rests squarely with MSG. The channels will only come off Time Warner Cable systems if MSG takes them away.”

What is clear is that the dispute continues, with each side engaging in posturing that seeks to paint the other as the possible bad guy. That often happens once negotiations move from the bargaining table into the public eye.

“These deals normally don’t get done until the 11th hour,” one source familiar with the negotiations said Tuesday. “I think it will get resolved [in time], and if it doesn’t, maybe it will cost viewers a game or two.”

The dispute affects the airing of Sabres and New York Knicks games in Western New York. Downstate, the contract flap could affect viewers of Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games.

The issues are a bit murky, especially when the two sides provide little context for the negotiations.

Time Warner claims that over the summer, MSG offered to renew the contract for three years at annual rate hikes of 6.5 percent.

Now Time Warner says it is willing to continue to carry MSG at a 6.5 percent increase through the end of the NHL season. But the cable system also claims that MSG is demanding a 53 percent increase in fees over what Time Warner Cable paid this year.

Time Warner also claims that MSG is demanding that the entertainment channel Fuse be carried by Time Warner as part of a new agreement, costing the cable company millions of dollars.

On Tuesday, MSG battled back, issuing a statement claiming that “Time Warner Cable has grossly mischaracterized our negotiations.”

“MSG has sought only to secure fair and reasonable terms agreed to by other distributors for our programming,” the statement continues. “Unfortunately, Time Warner Cable has rejected every offer we made to them over the last two years.”

Meanwhile, the dispute drags on, heading toward a New Year’s deadline. The Sabres schedule shows that the team has 11 games slated to air on MSG in January, including games on Jan. 3, 6, 7 and 10.

Buffalo News LOADED: 12.22.2011


Sinking Sabres need to get back in swim

By Mike Harrington

TORONTO -- The questions and the doubt that have surrounded the Buffalo Sabres for the last month have been couched by one fact: They have been able to tread water in the Eastern Conference standing.

That's starting to change. After keeping ahold of spots 6-8 in the East in the face of their injury epidemic, the Sabres slipped out of the playoff picture for the first time this season with Tuesday's 4-1 loss in Ottawa.

The Sabres are now 10th in the East, although an optimist would point out they're just two points behind sixth-place New Jersey. A pessimist would point out that they're just as close to 13th as they are to sixth.

The Sabres have lost two straight heading into their final pre-Christmas game, tonight in the Air Canada Centre against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but can move back ahead of the Leafs with a win in regulation.

"You definitely don't want to get behind," winger Drew Stafford said after practice Wednesday in the ACC. "It's so close that if you start stringing together losses, you're going to end up at the bottom. Last year we were in last place [with a 3-9-2 record on Nov. 5] and we crawled out of that. You don't want to do that.

"You want to make sure you're doing the right things habits-wise and string together some wins. It's tough to do that with all the injuries but that's part of it."

Injuries have been a trouble spot for the Sabres with seven or eight players slated to be out tonight, but the baffling inconsistency of their regulars is another major issue.

Save for Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville, few regulars are putting up points. On defense, Jordan Leopold and Mike Weber struggled mightily in Ottawa and were victimized by two goals.

The biggest lightning rods for criticism have been Stafford and center Derek Roy. When they broke down the ice on a 2-on-1 with the Sabres short-handed Tuesday late in the second period of a 1-1 game, it looked like a prime chance for a key goal to produce their first lead.

Instead, Stafford dawdled and tried a pass to Roy when he was nearly on top of Ottawa goaltender Craig Anderson. The pass was blocked and the Senators broke away for a good chance.

After practice Wednesday, Stafford and coach Lindy Ruff had a skull session on the ice that was clearly about that play. Stafford had 31 goals last year -- 18 coming in seven games -- but has just six in 32 games this year.

"He said to me, 'I don't know why I didn't shoot it,'" Ruff said. "He lacks some confidence when it comes to scoring and he's passed up some good opportunities. His frustration level is pretty high. I said, 'Those are situations you wouldn't have passed up. You know you're a shooter.' When things are going well, it's automatic. When things are not going well, you start second-guessing."

"Last year probably I would have put that through the net," Stafford admitted. "Now it's one of those things where I thought I could maybe make a little pass to Derek instead of going straight down and driving and finding a hole and putting it in. I can't do anything about it now but work to get in that position again and next time pull the trigger."

Stafford has 11 goals and 23 points in 27 career games against Toronto and is one of several Sabres with career success against them. As a whole, the team has dominated its QEW rival with a 30-12-1 record since the lockout that includes Friday's 5-4 win in First Niagara Center.

The 30 wins are Buffalo's most against any team in that period and the Leafs have always served as goaltender Ryan Miller's personal panacea.

Miller is 25-11-0 against them with a 2.33 goals-against average. His win total, shutouts (4) and save percentage (.926) against the Leafs are his best against any opponent, and the 25 wins lead all active goalies against Toronto.

"We want to win games. We need to win games," Ruff said. "You have to find a way to fight through even key injuries and take advantage of situations in a game to win. We've been able to tread water. That [Ottawa] game put us a bit under. We need to bounce back and win a game. It's a tough league. Every team deals with injuries. We're dealing with ours and you still have to win."



Kaleta to face Leafs but Boyes not ready for Sabres

By Mike Harrington

TORONTO -- This time, Patrick Kaleta wants no setbacks and intends to stay in the lineup. The Angola native is set to return to the ice for the Buffalo Sabres tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and it will be just his second appearance in more than a month.

Kaleta suffered a groin injury Nov. 19 against Phoenix that was apparently more severe than anyone thought. He tried to play Dec. 2 against Detroit but was shut down after just 7 1/2 minutes and the Sabres have cautiously nursed him through practices ever since, giving him plenty of days off the ice.

"I'm sick and tired of sitting here watching games," Kaleta said. "And I'm going to do everything in my power to get back in the lineup and help my team."

Kaleta has just two points, both goals, in 17 games this year. The aggressive forward has struggled to stay healthy going back to last year.

"You look around the league and the injury bug this year is pretty ridiculous," Kaleta said. "For me, I hate [being sidelined]. It's the worst feeling in the entire world, from missing Game Seven last year in the playoffs [with a broken hand] to missing parts of this season. I don't like that whatsoever.

"The only positive is I kept sharp mentally, watched video of other players, tried to figure out tendencies and do that sort of thing to keep my mind sharp. A big part of hockey is being smart."

While Kaleta will be back, Brad Boyes is taking a cautious approach to his injured ankle. Both skated on a regular line in practice Wednesday in Air Canada Centre but Boyes said after he's probably going to wait another few days.

"It's feeling pretty good but based on timetables you don't want to come back too early and have a setback," said Boyes, who had his ankle rolled Nov. 23 by Boston's Johnny Boychuk and figured to miss 4-6 weeks. "I've felt real good out there for what I've done. There's been limited stuff when it comes to pucks along the boards, really getting into battles where I might put a lot more pressure on my ankle. So those are areas I want to be ready for."

Winger Marcus Foligno was returned to Rochester after making his NHL debut Tuesday and played for the Amerks on Wednesday against Lake

Erie. That meant he had played five games in six days, including three for the Amerks on consecutive days over the weekend.

Thomas Vanek missed his second straight practice for maintenance but will play tonight. Vanek, Buffalo's leading goal scorer with 17, did not have a shot on goal in Tuesday's game and appears to be nursing some sort of minor lower-body injury. Coach Lindy Ruff said Paul Szczechura was "a little banged up" so he was allowed to skip practice but should play tonight.

As if the Amerks aren't short-handed enough, veteran defenseman Shaone Morrisonn was suspended for Wednesday's game because of a check to the head of an opponent in last Friday's game at San Antonio.

The Amerks signed a pair of 25-year-old East Coast League players to professional tryout contracts -- Las Vegas forward Scott Campbell and Gwinnett forward Igor Gongalsky.

Campbell has appeared in 27 games for Las Vegas this season, posting nine goals and seven assists. Gongalsky has one assist and 29 penalty minutes in 13 games with Portland (AHL) and three points in four games with Gwinnett. In 181 career ECHL games with four teams, the native of Kiev, Ukraine, has collected 109 points and 369 penalty minutes.

The Leafs are just 1-3-2 in their last six games overall and 2-5-3 in their last 10 at home. ... The Leafs have called up top wing prospect Nazem Kadri and he practiced Wednesday on a line with former Sabres Tim Connolly and Clarke MacArthur. ... A few dozen school children were touring the ACC during the Sabres' practice and a couple of them couldn't resist taunting the Sabres with the "Go Leafs, Go" chant Toronto fans use here and in First Niagara center.



Domestic-violence case against Barnaby not being revived after DWI, Sedita says

By T.J. Pignataro

The domestic-violence case against former Buffalo Sabres player Matthew T. Barnaby that was adjourned in anticipation of dismissal next July will not be resurrected following his most recent run-in with the law, Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III says.

Barnaby, 38, of Clarence, pleaded guilty last week to driving while intoxicated and other charges in Clarence Town Court after he was pulled over early Dec. 5 while driving his sport utility vehicle on three wheels.

He faced Sedita's discretion over whether to repursue the earlier charge from last May.

Sedita initially filed a motion to reinstate the former charges after Barnaby's most recent arrest.

"We decided to withdraw the motion because Barnaby met all three conditions," Sedita said late Wednesday.

Those conditions included:

Barnaby pleading guilty Dec. 13 to DWI and vehicle and traffic offenses of refusing to submit to a chemical test, operating with an unsafe tire and failing to notify the state Department of Motor Vehicles of an address change for the latest early morning incident.

Both parties in the domestic incident -- Barnaby's ex-wife, with whom he is reportedly reconciling, and her friend -- told Sedita that they didn't wish to have it reprosecuted.

Both the Amherst police and officials from the Erie County Sheriff's Office agreed to those terms, and also felt that it wasn't necessary to revisit the prior case.

Should Barnaby get in trouble again between now and July, however, Sedita said, the option remains to reopen the domestic-violence case.

The latest legal maneuver by the district attorney doesn't necessarily get Barnaby out of the woods in terms of possible deportation. That decision,

following his conviction to DWI and the other charges, remains in the hands of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Barnaby, after his guilty plea, was sentenced by Clarence Town Justice Michael B. Powers to court-ordered rehabilitation, including inpatient counseling, fines and surcharges of nearly $2,000, the suspension of his driver's license for a year, 100 hours of community service and installation of an ignition interlock device on his vehicle.



Random thoughts while watching the Rochester Amerks

John Vogl

ROCHESTER -- Greetings from Rochester, where I've left the team sponsored by the Red Cross (the Sabres) to visit its affiliate that plays in Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial (the Amerks).

A few thoughts collected during the Amerks' 4-1 victory over the Lake Erie Monsters, the Colorado Avalanche's affiliate:

*The Sabres' injury problems have the Amerks scrambling. They had four skaters on the roster playing on tryout contracts (Evan Rankin, Igor Gongalsky, Scott Campbell and scratched Rob Bordson) and two up from the ECHL (Riley Boychuk and Corey Fienhage).

*Not surprisingly, the fans like Marcus Foligno. Folks in Rochester no doubt followed the career of his father, Mike, in Buffalo, and they gave him the loudest applause one day after his NHL debut.

*Drew MacIntyre doesn't have the best numbers -- he entered the night 4-9-1 with a 2.84 goals-against average and .910 save percentage -- but he's a talented goalie. His confidence in the crease at this level is evident, especially compared to his short stints with the Sabres.

*Travis Turnbull has some speed. The center left a few Monsters behind while skating on the right side. He drove the net, took a shot and celebrated as Mark Voakes buried the rebound on the first goal of the game.

*The fans also love Thomas Vanek. The one-time Amerk was the most-worn jersey in the crowd.

*Dennis Persson has been around a long time for having never played an NHL game. He got drafted when Mike Grier was still playing for the Sabres -- the first time. The first-round pick in the 2006 draft played his 281st pro game Wednesday, and none have been in the NHL. The defenseman scored his first goal of the season on a power-play slap shot in the first period.

*Jay McKee and Chris Taylor are still two of the classiest guys you'll meet.

*Ron Rolston concludes every chat with me by saying, "Thanks, we appreciate the coverage." Oops, I probably shouldn't say that. A couple of people with the big club will probably tell him to stop.

*The boards in here rattle a lot more than the ones in First Niagara Center.

*Speaking of Mike Foligno, he's here watching Marcus play after seeing him Tuesday night in Ottawa.

*Lake Erie head coach David Quinn got kicked out midway through the third period. You don't see coach-ref spats like that in the NHL.

*Sabres goaltenders have had a five-hole problem lately. A goal allowed by MacIntyre midway through the third should have been stopped but scooted through his pads.

*Evan Rankin, playing on a 25-game professional tryout, continues to push for a contract. He scored for the seventh time in his 12 games with the Amerks. He also has four assists.

*MacIntyre made up for the five-hole goal with big glove and blocker saves late to keep Rochester up by two before Foligno scored an empty-netter. MacIntyre finished with 33 saves.

---John Vogl



Peterson's fight with Parkinson's takes amazing turn for the better

John Vogl

Earlier this month, I was fortunate to catch up with Brent Peterson in Nashville. The former Sabres center, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, was preparing for his second step in a four-step process called deep brain stimulation. DBS uses electrodes implanted in the brain to control Parkinson's symptoms.

This video from WKRN-TV in Nashville shows the completion of the four steps, and the results are amazing. Congrats to Brent, and hopefully the Predators' adviser continues to improve.

---John Vogl



Practice update: No Vanek, Boyes & Kaleta on lines

Mike Harrington

TORONTO -- The Sabres practiced for an hour today have just taken the ice here at the Air Canada Centre and the injuries continue to cause line shuffling. The good news is some returns are also responsible for it.

Thomas Vanek is not practicing again, sitting out as he did Monday, and Derek Whitmore is in his spot with Derek Roy and Jason Pominville. Patrick Kaleta and Brad Boyes are on lines. Tyler Myers did some skating and stickhandling work and left the ice when the team's workout started. There are six defensemen and Marc-Andre Gragnani, a scratch Tuesday in Ottawa, is skating at forward.

Here are the lines:

Whitmore-Roy-Pominville

Adam-Gaustad-Kassian

Kaleta-Boyes-Stafford

Ellis-McCormick-Gragnani

(Braincramp update: We all just realized here that Paul Szczechura isn't on the ice either. That turnover that led to Ottawa's winning goal might have gotten him a ticket back to Rochester)

POST-PRACTICE UPDATE: Szczechura remains here, with Lindy Ruff saying he's "a little banged up" but should be OK for tomorrow. Boyes still doesn't feel like he's ready and Ruff didn't sound optimistic either. Kaleta should play. So should Vanek, who simply sat for maintenance.

---Mike Harrington



Foligno returned to Amerks

Mike Harrington

TORONTO -- The Sabres don't practice until 12:30 in the Air Canada Centre so our normal practice updates will be a little later than usual. Here's one nugget the team has announced: Marcus Foligno has been returned to Rochester.

That could mean either Patrick Kaleta or Brad Boyes are ready to return to the lineup tomorrow against the Leafs. It could also just be the Sabres saving a day of salary cap money too (Foligno makes a pro-rated $900,000 on his NHL deal while Derek Whitmore, who is still here, makes just $525,000 pro-rated).

The naked eye and the stat sheet say Whitmore was definitely the more effective of the two making their debuts last night as he had a couple good scoring opportunities over the final 40 minutes. Whitmore played 14:08 and had two shots on goal while Foligno had one shot in 13:19 and was a minus-1.

But Foligno certainly will never forget his debut against his older brother with his father and 30 relatives in the stands. A neat Christmas story for sure.

---Mike Harrington



Buffalo Sabres defeat Toronto Maple Leafs

The Associated Press

BUFFALO — The Buffalo Sabres regained some of their lost scoring touch thanks to their offensive leader.

Thomas Vanek had two goals and two assists, and Tyler Ennis added a goal and assist to help lift the Sabres to a 5-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday night.

Vanek's fourth 4-point game of his career — and first since April 10, 2010, at Ottawa — helped the Sabres snap out of a slumber in which they had scored just 14 times in their previous seven games.

"We need to get our swagger back, especially when we have the lead," said Vanek, who leads the Sabres with 16 goals. "Sometimes that's all it takes. There's no miracle to it. Everyone here is a good player, so when we get the lead we have to go for the next one and bury a team. We didn't quite do that, but I think it was a step in the right direction."

Drew Stafford and Andrej Sekera also scored, and Ryan Miller made 29 saves for the Sabres (16-12-3), who won for the third time in six games to finish a season-high five-game homestand at 2-1-2.

Down by a goal midway through the second period, Buffalo scored three straight times — including two power-play goals — to take a 4-2 lead.

Toronto committed five penalties in the second, and over the final 7:03 of the period the teams played 5-on-5 for just 6 seconds.

"Our power play was effective, and we were able to score on our opportunities," Vanek said. "Sometimes that's half the challenge for us."

Nikolai Kulemin scored on a penalty shot in the third period, and Dion Phaneuf, Joffrey Lupul, and Mikhail Grabovski also scored for Toronto (16-12-3), which has dropped three of four (1-2-1).

Sekera's goal came with just under 2 minutes to go in the second, after Phaneuf was handed a 5-minute major for boarding and ejected for checking Zack Kassian into the end boards from behind.

"I didn't mean to board him," Phaneuf said. "I went in to finish my check and the puck got caught along the boards. He turned right at the last second."

James Reimer made 24 saves in his fourth straight start for the Maple Leafs, who had their three-game winning streak against Buffalo snapped.

"I don't think I made enough saves," he said. "I feel like I let down the guys that worked their butts off."

Kulemin converted his penalty shot at 9:56 of the third after he was tripped by a sliding Jordan Leopold while on a breakaway to make it 4-3.

Vanek pushed Buffalo's lead to 5-3 on his second of the game with 4:16 to go, but Grabovski made it 5-4 just 31 seconds later.

NOTE: The Sabres recalled LW Colin Stuart from Rochester (AHL).

Democrat and Chronicle LOADED: 12.22.2011


Sabres call up Greece native Whitmore, Foligno

Will Cleveland

Rochester Americans forwards Derek Whitmore and Marcus Foligno are separated by seven years, but the pair received a special gift this afternoon.

They were recalled by the parent Buffalo Sabres and will make their NHL debut Tuesday night in Ottawa against the Senators.

I don’t know if it has set in yet,” said Whitmore, 27, a Greece native. “I am sort of in awe, but it’s still the same game. The game hasn’t changed, but the league has. “I am just fortunate to get this opportunity, but it is more special since I am from here.”

The game will have special meaning for each. Whitmore, who has 13 goals and seven assists in 30 games this season, has spent the past four seasons in the AHL. Foligno, 20, is the son of former Sabres standout Mike Foligno. Foligno’s older brother Nick plays for Ottawa.

“I am obviously excited,” said Foligno, who has 12 points in 27 games for the Amerks. “I just want to do my best up there, play hard every shift, and make it hard for them to send me back down.”

Whitmore and Foligno were informed of the decision Monday afternoon after the team returned from Houston. Coach Ron Rolston broke the news to the pair and a car was waiting at the airport to take them to Ottawa.

Foligno estimates that 20 of his family members will be in attendance, watching the game from a luxury box. Whitmore said his wife, Sarah, will be there.

“I’ve got seven years on him but we are both in the same position,” Whitmore said “We are both rookies again. We are both like little kids in a candy store.”



Condra helps Ottawa defeat Buffalo Sabres


OTTAWA — Kyle Turris is getting comfortable in Ottawa.

The Senators center set up the first of Erik Condra's two goals that helped the Senators to a 4-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night.

"I'll take this over the weather in Phoenix any day," Turris said.

Turris, acquired from Phoenix on Saturday, forced a turnover in the neutral zone as Condra raced in with the puck. He dropped a pass to Turris, whose shot from the right side was stopped by goalie Ryan Miller. Turris batted the rebound across to Condra, who put the puck into the open net to give Ottawa its second lead.

"I thought Kyle was a real good player for us," Senators coach Paul MacLean said. "He did a good job in the faceoff circle. I thought as the

game wore on his game progressed. I thought it was a solid game by his line."

Erik Karlsson scored the Senators' third goal on a power play at 17:49. Condra netted his second of the game into an empty net at 18:14.

Zack Smith scored his ninth goal of the season in the first, and Craig Anderson made 22 saves for the Senators, who have won three of four to move ahead of the Sabres in the Eastern Conference.

"We knew this was a must-win game for us," Ottawa's Jason Spezza said. "We knew they had some injuries and we did a good job capitalizing."

Jordan Leopold drew Buffalo even at 1-1 with a power-play goal 13:12 into the second. Miller stopped 35 shots after allowing five goals in 30 minutes in Saturday's 8-3 loss at Pittsburgh.

"I thought the first 40 was a pretty even game," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "We knew we couldn't play run and gun with them, but I thought we created some good opportunities, but didn't take advantage of them."

Marcus Foligno and Greece's Derek Whitmore made their NHL debuts for the Sabres. Foligno, 20, faced 24-year-old brother, Nick, an Ottawa left wing. The Foligno brothers, born in Buffalo, are the sons of Mike Foligno, who had 355 goals and 727 points during a 15-year NHL career. He spent 10 seasons with the Sabres from 1981-90.

"It was exciting that's for sure," Marcus Foligno said. "Seeing Nick out there was awesome and I think I lined up against him at least once, which was pretty cool."

Turris centered a line with Nick Foligno and Condra. Drafted No. 3 overall by Phoenix in 2007, Turris was acquired by Ottawa on Saturday in a trade that sent rookie defenseman David Rundblad to the Coyotes along with a second-round pick in 2012.

Chris Neil took a lead pass from Matt Carkner and flipped the puck past Sabres defenseman Mike Weber at the Buffalo blue line to create a breakaway that led to the Senators' first goal 11:48 in. Miller stuck out his left pad to deny Neil, but Smith put in the rebound.


601952 Calgary Flames

Giordano skating but return remains indefinite

John Down

It was a relatively quiet Wednesday around the Scotiabank Saddledome as the Flames were given the option of doing some off-ice or on-ice work following meetings with the coaching staff.

The most noticeable skater was injured defenceman Mark Giordano, who has been nursing a torn hamstring since a Nov. 29 game against Nashville.

“It’s a good thing, obviously,” admitted coach Brent Sutter of seeing one of his top two rearguards on skates. “It’s a slow process but it’s just another step in the right direction.

“He’s still a long ways away but it’s definitely very encouraging.”

Also taking another skate was injured D-man Anton Babchuk, who followed up his first go with the team Tuesday morning. Babchuk suffered hand injury back on Nov. 8 in a game against Minnesota but is winding up and boom-booming those notorious slapshots.

“I think maybe 99.9 miles per hour,” he grinned. “Not quite at 100 yet.”

Nor is he quite at 100 per cent yet but he’s much more closer to being ready than Giordano.

The likes of Derek Smith and T.J. Brodie have done an admirable job of filling in for Gio and Boom Boom.

A couple of other ditties . . . The Flames are actually three points ahead of last year’s pace through 34 games with their 15-15-4 record and just three

points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Last year at this time they were 14-17-3 and eight points back . . . Expect to see some comical 12 Days of Christmas messages on the Jumbotron as several players taped the messages Wednesday. Most notable is that former centre Craig Conroy can’t sing a lick.

Calgary Herald: LOADED: 12.22.2011


Flames' Backlund plays harder after benching

By John Down

Mikael Backlund was benched and it stung.

Backlund, the player projected to some day be the No. 1 centre with the Calgary Flames, knew the reason why.

The 22 year-old simply hadn’t been shouldering his share of the load so he was sent to the press box to watch the Dec. 16 game at Florida. Coach Brent Sutter said he wasn’t happy with the six-foot, 198-pounder’s play.

End of statement.

And Tuesday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome against the Minnesota Wild, his second game back since the benching?

“I thought Back had a real strong game,” said Sutter. “I put him in situations where he responded very well . . . put him out on a faceoff in the last 10 seconds of a 2-1 hockey game and he did an admirable job.

“Why not? Let’s go after it. He needs to know that the head coach has trust in him, believes in him and that’s what I did. I thought he was very engaged, very competitive throughout the whole night and that’s what I need Mikael playing.

“And yet you know what, it shouldn’t be a surprise because that’s what we have in him, that’s what we know we have as a player.”

There have been high expectations of Backlund since the Flames made him the 24th overall draft choice in 2007. Swift, big and skilled he has been looked upon, rightly or wrongly, as the player who would be Jarome Iginla’s slick setup man, the player who would settle right in alongside the captain on a No. 1 attack force.

And, right or wrong, a player who would light it up even though he’s never, at the pro or minor level, scored more than 25 goals in a single season.

Even the young Swede had big expectations this season coming in off a freshman campaign of 10 goals and 25 points last season. All of which were dampened by a broken pinky finger during training camp that caused him to miss the first 14 games of the season.

And the struggles began, despite being teamed up with Iginla and Alex Tanguay on the No. 1 trio. When that didn’t click he worked his way down through the lineup and eventually to the benching.

“I’m not going to lie,” he said. “I had some expectations coming in, working really hard this summer, getting injured and working really hard when I was injured. And coming in things didn’t go as I wanted for the team or myself.

“I thought it was going to go way better than it has but you can’t be too frustrated. Just keep your head down, keep working and focus on the next game.”

Backlund has scored twice, Dec. 3 at Edmonton and Dec. 6 at Carolina. In the 19 games, he is a minus-7.

Sutter understands much of Backlund’s struggles relate back to his late start on the season because, no matter how hard you work on ice and off, when you’re not playing, you don’t have the proper tempo or mindset gained from game conditions.

“He’s a real good two-way player and when his game’s on, he’s very effective,” said Sutter. “He’s fought it a little bit and it’s our jobs to help him get through it, work with him to help him so our team can be better and make him better along the way.

“He’s a young guy and there were a lot of expectations put on him, right or wrong or indifferent. Now it’s just a matter of throwing him out there . . . . I have a lot of confidence in him, I really do. He’s a good solid two-way guy and we just need to work with him and make him better.”

Backlund drew 12:16 of ice time Tuesday, almost got into a fight with Matt Cullen and took a big faceoff in the Flames end with the Wild pressing hard for the equalizer.

He got a tie on the puck drop, allowing defenceman Jay Bouwmeester to rush up and knock the puck out of the Calgary zone.

“That’s the part of compete we need from him,” added Sutter. “That battle level. He was just off on that . . . he’s had a tough go when you think about it, not starting the season and that’s a tough thing.”

Backlund said he felt feisty heading into the game.

“I was a little more emotional,” he confessed. “I put my heart into it and that’s something I have to do every game and I haven’t been doing that. After having a really bad road trip I wanted to come back and show I was better than last week.

“I thought I worked really hard, competed really hard . . . I thought I played pretty strong, was strong on the puck and competed hard all night.”

How much of a boost will he get from taking that big last-second faceoff?

“I felt really good that he wanted to put me out there,” he said. “It was a big puck drop so I just tried to battle down, not lose it clean and at least get a tie and Bouw helped me, too.

“It helps your confidence when the coach puts you out in those situations.”



Flames in better position, but can’t take a holiday

By George Johnson

Down the hallway from the dressing-room doors being guarded by a cluster of cantankerous media reprobates, Chris Butler, illuminated by standing lights, cleared his throat for Calgary Flames TV before bravely launching into vocal snippets of a reworked version The Twelve Days of Christmas lyrics.

“Five Stanley Cup r-i-i-ings . . . ’’ warbled the defenceman bravely.

Bing Crosby, he ain’t.

Catching a glimpse of the wide eyes turned his way, startled by the noise, Butler smiled a trifle self-consciously and offered up a small wave of apology.

“Uh, don’t mind me, guys.”

The holiday season is upon us once more. Quickly approaching the one-year anniversary of organizational tumult, of a cultural shift, for this franchise.

The iron-fisted totalitarian regime was toppled 12 months ago Wednesday (mark the date by lighting a candle at your preferred place of worship). The mood down at the rink is significantly more festive than a year ago.

And the Calgary Flames do find themselves in a better position — marginally — than they did at Yuletide 2010.

“You look at the pack,’’ said coach Brent Sutter. “We’re right there. At this point in time it’s . . . right there.’’

“There’s a lot of things with our team game that is certainly encouraging; certainly coming. We need to play a certain way and we’ve seen more consistency with it.

“Now we need to take that step, make that push. The schedule doesn’t get any easier. That’s why going into the Christmas break these two games are big. They’re huge for us.

“We want to still in the pack, containing to push and move up in the standings.’’

Twelve months ago to this very day, as the Darryl Sutter regime was in its final death throes, the Flames found themselves a massive eight points shy of a Western Conference playoff spot.

This season, that deficit has been shaved to four.

Hardly an exponential improvement.

But something positive to clutch at?

“Well,’’ volleyed Olli Jokinen, returning serve, “we were pretty bad last year, so ...

“A couple of points better this year, I guess. Our goal was to be three or four games over .500 at the 35-game mark. Obviously, that’s not going to be the case.

“Whatever the division L.A.’s in (Pacific), we play 20 games against those teams so I think that’s going to be the make-it or break-it. If you look around the league, a lot of teams are better than they were last year. The standings are a lot tighter.

“We know you’ve gotta be 14 or 15 games over .500 to get in. It’s tough defensive game. We have to use the next home game as building block. After that it’s a tough stretch for us.’’

The streaky, stuttering Flames continue to mime the famous Marcel Marceaux ‘Walking Against the Wind’ routine, pushing forward, straining theatrically, without actually making any substantial headway.

“The gap’s closed (from last season to this), so I guess that’s good news,’’ sighed Brendan Morrison.

“But it’s still not where we want to be. There’s no hiding that fact. Again, our inability to win some games early in the year, our powerplay not coming through for us early on, has really put us in a hole.

“We’ve played better hockey here lately. We’re starting to gain a little bit of ground. But we’ve got a long ways to go. It seems teams get points every night. And we know down the stretch that’s even magnified ‘cause a lot of teams just play for ties to get points.

“These next two weeks are going to be critical to our season.’’

That pre-Christmas push could scarely be much tougher. Tonight, the Detroit Red Wings - Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Lidstrom, Tomas (The Total Eclipse) Holmstrom, et al - at the Scotiabank Saddledome, then a wickedly short turnaround to play in Vancouver on the 23rd.

Then, after cleaning up the wrapping paper and snogging back a couple cups of eggnog, they head out again for six - count ‘em - in a row on the road as the World Junior Hockey Championship takes over the town.

Either they’ll sink without trace over that stretchof time, or hang in, hang around, and give themselves a real shot buoyed by a score of home games with which to make up ground.

“No, it’s not a daunting task for us,’’ argued Morrison. “But it is a real challenge. Our road record’s not great. We lost last four on the road (0-2-2) but we easily could’ve gone 3-1. We didn’t.

“We can’t get too caught up in how long this (upcoming) trip is, how many games we have on the road. Our focus, and it’s a cliche, is the next game.

“It’s dangling ... right there for us. I know what you’re saying - when you’re so far out, like we were last year, you just relax and play, nothing to lose.

“But, really, that has to be our mindset right now because we’re not in. What do we have to lose? Nothing. We have to make a move here. That’s kind of the approach to take. We can’t sit here and in the back of our minds think we’re going to go on a run like we did last year. It’d be pretty far-fetched to say we’re going to do that again.’’

The holiday season is upon us once more.

Spirits, by comparison, are far brighter. But the task before them only ever-so-slightly less formidable than a calendar year ago.

“Our job,’’ said Jokinen, “is to win games. Better? I guess. But there shouldn’t be any guys in our room who are happy where we are right now.’’



Game Day: Detroit at Calgary

By John Down

Detroit Red Wings (21-11-1) at Calgary Flames (15-15-4)

7:30 p.m., Scotiabank Saddledome, SN 960 radio, TSN

Flames player to watch

Jarome Iginla

All eyes remain on the captain as he zeroes in on 500 career goals, needing just three more, and he’s on a roll with six goals and eight assists in the last 10 games.

The Lines

Flames Lines

C.Glencross O.Jokinen J.Iginla

A. Tanguay M.Backlund L.Stempniak

B. Comeau R. Horak P. Byron

T.Kostopoulos B. Morrison T.Jackman

Flames Pairings

C.Butler J.Bouwmeester

S.Hannan D.Smith

T.J.Brodie C.Sarich

Flames Goalies

M.Kiprusoff

L.Irving

The Injuries

G Henrik Karlsson (knee, IR), D Mark Giordano (hamstring, IR), D Anton Babchuk (hand, IR), RW David Moss (foot, IR), C Matt Stajan (ankle), D Brett Carson (upper body, IR).

Wings player to watch

Juri Hudler

There are certainly more gifted forwards in this lineup, but when you’re hot, you’re hot and Hudler has bagged five goals in the past seven games, plus four assists.

The Lines

J. Franzen P. Datsyuk T. Bertuzzi

V. Filppula H Zetterberg J. Hudler

D. Cleary D. Helm D. Miller

C. Emmerton J. Abdelkader T. Holmstrom

The Pairings

N. Lidstrom I. White

N. Kronwall B. Stuart

J. Ericsson J. Kindl

The Goalies

J. Howard

T. Conklin

The Injuries

RW Chris Conner (broken hand, IR), RW Jan Mursak (broken ankle), RW Patrick Eaves (broken jaw, IR).

Up next: The Flames head straight for the airport after the game to wrap up their pre-Christmas schedule tonight at Vancouver against the Canucks (8 p.m., SN 960 Radio, Sportsnet West)



Flames’ Giordano takes ‘step in right direction’

By John Down

Mark Giordano skated Wednesday.

Apparently, it wasn’t the first time the Calgary Flames’ top-two defenceman has taken a whirl on the Scotiabank Saddledome ice since he tore a muscle in his leg in a Nov. 29 game against Nashville, but it was the first time the media had caught him in the act.

“It’s a good thing,” acknowledged coach Brent Sutter. “It’s a slow process, but it’s just another step in the right direction. He’s still a long ways away, but it’s definitely very encouraging.”

While Gioradano is almost irreplaceable in the lineup, such young guns as Derek Smith and T.J. Brodie have been doing a solid job of stepping into the breach.

“When you don’t have your top defenceman who can play in every situation and with his physicality he brings in the back end and stuff, it’s not something you can just replace,” said Sutter. “You do it by committee, putting other players in those situations and the young kids, for the most part, are all doing a very admirable job.”

Closer to returning from the injury list is defenceman Anton Babchuk, who skated with the team for the first time Tuesday and took the optional skate again Wednesday. He suffered a hand injury Nov. 8 against Minnesota.

“It’s about 99.9 miles per hour,” he said of the slapshot that’s led to his tag of Boom Boom. “Not at 100, but it’s getting there.”

No update on winger David Moss, who appeared to be getting close going into last week’s road trip, but admitted to suffering recent setback with the healing process on a cracked bone in his foot.

Nemisz recalled

Greg Nemisz received another happy phone call Wednesday, informing the big forward he’s been recalled by the Flames for a second time this month.

The Flames’ 2008 first-round draft choice came up for one game, Dec. 10 against the visiting Edmonton Oilers, before being returned to the Abbotsford Heat.

Room became available on the roster when the club decided to place defenceman Brett Carson back on long-term injury resevere with an “upper body” injury. That could mean Carson has had a relapse with an off-season back injury that has allowed him to only play two games last week.

With an army of defencemen already in camp — albeit three of them on injury reserve — the Flames didn’t have a spare 13th forward.

Wait and see

Sutter admitted Wednesday he hasn’t carved anything in stone regarding his starting goaltender situation as the Flames face another back-to-back (tonight against Detroit, Friday at Vancouver).

In other words, will caddy Leland Irving play one of those games or will workhorse Miikka Kiprusoff play them both?

“I don’t want to tip my hand on that because I’m still not 100 per cent sure,” said the coach. “I want to see how Kipper is (today) and where he’s at. These are two significant games for us in different ways . . . and then going into the break for a couple days.

“Obviously, with our road trip coming up, there’s lots of hockey after that, so there’s no question Leland is going to get some playing time moving forward. It’s just deciding which games are the right ones.”

Olli echoed

Sutter couldn’t resist getting a dig when reporters asked him about the team’s improving faceoff statistics.

“Percentages in faceoffs isn’t for losers and just for reporters,” he said, with a big smile.

Veteran centre Olli Jokinen, during a recent interview on the subject, had told a gaggle of media that faceoff stats were ‘‘just for losers and reporters.’’

Sutter reiterated he takes those statistics to heart because “if you want to be a puck-possession team, you need to win those draws.

“It’s certainly improving. We’ve had nights where it’s not where it’s needed to be, but the nights when your faceoffs are good, it’s all about puck possession and it just goes hand in hand. Those stats in those areas are really important and we seriously look at them and I seriously do as a coach.”

Red-hot Wings

The Flames have split with the Red Wings, winning 4-2 and losing 5-3 at Detroit, but it’ll be a far more polished squad they face tonight.

While the Wings struggled to find their groove early this season, the perennial post-season contenders appear to have all their ducks in a row again with just three losses in their past 15 outings, five defeats in their last 20.

Although the Flames catch a wee break by getting the Wings on the back end of a back-to-back, they should know the Michigan machine has rolled up a 14-2-3 record in games at Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton since the 2008-09 season.

And the No. 1 plus-minus player is no other than former Flames rearguard Ian White at plus-23.



Flames Giordano resumes skating

By RANDY SPORTAK

Long before the dozen or so players headed on the Saddledome ice for an optional skate Wednesday, Mark Giordano was doing laps.

Giordano, who suffered partially ruptured tendons in his hamstring during the Nov. 29 game against Nashville, has resumed skating.

"It's a slow process, but it's another step in the right direction," said coach Brent Sutter. "He's still a long way away, but it's very encouraging."

The plan a few weeks ago was for Giordano to have another MRI to see whether the injury is healing, but the Flames are crossing their fingers they'll soon see in action the defenceman who can play in all situations, blocks shots and be a physical presence.

"It's not something you can just replace," Sutter said.

Searching for a plan

Leland Irving will have his second NHL start in place of No.-1 goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, but Sutter said he hadn't decided whether the rookie netminder will take the net in one of the two games before Christmas or wait until after the break.

"I don't want to tip my hand because I'm still not 100% sure," Sutter said. "I'm going to see how Kipper is (Thursday) and where he's at. These are two significant games for us in different ways going into the break."

The Flames play games on consecutive nights Thursday and Friday before the break, and then play three games in four nights immediately following.

ICE CHIPS

D Brett Carson (upper body) has been placed on the injury list and RW Greg Nemisz was summoned from the AHL Abbotsford Heat ... Flames RW Rene Bourque serves the second and final game of his suspension for the hit on Chicago's Brent Seabrook ... The Red Wings have loved visiting Western Canada in recent years. Heading into Wednesday's clash in Vancouver, the Wings have a 14-2-3 record in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver since the start of the 2008-09 season.

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 12.22.2011


Bourque apologized to Seabrook

By STEVE MACFARLANE

CALGARY - Rene Bourque didn’t wait long to apologize to former Chicago Blackhawks teammate Brent Seabrook after smacking him in the back during the first period of Sunday’s game at the United Center.

With Bourque ejected following his major penalty, and the Blackhawks defenceman sitting out for precautionary reasons after his head was mashed against the glass, the Calgary Flames winger sought out Seabrook when both were in street clothes during the third period.

“I played with the guy four years. I felt pretty bad,” Bourque said Tuesday before he sat out the first of his two-game suspension with his Flames hosting the Minnesota Wild. “I went and talked to him during the third period just to make sure he was alright and say sorry.

“He accepted my apology.”

Brendan Shanahan, however, didn’t accept Bourque’s explanation during their conference call Monday afternoon — the first disciplinary hearing of Bourque’s career.

“Shanny made it clear he wasn’t happy with it. He thought it was a dangerous hit,” said Bourque, who hoped the evidence showing the referee’s inadvertent blocking of the puck along the boards during the play would show his intentions were not malicious. “I tried to, not argue with him, but explain my process and my thoughts about it.

“Obviously, we didn’t come to an agreement.”

AGAINST THE GLASS

Paul Byron was a victim of the numbers game when sent back to Abbotsford after the waiver acquisition of fellow Flames forward Blake Comeau. But the diminutive centre was called up Monday with Matt Stajan sent to the IR and Bourque suspended.

“I had to change my Christmas plans. I had to pack for Calgary instead of probably going home to Ottawa, so that was a little change,” Byron said before suiting up for Tuesday’s contest against the Wild.

A welcome change, however.

“Definitely. A nice Christmas present getting called up to the NHL. I’ll take that any day.”

Depending on his play and the health of Stajan and David Moss (who’s back in a walking boot after a setback with his cracked foot), Byron could stick around long enough to visit with family Dec. 30 in Ottawa, when the Flames hit the nation’s capital during the team’s lengthy post-Christmas road swing.

IN THE CREASE

They’ve added a new feature to the Dancing Iginla graphic on the scoreboard. When the Flames captain scored on a second-period powerplay, the number 497 flashed along with the dancing figure sporting his face ... With a lineup devoid of scorers like Mikko Koivu, Devin Setoguchi and Guillaume Latendresse, the Wild are sure glad they got Pierre-Marc Bouchard back for Tuesday night’s game. Bouchard was out with a broken nose, but the 5-foot-11, 173-pounder didn’t shy away from the tough areas. He scored a big goal to tie things up in the first period, even

with Flames defenceman Jay Bouwmeester draped all over him at the top of the crease ... Another fight, another explosion of blood from Tim Jackman. The Flames winger gets full marks for toughness but between the black eyes and stitches he’s endured in two seasons as a Flame, he should have some sort of performance bonus based on wounds. He exchanged blows with Brad Staubitz late in the first period and left a splatter of blood in his wake ... Linemate Tom Kostopoulos got some payback with a KO punch landing on Clayton Stoner’s beak in the second period.



Bourque: Suspension 'a little harsh'

By STEVE MACFARLANE

Bourque apologized to Seabrook

Rene Bourque didn’t know what to expect from his first NHL hearing.

But he might have had a gut feeling after his conference call with NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan that things weren’t going to go his way.

“It’s tough for them to make decisions. Shanny made it clear he wasn’t happy with it. He thought it was a dangerous hit,” Bourque said Tuesday before serving the first contest of his two-game suspension for hitting Chicago Blackhawks defender Brent Seabrook in the back Sunday. “I tried to, not argue with him, but explain my process and my thoughts about it.

“Obviously, we didn’t come to an agreement there.”

A scattering of laughs followed that, but there was a feeling within the organization that a pair of games was heavy considering contact with referee Stephane Auger, who stopped the puck along the boards and forced Seabrook to spin around just before Bourque made the hit, contributed to the result of the play.

“Honestly, I thought the ref was a big part of it. Especially right before I hit him, he does get tangled up and does turn towards the boards. I thought that would have a bigger role in the decision. Unfortunately it didn’t,” Bourque said. “I thought I’d get maybe a fine or a game. But two? A little harsh maybe.”

Flames GM Jay Feaster weighed in with a brief statement.

“We respectfully disagree with the league’s interpretation of the hit, “ Feaster said. “We nonetheless recognize that Brendan Shanahan has issued his ruling and both the Flames and Rene Bourque will abide by his decision.”


601960 Carolina Hurricanes

Coyotes rally for 4-3 win over Canes

By CHIP ALEXANDER - [email protected]

RALEIGH Ray Whitney wasn't lacking for fans, even if he no longer plays for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Nor did Whitney disappoint the 30 or so friends from his old Raleigh neighborhood who made their way Wednesday into the RBC Center, scoring an early power-play goal for the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Coyotes would later trail by two goals, but rallied in the third period for a 4-3 win over the Canes.

Lauri Korpikoski’s 4-on-4 goal with 9:12 left in regulation was the winner for Phoenix (18-13-3), which trailed 3-1 in the second period.

Whitney's early goal gave the Coyotes a 1-0 lead, but Tuomo Ruutu's score made it a 1-1 tie after the first period. Andreas Nodl and Jiri Tlusty had second-period goals -- Nodl scoring his first of the season and first with the Canes (10-19-6) - to push Carolina ahead 3-1.

Just when it appeared the Coyotes might be at the breaking point, Cal O'Reilly scored to make it 3-2 after two. And Rostislav Klesla's goal at 4:20 of the third tied the score 3-3, the defenseman pinching in and scoring on a shot from the slot past Cam Ward for his first goal of the season.

Whitney played for the Canes for five seasons and always a fan favorite. The crafty little winger fondly called "The Wizard" helped Carolina win the 2006 Stanley Cup and reach the Eastern Conference finals in 2009.

Whitney left the Canes after the 2009-2010 season, signing a free-agent contract with the Coyotes. The teams played last season in Arizona, and Wednesday's game was Whitney's first at the RBC Center since leaving for the desert.

Whitney, 39, is the Coyotes' leading scorer this season. He also was named the game's first star Tuesday night, with a goal and assist, as Phoenix took a 2-1 road win against the Florida Panthers.

Whitney's fans were easy to spot in the crowd their neon-green T-shirts. They also were cheering loudly when Whitney rifled a shot from the left point for the lead barely two minutes into the game.

Ruutu's even-strength goal with 10:39 left in the first period gave the Canes a 1-1 tie. It also came just seconds after the Canes' first power play expired. Jussi Jokinen put a shot on net, Alexei Ponikarovsky got a whack at the rebound and Ruutu was at the doorstep to knock in the loose puck.

Ruutu extended his point streak to three games with his 11th goal of the season and the fourth in the last seven games.

Nodl, claimed on waivers Nov. 29 from the Philadelphia Flyers, scored after Jaroslav Spacek banged a dump-in off the back boards. Nodl jumped on the carom and blasted a top-shelf shot from the slot past goalie Jason LaBarbera at 5:49 of the second.

Tlusty then put a shot on net from the left wing at 12:15 that appeared to fool LaBarbera.

The Canes had outshot the Coyotes 11-1 at that point in the second period, but Phoenix narrowed it to 3-2 on O'Reilly's shot from the left circle at 13:24. Any fatigue from playing the night before was gone.

The Hurricanes again played without forward Jeff Skinner and defenseman Joni Pitkanen, out with concussions. Phoenix lost No. 1 goalie Mike Smith to a lower-body injury late in the Panthers game.

Center Riley Nash made his NHL debut for the Canes after being recalled Wednesday from the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL. Nash had a black left eye and cut over his lip from his Checkers game Tuesday night.

Nash was called up on an emergency basis after center Tim Brent was injured Tuesday in practice.

News Observer LOADED: 12.22.2011

601961 Carolina Hurricanes

Nash recalled; Skinner on injured reserve

The Canes have called up center Riley Nash from the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) with Tim Brent unable to play tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes. Nash was an emergency recall.

To make room on the roster, forward Jeff Skinner was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 7.

Brent was injured Tuesday in practice and is day-to-day, Canes coach Kirk Muller said today.

The Canes did not hold a pregame skate at the RBC Center.

"It's a good opportunity to see another young guy," Muller said. "Like we've been preaching it's another opportunity. When the door opens you've got to be ready."

Muller said Chad LaRose or Anthony Stewart would be used in Brent's place on the power play depending on how much penalty-killing time LaRose has to play.

News Observer LOADED: 12.22.2011

601962 Chicago Blackhawks

Hawks put Carcillo on injured list, recall Pirri

By Chris Kuc, Tribune Reporter

Chicago Blackhawks winger Daniel Carcillo, who missed his third consecutive game Tuesday with an upper-body injury suffered Dec. 13, was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

The Hawks recalled forward Brandon Pirri from the Rockford of the American Hockey League.

Coach Joel Quenneville had said Carcillo was doubtful to play against the Canadiens on Wednesday night at the United Center.

"(Carcillo's) getting better," Quenneville said Tuesday. "We have four days off after (Wednesday's) game and hopefully we'll know more (Wednesday) when we get back and see him. He's coming along fine."

Carcillo, 26, has nine points and a team-leading 60 penalty minutes in 26 games. Pirri, 20, has an assist in one game with the Hawks this season.

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 12.22.2011


Hawks Game Day: Lead Canadiens 2-1 after 2 periods

By Chris Kuc Tribune reporter

The Chicago Blackhawks have some unfinished business prior to taking four days off for the Christmas break.

The Hawks start Corey Crawford in goal as they face the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night at the United Center in an Original Six showdown. Crawford has watched from the bench as backup Ray Emery started the previous six games but gets a chance to face his hometown team in his return. Crawford entered the game with a 12-7-2 record and 3.00 goals-against average. He's opposed by the Canadiens' backup, Peter Budaj (4-1-3, 2.50).

After two periods, the Hawks lead 2-1. After Andrei Kostitsyn scored to give Montreal the lead, Andrew Brunette and Patrick Sharp found the back of the net for the Hawks with goals 19 seconds apart.

Center Brandon Pirri is in the lineup after being recalled from Rockford of the American Hockey League on Wednesday. Pirri replaces fellow rookie Marcus Kruger, who is sidelined after taking a tough hit from the Pittsburgh Penguins' Deryk Engelland on Tuesday night. Also sidelined is winger Daniel Carcillo. The veteran missed his fourth consecutive game with an upper body injury suffered Dec. 14.

Healthy scratches for the Hawks as they play the second of back-to-back contests are defensemen Sami Lepisto and John Scott. Veteran blueliner Sean O'Donnell is playing after sitting out two games.



Campoli extols time with Hawks

By Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune reporter

When Chris Campoli left the ice after the Blackhawks' elimination in Game 7 of the Western Conference quarterfinals at the hands of the Canucks last season, the defenseman believed he would return to the team.

"I thought I'd be back," said Campoli, now a member of the Canadiens after he couldn't reach a contract agreement with the Hawks. "The business side of things sometimes doesn't add up."

Then a restricted free agent, the Hawks allowed Campoli to walk and signed Sami Lepisto. After a summer of uncertainty, Campoli inked a one-year, $1.75 million in late September to join the Canadiens.

"I have nothing but good things to say about the (Hawks) organization," Campoli said before the Hawks' 5-1 victory Wednesday night at the United Center. "They treated me first-class. It didn't work out financially, but it's something I'll never forget."

It was Campoli who turned the puck over in overtime of Game 7 against the Canucks, allowing Alexandre Burrows to score and end the Hawks' season.

"It's something I learned from," Campoli said. "It won't be the last mistake. Unfortunately, I made a mistake at a real critical time, but I put it behind me."

New guy: Center Brandon Pirri was recalled from Rockford of the American Hockey League on Wednesday and was in the lineup with fellow rookie Marcus Kruger sidelined from the effects of a tough hit from the Penguins' Deryk Engelland on Tuesday night. Engelland wasn't penalized on the play, but the league announced it would have a disciplinary hearing Thursday to determine if punishment is warranted.

"I'm coming in here to show the brass what I can do and hopefully make it a tough decision (for them)," said Pirri, who is in his second stint with the Hawks this season and notched an assist on the final goal against the Canadiens.

Carcillo 'better': Winger Daniel Carcillo (upper body) was placed on the injured list, but coach Joel Quenneville said the veteran is "doing much better" and should be able to return after the four-day Christmas break.



Hawks recall Pirri, place Carcillo on IR

The Blackhawks have recalled forward Brandon Pirri from the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs, and placed forward Daniel Carcillo on injured reserve.

Pirri, 20, has appeared in one regular-season game with the Hawks this year, collecting his first NHL point, an assist, in 15:43 of ice time on Oct. 7 in Dallas.

Carcillo, 26, has recorded nine points, a +8 plus/minus rating and a team-leading 60 penalty minutes in 26 games in his first season as a member of the Blackhawks organization.

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 12.22.2011


Jonathan Toews, Coach Q support John Scott’s police work

By ADAM L. JAHNS [email protected] December 21, 2011 9:54PM

Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews isn’t a fan of the instigator rule. He’d be fine seeing John Scott police things on the ice.

If that were the case, maybe rookie center Marcus Kruger wouldn’t be out with the concussion he suffered when Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland took a run at him and made direct contact with his head. And maybe the NHL’s ever-growing concussion list wouldn’t be as long as it is.

“That’s what it comes down to,” Toews said Wednesday. “There’s been fighting in hockey for a long time. Guys aren’t going to do stupid things like that if they’re going to have to answer the bell.”

Engelland wasn’t penalized for his head-high hit on Kruger on Tuesday in Pittsburgh, but he has a disciplinary hearing with the NHL on Thursday morning. He’s likely looking at a suspension.

Scott quickly pounced on Engelland, and both seemed to drop the gloves at the same time. Scott, though, received the extra two-minute instigator penalty, which also comes with a 10-minute misconduct.

“Every guy in that locker room stood up for what John did,” Toews said. “We all approved [of] it. We moved on after that. People want to look at the penalty that we didn’t kill. That’s a team penalty that we’ll take any time. He’s standing up for his teammate.”

The instigator rule is designed to prevent players from jumping others, especially when they’re defenseless. But some players and coaches contend the extra two minutes and the 10-minute misconduct have opened the door for players to take runs at others without the added concern of having to answer for it. On-ice policing has been discouraged.

“[Scott] did what he had to do,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “The guy was willing at the same time, but [Scott] traveled some distance. Sticking up for your teammate is what it’s all about. It was a hit at the end of the night you might look back at as we were short-handed when we could have had a power play. But at the same time, Johnny did exactly what you want him to do.”

If the NHL is going to continue to discipline certain hits, Quenneville believes penalties should remain severe. He said that “definitely the number of games have been cut down” on some suspensions.

“There has to be a deterrent in place if you start losing your salary [or] it could cost a major in a game,” Quenneville said. “I think that’s got to be pretty severe in its own right [to affect] the mentality of a guy looking to take a hit like that.”



Ex-Hawk Chris Campoli fitting in with Habs

By ADAM L. JAHNS [email protected] December 21, 2011 8:40PM

Defenseman Chris Campoli’s short stint with the Blackhawks will probably be best remembered for his Game 7 turnover that led to Alex Burrows’ game-

winner in overtime for the

Vancouver Canucks.

The Hawks always liked Campoli’s skills and wanted to re-sign him. It just didn’t work out. A back-and-forth negotiation process in the summer ended with an arbitration ruling and the Hawks’ decision to walk away.

“I guess it’s kind of unique the way it happened because it doesn’t happen often that way,” said Campoli, speaking for the first time to the Chicago media. “Bottom line, sometimes the business side of the game is unfortunate.”

The Hawks signed Steve Montador to a four-year, $11 million deal and Sean O’Donnell to a one-year, $850,000 contract, while negotiating with Campoli. But general manager Stan Bowman still intended to re-sign Campoli after acquiring him from the Ottawa Senators before the trade deadline.

When a deal couldn’t be reached, the Hawks opted to sign Sami Lepisto. Campoli then joined the Montreal Canadiens.

“It thought I’d be back,” Campoli said. “But it didn’t seem to work out. I’ve moved on in my career. I’m in Montreal where I have a good opportunity. ... But at the time, it was a little bit disappointing. I thought it worked well here for me personally. I thought I fit in well. It was a great experience for me. That’s all I can really say about it.”

Carcillo on IR

Coach Joel Quenneville said placing Daniel Carcillo on injured reserve was “procedural” move and that he’s “doing much better.” The move is retroactive to when he was hurt (concussion) last week and he is eligible to return after the Christmas break.

Pirri in the mix

With Marcus Kruger out with a concussion, center Brandon Pirri was called up from Rockford. Pirri leads the IceHogs with 31 points in 28 games.

Pirri took Kruger’s spot on a line with Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp.



Blackhawks 5, Canadiens 1: Corey Crawford backstops Hawks to win

All eyes were on Corey Crawford. After not playing in more than two weeks, Crawford was back in the Blackhawks’ goal Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens at the United Center.

There were plenty of questions.

How would he move and see the puck after such a long layoff? Will he put too much pressure on himself to do well? Would the extra work in practices with goalie coach Stephane Waite pay off? How is his confidence?

Crawford, still considered the Hawks’ No. 1 goalie, answered those questions and erased some doubts with a solid 20-save performance in the Hawks’ 5-1 victory.

In other words, Crawford is just fine.

“Corey is a great goalie,” forward Patrick Sharp said. “He was excited to get back in there. He’s from the Montreal area, so that makes things even better.”

Sharp, Andrew Brunette, Viktor Stalberg, Bryan Bickell and Jonathan Toews (empty-netter) scored for the Hawks, who enter the Christmas break with an 8-1-1 record in December and the most points in the NHL with 48.

“Our team has been playing so well, but I was pretty hungry to get back in there,” Crawford said. “It’s a huge game before the break to get some points.”

The Canadiens have struggled and were missing some offensive threats against the Hawks, but Crawford still had to come through with key stops. Crawford’s best save came in the second period when winger Max Pacioretty had an open net. But Crawford leaped back and tipped Pacioretty’s shot with his stick.

“It was a funny little rebound that kicked to the side,” said Crawford, who also made tough stops on Michael Cammalleri in close in the first period and another on Erik Cole on a breakaway early in the third. “I just tried to get over there as quick as I could and get my stick in the right spot.”

The entire game felt good for Crawford, who allowed three goals on 16 shots and was chased in his last start Dec. 5 against the Phoenix Coyotes. After that, the Hawks turned to backup Ray Emery, whose five-game winning streak came to an end Tuesday in Pittsburgh, as coach Joel Quenneville rode the hot hand.

Quenneville praised Crawford for his approach throughout the whole process, saying many times that he wasn’t worried about how the 26-year-old was handling sitting out.

“He looked sharp; he looked quick and big in the net,” Quenneville said. “It’s good to see him come back the way he did. I commended him throughout that process with how mentally he was focused, ready and prepared.”

The only goal Crawford allowed came during a Canadiens power play in the second period as Andrei Kostitsyn redirected in a nice goal at the 5:35 mark.

Crawford kept things close before the Hawks broke out and scored five unanswered goals, including their first two in a 21-second span in the second.

Did Crawford need a good win for his confidence?

“Oh, definitely,” Crawford said. “It was a game for me personally where I had to come up with a solid game. But I wasn’t holding my stick tight. I was pretty relaxed out there and pretty confident.”



Forget the penalty, Hawks approve of Scott's actions

TRACEY MYERS

As Blackhawks forward Marcus Kruger recovers from a concussion sustained Tuesday night in Pittsburgh, his teammates were still commending John Scott for coming to his aid.

Instigation penalty be damned.

It was frustrating when the Blackhawks ended up on the short side of the special teams when Scott got an instigation penalty for his fight with Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland on Tuesday. Engelland will have a hearing for his high hit on Kruger on Thursday morning.

But a day later, after the Blackhawks got scored on during that kill, they were still more than fine with Scott’s actions.

“Every guy in that locker room stood up for what John did yesterday. We all approved it and we moved on after that,” captain Jonathan Toews said. “We want to look at that penalty we didn’t kill, but that’s a team penalty we’ll take any time. He’s standing up for his teammate. We didn’t get that kill, but that won’t change anything.”

The instigator is there to keep players from fighting just for fighting’s sake. But it sometimes keeps players from policing themselves, which is what Scott was doing last night for Kruger.

Yes, the Blackhawks paid an immediate price for Scott’s fight but they’re happy with the message that was sent. The NHL’s concussion problem continues to grow – TSN.ca said Wednesday that more than 30 players are known to have a concussion right now.

Maybe the messages need to be allowed without penalty.

“That’s why there’s been fighting in hockey for a long time,” Toews said. “Guys aren’t going to do stupid things like (the hit on Kruger) if they’re going to have to answer the bell.”

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 12.22.2011


Crawford back in net, Kruger out with concussion

TRACEY MYERS

Corey Crawford will be back in net but Marcus Kruger is out with a concussion when the Blackhawks host the Montreal Canadiens tonight at the United Center.

This will be Crawford's first start since Dec. 5 as the No. 1 netminder has been working on his game for a few weeks after encountering some trouble.

Coach Joel Quenneville said Crawford would've started tonight regardless of what happened last night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

"Corey shouldn’t put too much pressure on himself, that it’s one game or that he has to play great. Just be comfortable. You’re back in net, play your game and be comfortable," Quenneville said of Crawford. "We don’t want to change how we play (in front of the goaltender), no matter who’s in the net."

Brandon Pirri, who was called up from Rockford this morning, will be in the lineup tonight.

Daniel Carcillo was placed on injured reserve, retroactive to when he was hurt last week against the Minnesota Wild. Quenneville said Carcillo has been feeling better these last few days.



Blackhawks place Carcillo on IR, call up Pirri

TRACEY MYERS

The Blackhawks put forward Daniel Carcillo on injured reserve and recalled forward Brandon Pirri from the Rockford IceHogs today.

Carcillo has been out with an upper-body injury he sustained last week in the Blackhawks' victory over the Minnesota Wild.

Pirri has 13 goals and a team-high 31 points this season for the IceHogs. His recall comes a day after Blackhawks center Marcus Kruger missed the final two periods of the team's 3-2 loss in Pittsburgh.



Crawford returns in a big way for Blackhawks

By Tim Sassone

Corey Crawford, making his first start since Dec. 5, showed no rust from his extended layoff Wednesday night in a strong performance at the United Center.

Crawford turned aside 20 shots, including a lunging beauty of a stick save with the net open, in the Hawks’ 5-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

It was Crawford’s first win since Dec. 2 against the Islanders.

“Definitely, it was a big game for me personally where I had to come up with a solid game,” said Crawford, still the No. 1 goaltender. “But I wasn’t holding my stick tight. I was pretty relaxed out there and pretty confident.”

Crawford’s teammates wanted to come up big for him, and they did. They were tight defensively, allowing the Canadiens just 3 shots in the third period.

It was a nailbiter until the third when the Hawks busted it open on late goals by Viktor Stalberg, Jonathan Toews and Bryan Bickell.

Andrew Brunette and Patrick Sharp scored 21 seconds apart in the second period to wipe out a 1-0 Montreal lead.

“Corey’s used to playing a lot, so it’s not easy for those goaltenders to watch a lot of hockey and all of a sudden go in there and try to play with a lot of confidence,” Toews said. “It was great to see him get the win and we definitely wanted to help him out there.”

Crawford watched backup Ray Emery start six games in a row, winning five of them to keep the net during his hot stretch.

“It was an excellent game for him and for us,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said of Crawford. “It was good to see him come back the way he did and I commend him throughout that process, how mentally he was focused and ready and prepared.”

Crawford’s best save came late in the second period on Max Pacioretty, who had an open net on a rebound with it still a 2-1 game. Crawford dove to his right and got the paddle of his stick on the puck, deflecting it out of play.

“It was a funny little rebound that kicked out to the side and I just tried to get over there as quick as I could and get my stick in the right spot,” Crawford said.

Stalberg’s goal was critical, coming with 9:31 to play and making it 3-1. He had a goal and an assist, giving him 2 goals and 4 assists in the last five games, and is proving to be a pretty valuable player.

“I think overall we’re seeing a better hockey player over time here,” Quenneville said. “He’s improving his puck protection with all his speed. He seems to be more influential in the puck area and winning more than his share of battles, which is good to see because he can do a lot with it.”

Quenneville also liked rookie center Brandon Pirri, who was recalled from Rockford to replace the injured Marcus Kruger. Pirri played 16 minutes, was plus-2 with an assist, and won 10 of 18 faceoffs.

“I liked him a lot,” Quenneville said. “He was good in all areas. I thought he had more speed than I previously saw. I thought his overall game looked like it was more complete, but the thing that was most noticeable was his quickness.”



Report: Sox sign Danks to 5-year deal

By Daily Herald Report

After losing pitcher Mark Buehrle to the Miami Marlins, the White Sox apparently have decided not to let another good left-handed pitcher get away.

Numerous Twitter reports ramped up Wednesday night with news that the White Sox have reached agreement with starting pitcher John Danks, 26, to a five-year deal worth $65 million. Buerhle, 32, signed a four-year deal worth $58 million.

CSN Chicago’s Chuck Garfein and CBS reporter Jon Heyman also reported that sources close to the situation confirmed the deal. The news was first reported by Doug Sellyer on Twitter, although the White Sox did not release an official comment on the report and Dank must complete a physical before the deal can be signed.

Danks, who was eligible for free agency at the end of the 2012 season, had been attracting trade interest while White Sox general manager Kenny Williams was looking to cut the team’s payroll after a disappointing 2011 season.

Danks, who was paid $6 million last season, finished the year with at 8-12 after opening with 8 losses. From June 6 to Aug. 27 Danks was 6-1 with a 2.03 ERA, but he closed the season 2-3 with a 7.76 ERA.

Numerous trade rumors showed the Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers and Blue Jays all had interest in acquiring Danks.



Brunette, Sharp lead Blackhawks past Canadiens

By Associated Press

Andrew Brunette and Patrick Sharp scored 21 seconds apart midway through the second period, and Corey Crawford made 20 saves in his first start in more than two weeks as the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Montreal Canadiens 5-1 on Wednesday night.

Viktor Stalberg scored midway through the third period and Jonathan Toews and Bryan Bickell added late goals for NHL-leading Chicago. The Blackhawks rebounded from a 3-2 loss at Pittsburgh on Tuesday, improving to 8-1-1 in their last 10 games.

Related articles

Campoli thought he would be back with Hawks Quenneville thinks suspensions are getting softer Crawford returns in a big way for Blackhawks

Andrei Kostitsyn scored a power-play goal for Montreal, which lost its fourth straight — including the last three since interim coach Randy Cunneyworth replaced Jacques Martin last Saturday.

Crawford hadn't played since being pulled early in the second period of a 4-3 shootout loss to Phoenix on Dec. 5 after allowing three goals on 16 shots. Backup Ray Emery finished that game, then made six consecutive starts and won five straight before losing to the Penguins.

Montreal backup Peter Budaj blocked 23 shots in his first start since Nov. 30. Carey Price had started the Canadiens' previous nine contests.

Neither team sustained much offensive pressure in the scoreless first period. Chicago's Duncan Keith hit the right post with a shot from the point midway through the frame.

Kostitsyn's power-play goal, on a deflection from just outside the crease, opened the scoring at 5:35 of the second. Kostitisyn tipped Tomas Plekanec's low shot from the right circle upward, off Crawford's shoulder and into the net.

Chicago took a 2-1 lead on goals scored on consecutive shots midway through the second.

Brunette was credited with tying it at 1 with 8:24 left in the period as his centering pass to Toews struck Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban's skate and deflected past Budaj.

Sharp's 18th goal made it 2-1 with 8:03 left. After skating into the Montreal zone on a 2-on-2 break, Sharp's shot hit the stick of defenseman Chris Campoli, who had belly-flopped to the ice. The puck fluttered past Budaj on the glove side.

Sharp has points in nine of his last 10 games, and eight goals and six assists in the span.

Stalberg extended Chicago's lead to 3-1 midway through the third. After Subban turned the puck over to Bickell behind the Montreal net, Bickell fed it to Stalberg, who beat Budaj on a high shot from between the circles.

Toews scored his 20th goal into an empty net with 1:17 left to make it 4-1. Bickell scored with 11.8 seconds left to complete the scoring.

NOTES: Chicago's Marian Hossa had an assist to extend his point streak to seven games. He has four goals and eight assists in the span. . Blackhawks LW Dan Carcillo sat out his fourth game with upper-body injury and was placed on IR on Wednesday. C Marcus Kruger sat out after taking a hit to the head from Pittsburgh's Deryk Engelland in a game on Tuesday night. Both Carcillo and Kruger are believed to have post-concussion symptoms. . The Blackhawks recalled C Brandon Pirri from Rockford of the AHL on Wednesday to take Kruger's roster spot. . Montreal's Brian Gionta (lower body) missed his sixth game and Scott Gomez (lower body) missed his 13th. . The game was the only regular-season contest between Montreal and Chicago. The two "Original Six" teams have not played more than once in a season since 2001-02.


601975 Colorado Avalanche

Avs sticking with simliar lineup vs. Blues

By Mike Chambers

Tonight against the visiting St. Louis Blues, Avalanche coach Joe Sacco will go with nearly the same lineup that produced Monday's sixth consecutive win at the Pepsi Center.

The only change is forward David Van Der Gulik? — who missed Monday's 3-2 shootout win against the Philadelphia Flyers? to witness the birth of his first child — will replace Evan Brophey.

Defenseman Kyle Quincey, who has missed the past two games with a groin injury, is healthy and available but will not play tonight. Goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere will get his third consecutive start over Semyon Varlamov.

"Right now, it's not too much of decision because Giggy is playing so well, we've won games, we're getting results," Sacco said.

Van Der Gulik and his wife Jenn welcomed 7-pound Jackson to the world early Monday morning in Cleveland, where David began the year playing with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League. He was recalled from Lake Erie Dec. 14 and played in two games.

While attending the Broncos' game against the Patriots on Sunday, Van Der Gulik was notified that his wife was in labor. He quickly arranged a flight to Akron, Ohio., rented a car and arrived at the Cleveland hospital just as Jenn got the green light to begin pushing.

"Surreal," Van Der Gulik said of the experience.

Denver Post: LOADED: 12.22.2011


Malone shows good form on McClement line

Avalanche rookie forward Brad Malone continues to make a positive impression since making his NHL debut Dec. 9. On Wednesday, the 22-year-old produced his second assist in as many games in his third opportunity at playing left wing on the Jay McClement-centered line.

Malone has played on Colorado's third line, along with TJ Galiardi, in the past three games, after centering the seldom-used fourth line in his first three games. He registered a career-high 12:20 of ice time Saturday in a 2-1 win over the Washington Capitals? and collected his first career point in Monday's 3-2 shootout win over the Philadelphia Flyers?.

He was plus-1 in 11:19 of ice time in a 3-2 win over the Blues.

"I'm just keeping it simple," Malone said. "Every day I'm learning, and all the guys are pretty helpful."

Back in town. Avs forward David Van Der Gulik?, who was a team-high plus-2 against the Blues, welcomed 7-pound son Jackson to the world early Monday morning in Cleveland, where David began the year playing with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League. He was recalled from Lake Erie Dec. 14 and played in two games.

While attending the Broncos' game against the Patriots on Sunday, Van Der Gulik was notified that his wife Jenn, who was due with the couple's first child Jan. 2, was in labor. He quickly arranged a flight to Akron, Ohio, rented a car and arrived at the Cleveland hospital just as Jenn got the green light.

"Surreal," Van Der Gulik, who returned to Denver on Tuesday night, said of the experience.

Scratched. Injured forwards Chuck Kobasew? (head), Brandon Yip? (groin) and Peter Mueller (head) each participated in the morning skate but were scratched. Winger David Jones (groin) skated on his own, and defenseman Ryan Wilson (head) remains out indefinitely. Defenseman Kyle Quincey, who missed the previous two games with a groin injury, was a healthy scratch.

Footnote. Former Avs first-round draft pick Chris Stewart had St. Louis' second goal, just his fifth in 30 games, and a game-high seven shots.

Mike Chambers, The Denver Post



Avs win 7th straight game at Pepsi Center

By Mike Chambers

Jay McClement? was considered the "throw-in" to the blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Blues in February, but based on his play Wednesday night against the Blues, the Avalanche got a game-changer in the deal.

McClement's centering pass — a toss of the puck from the left circle — found its way into the net off a Blues defender and served as the game-winning goal in Colorado's 3-2 victory at the Pepsi Center.

McClement, acquired along with defenseman Erik Johnson? and a first-round draft pick for forward Chris Stewart and defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, also spearheaded a penalty-killing unit that blanked the red-hot Blues on four power-play opportunities. The third-line center played 4:23 of his 16:32 on the PK.

"He's a big part of our penalty- killing unit, and yeah, the winning goal, it's not the prettiest goal, that's for sure, but it's against his old team, which is nice," Avs coach Joe Sacco said. "Good things happen when you go to the net."

It was the seventh consecutive victory at home for the Avs, matching the franchise's longest single-season streak since moving to Colorado in 1995. The Avs also won seven in a row in 2003.

"It's been a good sequence, there's no question, and we've done it against quality opponents," Sacco said. "We're starting to build something here at home, and all of a sudden we're a couple of games above .500 here at home (11-9). It's positive."

Paul Stastny? and Cody McLeod? also scored, and backup goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere? was again excellent in his third consecutive start.

The Blues, who entered the game 13-2-4 since veteran coach Ken Hitchcock took over behind the bench, erased a 2-0 deficit with second-period goals from David Backes (3:01) and Stewart (9:10). But Colorado responded, playing inspired hockey the rest of the period, and the Avs got rewarded at 14:07 on McClement's goal that was thoroughly examined at the league's Toronto headquarters.

Keep tabs on the Avs' AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters.

Malone helped create a 2-on-1 rush into the St. Louis zone and McClement's backhand pass slid behind the goal line off two of Elliott's desperate teammates. The goal was dislodged from the momentum of three Blues players, just as the puck trickled in.

"From my view, it was dislodged about the same time the puck was crossing," McClement said. "I don't know how that rule works."

The Avs took a 2-0 lead and then took the only three penalties of the first period, and were fortunate to keep St. Louis off the board. The Blues failed to capitalize in 5:45 of power-play time in the first 20 minutes, including 45 seconds with the two-man advantage.

"Big win for us," Giguere said. "Starting with a two-goal lead really helped us, and we did another good job in the third period, keeping the lead. It's all about working hard. If you work hard and follow the system that the coach puts in place, you're going to give yourself a chance to win every night. And that's what we've been doing here at home."

Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or [email protected]



Forsberg now says he didn't mean Swedes threw Olympic game

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

STOCKHOLM • Peter Forsberg is backtracking on comments he made in a TV interview suggesting Sweden threw a group-stage game at the 2006 Turin Olympics to get an easier draw in the second round.

The 3-0 loss to Slovakia meant Sweden, which went on to win the men’s ice hockey gold medal, faced Switzerland instead of Canada in the quarterfinals.

In an interview that aired Sunday, Forsberg told Swedish broadcaster SVT that he “saw no reason to win the game” against Slovakia.

“But there was no order from any coach that we should lose,” Forsberg said. “Maybe we discussed within the group that it’s probably better if don’t go out and tire ourselves out too much.”

The International Ice Hockey Federation asked the Swedish federation for an explanation, and on Wednesday, Forsberg said his comments were taken out of context. In a statement to Swedish news agency TT he said no coach or player “talked about not doing their best in the match against Slovakia.”

The former Colorado Avalanche star said he didn’t mean to put Swedish ice hockey “in a bad light” and that he hadn’t phrased himself properly.

“What I meant to say was that even for someone like me, with a winning mentality, it is sometimes difficult to find full motivation for a match that doesn’t have to be won at any cost,” Forsberg said.

Swedish Ice Hockey Federation chairman Christer Englund said no other players on the 2006 team had said anything about throwing the game and that he considered the issue closed following Forsberg’s statement.

“And I assume the same goes for the IIHF,” Englund said.

In an email to the AP, IIHF spokesman Szymon Szemberg said the issue was under review but “it will under no circumstances change the final standings.”

Forsberg played on the Avalanche’s two Stanley Cup championship teams in 1996 and 2001 and also played on two world championship and two Olympic gold medal teams for Sweden.

Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/olympic-130577-says-didn.html#ixzz1hECw4rRk

Colorado Springs Gazette: LOADED: 12.22.2011


Avs hold on to cool off Blues

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DENVER — Jean-Sebastien Giguere stopped 37 shots and Jay McClement scored the tiebreaking goal late in the second period to lift the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday night for their seventh straight home win.

Paul Stastny and Cody McLeod also scored for the Avalanche and Matt Hunwick, Kevin Porter and Shane O’Brien each had an assist each. Colorado has won seven consecutive at home for the first time since 2003.

Brian Elliott made 19 saves and David Backes and Chris Stewart scored for the Blues, who lost in regulation for just the second time the last 13 games.

The score was tied late in the second period when a pile-up in front of the St. Louis net produced the winning goal. McClement’s backhand was blocked by defenseman Alex Pietrangelo but the puck went over the line as Pietrangelo and forward Matt D’Agostini slid into Elliott and knocked the net off its moorings with 5:53 left in the period.

There was no goal indication on the ice but after a review McClement was credited with his sixth of the year.

Elliott went off for an extra attacker with 1:06 left but St. Louis couldn’t tie it again.

The Blues trailed 2-0 after the first period but got even in the second. Backes got St. Louis on the board when he beat Giguere with a shot from the right circle 3:01 into the period. It was his 11th goal of the season.

Stewart tied it midway through the period when he knocked in Patrik Berglund’s rebound for his fifth goal.

Backes nearly gave the Blues the lead when he had a breakaway a minute later but Giguere made the save.

Stastny put Colorad ahead 1-0 when he deflected Hunwick’s shot from the point past Elliott 3:52 into the game. It was his 11th goal of the season.

McLeod made it 2-0 when he hustled for his second goal of the season. Porter dumped the puck in on Elliott, who softly tried to clear the rebound to defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. McLeod intercepted the pass and beat Elliott with a backhand at the 5:13 mark.

The Blues had opportunities to get on the board with three power-play chances in the first. They hit the post and failed to get a shot on goal with 14 seconds of a 5-on-3 advantage.

NOTES

Colorado’s franchise record for consecutive home wins in a season is 10, done twice when the team was the Quebec Nordiques. ... Giguere won his 238th career game, tying him with Jocelyn Thibault for 48th on the NHL all-time wins list. ... The Blues failed to get at least one point for just the third time in their last 19 games.

Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/blues-130583-cool-denver.html#ixzz1hG1gtz95

Colorado Springs Gazette: LOADED: 12.22.2011

601980 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets notebook: Injury puts Bass out rest of season

Aaron Portzline

Forward Cody Bass, who brought a measure of toughness to the Blue Jackets’ lineup during two recalls this season, suffered a shoulder injury during a recent practice with minor-league Springfield and will require season-ending surgery.

General manager Scott Howson revealed Bass’ injury through his blog on the team’s website. He wrote that Bass fell awkwardly at practice on Monday and suffered the injury, believed to be a dislocation.

In 14 games with the Blue Jackets, Bass had no goals, one assists and 32 penalty minutes. Despite playing so few games, Bass was tied for 10th in the NHL with six fighting majors.

It’s unclear if the shoulder is the same one Bass injured almost three years ago to the day while playing with the Ottawa Senators. He suffered an injured left shoulder on Dec. 28, 2008, that forced him to miss the final 49 games of the season with the Senators.

Bass, 24, signed a one-year contract with the Jackets last summer. He will be a restricted free agent next summer.

Sanford is back

Goaltender Curtis Sanford returned to practice yesterday after missing the loss in St. Louis on Sunday and subsequent practices because of back spasms.

“I’ve had them plenty of times, unfortunately,” Sanford said. “I’ve had them where they’ve lasted for about a month. So I’m happy that the (spasms are) gone. I still have some tightness, but we can get that loosened up.”

Sanford predicted he would be available to play tonight against Nashville, but it’s unclear which way coach Scott Arniel is leaning. Steve Mason struggled on Sunday, allowing five goals on 33 shots in the 6-4 loss.

Although he has had hours of treatment since the flare-up started, Sanford might be helped most by a fortuitous roll late Tuesday night, he said.

“I was in a bed, and I must have rolled over in some way just right,” Sanford said. “There was just a big ‘clunk’ in my pelvis, and it was almost like instant relief. I was just like, ‘Oh, that feels good.’”

Rookie relocating

Arniel plans to use rookie Ryan Johansen on the wing when he’s playing on the Blue Jackets’ top two lines, but will play him at center when he’s on the third or fourth line.

“It allows you to monitor the minutes and who he is against (in the bottom six),” Arniel said. “We’ve said all along we hope and expect him to be a centerman on our hockey club. But if he’s playing in the top six, he’s probably going to be on the wing.”

Johansen, 19, has gone 17 games without a goal and 11 games without a point. He likely will open tonight’s game on the fourth line, Arniel said.

Slap shot

Defenseman James Wisneiwski (left knee) also returned to practice and expects to play tonight. He collided with Blues forward T.J. Oshie in the third period on Sunday.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 12.22.2011


Gameday scorecard: Blue Jackets at Predators

staff report

Four-Check

Dispatch staffers sound off on the Jackets and the NHL

Birth of the Devils

The New Jersey Devils, who host the Jackets tonight, have their roots in Missouri, where the Kansas City Scouts were an NHL expansion team in 1974. The team also spent time in Colorado before moving to New Jersey in 1982.

TV: Fox Sports Ohio, Radio: WWCD-FM (102.5)

Blue Jackets at a glance

• Past 10 games: 3-6-1

• Power play: 13.5 percent (26th, NHL)

• Penalty kill: 76.2 percent (28th, NHL)

• Injury update: G Curtis Sanford (back spasms) and D James Wisniewski (left leg) are probable. LW Kristian Huselius (groin), D Radek Martinek (concussion) and G Mark Dekanich (groin) are out.

Predators at a glance

• Past 10 games: 6-4-0

• Power play: 21.5 percent (2nd, NHL)

• Penalty kill: 82.8 percent (13th, NHL)

• Injury update: D Kevin Klein (flu) is questionable.



Season status report

staff report

9 - Nine of the past 18 meetings between the Blue Jackets and Predators have gone to overtime (four) or shootout (five). The Predators are 7-2 in those games.



Nash, Carter are split up in search of offense

Shawn Mitchell

It took eight seasons for the Blue Jackets to finally acquire an All-Star center, Jeff Carter, to play alongside Rick Nash.

It took less than three months for the foundering Blue Jackets to break up their marquee pairing. Nash and Carter skated on separate lines for the first time in a loss on Sunday at St. Louis and likely will do so again tonight against the Nashville Predators.

After Carter was acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers in June, Nash envisioned a potent partnership, such as those formed by Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg in Detroit and Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau in San Jose.

But Nash said he wasn’t surprised when Mark Letestu joined Carter and Vinny Prospal on a line and Nash moved to a line with Derick Brassard and R.J. Umberger.

“Some of the top lines, they always get shuffled to gain a spark or for any number of reasons,” Nash said. “I’m sure I’ll play with (Carter) someday again. I’m sure after that I’ll get bumped off his line again, too.”

Carter (seven goals, six assists in 22 games) and Nash (10 goals, 12 assists in 33 games) have combined for 35 points. Nash is tied for 81st in scoring and shares the NHL’s worst plus-minus rating (minus-18) with Eric Staal of Carolina. Carter, who missed 10 consecutive games because of a fractured foot, is tied for 220th in scoring.

But Nash and Carter rank second and third in scoring among Blue Jackets forwards, behind Prospal (26 points). Moving them to different lines might help get the rest of the Blue Jackets to end their scoring funks.

“I’m pretty sure the coach is looking for a different lineup situation that can help us score more goals,” Prospal said. “I would say that’s probably the only thing there is to it.”

Columbus is tied for 26th in scoring (2.33 goals a game).

“We need more people to get their game going,” coach Scott Arniel said. “Sometimes changing things around like that, as big as that, it helps spur people on.”

Arniel said using Nash and Carter on different lines will help prevent the preferred matchups of opposing coaches.

On the road, where the Blue Jackets don’t control line matchups after stoppages, Nash and Carter have struggled. Combined, they have three goals, seven assists and a minus-21 rating in 24 road games (15 for Nash, nine for Carter).

Arniel said “lots of good things happened” with Nash and Carter together on the top line.

“But I also think there were times … I think over the long haul they will be good together,” Arniel said. “The chemistry is going to take a while to build.”

Nash and Carter will likely play together on the power play and will sometimes skate together at even strength, depending on the situation, Arniel said.

The Blue Jackets plan to have them resume their full-time partnership in the future.

“You had to figure we weren’t going to go through a full year playing together,” Carter said. “I think we were playing pretty well together as a line. We were starting to get some goals and some opportunities. But maybe it’s just trying to balance it out a little more, get some more scoring from other lines.”


601984 Dallas Stars

Game thread _ Philadelphia _ Philly takes 4-1 lead in third period

Mike Heika / Reporter

Stephane Robidas, who injured his foot in practice Tuesday, will be held out tonight.

As a result, Adam Pardy will play for the first time in seven games (he's missed the last six as a healthy scratch). In addition, Adam Burish (hand) returns after missing 15 games, and Toby Petersen comes out of the lineup.

Lines should be:

Eriksson-Benn-Ryder

Morrow-Ribeiro-Ott

Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak

Dowell-Wandell-Burish

Grossman-Daley

Fistric-Goligoski

Souray-Pardy

Bachman

Flyers put leading scorer Claude Giroux back into the lineup. They also have Sergei Bobrovsky in net.

That was quick:

Stars 1, Philadelphia 0 _ 0:56 of first period _ Loui Eriksson left a drop pass for Michael Ryder and then took two defenders to the net. Ryder snapped a perfect shot past Sergei Bobrovsky's glove. Ryder leads the Stars in goal-scoring with 12.

You get the feeling this will be a high-scoring team. The Flyers are just so talented.

Stars 1, Philadelphia 1 _ 8:30 of first period _ Jaromir Jagr with a nice shot. Richard Bachman had the save. Then,. Claude Giroux was left wide open on the doorstep to sweep in the rebound for his 17th goal of the seaosn.

Philadelphia 2, Stars 1 _ 11:36 of first period _ Vernon Fiddler is called for a an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty (which he seems to dispute) and the Flyers score on the power play. Kimmo Timmonen with a big shot from the point and Wayne Simmonds deflects the puck in front.

Flyers had 15-10 advantage in shots on goal and 27-20 advantage in shot opportunities.

Also had 14-11 edge in hits and 13-8 advantage in faceoff circle.

Flyers are aggressive coming out and take a penalty. However, they kill it off and get a few chances, as well. Then, Sheldon Souray is whistled for slashing at 7:39 and it takes the Flyers 21 seconds to score.

Philadelphia 3, Stars 1 _ 8:00 of second period_ Giroux breaks in down the right side and finds Jagr flying down the slot. He hits the veteran, and Jagr zings one past Bachman for a 3-1 lead.

After Steve Ott and Flyers coach Peter Laviolette had a little skirmish in the tunnel after the first period, the entire game deteriorated into a shoving

match in the second period. The officials have not been good, and they now are trying to reel the game back in, and it might be too late.

Stars had a 9-6 edge in shots on goal in the second period, as well as a 10-7 edge in hits and 14-7 advantage in faceoff circle. However, Adam Burish and Brenden Morrow each took 10-minute misconduct penalties, so this is going to be interesting.

Philadelphia 4, Stars 1 _ 5:22 of third period _ Stars make a bad line change and Giroux finds Andrej Meszaros wide open streaking down the slot. Meszaros lifts a shot over Richard Bachman and makes it 4-1. That is Giroux's fourth point of the night and he is again the leading scorer in the NHL.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 12.22.2011

601985 Dallas Stars

Heika: Steve Ott on 'arrogance' of Flyers coach, undisciplined Stars

MIKE HEIKA

While Thursday’s game between the Stars and Flyers will make great footage for HBO’s 24/7 series that previews the Winter Classic, it wasn’t exactly what the Stars were looking for.

In a game with three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and three 10-minute misconduct penalties, as well as a skirmish in the tunnel between Stars winger Steve Ott and Flyers coach Peter Laviolette, the Stars came out with a 4-1 loss and a lesson in why discipline is so important.

“We tried to stay disciplined and we tried to play hard, but [the game] just didn’t let us,” said Ott, who ironically didn’t have a penalty minute on the night. “I still believe we are doing what we need to do.”

The Stars have tried valiantly to control their penalties after hitting a minus-34 in power plays vs. penalty kills earlier in the season. In the last 10 games before Thursday, Dallas was actually plus-11 in power play opportunities and had to kill more than three penalties in a game just once.

The Flyers cashed in on 2-of-5 power plays and took control of the game. Claude Giroux returned from missing four games from a concussion and tallied a goal and three assists. The 23-year-old center who was one of the reasons Philadelphia felt confident trading Mike Richards and Jeff Carter over the summer, now leads the NHL in scoring with 43 points (17 goals, 26 assists) in 29 games.

“I guess that guys really wanted to win this game,” Giroux said, crediting his linemates for carrying him. “I had a lot of fun just playing and was kind of in Dallas’ face and they were pretty much doing the same thing to us. It was a fun game and important to get those two points.”

The Flyers moved to 21-8-4 and lifted their league-best road record to 13-3-2. The Stars fell to 19-13-1.

The in-your-face game spilled over to the tunnel that leads to the Stars’ locker room after the first period. While visiting players skate out of a door in the corner, visiting coaches sometimes use the same tunnel the Stars do. While Ott was standing to wait to be the last in line, Laviolette pushed around him. Ott pushed back.

“It’s disrespect of our building. Just let our team off [the ice],” Ott said. “It’s really not that big of a deal. He obviously thought that he has a higher power than everyone else and a little bit more arrogance than most coaches in the whole NHL. That’s probably the first time I’ve seen that. I would never do that against Philadelphia in their building, walking through the lineup. Just let us go and show a little respect, that’s all. It was his own arrogance going to their dressing room.”

Laviolette talked around the incident.

“What a huge win for our organization tonight,” he said. “I’m sure that’s what you guys want to talk about.”

But while the Stars may have thought they were in the right, the end result was a lopsided loss.

Was that because of Giroux, Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell playing so well? Maybe.

Did the lack of discipline play a factor? Probably.

“I let them down,” Morrow said of his misconduct penalty. “I’ve been in the league for 12 years now. I know what’s worth a 10 and not. I’ve had plenty. I think with the big lights of HBO or with Versus, whatever it was, [the officials] got a little sensitive tonight.”

And that’s something the Stars are trying to read better as the season goes on.


601986 Dallas Stars

Stars' quick start means little in 4-1 loss to Flyers

Associated Press

Claude Giroux had a goal and three assists in his return from a four-game absence due to a concussion and the surging Philadelphia Flyers beat the Dallas Stars 4-1 Wednesday night.

Wayne Simmonds and Jaromir Jagr added power-play goals, and defenseman Andrej Meszaros connected at even strength for Philadelphia. Sergei Bobrovsky made 30 saves as the Flyers improved to 10-2-1 in their last 13 overall and 13-3-2 on the road this season.

Giroux, the Flyers' top scorer, was out since he was injured in a game against Tampa Bay on Dec. 10 when he was accidentally hit in the back of the head by Simmonds' knee.

Michael Ryder scored in the game's first minute for the Stars, who were 4-1-0 in their previous five games.

Stars rookie Richard Bachman stopped 27 shots in his sixth straight start, subbing while regular goaltender Kari Lehtonen completes his recovery from a groin injury. Lehtonen is expected back within a week.

Ryder struck 56 seconds after the opening faceoff, firing a shot from high in the left circle that beat Bobrovsky to the glove side for Ryder's team-high 12th goal of the season.

Giroux tied it at 8:30 of the first period when he swept a loose puck into an open net for his team-best 17th goal.

Simmonds put the Flyers in front for good about 3 minutes later, cashing in on his team's first power play of the night with a deflection for his 10th goal of the season.

Jagr got his 11th goal 29 seconds into a power play, converting Giroux's return pass at 8:00 of the second period to extend the lead to 3-1.

Meszaros put the game away at 5:22 of the final period, skating in alone after a pass from Giroux and beating Bachman.

The game was heated at times, with three misconducts issued and several skirmishes after whistles.

In addition, there was an incident after the first period when Flyers coach Peter Laviolette shoved Dallas agitator Steve Ott in the back as the teams headed to their locker rooms.

NOTES: The Flyers made the second stop of a five-game trip. … F Adam Burish returned to the Dallas lineup after missing 15 games with a broken hand. … Forward Tomas Vincour (knee), D Philip Larsen (lower body) and D Stephane Robidas (foot) were out for the Stars. … The teams met for the only time this season. The Flyers are 5-1-0 in their last six against the Stars. … Bachman was 4-1 in his first five NHL starts.


601987 Dallas Stars

Giroux lead Flyers over Stars Posted Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011

DALLAS -- Claude Giroux had a goal and three assists in his return from a four-game absence due to a concussion and the surging Philadelphia Flyers beat the Dallas Stars 4-1 Wednesday night.Wayne Simmonds and Jaromir Jagr added power-play goals, and defenseman Andrej Meszaros connected at even strength for Philadelphia. Sergei Bobrovsky made 30 saves as the Flyers improved to 10-2-1 in their last 13 overall and 13-3-2 on the road this season.Giroux, the Flyers' top scorer, was out since he was injured in a game against Tampa Bay on Dec. 10 when he was accidentally hit in the back of the head by Simmonds' knee.Michael Ryder scored in the game's first minute for the Stars, who were 4-1-0 in their previous five games.Stars rookie Richard Bachman stopped 27 shots in his sixth straight start, subbing while regular goaltender Kari Lehtonen completes his recovery from a groin injury. Ryder struck 56 seconds after the opening faceoff, firing a shot from high in the left circle that beat Bobrovsky to the glove side for Ryder's team-high 12th goal this season.Giroux tied it at 8:30 of the first period when he swept a loose puck into an open net for his team-best 17th goal. Simmonds put the Flyers in front about 3 minutes later, cashing in on his team's first power play with a deflection for his 10th goal of the season.Jagr got his 11th goal 29 seconds into a power play at 8:00 of the second period to extend the lead to 3-1.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/12/21/3611850/giroux-lead-flyers-over-stars.html#storylink=cpy

Star-Telegram LOADED: 12.22.2011

601988 Detroit Red Wings

Canucks coach talks up Red Wings before tonight's game

By Helene St. James

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Based on the morning skates today, both the Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks are very much anticipating a fun, entertaining hockey game tonight.

The teams met at 10 p.m. Detroit time at Rogers Arena. Both sides feature some of the most offensively gifted players in the game, solid goaltending and good structure.

"You always get really psyched up for these games," Vigneault said. "We always like the type of games that these are: fast-paced, lot of tempo, lot of skill on the ice. It makes for great hockey games for the players and for the fans."

In discussing the Wings, Vigneault said: "They play to their strengths. Their strengths are speed, skill, great puck control. When it's time to carry the puck in, they carry it in, when it's time to chip it behind and go get it on the forecheck, that's playing the right way. That's what Detroit does well; they read the game real well, both offensively and defensively."

Roberto Luongo will be in goal against the Wings' Jimmy Howard tonight.

"It's an exciting game, should be fun," Luongo said. "I think the boys are really looking forward to it."

The Canucks are 9-4-1 at home, while Detroit only improved to 8-8 on the road after winning at Edmonton on Monday night. The Wings didn't start that game very well and ended up needing their third line to provide most of the offense, but it shouldn't be any problem getting excited about playing a team like the Canucks.

"In our last 14, we're 11-3, and they're 11-2-1," Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "They've been going good, we've been going good. They've got a real good team, they're organized, I like the way they play. They've got good goaltending. It's fun to be in this building.

"It should be a good game, but we've got to hold up our end of the bargain. We've got to play well."

The Wings' lines remain status quo:

Franzen-Datsyuk-Bertuzzi

Filppula-Zetterberg-Hudler

Miller-Helm-Cleary

Emmerton-Abdelkader-Holmstrom

Vancouver's lines are expected to look like this:

Daniel Sedin-Henrik Sedin-Burrows

Higgins-Kesler-Raymond

Malhotra-Hodgson-Hansen

Ebbett-Lapierre-Weise

The Wings finish this trip by playing at Calgary on Thursday, so a victory tonight not only would provide an emotional boost headed into the second of back-to-back games, but also would mean they'd have gotten at least two-thirds of the points available from the last trip before Christmas.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 12.22.2011


Canucks' Ryan Kesler objects to hit by Red Wings' Niklas Kronwall (with video)

By Helene St. James

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Canucks forward Ryan Kesler called out Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall after a bone-crushing hit.

Kesler -- whose Canucks took the game, 4-2, at Rogers Arena -- was furious after getting slammed into the boards early in the third period of a 3-2 game. Kesler was near the puck and had his head down, and Kronwall wasn't called for a penalty on the play.

"I saw that he's backing up, put my head down for a second, he hits me," Kesler said. "That's obviously his go-to move. My only problem with the hit is that he doesn't stand up for himself afterwards. I think if you're going to hit guys like that, you're going to have to drop the gloves."

Kronwall defended his action as being part of an intense hockey game between two rivals.

"It felt like he was curling up along the boards, the puck was right there, and I just tried to put a clean check in," Kronwall said. "The way I looked at it, he had the puck and he had it under control."

Kronwall said he "didn't feel it that way," that he left his feet, but conceded, "that's nothing we want in our game." As for answering any bells, Kronwall -- whose off-ice personality is the antithesis of his on-ice hits -- pretty much shrugged. "To me, it felt like a clean hit. It's a game of you get hit, and you take hits. I just think that's part of the game."

Kronwall has never been suspended, and doesn't deserve to hear from NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan in this case, either, said Wings coach Mike Babcock.

"If they're taking that out of hockey," he said, "then we don't have hockey any more. I mean, one guy had the puck, he's coming up the wall, the other guy is going after him. Good hit."

The hit, delivered with his back into the opponent, was typical of the kind that's given rise to the term "Kronwalled." Usually opponents -- who've included the likes of Teemu Selanne and Martin Havlat -- are too dazed to offer to tussle, but Kronwall isn't a fighter.

"I think he has zero career fights in his career," Kesler said. "If you're going to continue to hit like that, I think you've got to answer the bell."

Kesler, who is from Livonia and spends his summers in Michigan, challenged Kronwall, but officials kept them separated. Kesler ended up with a roughing call, much to his dismay. "No comment," he said. "I don't want to get fined."

The Canucks had the last laugh, as they turned around and scored 15 seconds later.

"That was a good way to stick it to them," Kesler said. "We're not a team that's going to get pushed around."

Later in the third period, Kesler delivered a thigh-on-knee hit on Henrik Zetterberg's left leg, though Kesler denied doing so. "I have no idea what you're talking about," Kesler said when asked by a Detroit reporter.

Zetterberg had a slight limp after the game, but said he was fine and suggested Kesler was still fired up from having been hit.

"I think that it's easy to get that way when you get drilled like that," he said. "But you can't start doing stupid stuff, and that's what he did."

The teams meet again in Vancouver on Feb. 2.



Vancouver 4, Detroit 2: Canucks' 3-goal period sinks Red Wings

By Helene St. James

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- In a game the Red Wings viewed as a measuring stick, they came up short on special teams and on defensive zone play.

They gave up three goals in the first period and a shorthanded one in the third period at Rogers Arena Wednesday to lose, 4-2, to fellow Western Conference competitor Vancouver. The game was as chippy as it was entertaining, with Jimmy Howard and Ryan Kesler both looking to avenge hits. Todd Bertuzzi and Drew Miller were the only Wings to solve Roberto Luongo, who saw 40 shots.

The loss dropped the Wings back below .500 on the road as they finish up this trip tonight at Calgary. Wednesday's loss was defined by mistakes, especially in the first period.

"I really thought on all three goals, big, big mistakes," coach Mike Babcock said. "We're behind 3-1, and I thought we crawled our way back in the game and had a good push. I didn't like the short-handed goal."

Neither did Howard. He was irate after getting upended by a crease-crashing Jannik Hansen, as Alexander Edler was able to chip Hansen's rebound into the net as officials kept their whistles silent. Hansen did appear to fall rather than hit Howard deliberately after being chased by Henrik Zetterberg.

"Z never pushed him," Howard said. "I watched the replay. Hansen leans into him, they lean on each other, he looses his footing, and he steam-rolls me. But, them's the breaks."

Howard went after Blues forward David Perron earlier this month after getting similarly bowled over.

"I'm just sick and tired of getting run over," Howard said. "It's every single game. But, sometimes you can't help it, your D are battling in front. Things do happen, but I'm actually just getting sick of it."

Zetterberg said he was surprised the goal counted. "I thought for sure if you see the stuff that has been called this year, and stuff that happens to goaltenders -- I was a little surprised there was no call."

Babcock didn't blame the Canucks, but rather the officials. "To me," he said, "it's no goal. The goalie's got to be allowed to play. I think that's what the rules are, I think that's what they stipulate. But that's life.

"Any time you dig yourself a hole like we did against a good team, you're going to have a hard time coming back. That was evident tonight. I'm a big believer that if you start on time, you do things right right from the get-go, you win more often than not. To me, we made too many mistakes through the neutral zone."

Both teams talked up one another in anticipation, but it was the Canucks who followed up first when the game began. Chris Higgins snapped Mason Raymond's rebound at 9:36 and 21 seconds later, Cody Hodgson fired a slap shot Howard saw coming.

Bertuzzi came through with a huge goal to stem the tide, wheeling out from behind the net and finding Ian White's shot in the low slot while Luongo contended with teammate Sami Salo. The Canucks' first line burned the Wings before the period was over, with Daniel Sedin circling around Detroit's defenders and sending the puck deep for Alexandre Burrows.

"It was defensive breakdowns," Niklas Kronwall said. "We can't just give them odd-man rushes like that. They're a great team and they transition so well. They had two guys coming a lot of times and we have to be way more aware of that and just play a little bit smarter."

Miller scored his fourth goal in three games on a tip-in to pull Detroit within one at 16:20 of the second period. Danny Cleary did the dirty work along the boards and passed the puck to Darren Helm, who belly-flopped as he one-timed the puck on net.

No penalty was called until late in the second period. The Wings got their second power play when Kesler went after Kronwall after a big hit early in the third period, but the only team to score the next two minutes was Vancouver. The Wings had two more man advantages in the period, but barely got any good scoring chances.

"I think games like this, you have to take care of your power play," Zetterberg said. "You have to have at least one to be able to win games. It's so tight, five-on-five, and when you have an opportunity, you have to score."

Contact Helene St. James: 313-222-2295 or



NHL roundup: Blackhawks bounce back vs. Canadiens

Detroit Free Press News Services

CHICAGO -- Andrew Brunette and Patrick Sharp scored 21 seconds apart midway through the second period, and Corey Crawford made 20 saves in his first start in more than two weeks as the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Montreal Canadiens, 5-1, on Wednesday night.

Viktor Stalberg scored midway through the third period and Jonathan Toews and Bryan Bickell added late goals for NHL-leading Chicago. The Blackhawks rebounded from a 3-2 loss at Pittsburgh on Tuesday, improving to 8-1-1 in their last 10 games.

Andrei Kostitsyn scored a power-play goal for Montreal, which lost its fourth straight -- including the last three since interim coach Randy Cunneyworth replaced Jacques Martin last Saturday.

PHILADELPHIA 4, DALLAS 1: Claude Giroux had a goal and three assists in his return from a four-game absence due to a concussion for the visiting Flyers, who improved to 10-2-1 in their last 13 overall and 13-3-2 on the road this season.

PHOENIX 4, CAROLINA 3: Lauri Korpikoski and Ray Whitney each had a goal and an assist to lead the visiting Coyotes. Korpikoski scored the game-winner at 10:48 of the third period after being set up by Derek Morris and Whitney. Cal O'Reilly and Rostislav Klesla also scored for Phoenix and Jason LaBarbera stopped 34 shots.

COLORADO 3, ST. LOUIS 2: Jean-Sebastien Giguere stopped 37 shots and Jay McClement scored the tiebreaking goal late in the second period to lift the Avalanche to its seventh straight home win. Colorado has won seven consecutive at home for the first time since 2003.

LOS ANGELES: Darryl Sutter took over as Kings coach, running practice Wednesday morning before holding a news conference at a nearby hotel. Sutter, who hasn't coached in the NHL since 2006 with Calgary, debuts tonight at Staples Center against Anaheim. He has also had coaching stints with Chicago and San Jose.

SAN JOSE: Forward Martin Havlat will miss up to eight weeks following surgery today to repair a partial tear in a tendon in his left hamstring. Havlat injured himself jumping over the Sharks' bench during Saturday's 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. Forward Benn Ferriero was recalled from Worcester to take Havlat's spot.

TORONTO: Forward Nazem Kadri is back with the Maple Leafs after a stint in the American Hockey League. Kadri had 22 points in 22 games with the Marlies and was named the AHL's top player in November.



Star goalie Roberto Luongo heaps praise on Red Wings' Jimmy Howard

By Ted Kulfan

Vancouver, British Columbia— Jimmy Howard's stature around the NHL is growing.

You can't play the way Howard has and not get noticed. Howard ranks among the league leaders in victories (first, 20), goals-against (fifth, 1.91) and save percentage (fourth, .928).

Vancouver's Roberto Luongo has been considered among the league's elite for a long time. And Luongo likes what he's seen of Howard this season — the way Howard has developed his game.

"He's been having a real good year, one of the best in the league so far," said Luongo, who has shaken off an average start himself, and now is playing some of his best hockey of the season.

Luongo said Howard's size and confidence makes for a challenge for any team going up against him.

"He's just a big guy who likes to challenge (shooters) a lot," Luongo said. "To score, you're going to have make some perfect plays, whether it's a screen or a back door, we have to make sure we put a lot of traffic in front of him to beat him."

Detroit News LOADED: 12.22.2011


Sweden's Peter Forsberg: We didn't throw game at 2006 Olympics

By Karl Ritter

Stockholm — Peter Forsberg is backtracking on comments he made in a TV interview suggesting Sweden threw a group-stage game at the 2006 Turin Olympics to get an easier draw in the second round.

The 3-0 loss to Slovakia meant Sweden, which went on to win the men's ice hockey gold medal, faced Switzerland instead of Canada in the quarterfinals.

In an interview that aired Sunday, Forsberg told Swedish broadcaster SVT that he "saw no reason to win the game" against Slovakia.

"But there was no order from any coach that we should lose," Forsberg said. "Maybe we discussed within the group that it's probably better if don't go out and tire ourselves out too much."

The International Ice Hockey Federation asked the Swedish federation for an explanation, and on Wednesday, Forsberg said his comments were taken out of context. In a statement to Swedish news agency TT he said no coach or player "talked about not doing their best in the match against Slovakia."

The former Colorado Avalanche star said he didn't mean to put Swedish ice hockey "in a bad light" and that he hadn't phrased himself properly.

"What I meant to say was that even for someone like me, with a winning mentality, it is sometimes difficult to find full motivation for a match that doesn't have to be won at any cost," Forsberg said.

Swedish Ice Hockey Federation chairman Christer Englund told the Associated Press that no other players on the 2006 team had said anything about throwing the game and that he considered the issue closed following Forsberg's statement.

"And I assume the same goes for the IIHF," Englund said.

In an email to the AP, IIHF spokesman Szymon Szemberg said the issue was under review but "it will under no circumstances change the final standings."

Forsberg played on the Colorado Avalanche's two Stanley Cup championship teams in 1996 and 2001 and also played on two world championship and two Olympic gold medal teams for Sweden.



Canucks' Ryan Kesler steaming after hit from Wings' Niklas Kronwall

By Ted Kulfan

Vancouver, British Columbia -- Add Ryan Kesler to the list of NHL players not happy with Red Wing Niklas Kronwall's open-ice hits.

Kronwall nailed Kesler in the third period of Wednesday's 4-2 Vancouver victory. Kesler then went after Kronwall, who didn't respond to Kesler's challenge of a fight. Kesler was called for roughing, and Kronwall was penalized for … nothing, adding fuel to the fire.

Kesler, a Livonia native, joined a list that includes Martin Havlat, Teemu Selanne and Ryane Clowe, among others, who've been angry with Kronwall's ways over the years.

Of the hit, Kesler said, "He was backing up and I put my head down for a second and he hits me. That's obviously his go-to move, always.

"I haven't seen it (the replay), but my only problem with the hit is that he doesn't stand up for himself afterward. If you're going to hit guys like that, you're going to have to drop the gloves."

Kronwall felt he could get a call from Brendan Shanahan, the NHL's chief disciplinarian, if he did leave his feet to hit Kesler.

"Everything goes so fast out there," Kronwall said. "That's pretty much my first hit I've had all year. Legal or not, I'm sure Shanny will decide and we'll go from there.

"Anytime something like that happens out there, it gets emotional out there and he (Kesler) didn't like it."

Kronwall admitted if he did leave his feet, "That's obviously something we don't want in the game."

Coach Mike Babcock felt Kronwall's hit was fine.

"If you take that out of hockey, we don't have hockey anymore," Babcock said. "One guy had the puck and he's coming up the wall and the other guy is going after him.

"Good hit."

Howard fed up

Moments after Kesler's penalty and Kronwall's hit, goalie Jimmy Howard felt he was interfered with by Vancouver's Jannik Hansen on a shorthanded goal by Alex Edler.

Howard went after Hansen before order was restored after the goal.

"I'm getting sick of it," Howard said. "Sometimes you can't help it, the battling in front and things happen. But I'm getting sick of it."

Babcock felt Howard was justified in being frustrated.

"Goalies around the national league, they've been saying that for a bit," Babcock said. "The goalie is allowed to be upset when he's runned."

Ice chips

Still smarting from Kronwall's hit, Kesler had a knee-on-thigh hit on Henrik Zetterberg in the third period Zetterberg didn't appreciate.

"It's easy to get that way (frustrated) when you get drilled like that (by Kronwall)," Zetterberg said. "When you get hit like that you start doing stupid stuff, and that's what he did."

Said Kesler of the collision with Zetterberg: "I have no idea what you're talking about."

…Drew Miller is becoming an offensive machine for the Wings. Miller's goal was his fourth in three games and gives him seven for the season.

…Ian White suffered a cut near where he suffered a broken jaw bone earlier this season, but there was no further damage.



Tempers flare as Canucks beat Red Wings, 4-2

By Ted Kulfan

Vancouver, British Columbia-- It's early to think about playoff matchups, but wouldn't it be great to see the Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks in a long series?

Especially considering the emotion and intensity of Wednesday's 4-2 Vancouver victory, one of the more spirited games this season.

Both teams grew increasingly agitated in a game that produced many sore bodies and equally sore moods.

"Two good teams that skate hard and play fast and that's the type of game you saw," said Canucks forward Ryan Kesler, a Livonia native, who was central to some of the fireworks.

The Wings (21-11-1, 43 points) saw their two-game win streak come to an end. They'll end a three-game western Canada trip Thursday in Calgary.

Vancouver (21-11-2, 44 points) has won three consecutive games and seven of its last nine.

The turning point came early in the third period.

Vancouver's Alex Edler's shorthanded goal at 3:30 gave the Canucks a 4-2 lead, one more dynamic play after a series of combustible events.

Niklas Kronwall's big hit on Kesler along the boards earned Kesler a roughing penalty after he went after Kronwall. Kesler didn't think much of the hit — Kronwall appeared to leave his feet backing into Kesler — but even less that Kronwall didn't drop his gloves and fight.

"He has zero career fights," Kesler said. "If you're going to continue to hit like that, you have to answer the bell."

Kronwall, who may get a call from NHL chief disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan, felt the hit was legal.

"To me it felt like a clean hit," Kronwall said. "It's a game of you get hit and take hits."

But instead of the Wings capitalizing on Kesler's penalty Edler's shorthanded goal turned the tide, and infuriated Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard.

Vancouver's Jannik Hansen lost his footing on a drive to the net and slid into Howard, who was unable to gather himself. Edler slid the puck into an open corner.

"I was interfered with," Howard said. "(Henrik) Zetterberg never pushed him (Hansen). I watched the replay. Hansen leans into him, loses his footing and steamrolls me.

"I'm getting sick and tired of getting run over every single game."

Todd Bertuzzi and Drew Miller had the Wings' goals. Chris Higgins, Cody Hodgson and Alex Burrows rounded out the scoring for Vancouver.

Higgins and Hodgson scored 21 seconds apart midway through the first period to put the Wings in a hole.

"We had a good push, we had over 30 shots in the last two periods (40 for the game), but in saying that, you have to start on time," coach Mike Babcock said. "We made too many mistakes through the neutral zone."

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Star goalie Roberto Luongo heaps praise on Red Wings' Jimmy Howard

By Ted Kulfan

Vancouver, British Columbia— Jimmy Howard's stature around the NHL is growing.

You can't play the way Howard has and not get noticed. Howard ranks among the league leaders in victories (first, 20), goals-against (fifth, 1.91) and save percentage (fourth, .928).

Vancouver's Roberto Luongo has been considered among the league's elite for a long time. And Luongo likes what he's seen of Howard this season — the way Howard has developed his game.

"He's been having a real good year, one of the best in the league so far," said Luongo, who has shaken off an average start himself, and now is playing some of his best hockey of the season.

Luongo said Howard's size and confidence makes for a challenge for any team going up against him.

"He's just a big guy who likes to challenge (shooters) a lot," Luongo said. "To score, you're going to have make some perfect plays, whether it's a screen or a back door, we have to make sure we put a lot of traffic in front of him to beat him."

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Canucks make prime matchup for Red Wings

By Ted Kulfan

Vancouver, British Columbia— There aren't many games in the NHL season that qualify as must-see.

Tonight is one.

Detroit at Vancouver at 10 p.m. on Fox Sports Detroit.

"It'll be fun; they're a good team, obviously, and they're playing well," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "We look forward to playing them. We've had a lot of good games over the years against them and we expect that (tonight)."

The Red Wings are on a roll, 7-3 in their last 10 and coming off a road victory over the Oilers. They defeated the Canucks, 2-0, the first week of the season.

But, the Canucks are a different team than they were then.

The Canucks are healthier than in October — they didn't have Livonia native Ryan Kesler (defending Selke Trophy winner) and several other key players — for the first meeting.

Plus, they're on a 7-2-1 roll.

"Getting up for games in October when you're coming off a Game 7 loss (in the Stanley Cup Finals) is something you never want to go through," said Red Wings forward Danny Cleary. "They're back in a groove, and they have the hunger so they just want to get back there and finish the job."

Best defense

Pavel Datsyuk 's streak of three consecutive Selke trophies (best defensive forward) came to and end last season thanks to Kesler.

"He deserved it," Datsyuk said. "One-hundred percent.

"Every year he's been better and better. Every year he's played better, stronger on the ice, against me or any guys, tougher to play against."

In the tank?

Nicklas Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg were surprised to hear about Peter Forsberg 's comments suggesting Sweden threw its final round-robin game against Slovakia to set up more favorable matchups in the 2006 Turin Olympics.

Sweden bypassed Canada and Russia in the quarterfinals, and won the gold medal.

"I don't know how he said that and what he meant," said Zetterberg, a teammate of Forsberg's along with Lidstrom. "My point of view is we were already in the quarterfinals, and they (Slovakia) had to win and that was the difference."

Said Lidstrom: "Every game you play you want to win. We didn't throw the game or try to lose. You still have the instinct of trying to win. I don't know in what context it happened and how it all came out, but I can only look at it in the way I viewed it and that's the way I viewed it."



Red Wings show their offensive versatility in victory

By Ted Kulfan

Edmonton, Alberta — The Red Wings are at their best when all four lines are contributing and making it difficult for opponents to focus on any one line.

It's been happening often lately, offense coming from several sources.

Such was the case in Monday's 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

The line of Darren Helm centering Danny Cleary and Drew Miller was in the spotlight against the Oilers.

Miller scored at 15:44 of the third period, redirecting a shot by Nicklas Lidstrom and breaking a 2-2 tie.

"I went to the high slot and got my stick on the shot," Miller said. "It's one of those plays where you're in the right place at the right time. I got a good piece of the puck and it found a way to get in, one of those good bounces to get.

"It was good to see our line get success and for our team to get the win."

Said coach Mike Babcock: "Helm, Cleary and Miller were our best line by far."

Jiri Hudler added the other Wings goal, as they opened this three-game western Canada road trip with a hard-fought victory.

"It was a good road win," Babcock said. "We weren't very good through two periods. We didn't have much energy or legs, but we found a way to win a game which is a positive thing."

The Wings have won 12 of their last 15 games. The victory also moved the Wings back to .500 on the road (8-8).

"We haven't been happy with our road record," Lidstrom said. "This is a building block, to grind one out and get a win."

Ryan Jones and Jordan Eberle (power play) scored for Edmonton, which has lost four straight.

Eberle tied the score at 2 with one second remaining in the second period.

With Jonathan Ericsson off for interference but the Oilers power play looking ragged, the Wings appeared on the verge of escaping into intermission with the lead.

But a shot by Oilers rookie sensation Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was blocked by Niklas Kronwall. The puck slithered to the top of the slot where Eberle whipped a shot that beat goalie Jimmy Howard high just before the horn ended the period.

"Kroner had a good block and there was a mad scramble in front," Howard said. "I never really saw it and Eberle teed it up."

Hudler had given the Wings a 2-1 lead with his seventh goal at 14:36.

Zetterberg one-timed a shot on net that Hudler, battling for position around the crease, got his stick on, the puck trickling past goalie Nikolai Khabibulin.

Much like Hudler's goal, Cleary got his stick and redirected a Jakub Kindl shot past Khabibulin, giving the Wings an early 1-0 lead.

"All three goals were with traffic in front and that's what you need going against a good goalie like Khabibulin," Lidstrom said.



Drew Miller relishes expanded role with Red Wings

By Ted Kulfan

Edmonton, Alberta — There were times last season that left Drew Miller wondering what more he could do.

Miller was playing well, chipping in some offense, basically doing his job for the Red Wings but would wind up getting bounced from the lineup.

What more could he do?

"It's frustrating when you feel you can help the team, and you are playing well, and you're being told you shouldn't be out but you are out," said Miller, who continued his fine season Monday with the winning goal in the 3-2 victory over Edmonton. "It's tough, but it's something you kind of appreciate where you came from type of thing, and you remember how hard you worked to get to a certain point and it'll pay off in the end.

"You learn from it and be a better player from going through the experience."

Miller has six goals and four assists in 30 games (he scored 10 each of the last two seasons) and hasn't had to worry much about being bounced from the lineup this season.

This, after re-signing with the Wings last summer as an unrestricted free agent (a two-year contract worth $1.65 million) when Miller could have gone anywhere he wanted.

"I knew it could be a tough situation to battle for a spot but it was one I felt I could battle and earn a spot and that's one of reasons I decided to come back," Miller said. "You find a role you can play for a team and try to be the best you can be."

Oil boom

The Oilers are one of the unique teams in the NHL.

Because of where the Oilers have been drafting of late (very high, because of poor records), and the accumulation of talented young players through trades, the Oilers' roster reads like some sort of Futures Game All-Star roster.

The Oilers got off to an incredible start (8-2-2) this season. But they haven't been as incredible since (6-13-1).

Wings coach Mike Babcock, though, feels the Oilers will be a dangerous team for a long time, given their stockpile of elite young talent.

"If you never, ever win, it beats you down over the year, but this year, they've been fortunate their veteran players have played real well, they have good special teams, and they're organized and a fun team to watch," Babcock said. "They've got real good young talent and the community is behind them."

Center Ryan-Nugent Hopkins, June's No. 1 overall draft pick, has looked like a cornerstone the Oilers can build around (33 points in 32 games).

"He looks like a real player," Babcock said.

Red hot line

The line of Miller, Darren Helm and Danny Cleary has been effective at both ends lately, becoming a versatile third line.

Both Cleary and Miller had goals against the Oilers.

Helm and Cleary have turned around what were stagnant seasons early on.

"They've straightened out their games," Babcock said. "They're going north and south, they're being physical, and they're on the cycle. They can play against anybody."

The line's production of late only strengthens the Wings' attack.

"We've been working well together," Miller said. "Cleary started us out tonight and he's playing real well and his leadership on our line drives it. Helm has the speed. We've been working well."



Drew Miller's late goal gives Red Wings win in Edmonton

By Ted Kulfan

Edmonton, Alberta — The Red Wings' bottom two lines continue to carry them during their recent hot streak.

Drew Miller scored at 15:44 of the third period on Monday, breaking a tie and giving the Wings a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

Miller and Danny Cleary, both of whom have been hot on an effective third line, scored for the Wings, as did Jiri Hudler.

The Wings (21-10-1, 43 points) have won 12 of their last 15 and opened this three-game trip with a much-needed win.

Ryan Jones and Jordan Eberle (power play) scored for Edmonton (14-16-3, 31 points).

Eberle tied the score at 2 with one second remaining in the second period.

With Jonathan Ericsson off for interference, the Wings appeared on the verge of escaping into intermission with the Oilers power play ragged, as it was most of the evening.

But a shot by Oilers rookie sensation Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was blocked by Niklas Kronwall. The puck slithered to the top of the slot where Eberle (13th goal) whipped a shot that beat goalie Jimmy Howard high just before the horn blew to end the period.

Hudler had given the Wings a 2-1 lead with his seventh goal at 14:36.

Valtteri Filppula found Henrik Zetterberg near the top of the circle. Zetterberg one-timed a shot on net that Hudler, battling for position around the crease, got his stick on, the puck trickling past goalie Nikolai Khabibulin.

Cleary opened the scoring with his eighth goal at 4:33 of the first period.

Much like Hudler's goal, Cleary redirected a Jakub Kindl shot past Khabibulin for a 1-0 lead.

The Wings killed a 56-second, two-man Oilers advantage midway in the period to maintain the lead, continually not letting Edmonton even set up.

The Oilers tied the score at 1 with Jones' goal at 2:37 of the second period.

Jones got behind Ericsson and Kindl, and beat Howard short-side for his 11th goal.



Red Wings' Drew Miller enjoying some job security this season

By Ted Kulfan

Edmonton, Alberta— There were times last season that left Drew Miller wondering what more could he do.

Miller was playing well and chipping in with some offense — basically doing his job for the Red Wings — but would wind up getting bounced from the lineup.

"It's frustrating when you feel you can help the team, and you are playing well, and you're being told you shouldn't be out but you are out," Miller said. "It's tough, but it's something you kind of appreciate where you came from type of thing, and you remember how hard you worked to get to a certain point and it'll pay off in the end.

"You learn from it and be better a better player from going through the experience."

Miller went into Monday's game against Edmonton with five goals and four assists in 29 games — and he hasn't had to worry much about being bounced from the lineup this season.

This for Miller comes after re-signing with the Wings last summer as an unrestricted free agent (a 2-year contract worth $1.65 million), when he could've gone anywhere he wanted.

"I knew it could be a tough situation to battle for a spot but it was one I felt I could battle and earn a spot and that's one of reasons I decided to come back," Miller said. "You find a role you can play for a team and try to be the best you can be."

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Road slump is concern for Wings

By Ted Kulfan

Edmonton, Alberta— They've proven they can win at Joe Louis Arena lately. The Red Wings haven't had problems in that respect. But winning on the road has been a different matter.

The Wings are 13-2-1 at home, best in the league, and they've won 10 straight at JLA.

"Every team in the league wants to establish that kind of presence at home," Drew Miller said.

But away it's been a bit of struggle. As the Wings traveled to Edmonton to begin a difficult three-games-in-four-nights trip through western Canada, the Wings are 7-8 on the road.

"We skate, and start on time, and play on our toes," coach Mike Babcock said about the Wings' play at Joe Louis Arena. "We have to play the same way on the road."

The Wings are on the tail end of a streak in which they play 10 of 15 on the road.

Games at division rivals Nashville and Chicago await next week (along with two home games against St. Louis), after a three-day holiday break.

Depth will be crucial. Big contributions from Drew Miller and Cory Emmerton (two goals each) in Saturday's 8-2 rout of the Kings might bode well.

"It's important in how they feel about themselves," Babcock said. "It's good for them."

Said Miller: "It's huge to get a contribution from everyone. There's going to be nights when our big guys aren't going to score all the time. You count on the third- and fourth-line guys to chip in."

Emmerton delivers

Emmerton lost his spot in the lineup to Chris Conner (Westland) after Conner was promoted Dec. 1 and impressed the coaches with his speed and determination. But after Conner fractured his hand last week, Emmerton returned to the lineup. Scoring two goals and assisting on another against Los Angeles indicates Emmerton doesn't want out of the lineup.

"It's good for him confidence-wise, he's got NHL skills," Babcock said. "He's got to decide he's an NHL player. When you don't play for a while, mentally it might get to you."

Emmerton understands.

"You have to stay ready," Emmerton said. "Conner came in, and he's such a good little player, you can't be mad at him. He's doing his job. Unfortunately he got hurt, but any chance you get, you have to get a hold of it and run with it."

Blue-line production

The Wings' defensemen have scored 24 goals, most in the league. Brad Stuart and Niklas Kronwall scored in Saturday's victory.

Stuart said the Wings blue liners don't concentrate on offense. But it's not surprising the goals continue to happen.

"You look at some of the guys we have back there, there's pretty good offensive skills," Stuart said. "So to have that as another dimension to this team is important. …When we contribute offensively, that's a bonus."

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Wings crush Kings for 10th straight home win

By Ted Kulfan

Detroit — The dominance at Joe Louis Arena continued for the Red Wings on Saturday, this time in a real big way.

The Wings scored two goals in the first two minutes and barely stopped thereafter, pummeling the Los Angeles Kings, 8-2.

For the Wings, it was their 10th consecutive win at JLA, where they have the best home record in the league (13-2-1).

"For sure that's something every team in the league wants to establish, that kind of presence at home," said Drew Miller, who scored two goals. "The Red Wings have had it in the past here and it's something we want to continue having (that) when teams come in here it's a tough place to play."

The Wings are within striking distance of the team record for consecutive home wins. The team record is 13 games, set in the 2006-07 season (Dec. 20-Feb. 21).

Miller and Cory Emmerton each scored two goals for the Wings (20-10-1, 41 points). Niklas Kronwall, Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Brad Stuart (power play) added the other goals. Danny Cleary had three assists.

Jimmy Howard (27 saves) was the beneficiary of the offensive explosion, earning his league-leading 19th win (19-7-1).

Miller and Emmerton scored in the first two minutes, then Kronwall scored his seventh of the season at 8:32, giving the Wings a 3-0 lead and sending Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (three goals on seven shots) to the bench in favor of Jonathan Bernier.

"We started real well and we weren't able to maintain that kind of intensity or effort but we did a lot of good things," coach Mike Babcock said. "It was a tough night for them obviously. We're happy to get the two points."

Davis Drewiske and Jarret Stoll answered for the Kings (14-14-4, 32 points), who've lost six of their last seven games.

"They (the Wings) were all over us but we made it awfully easy on them as well," Drewiske said.

The victory was a fine way for the Wings to head for yet another trip. This one will cover three games in four nights through western Canada beginning Monday in Edmonton.

Whatever formula the Wings are using at home hasn't been used on the road. The Wings are 7-8-0 on the road and Edmonton, Vancouver and Calgary aren't easy places to win, especially with three games in four nights.

"We skate, and start on time, and play on our toes," said Babcock of the difference at Joe Louis Arena. "We have to play the same way on the road. We're a bit more cautious on the road and we can't be."

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Red Wings trying to dispel reputation of not being physical

By Ted Kulfan

Detroit— There are still fans out there — for sure there are NHL analysts — who feel the Red Wings aren't a physical team.

The fact the Wings have so many skill players, players who make dazzling plays and passes rather than appear on highlights with their fists, tend to make people believe this isn't a physically tough team.

But watching the Wings on Thursday in Nashville, or in many recent games this season, you see a team willing to grind, fight for the puck, and definitely not back down from opponents.

Which is what coach Mike Babcock wants from his team.

"The more physical we can be, the better opportunity this team has," Babcock said. "We can skill our way around the rink, but if we're working and we're gritty and we're determined, we're a much better team."

And, again, physical doesn't necessarily mean dropping the gloves and fighting.

It's grinding another team, cycling the puck, wearing them down mentally and physically.

The Wings have the players to do that. And have been doing it.

"It's not how big you are, it's how big you play," said Babcock, although the Wings can put some big bodies out there as well. "Some guys that weigh 180 (pounds), play 210. And you have guys that are 210 who play 150. So you have to decide who you want to be and how hard on the puck you want to be.

"In the end, you're a better player if you're strong, obviously."

Emmerton takes advantage

Cory Emmerton saw his spot in the lineup disappear when Chris Conner was called up from Grand Rapids and immediately made an impact with his speed and tenacity.

But Conner fractured his hand last week against the Pittsburgh Penguins and is out for two weeks.

So Emmerton got another opportunity to play. On Saturday, he took advantage with two goals and an assist in the 8-2 romp over Los Angeles.

"It's one of those things where they found a mix of players that were playing well and you're the odd man out and you have to stay ready," Emmerton said. "Conner came in, and he's such a good little player, you can't be mad at him. He's doing his job. Unfortunately he got hurt, but any chance you get, you have to get a hold of it and run with it."

Ice chips

Jan Mursak (fractured ankle) will head to Grand Rapids for a conditioning stint after Christmas. Mursak has yet to play this season after fracturing his ankle Sept. 28 in an exhibition game against Chicago.

…The Red Wings have scored four or more goals in seven straight games at Joe Louis Arena.

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Canucks discuss challenges of facing Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom, Jimmy Howard, Tomas Holmstrom

By Ansar Khan

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- The Vancouver Canucks, after today's morning skate, talked about the challenges of facing the Detroit Red Wings, in particular Nicklas Lidstrom, Jimmy Howard and Tomas Holmstrom:

Forward Alexandre Burrows on Lidstrom: “He plays so smart, he always has his head up, he always makes the smart, easy play. He's one of the best players out there, even at (41) years old. The way he's able to move the puck and keep his head up and have the puck on his blade all the time without having it bouncing or going over his blade is unbelievable.

Goaltender Roberto Luongo on Howard: “He's been having a real good year, probably one of the best in the league so far. Just a big guy, likes to challenge a lot. To score, you're going to have to make some perfect plays, whether that's a screen or back door, so you got to make sure you get it over his pads. We got to make sure we put a lot of traffic in front of him.''

Luongo on Holmstrom: “It's a good battle we have in front there. Nothing that's malicious, he's a good guy, he's doing his job. I like battles like that. They're fun. It forces a challenge for me and I like to get up for those things.''

Luongo on the Red Wings: “They're a team that likes to shoot a lot from everywhere in the zone. Guys driving the net, trying to generate rebounds off your pad. Those are the type of games I like, when you're busy and involved.''

Holmstrom on Luongo: “He's a good goalie and he's a big goalie, so you just have to move around a little more around the net so he look over your shoulder too much. For sure get pucks on him and get second chances.''

© 2011 MLive.com. All rights reserved.

Michigan Live LOADED: 12.22.2011


Canucks coach Alain Vigneault says Red Wings 'play the right way,' entertaining for fans

Ansar Khan By Ansar Khan

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Vancouver Canucks coach Alain Vigneault likes the way the Detroit Red Wings play. So it's no surprise that he's been molding his team in the same fashion since he took over.

The Red Wings visit the Canucks tonight at Rogers Arena (10 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

“They play a real fast-paced game that's entertaining for the fans,'' Vigneault said today after the morning skate. "They play to their strengths – speed, skill, good puck control.

"When it's time to carry the puck in they carry it in, when it's time to chip it behind and go get it on the forercheck, that's playing the right way. Depends on the other team, if they have a gap or not. They read the game real both offensively and defensively.''

He added, “No weaknesses, great team.''

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said it's a compliment when people tell him the Canucks model themselves after the Red Wings.

“I think they're smart,'' Babcock said, half-jokingly. "They got a nice team, players who can take care of the puck. I like (that style) because I think it's the way to play.''

The Red Wings will go with the same lineup:



Cleary-Helm-Miller


Lidstrom-White

Kronwall-Ericsson

Kindl-Stuart

Howard (starting)

Conklin

Here are Vancouver's lines and defense pairings:

Daniel Sedin-Henrik Sedin-Alexandre Burrows

Chris Higgins-Ryan Kesler-Mason Raymond

Manny Malhotra-Cody Hodgson-Jannik Hansen

Andrew Ebbett-Maxim Lapierre-Dale Weiss

Dan Hamhuis-Kevin Bieksa

Alexander Edler-Sami Salo

Andrew Alberts-Alexander Sulzer

Roberto Luongo (starting)

Cory Schneider

Ebbett (Michigan) is back after missing 17 games with a broken foot.



Red Wings, Canucks share mutual respect as two of Western Conference's top teams


VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Perhaps no teams mirror each other more than the Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks.

Each has high-end talent, relies on strong puck possession and rolls four lines. Both get their defense involved offensively, feature top-notch goaltending and are solid in the faceoff circle.

These clubs, who meet tonight at Rogers Arena, experienced rough stretches earlier this season but now are playing their best hockey, and both believe they will continue to improve. Detroit is 12-3-0 in its past 15 games. Vancouver is 12-2-0 in its past 14.

Recent games between these Western Conference powers have been fast-paced and entertaining, the Red Wings’ 2-0 win Oct. 13 at Joe Louis Arena notwithstanding.

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said tonight’s game will be "fun."

"We’ve had lots of good games with them over the years," Babcock said. "I expect it to be the same (tonight)."

The biggest difference between the teams is their playoff resume: Detroit’s includes four Stanley Cup titles since 1997; Vancouver, which lost Game 7 of the Cup finals to the Boston Bruins in June, never has won it all.

"You have two teams, at least in our mind, that play the right way," Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said. "They play a high-paced game, they like to play fast. There are a lot of components to our game that are similar to Detroit."

Vancouver’s Sedin twins, Henrik and Daniel, once again rank among the NHL’s top five scorers and lead the Canucks’ top-ranked power play. Their line, with Alexandre Burrows, figures to be matched up against Pavel Datsyuk or Henrik Zetterberg’s line much of the game.

"It’s a good test, but it’s not about head-to-head, it’s about whole team against team," Datsyuk said. "They had lots of talent (for several years) but now they have depth. It’s tough to play against skill, but it’s tougher to play against a complete team."

Babcock doesn’t have the last change on the road, but will try to get his top defensive pairing of Nicklas Lidstrom and Ian White on the ice against the Sedins.

"It’s not a secret what they’re trying to do, it’s just hard to defend against it," Lidstrom said. "They’re so good at finding each other, throwing passes behind their backs, and have a knack of finding the back of the net. You got to try to contain them to the outside."

The Canucks’ surge also has coincided with Ryan Kesler finding his comfort level after missing the preseason and the first five games after offseason hip surgery. The Livonia native scored 41 goals and won the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s top defensive forward last season, ending Datsyuk’s three-year run.

"He 100 percent deserved it," Datsyuk said. "Good player, good on faceoffs, good on defense, he’s always tough around net, tough for defensemen.

"Every year he gets better and better, more experience, stronger and stronger. Tougher to play against him, and his team, too."

Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard leads the league in wins (20-7-1) and ranks among the leaders in goals-against average (1.91) and shutouts (three). That’s typically Roberto Luongo’s territory, but the Canucks goalie started poorly before picking up the pace recently.

Red Wings, Canucks among elite

Babcock on Tuesday called the Bruins the best team in the league right now. The Red Wings and Canucks can’t be far behind.

"(Vancouver) is a team we want to measure ourselves against," Lidstrom said. "We played them early in the season, but now we’re playing them on their home ice and it’s going to be a different game."

Reaction to Forsberg’s comments

Lidstrom and Zetterberg dismissed a comment from Peter Forsberg, their teammate on Sweden’s 2006 gold medal-winning Olympic team, suggesting the squad threw a meaningless game in that tournament to set up a more favorable path to the championship.

Forsberg, during an interview in Sweden for an upcoming documentary about his career, suggested the Swedes tanked their final game of pool play against Slovakia (3-0 loss) to draw Switzerland in the quarterfinals instead of a tougher Canadian or Russian team.

"The game didn’t mean anything to us and meant everything for the Slovaks. They had to win to make it," Lidstrom said. "Just the way you approach some games are different than games that really matter. I know we didn’t throw the game, we didn’t try to lose. We still had that instinct of trying to go out there and win."

Zetterberg said he was surprised by Forsberg’s comment.

"From my point of view, we were into the quarterfinals, they (Slovakia) had to win," Zetterberg said. "I think that was the difference."



Red Wings fall to Canucks, Roberto Luongo, 4-2; Ryan Kesler irate after check by Niklas Kronwall


VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Wednesday's game between the Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks was fast-paced and entertaining, just like it was billed, and quite eventful in the third period.

Roberto Luongo made 38 saves as the Canucks built an early lead and held off the Red Wings' late push for a 4-2 victory at Rogers Arena in a clash between two of the NHL's hottest teams.

The momentum shifted early in the third period when Vancouver was clinging to a one-goal lead.

Niklas Kronwall lined up Ryan Kesler, turning his back to him to deliver a huge check inside the Canucks blue line. It led to a brief scuffle, during which an enraged Kesler tried to fight Kronwall but wound up taking a roughing penalty.

But Alexander Edler scored a shorthanded goal just 15 seconds later to give Vancouver a 4-2 lead at 3:30.

Both plays were filled with controversy.

Jannik Hansen drove to the net with the puck and slid into Jimmy Howard, sending the goalie into the net. Edler fired in the loose puck. The goal was allowed to stand because officials ruled that Henrik Zetterberg pushed Hansen into Howard, who roughed it up with Hansen.

“To me, it's no foul on them at all, but to me, it's no goal,'' Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. “The goalie's got to be allowed to play it. I think that's what the rules are.

“But that's life. Every time you dig yourself a hole against a good team you'll have a hard time coming back and that was evident tonight.''

Howard has scrapped several times this season with players who've made contact with him.

“Z never pushed him. I watched the replay,'' Howard said. “Hansen leans into him, he loses his footing, just steamrolls me.

“I'm just sick and tired of getting run over. It's every single game.''

Zetterberg said Hansen lost his balance.

“He comes with a lot of speed, I tried to get the puck, he falls down, hits the goalie,'' Zetterberg said. “I thought for sure (it would be disallowed). You see the stuff that's been called this year, stuff that happens to goaltenders. I was surprised there was no call.''

The Canucks felt the same way about Kronwall's hit on Kesler.

“I felt he was coming up along the boards, the puck was there. I just tried to get a clean check in,'' Kronwall said. “I didn't feel (that he left his feet), but if that's the case that's nothing we want in our game and I'm sure I'll get a call from Shanny (NHL vice president of player safety Brendan Shanahan).

“To me, it felt like a clean hit. You (give) hits and you take hits. I think that's part of the game.''

Kesler, who said he didn't see a replay of the hit right after the game, said, “I put my head down for a second and he hits me. … My only problem with the hit is he doesn't stand up for himself afterward. If you're going to hit guys like that then drop the gloves.''

Kesler added, “Has he ever? I think he has zero career fights. If you're going to continue to hit like that I think you got to answer the bell.''

Babcock felt it was a good, clean hit.

“If they're taking that out of hockey, then we don't have hockey anymore,'' Babcock said. “One guy had the puck, he's coming up the wall, the other guy is going after it. It's a good hit.''

Kesler at least was satisfied to see Edler score.

“It was a good way to stick it to them,'' Kesler said. “We're not a team that's going to get pushed around. You saw that in the third period.''

Kesler later stuck out his knee to check Zetterberg, who was a bit shaken but fine after the game.

Kesler said “he had no idea'' about the hit, but Zetterberg called it a stupid play.

“He comes with his knee. I see him, he sees me,'' Zetterberg said. “I think he was a little frustrated by the big hit from Kronner and he was just going around and trying to find stuff.''

The Red Wings, 12-4-0 in their past 16 games, got goals from Todd Bertuzzi and Drew Miller but failed to score on four power plays. They didn't take a penalty for the first time this season. The Canucks are 13-2-0 in their past 15.

The Canucks jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first period, due in large part to shoddy defense.

“It was obviously defensive breakdowns; we can't just give them odd-man rushes like that,'' Kronwall said. “They're a great team and they transition so well. They had two guys coming a lot of times and we have to be way more aware of that and play a little smarter.''

Chris Higgins scored at 9:36, firing in the rebound after Howard stopped Raymond on a breakaway. The Canucks struck again 21 seconds later, when Cody Hodgson blasted in a shot from the slot.

“Two mistakes, we were just sleeping on both those plays and it ends up in our net,'' Detroit defenseman Ian White said.

After Bertuzzi banged in a rebound at 13:46, Alexandre Burrows skated in front of the net and redirected a shot by Daniel Sedin past Howard to make it 3-1 at 15:40.

“We made some huge mistakes, on all three goals, big, big mistakes,'' Babcock said. “Behind 3-1, I thought we crawled our way back in the game and had good push.''

Miller scored at 16:20 of the second period, deflecting in a blast by Darren Helm.

The Red Wings were fighting an uphill battle all night. They got closer but could not compete the comeback.


602009 Edmonton Oilers

Oilers notebook: Gagner to play against Wild despite latest injury

By Jim Matheson

EDMONTON - Edmonton Oilers winger Sam Gagner is sick and tired of being a regular customer in trainer T.D. Forss's medical room this season.

His back isn't 100 per cent, but he's still playing against the Minnesota Wild Thursday night as the Oilers try to snap a four-game losing skid.

"(Danny) Cleary fell on me in the Detroit game and I got put in a weird position," said Gagner. "My head came down on my chest. I didn't feel very good at the time and the doctors thought it best if I stay off the ice Tuesday.

"It feels a lot better now."

Gagner, who sprained his ankle during training camp when Calgary Flames farmhand Brendan Mikkelsson got tangled up with him along the end boards, also had some back spasms earlier in the season. It's only been the last week or so that he has started to get his feet under him. He's playing

wing on a third line with Eric Belanger and Ryan Jones. He has seven points in his last eight games.

Hemsky 'under the weather'

Veteran Oilers winger Ales Hemsky wasn't on the ice for Wednesday's practice, setting off some alarm bells.

But, no, his repaired shoulders aren't giving him trouble. It's just a simple case of the flu.

"He's under the weather," said Oilers head coach Renney. "We've got some guys with the sniffles now."

The Renney Rule?

Renney has some history with the world junior hockey championship, which is being held in Edmonton and in Calgary during the Christmas break.

He coached Canada's juniors when the tournament was in Winnipeg in the late 1990s and had a hand in a significant rule change by Hockey Canada for selection of their team after the '92 team's miserable performance (sixth place) in Fussen, Germany.

Eric Lindros was a late arrival from his junior club in that tournament.

"Eric came in on Dec. 23 with his mother," said Renney, who didn't like the idea of any kids riding in just before the tournament started. He let the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association know his views in a sharply-worded long letter.

Now, Hockey Canada mandates that all players - including those playing for major junior teams, attending college or being loaned by their NHL teams - have to attend the selection camp.

"I had quite a lengthy debriefing. I had eight pages of notes after they asked me to put something together," said Renney.

Now, all kids have to go through an audition. Is this the Renney Rule?

"I wouldn't call it that, but I quietly take some credit for the players being there from start to finish," he said.

Whitney's minutes going up

Oilers defenceman Ryan Whitney isn't free of pain from last season's surgery to repair a dislocated tendon in his right foot, but his minutes are going up. He recorded the following minutes during his last four games: 21:11, 20:54, 19:38 and 21:16.

Whitney is a long way from last season's dizzying pace (27 points, 35 games, plus-13) before he got hurt on Dec. 28 against the Buffalo Sabres. He has two assists and is minus-six in 15 games this season, but he's progressing.

"A year ago, he was an all-star candidate but we have to keep expectations realistic right now," said Renney. "It's going to take a lot of patience from him and there has to be a personal challenge to be better. He'll be vital for us."

Whitney's foot issue is weighing on him. It's physical and maybe mental, getting over the hump to where the defenceman feels totally comfortable on the ice.

"Everybody's wiring is a bit different and things like this will bother some guys. Maybe Ryan is one of those guys," said Renney. "Not that he's complaining about it all - he's trying to gut it out.

"I'm not saying he's not right, but with Ryan's standards, maybe this (foot recovery) is an issue."

Peterson feels much better

Nashville Predators associate coach Brent Peterson, who once played centre for the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League, got an early Christmas gift as he continues his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease.

This week, doctors implanted electrodes into his brain, ran a wire down his neck and hooked the wire up to a pacemaker-like box inside his chest. They activated the battery-operated stimulator at the Vanderbilt University Medical facility and Peterson was able to function much better than he has over the past several years.

His walking is better, rather than being a shuffle, and his right hand, which was locked tightly to his right side, has opened up. He actually worked out on a treadmill at the team's practice facility on Wednesday.

"I feel like I've come out of the dead zone. This is a lifesaver for me," Peterson told a Nashville television station.

Hall avoids potential injury

Sophomore forward Taylor Hall avoided a huge belt from Niklas Kronwall along the boards early in Monday's game against the Detroit Red Wings, seeing him at the last instant.

"We knew Kronwall was to come down the wall at some time and crank somebody and it happened to be Taylor," said Renney.

"I think Taylor has the wherewithal to see what's going on. He's just so hell-bent-for-leather and I love that. I hope he can play for the Oilers for 15 or 16 years with that (mindset)."

And ...

Magnus Paajarvi has played three games with the American Hockey League's Oklahoma City Barons but did not record any points. He did, however, get a shootout winner ... Wild captain Mikko Koivu will likely miss his fourth straight game with a leg injury. The team may put him on injured reserve and recall a forward from the AHL's Houston Aeros ... Thursday's game at Rexall Place is the fifth meeting between the Northwest Division clubs this season. They'll finish up their seasonal series on Dec. 29 in Minnesota. And, yet, the Oilers haven't played the Anaheim Ducks once in 2011-12. Their first meeting is Jan. 13 in Edmonton. Go figure. The Ducks will be in the Oilers' conference next season ... Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom (21-2-1 record, 1.67 goals-against average, .937 save percentage) will start on Thursday ... Veteran Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin has lost three shootout games to the Wild this season, apart from beating them 5-2 in Minnesota on Nov. 25. He has 1.41 GAA and a .953 save percentage this season. No question he'll be in the Oilers net ... The Wild, who are on their biggest slump of the season with five straight winless games, are always happy to see Rexall Place. They have more wins (16) in Edmonton in their history than in any other enemy rink ... Winger Jordan Eberle has a point in nine of his last 10 games. He's tied with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (13-21, 34 points) for the team lead. "Jordan understands the ebb and flow of the game and how things unfold in front of him and how to put himself in position to shoot. He's also not afraid to work in the danger areas," said Renney.

Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 12.22.2011


All Belanger wants for Christmas is a goal ... or ten

Oilers centre has been a rock in the faceoff circle, but his hands have been like stone otherwise

By Jim Matheson

EDMONTON - If you ask Eric Belanger, he's not asking for his two front teeth for Christmas.

His mouth is fine. His hands outside of the faceoff circle? That's a different story.

A goal would help. Actually more than one. He'd die for three, five, 10?

As he's said more than once, "I'm not a 50-goal scorer but I'm not a one-goal scorer, either."

With Santa coming on Sunday the Edmonton Oilers centre, who is an admirable 55.7 per cent on draws, which puts him just outside the top 10 in the league, has just the one goal in 49 shots over 33 games.

Yes, he's sheepish about that. Who wouldn't be? He's not Steven Stamkos, but he's not Dave Steckel, either. He's not just about faceoffs as the estimable slower-moving Steckel is in Toronto. Belanger, who turned 34 last week, has had five 13-goal seasons, one 16-goal and one 17-goal in his first 10 seasons. He's also had six seasons where he's managed 35 points or more.

He has 10 points so far this season with his former team, the Minnesota Wild, on tap Thursday.

He admits he's shaken his head more than a few times around the net.

"Like, what's going on?" he said.

"I've never had to go through something like this," said Belanger, who has been the Oilers' third-line centre pretty much from the first game until now. He's getting 15- minutes a night, a little bit of power-play time on the point for several weeks.

"I have to keep fighting and hopefully it'll turn around. Your mind's going a hundred miles an hour, but I can't be thinking too much out there. I'm trying to just play ... I've played for so many years. The game hasn't changed that much. You try to get back to the basics (skate, shoot and hopefully score?) and things will take care of themselves."

His only goal came against the Carolina Hurricanes on Dec. 7 in a goalmouth scramble with Magnus Paajarvi. Originally it was creditied to Paajarvi, who's now playing in Oklahoma City, trying to find his mojo after failing to score a goal this season, but was changed to Belanger.

The Oilers could use some third- and fourth-line offensive pop outside of Ryan Jones (11 goals), but finding the back of the net has been secondary for Belanger through the first 40 per cent of the schedule.

"I'm not a 50-goal scorer so it's not like it's (goals) desperatedly needed. There's a lot of other things I can do out there," said Belanger, who's tried to win as many draws as possible, kill penalties and be trustworthy in his own zone five-on-five.

Until the last four games (minus-5), he's had all of those areas covered. Unfortunately, he was on the ice when Detroit's Drew Miller got the winner on a deflection of a Nick Lidstrom shot with four minutes left against the Red Wings Monday night and is now minus-2 on the season. It wasn't all Belanger's fault, though.

"At the end of the day, maybe he's the last man who could have done something ... he was on the right side of the man, but not quite quick enough to take the stick away. But there's a lot of things that have to happen before the plane crashes," said Oilers coach Tom Renney.

Belanger was 6-2 on draws against the Red Wings and has won those 55.7 per cent of his 454 draws.

He's 11th in the league, with Jonathan Toews leading at 60.6. Manny Malhotra (58.8), Patrice Bergeron (57.6), Joe Thornton (57.5) and Steckel (56.9) are the top five. The only others better than Belanger: Paul Gaustad, Steve Ott, Jarret Stoll, Pavel Datsyuk and Boyd Gordon.

"The faceoffs (wins and losses) are where I want to be. It's so hard (to keep the percentage up). You see everybody else tip right down. If you're over 50 per cent in this league it's darned good," said Belanger.

The Oilers, as a team, are fifth worst with a 48-per-cent rating. Shawn Horcoff is second best at 49.2 with a whopping 652 draws. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is at 38.5 percent (296 faceoffs) because he has to get stronger. Anton Lander, another NHL rookie, is 40.5 per cent.

"If you aren't winning faceoffs, you're chasing. You lose energy. Possession of the puck is such a key," said Belanger.

Renney wanted Belanger to be good on draws coming to a new team (signed as a free-agent from the Phoenix Coyotes). Check.

He wanted him to be a gritty, sound defensive player. Check.

Also chip in with some goals.

"For the most part he's been all of that, except for the latter," said Renney. "He's been close to a 40-point guy the last few years. I'm sure he's a little anguished by this, but that's the nature of the beast. He has to keep working."



Tom Renney helped Hockey Canada change world junior thinking

The folks who pick Canada's world junior team mandate that all the kids who want to wear the maple leaf have to be at Canada's selection camp in December. They can't ride in on a white horse to hopefully save the day at the last minute.

It didn't use to be that way, however. Just ask Edmonton Oilers' coach Tom Renney, who didn't like what he saw with Canada's entry in Fussen, Germany in 1992. Eric Lindros, who was playing junior in Oshawa, showed up just before the tournament started. Renney thought it was wrong with the other kids all in, trying to make the club.

"Eric came in on Dec. 23 with his mother," said Renney.

"Things have changed since then. I had quite a lengthy debriefing with Murray Costello and the CAHA (Canadian Amateur Hockey Association) after that. I had eight pages of notes after they asked me to put something together," said Renney.

So the change is you have to be at the selection camp?

"Yup," said Renney.

Is this the Tom Renney rule? "I wouldn't call it that but I quietly take some credit for the players being there from start to finish," he said.

**

Ales Hemsky wasn't at Oilers' practice Wednesday. No, it's not his shoulder. "He's under the weather," said Renney. "We've got some guys now with the sniffles and wanted to keep him away." Sam Gagner, who missed Tuesday's skate after Dan Cleary fell on him in the loss to Detroit Monday, took a regular turn at practice. He hurt his back in the Wings' game but said he was fine to go against the Minnesota Wild Thursday. Ryan Whitney (foot, sprained knee), who also had Tuesday off, took the whole practice Wednesday. He's still having some discomfort with his repaired foot, but he's playing.



Shot-shy Oilers outgunned

By Robert Tychkowski, QMI Agency

Oilers practice line juggling

In a firing squad, it's usually the guys with the guns who have a better game than the guys with the cigarettes and blindfolds.

You don't need a coaching certificate in executions to know it's better to be a shooter than a target.

That's also the case in hockey. Sure, teams can still win when their goalie gets peppered like a steak, but the more rubber bullets your team faces in the NHL, the more likely it is that one or more of the them will be fatal.

Ask the Oilers. They've been getting the shots kicked out of them lately, a whopping 141-89 over their last four games (including 42-20 in Phoenix and 37-25 in San Jose, and have the holes in the win column to show for it).

"That's a lot," sighed defenceman Tom Gilbert, shaking his head at the totals. "This game is all about puck possession. It's tough to get the puck back when you don't have it. If you don't have it, it means you're not doing the right things with it and you're not getting the forecheck established. When all that happens it just tires guys out."

While shots against aren't always indicative of good scoring chances, they are indicative of zone time. And, as any coach will tell you, the more time you spend in your own end, the more things can go wrong. Mistakes, bad goals, deflections, penalties, flukes, rebounds, and highlight reel goals, to name a few.

The Oilers have fallen victim to all of those in the last stretch.

"We're in our zone too long, not doing a good job of coverage and we're not moving the puck out quick enough," said Shawn Horcoff. "A lot of times we need to just get it out of there, just get it out of the zone."

To compound matters, when Edmonton does break the other team's cycle and transports the puck in the other team's end, they'd much rather play with it than send it where the goals are.

During one power play against the Wings on Monday (56 seconds of which was 5-on-3) they passed 17 times and had one shot on net.

"We get in the zone plenty of times and hem teams in, but we don't get pucks to the net as much," said Gilbert. "It needs to be a product of thinking about it when you're out there. It's natural, you want to make a great play, but it's not how you score goals these days."

Ask the Wings. They shoot more than Dirty Harry in a room full of punks, and it works. All three Detroit goals on Monday wouldn't even be classified as scoring chances in the post-game video sessions - just harmless looking shots into traffic in front of the crease - but they wound up deflected into the net.

"Detroit just throws pucks at the net from everywhere," said Horcoff. "If the play is there to be made they'll make it, if not, they'll just get it on net. When you do that, you force the other team to have to make a couple of nice plays to get it out.

"You have to find a way to make shooting your first thought."

Same with going to the front of the net, another area where the Oilers can take a lesson from the Wings.

"We still working on the willingness to go there," said head coach Tom Renney. "I don't think it's lack of desire or jam, it's just understanding that it has to be the end point, not just for the puck, but we have to have people there."

Of course, if nobody's shooting, what's the point in planting yourself in the tough areas and taking all that abuse?

"If they're not directing pucks at the net, you kind of figure it's a bit of a futile effort," said Renney. "They're fine with taking all the crap, as long as the puck is there with them."

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 12.22.2011


Oilers practice line juggling

By Robert Tychkowski, QMI Agency

Shot-shy Oilers outgunned

Change is good, especially when the record is bad.

So head coach Tom Renney had Anton Lander centering the third line with Ryan Jones and Sam Gagner on Wednesday while slumping centre Eric Belanger skated on the fourth with Ben Eager and Darcy Hordichuk.

While Renney said he isn't married to the new alignments, it's something to think about.

Lander does have some upside, after all, so why not give it a chance to surface?

"I think he's shown us the wherewithal to navigate the ice surface well, both sides of the puck," said Renney. "I think there's some offence there. He's shown an ability and a knack with the puck.

"It's very early in his career and what this morphs into over time I'm not sure. But it's safe to say that at the end of the day, he's not a fourth-line centre in the NHL."

SEARCHING FOR NUMBERS

Belanger, meanwhile, is struggling for offence in a big way. Just one goal and nine assists in 33 games.

He's a resourceful, hard-working guy who's usually around 40 points a year, but he can't buy offence right now.

"I thought he'd have a few (goals)," admitted Renney. "But at the end of the day what I want him to do is be very good in the faceoff circle, be a sound defensive player and chip in. For the most part he's been that with the exception of the latter.

"He just has to keep working and he'll get his touches and make a difference for us."

NECK OF TIME

Sam Gagner thought he might be out for a while after an awkward and scary collision Monday against Detroit, but a sore neck only cost him one practice.

"(Dan) Cleary fell on me and my head came down and touched my chest," said Gagner, who was back on the ice Wednesday in preparation for Minnesota. "It didn't feel very good at the time, but it feels a lot better a couple of days later and should be good to go.

"I was relieved when I woke up in the morning and have it feel the way it did. I didn't know what to expect; I've never had an injury like that before."

HEMSKY SICK

Known for sick moves when he's on his game, Ales Hemsky is just plain sick right now. He missed Wednesday's practice to deal with flu-like symptoms.

"He's under the weather," said Renney. "I'm not sure if we have something going through the room or not, because we have some guys sniffing and snorting. We'll see. Hopefully it stops right there."

They sent Hemsky away in a hurry when he showed up sick.

"We're trying to keep him away from other people," said Renney. "So if he does have something it's not a big deal."

EBS IN A FLOW

Jordan Eberle has been a point-per-game player everywhere he's ever been - even the AHL, during brief stops at the end of his last two seasons of junior - so its probably no surprise that he's doing it here.

Certainly not to him.

"I've always had confidence in myself," said the 21-year-old, who has 34 points in 33 games with the Oilers. "People have doubted me, but personally I've always had confidence."

There were 21 NHL teams that doubted him, despite his stellar junior start in Regina, before the Oilers drafted him in 2008.

"He obviously has lots of confidence. That's No. 1 if you want to have success in this legaue, and he can deliver on it," said Renney. "He's also not afraid of the work and going into the danger areas to get his touches."

He's producing wherever they put him, at home or on the road, where he has 12 points in 16 games.

"I feel more mature, for sure," he said, adding every little bit of experience helps. "I've played in this league for 90 or 100 games and you learn stuff."



Five Oilers on All-Star ballot

By DEREK VAN DIEST, QMI Agency

EDMONTON - It's been a long time since Edmonton Oilers fans had choices when it came to the NHL All-Star game.

But with five players on this year's ballot, not including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers are hoping to have strong representation at this season's event in Ottawa.

They just need fans to fill out ballots.

"It's really exciting for the organization," said Oilers president of hockey operations Kevin Lowe. "For the fans and the players to have five guys on the ballot is something that hasn't happened in many years.

"I know all the indicators state that we're heading in the right direction, but this is just another one that is real positive for the organization."

Lowe was the last Oilers to be voted on as a starter for an all-star game, when selected to play in the 1990 contest.

This year Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, Ryan Smyth, Ryan Whitney and Nikolai Khabibulin are all on the ballot for the Jan. 29 event. Nugent-Hopkins should garner some write-in votes as well.

"They are great players in their own right," said Lowe. "A bunch of them deserve to be in the All-Star game. Whether that happens or not, we can ask help from our fans to vote them in. But it doesn't take us or people locally to recognize the ability of these players, we're hearing it from other people in the hockey industry, which is nice to hear."

On the mend

Corey Potter is starting to find his stride, having returned from an ankle injury, but admits he's not quite not there yet.

The Oilers defenceman played his third game Monday and is expected to be in the lineup Thursday when the Oilers host the Minnesota Wild.

"I think things are starting to come around. I'm not at 100% yet. You feel like you're a little bit of a step behind," Potter said. "But each game you continue to build and get better and I think I'm getting there."

Signed as a free agent this summer, Potter has fit in well on the Oilers blue line. However, a promising start to the year was derailed after he turned his ankle.

Potter sat out 12 games waiting for the ankle to heal.

"I think it's just the speed and getting back into the groove is definitely the hardest thing to get back," he said. "I feel healthy, I think the ankle feels fine. There are some times when you can feel it out there, but you have to put that in the back of your head and get out there and go."


602015 Florida Panthers

Injuries make Florida Panthers look forward

BY GEORGE RICHARDS [email protected]

With the Panthers losing forwards on what has been a daily basis this past week, options are limited.On Wednesday, Florida again recalled Michal Repik and Evgenii Dadonov to replace Mikael Samuelsson and Marco Sturm, who were not on the flight for Thursday’s game in Ottawa.The Panthers injured list just continues to grow as players have been hurt in three consecutive games. On Friday it was Jack Skille injuring a shoulder against Calgary. On Sunday, Sean Bergenheim hurt his groin against the Hurricanes. Samuelsson and Sturm, who came to the Panthers in the David Booth trade on Oct. 22, left Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the Coyotes. Florida now has lost 116-man games to injury; it will be at 122 after Thursday as the Panthers have six NHL forwards on the DL.“We’re not looking to flip bodies and keep moving players in and out of the lineup,’’ coach Kevin Dineen said before Tuesday’s game.After Skille and Bergenheim were hurt in consecutive games, the Panthers went back to their AHL affiliate on Monday to bring back Tim Kennedy, a center who scored 10 goals with 16 assists as a rookie with Buffalo in 2009-10. They also reached out to Bill Thomas, a winger who scored four goals in 24 games with the Panthers last season.Thomas, unlike Kennedy, Repik or Dadonov, hadn’t been called up before this season. One reason was his contractual status. Thomas wasn’t offered an NHL contract last summer and instead signed a minor league deal with the Panthers. Trust in the word given by Dale Tallon and Mike Santos were a big reason Thomas decided to return to the Florida family.Unlike some teams, the Panthers don’t promote players from the minors based solely on their draft position or contract. Tallon and Santos say to get to the Panthers, one has to be playing well. Do that, and you will be rewarded.Of course, with the Panthers going down as quickly as they

are, sometimes you take what you have.“I was in a situation where I didn’t know what was going to happen. If they had a contract to give me, they would have,’’ Thomas said before playing in 10 shifts in Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to Phoenix. “I got the deal in the minors and knew the organization. They told me if something opened up they would give it to me. They’ve always been honest with me. That’s a big reason why I went to San Antonio. I trusted them and it paid off.’’News and notes• Dineen and Phoenix coach Dave Tippett have been friends for years, both playing for Team Canada as teenagers and starting their NHL careers together with the Hartford Whalers.So it’s natural that — with Tippett coaching the Dallas Stars for six seasons and Phoenix the past three — the two talked about Dineen becoming Tippet’s assistant at various times.“I always looked at my time in Portland as the best times of our lives,’’ said Dineen, who spent the past six seasons as head coach of the AHL Portland Pirates before taking the Florida job in June.“Opportunities that arose and conversations you had, well, they were good ones. You always weigh your options. Things have worked out well for me.’’• Florida drew seven penalties in Tuesday’s loss — many of which were disputed and the Coyotes only went to the box four times. The penalties were costly; Phoenix scored both of its goals on the power play.In four of the past seven games, Florida has had more penalties (a total of six fewer power plays) than its opponents. Going into Wednesday’s games, Florida had been shorthanded 105 times — tied for third fewest in the league. By contrast, the Flyers have been shorthanded 151 times.“This is something we have to address because a lot of games are decided by special teams,” said Ed Jovanovski. “We have to do a better jobs. It’s one thing to kill off physical penalties. When you get those hooking and holdings, they seem to end up in your net.”• Thursday’s game is a battle between some of the league’s top defensive scorers. Ottawa’s Erik Karlsson leads all NHL defensemen with 31 points. Florida’s Brian Campbell is second with 26 points. Florida’s Jason Garrison leads all NHL D-men with 10 goals.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/12/21/2556842/injuries-make-florida-panthers.html#storylink=cpy

Miami Herald LOADED: 12.22.2011


Florida Panthers Lose Samuelsson, Sturm; Recall Dadonov and Repik ... Penalties, Like Injuries, Mounting

With the Panthers losing forwards in what has been a daily basis this past week, options are limited. On Wednesday, Florida recalled Michal Repik and Evgenii Dadonov again as Mikael Samuelsson and Marco Sturm were not on the flight for Thursday's game in Ottawa. The Panthers injured list just continues to go as players have been hurt in three straight games. On Friday it was Jack Skille injuring a shoulder against Calgary. On Sunday, Sean Bergenheim hurt his groin against the Hurricanes. Samuelsson and Sturm, who came to the Panthers in the David Booth trade on Oct. 22, left Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Coyotes. Florida has now lost 116 man games to injury; it will be at 122 after Thursday as the Panthers have six NHL forwards on the DL. “We're not looking to flip bodies and keep moving players in and out of the lineup,'' coach Kevin Dineen said before Tuesday's game. After Skille and Bergenheim were hurt in consecutive games, the Panthers went back to their AHL affiliate on Monday to bring back Tim Kennedy, a center who scored 10 goals with 16 assists as a rookie with Buffalo in 2009-10. They also reached out to Bill Thomas, a winger who scored four goals in 24 games with the Panthers last season. Thomas, unlike Kennedy, Repik or Dadonov, hadn't been called up before this season. One reason was his contractual status. Thomas wasn't offered an NHL contract last summer and instead signed a minor league deal with the Panthers. Trust in the word given by Dale Tallon and Mike Santos were a big reason Thomas decided to return to the Florida family. Unlike some teams, the Panthers don't promote players from the minors based solely on their draft position or contract. Tallon and Santos say to get to the Panthers, one has to be playing well. Do that, and you will be rewarded. Of course, with the Panthers going down as quick as they are, sometimes you take what you have. “I was in a situation where I didn't know what was going to happen. If they had a contract to give me, they would have,'' Thomas said before playing in 10 shifts in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Phoenix. “I got the deal in the minors and knew the organization. They told me if something opened up they would give it to me. They've always been honest with me. That's a big reason why I went to San Antonio. I trusted them and it paid off.'' () Dineen and Phoenix coach Dave Tippett have been friends for years, both

playing for Team Canada as teenagers and starting their NHL careers together with the Hartford Whalers. So it's natural that, with Tippett coaching the Dallas Stars for six seasons and Phoenix the past three that the two talked about Dineen becoming his assistant at various times. “I always looked at my time in Portland as the best times of our lives,'' said Dineen, who spent the past six seasons as head coach of the AHL Portland Pirates before taking the Florida job in June. “Opportunities that arose and conversations you had, well, they were good ones. You always weigh your options. Things have worked out well for me.'' () Florida drew seven penalties in Tuesday's loss – many of which were disputed – as the Coyotes only went to the box four times. The penalties were costly, as Phoenix scored both of its goals on the power play. In four of the past seven games, Florida has had more penalties (a total of six fewer power plays) than its opponents. Going into Wednesday's games, Florida had been shorthanded 105 times – tied for third fewest in the league. By contrast, the Flyers have been shorthanded 151 times. “This is something we have to address because a lot of games are decided by special teams,'' Ed Jovanovski said. “We have to do a better jobs. It's one thing to kill off physical penalties. When you get those hooking and holdings, they seem to end up in your net.'' () Thursday's game is a battle between some of the league's top defensive scorers. Ottawa's Erik Karlsson leads all NHL defensmen with 31 points. Florida's Brian Campbell is second with 26 points. Jason Garrison leads all NHL d-men with 10 goals.

THURSDAY: PANTHERS AT SENATORS When, Where: 7:30 p.m.; Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, Ontario TV/Radio: FSN; WQAM-560 The series: Senators lead 40-26-3 The game: Florida looked to escape Ottawa with at least a point on Oct. 27 after Kris Versteeg tied the score at 4 with 47.1 seconds left. But the Sens won it 4-3 when Nick Foligno scored with 2.5 seconds left in regulation after following a Daniel Alfredsson rebound. The Panthers have lost four straight at Ottawa. Florida will play its final road game of the 2011 calendar year Friday at Boston.

George Richards

Miami Herald LOADED: 12.22.2011


Panthers at Senators: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

By Craig Davis, Sun Sentinel

Panthers at Senators

When/where: 7:30 p.m., Scotiabank Place, Ottawa

TV: FSF Radio: WQAM (560-AM)

Scouting report: The injury-riddled Panthers face a tough back-to-back test on the road at Ottawa and Boston. The Panthers called up Evgenii Dadonov and Michal Repik to replace forwards Mikael Samuelsson (sore back) and Marco Sturm (hit in leg by puck), who left Tuesday's loss against Phoenix; neither are on the trip. … The Senators won the previous meeting this season at home 4-3 when Nick Foligno scored with 2.5 seconds remaining after Kris Versteeg had tied it for the Panthers with 47.1 seconds left on Oct. 27. That made G Craig Anderson 5-0 against his former team with a 2.13 GGA. … C Kyle Turris, who the Panthers were rumored to have interest in before Ottawa acquired him Saturday from Phoenix, marked his Senators debut Tuesday by setting up Erik Condra for the go-head goal in a 4-1 win. The Senators have won three of their past four games. … Panthers' Brian Campbell, who got his third goal Tuesday, is second among NHL defensemen with 26 points (3-23-26). … The Panthers gave up two power-play goals for the third time this season while allowing a season-high seven power-play chances Tuesday.

— Craig Davis

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 12.22.2011


Kevin Dineen blames refs, himself for penalty-marred loss

By Harvey Fialkov and Craig Davis, Sun Sentinel

Normally, Panthers coach Kevin Dineen blames penalties on his players for not moving their feet.

But in Tuesday's penalty-marred 2-1 loss to the Coyotes, Dineen clearly laid the blame for his team having to play shorthanded a season-high seven times on himself and at the feet of the officials.

"When I'm screaming like a fool on the bench, what you do is you set a precedent with the referees, and I'll hang myself with that one because what we're trying to do is get a lot of hits to the head out of the game and there were so many plays that I felt were dangerous plays,'' Dineen said in his postgame media session.

"When you put that in a ref's mind that you're frustrated, the game obviously became lopsided and very disappointing with the officiating tonight. … It's the job of the officials to help protect our players.''

Thus far, the league hasn't announced any fine for Dineen's rant against the officiating.

The Panthers, who entered Tuesday's game with the second-fewest minor penalties in the league, have had the same amount or fewer power-play opportunities than their opponents in their past eight games.

"It's something we have to address, obviously. A lot of games, the outcome is decided by special teams. For most of the year, our PK has kept us afloat and given us a chance to win, so we have to do a better job,'' Panthers defenseman Ed Jovanovski said. "It's one thing to kill off hard, physical penalties, but when you get those sticks in there, hooking and tripping penalties, those are the ones that seem to end up in your net.''

Even the mild-mannered Coyotes, who average the fewest penalty minutes per game in the league, were whistled for five minors.

Injuries mounting

Forwards Evgenii Dadonov and Michal Repik were recalled from San Antonio for the two-day trip to replace Mikael Samuelsson (sore back) and Marco Sturm (hit in leg by puck), who left Tuesday's game with injuries. That after Sean Bergenheim (groin) and Jack Skille (shoulder) were hurt in the previous two games. The extent of the injuries to Samuelsson and Sturm was not disclosed.

Dadonov had two goals in 12 games earlier this season, and Repik appeared in five games without scoring.

Out of favor

Center Mike Santorelli has taken a step back after what appeared to be a breakout season. He was second on the team with 41 points (20-21) in 2010-11, his first full season in the NHL, but his play hasn't found favor with Dineen.

"For us to have success, he's going to have to start producing more," Dineen said.

Since returning from a shoulder injury that kept him out of the first seven games of the season, Santorelli has four goals and one assist. He hasn't scored since Dec. 5 and his minutes have fallen off significantly.

He was a healthy scratch recently in New York and has been mostly relegated to the fourth line in the four games since.

"There's things I've learned this year that are going to help me to become a better player," Santorelli said. "Now it's just a matter of applying those things — like being better defensively; I want to use my body more and protect the puck and win battles more."

The recent rash of injuries to forwards could dictate more ice time for Santorelli, but it's up to him to seize every opportunity.

"It's a two-way street; when I see that consistent performance, he's going to continue to have an increased role," Dineen said.

Are you kidding?

Coyotes goalie Jason LaBarbera, who relieved Mike Smith (groin) 3:29 into the third period Tuesday, had no idea that Stephen Weiss' penalty shot with 24.5 seconds left had come to rest square on the goal line without going over.

"I looked at our bench, there was no reaction. Then I looked at their bench, and there was no reaction, and I'm wondering, 'What the heck is going on here?' " LaBarbera said. "I looked beside me and saw it, and I obviously saw the replay, and I was like, 'You gotta be kidding me.' "

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 12.22.2011

602019 Los Angeles Kings

Darryl Sutter is ready to make some noise with the Kings

Helene Elliott

Darryl Sutter didn't yell during his first practice as Kings coach, but fear not. He hasn't gone soft.

After a week as the coach-in-waiting, Sutter scraped the manure off his work boots, left Canada on Tuesday and was on the ice Wednesday at the Toyota Sports Center. He led drills, talked a lot with interim Coach John Stevens and put names to faces while checking them against the impressions he gained while scrutinizing their recent games on TV.

"I'm not a person that sat and waited for another job, or one of those guys who hoped there'd be change somewhere," he said. "I didn't expect the Los Angeles Kings to be looking for a head coach, that's for sure, just because of the type of team they have."

They're not what he — or they — expected to be. They weren't scoring goals and — worse — were not playing with passion. That's why Terry Murray, an excellent teacher who never appeared to get riled, was fired Dec. 12 and replaced by the excitable Sutter, whose contract covers this season and two more with contingencies for the possibility of a lockout next year. Sutter, who has a coaching record of 409-320-131, will make his Kings debut Thursday against the Ducks at Staples Center.

Team captain Dustin Brown, while careful to avoid criticizing Murray's calm manner, anticipates the emotional climate will be more charged than it was under Murray.

"After we played poorly we'd come in and Watch video of how we played poorly," Brown said, "whereas, from what I gather, I don't think we'll be watching video."

No, they'll be hearing full blast from Sutter, the second of six hockey-playing brothers who made it to the NHL from the farm in Viking, Canada.

He will be loud. He will be blunt. He will blister the ears of those who don't go all-out every shift, and it's well past time for that and to use ice time as a carrot.

But he will also be honest and respectful to those who care about each other and about winning. His brusque motivational style, which got the Chicago Blackhawks to the conference finals, the Calgary Flames to the 2004 Stanley Cup finals and the San Jose Sharks to six straight seasons of improvement, could be what this too-nice, underachieving team needs for the foreseeable future.

"I've talked to guys who have played for him and they say he's a great coach, but he demands a lot and he's a hard-working guy. I have no problem with that," said winger Brad Richardson, who was promoted to the first line Wednesday with Anze Kopitar and Brown.

"He's one of those guys where if you're not playing well he's going to tell you, and if he likes what you do he's probably going to tell you the same thing. I like when you know where you stand. There's no guessing games."

Brown said he got a scouting report on Sutter from former King Scott Thornton, who played for Sutter in San Jose. Thornton "said he hated him while he played for him, but looking back, he said it was some of the best hockey he's played as a professional," Brown said.

Sutter, 53, was one of three candidates considered by General Manager Dean Lombardi but was No. 1 from the start. They worked together in San Jose and remained friends after Lombardi fired him as coach in 2002.

"I trust his judgment a lot," Lombardi said. "That building process in San Jose, we did that together. That wasn't coaches coach, managers manage. That was a team effort."

But the Sharks never got deep enough into the playoffs for them to keep their jobs. Their mission will be to take that next step with the Kings or risk stepping into the void of unemployment again.

Sutter starts with the strong defensive foundation Murray built and will benefit from the imminent return of Mike Richards, who suffered a head injury Dec. 1 and was cleared Tuesday for full participation. Richards, who centered for Simon Gagne and Trevor Lewis in practice, said that barring any post-workout problems he expected to play against the Ducks.

With Richards back, Kopitar should see fewer shutdown defensemen and checking lines. Sutter, who is retaining Stevens and assistant coaches Bill Ranford and Jamie Kompon for now, is likely to build on the puck-possession style Stevens tried to install during his 2-2 interim stint. Less dump-and-chase and more use of skill is always a good thing.

Sutter, known as a defense-oriented coach, said the NHL is "a 3-2 league," which is fine except that the Kings have scored two goals or fewer in regulation in 12 straight games. "We've got a lot of work to do," he acknowledged.

He's not afraid to do it and at full volume if necessary.

"I think X and O this team is as good as there is in the game," he said. "One thing that hasn't changed in this game … it's men playing a boys' game and there is some emotion involved and I think that's what I have to get out of them."

If he can do that, they'll make more noise around the NHL than he will.

LA Times: LOADED: 12.22.2011


Claude Giroux returns with a bang for Flyers in 4-1 win over Stars

Associated Press

DALLAS — Claude Giroux had a goal and three assists in his return from a four-game absence because of a concussion and the surging Philadelphia Flyers beat the Dallas Stars, 4-1, Wednesday night.

Wayne Simmonds and Jaromir Jagr added power-play goals, and defenseman Andrej Meszaros connected at even strength for Philadelphia. Sergei Bobrovsky made 30 saves as the Flyers improved to 10-2-1 in their last 13 games overall and 13-3-2 on the road this season.

Giroux, the Flyers' top scorer, was out since he was injured in a game against Tampa Bay on Dec. 10 when he was accidentally hit in the back of the head by Simmonds' knee.

Michael Ryder scored in the game's first minute for the Stars, who were 4-1-0 in their previous five games.

LA Times: LOADED: 12.22.2011


Kings join NHL cycle of fire, hire, repeat

By MARK WHICKER

EL SEGUNDO – It makes no managerial sense.

It often confuses activity with achievement.

Article Tab: Darryl Sutter, the new coach of the Kings, talks to reporters Wednesday.

Darryl Sutter, the new coach of the Kings, talks to reporters Wednesday.

AP It happened again Wednesday.

The Kings presented their new coach, Darryl Sutter. He is the 19th with whom broadcaster Bob Miller has worked, and he is the sixth in the NHL this year, well before the halfway point of 2011-12.

Players were remorseful. General manager Dean Lombardi was grimly hopeful. Sutter himself was revitalized and relaxed.

The right things were said, and indeed the Kings has shrewdly arranged for Sutter to coach a home game tonight against the Ducks, who have not won on the road since Oct. 27.

But the Kings are tied for last place in goal scoring, with 72 in 33 games, are 30th in a 30-team league in 5-on-5 play, and are 23rd on the power play.

Anze Kopitar hasn't scored a goal in 12 games. Justin Williams has five all season, after 20 last season.

Jarret Stoll, who was supposed to prosper from Mike Richards' arrival so he could move down to the third line and terrorize inferior foes, is producing 0.27 points per game.

Richards, who was having exactly the type of power-play effect the Kings had sought, went out with a concussion on Dec. 1 and the Kings are 2-6 since.

Drew Doughty has not scored a goal since Nov. 10 and is no longer mentioned for Norris Trophies, Chuck or otherwise.

So the solution was the firing of Terry Murray, who went 139-106-30 and coached the Kings to two consecutive playoff appearances.

Murray was gentlemanly and low-key. He replaced Marc Crawford, who was bombastic and up-tempo.

Sutter, who is tart and demanding, replaces Murray.

Those coaches in the gentlemanly, low-key queue are advised to keep their suits pressed.

"This is definitely going to be a big change, but something's gotta change," said defenseman and assistant captain Matt Greene. "Terry was more of an X and O guy. Darryl is more emotional. Did we need a push? Absolutely. We're out of the playoffs and we were expected to do good things."

Which is why this is happening.

The Kings picked up Richards and Simon Gagne. What was forgotten was what they lost: Michal Handzus in the face-off circle, Ryan Smyth looming in front of the net, Wayne Simmonds stirring up every pot he could find.

"There's a lot of areas we can work on that will cause us to score more goals," Sutter said. "We need to spend more time in the offensive zone, need to control the neutral zone."

Asked if this year's Kings have neglected to venture into the deep combat zones, Lombardi quickly replied, 'Absolutely. And he (Sutter) will ask for it, and if they don't get there, they won't play."

Sutter pointed out that today's NHL is a "3-to-2 game," meaning the most likely final score.

So far the Kings' average game is 2.15 to 2.45. A healthy Richards turns some of that around, and Murray is still coaching, and being praised for his stability.

In a league that has fired Scotty Bowman and traded Wayne Gretzky, nobody is safe from anything.

But it must be noted that some ships continue to sink despite their new skipper.

St. Louis was 6-7 before hiring Ken Hitchcock and is 13-2-4 since. But the Ducks went from 7-13-4 before Bruce Boudreau and 2-6-1 with him, and Washington was 12-9-1 for Boudreau and is 5-5 for Dale Hunter.

Carolina was 8-13-4 pre-Kirk Muller and is 2-5-2 afterward.

General managers usually shrug and say, "You can't change the players." But Nashville and Buffalo do. Lindy Ruff and Barry Trotz have coached

there since the 1997-98 season. Sometimes new ears are needed, not a new voice.

Murray had the highest winning percentage of any of the Kings' 23 coaches, only seven of whom had winning records.

Lombardi met with the players in Columbus.

"It wasn't an easy meeting," he said. "I wanted to emphasize that we, everyone, got the coach fired.

"The one thing Darryl immediately gives your team is identity. We've struggled with that, this year. When you stand for something, some people will like it, some won't. But the players he's coached, to a man, know that he made them better."

Lombardi knows that because he was the GM in San Jose who hired Sutter. And, every year, the Sharks got better.

They went from 78 to 96 points in five seasons. Then they started 9-12-2 in December of 2002. Scott Thornton, one of the top scorers, was hurt (as is Richards). Evgeni Nabokov, the goalie, held out (as did Doughty).

And, on Dec. 1, Lombardi fired Sutter.

Round and round they go. We'll see if it gets them beneath the circles.

Orange County Register: LOADED: 12.22.2011

602022 Minnesota Wild

Reusse: Hockey pioneer at Hill and U let his play do the talking

Article by: PATRICK REUSSE , Star Tribune

Harry Caray once said of a future Twins Hall of Famer, "With a name like Rod Carew, you have to be able to hit.''

The same theory could be used on a legendary Minnesota hockey player: "With a name like Billy Klatt, you have to be able to score goals.''

The puck, the sticks, the passes ... clat, clat, clat, across the ice, and then a goal.

Mike Kurtz, a Klatt teammate with the Gophers, said: "Billy was a silent star. He didn't draw attention to himself, even when he scored a goal.''

Denny Grabowski grew up playing hockey with Klatt at Hayden Heights Park on the East Side of St. Paul. Later, they would enroll at Hill High School, the new Catholic school in Maplewood, as part of the Class of '65.

"Bill was very quiet, even as a kid,'' Grabowski said.

Billy Klatt's quiet manner did not change when it became apparent a few weeks ago that his three-year battle with leukemia was coming to end. Grabowski and a couple of other friends contacted Wednesday were surprised to learn Klatt, 64, is in hospice care and close to death at his home in Afton.

Klatt led the WCHA in scoring as a Gophers junior in 1967-68 with 23 goals and 20 assists in 31 games. He scored 36 goals for the Fighting Saints in the first World Hockey Association season of 1972-73. He set an NCAA record for fastest goal by scoring five seconds into a game vs. Michigan on Jan. 13, 1968. He scored the first goal ever in the new St. Paul Civic Center for the Fighting Saints on Jan. 1, 1973.

Yet, if you write Minnesota hockey history from the pickup games through the pros, Billy Klatt can be remembered as the player who turned Hill (and then Hill-Murray) into a hockey school.

"I don't think that's an exaggeration,'' Grabowski said. "Hill opened in the fall of 1959. A couple of years later, we started playing, and we would have games on Sunday afternoons in the old Central Catholic league at the Minneapolis arena.

"We didn't have a team bus. We had to get there on our own. And we were skating two lines and three defensemen.''

Billy Klatt started scoring goals and getting Hill hockey mentioned in the Twin Cities dailies. More hockey players showed up. Ramsey County opened Aldrich Arena, not far from the high school.

"By the time we were done as seniors, we had given Hill hockey a good start -- and it turned into quite a tradition,'' Grabowski said.

As seniors, those early Pioneers lost in three overtimes to Duluth Cathedral in the final of the state independent tournament.

Hill would win a state independent title in 1970 and then another as Hill-Murray in 1972. The private schools were admitted to the Minnesota State High School League in 1974. The Pioneers have 22 state tournament appearances and titles in 1983, 1991 and 2008.

Billy's father, William Sr., played for Johnson High and then the Gophers. Billy might have followed the same path, if the Catholic high school hadn't opened right up the road.

"I played a lot of hockey with Bill and a lot of hockey against him on the East Side,'' Grabowski said. "As a player, he was 'always there' ... one of those special guys who always seemed to know where the puck was going to be.''

Mike (Lefty) Curran was a star goalie for International Falls, and then North Dakota. That's when he first encountered Klatt ... Sioux vs. Gophers.

"In the '60s, there were still a lot of hockey players that hadn't mastered the hook stick,'' Curran said. "Billy was one who had it mastered. He was an average skater, and average size, but he could launch the puck. There was something on it when a shot came off his stick.''

Klatt scored 42 goals in 61 games in his last two seasons for the Gophers. He had 34 goals in back-to-back seasons for the Bruins' Oklahoma City farm club. The Saints got Klatt out of the minors for two seasons. Later, he played four years in Austria, before returning to the Twin Cities to become a successful businessman.

Billy Klatt's name strikes a loud note with Minnesota's long-time hockey followers, including as the pioneer of the Pioneers.

Star Tribune LOADED: 12.22.2011


Wild's Yeo gives rest to the weary

Article by: MICHAEL RUSSO , Star Tribune

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - The mall in downtown Edmonton was filled to the brim with Wild players Wednesday afternoon.

Some stood in line at Tim Horton's for coffee and a muffin. Others went to Jugo Juice for a Raspberry Rush with wheatgrass.

You can bet Mike Yeo is hoping these magic potions will rejuvenate his tired, banged-up, slumping hockey team.

After back-to-back losses in Vancouver and Calgary, the Wild coach scrapped practice Wednesday and gave his players the day off.

With the Wild looking to end an 0-3-2 skid Thursday night in Edmonton, Yeo's objective was for some of his key players -- who have taken on extra minutes with Mikko Koivu, Guillaume Latendresse and Devin Setoguchi injured -- to recharge the batteries.

"The thing is I felt like a lot of our key guys looked a little bit tired," Yeo said after Tuesday's 2-1 loss at Calgary. "It's understandable. We have so many guys out, we're taxing these guys pretty hard, the amount of travel we had, the amount of time we've been on the road this whole month, really."

Koivu might miss his fourth consecutive game Thursday. He was placed on injured reserve because of a leg injury, so the Wild could recall former Gopher Jeff Taffe from the AHL's Houston Aeros. Taffe had two assists, four shots and was plus-3 in two games earlier this month.

Those games at Los Angeles and Phoenix, ironically, were the Wild's last two victories -- the final two in a seven-game winning streak.

Because injured reserve is retroactive to the time of injury (in Koivu's case, Dec. 14), Koivu can be activated Thursday if he feels he can play against the Oilers. If that occurs, a player will have to be reassigned.

But as Yeo said, "We can't sit around and wait for that. We have a job to do regardless."

The Wild is hampered by slumping forwards -- most notably Dany Heatley and Matt Cullen. Heatley, a two-time 50-goal scorer, has one goal in eight games and is on pace for 21 goals, which would be his worst offensive season. Cullen has scored one goal in the past 16 games.

Heatley has been getting chances, but with so many injuries, the pressure is on the longtime sniper to start filling the net. The Wild has scored twice in the past three games.

Yeo jumped to Heatley's defense after Tuesday's game, saying, "That's unfair on Dany. He just has to go out and play well. He can't control if the goalie makes a great save. He's can't.

"What he can control is getting himself in a position where he can get that chance and where he can get that shot, and he did that. The last two games, I think he's probably had about seven scoring chances, so what else can he do?"

Heatley said, "I always put pressure on myself, whether guys are injured or not. Obviously you're not going to win many games scoring one goal, but we haven't been the highest-scoring team all season long and we've been finding ways to win.

"In Edmonton, we have to go back to our game plan, do what we do well, get pucks to the net and hopefully they go in."

Cal Clutterbuck also has looked tired, as has Kyle Brodziak, who has had to drag himself to the bench after some grueling shifts the past two games.

"I've used him a lot. That's what happens when guys get out," Yeo said. "I don't know if his line has played the same game. They've got to get back to their type of game."

Notes

• Because the Wild recalled Taffe, it's expected that struggling forward Colton Gillies will be scratched for a second game in a row.

• Wild assistant general manager Brent Flahr scouted the United States-Switzerland world junior championships exhibition game Wednesday night in Camrose, Alberta. Wild prospects Jason Zucker and Charlie Coyle played in the game.



Game Day: Wild at Edmonton

Get in-game updates from your mobile phone or PC on startribune.com

Preview: The Wild, winless in five (0-3-2) and with two goals in the past three games, looks for its first victory on a three-game, pre-Christmas break road trip. The Wild hasn't lost three regulation games in a row this season. This is the Wild's final trip this season to Edmonton. It won the previous two games in shootouts. The Oilers have lost four in a row.

Players to watch: Wild LW/RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard has 11 goals and 40 points in 42 games against the Oilers, his highest point total against any team. D Marek Zidlicky, who has scored 42 of his 60 career goals on power plays, has no goals in 22 games this season. ... Oilers linemates Ryan-Nugent Hopkins and Jordan Eberle each have 13 goals and 21 assists. Nugent-Hopkins, the NHL's leading rookie scorer, has no goals in the past five games.

Numbers: G Niklas Backstrom is 21-2-1 all-time vs. the Oilers, 6-2-1 in Edmonton with a 2.46 goals-against average and .913 save percentage. ... Twenty of the Wild's 35 games have been decided by one goal (11-4-5). ... The Oilers have the NHL's fifth-best power play at 20.6 percent.

Injuries: Wild C Mikko Koivu (leg) is doubtful; W Devin Setoguchi (knee), LW Casey Wellman (wrist) and LW Guillaume Latendresse (concussion) are out. ... Oilers D Taylor Fedun (broken femur), D Cam Barker (ankle) and D Andy Sutton (suspended) are out. C Sam Gagner (neck) is doubtful.

MICHAEL RUSSO



Postgame: Slumping Wild's winless skid hits five

Posted by: Michael Russo under On the road, Wild game coverage Updated: December 21, 2011 - 12:42 AM

An abysmal second period doomed the Wild tonight in the Saddledome, where Jarome Iginla, like he used to do on an almost nightly basis, scored the big go-ahead goal and eventual winner to hand Calgary a 2-1 win over Minnesota.

The Wild's now winless in five.

The Wild played well in the first, mostly well in the third, and the second? Ugly -- as bad as I've seen it in awhile.

In the defensive zone, it would scramble, have to chip the puck out and go for a change. On the rare times it went on transition, the Wild would either turn the puck over at the blue line or dump the puck, generate a feeble forecheck and watch the Flames easily break out.

On the second of back-to-backs and with a bunch of guys injured, the Wild needed to execute simply, and unfortunately, a bad line change resulted in Marek Zidlicky's slashing minor. The Wild killed it off, but eight seconds later, Iginla scored on his own rebound when both Marco Scandella and Jared Spurgeon were caught reaching instead of taking the body.

For Iginla, he's got 33 goals and 61 points in 64 games against the Wild -- the most all-time. It was his ninth winner against the Wild, the most all-time. The Flames are 21-2-1 when he scores vs. the Wild.

Pierre-Marc Bouchard also scored tonight. It was his first-ever goal against Miikka Kiprusoff and first in 19 career games at the Saddledome. Back in the day when the Flames had a horde of physical defensemen - Dion Phaneuf, Robyn Regehr, Rhett Warrener, Denis Gauthier and others - Bouchard was often ineffective against Calgary, and to me, that's the indication.

The Wild's a shadow of what it was a few weeks back.

For those of us who sometimes get on Mikko Koivu, take him out of the lineup, and you realize just how much he's this team's ignition in every way. Faceoffs, PK, PP, fire, intensity, effort, somebody for the other team to be fearful of.

Couple his absence with the losses of Guillaume Latendresse, Devin Setoguchi and Casey Wellman, and this is a team that lacks skill and speed and threats right now.

Dany Heatley's gotten chances the last few games -- three in the third tonight -- but he has nine goals this year (Wild's 9-0 when he scores) and one in the past eight games. Now is the time the Wild needs him to finish.

But right now, so many guys look dead tired. Kyle Brodziak has had to take on an awful load since Koivu's injury, and he at times can barely skate to the bench. He topped 22 minutes tonight. Cal Clutterbuck looked tired. Heatley's not skating well during this stretch. The Brodziak line, with Nick Johnson, hasn't been nearly as effective. Spurgeon and Scandella are being asked to play insane minutes for two young 20-somethings.

This is a team that's banged up, has been playing a ton of games lately and mostly on the road (in a stretch of 19 of 27). Because of the fatigue, Yeo will give the team off in Edmonton on Thursday.

And look, the reality is with all the injuries, you have a lot of minor-leaguers in this lineup right now.

The Wild were able to rally in games a lot early in the season, but that's when it had most its forwards in the lineup and much more firepower. Koivu, himself, has tied five games up this season. Now they lack that firepower. Heck, I know the power play has been struggled all season, but tonight, two must-score power plays in the third and the Wild can't even muster up a single shot. Guys like Spurgeon and Brodziak had trouble keeping pucks in. The puck support and placement was brutal. This is another area where Koivu is just missing. And Marek Zidlicky, man, shoot the puck.

Early in the season when they were devastated by injury on the blue line, there were a lot of interchangable parts. Justin Falk stepped in and did a good job. Nate Prosser came up and did a good job.

But the reality is, at the pro level, the Wild lacks top-6 forward depth in Houston. That's what we're seeing now. This is a team with a bunch of prospects on the way, but they're all in Europe or juniors. So with so many injuries up front, you're asking the third line to be the second line, you're asking Heatley to play with Matt Cullen (which I wanted to see, but now that I see it, I don't want to anymore, haha), and you're asking guys like Jed Ortmeyer and Warren Peters and Jarod Palmer to step in and be impact players.

This team is thin right at the moment and now it's up against it. It's being tested now. Frustration's starting to infiltrate the locker room. You could see it after the game even though each player tried to say it wasn't with their words.

We'll see if Koivu plays in Edmonton. I'll blog if there's news tomorrow, but with no practice, I'm not too sure what kind of news or updates there will be. Talk to ya.



Sharks' Havlat out up to 8 weeks with torn tendon

Article by: ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN JOSE, CALIF. - Sharks forward Martin Havlat will miss up to eight weeks following surgery Thursday to repair a partial tear in a tendon in his left hamstring.

San Jose General Manager Doug Wilson said the team was prepared for the worst after Havlat injured himself jumping over the Sharks bench during Saturday's 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

Havlat, acquired in a trade from the Wild during the offseason, scored his second goal of the season against the Oilers and had recorded three points in his last two games.

Wilson said he expected Havlat to return for the stretch run.

Forward Benn Ferriero was recalled from Worcester of the AHL to take Havlat's spot on the roster.



Wild's Mikko Koivu placed on IR, is doubtful to play Thursday

By Bruce Brothers

EDMONTON, Alberta - The Wild placed center Mikko Koivu on injured reserve today, assistant general manager Brent Flahr said.

The Wild said it's doubtful the team captain will be able to play.

The move at least temporarily opened a roster spot, allowing the Wild to recall forward Jeff Taffe from the American Hockey League Houston Aeros

in case he is needed for Thursday night's game against the Edmonton Oilers.

Koivu, who suffered a leg injury Dec. 14, was placed on IR retroactive to Dec. 15, making him eligible to be activated Thursday. If Koivu is healthy enough to play, Taffe would be reassigned. Otherwise, Taffe, a former University of Minnesota Gopher, would stay on the active roster.

The Wild played with just 11 forwards Tuesday night in a 2-1 loss at Calgary, choosing to go with seven defensemen and making forward Colton Gillies a healthy scratch.

If Taffe or Koivu is the 12th forward against the Oilers, Gillies would likely be a healthy scratch again.

Pioneer Press LOADED: 12.22.2011


Minnesota Wild upbeat despite skid

By Bruce Brothers

EDMONTON, Alberta - The Wild's position is way different this season.

So is their attitude.

A year ago, the Wild won three consecutive games heading into their Christmas break, raising their record to 16-13-4 for 36 points and the 13th spot in the Western Conference.

This season, even though the Wild are 0-3-2 in their past five games heading into a road game tonight against Edmonton, they are acting and talking like winners.

"We're not sitting here talking about how upset we are, that we played a bad game," center Kyle Brodziak said after Minnesota's 2-1 loss to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night. "Yeah, it's tough, we lost five in a row, but things are still good. We've just got to keep things in perspective. Tomorrow's a new day. We just can't get frustrated, because things can get worse."

Brodziak knows.

Brodziak was around last season when the Wild won nine of 11 games during a stretch in January and still looked like they were one or two games from falling into NHL oblivion.

Now, Minnesota's 45 points through Wednesday's games have them in second in the Western Conference, just one point behind the Chicago Blackhawks and leading the Northwest Division.

And the Wild are there despite a dearth of goals.

Missing from the lineup are injured forwards Mikko Koivu, Devin Setoguchi, Guillaume Latendresse and Casey Wellman. And missing from the score sheet is winger Dany Heatley, a former 50-goal scorer who has just nine goals through 35 games and

just one goal in his past eight games.

Is it up to Heatley to pick up the slack?

"That's unfair on Dany," coach Mike Yeo said. "He just has to go out and play well. He can't control if a goalie makes a great save. What he can control is getting himself in position where he can get that chance, get that shot, and he did that. In the last two games, I think he's had about seven scoring chances. What else can you do?"

Heatley's goal production is not where he wants it, but he says he and his teammates nevertheless have reason to believe.

"We have a good bunch of guys in here that stay upbeat," he said. "We have to realize that the past is the past. We've got a game to worry about on Thursday."

Last year, after winning just 11 of its first 26 games, Minnesota was in full scramble mode. Missing the NHL playoffs for the third successive season seemed not only possible but probable. Players talked about holding their

heads high, about maintaining their pride and about climbing back into contention, but every loss seemed to leave players dazed.

After Tuesday's loss in Calgary, guys were determined to shrug it off.

"Yeah, we're in a bit of a slump right now, but what team doesn't go through a slump?" Brodziak said.

Briefly: The Wild placed center Mikko Koivu, who has a leg injury, on injured reserve. The team said it's doubtful the team captain will be able to play tonight.

The move at least temporarily opened a roster spot, allowing the Wild to recall forward Jeff Taffe from the American Hockey League Houston Aeros in case he is needed for tonight's game.



Ex-Minnesota Wild Brent Burns assists injured Army veteran

By Mark Emmons

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Sgt. Brian Jergens glanced up from his wheelchair, a look of confusion crossing his face, as San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns approached and asked how he was doing.

But Jergens, an Army medic who was severely wounded in August by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, slowly broke into a grin as the former Minnesota Wild presented him with a Sharks jersey autographed by the team's players. And he beamed as his wife, Jennifer, helped him put it on.

"Thanks a lot," Brian said haltingly.

Jennifer and the staff at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif., couldn't believe the sudden transformation.

"He never smiles like this," she said. "He's never going to take it off. He's going to shower with it on."

When the Sharks heard about Brian, who has been at the VA since September, Burns wanted to visit. He's an active supporter of military personnel and has a foundation - Burnzie's Battalion - that invites service members and their families to Sharks games.

"It's a real honor to meet you," Burns said.

Brian, 23, suffered a traumatic brain injury and lost both legs below the knees when the Humvee he was driving ran over an improvised explosive device Aug. 7. Brian, who is awaiting surgery to replace the missing left side of his skull, also fractured three vertebrae, shattered his right arm, lost his left ring finger and had his spleen removed.

In the VA hospital's emerging consciousness program, he undergoes intensive

rehabilitation seven days a week. But Burns' surprise appearance Monday provided an unexpected emotional lift.

"Brian has made great improvement, but I've never seen this kind of reaction from him," said Scott Skiles, the polytrauma unit's social work supervisor. "We're open to all treatment options here, including Brent Burns and the Sharks."

On the ice, the 6-foot-5 Burns has a modest 10 points this season as he continues to adjust to a new team. Away from the rink, the 26-year-old projects an image of being a big kid because of his easy-going demeanor, long hair and well-known collection of snakes, reptiles and other critters.

He also has many tattoos, but one holds particular meaning - and helps explain his deep respect for those who serve. On his left shoulder is a cross topped with a Canadian military helmet, honoring his late grandfather who fought in World War II.

While playing for Minnesota, Burns purchased a suite so armed-forces members could attend Wild games. After the June trade that brought him to the Sharks, he began doing the same at HP Pavilion.

"I think soldiers are very similar to hockey players," he said. "We're all team guys. So I try to give a little something back, and it's been cool getting to meet some of them. It's special for me, and I love having them come down and see the boys (in the locker room)."

In Brian's case, Burns had to come see him. And the Shark was a hit on the polytrauma ward, posing for photos and even examining the tattoo work on Brandon Elliott, a wheelchair-bound Army private.

But after watching Brian happily mug for the cameras - even showing off his best hockey scowl - Burns listened intently as Jennifer told their story.

Brian is a military brat who attended high school in Oklahoma. He met Jennifer, now 19, on a cruise and wed Dec. 10 of last year, just a month before he was deployed.

"When we got married," she told Burns, "Brian said I had to be a (Kansas City) Chiefs football fan. I said OK, but then you've got to be a Sharks hockey fan."

After Brian was wounded, he eventually was transferred to Palo Alto, one of the five polytrauma centers in the national VA system. It also made sense because Jennifer could be near her family in Santa Clara.

Jennifer spends her nights sleeping in Brian's hospital room because she doesn't want him to wake up alone. In the three months here, she has watched as Brian has begun to speak, eat solid foods and become more aware of what has happened to him.

"Brian's dad told me, 'I'm sure you didn't picture this when you thought about your first wedding anniversary,' " she said. "But this is life, and this is where I belong."

"I can't imagine," Burns said.

Brian received his Purple Heart medal in a ceremony Tuesday. The Jergenses also got an offer from Burns to be his guests at a Sharks game when Brian is physically able.

"You've made his day," Jennifer said. "This is the best day in a long time."


602030 Montreal Canadiens

Habs prove no match for Hawks


Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford returned to the lineup and got his game back in order.

Crawford stopped 20 shots in his first game in more than two weeks as Chicago beat the slumping Montreal Canadiens 5-1 Wednesday night.

Crawford hadn't played since being pulled early in the second period of a 4-3 shootout loss to Phoenix on Dec. 5 after allowing three goals on 16 shots. Backup Ray Emery finished that game, then made six consecutive starts and won five straight before losing at Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.

Guy Carbonneau: Habs' coach Randy Cunneyworth needs to learn French

"It felt great," Crawford said. "I was pretty hungry to get back in there. It was a huge game before the (Christmas) break to pick up points.

Andrew Brunette and Patrick Sharp scored 21 seconds apart midway through the second period to lead the Blackhawks. Viktor Stalberg scored midway through the third period, and Jonathan Toews and Bryan Bickell added late goals for NHL-leading Chicago.

The Blackhawks rebounded from the 3-2 loss to the Penguins the previous night, improving to 8-1-1 in their last 10 games.

Crawford, a Montreal native, got his groove back against the team he grew up watching.

"I was trying to get into it early just to get some feeling back," he said. "It's not the same as working hard in practice. You've still got to get some time in the game."

Crawford allowed a power-play goal to Montreal's Andrei Kostitsyn early in the second that put the Canadiens ahead 1-0.

The Blackhawks then started to take charge against Montreal, which lost its fourth straight - including the last three since interim coach Randy Cunneyworth replaced Jacques Martin last Saturday.

And Crawford wasn't beat again.

"It was an excellent game for him and for us," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "It was good to see him come back the way he did.

"I commend him throughout that process; how he was mentally focused, ready and prepared."

Montreal backup Peter Budaj stopped 23 shots in his first start since Nov. 30. Carey Price had started the Canadiens' previous nine contests.

Budaj kept the game close until Stalberg made it 3-1 at 10:29 of the third.

"I think things were still going in the right direction until about the middle part of the third period," Cunneyworth said. "About the 10-minute mark we let things fall by the wayside a little bit."

Some of the Canadiens players let their emotions show in the dressing room after the loss.

"We have some angry guys in there. Some frustrated guys, because we want better results," Cunneyworth said. "We'll see if we can kind of turn it in our direction and use that frustration to our advantage tomorrow (in Winnipeg), but obviously we have to get our heads into it for a complete game"

Neither team sustained much offensive pressure in the scoreless first period. Chicago's Duncan Keith hit the right post with a shot from the point midway through the frame.

Kostitsyn's power-play goal, on a deflection from just outside the crease, opened the scoring at 5:35 of the second. Kostitisyn tipped Tomas Plekanec's low shot from the right circle upward, off Crawford's shoulder and into the net.

Chicago took a 2-1 lead on goals scored on consecutive shots midway through the second.

Brunette was credited with tying it at 1 with 8:24 left in the period as his centering pass to Toews struck Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban's skate and deflected past Budaj.

Sharp's 18th goal made it 2-1 with 8:03 left. After skating into the Montreal zone on a 2-on-2 break, Sharp's shot hit the stick of defenseman Chris Campoli, who had belly-flopped to the ice. The puck fluttered past Budaj on the glove side.

Sharp has points in nine of his last 10 games, and eight goals and six assists in the span.

Stalberg extended Chicago's lead to 3-1 midway through the third. After Subban turned the puck over to Bickell behind the Montreal net, Bickell fed it to Stalberg, who beat Budaj on a high shot from between the circles.

Toews scored his 20th goal into an empty net with 1:17 left to make it 4-1. Bickell scored with 11.8 seconds left to complete the scoring.

NOTES: Chicago's Marian Hossa had an assist to extend his point streak to seven games. He has four goals and eight assists in the span. . Blackhawks LW Dan Carcillo sat out his fourth game with upper-body injury and was placed on IR on Wednesday. C Marcus Kruger sat out after taking a hit to the head from Pittsburgh's Deryk Engelland in a game on Tuesday night. Both Carcillo and Kruger are believed to have post-concussion symptoms. . The Blackhawks recalled C Brandon Pirri from Rockford of the AHL on Wednesday to take Kruger's roster spot. . Montreal's Brian Gionta (lower body) missed his sixth game and Scott Gomez (lower body) missed his 13th. . The game was the only regular-season contest between Montreal and Chicago. The two "Original Six" teams have not played more than once in a season since 2001-02.

Toronto Globe And Mail LOADED: 12.22.2011


Canadiens sign Michael Bournival to three-year contract

MONTREAL- The Canadian Press

The Montreal Canadiens have singed forward Michael Bournival to a three-year contract, the club announced Wednesday.

The five-foot-11, 187-pound native of Shawinigan, Que., will represent Canada at the 2012 IIFH world junior hockey championship.

Bournival has 15 goals and nine assists in 16 games this season with the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He has 78 goals and 94 assists in 176 games in his junior career.

Bournival was drafted in the third round, 71st overall by the Colorado Avalanche at the 2010 NHL draft. Montreal acquired him from Colorado for defenceman Ryan O'Byrne on Nov. 11, 2010.

"Michael has shown excellent hockey skills and has improved constantly since making his debut at the junior level," said Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier in a statement. "Currently representing Canada at the 2012 IIHF world junior championship, he will greatly benefit from this experience on the international stage."



Montreal Canadiens' P.K. Subban admits he needs to be better

By Pat Hickey

CHICAGO - The mood in the Canadiens dressing room following their 5-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks Wednesday night could best be described as toxic.

While Max Pacioretty was reluctant to discuss his failure to generate offence, defenceman P.K. Subban was quick to shoulder the blame for the loss. In fact, he also took the rap for the Canadiens' loss earlier this week in Boston.

"People can talk about the coaching and this and that, it's not that and it's not the goaltending," Subban said. "It's guys that should know better and I have to be better for my teammates.

"It's not a good feeling when you know that 22 guys, no matter if they say it or not, know you're not pulling your weight," he added. "I'm minus-4 in the past two games, it can't happen, not when you're playing 25, 26 minutes a night. You gotta be better. I know I have to be better. I know I cost my team two games in a row."

Subban has been the Canadiens' leader in ice time this season, but he questioned whether he deserved it.

"You want every opportunity, you want to play on the power play and the penalty-kill, (but) you have to play better."

Subban could hardly be blamed for the Blackhawks' first goal. He was covering Jonathan Toews in front of the crease when Andrew Brunette's pass from behind the net went in off his skate.

But Subban did cost the Canadiens in the third period when a lazy clearing pass led to Viktor Stalberg's goal that gave the Blackhawks a 3-1 lead at 10:29.

"At about the 10-minute mark of the third period, that's when we sort of let things fall by the wayside," head coach Randy Cunneyworth said. "You get on your own page there and you stop doing the things you've been doing well and keeping us in the game. We completely got away from it at that point on."

But Cunneyworth wasn't going to heap all the blame on Subban.

"He knows he can be better in those situations but, in my mind, the puck should never have entered the zone (on the Stalberg goal)," Cunneyworth

said. "We were looking for something a little easier and we got something a little tougher. We had an opportunity along the wall and there was a change, a late change and maybe we were looking for a too-many-men penalty but, again, you have to play on. They were able to enter our zone untouched and that's unacceptable."

Brunette's goal was a lucky bunce but, noted Cunneyworth: "Good teams make fortune go their way and obviously, they were fortunate with a goal off a foot but, when you're bearing down on the net, good things can happen. Everybody's throwing the puck at the net but, at that point, we still had a good game going.

"The game we had early on, we got pucks in deep, but got away from that," Cunneyworth said. "Three-quarters of the game we were in it, even when we were behind."

Cunneyworth said he faced a quick turnaround before Thursday's game in Winnipeg.

"I'm not sure at this point," he said when asked whether he could use the frustration as a motivator. "We have some angry guys in there, frustrated guys, and we'll see if we can use that frustration to our advantage tomorrow, but we have to get our heads into the game.

The angry, frustrated group included Pacioretty, who said he had to do a better job before he beat a hasty retreat to the showers. He has only one goal in the eight games since he returned from his three-game suspension. He had a game-high eight shots on goal, but was a tad slow pulling the trigger when he had an empty net in the second period.

Corey Crawford, who scrambled back into position on the play, may have been the happiest man in the arena as he returned after being the backup for six games.

"I grew up in Montreal as a Canadiens fan so obviously, this is a big win for me."

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 12.22.2011


The Chicago Blackhawks overpower Montreal Canadiens 5-1

By Pat Hickey,

CHICAGO - Two quick goals midway through the second period gave the Chicago Blackhawks a 2-1 lead and they went on to beat the Canadiens 5-1 Wednesday night before a standing-room-only crowd of 22,081. Andrew Brunette and Patrick Sharp scored in the second-period burst, while Viktor Stalberg added an insurance goal midway through the third period. Jonathan Toews added an empty-netter to make it 4-1 before Bryan Bickell scored with 12 seconds to play. Andrei Kostitsyn scored the lone Montreal goal.

Blackhawks explosion: The Blackhawks took a 2-1 lead when they scored two goals in a 22-second span in the second period. Brunette was credited with a goal at 11:36 when his pass from behind the net went off P.K. Subban's skate while the defenceman was battling Jonathan Toews for position in front of the crease. Sharp gave the Blackhawks the lead at 11:57 when he took a stretch pass from Marian Hossa. Chris Campoli went to the ice to block Sharp's shot, but he pulled the puck back and beat Budaj to the glove side.

Missed opportunities: The Canadiens had two chances to tie the score later in the second period. On the first, Max Pacioretty had an open net for a split second, but Montreal native Corey Crawford scrambled to make the save. Two minutes later, Tomas Plekanec had an open net after Crawford made a save on Michael Cammalleri, but he fired wide. Early in the third period, Erik Cole made a good move to go around Brent Seabrook, but Crawford got his glove on a shot headed for the top corner.

Powering up: The Canadiens went into the game ranked 29th in the NHL on the power play, but things are looking up. Kostitsyn redirected a shot by Plekanec to open the scoring at 1:49 of the second period. The Canadiens have scored a power-play goal in five of their last six games.

Killer instinct: It was another ho-hum night for the Canadiens' penalty-killing unit, which ranks No. 2 in the NHL. The Blackhawks came up empty on their two power plays.

What's it all mean? The Canadiens remain in 12th place and they are only three points behind seventh-place Toronto and eighth-place Ottawa. But the Senators have one game in hand and the Leafs have two.

Missing Martin yet? The Canadiens are 0-3 since Jacques Martin was dismissed as the head coach.

What's next: The Canadiens finish the first half of their Christmas road trip Thursday when they play the Winnipeg Jets (8:30 p.m., RDS, TSN-A, TSN Radio-990). After a few days off for Christmas, they're back on road for games against Ottawa on Dec. 27, Tampa Bay Dec. 29 and Florida Dec. 31. They return to the Bell Centre on Jan. 4 against Winnipeg.



In any language, the Montreal Canadiens don't show signs of being a winner

By RED FISHER

MONTREAL - There's nothing like bringing out the heavy artillery to blow up what's little more than another day at the hockey office.

Never has so much been written by so few about a non-story such as GM Pierre Gauthier selecting Randy Cunneyworth as the Canadiens' interim head coach. Trouble is, Cunneyworth doesn't speak French.

The question I've got to ask is why so many people, including politicians who have more important fish to fry, have made a federal case about a lame-duck coach, which is the corner into which Cunneyworth has been steered and/or pushed by owner Geoff Molson and Gauthier.

Everything is about Cunneyworth's inability to speak French. What's missing is that Cunneyworth has been handed a team that up to now has shown no signs it's capable of being a winner.

I've been around this franchise for more than a half-century - and never heard of or noticed any sign of the French-English "thing."

It wasn't there, of course, when the Canadiens, coached by Toe Blake, were in their Flying Frenchmen glory days in the last half of the 1950s, when they brought home the Stanley Cup five years in a row - a record that will stand forever.

The franchise had a mystique for winning, with Stanley Cups four times in five seasons in the 1960s and, when they were flying high, in the late 1970s with four in a row.

The language of the dressing room always has been English - without a murmur of complaint from the French players who, in those days, filled 50 per cent of the roster. Instead, it was all about winning. Nothing else mattered.

Unilingual defenceman Al MacNeil played 11 seasons with several National Hockey League teams, including 61 games with the Canadiens in 1961-62. Following his retirement, he coached the American Hockey League's Voyageurs in the 1969-70 season in Montreal. The next season, he joined the Canadiens as an assistant to head coach Claude Ruel.

The Canadiens had missed the playoffs the preceding season, and when it appeared they would fall short for a second consecutive year, Ruel resigned halfway through 1970-71 and MacNeil took over. There were no complaints about language issues at the time because from there the Canadiens rallied to qualify for the playoffs, mostly because GM Sam Pollock had acquired Frank Mahovlich from the Detroit Red Wings.

What followed was something that still resonates in the history of the franchise. The Canadiens eliminated the heavily favoured Boston Bruins in seven games, defeated the Minnesota Stars in six and the Chicago Blackhawks in seven to win the Stanley Cup.

After the season, Pollock appointed MacNeil head coach of the Nova Scotia Voyageurs and brought in a chap named Scotty Bowman to take over the Canadiens. That prompted a veteran reporter to put this question to Pollock:

"How can you demote a guy who won the Stanley Cup?"

"I didn't demote him," Pollock replied. "What I did was rearrange the cabinet!"

I didn't hear any complaints when unilingual head coach Bob Berry was named head coach in 1981-82 and led the Canadiens to a first-place finish in the Adams Division with 109 points. There were no complaints the following season, either, when the Canadiens finished the 80-game season with 98 points.

Berry was replaced by assistant coach Jacques Lemaire halfway through the 1983-84 season, when the Canadiens finished No. 4 in the Adams with 75 points. From there, they were eliminated in the conference final in six games by a New York Islanders team seeking a fifth consecutive Stanley Cup - after the Canadiens had won the first two games.

You know the rest. Patrick Roy led the Canadiens to their 23rd Cup in 1986 and their 24th in 1993. They've been in a rebuilding mode since then under the watchful eyes of a flood of bilingual coaches - with little success.

The Canadiens have missed the playoffs six times and been eliminated six times in the first round because their general managers haven't been able to provide the coaches with players capable of going all the way.

Players who know how to win have made this franchise great. Teamwork has allowed them to win 24 Stanley Cups.

Canadiens coaches bark out instructions in English without complaint from the French-language players. French-speaking players snap at each other in their language and English-speaking players do the same.

That's where it begins. That's where it ends - and should.



Habs, Jets in very tight playoff race

By PAT HICKEY, The Gazette December 22, 2011 3:08 AM

The other night, I was watching Bull Durham and I had to laugh at the scene in which Kevin Costner gives Tim Robbins a primer on how to answer reporters' questions when he gets to the big leagues.

After doing this job for a while, you realize many of the answers sound the same and are almost interchangeable. For example, here's what a goaltender said after a 3-2 loss this week:

"I'm paid to stop the puck, that's my job. It's tough to see when I make a save and then we turn the puck over in their zone."

The goalie went on to say his teammates spent too much time chipping the puck off the boards and that they had to get more traffic in front of the opposing goaltender.

Those comments might have been uttered by Carey Price after the loss in Boston on Monday night. But while Price muttered an epithet or two as he cut short a postgame media scrum, he's not in the habit of throwing his teammates under the bus. The goaltender in question is Winnipeg's Ondrej Pavelec, who will be facing the Canadiens on Thursday.

The Jets, who are with the Canadiens in that group of teams trying to grab one of the two or three last playoff spots, lost to the New York Islanders in a shootout Tuesday. For the record, the guy who's paid to stop the puck faced two shooters and they both scored.

Here's a comment this week from a coach:

"I thought we played careless in the first, turned the puck over. I thought we weren't good in the (defensive) zone. I thought we were way better in the third (when) we played with a lot more energy."

Canadiens head coach Randy Cunneyworth said something like that in Boston but, in this case, those are the words of Winnipeg head coach Claude Noel, whose team missed a chance to move into a playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

The Jets' plight is the Canadiens' hope. The race is so tight in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings that there are only four points separating the sixthplace New Jersey Devils and the 12th-place Canadiens.

Which brings us to our final comments and we'll tell you up front that it comes from Winnipeg captain Andrew Ladd:

"There's no easy games. I don't care where the team is in the standings. Every team is a threat. They worked hard and they have skill up front and they can hurt you. We were too loose defensively and we made it hard on (the goaltender). - You want to be better than we were tonight."

That's a familiar refrain in the Canadiens' dressing room. Montreal has lost four games in a row and Wednesday's loss to the Blackhawks marked the fifth consecutive game in which the Canadiens have given up at last three goals. That's not going to get things done when the offence is averaging 2.53 goals a game.

Getting crowded: Chicago not only leads the NHL in the standings, but they also have supplanted the Canadiens in attendance. There were 22,081 fans at Wednesday's game.



Wins are wins in any language

By RED FISHER, The Gazette December 22, 2011 3:08 AM

There's nothing like bringing out the heavy artillery to blow up what's little more than another day at the hockey office.

Never has so much been written by so few about a non-story such as general manager Pierre Gauthier selecting Randy Cunneyworth as the Canadiens' interim head coach. Trouble is, Cunneyworth doesn't speak French.

The question I've got to ask is why so many people, including politicians who have more important fish to fry, have made a federal case about a lame-duck coach, which is the corner into which Cunneyworth has been steered and/or pushed by owner Geoff Molson and Gauthier.

Everything is about Cunneyworth's inability to speak French. What's missing is that Cunneyworth has been handed a team that up to now has shown no signs it's capable of being a winner.

I've been around this franchise for more than half a century - and never heard of or noticed any sign of the French-English "thing."

It wasn't there, of course, when the Canadiens, coached by Toe Blake, were in their Flying Frenchmen glory days in the last half of the 1950s, when they brought home the Stanley Cup five years in a row - a record that will stand forever.

The franchise had a mystique for winning, with Stanley Cups four times in five seasons in the 1960s and, when they were flying high, in the late 1970s with four in a row.

The language of the dressing room always has been English - without a murmur of complaint from the French players who, in those days, filled 50 per cent of the roster. Instead, it was all about winning. Nothing else mattered.

Unilingual defenceman Al MacNeil played 11 seasons with several National Hockey League teams, including 61 games with the Canadiens in 1961-62. Following his retirement, he coached the American Hockey League's Voyageurs in the 1969-70 season in Montreal. The next season, he joined the Canadiens as an assistant to head coach Claude Ruel.

The Canadiens had missed the playoffs the preceding season, and when it appeared they would fall short for a second consecutive year Ruel resigned halfway through the 1970-71 season and Mac-Neil took over. There were

no complaints about language issues at the time because from there the Canadiens rallied to qualify for the playoffs, mostly because GM Sam Pollock had acquired Frank Mahovlich from the Detroit Red Wings.

What followed was something that still resonates in the history of the franchise. The Canadiens eliminated the heavily favoured Boston Bruins in seven games, defeated the Minnesota Stars in six and the Chicago Blackhawks in seven to win the Stanley Cup.

After the season, Pollock appointed MacNeil head coach of the Nova Scotia Voyageurs and brought in a chap named Scotty Bowman to take over the Canadiens. That prompted a veteran reporter to put this question to Pollock:

"How can you demote a guy who won the Stanley Cup?"

"I didn't demote him," Pollock replied. "What I did was rearrange the cabinet!"

I didn't hear any complaints when unilingual Bob Berry was named head coach in 1981-82 and led the Canadiens to a first-place finish in the Adams Division with 109 points. There were no complaints the following season, either, when the Canadiens finished the 80-game season with 98 points.

Berry was replaced by assistant coach Jacques Lemaire halfway through the 1983-84 season, when the Canadiens finished No. 4 in the Adams with 75 points. From there, they were eliminated in the conference final in six games by a New York Islanders team seeking a fifth consecutive Stanley Cup - after the Canadiens had won the first two games.

You know the rest. Patrick Roy led the Canadiens to their 23rd Cup in 1986 and their 24th in 1993. They've been in a rebuilding mode since then under the watchful eyes of a flood of bilingual coaches - with little success.

The Canadiens have missed the playoffs six times and been eliminated six times in the first round because their general managers haven't been able to provide the coaches with players capable of going all the way.

Players who know how to win have made this franchise great. Teamwork has allowed them to win 24 Stanley Cups.

Canadiens coaches bark out instructions in English without complaint from the French-language players. French-speaking players snap at each other in their language and English-speaking players do the same.

That's where it begins. That's where it ends - and should.



Blackhawks upend struggling Canadiens

By Sports Network

CHICAGO - Andrew Brunette and Patrick Sharp tallied 21 seconds apart in the second period, lifting the Chicago Blackhawks to a 5-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

Viktor Stalberg, Bryan Bickell and Jonathan Toews also scored for the Blackhawks, who have won six of their past seven games.

Corey Crawford stopped 20-of-21 shots for the win.

Andrei Kostitsyn netted the lone goal for Montreal, which dropped its fourth straight, and third in a row under new head coach Randy Cunneyworth.

Peter Budaj made 23 saves for the loss.

After a scoreless first period, the Canadiens drew first blood on the power play at the 5:35 mark of the second. Tomas Plekanec controlled the disc at the left circle and snapped a shot, which Kostitsyn re-directed past Crawford.

The Blackhawks tied the score with 8:24 left in the second period. Brent Seabrook sent the puck behind the net. Brunette gained control and his backhanded wraparound slid past Budaj.

Just 21 seconds later, Chicago took the lead. Sharp skated down the left wing on a 2-on-1 breakaway and ripped the back of the net with a wrister from the left circle.

Chicago made it a 3-1 game midway through the third period. From behind the net, Bryan Bickell fed Stalberg in the high slot and he wristed it into the back of the net.

Toews scored an empty-netter with 1:17 left, and Bickel added a tally with 12 seconds left to seal the win for the Blackhawks.

Game Notes

Toews scored his 10th goal in his last 14 games and now has 20 goals on the season...Chicago is 8-1-1 in December...Montreal hasn't beaten the Blackhawks in Chicago since February 27, 2002.

Montreal Sun LOADED: 12.22.2011

602038 Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators get surprise visit from Brent Peterson

Mike Organ | The Tennessean

It's not unusual to see a coach or other staff members working out with the players at the Predators' practice facility.

But the site of hockey operations adviser Brent Peterson on the treadmill turned plenty of heads Wednesday - especially considering Peterson wasn't on any of the medications he has grown accustomed to taking in large dosages since 2003, when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Peterson was moving about sprightly just one day after undergoing his last Deep Brain Stimulation, or DBS, procedure at Vanderbilt to curb the symptoms of the disease and lower the amount of medication he has to take.

"It is pretty remarkable how he's feeling," Predators Coach Barry Trotz said. "He was telling us that Tuesday he couldn't towel his back off or dry himself off after taking a shower because he couldn't move his arms. He couldn't put his pants on and he couldn't do anything. And now he's working out and moving so freely with no medication."

The symptoms of the disease forced Peterson to step down after last season as associate coach.

Peterson went off his medication earlier in the week leading up to his last treatment, which involved placing a pacemaker near his collarbone. The pacemaker is used to control electrodes that were placed in Peterson's brain earlier in the procedure, which began Nov. 29.

Without the medication, Peterson's motor skills were extremely limited. He had stiffened up Monday to a point where he could hardly move.

After the pacemaker was turned on Tuesday, his improvement was drastic.

"I feel good, the DBS system worked and I'm all free and clear of rigidity without having much medication," Peterson said.

Peterson had relied on three different pills, which he had to take once each day, and another that had to be taken six times per day. Now he takes only one pill twice a day.

"If I wasn't on the medication before I couldn't move at all," he said.

While the heavy prescriptions helped Peterson with his movement, they adversely affected his sleep. He would routinely get three to four hours of sleep, but some nights wouldn't sleep at all.

Peterson expects the DBS treatment to allow him to sleep more comfortably and for longer stretches.

While researching different treatments for Parkinson's, it was Peterson's wife, Tami, who learned DBS could relieve many of the symptoms brought on by the disease.

Brent Peterson initially resisted, but changed his mind when the symptoms became more debilitating.

"There is certainly (the chance) for infection and all those kinds of things, but the only drawback I found was it was a tough three weeks of surgery," Peterson said.

From the onset Peterson made it his mission to be an example to others strapped with Parkinson's that it is possible to continue to enjoy a high quality of life.

After undergoing DBS treatment, he now wants to make others aware of its benefits.

"It's not a very new treatment at all, but it's not very well known," Peterson said.

"I don't know why. That's why I tried to get everybody to follow me, see how I do and then more will know about it."

The Food and Drug Administration granted conditional approval for DBS as treatment for Parkinson's in 1997 and full approval in 2002.

Trotz said the vigor with which Peterson has fought back against Parkinson's has affected him, the staff and the players.

"We watch what Petey is going through a little bit from afar," Trotz said. "We don't know all the personal emotions that he and his family are really going through. But he is an inspiration to me and he is to our team."

Tennessean LOADED: 12.22.2011


Nashville Predators' Kevin Klein likely to sit out again


Defenseman Kevin Klein probably will miss his second consecutive game today when the Predators play Columbus at Bridgestone Arena.

Klein missed Tuesday's game against the Capitals because of the flu and did not practice Wednesday.

"We'll see," Coach Barry Trotz said, "but I would say he is doubtful."

Blum's recovery: Jonathon Blum's return to Nashville after a three-game stint in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals did not get off to a smooth start.

Washington's Alex Ovechkin skated by the young defenseman and scored to give the Capitals a 1-0 lead with 12:18 left in the first period Tuesday.

It sent the Capitals on the way to a 4-1 victory.

Blum recovered and played well the rest of the way, Trotz said. Blum had a minus-1 rating in his almost 19 minutes on the ice.

"He got off to a little rocky start, but he sort of stabilized after that," Trotz said. "He's a young guy that's got to find ways to be a contributing player on a night in, night out basis."

Blum said other than the early gaffe he was satisfied with his play.

"I played physical and I played harder to play against, and that's what I have to do to be in the lineup and stay in there," he said.

Regaining momentum: Nashville won five consecutive games before losing to the Capitals.

The Predators must win today against Columbus and Friday at Dallas in order to regain the momentum heading into the Christmas break, forward Colin Wilson said.

"It's not time to panic, but at the same time we know that we've got to come out a lot better than the last game," Wilson said. "We want to stop the losing there."



Game preview: Predators vs. Columbus Blue Jackets


When: 7 p.m. today

TV/radio: None/102.5-FM

Season series: The Predators are 1-1-1 against the Blue Jackets.

Blue Jacket to watch: F Vinny Prospal has 26 points (seven goals, 19 assists), including four in the past five games.

Blue Jacket injuries: D James Wisniewski (leg) is probable. G Curtis Sanford (back) is questionable. F Kristian Huselius (groin) is out.

Predators injuries: D Kevin Klein (flu) is doubtful.

Nashville's next game: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Dallas.



With season's longest win streak over, Predators look to start another

By David Boclair

As a member of the Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets, Shea Weber once enjoyed a streak of 24 games without a defeat.

He and his teammates won the first 11, tied the 12th and remained unbeaten for another dozen.

"It's unbelievable," Weber said. "I don't want to say it's easy, but it just seems like things are running smoothly, there's not a lot of adversity and if there is there's someone who steps up and fills in for your team.

"And it's not always the big guys. It's a different guy every game, and it makes it a lot of fun."

The Nashville Predators fell well short of a 24-game unbeaten streak and an 11-game win streak when they lost 4-1 to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday.

By NHL standards, though, their run of five straight wins prior to that contest was significant. At the time, it was the longest active streak in the league and it included some of the same things Weber experienced back in Kelowna.

No one would categorize it as easy - all five victories were by one goal - but the 14 goals in those five games came from 11 different players. Four different players scored game-winners. The Predators came from behind in the third period twice, won once in overtime and once in a shootout.

Most important, they climbed from 11th place to seventh in the Western Conference standings.

"Any team that's winning, you'll find a couple things: one is that they're working hard, this is a given; two is that they have a high degree of responsibility to each other and accountability to each other; three, you will find that they have a lot of joy on the ice and in the locker room," coach Barry Trotz, who had a 21-game unbeaten streak when he was AHL head coach, said. "... To me, you take the joy and the work ethic and the accountability and if all that comes together at the right time you're going to be very successful."

The Predators look to start another one Thursday when they host Columbus (7 p.m., Bridgestone Arena), the team they beat to start the last one.

They had two six-game win streaks and one of five last season, when they ultimately advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs for the first time. The most successful stretch in franchise history was a run of eight straight

wins to start the 2005-06 season, which was one of two in which they earned home-ice advantage for the opening round of the postseason.

Having won no more than two straight through the first two months of this season, players said their recent roll added such much-needed joy.

"It's a different mood in the locker room when you're winning," center Jerred Smithson said. "When you come in and you're losing you're not maybe as upbeat or energetic. But when you're winning, you're feeling good it just carries right on to the ice.

"For us, it's just huge to continue that good work ethic and that good attitude. It's definitely a different feeling than it was early on in the season."

Smithson could not recall the longest win streak he'd enjoyed, but in his final two years of junior hockey his team, the Calgary Hitmen, were a combined 109-25-10.

"We put up a big number," he said. "It was just guys willing to do whatever it takes to win. You get that ball rolling in the right direction and it's tough stopping it sometimes. It's a great feeling."

With the end of the Predators' streak, the reigning Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins - with five straight wins - had the NHL's longest active win streak at the start of play Wednesday. No other team had won more than two in a row.

"I don't think you're every going to see one of those [24-game] streaks [here]," Weber said. "There's so many good teams in the NHL. It's similar, though.

"Guys you wouldn't expect to score goals maybe score in big situations and that leads to a streak. When you're paying good hockey you win a lot of games."

Nashville City Paper LOADED: 12.22.2011

602042 New Jersey Devils

Devils' power play needs fixing, but coach Pete DeBoer isn't worried

Rich Chere/The Star-Ledger By Rich Chere/The Star-Ledger

On paper, the Devils' power play looks like it can be among the best in the NHL.

There is newcomer Kurtis Foster with an accurate and powerful point shot, Ilya Kovalchuk's explosive one-timer and Zach Parise's nose for the net in front.

So why has it been so bad? Their power plays ranks 27th overall in the league (16-for-120, 13.3 percent) and was scoreless in three tries against the Rangers on Tuesday night.

But that doesn't even begin to tell the story. They've allowed 10 short-handed goals, which is double the amount of any other team.

"No, it doesn't have me worried," coach Pete DeBoer said today after an optional skate in which he did not take part. "I believe it's fixable and without a major overhaul. I think we have the personnel in place now with Foster here. We just have to simplify things and get back to basics."

Foster was acquired in a Dec. 12 trade with Anaheim. He moves the puck and regularly gets shots with speed and accuracy on target. He assisted on both power play goals in Montreal on Saturday night.

"It's bad right now," Foster said, "but I think we have the components to be a quality power play. Adam (Henrique) did a great job last night, but you miss a guy like Patty (Elias). He's a guy that really wants the puck and controls the play.

"I'm hoping that I can bring a presence at the blue line where, if I show shot, they have to protect it and it will open other guys up."

It was Kovalchuk who lost the puck at the point along the boards, leading to a critical short-handed goal from Carl Hagelin of the Rangers. But DeBoer won't point fingers and doesn't believe the answer is using defensemen at both points.

"We had two defensemen on the ice for two short-handed goals," DeBoer pointed out. "If you're insinuating Kovy is responsible for the short-handed goals...

"If you go back and look at the short-handed goals and the short-handed chances, defensemen have been either more or equally responsible for the short-handed problems we've had. I don't think that is the solution. We obviosuly aren't sticking our head in the sand and ignoring it, but when you go back and look at them our defensemen have been equally as responsible."

Mental errors are part of it.

"Sure. We've turned some pucks over we didn't need to turn over. We've been stripped a few times," DeBoer noted. "The young kid, (Adam) Larsson, has made a few mistakes. But it's been all over the map. It's not one thing.

"If I thought taking a forward off the point on the power play would fix all the problems, then we would do it. But that hasn't been the case. It's been a multitide of different issues from all kinds of different people. We obviously have to get it fixed."

Foster puts a lot of the pressure on his own shoulders.

"For myself, yes. I think I'm a guy who puts that pressure on himself. I'm my biggest critic," the 6-5, 226-pound veteran said. "When I come here I want to produce right away. We had a game with two (power play) goals, but we haven't scored in the other three.

"I don't think it needs to be fixed. Since I've been here I feel that every game we've had lots of quality scoring chances. We're not putting them in, but at the end of the day creating scoring chances is what you need to do. We had a few pretty good chances last night. If Adam (Henrique) gets his stick on that puck a little quicker before (Henrik) Lundqvist comes across, it's a tie game."

On paper they look so much better.

*

Elias (ill) and Henrik Tallinder did not participate in the optional practice.

"I believe they're getting better," DeBoer said. "The reports I got is they're both improving but I won't be able to tell you if we'll have them until probably (today). See how they are."

Tallinder has not yet skated since having back spasms in the pregame warmup three games back.

*

DeBoer said it was good for 19-year-old Adam Larsson to take today off.

"I thought the last two games he was fantastic," DeBoer said. "I think this is a good break for him. This is a kid who hasn't been away from home for an extended period. First time in the NHL. I think there are a lot of positives for him taking a little break right now."

The coach watched a DVD of the 4-1 loss to the Rangers.

"In a good way, I liked how we played. I thought we got a 60-minute effort. There are things you can fix. We have to obviously find a goal on the power play and keep the short-handed goal out," he said.

"But we generated more chances than them, more shots than them, more zone time than them. It didn't work. You don't get points in the standings for that, but from a purely coaching point of view we did a lot of good things."

*

Foster, who came in the trade for Mark Fraser and Rod Pelley, said he has enjoyed his new club.

"It's been good. It's a really good group of guys. They really welcomed me in," Foster said. "I didn't know too many guys coming in. You know the names and the faces from playing against people, but they're pretty welcoming.

"To put on a Devils sweater is pretty special. The team has been around and won a few Stanley Cups. To my friends and family back home, it's pretty awesome to be playing for a team that's been around for a long time. A team that everybody talks about."

Foster is anxious to see his wife and 18-month-old son Thursday.

"My wife is coming in tomorrow with my son," he said. "It will be nice to have them back with me."

For more Devils coverage, follow Rich Chere on Twitter at twitter.com/Ledger_NJDevils

Star Ledger LOADED: 12.22.2011


Devils hold optional practice morning after loss to Rangers


The Devils held an optional practice today in the AmeriHealth Pavilion.

Neither Patrik Elias (ill) nor Henrik Tallinder (back spasms) took part in the session.

A total of six forwards (Dainius Zubrus, Mattias Tedenby, Ryan Carter, Eric Boulton, Cam Janssen and Tim Sestito); five defensemen (Kurtis Foster, Matt Taormina, Mark Fayne, Anton Volchenkov and Alex Urbom; and both goalies (Martin Brodeur and Johan Hedberg) skated.

Coach Pete DeBoer also was not on the ice.

DeBoer said reports he's gotten on Elias and Tallinder are "they're improving. I believe they are getting better but I won't know if we'll have them (for Friday night) until tomorrow."

He said Tallnder has not skated since getting back spasms three games ago in the warmup.

DeBoer said he watched the 4-1 loss to the Rangers on DVD and: "In a good way, I liked how we played a 60-minute effort. There are things you can fix. We have to obviously find a goal on the power play."

He said the power doesn't worry him.

"No, it doesn't have me worried," the coach said. "I believe it's fixable without a major overhaul."




Devils-Rangers: As they play


The Devils faced the Rangers for the first time this season and were without second-line center Patrik Elias tonight at the Prudential Center.

Elias has been ill with a high fever the last two days, so Travis Zajac was moved up to the second line with Petr Sykora and Dainius Zubrus.

Defenseman Henrik Tallinder also missed his third straight game with back spasms. Alex Urbom was a healthy scratch.

It was Martin Brodeur vs. Henrik Lundqvist in the nets.

Sean Avery, Jeff Woywitka and Erik Christensen were Rangers scratches. D Stu Bickel made his NHL debut.

THIRD PERIOD

Kovalchuk leads both teams with four shots on goal in the first two periods.

Anisimov, who scored the first Rangers goal, assisted on the go-ahead tally. He put a back-hander that hit Brodeur and dropped behind the

goaltender. The rebound fell for Marian Gaborik at the left edge of the crease for the right winger's 18th goal of the season at 4:45.

Lundqvist stopped a Sykora backhander with 12:30 left.

The game was a sellout of 17,625.

A McDonagh penalty for closing his hand on the puck at 13:03 put the Devils on the power play, but they gave up their 10th short-handed goal of the season at 14:42 when Kovalchuk was unable to hold the puck in at the left point along the wall.

That gave Carl Hagelin a breakaway and he beat Brodeur to seal the win.

SECOND PERIOD

Derek Stepan nearly tied the score 49 seconds in when his shot hit the corner of the left post and crossbar.

Zajac almost had his second goal of the night at 3:52. Alone in front, the center made two moves before losing the puck off his stick without taking a shot on Lundqvist.

Foster hit Lundqvist's left shoulder and the right post at 4:28 as the Devils kept the pressure on the Rangers goalie.

Bickel, playing in his first NHL game, got into a scrap with Clarkson at 6:24. Each got minor penalties for roughing.

Skating 4-against-4, Lundqvist made a big save on Kovalchuk's shot as Zajac made a pass to set up the scoring chance.

Kovalchuk threw a cross-ice pass to Henrique and it took a great save by Lundqvist at 9:28 to prevent a second Devils goal.

Janssen missed a hit and wound up going head-first over the boards almost completely into the Devils' bench at 11:14.

Callahan hit the left post with 8:18 to go.

The Rangers tied the score at 17:28 moments after Parise was stopped on a sensational individual effort to stickhandle the puck past McDonagh.

Stepan centered a pass from the right wing boards to Artem Anisimov, who was behind Foster and just ahead of the backchecking Parise. Anisimov was able to beat Brodeur on his stick side for his seventh goal.

McDonagh fired a slapper off the crossbar with 18.6 seconds left in the period.

The Devils are outshooting the Rangers, 20-11.

End of period: Devils 1, Rangers 1

FIRST PERIOD

The Devils started their fourth line of Eric Boulton-Tim Sestito-Cam Janssen with Kurtis Foster and Anton Volchenkov on defense. The Rangers started the Brandon Prust-Mike Rupp-Ruslan Fedotenko line with Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh on defense.

Coach Pete DeBoer did not give anyone an 'A' with Elias unable to play.

As soon as the puck was dropped, Janssen and Rupp dropped their gloves and fought att he three-second mark. Neither player landed many good punches, although Rupp did knock Janssen off-balance with one good shot.

Bad blood? Interesting, but Rupp wasn't with the Rangers and Janssen wasn't with the Devils the last time the two teams faced each other.

Other Devils lines: Mattias Tedenby-Ryan Carter-David Clarkson; Zach Parise-Adam Henrique-Ilya Kovalchuk' Petr Sykora-Travis Zajac-Dainius Zubrus. On defense: Matt Taormina-Mark Fayne; Bryce Salvador-Adam Larsson.

Clarkson and Brandon Dubinsky fought at 1:47. When Boulton and Ryan Callahan went at it, both drew 10-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

Rangers center John Mitchell was sent off at 5:48 for hooking Taormina. Lundqvist made a save late in the New Jersey power play on Fayne's one-timer.

The Devils killed off a Zubrus penalty for holding McDonagh's stick and then went on a power play when Dan Girardi high-sticked Parise in the face at 10:22.

Kovalchuk carried the puck end to end and fired a shot that Lundqvist stopped. Soon after, the Rangers got their first shot on goal in 12 minutes (their second of the period). Callahan had one early on a semi-breakaway.

Zajac's first goal of the season gave the Devils a 1-0 lead at 15:51 and the mild-mannered center showed some emotion by pumping his fist. Zajac took the faceoff to Lundqvist's right, giving Taormina a shot on goal.

Lundqvist made the save, as well on Sykora's chance off the rebound. Zajac scored inside the far left post from below the right circle for his first goal since Mar. 15 of last season against the Thrashers. Zajac missed the first 30 games this season recovering from Aug. 18 Achilles tendon surgery.

"It's been a while. To be back with these guys and be a part of the team is exciting," Zajac said.

The Devils outshot the Rangers, 12-4.

End of period: Devils 1, Rangers 0



Devils' power play needs fixing, but coach Pete DeBoer isn't worried


On paper, the Devils' power play looks like it can be among the best in the NHL.

There is newcomer Kurtis Foster with an accurate and powerful point shot, Ilya Kovalchuk's explosive one-timer and Zach Parise's nose for the net in front.

So why has it been so bad? Their power plays ranks 27th overall in the league (16-for-120, 13.3 percent) and was scoreless in three tries against the Rangers on Tuesday night.

But that doesn't even begin to tell the story. They've allowed 10 short-handed goals, which is double the amount of any other team.

"No, it doesn't have me worried," coach Pete DeBoer said today after an optional skate in which he did not take part. "I believe it's fixable and without a major overhaul. I think we have the personnel in place now with Foster here. We just have to simplify things and get back to basics."

Foster was acquired in a Dec. 12 trade with Anaheim. He moves the puck and regularly gets shots with speed and accuracy on target. He assisted on both power play goals in Montreal on Saturday night.

"It's bad right now," Foster said, "but I think we have the components to be a quality power play. Adam (Henrique) did a great job last night, but you miss a guy like Patty (Elias). He's a guy that really wants the puck and controls the play.

"I'm hoping that I can bring a presence at the blue line where, if I show shot, they have to protect it and it will open other guys up."

It was Kovalchuk who lost the puck at the point along the boards, leading to a critical short-handed goal from Carl Hagelin of the Rangers. But DeBoer won't point fingers and doesn't believe the answer is using defensemen at both points.

"We had two defensemen on the ice for two short-handed goals," DeBoer pointed out. "If you're insinuating Kovy is responsible for the short-handed goals...

"If you go back and look at the short-handed goals and the short-handed chances, defensemen have been either more or equally responsible for the short-handed problems we've had. I don't think that is the solution. We obviosuly aren't sticking our head in the sand and ignoring it, but when you go back and look at them our defensemen have been equally as responsible."

Mental errors are part of it.

"Sure. We've turned some pucks over we didn't need to turn over. We've been stripped a few times," DeBoer noted. "The young kid, (Adam)

Larsson, has made a few mistakes. But it's been all over the map. It's not one thing.

"If I thought taking a forward off the point on the power play would fix all the problems, then we would do it. But that hasn't been the case. It's been a multitide of different issues from all kinds of different people. We obviously have to get it fixed."

Foster puts a lot of the pressure on his own shoulders.

"For myself, yes. I think I'm a guy who puts that pressure on himself. I'm my biggest critic," the 6-5, 226-pound veteran said. "When I come here I want to produce right away. We had a game with two (power play) goals, but we haven't scored in the other three.

"I don't think it needs to be fixed. Since I've been here I feel that every game we've had lots of quality scoring chances. We're not putting them in, but at the end of the day creating scoring chances is what you need to do. We had a few pretty good chances last night. If Adam (Henrique) gets his stick on that puck a little quicker before (Henrik) Lundqvist comes across, it's a tie game."

On paper they look so much better.

*

Elias (ill) and Henrik Tallinder did not participate in the optional practice.

"I believe they're getting better," DeBoer said. "The reports I got is they're both improving but I won't be able to tell you if we'll have them until probably (today). See how they are."

Tallinder has not yet skated since having back spasms in the pregame warmup three games back.

*

DeBoer said it was good for 19-year-old Adam Larsson to take today off.

"I thought the last two games he was fantastic," DeBoer said. "I think this is a good break for him. This is a kid who hasn't been away from home for an extended period. First time in the NHL. I think there are a lot of positives for him taking a little break right now."

The coach watched a DVD of the 4-1 loss to the Rangers.

"In a good way, I liked how we played. I thought we got a 60-minute effort. There are things you can fix. We have to obviously find a goal on the power play and keep the short-handed goal out," he said.

"But we generated more chances than them, more shots than them, more zone time than them. It didn't work. You don't get points in the standings for that, but from a purely coaching point of view we did a lot of good things."

*

Foster, who came in the trade for Mark Fraser and Rod Pelley, said he has enjoyed his new club.

"It's been good. It's a really good group of guys. They really welcomed me in," Foster said. "I didn't know too many guys coming in. You know the names and the faces from playing against people, but they're pretty welcoming.

"To put on a Devils sweater is pretty special. The team has been around and won a few Stanley Cups. To my friends and family back home, it's pretty awesome to be playing for a team that's been around for a long time. A team that everybody talks about."

Foster is anxious to see his wife and 18-month-old son Thursday.

"My wife is coming in tomorrow with my son," he said. "It will be nice to have them back with me."



Devils hold optional practice morning after loss to Rangers


The Devils held an optional practice today in the AmeriHealth Pavilion.

Neither Patrik Elias (ill) nor Henrik Tallinder (back spasms) took part in the session.

A total of six forwards (Dainius Zubrus, Mattias Tedenby, Ryan Carter, Eric Boulton, Cam Janssen and Tim Sestito); five defensemen (Kurtis Foster, Matt Taormina, Mark Fayne, Anton Volchenkov and Alex Urbom; and both goalies (Martin Brodeur and Johan Hedberg) skated.

Coach Pete DeBoer also was not on the ice.

DeBoer said reports he's gotten on Elias and Tallinder are "they're improving. I believe they are getting better but I won't know if we'll have them (for Friday night) until tomorrow."

He said Tallnder has not skated since getting back spasms three games ago in the warmup.

DeBoer said he watched the 4-1 loss to the Rangers on DVD and: "In a good way, I liked how we played a 60-minute effort. There are things you can fix. We have to obviously find a goal on the power play."

He said the power doesn't worry him.

"No, it doesn't have me worried," the coach said. "I believe it's fixable without a major overhaul."




Your comments: Devils fans frustrated after another loss to Rangers

NJ.com Staff By NJ.com Staff

From squidboy:

Here's a simple question for any Devils fan.

Does anyone really feel like we ever have an advantage in goal anymore when Marty is in net? Particularly against the Rangers?

If your answer is no, don't you think many of the players feel the same way? They will never admit it, but when it gets down to crunch time, Marty is a 50/50 proposition at best.

paul11:

DEVILS FANS - HOW MANY SOFTIES HAVE YOU SEEN MARTY LET IN OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS WHEN WE PLAY THE RANGERS??? Answer - every game and that costs us the game.

Devils braintrust- It is high time to start Hedberg when we play Rangers...Marty is lost mentally now when we play them...look at the tapes if you don't want to believe it. And no, not total reason for the loss last night but again, one softie a game is all it takes!!

From kingcobra423:

The difference in this game was simply two things: The Devils couldn't finish and the Rangers capitalized on their opportunities. We only got to one rebound and that was the Zajac goal. I'm getting a little tired of the Kovalchuk sharp angle one-timer that goalies know is coming. Then when he misses, the puck rattles all the way out of the zone. There's too much room on the PP, there's no traffic in front and the Devils don't collapse the box.

Brodeur really needed to come up with a big save on the short-handed 2-on-1 and he didn't. Marty made some key saves but his defense keeps failing to clear the crease. The only "clean" goal besides the empty net was the shorty. They get beat a lot with the back-door play because the defense lets the other teams' forwards get behind them! I not defending Marty here but he shouldn't have been put in the position to have to make a big save

on the PP; we have the extra man! I can just see the other team salivating when they go on the PK. It's like they can smell the Devils' fear and taste a short-handed goal!

From joeydevil:

Wow, how soon we all forget! How can anyone who calls themselves Devils fans rip Martin Brodeur? Are you kidding me? Tonight's game Lundqvist stole for the Rangers. Not to mention how many posts both teams hit all night. This short-handed goal thing is comical. Every time the Devils draw a penalty, I cringe. I would prefer to see them never get a power play chance again. I blame the entire coaching staff on this one, not just Adam Oates. Put 2 D-men back on the point. Fayne, Larsson and Foster all can be on the PP. Not to mention Taormina and or Salvadore.

What do you make of Brodeur and the power play in the Devils' 4-1 loss to the Rangers? Join the discussion in the comments section of the Star-Ledger game story.



Cam Janssen hoped fight with Mike Rupp would give Devils an early lift


Devils coach Pete DeBoer said he's seen a fight immediately as the puck is dropped to start a game many times before, so he wasn't shocked to see Cam Janssen and the Rangers' Mike Rupp drop their gloves three seconds into tonight's game at the Prudential Center.

"I coached junior hockey for 15 years. I've seen quite a few of those," DeBoer said after the Devils' 4-1 loss.

For Janssen, it was a matter of emotions running high and the hope of sparking his team with an early fight.

"There's a reason why we both started. I asked him and apparently he said yes," Janssen said of challenging the much-taller Rupp. "He's a good guy. He knows what's coming. Big guy. We both had to do what we had to do. Kind of set the tone."

Rupp is 6-5, 243 pounds.

Janssen is 6-0, 215.

"It doesn't bother me because the small guy you saw has the heart of a lion," DeBoer said. "He's been doing that for a long time and he's a big part of our team."

Janssen agreed.

"That's just my job. I really don't care, to tell you the truth," Janssen said. "Yes, he is a big guy. He fights smart. He doesn't want you to hit him. He kind of came with a fury off the bat and I weathered the storm. I was trying to get loose because I wanted to throw with him.

"He played me smart and kind of threw me down a bit. He knew what he was doing. It is what it is. I just tried to get the team going. That's all that matters."

Neither player delivered a damaging blow but Rupp knocked Janssen off balance with one punch.

DeBoer said he started his fourth line because Rangers coach John Tortorella did the same.

Janssen knew he would be dropping his gloves at some point in the match.

"I had a feeling I was going to have something with somebody," he said. "Either him or (Brandon) Prust. I know Prust kind of has a bad shoulder or something. You have to respect guys. If they're hurt, you can't just call them out like that because when I'm hurt I don't want somebody to do that to me.

"Rupper knew it was coming. He prepared himself and so did I. The bottom line is you want to get your team going. Off the bat we did. They came out and played well and ended up winning the game."



Devils notes: Allow another short-handed goal

The Record

Another night, another short-handed goal against for the Devils. They've allowed an NHL-worst 10 in 33 games this season after the Rangers' Carl Hagelin scored one on 2-on-1 with 5:18 remaining in the third period Tuesday. No other team has allowed more than five short-handed goals.

"They're frustrating, but that wasn't the story of the game," Devils coach Pete DeBoer said of the short-handed goal. "We're pressing at the end. We're down."

On Hagelin's goal, Ilya Kovalchuk was unable to keep the puck in at the left point, which led to the 2-on-1. Hagelin beat Martin Brodeur high to the glove side to up the Rangers' lead to 3-1.

"This one was kind of different," Brodeur said. "We were pressing hard to try to get the equalizer. But, again, five minutes is plenty of time. So, allowing chances is getting to be a problem, there's no doubt."

Elias ill

Devils center Patrik Elias sat out Tuesday's game with the flu. Elias, who became the Devils' all-time leader in goals with 348 by scoring a pair in Saturday's 5-3 win in Montreal, also missed Monday's practice.

"He's still feeling it, so he's at home and resting," DeBoer said

DeBoer also was ill Monday and left immediately after practice without talking to the media, but had mostly recovered by Tuesday morning.

"I feel much better," DeBoer said. "A 24-hour bug. I stayed away out of concern for you guys [Monday]. I was in that contagious period, but I'm not anymore, so you're safe."

Tallinder still out

Defenseman Henrik Tallinder missed his third game in a row with what the Devils are calling back spasms. Tallinder did not participate in Tuesday's morning skate and has not been on the ice with the team since last Friday's morning skate.

"He's getting better, but not available," DeBoer said

- Tom Gulitti

Bergen Record LOADED: 12.22.2011

602050 New York Islanders

Islanders lose Al Montoya, David Ullstrom to concussions

By ARTHUR STAPLE [email protected]

The Islanders lost two more players, including goaltender Al Montoya, to concussions on Tuesday night, bringing their total of regulars out of the lineup because of concussions to four as the NHL's wave of head injuries continues.

Montoya and left wing David Ullstrom left the Isles' 3-2 shootout win over the Jets in Winnipeg after taking blows to the head. Montoya was run over by Winnipeg's Evander Kane with 1:20 left in the second period as Kane led with his stick, cross-checking Montoya in the mask. Montoya stayed down

for two minutes before being helped off to the dressing room, giving way to Evgeni Nabokov in goal.

Ullstrom left in the final minute of overtime after throwing a hit on Jets captain Andrew Ladd. Ullstrom caught Ladd's elbow in the face and fell awkwardly into the boards.

Both players were well enough to fly home with the team on Tuesday night, but in today's world of heightened awareness about concussions and their symptoms, well enough to fly home doesn't mean well enough to play. Both are out indefinitely, joining Brian Rolston and Steve Staios on the sideline because of concussions.

The Islanders called up goaltender Anders Nilsson and wing Micheal Haley on an emergency basis and shifted Rolston to injured reserve. The team faces the Rangers at Madison Square Garden Thursday, the Leafs at home Friday and then back to the Garden on Monday, all during the holiday roster freeze, meaning Nilsson and Haley are on the roster until Tuesday.

And meaning that Nabokov, who stopped all 19 shots he faced in the third period and OT and both shootout attempts in winning for the first time since Oct. 15 -- it was his first game since he suffered a groin injury on Nov. 17 -- will be in goal tonight to face the Rangers.

"It's always good when the guys play a very disciplined game," Nabokov said. "I was just trying to simplify things, turn the pucks to the boards."

The Islanders did clamp down in that third period, keeping the Jets to the outside in the defensive zone. It's a style the Islanders have been slow to adopt, but now with a few key players out indefinitely, perhaps they will warm to a more system-oriented, slow-down game when it can work, as it did in Minnesota and then Winnipeg.

"If we have to win 2-1, 1-0 games," Jack Capuano said, "that's what we have to do. The guys have started to realize that."

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 12.22.2011

602051 New York Rangers

Young Ranger Rebounds With Help From Richards

By CHRISTOPHER BOTTA

As usual, Michael Del Zotto had dinner at a Manhattan restaurant Wednesday night with Brad Richards. The meal, on the eve of the Rangers' game against the Islanders at Madison Square Garden, has become a ritual for the teammates. They also live in the same downtown apartment building. For Del Zotto, a third-year defenseman, Richards's guidance is a primary reason he is flourishing after a season so disastrous, he could not even dismiss it as a sophomore slump.

"Ultimately, a player has to fix his own game with the coaches when things go as badly as they did last season," Del Zotto said after a recent practice. "But Richie's support at the rink and away from it has made a huge difference."

After a hope-raising rookie season in 2009-10, Del Zotto - the Rangers' first-round pick three years ago - floundered in Year 2. Benchings, a demotion to the minors and a broken finger limited him to 47 games. "I lost confidence," Del Zotto said. "It was a mental toughness thing. I got down on myself."

His weak performance, at times devoid of physical play or signs of emotion, led to season totals of two goals, nine assists and a minus-5 rating. After 31 games this season, the 21-year-old Del Zotto already has 3 goals and 13 assists and leads the team at plus-17. Among defensemen, he is tied for second in plus-minus with the Norris Trophy winners Zdeno Chara and Nicklas Lidstrom and behind only Ian White of Detroit (plus-23).

"Everything about him is different this season," goaltender Henrik Lundqvist said. "His passes are crisper. His battle level is like we'd never seen before. He's playing a lot more physically. You have to remember, he is still a very young player, especially for a defenseman. But there's no question he's a more confident player."

For that, Del Zotto and the Rangers should give some thanks to the former Dallas Stars wing James Neal. After the Rangers signed Richards as a free

agent July 2, Neal - now a member of the Penguins - introduced him to Del Zotto via text message. Richards was a mentor of Neal's in Dallas. Neal knew he could do the same for Del Zotto, his buddy from neighboring Ontario towns.

Although they had never met, Del Zotto and Richards, 31, spent a lot of time on the phone over the summer talking about the coming season, and expectations.

"I knew last year was a little bit of an up-and-down year, and we'd need him," Richards said. "We need him to be playing like he's playing. He's playing really well. I'm not saying that's because of me. I'm just trying to help him in any way I could. He's done a lot of this on his own. He's matured a lot. You can see he's preparing."

The Richards-Del Zotto friendship is what Coach John Tortorella hoped for when he spoke with his players in the off-season. "We talked about mentoring," Tortorella said. "The players took it upon themselves. It's good to see. Michael is a very important guy to us."

Since the top defenseman Marc Staal has been sidelined all season with concussion symptoms, Del Zotto's re-emergence as part of the team's core has been crucial for the 19-8-4 Rangers. He is not only leading Rangers defensemen in scoring, but his improved positioning and checking have earned the trust of the assistant coach Mike Sullivan, who has given Del Zotto an average of more than 22 minutes per game in all situations.

While Del Zotto's game crumbled last season, the Rangers' management did not seem tempted to trade him. He already had a history of overcoming setbacks.

"I saw how Michael reacted when he didn't make Team Canada for the World Junior Championships, after we'd drafted him," said the Rangers' scouting director, Gordie Clark, who selected Del Zotto with the 20th overall pick in the 2008 draft. "That's a tough experience to go through because every kid in Canada has that dream. It can break some kids. But Michael let it roll off him and was outstanding for the rest of his junior career. That really impressed us."

Chris DePiero, a coach and general manager with Del Zotto's former Ontario Hockey League club, the Oshawa Generals, feels confidence should not be his problem.

"Michael has all the tools you'd want in a top-pair defenseman," DePiero said. "What any young player with his ability has to watch out for is complacency. At the N.H.L. level, you can never stop working at getting better. Michael had a bump along the road, but he's going to be fine."

Perhaps everything came too easily for Del Zotto as a 19-year-old in his rookie season. The Rangers started 7-1-0. Del Zotto quarterbacked the power play. At the time, Tortorella called it "baptism by fire." There was talk of a star being born. By the end of the season Del Zotto was minus-20, and the Rangers missed the playoffs.

This September, Del Zotto was not even a lock to make the team out of training camp. But he entered camp bulked up and in peak condition, worked his way into competition for a spot on the team's third defense pairing, embraced the responsibility when Staal was sidelined and listened to the wisdom of Richards - the Rangers' Stanley Cup-winning, top-line center.

"He's learning what it takes to be a pro," Tortorella said. "He's on the right road."

Del Zotto said: "Last year was something I never want to experience again. It's on me now. But with guys like Richie, it's good to know the support is always there."

New York Times LOADED: 12.22.2011


NY Rangers coach John Tortorella shows two sides on HBO's '24/7 Flyers/Rangers: Road to the Winter Classic'

By Pat Leonard

Under the hot lights of the HBO cameras, NY Rangers seem to have amped up their antics on the ice

Flyers coach Peter Laviolette inadvertently upstaged HBO Wednesday night.

Hours before the network aired its second episode of "24/7 Flyers/Rangers: Road to the Winter Classic," Laviolette got into a brief shoving match with Stars forward Steve Ott, who was yapping at the Flyers coach in the tunnel between periods in Dallas.

It was Laviolette live and raw, just as we saw later on HBO, when he blew up at an official over a missed call on a trip of Jaromir Jagr, yelling: "What a disgrace! Typical Montreal."

Later, though, the coach shared an honest moment with Flyers forward Scott Hartnell.

"Two hundred goals, Hartsy. Congrats," Laviolette said. "That's two hundred more than me."

"You didn't get one?" Hartnell asked his coach, who led Carolina to a Stanley Cup in 2006.

"Twelve games, no points," said Laviolette, who played all 12 NHL games for the Rangers during the 1988-89 season.

It was two sides of what makes a charismatic, championship-caliber coach, a theme HBO carried by delving deeper into the personality of John Tortorella.

On the one hand, the Rangers coach gave a backhanded compliment to defenseman Steve Eminger, saying he's on the team because he plays hard even though "he's ugly as hell most of the time." He told defenseman Anton Stralman to keep his spacing with the reminder, "Don't crawl up his (behind)." Then he dropped seven F-bombs during a tirade in St. Louis.

That, however, was accompanied by the Tortorella who shares a special bond with young Rangers fan Liam Traynor, who has cerebral palsy but eats, sleeps and breathes the Blueshirts.

"It really means the world to me, actually," Traynor said of Tortorella's consistent support. "It really does."

Seeing both sides of the coaches was a major highlight of Episode 2, which turned its focus to hockey and the gritty details of the game.

Attention was paid to the concussions of Marc Staal, Claude Giroux and Chris Pronger, plus an inside look at the work of the officials, with referee Tim Peel telling the Rangers: "I don't want any ---- after the whistles." And a taste of what it feels like to be intimidated by a 6-5, 243-pounder in Rangers enforcer Mike Rupp.

"Do you want me to hit you late?" Rupp said to a Coyotes player who yapped after the whistle. "You wont get up if I hit you late. You know it, too."

What we're waiting for now is more from Jagr, a personality and star who has played for both teams. Wednesday night, he did rip on goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov at a pregame meal for the goalie's wacky performance in Episode 1.

"Bryz, can you go sit over there, please?" Jagr said, getting up and moving to another table. "----, I can't eat alone."

"He was on Sega Genesis," the Flyers Zac Rinaldo said in the show. "I used to play that game religiously. And I never used to be Jags because I didn't like that type of player, but I used to play against Jags on that Sega. I was Eric Lindros."

New York Daily News LOADED: 12.22.2011


Gabby's line earning top grades

By LARRY BROOKS

The most important thing to know about hockey chemistry is that it is not science. Rather it is an undefinable mixture of preparation, communication, instinct and work ethic.

Or else, perhaps it's just as Professor Artem Anisimov explained it when asked why his line featuring Derek Stepan in the middle and Marian Gaborik on the right is evolving into such a perfect union by saying, "I don't know; we just play hockey."

They play hockey with three working and thinking as one, merging their talents to create off the rush, rather than play dump-and-chase, aided immeasurably by the re-identification of Gaborik as a world-class goal-scorer after a season in which an imposter inhabited the Rangers' No. 10 jersey.

"I don't think I've changed my game a whole lot. It's just that I'm trying to move a lot to be in position to get the puck and then when I do get it, I look to move it quickly so I can get it back," Gaborik said following yesterday's practice in preparation for tonight's Garden match against the Islanders. "The three of us are always moving, always looking to give-and-go, and we always have a guy down behind the net while we circle.

"Nobody's standing still and waiting. We're supporting one another. It's all about support. And confidence."

Gaborik has recorded nine goals in his last 11 games, 19 in 31 overall, just one behind league leader Steven Stamkos prior to last night's matches. Stepan has 13 points (3-10) in his last 13 games, including his three-assist performance in New Jersey on Tuesday. Anisimov has nine points (5-4) in his last nine matches.

"I think that our lines moves its feet and plays hard all the time, and in doing that we generate space for one another," said Stepan, who is accelerating his emergence as a force in his sophomore season. "The biggest thing is that we work so hard to get the puck, and that allows us to use our skills.

"I think we see the game the same way, but I think that's basically the case with everyone in our locker room and in that I mean that we all want to play a hard game and take advantage of that philosophy to create offensive chances."

Stepan played about a quarter of his rookie season centering Gaborik. A year ago, the fit wasn't quite there. But after being reunited in Game 10 this year, the center and winger have acquitted themselves quite well.

"I understand the league a little bit more," Stepan said. "I wouldn't say I have a full grasp of it yet, but I have a better idea of what works and what doesn't.

"I'm more confident of my ability to make plays and get the puck to Gabby instead of trying to force it to him every time the way I was last year. I think that's the biggest difference for me playing with him."

"Both Artie and Step see the game very well," said Gaborik. "Artie is a skilled guy, who can skate and take a guy one-on-one and in a lot of ways, because I think Europeans see the game the same way, he and I understand each other.

"Step's really smart out there. He works hard, he thinks and he's patient with the puck, he won't just get rid of it. He can handle the puck, make moves and skate at the same time, and that makes us all faster, you know what I mean?"

Of course. It allows the line to just play hockey.

New York Post LOADED: 12.22.2011


Milestone for Marian Gaborik

The Record

Marian Gaborik's two goals and an assist pushed him one point over the 600-point mark for his career, a milestone he was able to enjoy Tuesday night.

"It's a pretty nice milestone but the most important thing is it helped us win," said Gaborik, who has 302 career goals and 299 assists.

Also worth noting is that Gaborik has 19 goals and 11 assists this season, including four goals in his last two games, after slumping to 22 goals and 26 assists last season.

Strong return

Artem Anisimov was disappointed his streak of 194 consecutive games played to start his career was snapped when he missed Saturday's 3-2 win at Phoenix due to the flu.

He returned with a second-period goal and a third-period assist against the Devils.

"I think the first period, for me, was going to be hard," said Anisimov, who has seven goals and 14 assists. "I needed to get into the game because I missed one. In the second [period], I started playing better."

Wolski excited

Left wing Wojtek Wolski (sports hernia), out since Nov. 3, is within a week to 10 days of returning to the lineup. He hasn't dealt with any soreness for a while.

"I know there are still a couple of steps," said Wolski, who has two assists in six games. "I want to make sure I cover everything before I come back. I want to jump back and contribute. I don't want to be testing the water."

Briefs

Defenseman Marc Staal (post-concussion symptoms) said the only equipment change he'll make when he returns is wearing a more protective Bauer helmet. ... Sean Avery remained a healthy scratch for the fifth straight game. Erik Christensen returned to being a healthy scratch after playing the last four games.

- Andrew Gross



Rangers enjoy home cookin' before holiday

By ANDREW GROSS

GREENBURGH, N.Y. - The carrot on the stick for the Rangers is a two-day Christmas break this weekend. The obstacle course is three divisional rivalry games.

Henrik Lundqvist turned aside 30 Devils shots Tuesday in the first of three straight divisional games.

The Rangers host the Islanders tonight and the Flyers Friday after winning, 4-1, Tuesday at Prudential Center.

"We know we have two days off after Friday but we see it as a good test," said Henrik Lundqvist, who made 30 saves against the Devils in perhaps his second-best game of the season after a 40-save performance in a 4-0 win at Vancouver on Oct. 18.

"It's great to have two days off but this is a huge week for us," defenseman Michael Del Zotto added. "Now with the back-to-backs, the points are huge for us. The break will be a lot more fun and enjoyable if we get all these points."

Coach John Tortorella fretted Wednesday that the Rangers, who have won two straight, had to rely too much on Lundqvist against the Devils because of turnovers and poor work on faceoffs (20 of 47).

And Tortorella said that was not a function of a makeshift defense corps that had Connecticut (AHL) call-ups Stu Bickel and Tim Erixon as a third pair, saying too often it was the forwards turning the puck over.

But Tortorella couldn't be all too unhappy with his forwards, particularly not Derek Stepan's top line with right wing Marian Gaborik and Artem Anisimov. The trio accounted for three of the Rangers' four goals and eight of their 10 points.

That included Gaborik's second straight two-goal performance, increasing his tallies to 19 this season. Entering Wednesday's play, Gaborik was tied for second in the NHL, one behind the Lightning's Steven Stamkos.

"It's nice to be up there as long as it helps the team win games, that's all that matters," said Gaborik, who tied a career high with 42 goals in his first season with the Rangers before slumping to 22 last season. "I want to go out every night and do the job. Not every year is perfect. It's nice that the pucks are going in. It's a long year.

"Definitely confidence is a big part of it," added Gaborik, who needs one assist to reach 300 for his career.

"You want to get in the area, kind of get in the blue, where the puck might end up.''

BRIEFS: Defenseman Jeff Woywitka (left foot) remains questionable after not playing Tuesday, meaning Erixon will likely remain in the lineup despite suffering a lower-body injury against the Devils. ... Left wing Carl Hagelin (four goals, three assists) will start the game elevated to Brad Richards' line with Ryan Callahan after his short-handed goal against the Devils. ... Defenseman Mike Sauer (concussion), who has missed seven games and remains out indefinitely, was at the Rangers' practice facility but did not speak to the media.



Tim Erixon stays with Rangers, for now

By ZACH SCHONBRUN. Special to Newsday

f

GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- Rookie Tim Erixon views every minute he spends with the Rangers this season as a blessing, even if his tenure hasn't exactly been steady.

Besides worrying about his performance, learning the system, and his minor lower body injury, Erixon has got something even more basic on his mind.

"I think my parents are probably going to drive here from Hartford," the 20-year-old defenseman said. "I might have to ask them to bring me some clothes."

Erixon was recalled from AHL Connecticut on Monday -- his third call-up this season and second in the last week -- as the Rangers attempt to plug holes to their banged-up defense.

The result has been a roller coaster of emotions for the young Swede, son of former Rangers wing Jan Erixon and a prospect whom coach John Tortorella considers one of the system's best. He has no car and shares an apartment in Hartford with teammate Mats Zuccarello.

"He's taking care of that now," Erixon joked. "Hopefully."

Erixon was called up Dec. 14 and flew to St. Louis, but was sent down the next day. He was recalled again Monday and played nearly 10 minutes Tuesday against the Devils in place of Jeff Woywitka, who missed the game with a sore left foot.

Woywitka remains questionable for Thursday night's game against the Islanders and said Wednesday after practice that his left foot injury is still bothering him. An X-ray revealed no breaks.

"It's better," Woywitka said, "but the tight, quick turns and sudden movements are still on the soreness side."

With Woywitka's status uncertain, Erixon will remain with the Rangers for at least one more game -- hence the need for clothes -- but maybe not much longer. The Rangers could choose to keep him and send down Stu Bickel, but Tortorella is still debating that.

"I'm not sure if this is the best thing for [Erixon] or playing in the minors," Tortorella said. "I just don't want to hurt him in his progression."

Erixon admitted the back-and-forth has been a little "annoying" but he's not complaining.

"This is a top team so it was going to be tough to play the whole season here," Erixon said. "I'm just trying to go out there and play good every game and chance I get."

Notes & quotes: D Marc Staal skated in practice again Wednesday but said his status has not changed since Monday. "It's still the status quo," Staal said. His timetable for return remains indefinite.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 12.22.2011

602057 Ottawa Senators

Veterans' return sparked Sens' fine defensive effort

By Ken Warren, Postmedia News December 21, 2011

OTTAWA - Take nothing away from centre Kyle Turris's debut with the Ottawa Senators Tuesday, but the return of veteran defencemen Sergei Gonchar and Filip Kuba from injuries played a bigger role in the 4-1 NHL win over the Buffalo Sabres.

It's not often that the Senators, who have allowed a league-high 117 goals against, can be praised for their defensive poise, but that's what they delivered in allowing goaltender Craig Anderson to enjoy one of his easiest nights of the season.

The 23 shots against were the fewest in 17 games, dating back to Nov. 11.

The single goal against was the least since a 3-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Nov. 15.

More importantly, the Senators allowed only a handful of odd-man rushes and rebounds were usually quickly cleared from around the net.

The sound defensive play was in stark contrast to the defensive breakdowns that had been the norm through the first 33 games.

After the game, Anderson said it was no coincidence that the game featured the return of both Kuba, who played 23 minutes, and Gonchar, who checked in at 20.

Kuba had missed the previous nine games with a shoulder injury and Gonchar was absent from the previous four with an upper-body injury.

"It was probably one of the better games (defensively)," Gonchar said following practice Wednesday, in preparation for Thursday night's visit to Scotiabank Place by the Florida Panthers.

"(Anderson) made the key saves when we needed him to, but I don't think we gave up too many two-on-ones or three-on-twos. It's about not panicking, maybe having a little different mindset, always thinking defence first. Sometimes, when you're younger, you have a tendency to jump in too much or try to create things out of nothing. When you gain experience, you pick your spots more."

While Erik Karlsson will probably always walk that fine line - "Erik is Erik," says Gonchar - David Rundblad, the 21-year-old rookie defenceman who was traded for Turris on Saturday, was unable to find that balance between offence and defence.

He was repeatedly caught in between, resulting in odd-man breaks for the opposition and the ugly minus 11 plus-minus figure beside his name.

With Matt Carkner now back for the past six games following a knee injury, Tuesday marked the first night the Senators had a completely healthy group of defencemen this season.

Brian Lee was the healthy scratch.

"We had two pretty good guys come back and help us out," Carkner said. "Our focus, as a team, is to play better defence, and that's from the goalie

out. As a team, we've got to shore up our (defensive) zone and eliminate odd-man rushes. There are a lot of parts that have to fall into place, but we've been preaching the same kind of thing and it's starting to catch on."

While Tuesday's victory was far from the most entertaining game of the season, coach Paul MacLean was hardly complaining because of the variety of players who chipped in.

MacLean figures the Senators are going to need a similar effort against Florida, one of the league's biggest surprises.

Florida (18-10-6) leads the Southeast Division and ranks third overall in the Eastern Conference.

New coach Kevin Dineen, a former Senator, has been able to shape an impressive team out of a group of veterans who many thought were overpaid.

Goaltender Jose Theodore is among league leaders in wins (13) and save percentage (.923).

"If you're a first-place team, you're doing something right, and we have to pay attention to what they're doing," MacLean said. "They've had an influx of some really good players. (Brian) Campbell can transport the puck. (Kris) Versteeg has great skill. (Tomas) Kopecky has great experience.

"There's the growth of (Jason) Garrison. All of a sudden, he can shoot the puck harder than anyone in the league."

Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 12.22.2011


Senators practice update: Michalek nears return, Winchester begins recovey

Posted on 21 December 2011. By James Gordon Tags: Milan Michalek

Senators practice update: Michalek nears return, Winchester begins recovey

Ottawa Senators winger Milan Michalek took another step toward recovery from a concussion Wednesday, while Jesse Winchester finds himself starting from scratch.

Michalek, who was injured in a freak collision with teammate Erik Karlsson last week, said he felt good after his first full practice with the team since that day.

Although he said it was 'unlikely' that he would play Thursday night at home against the Florida Panthers, he didn't rule out Friday's contest in Raleigh.

"I just want to see how it's going to be tomorrow, because it was my first time with the guys practicing and I skated pretty hard so we'll see how it's going to be tomorrow," he said. "And my conditioning needs to be better too."

Winchester, meanwhile, was still experiencing headaches after getting his head rammed into the boards by Buffalo Sabres forward Paul Gaustad the night before.

There was no word early Wednesday afternoon on whether or not Gaustad would face discipline from the league. He wasn't penalized on the play that took Winchester out.

Senators coach Paul MacLean clearly wasn't impressed with the hit.

"I thought it was a very dangerous play," he said. "I think if you look at the replay, it's a bigger man hitting a smaller man, whcih is part of it I believe, but also the stick being across the hips and running up to behind his head was the dangerous part."

*

More news and notes from Senators practice Wednesday:

- Craig Anderson will start in goal against the Panthers. Anderson stopped 22 of 23 shots in the Senators' 4-1 win over the Sabres.

- Winchester's injury gives Bobby Butler another chance to show he belongs here. MacLean said Butler has been a diligent worker off the ice and has been a plus player so far. "Unfortunately, the expectation is also he's going to shoot the puck in the net. That hasn't happened for him yet.

Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 12.22.2011


Michalek laces up for Sens practice

By BRUCE GARRIOCH, QMI Agency

Milan Michalek was the last one off the ice Wednesday.

The Senators winger was happy to be back practising with his teammates after suffering a concussion Dec. 13 vs. the Buffalo Sabres. But he's not sure if he'll be ready to return before the two-day Christmas break starts Saturday.

Michalek, the club's leading scorer with 19 goals, won't be ready to return Thursday as the club wraps a four-game homestand against Florida. There's a chance he could suit up Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh.

"I feel good. It was my first practice with the guys and I feel great," said Michalek. "We'll see how it's going to feel. I just want to see how it's going to be (Thursday) because it was my first time practising with the guys."

Michalek was leading the NHL in goals when he was hurt, and remains among the leaders. He was in a five-way tie for second, one goal behind Steven Stamkos, heading into Wednesday's games.

"I skated pretty hard, but my conditioning has to be better as well. I'm going to take it day-by-day. I've had some good days, for the last three days, but you never know with a concussion."

This is the third concussion of Michalek's career, so he has to be cautious. The Senators aren't going to rush him back into the lineup, either.

"All I know is that if when you've got 19 goals out of your lineup and he says he can play, you'd probably like to have him in the lineup," said MacLean.

"(But) we're going to be careful and Milan is going to be careful to make sure he's ready to go. We're not just going to put him in to put him in just so he can say he got 20 (goals) by Christmas.

"But, if he says (he's ready to go) and he passes his baseline test and all that stuff, then we're going to follow the protocols, just like we did with Daniel Alfredsson. When all those things say that (Michalek) can go, then he'll go."

NO SUSPENSION FOR GAUSTAD

NHL VP of safety Brendan Shanahan has decided not to hold a hearing after reviewing the unpenalized hit from behind by Buffalo's Paul Gaustad on Ottawa LW Jesse Winchester in Tuesday's 4-1 victory.

Gaustad could get away with a $2,500 fine or even a warning. The Senators, meanwhile, will be without Winchester indefinitely with a concussion. He was at the rink Wednesday, but still feeling groggy.

"He still has headaches and everything that goes with it," said MacLean.

MacLean felt the hit warranted a second look.

"I thought it was a very dangerous play," said MacLean. "It was a bigger man hitting a smaller man, which is part of it, I believe but also the stick being across the hips and running up to behind his head was the dangerous part."

Winchester is a role player, but he has played a big role for the Senators. Injured in camp, he missed the first six games of the season but has been playing well since returning. His spot will be taken by Bobby Butler.

Butler, a healthy scratch after the arrival of Kyle Turris from Phoenix, has only two goals this season.

"(Butler's) worked really hard off the ice and with the puck. He's done really good things that way. He's a (plus-6) player on the team," said MacLean. "Unfortunately, the expectation is also that he's going to shoot the puck in the net and that hasn't happened for him."

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 12.22.2011

602060 Philadelphia Flyers

Thoughts on Giroux, Flyers; Bob starting

DALLAS _ Nobody asked me, but...

If it's me, I err on the side of caution and do not play Claude Giroux until after Christmas.

But it appears the gifted Flyers center will play Wednesday night in Dallas. Nothing official, but there were lots of hints yesterday that Giroux will center Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell on Wednesday night.

Giroux was miked by HBO at around 6 p.m., so he's not sitting in the pressbox.

Giroux missed the last four games after suffering a concussion on Dec. 10.

Why rush his return? Someone who has suffered a concussion is more susceptible to a second one. Returning 11 days after a concussion seems a bit premature, no?

*

Backup goalie Sergei Bobrovsky will start against the Stars. Coach Peter Laviolette said Bob's strong performance in Dallas last year played a role in his decision.

This season, Bob is 6-2-1 with a 2.72 GAA and .908 save percentage.

The Flyers (20-8-4) will try to snap a two-game losing streak Wednesday against the surprising Stars (19-12-1). The Flyers are averaging a league-best 3.5 goals per game _ almost one goal more than Dallas (2.59).

The Flyers, who have not lost three straight all season, have won their last four meetings against Dallas.

In their last four games, all without Giroux, the Flyers' power play was 1 for 17 (5.9 percent). The Flyers went 2-1-1 in those games.

Jaromir Jagr would have been in Monday’s shootout rotation if it went longer, coach Peter Laviolette said.

The Flyers lost to Colorado, 3-2.

Danny Briere and James van Riemsdyk scored in the shootout, and Matt Read fired a shot off the crossbar.

“I haven’t taken a penalty shot in the last six years,” Jagr said.

Did he want to shoot Monday?

“I’ve never been a player who says, ‘Bleep, coach, bleeping put me on ice, I’m bleeping going to score.’ That’s not me,” he said with a laugh.

Jagr and Jakub Voracek paid homage Monday to Vaclav Havel, the former Czech Republic president who died a few days ago. Jagr and Voracek wore his initials on their helmets. “He was a guy who fought his life against the Communists,” said Jagr, who knew Havel personally and twice went to the White House with him.

*

A goal with a little over 18 seconds left Monday in Colorado was changed from Wayne Simmonds' to Danny Briere's. It took a while, but officials got it right.

*

The second installment of 24/7 will be shown Wednesday night on HBO at 10. The series follows the Flyers and Rangers en route to the Winter Classic. Philosopher/goalie Ilya Bryzgalov was easily the star of the first episode.

*

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/Thoughts-on-Giroux-Flyers.html#ixzz1hEMq5lZC

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Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 12.22.2011


Giroux returns, has four points in Flyers' win over Stars

By Sam Carchidi

DALLAS - Some fans were calling Claude Giroux's quick return from a concussion a "Christmas miracle," and that was before the Flyers' shifty center collected a goal and three assists against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night.

Giroux's theatrical return spurred the Flyers to an entertaining 4-1 win over the Stars at the American Airlines Center, a victory that included some extracurricular activity between fiery coach Peter Laviolette and Dallas center Steve Ott.

Just 81/2 minutes into the game, Giroux scored after Jaromir Jagr's shot deflected to him out front.

"I went to the net and tried to open up a lane pass for Jags, and I was able to get a little gift on the side there," Giroux said.

More "gifts" followed.

Giroux had two points in the first 11 minutes, 36 seconds and took over the NHL points lead. He later added an assist on Jagr's second-period power-play goal and on Andrej Meszaros' third-period breakaway.

"It feels good to be back with the boys in the locker room," said Giroux, whose four-point night matched Sidney Crosby's first game back from a concussion before he again became sidelined. "That's the best part."

Giroux had missed four games after being accidentally kneed in the back of his head by teammate Wayne Simmonds on Dec. 10 against Tampa Bay.

While Giroux's return was the big story, there was an interesting side show. After the first period ended, Laviolette and Ott seemed to exchange words as they were walking down the tunnel. On the TV replay, Laviolette and Ott appeared to push each other.

Apparently Laviolette was upset by a hit Ott made on Giroux in the opening period.

In the second period, Ott and Flyers assistant Craig Berube were jawing at each other.

The Flyers ended a two-game losing streak; they have not lost three straight this season.

After a shaky start, backup goalie Sergei Bobrovsky steadied himself and raised his record to 7-2-1. Bobrovsky's best sequence came during a 34-second span that started with 6:21 left in the second period. The second-year goalie first stopped Radek Dvorak, who broke in alone, and shortly thereafter turned aside Alex Goligoski out front.

Before the game, Laviolette answered questions from reporters who wondered if Giroux had returned too soon.

Basically, he told them: Let's trust the medical people.

"There are intelligent people making intelligent decisions that spend a lot more time studying this," Laviolette said. "These are brilliant people who spend a lot of money on their education and are very talented in their fields."

With Giroux on the ice for his first shift, Dallas scored 56 seconds into the game as Michael Ryder blistered a drive from the top of the left circle that blew past Bobrovsky's glove and into the far corner.

But before long, Giroux was in pre-concussion form, scoring a goal and assisting on Wayne Simmonds' power-play tally as the Flyers built a 2-1 lead.

Giroux partially fanned on a rebound, but got enough of the puck to knock it past Richard Bachman, tying the score at 1 after 8:30. About three minutes later, Simmonds deflected Kimmo Timonen's drive into the net for his 10th goal, making it 2-1.

Giroux, who seemed unfazed after getting hit in the face by defenseman Trevor Daley on the power play, picked up the other assist.

The Flyers' power play was 1 for 17 (5.9 percent) in the four games Giroux missed. They had two power-play goals in their first three attempts with Giroux back in the lineup Wednesday.

Eight minutes into the second period, Giroux set up another power-play goal, making a perfect give-and-go feed to Jagr, who broke in alone to give the Flyers a 3-1 cushion. Jagr's goal was his 657th, surpassing Brendan Shanahan for sole possession of 11th place on the all-time NHL list.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/20111221_Giroux_returns__has_four_points_in_Flyers_win_over_Stars.html#ixzz1hESQX8Kb

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Winter Classic Countdown: 12

By the Times Staff

Classic Fact: Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov's helmet for the Winter Classic will pay tribute to Philly sports - complete with the likenesses of Reggie White and Mike Schmidt, as well as Harry Kalas.

Classic Fact: Ignore the history of the Winter Classic, Flyers fans. In 2010 in Boston, the Bruins beat the Flyers. That was the only time in the four-year history of the WC that the home team has won.

Classic Fact: The Flyers have a 114-104-37-7 record all-time against the Rangers. The 272 points they've collected aganist the Blueshirts is tied for the second-most against any opponent (Islanders 272, Penguins 313).

Classic Fact: At least one forecast for the Philly area calls for 41 degrees on Jan. 2, but no rain.

Classic Fact: While no Canadian teams have taken part in the Winter Classic, the Heritage Classic, held in 2003 and 2011, featured only Canadian teams - Edmonton, Calgary and Montreal (twice).

Classic Fact: The first Winter Classic was held in Buffalo. The weather was unusually mild, so NBC had snow imported from Montana to make it look more like winter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. As it turned out. it started snowing for real toward the end of the game.

Classic Fact: OK, there's a big push that has landed Ron Hextall and Bernie Parent for the Alumni Game, and maybe Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier. But where's the push to get Brad Park here?

Classic Fact: Penn State will face Neumann in a men's outdoor hockey game at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 8 p.m. Tix are $10 each.

Classic Fact: A goal by Marco Sturm at 1:57 of overtime gave the Bruins a 2-1 win over the Flyers in the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park.

Classic Fact: Hall of Fame and Stanley Cup-winning goalie Bernie Parent will play for the Flyers alumni in their game against the Rangers' alums Dec. 31 at Citizens Bank Park.

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Delaware County Times LOADED: 12.22.2011


Giroux is hoping he can see another type of Stars

By ANTHONY J. SANFILIPPO

DALLAS — For three days, Claude Giroux has frequently been heard saying “We’ll see,” about his pending return to hockey following a concussion.

It’s time to see for sure tonight.

After two good practices in Denver, Giroux was medically cleared for physical contact Tuesday and was a full participant in practice with his teammates, taking a regular rotation in drills with Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell.

He also took some hits in the corners and said he felt good again after practice but wouldn’t go so far as to confirm that he’ll return tonight when the Flyers take on the Dallas Stars.

“If you see me in the warmup it probably means I’m going to play,” Giroux said. “I’ll probably play, if I keep getting better, pretty soon.”

Tonight?

“Maybe,” he said with a sheepish grin. “I went into the corners with (Braydon Coburn) and told him to hit me a little bit and that felt pretty good, too.”

There are other clues hinting toward his return – like the Flyers quietly sending Kevin Marshall back to the Phantoms Monday night without announcing it, thus clearing roster space for Giroux to return.

Or the fact that he was wearing a microphone for HBO’s “24/7” series during practice and seemed to be a featured person for their filming.

“It’s the first time he took contact and he went full – it was good to see him out there banging,” coach Peter Laviolette said. “He looks really good.”

Really good in the sense that he looks like the same guy who was leading the NHL in scoring before his concussion Dec. 10?

“Well, it was just practice, but he looked really good. I don’t know how far you want me to take that ‘really good’ comment, but he looked really good.”

Gotcha.

Even his injury status update from general manager Paul Holmgren, who is not on the trip with the team, finally changed from “out indefinitely,” to “has made positive strides over the past few days, now listed as day-to-day.”

While it’s looking as if Giroux is ready to jump back into the lineup against Dallas, there was one team source who thought Giroux was going to sit out one more game.

“I don’t think (he’ll play in Dallas),” said the source via email. “But I know he’s feeling real good.”

Either way, Giroux will play again this week (if not tonight, then almost certainly Friday in New York), and the Flyers could use him. He has missed four games and although the Flyers are 2-1-1 without him, the last two games his absence has been noticeable as the Flyers have struggled to generate any offense.

l l l

It’s hard to argue the selections made by coach Peter Laviolette for the shootout Monday in Colorado, especially since two of the three shooters scored (Danny Briere and James van Riemsdyk) and the third (Matt Read) beat the goalie only to have his shot catch the crossbar.

However, it did make one question why in either of the Flyers’ shootout losses this season, Laviolette has not called on Jagr, who is the ninth-greatest scorer in the history of the league.

“I think a player’s comfort level with doing it factors into it,” Laviolette said. “What we see in practice and how a player responds in practice and their capabilities in practice — their history throughout the course of their career… I don’t think (Jagr) is uncomfortable, no. I think the shootout presents a different set of circumstances and a new challenge.”

“When you slow it down and there’s too much thinking and too much time, it’s different on a goaltender and it’s different on a shooter from being chased from behind (on a breakaway).”

As for Jagr, he said he hasn’t taken a penalty shot or a shootout shot in six years. And he sort of admitted he doesn’t like them.

“I’m not going to say it’s a big favorite of mine. I don’t like back-checking either,” Jagr said. “It’s part of the game, though. We didn’t lose the game because I didn’t shoot. It’s the coach’s decision, not mine. I’m not the kind of guy who is going to say to the coach, ‘hey, put me out there.’ If he wants to put me out there, he will.”

Jagr’s numbers aren’t the greatest in the shootout. While with the Rangers for the first four seasons the shootout existed, Jagr was a paltry 5-for-22.

But he is a different player in Philadelphia and might he be better suited for it after finding the fountain of youth in Russia.

“I don’t know, maybe,” he said. “I haven’t taken a shot in six years. I don’t play on the penalty kill either, but how do you know I can’t?

“Before most of these guys were alive my coach made me play on the penalty kill and two-men shorthanded, too. He did it because I had a long reach and I could read the play.”

Something for Laviolette to consider?

“No, because I wouldn’t try to block any shots,” Jagr joked.



Flyers win testy matchup vs. Stars in Giroux's return

DALLAS – Granted, it wasn’t Sidney Crosby coming back from a concussion after nearly an entire year and turning in a four-point performance.

Nonetheless, it was a rather impressive feat for Flyers center Claude Giroux on Wednesday night at American Airlines Center.

After missing four games concussed, Giroux had an imposing impact upon his return against the Stars with a four-point game, as the Flyers routed the Stars, 4-1.

His four points allowed him to regain the NHL scoring lead with 43 points.

“It feels good to be back with the boys in the locker room,” Giroux said. “That's the best

part.”

Giroux’s two points alone in the first period saw him break a logjam. When he left the lineup on Dec. 10, he was the NHL points leader with 39, just ahead of Toronto’s Phil Kessel.

During his absence, Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin and Vancouver’s Henrik Sedin tied him with 39, as well, but no one passed him.

Dallas struggled at the blue line without talented defenseman Stephane Robidas, who missed the game with a foot injury.

Jaromir Jagr was salivating at the prospect of having Giroux back in the lineup this week. The G Man has meant so much to him this season.

You could see Giroux’s impact right away.

He got a soft rebound on Jagr’s drive down the slot at 8:30 for his 17th goal of the season to draw the Flyers even at 1-1.

“I went to the net and tried to open up a lane pass for Jags and I was able to get a little gift on the side there,” Giroux said.

Three minutes later, Giroux assisted on Wayne Simmonds’ power -lay goal as the Flyers forged ahead of Dallas, 2-1. The play was highlighted with a booming point shot from Kimmo Timonen that Simmonds redirected.

“I was just standing in front of the net and G made a good play to Kimmo,” Simmonds said. “I saw Kimmo was trying to find a lane. He shot the puck and I was just able to get a piece of it.”

By the second period, Giroux had added to his scoring lead with another assist.

The game got chippy that period and it may have had something to do with coach Peter Laviolette and Dallas’ forward Steve Ott shoving each other between periods as they walked up a common tunnel between the two benches that the visiting coaches use, but not the visiting team.

That period also saw Jagr make it 3-1 off the rush with his 11th goal from Giroux’s second assist during a Flyer power play. The goal was Jagr’s 657th, giving him sole possession of 11th all-time over Brendan Shanahan.

Things really began to unravel after that goal as Ott got into it with Marc-Andre Bourdon and then Brendan Morrow got in Bourdon’s face, as well.

Before the period was over, Sheldon Souray threw his stick out at Jagr after the whistle, exchanged words with Tommy Sestito, then roughed up Harry Zolnierczyk

Somehow, Souray survived, while Sestito and Dallas’ Adam Burish, who was yapping with the Flyers, both got 10-minute misconducts.

Amid all this chaos, Sergei Bobrovsky had a number of fine saves, including robbing Radek Dvorak from the crease.

Andrej Meszaros made it a rout early in the final period off Giroux’s third assist of the game.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 12.22.2011


Laviolette, Stars' Ott get into altercation

DALLAS -- Flyers coach Peter Laviolette and Stars forward Steve Ott got into a brief altercation between periods heading for their dressing rooms.

Replays by VERSUS show Ott holding Laviolette up by yapping at him. He then gives Laviolette a push as the coach tries to move past him. Laviolette returns the push, moving past Ott to the left.

Since this involves a coach, the incident will surely be reviewed by Colin Campbell, the NHL’s director of hockey operations.

The two player benches join a common tunnel at center ice. Although the visiting team exits the ice through a different tunnel at one end of the rink, it's customary for the visiting coaches to sometimes exit through the common tunnel which the Stars players and their coaches also use.

That's why Laviolette and his coaches were there while his players were somewhere else.

During the second period, Flyers assistant coach Craig Berube was yelling at Ott, undoubtedly about the incident.

It seemed to carry over onto the ice as Ott and several Flyers exchanged words.

After the second period, the Flyers coaching staff waited till Dallas went up the tunnel and wanted to follow, but officials made the Flyers staff go onto the ice after their players and take the long way around to the dressing room.



Giroux pays immediate dividends in return

How much did the Flyers miss Claude Giroux these past four games while the center recovered from a concussion?

This much: a goal, an assist and power play help.

Giroux's return to the lineup between usual mates Scott Hartnell and Jaromir Jagr saw him score a goal off the rush for the Flyers in the opening period and assist on Wayne Simmonds' power play goal that gave the Flyers a 2-1 lead at intermission.

Giroux's two points allowed him to regain the NHL scoring lead by himself with 41 overall points.



Flyers' Bobrovsky to start in net against Stars

DALLAS – Sergei Bobrovsky will make his second start of the month Wednesday night at American Airlines Center as the Flyers take on the Dallas Stars.

Claude Giroux will be a game-time decision, but all indications are that he will play.

Bobrovsky's previous start in net this month was Dec. 15, a 4-3 win in Montreal.

You may recall that Bobrovsky stole the Flyers a point against the Stars last season in this building with a 3-2 shootout victory in which he was sensational in the shootout.

“It was a big win,” coach Peter Laviolette said.

Did that factor into the decision?

“We mentioned it,” Laviolette replied. “But more, I’m just looking at the rotation here and the big picture.”

Bobrovsky is 6-2-1 this season with a 2.72 goals against average and .908 save percentage.

Asked if he would like to see Giroux remain out a little longer as a precaution, Laviolette said he doesn't have to make those calls.

"There are intelligent people involved in these decisions that have spent a lot more time involved in this decision ... " he said. "These are brilliant people, who spent a lot of money on their education, have very talented skills and are well-documented in what they do. We pick the best of the best to work Philadelphia sports teams. That should be enough said."



Excited for WC, Luukko wants to skate at Bank

NEW YORK – Flyers president Peter Luukko isn’t just a fan of hockey. A few times a week, he laces up his own skates and plays the game with friends and colleagues.

So it’s fitting that Luukko, when asked what he’s looking forward to most about the Winter Classic, didn’t miss a beat with his answer.

“I can’t wait to personally skate on Citizens Bank ballpark,” he said with a big smile. “We have a group that plays in the morning at the Wells Fargo Center, and we’re going to steal a little ice time for that group, too. So, personally, that’ll be very satisfying.”

Luukko, along with former Ranger Adam Graves, NHL COO John Collins, NBC broadcasters Mike “Doc” Emrick and Bob Costas, and NBC Sports’ Sam Flood and Jon Miller gathered on the set of Saturday Night Live on

Wednesday to discuss the approach of the Winter Classic – now only 12 days away.

The Flyers participated in the event just two years ago at Fenway Park in Boston, but for Luukko, it’s been a different experience this time around.

“I think it was easier being the visitor,” he said. “We just played here in New York and showed up in Boston and that’s all we had to do, as magical as it was. There’s a lot of preparation – certainly, the ticket demand is unbelievable. And amazingly, the ticket demand for the Alumni Game is just huge. Both teams have players from various eras … so that demand has been huge.”

As much as the Winter Classic feels like a tradition that’s been around for ages, the event actually started just five years ago. The Pittsburgh Penguins, who hosted the event last year and played in Buffalo against the Sabres for the first Winter Classic in 2008, are the only other team to have participated twice.

Philadelphians – fully aware their city is perennially the underdog – watched as other big hockey markets like Boston and Chicago got to host a Winter Classic. The city was excited months ago when news broke that Philly’s turn had finally arrived, but the buzz has only grown since then.

“I think that buzz, for all the work that our staff has to go through, that buzz is worth it,” Luukko said. “We’re having a lot of fun with it … We’re always competing with New York and competing with Washington, and you can feel that buzz that, ‘hey, we have the game. It’s our game, it’s our day.”

And it’s a big day. Luukko estimated 150,000 people will head to South Philadelphia for one of the games or other events held on Winter Classic ice.

“It’s on par with the Super Bowl, in terms of the amount of people coming into town excited for the game,” he said. “But the good part is, unlike the Super Bowl, the home team is here. The Flyers are there, it’ll be full of Flyers fans. The Ranger people are coming down from New York, so obviously the crowd will be crazy and the build up is just great.”

But he expects the Winter Classic itself, set for Jan 2. at 1 p.m., will be even greater.

“As I’ve always said, none of us would ever dream that the Flyers would be playing at Citizens Bank ballpark,” he said. “That’s just special.”



Tonight's game notes: Flyers at Stars

csnphilly_staff.png

Flyers at Stars, 7:30 p.m., Versus

Records

Flyers: 20-8-4 (First in Atlantic Division, Second in Eastern Conference)

Stars: 19-12-1 (First in Pacific Division, Third in Western Conference)

Previous games

The Flyers lost in a shootout to the Avalance, 3-2, on Monday night. Danny Briere scored in the final minute of regulation, with the Flyers goaltender pulled before the Flyers lost in the shootout. On Saturday, the Flyers were shutout by the Eastern Conference's No. 1 team, Boston. The Bruins beat up the Flyers and won 6-0.

Who's hot?

Danny Briere has nine points (three goals, six assists) in his last nine games and Jaromir Jagr has 10 points (four goals, six assists) in his last nine.

Storylines

The Flyers are trying to avoid losing three in a row.

It is likely that Claude Giroux returns to the lineup tonight. Giroux continues to improve from a concussion and is still tied for the league lead in points (39) despite missing the past four games.

The Flyers have beaten the Stars in their last five meetings dating back to 2007. This is their only meeting this season.

Injuries

Flyers: Sean Couturier (head), Giroux (concussion), Brayden Schenn (mild concussion), Chris Pronger (concussion), Erik Gustafsson (wrist).

Stars: Philip Larsen (quad contusion), Tomas Vincour (sprained MCL, IR), Kari Lehtonen (groin, IR).

Sound off

Will Giroux lead the league in points at the end of the season?



Jagr remembers late Czech president Havel

DALLAS – Jaromir Jagr remembers when the Czech Republic won the Olympic gold medal in hockey at the 1998 Nagano Games in Japan.

He got a visit afterwards in the dressing room from Czech Republic President Vaclav Havel with a special invitation.

“He was there and after the game, we all flew to his house,” Jagr recalled. “He wanted all the team there. It was fun. Big house.”

Havel died on Sunday at the age of 75. To celebrate his memory, Jagr and teammate Jakub Voracek, wore “VH” on the back of their helmets against Colorado this week.

Havel led his country’s anti-communist movement in the 1980s and championed freedom, opening the borders, as well as giving his people the right to free speech without imprisonment.

In his younger years he was a dissident playwright, whose ideas grew into what would later become a revolution among his people.

“I knew, but it was illegal to talk about it [then],” said Jagr, whose No. 68 is a reference to the Soviets rolling their tanks into Prague in the spring of 1968.

Jagr’s grandfather died in prison, arrested by the Soviets during that invasion.

“If you look at the big picture, he was the main guy. Without him, nobody would play in the NHL from the Czech unless you defect. After the revolution, which he started, the borders were open and there was freedom. You could go anywhere you want.”

Without Havel, Jagr likely never would have been an NHL player.

Jagr knew Havel for his entire career and had been with him to the White House on three different occasions, including when Havel was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003.

“Our country is very small and hockey is popular,” Jagr said of how he knew Havel. “Most of the time, people from government and sports kind of know each other.”



Where was Jagr during Monday's shootout?

DALLAS -- The way Peter Laviolette sees his shootout lineup, it’s all a matter of feeling “comfortable” when you get that tap on the shoulder.

You might have noticed Laviolette didn’t ask Jaromir Jagr, one of the game’s most prolific scorers, to be among his three choices in Denver on Monday during the Flyers' 3-2 shootout loss to the Avs.

That’s because some players, like Jagr, are fine with breakaways on a goalie under game conditions, but don’t like penalty shots because it offers them too much time to think instead of acting normal.

For his part, Jagr said he wasn’t asked and really doesn’t have an opinion on shootouts other than he hadn’t taken a penalty shot in six years and isn’t fond of them.

“I think a player’s comfort level factors into it," Laviolette said. "What we see in practice and how they respond in practice and their capabilities in practice. Their history throughout the course of their career, I guess.”

Laviolette said he wants to give his younger players “opportunities” to be successful this year in all kinds of situations. The shootout is one them.

Rookie Matt Read hit the crossbar. James van Riemsdyk’s backhander was close. The only veteran shooter was Danny Briere.

Laviolette wants his younger players to get comfortable with shootouts. He said he won’t “hide" anyone and that it will be a shared asset within the team.

All of this is well and good, but it doesn’t address why Jagr, a player with world-class moves and 656 career goals, wasn’t among his shooters other than for comfort reasons.

“You guys put me in a tough situation right,” Jagr said when asked if he liked shootouts. “Bleep, I don’t like back check, either.

“I didn’t take a penalty shot the last six years. I’m not saying I’m in big favor of it. It’s like back checking. I don’t like back checking. Bleep! It’s part of the game.”

Do you think too much on shootouts?

“Coach thinks I don’t feel comfortable. He’s making the decisions, not me.”

Did you want to shoot against Colorado?

“I’ve never been a player who says, ‘Bleeping put me on the ice and I’m gonna score.’ That’s not me,” Jagr said laughing.

“I didn’t say I didn’t want to be there, but I didn’t bleeping come to coach and say, ‘Hey coach, put me on.’ It’s two different things.

“If the coach tells me to go, I’m gonna go. If you ask me to guarantee that I’m going to score, no I won’t guarantee anything. Nobody in the world can guarantee they will score. The best players probably 35 percent.”

The Flyers are 0-2 this season in shootouts.



Giroux stars in return as Flyers beat Stars

By Sam Carchidi

DALLAS - Some fans were calling Claude Giroux's quick return from a concussion a "Christmas miracle," and that was before the Flyers' shifty center collected a goal and three assists against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night.

Giroux's theatrical return spurred the Flyers to an entertaining, 4-1 win over the Stars at the American Airlines Center, a victory that included some extracurricular activity between fiery coach Peter Laviolette and Dallas center Steve Ott.

"It was like old times," right winger Jaromir Jagr said, referring to having Giroux as his linemate. "We had extra energy. He was excited [to] play again."

Giroux said he was headache-free when he woke up in the morning and knew he was 100 percent after skating in the morning. He absorbed big hits from Trevor Daley and Ott early in the game.

"I think it was important to get the first hit and see how you feel," he said. "I felt good after that, and it made me more comfortable."

Just 81/2 minutes into the game, Giroux scored after Jagr's shot deflected to him out front.

"I was able to get a little gift on the side there," Giroux said.

More "gifts" followed.

"He's clearly established himself as the top player in the league," said Laviolette, adding he wasn't surprised by Giroux's performance.

Giroux had two points in the first 11 minutes, 36 seconds and took over the NHL points lead. He later added an assist on Jagr's second-period, power-play goal and on Andrej Meszaros' third-period breakaway.

"It feels good to be back with the boys in the locker room," said Giroux, whose four-point night matched Sidney Crosby's first game back from a concussion before he again was sidelined. "That's the best part."

Giroux had missed four games after being accidentally kneed in the back of his head by teammate Wayne Simmonds on Dec. 10 against Tampa Bay.

While Giroux's return was the big story, there was an interesting side show. After the first period ended, Laviolette and Ott seemed to exchange words as they were walking down the tunnel. On the TV replay, Laviolette and Ott appeared to push each other.

Apparently, Laviolette was upset by a hit Ott made on Giroux in the opening period.

"I didn't know about it," said Giroux, who was informed of the incident by a reporter. "It's good to see we have each other's back."

Laviolette tried to downplay the incident after the game.

"I think it's hockey out on the ice," he said. "We just had a big win to move back into first place in the Eastern Conference. We should probably keep it about the game because it was such a big win."

In the second period, Ott and Flyers assistant Craig Berube were jawing at each other.

The Flyers ended a two-game losing streak. They have not lost three straight this season.

After a shaky start, backup goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (30 saves) steadied himself and raised his record to 7-2-1.

Before the game, Laviolette answered questions from reporters who wondered if Giroux had returned too soon. Basically, he told them: Let's trust the medical experts.

"There are intelligent people making intelligent decisions that spend a lot more time studying this," Laviolette said.

With Giroux on the ice for his first shift, Dallas scored 56 seconds into the game as Michael Ryder blistered a drive from the top of the left circle that blew past Bobrovsky's glove and into the far corner.

But before long, Giroux was in pre-concussion form, scoring a goal and assisting on Wayne Simmonds' power-play tally as the Flyers built a 2-1 lead.

Giroux partially fanned on a rebound, but got enough of the puck to knock it past Richard Bachman, tying the score at 1 after 8:30. About three minutes later, Simmonds deflected Kimmo Timonen's drive into the net for his 10th goal, making it 2-1.

The Flyers' power play was 1 for 17 (5.9 percent) in the four games Giroux missed. They had two power-play goals in their first three attempts with Giroux back in the lineup.

Eight minutes into the second period, Giroux set up another power-play goal, making a perfect give-and-go feed to Jagr, who broke in alone to give the Flyers a 3-1 cushion. Jagr's goal was his 657th, surpassing Brendan Shanahan for sole possession of 11th place on the all-time NHL list.



Giroux on point in return to Flyers lineup

By FRANK SERAVALLI

DALLAS - On Nov. 21, the hockey world was abuzz when Sidney Crosby lit up the New York Islanders for four points in his first game in more than 11 months.

Claude Giroux' stint on the injured list lasted just 11 days, but in his first game back in the lineup after sustaining a concussion, Giroux matched Crosby's storybook return with a fairy tale of his own.

Giroux factored into each one of the Flyers' tallies as they scored four unanswered goals to top the Stars, 4-1, and end a two-game losing streak. With one goal and three assists, Giroux regained the NHL's points lead after the fourth four-point game of his young career.

"I'm not surprised with anything this guy does anymore," linemate Scott Hartnell said. "He's obviously our best player and he's so competitive. He's always going to be in a position to get points and help our team win."

Giroux actually seemed disappointed after the game that he didn't net a fifth point to surpass Crosby. He now has a six-game point streak dating back to before his injury.

"Ahh," Giroux said when told that Crosby scored the same amount in his first game back from injury. "With all of those points, I just gave the puck to our guys and they took care of the rest."

Unlike Crosby, who again is out indefinitely due to a second concussion sustained after just eight games in the lineup, Giroux said he wanted to make sure that he was 100 percent before returning. He actually skated by himself yesterday morning just to make sure he was symptom-free.

He shook the cobwebs out early when he was slammed into the boards by both Trevor Daley and Steve Ott at separate points in the first period.

"When I woke up [yesterday morning], I felt great," Giroux explained. "I think that was important for me, to wake up and feel good. I was careful to see how the whole day went. I felt pretty good out there. I was kind of nervous to see how I was going to feel on the first shift, if the headaches were going to come back. It made me more comfortable.

"A little pressure comes off [with the first point scored] and you feel more comfortable."

With the win, the Flyers took over sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference just 2 days after losing their grip in the standings to Boston on Monday night. It was their 13th win in 18 road games.

The Flyers have earned 13 of a possible 14 points in their first seven road games in the month of December alone. They've outscored opponents, 28-17, during that stretch.

Even with three road tests left before the Winter Classic - in New York tomorrow night, followed by Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh - the Flyers can begin to see the light at the end of what was supposed to be a December gantlet.

That means there has been a lot of the Mac Miller "Knock Knock" song blaring in the Flyers' locker room recently.

"It's always a crappy time to be away from home, right near Christmas, with family and stuff," Hartnell said. "But we've been pretty hot on the road. It's fun and exciting, to come in here and listen to that [HBO-made-famous] music and everyone is happy. We know this will pay dividends in the months to come, it means we will be home a lot."

Last night, the Flyers' power play was the story. They entered the game having connected on just one of their last 17 attempts without Giroux over the last four games. They went 2-for-5 and Giroux picked up an assist on both goals.

On their two power-play goals, the Flyers needed a combined 1:06 to break down the Stars' penalty kill and score.

"They moved the puck, there was a lot of zone time," coach Peter Laviolette said. "When you take a player of [Giroux's] caliber and put him on the power play, it's going to be a lot more effective."

Not even a goal in the first 56 seconds of the game could derail Giroux' return. Michael Ryder scored for Dallas in the first minute with Giroux' line on the ice. From there on, Giroux said he felt a personal responsibility to turn his minus-1 into a plus-1.

"With 'G' back in the lineup, we can come back from three or four goals," Jaromir Jagr said. "We've proved it this month, that this team can score goals. You could feel it, no one worried about it and we just played our game."

"Giroux is a big catalyst for our club," Hartnell said. "He works hard. He plays all situations. His work ethic and his attitude is contagious. When he's going, everyone else just seems to follow suit."

Slap shots

Jaromir Jagr's second-period goal, the 657th of his storied career, gave him sole possession of 11th place on the NHL's all-time list. He is just 12 goals away from passing Luc Robitaille for 10th . . . Wayne Simmonds' redirection on the Flyers' second goal was the 50th of his career . . . Zac Rinaldo, the NHL's hits leader per minutes, had a game-high six hits in 10:13 of ice time . . . The Flyers have now won six straight games against Dallas dating back to 2007.



A chip shot between Flyers' Laviolette, Dallas' Ott

By FRANK SERAVALLI

DALLAS - Stars forward Steve Ott said Flyers coach Peter Laviolette's own arrogance - and not his body - got in the way last night during a tussle between the two in the hallway that leads to the locker rooms at the American Airlines Center.

Passion from an abnormally chippy game spilled over into the first intermission as Laviolette and Ott got into a brief shoving match on their way off the ice. The Versus cameras captured the scene live on national television.

Ott described the situation - which shows the two yapping back and forth at each other before pushing ensued - as Laviolette being in a hurry to get to the Flyers' locker room. The Flyers and Stars do not share a tunnel to the locker room - the Stars use the one at center ice and the Flyers use one in the corner end zone and take a long walk - but Laviolette decided to use Dallas' entrance instead of walking down the ice after the period.

"It's disrespect of our building, obviously," Ott said. "Just let our team off [the bench]. It's not that big of a deal. He obviously thought that he's got higher power than anyone else and the most arrogance of any coach in the NHL. That's the first time I've seen that.

"I would never do that if I was in Philadelphia's building and I had to walk through their lineup. It's his own arrogance going to the dressing room."

Laviolette declined to tell his side of the story. He was asked whether Ott's hit on Claude Giroux, back in the lineup for the first time since Dec. 10 with a concussion, late in the first period had anything to do with the scuffle.

"We should probably keep it about the game," Laviolette said. "It was such a big win for our organization. I am sure that is what you guys [the media] want to talk about."

After the incident, Laviolette used the Flyers' exit for the remainder of the game.

Both Laviolette and Ott could face disciplinary action. While a suspension for the minor incident is unlikely, Laviolette could face a maximum fine of $2,500. Last year in the playoffs, Flyers forward Dan Carcillo was suspended for an off-ice incident in the hallway when he verbally assaulted a referee in Boston.

"We don't like off-ice confrontations of any kind," NHL senior vice president Colin Campbell told the Daily News. "We'll review it just as we review any play. I cannot comment any further than that."



Hartnell protects and serves with Flyers' top line

By FRANK SERAVALLI

DALLAS - Aside from having his stick ready for a pass at any time from the NHL's current leading point-getter and the active all-time points leader, Scott Hartnell said he had an added responsibility last night against the Stars.

Hartnell was to act as the extra muscle for linemate Claude Giroux, who was back on the ice for the first time since sustaining a concussion on Dec. 10.

"I got a talking-to earlier to make sure that I'm aware of what's going on," Hartnell said before the game. "I need to make sure no one takes liberties with him or [Jaromir Jagr]. I'm sure they'd be in a scrum if I got hurt. But I'm definitely going to be watching his back.

"With a concussion, you want to doubly be aware of that, you don't want guys punching him in the face after a whistle. I will definitely be there if something like that happens."

With a four-point night, Giroux seemed to handle his own business just fine. When he was bumped into the boards - by Trevor Daley on a first-period power play or later on the penalty kill by Steve Ott - Giroux showed no ill-effects in his return after an 11-day layoff.

Reunited last night for the first time in nearly 2 weeks, the Flyers' top line did not miss a beat. Both Jagr and Hartnell assisted on Giroux's first-period goal that tied the game.

In fact, top-unit injuries - whether it was Giroux over the last four games or Jagr's four-game absence in November with a groin injury - have not affected Hartnell's prodigious points pace. Hartnell has been the one constant on a line that has also recently included Sean Couturier and Danny Briere.

Hartnell collected three points in the four games Giroux missed and five points in the four contests Jagr sat out in November.

With two assists last night, Hartnell now has 12 points in 10 games in December. He is on pace to finish with 41 goals and 35 assists for 76 points over a full 82 games - which would easily top his 30 and 30 campaign with the Flyers in 2008-09.

To put those gaudy numbers in perspective, since the 2004-05 lockout, a Flyer has topped the 70-point plateau for a season only eight times.

Hartnell, 29, is well aware of his success. He said he tracks his stats on a daily basis.

But he also knows that he wouldn't be in this position without playing alongside two of the game's most talented players. It's just hard to imagine what Hartnell's totals would have looked like if he was paired with Giroux and Jagr from the start. He went the first seven games of the season playing sparingly while posting just two points.

"Jagr is a competitive guy," Hartnell said. "If I'm not working hard in practice, I will hear about it from him. And though 'G' leaves me alone, it does get me fired up to want to work hard and play for him. Playing with two guys like that, that want to be on the scoresheet every night, I think that feeds off to everyone else."

Winter Classic update

While the schedule has been set for a high school and college hockey doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park for Jan. 4 - with soon-to-be Division I team Penn State facing nationally ranked Division III foe Neumann College preceded by Malvern Prep and La Salle High - another game was added to the docket.

The club teams from Drexel and Villanova, representing the ACHA Division I club hockey league, will battle in the "Crosstown Classic" on Jan. 5 at 7 o'clock. That will ensure that all three levels of college hockey will be on display. Tickets are $10.

Yesterday at the ballpark, NHL ice guru Dan Craig's crew put the rink boards in place. If all goes well, under-ice pipes carrying coolant will begin flowing today and the first layer of ice will be laid down tonight.

For more news and analysis,

read Frank Seravalli's blog,



Sam Donnellon: '24/7' shows different side of Flyers, Rangers

EARLIER IN the day, at a news conference in New York City, Adam Graves hit it top shelf. Yeah, the saucy language of "24/7: Flyers-Rangers: Road to the NHL Winter Classic" is edgy, and the moments are raw and real. But, he said, the best part of HBO's series, which aired its second segment last night, is the players you think you know, you actually get to know.

And that, said the former Rangers winger, is unnerving.

"Certainly, as you are watching you realize how likable they are," he said. "Outwardly looking, with the rivalry you have with the Flyers, there's so many guys you don't appreciably like on the Flyers. And I'm sure the Flyers could say the same thing about the Rangers. But when you see them in their element, part of a group, part of a family, you understand how close they are. What great ambassadors they are, what gentlemen they are, how grounded they are."

Given the language aired last night and in the first episode, given the number of naughty words hurled again last night, Graves - who works in the Rangers' Community Development Department - might have gone a little overboard here.

But I get it. And there is that side. In the debut episode of "24/7," the Rangers' Artem Anisimov hammed it up after scoring against Tampa Bay, using his stick as a gun, then apologized to his team. Steven Stamkos, one of the Tampa Bay players enraged by the act, watched the episode and came away with a different impression of Anisimov.

"For me, it was really cool to see how his reaction was to his teammates in the dressing room and how sincere his apology was," Stamkos said. "That maybe makes you look at that whole issue a little differently. Maybe we wouldn't have been able to see that if it wasn't for the show."

Some Rangers are hard not to like. Their goalie, Henrik Lundqvist, seems like a guy you'd like to hang out with, especially during those guitar jam sessions with John McEnroe. Dan Girardi seems like a cool and "grounded" dad.

Some are not hard not to like. Two episodes in, the contrast between the team's coaches, Peter Laviolette and John Tortorella, is evident. Maybe it's provincialism talking here, but Tortorella seems to be playing to the camera, and clearly has a bigger potty mouth. Every night is a panic attack, it seems, and I can only imagine how these guys are going to react to him by Game 60. If it seems contrived to me, I can only imagine what it sounds like to those who have to listen to him every day. Two episodes in, he has mocked several of his players, and called them out as if there were one period left in their season.

Laviolette, who looks like that kind of guy from afar, and had a bit of a reputation in Carolina, is reserved in comparison. His message is more about how good they are and all they have to do is play hard. Maybe his tirades and calling outs are still to come, but for now, he's a better-sounding coach.

"We are better than this," he says in the dressing room between the second and third period in Montreal. "Don't just play the game to let it go by . . . Go take charge of it right now."

Even after that 6-0 drubbing from the Bruins last Saturday, Laviolette says, "Let it burn. And take it on the road with you." Last night's 4-1 victory over Dallas, the shootout loss to Colorado, they did.

But then there is the other Tortorella, the ambassador, gentleman and friend to 10-year-old Liam Trainer, a child with cerebral palsy whom he befriended through the Rangers' "Garden of Dreams" program.

"He hasn't been given a fair shake," Tortorella says, and then later, "I'm glad he's part of my life. I'm glad I'm part of his."

Yeah, I guess he's not such a jerk, after all.

And by the end of another show, you start to think that Graves really wasn't overstating anything. Rookie Zac Rinaldo, recalling playing a Sega game with Jaromir Jagr in it as a kid, says, "I was Eric Lindros."

Several Flyers calling Ilya Bryzgalov "Universe" the morning after the first show aired was priceless.

So, too, was the inside look at Claude Giroux' concussion ordeal, Sean Couturier's scare, various bloodied faces. There was even a referee telling Max Talbot - unapologetically and didactically - that he made a bad call.

"It's touching all facets that you won't normally have an opportunity to see," Graves said earlier. "But for me it's just about the people. And you just realize how remarkable these young men and the coaches and trainers are. And that's what hockey is all about."

Good television, too.



Flyers Notes: Flyers hope shootout goal helps spark van Riemsdyk

DALLAS - Can a pretty shootout goal get a player untracked?

The Flyers are hoping that's the case with struggling winger James van Riemsdyk, who scored Monday on a clever shootout move against Colorado's J.S. Giguere.

"He's the type of guy who can maybe pick off on something like that and maybe send it in a different direction," coach Peter Laviolette said before Wednesday's game in Dallas. "When the playoffs rolled around [last season], he had a stretch of games where he was dominant, so we know where the level of the bar is, and we need to push him back to that."

Van Riemsdyk's overall totals are respectable - eight goals and 10 assists in his 27 games - but he entered Wednesday goalless in his last eight games and had not scored in the seven games since he returned from an injury.

"Just got to keep working hard, and the goals will come," van Riemsdyk said. ". . . It's been a little bit difficult coming back from different sorts of things and injuries."

Asked if he was 100 percent healthy, van Riemsdyk said: "I'm not getting into all that stuff. I don't think it's fair." He said it was a "slippery slope."

"I go out there every game and work as hard as I can, and that's all I really can do," he said.

Said Laviolette: "Nobody in that room is 100 percent healthy."

Bryz being Bryz

Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov is hoping rain doesn't affect the Jan. 2 Winter Classic.

"We'll have to wear swimming gear and Speedos," he said. "Rangers vs. Flyers [in] water polo!"

Power-play woes

In their previous four games - all without Claude Giroux - the Flyers' power play was 1 for 17 (5.9 percent). In their 4-1 win over the Stars on Wednesday, they were 2 for 5. They entered Wednesday ninth in the 30-team league on the power play, clicking at 18.8 percent.

Breakaways

Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky made his second start in the last 10 games. . . . Scott Hartnell entered Wednesday with 10 goals in his last 14 games. . . .

Sean Couturier (head injury) and Brayden Schenn (concussion) did not skate in Voorhees Wednesday, GM Paul Holmgren said. . . . In a preview of the Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park, the Flyers will play the Rangers Friday in Madison Square Garden. The Flyers will be trying to avenge a 2-0 loss in New York on Nov. 26. Jaromir Jagr was injured and did not play in that game against his former team. . . . CSN will televise the Dec. 31 Winter Classic alumni game and the Jan. 6 Phantoms-Hershey contest. . . . The second installment of HBO's 24/7 was shown Wednesday and will be available on demand. . . . A late goal, originally credited to Wayne Simmonds Monday in Colorado, was changed to Danny Briere's tally. Simmonds got it back with a first-period score in Dallas.

- Sam Carchidi



'24/7' shows compelling inside look at Flyers, Rangers

Sam Donnellon, Daily News Sports Columnist

EARLIER IN the day, at a news conference in New York City, Adam Graves hit it top shelf. Yeah, the saucy language of "24/7: Flyers-Rangers: Road to the NHL Winter Classic" is edgy and the moments are raw and real. But, he said, the best part of HBO's series, which aired its second segment last night, is the players you think you know, you actually get to know.

And that, said the former Rangers winger, is unnerving.

For fans of both teams. And for the players themselves.

"Certainly as you are watching you realize how likable they are," he said. "Outwardly looking, with the rivalry you have with the Flyers, there's so many guys you don't appreciably like on the Flyers. And I'm sure the Flyers could say the same thing about the Rangers. But when you see them in their element, part of a group, part of a family, you understand how close they are. What great ambassadors they are, what gentlemen they are, how grounded they are."

Given the language aired last night and in the first segment, given the number of naughty words hurled again last night, Graves - who works in the Rangers' Community Development Department - might have gone a little overboard here.

But I get it. And there is that side. In the debut episode of "24/7," the Rangers' Artem Anisimov hammed it up after scoring against Tampa Bay, using his stick as a gun, then apologized to his team. Steven Stamkos, one of the Tampa Bay players enraged by the act, watched the episode and came away with a different impression of Anisimov.

"For me, it was really cool to see how his reaction was to his teammates in the dressing room and how sincere his apology was," Stamkos said. "That maybe makes you look at that whole issue a little differently. Maybe we wouldn't have been able to see that if it wasn't for the show."

Some Rangers are hard not to like. Their goalie, Henrik Lundqvist, seems like a guy you'd like to hang out with, especially during those guitar jam sessions with John McEnroe. Dan Girardi seems like a cool and "grounded" dad.

Some are not hard not to like. Two episodes in, the contrast between the team's coaches, Peter Laviolette and John Tortorella, is evident. Maybe it's provincialism talking here, but Tortorella seems to be playing to the camera, and clearly has a bigger potty mouth. Every night is a panic attack, it seems, and I can only imagine how these guys are going to react to him by Game 60. If it seems contrived to me, I can only imagine what it sounds like to those who have to listen to him every day. Two episodes in, he has mocked several of his players, and called them out as if there was one period left in their season.

Laviolette, who looks like that kind of guy from afar, and had a bit of a reputation in Carolina, is reserved in comparison. His message is more about how good they are and all they have to do is play hard. Maybe his tirades and calling outs are still to come, but for now, he's a better-sounding coach.

"We are better than this," he says in the dressing room between the second and third period in Montreal. "Don't just play the game to let it go by . . . Go take charge of it right now."

Even after that 6-0 drubbing from the Bruins last Saturday, Laviolette says, "Let it burn. And take it on the road with you." Last night's 4-1 victory over Dallas, the shootout loss to Colorado, they did.

But then there is the other Tortorella, the ambassador, gentleman and friend to 10-year-old Liam Trainer, a child with cerebral palsy whom he befriended through the Rangers' "Garden of Dreams" program.

"He hasn't been given a fair shake," Tortorella says, and then later, "I'm glad he's part of my life. I'm glad I'm part of his."

Yeah, I guess he's not such a jerk, after all.

And by the end of another show, you start to think that Graves really wasn't overstating anything. Rookie Zac Rinaldo, recalling playing a Sega game with Jaromir Jagr in it as a kid, says, "I was Eric Lindros."

Several Flyers calling Ilya Bryzgalov "Universe" the morning after the first show aired was priceless.

So, too, was the inside look at Claude Giroux' concussion ordeal, Sean Couturier's scare, various bloodied faces. There was even a referee telling Max Talbot - unapologetically and didactically - that he made a bad call.

"It's touching all facets that you won't normally have an opportunity to see," Graves said earlier. "But for me it's just about the people. And you just realize how remarkable these young men and the coaches and trainers are. And that's what hockey is all about."

Good television, too.



Stars' Ott blasts Lavy's 'arrogance'

DALLAS _ Claude Giroux’s four-point night Wednesday in his return from a concussion was golden for the HBO cameras that are filming 24/7.

But there were more theatrics.

In one corner, Flyers coach Peter Laviolette.

In the other, Dallas center Steve Ott, known as one of the league’s biggest agitators.

After the Flyers’ 4-1 win Wednesday, Laviolette took the high road when asked about an incident with Ott as they walked down the runway following the first period.

Ott, however, did not. He said Laviolette showed “disrespect” and “arrogance.”

Thought he wouldn’t admit it, it was clear Laviolette was upset with a first-period hit Ott delivered to Giroux, who just returned to the lineup after being sidelined since Dec. 10 with a concussion.

Laviolette and Ott exchanged words as they were walking down the tunnel after the first period. On the TV replay, they appeared to push each other.

After the game, Laviolette didn’t want to talk about it, saying it would take away from a win that pushed the Flyers atop the Eastern Conference.

But Ott filled up reporters’ notebooks. He was upset that Laviolette didn’t leave the ice from the Flyers’ corner exit. Instead, he walked down the Stars’ tunnel _ as visiting coaches are prone to do _ because it’s a shortcut and saves them from walking on the ice.

And maybe, just maybe, he took the route because he was unhappy with Ott.

Laviolette walked through several Stars, including Ott, as he went down the tunnel.

“It’s disrespect of our building. Just let our team off,” Ott said. “He obviously thought he has a higher power than everybody else and a little bit more

arrogance. Of all the coaches in the whole NHL, that’s probably the first time I’ve seen that.

“I would never do that if I was in Philadelphia in their building and had to walk through their lineup. Just let us go and show a little respect, that’s all.”

Giroux appreciated Laviolette’s actions.

“I didn’t know about it,” said Giroux, who was informed of the incident by a reporter. “It’s good to see we have each other’s back.”

Giroux became the first Flyer since Mark Recchi in 2000-01 to have three four-point games in a season. And it’s only December.

“He’s worked really hard the last couples days, especially, to get his hands back and timing back,” winger Scott Hartnell said. “A guy like that maybe just needs a morning skate to be back in prime condition.”

Giroux now has a six-game scoring streak, and he leads the NHL with 43 points.

*

The Flyers have won six straight over Dallas since 2007-08….Zac Rinaldo had six hits in 10:13.

Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.

Get exclusive videos and analysis in our new app for iPhone and Android. Download it here.

Posted by Sam Carchidi



Giroux returns to dizzy up Stars in Flyers win

By ANTHONY J. SANFILIPPO

DALLAS — If there were lingering doubts that Claude Giroux is not one of the top five players in the NHL, they were completely eliminated by Wednesday night.

Returning from a concussion that he suffered 11 days ago, Giroux picked up right where he left off — as the best scorer in the league this season.

Giroux scored the first Flyers goal and assisted on each of the others as the Flyers won a chippy contest with the Dallas Stars, 4-1, at American Airlines Center.

“It was like old times,” Jaromir Jagr said about getting Giroux back. “He had even more energy because he was rested and it was exciting to play with him again. It was good to see he had a great game. I knew right away on the first shift. I wasn’t even worried about the goal they scored because I knew we could score.”

Giroux’s return was certainly the highlight on the ice, but there was an emotional confrontation off it that stole some of the spotlight.

At the end of the first period, as the Flyers coaches were trying to leave the ice down the same tunnel as the Stars’ players, Dallas alternate captain Steve Ott got into first a verbal exchange and then a physical one with each party shoving the other.

Any time there’s an altercation between a player and a coach, it is subject to video review, and there’s plenty of evidence as the cameras for the Versus Network caught the altercation and it aired on national television.

Laviolette refused to talk about the incident after the game, but that didn’t stop Ott from going off on Laviolette.

“It’s disrespect of our building. Obviously, just let our team off (the ice),” Ott said. “He obviously thought he has higher power than anyone else and more arrogance than most coaches in the NHL. That’s the first time I’ve

seen that. I would never do that against Philadelphia if I was in their building. … Show a little respect, that’s all.”

Within minutes, the clip was posted on social networking web sites on line and practically went viral.

Ott continued his jawing with players and coaches alike in the second period, and traded barbs with Flyers’ assistant coach Craig Berube.

“What a huge win for our organization,” Laviolette said when asked about Ott, deflecting a question. “We were on the road, got one of our top players back with a chance to get first overall in the Eastern Conference, I’m sure that’s what (should) be talked about.”

Cooler heads prevailed, as there were no fights in the contest, but it didn’t stop the animosity between two teams who don’t see each other often.

Dallas actually took the lead on the first shot of the game when Michael Ryder snapped a wrister over Sergei Bobrovsky’s glove 56 seconds into the game. Giroux was out there for that goal, but that would mark the only negative play for the Flyers while their best offensive player was on the ice.

For every shift afterward by Giroux, it seemed like the Flyers were creating scoring chances — and Giroux was in the middle of each one.

“I really didn’t do much on those points,” Giroux said. “I just gave the guys the puck and they took care of the rest.”

He netted the first Flyers goal when he one-timed a Jagr pass past Dallas goalie Richard Bachman to tie the score.

Wayne Simmonds put the Flyers ahead to stay three minutes later when he tipped a Kimmo Timonen shot past Bachman for his 10th goal of the season. Giroux picked up a secondary assist on the goal.

In the second period, Giroux worked a pretty give-and-go with Jagr, setting up his veteran linemate for his 11th goal of the season to make it 3-1. For Jagr, it was goal No. 657 of his career, moving him into 11th place on the NHL all-time list. Luc Robitaille is 10th with 668.

In the third period, Giroux had the vision to see Andrej Meszaros making a late change from the bench and made a perfect cross-ice feed in the neutral zone to spring Meszaros on a breakaway. The Flyer defenseman finished the play with a pretty goal, roofing the puck over Bachman for a 4-1 lead.

Giroux took a couple hits in the first period from Trevor Dayley and Ott, but came out feeling fine.

“It was important to get the first hit to see how you feel,” Giroux said. “I was kind of nervous to see how I would feel after the first hit if the headaches would come back and stuff. I got hit by Ott and it was a pretty big hit. I felt good after tat and I was more comfortable.”

With the win the Flyers (21-8-4, 46 points) climbed back into the top spot in the Eastern Conference, moving ahead of Boston by one point.

More impressive is their continued success on the road. The Flyers improved to 13-3-2 in games away from home, easily the best record in the NHL on visiting ice.



Laviolette flubs best attempt to plug HBO’s leak on Giroux

By ANTHONY J.SANFILIPPO

DALLAS — The wait is over. Claude Giroux is back.

The Flyers tried their hardest to keep it a secret. They tried to leave a shroud of doubt over Giroux would play Wednesday. But in a town in which conspiracies, cover-ups and controversies have reigned for nearly a half-century, this one was probably a bit more transparent than the Flyers would have liked.

Giroux returned after sitting out four games and 11 days with a concussion suffered when he was accidentally kneed in the back of the head by teammate Wayne Simmonds. It was the second concussion of his career —

he also dealt with a concussion in 2008 after getting hit in the head by the butt end of a stick by Anaheim’s Corey Perry.

Giroux was not made available for comment prior to the game against the Stars, as the team tried to keep his availability a mystery that even Scooby-Doo and the gang couldn’t solve.

“He’s a game-time decision,” was all coach Peter Laviolette would say about the subject before the teams took to the ice.

However, the Flyers didn’t count on HBO unintentionally leaking the news in advance that Giroux would be in the lineup. Prior to the game, the TV network that is following the Flyers as part of their reality series “24/7” requested five sets of shoulder pads to hook up microphones to get sound from the game.

Among those five were a set of shoulder pads with the No. 28 emblazoned on them.

Scott Hartnell, who is having a career year, primarily because he’s had the good fortune of playing with Giroux and Jaromir Jagr, was one player who was thrilled to get the team’s leading scorer back on the ice so quickly.

“He’s a big catalyst for our hockey club,” Hartnell said. “Just the stuff he does with the puck, his work out there is contagious, his attitude is contagious and when he gets going everyone else just seems to follow suit. We’re going to welcome him back with open arms and have a good start again.”

There is certainly some concern that Giroux is coming back too quickly and that he could easily have a relapse of his symptoms if he gets bounced around a little too hard in game action.

The Flyers have made it a point to remind Hartnell that he is to assume the role of bodyguard for Giroux, and that if any player looks to be too aggressive with the Flyers’ star player, he’s to intervene on Giroux’s behalf post-haste.

“I got talked to earlier, not about protecting him, but making sure I’m aware of what’s going on and making sure nobody is taking liberties with him or Jagr,” Hartnell said. “I’m sure they’d be in the scrum if I got hurt or hit, but it’s double for me. I have to kind of watch his back. … With a concussion you want to be doubly aware and make sure he’s not getting punched in the face after whistles or anything. I’m going to be there to back him up if anything happens.”

l l l

Jagr spoke candidly Tuesday about his relationship with former Czech President Vaclav Haval, who died last weekend.

Jagr got to know him well, saying that in the Czech Republic, political figures and prominent athletes tend to move in the same circles because the country is so small.

“He was the guy who fought all his life against the communists,” Jagr said. “For no reason he spent a lot of time in jail, but he did it. He and the students were the key figures in the revolution. … When you look at the big picture, he was the main guy for the Czech Republic. Without him, none of us would ever play in the NHL. After the revolution he opened the border so we could go anywhere we wanted.”

l l l

NOTES: Andreas Lilja returned to the lineup on the first day he was eligible, sending Matt Walker to the scratch list. … Ben Holmstrom, called up to replace Sean Couturier on the roster, was a healthy scratch with Giroux returning to the lineup. Couturier has improved and is considered day-to-day. … Tom Sestito started for the second straight game as Jody Shelley is out with a nagging lower-body injury. … Sergei Bobrovsky got the start in goal against Dallas.


602082 Phoenix Coyotes

Lauri Korpikoski, Coyotes earn second win in two nights

Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Lauri Korpikoski scored his ninth goal of the season early in the third period to lead the Phoenix Coyotes to a 4-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night.

Ray Whitney, a former Hurricanes player, also had a goal and assist for the Coyotes. Cal O'Reilly and Rostislav Klesla also scored for Phoenix.

Tuomo Ruutu got his team-leading 11th goal for Carolina, while Andreas Nodl and Jiri Tlusty also scored.

The Coyotes won for the first time after trailing going into the third period, while Carolina suffered its first loss in regulation after holding a two-period lead.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/coyotes/articles/2011/12/21/20111221phoenix-coyotes-carolina-hurricanes-recap.html#ixzz1hEORpxRU

Arizona Republic LOADED: 12.22.2011

602083 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins' Engelland faces disciplinary hearing tomorrow

By Josh Yohe, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland will face a supplemental disciplinary hearing on Thursday morning, the NHL just announced.

Engelland hit Chicago center Marcus Kruger on Tuesday night with a controversial shot that saw Engelland's forearm make contact with Kruger's head.

Engelland does not have a history of dirty hits or suspensions, but the hit may be deemed a violation of Rule 48, which prohibits players from making direct contact with the opposition's head.

The Penguins next play in Winnipeg on Friday.

Read more: Penguins' Engelland faces disciplinary hearing tomorrow - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_773094.html#ixzz1hEOp123t

Tribune Review LOADED: 12.22.2011


League will have hearing on Engelland's head hit

By Dave Molinari, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland will have a telephone hearing with Brendan Shanahan, who handles supplemental discipline for the NHL, Thursday morning.

The hearing will concern Engelland's hit to the head of Chicago center Marcus Kruger during the Penguins' 3-2 victory against the Blackhawks Tuesday night at Consol Energy Center.

Reports out of Chicago today suggest that Kruger might have a concussion which, if true, could have an impact on any punishment Engelland might receive.

A team spokesman said after practice today that Engelland would not be speaking with reporters.

If Engelland is suspended, the punishment must be handed down before the Penguins' game at Winnipeg Friday. It is likely that any penalty would be assessed the same day as his hearing.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11355/1198433-100.stm?cmpid=penguins.xml#ixzz1hEOzxSx5

Post Gazette LOADED: 12.22.2011


Penguins' Engelland waits to hear from NHL


Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland will learn today whether he remains eligible to play Friday night in Winnipeg.

Engelland faces a telephone hearing with NHL disciplinarian chief Brendan Shanahan for a questionable hit Tuesday on Chicago's Marcus Kruger. Friday's game marks the Penguins' final contest before the Christmas break.

Engelland hit Kruger midway through the first period, and the Chicago defenseman did not return. Kruger and right wing Pascal Dupuis were engaged an instant before the hard-charging Engelland leveled Kruger into the boards.

Engelland's forearm made contact with Kruger's head, which could be construed as a violation of Rule 48. Engelland has no history of dirty play.

>> Defenseman Paul Martin is "day-to-day," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said. The team has not provided specifics of the injury Martin suffered during the third period in Ottawa on Friday. Martin has not practiced since the injury and has missed two games. No updates were given on center Sidney Crosby (headaches) and defensemen Kris Letang (concussion) and Zbynek Michalek (concussion).

>> Left wing Eric Tangradi was sent back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) after being a healthy scratch against the Blackhawks. Tangradi has seen limited minutes in four games with the Penguins this season. He has 10 goals and 10 assists in 24 games with Wilkes-Barre.

» Centers Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal were given the day off from practice but are expected to play Friday.



Lovejoy's return quickly pays off for Pens


Defenseman Ben Lovejoy hadn't played in seven weeks because of a broken wrist, was facing one of the NHL's most talented gallery of forwards and found himself working with a new defense partner.

It wasn't a recommended recipe for success, but Lovejoy thrived under the circumstances against Chicago, playing a smooth defensive game and setting up right wing Tyler Kennedy's game-winning goal.

"He stepped in last night and played one of his best games," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said Wednesday.

The Penguins need Lovejoy, and Lovejoy needs to take advantage of the opportunity before him.

Lovejoy will see plenty of ice time with defensemen Kris Letang, Paul Martin and Zbynek Michalek questionable for the immediate future. Also, defenseman Deryk Engelland is facing a possible suspension for his hit on Chicago's Marcus Kruger.

Now is the time for Lovejoy, who was passed by Engelland and defenseman Matt Niskanen on the depth chart earlier this season, to shine.

"Those guys have done a great job, but this is a game of opportunity," Lovejoy said. "With people injured, it allows others to step in and play a larger role. I wanted to come back and not miss a beat."

Lovejoy's game hardly looked rusty. Playing many shifts with defenseman Alexandre Picard for the first time, Lovejoy helped thwart the Blackhawks. His positioning was nearly perfect, and he blocked a shot in the final minutes with the Penguins nursing a 3-2 lead.

His teammates — especially the leader of the defensemen — were impressed.

"It wasn't the easiest of games for him to step into," defenseman Brooks Orpik said. "With his puck retrieval, he looked like he hadn't missed any time."

Bylsma wants to see Lovejoy maintain his level of play before talking about the depth chart.

"You can talk about being a sixth or seventh on our depth chart," Bylsma said, "but Ben Lovejoy is a big part of our team. We count on him."

Lovejoy did not play poorly during the first month of the season. Most of his fellow defensemen simply played better.

Lovejoy had lamented that doing the "little things" were all that separated him from being the player he had envisioned for himself. But he did the little things properly against the Blackhawks. He even added something big, swooping around the Chicago net and firing a pass to Kennedy, who banged in the game-winner.

"Everyone was talking about that wraparound pass, joking about it," Orpik said with a smile.

Then, Orpik turned serious.

"But yeah, Ben played really well. Good to see."

Lovejoy played more than 16 minutes and didn't seem to be fatigued. Now he wants to show more.

"It was nice to get out there and feel like you were contributing," he said. "Right now, we're without three pretty great defensemen. I want to play well and fill that void."



Lovejoy makes splash on return


The pass came at the end of a sensational rush.

The pass made the winning goal possible.

The pass was a complete accident.

It looked great in the box score -- and even better in real time on the ice -- but the hard truth is that Ben Lovejoy was not trying to get the puck to Tyler Kennedy late in the second period of the Penguins' 3-2 victory Tuesday night against Chicago at Consol Energy Center.

He was not trying to feed it to any other teammate, for that matter.

No, as Lovejoy curled out from behind the left post of the Chicago net, he figured that if things broke just right, he could toss the puck on goal and create a rebound someone might be able to convert into a goal.

But set up Kennedy at the inner edge of the far circle?

Hardly. He would have had to know that Kennedy was there to even consider trying to pull that off, and the last Lovejoy had seen of Kennedy, he had been pulling in a pass from him near the Penguins blue line.

After that, Lovejoy charged up the right side of the ice and, when circumstances gave him no option, skated behind the Blackhawks goal line.

"I was going to try to cut in and jam the puck on net and hope for a rebound, but the defenseman took away the angle," Lovejoy said Wednesday.

Next

Game: Penguins vs. Winnipeg Jets, MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

When: 8:38 p.m. Friday.

TV: Root Sports.

"So, I wheeled around the net and was trying to throw it off the [goalie's] pads, to get the puck to the blue paint. It took a great bounce [off goaltender Ray Emery's stick] and landed on [Kennedy's] stick.

"I wish I could tell you I had great vision and saw him, but I was just trying to get it to the net, and it went right to his stick.

"Unfortunately, it was not a direct pass. It turned out to be a lucky play. That happens sometimes."

OK, so good fortune had a lot to do with that goal, which gave the Penguins a 3-0 lead.

Lovejoy was due for a little of that, considering that he was returning from a 19-game absence caused by a decidedly bad break.

He had fractured his left wrist when he went hard into the boards in a 4-3 shootout loss Nov. 2 in San Jose, the most serious injury of his career.

Worse than the sprained knee he had gotten while playing at Dartmouth. Worse than the separated shoulder a few years ago in Wilkes-Barre.

"This was the first bone I've ever broken," Lovejoy said. "This was the first extended period of time I've ever been out."

With so many prominent defensemen injured -- Kris Letang, Zbynek Michalek and Paul Martin are unable to play -- the Penguins understandably were pleased to get Lovejoy back and likely happier that he showed little evidence of having been out for nearly seven weeks.

He was rewarded with a season-high 16 minutes, 18 seconds of ice time, and the goal he set up was the only one scored by either team while he was on the ice.

While the transition back to active duty was not entirely seamless -- "Three shifts in, I was winded and exhausted," Lovejoy said -- the results were solid.

When the Penguins defense is intact -- OK, it is hard to remember when that concept got beyond the theoretical stage -- Lovejoy hovers near the bottom of their NHL depth chart. Performances like the one he turned in against Chicago, though, underscore his value.

"We count on him for a lot of the things you saw [Tuesday] night," coach Dan Bylsma said. "His skating, his defending, he's a big part of our team and how we play.

"He stepped in and played one of his best games. ... Whether he's fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh [on the depth chart], we expect Ben to be a big part of our team."

For the moment, just being a part of the team -- regardless of how large that part is -- is enough for Lovejoy. Being unable to play for the better part of two months reminded him how much he enjoys his work.

"I missed a lot of things," he said. "I missed, first of all, playing games. Practice, when you're at this stage of your career, when you're in the NHL, practice is work. Games are fun.

"I also missed coming to the rink every day with a purpose. I would come for five weeks, and the only thing I'd have to look forward to was conditioning.

"While it was great for me, it doesn't get your competitive juices flowing like it does when you're preparing for a game."

Especially a game whose outcome you help to decide. Even if it's not on purpose.



Penguins Notebook: Engelland's hearing on hit against Kruger set for today


No one can accuse the NHL of rushing to judgment on Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland.

Brendan Shanahan, who handles supplemental discipline for the league, did not conduct a hearing with Engelland Wednesday, but will do so by telephone today.

Engelland faces the possibility of a fine or suspension for a hit on Chicago center Marcus Kruger in the Penguins' 3-2 victory Tuesday night against the Blackhawks at Consol Energy Center.

Replays seemed to show Engelland leaving his feet before making contact with Kruger and perhaps hitting Kruger in the head with a forearm.

Kruger skated several shifts after being hit, but did not play in the second or third period. Reports out of Chicago suggest that he appears to have a concussion.

A Penguins team official said Wednesday after practice that Engelland would not speak with reporters. It is not known if that will be the case today, too.

The delay in scheduling a hearing appears to be rooted, at least in part, in difficulty finding a time that worked for all the parties. They are Engelland, general manager Ray Shero, the NHL Players' Association and Shanahan.

League regulations require only that any suspension Engelland might receive be handed down before the Penguins' next game, which is Friday at Winnipeg.

Malkin's evolution continues

Centers Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal were given "maintenance days" Wednesday and did not participate in practice at Consol Energy Center.

Defenseman Paul Martin, who has missed the past two games because of an unspecified injury, also sat out the workout and continues to be listed as "day-to-day." He has not been placed on injured-reserve.

Although Staal is believed to be nursing a groin injury, Malkin appears to be quite healthy, especially based on the eight points he has recorded in the past two games.

For the season, Malkin, who has been playing on a line with James Neal and Chris Kunitz, has 15 goals and 24 assists in 27 games, good for a first-place tie in the NHL scoring race Wednesday before games were played.

"There's a lot to what [Malkin] is doing this year that's more than just who he's playing with," coach Dan Bylsma said.

"His determination coming into camp, his mindset, the confidence and focus with which he's playing.

"We're talking about a guy who didn't want to really take a faceoff last year and went out in a tough game [Tuesday] and won 16 faceoffs. To me, that's an indicator of him wanting to raise his level, of him wanting to be in that spot, and him having another ... gear to his game."

Tangradi sent down again

The Penguins returned left winger Eric Tangradi to their minor league team in Wilkes-Barre.

Tangradi does not have a point in four NHL appearances this season, but has 10 goals and 10 assists in 24 games in the American Hockey League.


602089 San Jose Sharks

San San Jose Sharks lose Marty Havlat for 6-8 weeks

By David Pollak

Sharks right wing Marty Havlat underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a partially torn tendon in his left hamstring, four days after the freak accident that saw him crumple to the ice after jumping over the boards to begin his next shift.

General manager Doug Wilson said that the team didn't set a timetable for Havlat's return, but acknowledged he would miss somewhere in the ballpark of six to eight weeks.

"He's going to be out an extended period of time, but he's going to be back way in advance prior to the end of the year and that's the best case scenario for us," Wilson said.

There was concern that there might be a complete tear of the tendon after Havlat clipped his skate on the boards during the third period of San Jose's 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. But once the procedure by Dr. Mark Safran of Stanford was under way, Wilson said, there was the good news that the tear was only partial.

Wilson noted that other NHL teams are dealing with their share of injuries, too, and that Havlat's was one where the team knew definitively what the problem was and had a good idea when he would be back, an indirect reference to the concussion problems elsewhere around the league.

Check back later for more on this developing story.Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 12.22.2011


San Jose Sharks score five goals in first period, rout Tampa Bay Lightning

By David Pollak

The Sharks learned Wednesday they would be without Marty Havlat indefinitely after he underwent surgery for a partially torn hamstring earlier in the day.

So how did they react?

Only by scoring the fastest five goals in franchise history on their way to a 7-2 blowout of the Tampa Bay Lightning at HP Pavilion. And it was Benn Ferriero, called up from Worcester to replace Havlat, who started the rout with a goal on his initial shift.

"It was my first game up in a while here, and I wanted to have a good one," Ferriero said. "It definitely helped me to score that first goal and get the momentum a little bit."

In their biggest offensive outburst of the season, San Jose also got two goals from Logan Couture and one each from Joe Pavelski, Andrew Desjardins, Brent Burns and Patrick Marleau. Dominic Moore and Martin St. Louis provided the only offense for the Lightning, and San Jose goalie Antti Niemi made 22 saves to earn his 14th victory of the season.

Before the game, Sharks general manager Doug Wilson disclosed that Havlat had a partly torn tendon in his left hamstring repaired after the freak accident Saturday night that saw him crumple to the ice after jumping over the boards.

The surgery was successful, and while Wilson did not set a timetable for Havlat's return, he acknowledged it would be somewhere in the ballpark of six to eight weeks.

"He's going to be out an extended period of time, but he's going to be back

way in advance prior to the end of the year, and that's the best case scenario for us," Wilson said.

Havlat had struggled to score most of the season but had a goal and two assists in the two games before he got hurt.

Couture acknowledged that Havlat's absence might have provided a little extra motivation.

"You feel bad for him," Couture said. "He's had a tough go with injuries. I know he wants to be out with us, and to get a win for him was nice."

The game not only set a franchise record for fastest five goals to start a game -- 14:47 -- but also provided evidence that San Jose's troubled special teams may be on the verge of getting their act together.

While the Sharks power play was a respectable 2 for 4, San Jose's penalty kill was even better at 5 for 5 -- and coach Todd McLellan pointed to its first success on a penalty just 36 seconds into the game as key to the outcome.

"They could have gotten on the board real quick, and then we would have been chasing a team that checks pretty well," he said. "Their system is very effective when they have the lead."

The scoring barrage began just 3:26 into the game when Joe Thornton threw the puck to the front of the net. Ferriero's first shot clanked off the post, but he poked the rebound past Lightning goalie Mathieu Garon.

Pavelski got the first of San Jose's power play goals just 1:25 later on a backhand shot, and 90 seconds after that the Sharks had a 3-0 lead when Desjardins scored his first goal since opening night on a wraparound.

At that point it was goodbye, Garon, who was replaced by 42-year-old veteran Dwayne Roloson.

Couture's two goals came 1:34 apart later in the first period, the first at 13:13 as he beat Roloson from just eight feet out and the second with Tampa Bay center Moore in the penalty box for boarding Brad Winchester.

The Lightning marred what had otherwise been a near-perfect period when Moore deflected a shot from the blue line past Niemi.

Neither team scored in the second, but Burns -- his long hair gone and a buzz cut in its place -- notched his sixth goal of the season off a faceoff at 1:15 of the third to make it 6-1.

"Papa Burns came in and said I've got to change it up for the hockey gods, and I still listen to him, I guess," Burns said in explaining his new look.

St. Louis made it 6-2 at 7:45, but Marleau restored the margin to five when he got his stick on the puck after Roloson couldn't control the rebound of a shot by Couture.

"It was nice to be in a game that you felt you had control for the most part," McLellan said. "I think the guys felt a little loose on the bench, which was nice. Usually we're in that one-goal game -- I don't want to say we relaxed, but we enjoyed it a little more."

The Havlat developments were better than the Sharks had feared.

Initially there was concern that there might be a complete tear of the hamstring tendon after Havlat clipped his skate on the boards as he started a shift during the third period of San Jose's 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. It was only after the procedure by Dr. Mark Safran of Stanford was under way, Wilson said, that they learned that wasn't the case.

The previous team record for fastest five goals at the start of a game was 18:50, set on Oct. 27, 1996, in a 6-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 12.22.2011


Havlat to miss up to 8 weeks

Associated Press

Sharks forward Martin Havlat will miss up to eight weeks after surgery Thursday to repair a partial tear in a tendon in his left hamstring.

San Jose general manager Doug Wilson said the team was prepared for the worst after Havlat injured himself jumping over the boards during a line change in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Oilers. Wilson expects Havlat to return for the stretch run.

Havlat, acquired for Dany Heatley from the Wild during the offseason, scored his second goal of the season against the Oilers and had recorded three points in his past two games.

Forward Benn Ferriero was recalled from Worcester to replace Havlat.

San Francisco Chronicle LOADED: 12.22.2011


San Jose Sharks beat Lightning, 7-2

Chronicle News Services

Logan Couture scored two of San Jose's team-record five goals in the first 14:47 as the Sharks beat the Lightning 7-2 on Wednesday at HP Pavilion.

"The puck was following me around all night," Couture said. "They didn't have much energy in the first period and we jumped on them. We scored, and then scored and scored and scored."

Benn Ferriero, Joe Pavelski, Andrew Desjardins, Brent Burns and Patrick Marleau also scored for the Sharks. Eleven San Jose players tallied points in the team's third straight win, which moved the Sharks into a three-way tie for the Pacific Division lead, with Dallas and Phoenix. It was the Sharks' five fastest goals ever scored in a regular-season game and a season high for goals. Their previous fastest five goals came against Chicago on Oct. 27, 1996, in 18:50, and their previous season high for goals was six in the season opener on Oct. 8 against Phoenix.

Sharks head coach Todd McLellan said the fast start was important against the Lightning's trapping system.

"Their system is really effective when they have the lead - they can really shut teams down," McLellan said. "So we wanted to get out in front and play well. To get the five early was rewarding, because when the guys play right, they did a lot of good things."

Dominic Moore and Martin St. Louis scored for the Lightning, who had a two-game winning streak snapped and lost their eighth in 11 games.

Antti Niemi stopped 22 shots for his third straight win.

Tampa Bay's Dwayne Roloson stopped 31 of 34 shots in relief of starter Mathieu Garon.

Ferriero, recalled from Worcester of the AHL to replace the injured Martin Havlat, gave the Sharks the early lead after taking a pass from behind the net from Joe Thornton less than four minutes into the game.

Pavelski backhanded a rebound off a shot by Burns during a power play less than two minutes later to make it 2-0.

Desjardins scored his first goal since getting two in the season opener, rapping the puck off the post and into the net after Andrew Murray saved the puck behind the net, ending Garon's evening after eight shots.

Couture scored an even-strength goal and one on the power play in a 1:34 span to set the team record.

Moore got the Lightning on the board late in the first with an assist from Eric Brewer.

Following a scoreless second period, Burns scored off a clean face-off, won by Michal Handzus, 1:15 into the third.



Couture scores twice as Sharks beat Lightning, 7-2

(12-21) 23:08 PST San Jose, Calif. (AP) --

Logan Couture had a chance late to record his first career hat trick. The puck glanced off a teammate before going into the net.

Not everything went his way.

Couture scored two of San Jose's team-record five goals in the first 14:47 as the Sharks beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-2 Wednesday night.

Benn Ferriero, Joe Pavelski, Andrew Desjardins, Brent Burns and Patrick Marleau also scored for the Sharks, who won their third straight.

"When you get two quick ones you assume you'll get more chances," Couture said. "The puck was following me around all night. They didn't have much energy in the first period and we jumped on them. We scored, and then scored and scored and scored."

Dominic Moore and Martin St. Louis scored for the Lightning, who had a two-game winning streak snapped and lost their eighth in 11 games.

"Everything that is a nightmare you don't want, happened in the first period," Lightning coach Guy Boucher said. "That team is lethal around the net and they overpowered us, plain and simple."

It was the Sharks' fastest time for five goals ever in a regular-season game and they finished with their highest scoring total of the season. Antti Niemi stopped 22 shots for his third straight win.

"It becomes a weird game when that happens," Burns said. "It's a different feeling. A lot of bounces were going our way and not a lot their way."

Tampa Bay's Dwayne Roloson stopped 31 of 34 shots in relief of starter Mathieu Garon.

"We've had some success when we've replaced the goalie before," Boucher said. "I was looking for something but it was already too late."

Ferriero, recalled from Worcester of the AHL to replace the injured Martin Havlat, gave the Sharks the early lead after taking a pass from behind the net from Joe Thornton less than four minutes into the contest.

"I was a little bit nervous at first but it was great to get a chance to play with two great players like that," Ferriero said. "I couldn't ask for anything more on my first shift."

Pavelski backhanded a rebound off a shot by Burns during a power play less than two minutes later to make it 2-0.

Desjardins rapped the puck off the post and into the net after Andrew Murray saved the puck behind the net, ending Garon's evening.

Couture scored an even-strength goal and one on the power play in a 1:34 span to set the team record.

Moore got the Lightning on the board late in the first with an assist from Eric Brewer.

"It was an awful way to start the game," Brewer said. "They had their way in the first period and we were junk."

Following a scoreless second period, Burns scored off a clean faceoff, won by Michal Handzus, 1:15 into the third.

After St. Louis scored for Tampa Bay, Marleau was credited for a goal when Lightning defender Marc-Andre Bergeron knocked the puck into the net and then broke his stick slamming it against the crossbar.

NOTES: St. Louis, who recorded his 801st point, played for the first time since getting hit in the face by a puck during a practice. He missed five games. ... Thornton moved into 69th place on the all-time points list with 1,029. ... Garon gave up three goals on eight shots before leaving the game with 13:39 remaining in the first period. ... The Sharks' previous mark for five goals was in the first 18:50 at Chicago in 1996. ... Desjardins scored his first goal since getting two in the season opener on Oct. 8.



Sharks' Havlat out up to 8 weeks with torn tendon

(12-21) 20:12 PST San Jose, Calif. (AP) --

Sharks forward Martin Havlat will miss up to eight weeks following surgery Thursday to repair a partial tear in a tendon in his left hamstring.

San Jose general manager Doug Wilson said the team was prepared for the worst after Havlat injured himself jumping over the Sharks' bench during Saturday's 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

Havlat, acquired in a trade from the Minnesota Wild during the offseason, scored his second goal of the season against the Oilers and had recorded three points in his last two games.

Wilson said he expected Havlat to return for the stretch run.

Forward Benn Ferriero was recalled from Worcester to take Havlat's spot on the roster.


602095 St Louis Blues

Oshie: "I feel like I can play better."

By JEREMY RUTHERFORD | Posted: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 2:40 pm | No Comments Posted

DENVER - More than any other player on the Blues' roster, T.J. Oshie gets mentioned the most regarding one player who looks much better under Ken Hitchcock.

Oshie leads the Blues with 23 points and he's tied with Alex Steen for the club high in goals with 11. In 19 games since Hitchcock took over, Oshie has 15 points (eight goals, seven assists).

Recently, Hitchcock said that Oshie was playing a more north-south game.

"I feel like I'm going more north," Oshie said today, "but it's really hard to tell (why he's been more successful). I don't feel like I've made a dramatic change. I feel like I'm just focused more on going toward the net."

One noticeable aspect, which could be leading to more direct play, is the limited number of hits Oshie is delivering. In 2009-10, Oshie was second on the team with 149 hits in 76 games (1.96 per game). This season, Oshie is sixth on the club with 41 hits in 32 games (1.3 per game).

"I noticed that too," Oshie said. "I really haven't gotten too many of those big hits. I don't know if that's positioning or not running out of position. I'm finding now when I get the chance, I can just go stick on puck and get the puck away from guys. I think I'm getting more takeaways from it."

On Saturday against Nashville, Oshie had two takeaways and four shots on goal. He netted the game-tying goal with 3:57 left in regulation before the Blues lost 2-1 in a shootout.

Oshie followed that up Sunday with a goal and an assist in a 6-4 win over Columbus, giving him seven points (four goals, three assists) in his last five games.

"I feel like I can play better," Oshie said. "I feel like I can still put myself in more positions to shoot the puck. I think I can still make crisper plays going up ice, finding (Steen) a little more. I tend to put the puck at his feet quite a bit. I don't know if he notices it but I do. He ends up catching them and putting them up to his stick just because he's a great player ... but there's a lot of little things I can still improve on."

***

TONIGHT'S LINEUP

Forwards

Alex Steen-David Backes-T.J. Oshie

David Perron-Patrik Berglund-Chris Stewart

Matt D'Agostini-Jason Arnott-Jamie Langenbrunner

Chris Porter-Scott Nichol-Ryan Reaves

Defensemen

Barret Jackman-Kevin Shattenkirk

Carlo Colaiacovo-Alex Pietrangelo

Kris Russell-Roman Polak

Goalie

Brian Elliott

****

STEWART ON 2ND LINE

Chris Stewart will be in his usual spot on the Blues' second line tonight, despite playing a shade over 14 minutes in Sunday's win over Columbus. He spent some time on the third line as Hitchcock swapped him and Jamie Langenbrunner.

"I'm the guy with the least knowledge on him," Hitchcock said. "I see flashes and I'm looking for more consistent play, like I'm sure he is. But I don't believe in a short-term fix for the long-term problem. In other words, you can move him down and it might work for a game or two, but at the end of the day, the player himself has to get himself going. You can only coach so far and the player has to take on that responsibility."

Hitchcock said that he didn't move Stewart to the third line Sunday because of individual poor play.

"That's not what it was," Hitchcock said. "It was based on ... the line was playing loose and so when I see a line play loose, that's Jamie's job. That's his job to tighten down a line. And when we put him there, the line tightened up. It held onto the puck, it didn't make "hope-for" passes. The same thing with Backes. If I think Backes' line is too loose, I'll put Jamie there because he plays the game the right way."

But that's not to gloss over Stewart's struggles, which have been documented. He has four goals in 29 games and just two points (both assists) in his last six games. In those six games, he's been held without a shot three times.

"The thing for Stewy is, he shows flashes of being a power forward," Hitchcock said. "And to get to the next level, there has to be a consistent level of the hard before the skill. So it has to be hard play, then the skill takes over.

"Where he has to go to score goals is not easy areas. So pushing him into those hard areas, that's our job. Then he's going to have to convince himself over time that those are the areas he's going to get goals in, and he's going to have to be determined to go in there. Sometimes when you play with highly skilled players, sometimes you want to play with skill ahead of work. So when I see the skill go in ahead of the work, I make the change."

****

ODDS & ENDS

- The Blues are 7-0-2 this season when T.J. Oshie scores a goal.

- Colorado defenseman and former Blue Erik Johnson has a four-game point streak (1 goals, 4 assists) heading into tonight's game.

- B.J. Crombeen (shoulder) and Vladimir Sobotka (ankle) are both on the two-game road trip. Crombeen could be ready in about 10-14 days away from playing, according to Hitchcock. Sobotka rode the bike today and the Blues are hopeful he can skate before Christmas.

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/oshie-i-feel-like-i-can-play-better/article_55a99570-2c14-11e1-ac62-001a4bcf6878.html#ixzz1hEPR26ZK

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 12.22.2011


Bernie Bytes: Can Blues be road warriors?

By BERNIE MIKLASZ, Post-Dispatch Sports Columnist | Posted: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 12:00 pm | (8) Comments

Talk will take Blues only so far vs. Colorado

What is the secret to Hitchcock’s success with the Blues?

Blues defense makes difference

Blues at Colorado: Matchup box

When — 8:30 tonight.

Where — Pepsi Center, Denver.

TV, radio — Fox Sports Midwest, KMOX (1120 AM).

Blues preview — The Blues have points in 17 of 19 games since Ken Hitchcock took over in early November. After Jaroslav Halak started back-to-back games over the weekend, Brian Elliott is scheduled to start in goal. Elliott (13-2) has a 1.43 goals-against average and .948 save percentage.

Avalanche preview — Colorado has won eight of its last nine meetings with the Blues. Signed during the summer, goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere is 5-4 with a 1.86 goals-against average and .927 save percentage.

What to watch — Former Blues defenseman Erik Johnson had a goal and three assists in a three-game span and has been more assertive at both ends of the ice for Colorado. Meanwhile, Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk had a goal Sunday and has 17 points to go with a plus-10 rating.

Injuries — Blues: D Kent Huskins (ankle), F Andy McDonald (concussion) an

Reading Time 5 Minutes:

The Blues will play four of their next six on the road. They're in Colorado tonight, and will play at Phoenix on Friday. I'm curious to see how the Blues will do as the road schedule intensifies. They've gone 3-0-3 on the road since Ken Hitchcock took over as coach. Obviously, that's a nice record. Goaltending has been a huge factor, with Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott combining for a .945 road save pct. during this 3-0-3 stretch. The potential problem is scoring. The Blues don't score enough on the road; their average 2.07 goals per road game ranks 29th out of 30 NHL teams. That creates a very fine line between winning and losing, and unless the Blues can punch more pucks in the net away from Scottrade Center their goaltenders will be asked to continue performing miracles. And we can't expect Halak and Ellliott to keep this up night after night.

Though Blues GM Doug Armstrong denied it at the time of the coaching change, you had to think that the schedule was a part of the decision. Even with some added road games in the next patch of schedule, the Blues have had a huge advantage since Ken Hitchcock took command. Hitchcock's first game was Nov. 8. From that point until now, the Blues have played 13 home games, tied for most in thee NHL, with only eight road games. Only San Jose and Winnipeg have had fewer road games since Nov. 8.

The home-sweet-home schedule will resume soon. After playing four of the next six on the road the Blues will set up at Scottrade to play eight of nine and 10 of 12 at home through Feb. 3. With a schedule so front-loaded with home games, it made perfect since to bring in Hitchcock to spark the team and pile up as many points as possible on home ice. And the Blues have been doing a marvelous job of that, going 10-2-1 (.808) at 14th and Clark with Hitchcock as boss.

Moving On ...

If you have access to the Showtime cable network, do yourself a favor and watch or record "Game of Honor" the two-hour documentary on Army-Navy football. It debuts Wednesday night at 9 p.m. STL time. Film crews were given unprecedented access to the Naval Academy and West Point to track Navy and Army players as they prepared for the annual rivalry game. The documentary gives viewers a fascinating look at life at the service academies. These players aren't just getting ready for a football game; these gallant young men are preparing themselves for what comes after football. And that could mean an assignment that puts their lives on the line as they serve their nation during wartime. Seeing what Army and Navy go through just reminded me of something important: as much as I love college football, the games that Alabama and USC and Michigan and Texas play are frivolous by comparison.

Follow-up from earlier in the week: Rams Chief Operating Officer Kevin Demoff says there are no plans to change the team's uniforms.

The Chicago Bulls got their franchise player, point guard Derrick Rose, signed to a new deal. The terms were five years for $95 million. Five years? Dee Dee Pujols was insulted.

We've really liked what we've seen from Missouri basketball so far, and we hope it continues. But that strength of schedule to this point -- 325th in the nation according to Ken Pomeroy -- puts up the yellow caution light.

So the Cardinals are talking about signing "complementary" players, eh? Translation: if there's no Carlos Beltran signing -- then it's onto the low-hanging fruit.

Ohio State got off easy. USC and Boise State ought to be howling. The NCAA is a joke. But then again, you knew that already.

With Roy Oswalt disclosing that he's willing to accept a one-year deal, the Cardinals need to have a conversation with him, right? The competition for Oswalt figures to be formidable -- with the Yankees and Red Sox looming as heavyweight contenders -- but the Cardinals have to at least explore Oswalt's interest in pitching here. In the past Oswalt expressed a desire to pitch in St. Louis. It's reasonably close to home (Mississippi) and he has friends (including Lance Berkman) on the club.

Thanks for reading ...

-Bernie

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/bernie-bytes-can-blues-be-road-warriors/article_791f37be-2bef-11e1-8d4c-001a4bcf6878.html#ixzz1hEPWU55X



Elliott is back in goal

By JEREMY RUTHERFORD • [email protected] > 314-444-7135 | Posted: Thursday, December 22, 2011 12:30 am | Loading…

DENVER • The six days that Blues goaltender Brian Elliott had off before Wednesday's start in Colorado was actually short rest. Elliott has twice sat out seven consecutive days this season.

Despite leading the NHL in three major categories, Elliott climbed even with Jaroslav Halak in games played this season at 17 after meeting the Avalanche.

The Blues are one of 14 clubs in the NHL that has two goaltenders with double-digit appearances, and it's hard to argue with the success of a few of the tandems. Four of the teams are in the top six in the league in goals-against average: the Blues (Elliott and Halak), Boston (Tim Thomas, Tuukka Rask), Minnesota (Niklas Backstrom, Josh Harding) and Vancouver (Roberto Luongo, Cory Schneider).

"You look at teams like Boston; they've done a really good job with that," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. "You look at Minnesota; they've done a really good job of managing consistent ice time for their goaltenders. And that's what we need to do.

"One of the things that happens when you've got two good goalies, and then you decide to stretch out one, the other guy suffers. Then you end up with one goalie and hoping that he doesn't get hurt because the other guy has lost his mojo. We don't want to do that. We've got two good guys going and we want to keep them both going. And it has to be a routine that they understand, that they're not going to go 15, 16 days without playing."

Over the weekend, Hitchcock gave Halak starts on back-to-back nights for the first time this season, in part, because Hitchcock wanted to see how Halak would respond.

Halak went 1-0-1 in his back-to-back starts, allowing five goals on 52 total shots in a 6-4 victory over Columbus and a 2-1 shootout loss at Nashville. In their win over the Blue Jackets, the Blues rallied from a 3-2 deficit after two periods, after Halak struggled with his glove. But overall, Hitchcock thought Halak played well.

"It was a bizarre game last game when Jaro played ... pucks were bouncing everywhere," Hitchcock said. "The game is 4-3 (in the Blues' favor), and he makes those three saves in a row with 10 minutes to go ... those are winning saves. They allow us to get to 5-3 rather than get nervous and get tied 4-4. The way he played in the third was real impressive."

The upcoming schedule will not force the Blues into using one goaltender. After Friday's game in Phoenix, the club will return from the Christmas break and twice next week play games on back-to-back nights.

"I don't worry about whether the guy is happy or not happy. ... I just expect them both to contribute," Hitchcock said. "I know what the season is like. We have over 50 games to play still. That's a lot of hockey. Our guys are going to have to play a lot. For me, keeping both guys going is really important."

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Despite leading the Blues with 23 points and being in a tie for the club high in goals (11) before Wednesday, Blues forward T.J. Oshie says there's room for improvement.

"I feel like I can play better," Oshie said. "I feel like I can still put myself in more positions to shoot the puck. I think I can still make crisper plays going up ice ... there's a lot of little things I can still improve on."

Oshie had seven points in his last five games before Wednesday and 15 points in 19 games under Hitchcock, who recently said that Oshie is playing more of a north-south game than when he arrived.

INJURY UPDATE

Blues forward B.J. Crombeen, who suffered a broken shoulder in the final preseason game, made his first road trip of the season to Colorado.

"He's still probably 10 days, two weeks away from playing," Hitchcock said. "I think as soon as he gets out of the red (no-contact) sweater, he's going to feel good about things."

Vladimir Sobotka, who has an ankle injury after being hit by a shot in practice, also made the trip, but he will not play in either game. He did not skate Wednesday, opting for the exercise bike.



Blues seek a balance for their goaltending duo

By JEREMY RUTHERFORD [email protected] 314-444-7135 | Posted: Thursday, December 22, 2011 12:30 am | Loading…

DENVER • The six days that Blues goaltender Brian Elliott had off before Wednesday's start in Colorado was actually short rest. Elliott has twice sat out seven consecutive days this season.

Despite leading the NHL in three major categories, Elliott climbed even with Jaroslav Halak in games played this season at 17 after meeting the Avalanche.

The Blues are one of 14 clubs in the NHL that has two goaltenders with double-digit appearances, and it's hard to argue with the success of a few of the tandems. Four of the teams are in the top six in the league in goals-against average: the Blues (Elliott and Halak), Boston (Tim Thomas, Tuukka Rask), Minnesota (Niklas Backstrom, Josh Harding) and Vancouver (Roberto Luongo, Cory Schneider).

"You look at teams like Boston; they've done a really good job with that," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. "You look at Minnesota; they've done a really good job of managing consistent ice time for their goaltenders. And that's what we need to do.

"One of the things that happens when you've got two good goalies, and then you decide to stretch out one, the other guy suffers. Then you end up with one goalie and hoping that he doesn't get hurt because the other guy has lost his mojo. We don't want to do that. We've got two good guys going and we want to keep them both going. And it has to be a routine that they understand, that they're not going to go 15, 16 days without playing."

Over the weekend, Hitchcock gave Halak starts on back-to-back nights for the first time this season, in part, because Hitchcock wanted to see how Halak would respond.

Halak went 1-0-1 in his back-to-back starts, allowing five goals on 52 total shots in a 6-4 victory over Columbus and a 2-1 shootout loss at Nashville. In their win over the Blue Jackets, the Blues rallied from a 3-2 deficit after two periods, after Halak struggled with his glove. But overall, Hitchcock thought Halak played well.

"It was a bizarre game last game when Jaro played ... pucks were bouncing everywhere," Hitchcock said. "The game is 4-3 (in the Blues' favor), and he makes those three saves in a row with 10 minutes to go ... those are winning saves. They allow us to get to 5-3 rather than get nervous and get tied 4-4. The way he played in the third was real impressive."

The upcoming schedule will not force the Blues into using one goaltender. After Friday's game in Phoenix, the club will return from the Christmas break and twice next week play games on back-to-back nights.

"I don't worry about whether the guy is happy or not happy. ... I just expect them both to contribute," Hitchcock said. "I know what the season is like. We have over 50 games to play still. That's a lot of hockey. Our guys are going to have to play a lot. For me, keeping both guys going is really important."

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Despite leading the Blues with 23 points and being in a tie for the club high in goals (11) before Wednesday, Blues forward T.J. Oshie says there's room for improvement.

"I feel like I can play better," Oshie said. "I feel like I can still put myself in more positions to shoot the puck. I think I can still make crisper plays going up ice ... there's a lot of little things I can still improve on."

Oshie had seven points in his last five games before Wednesday and 15 points in 19 games under Hitchcock, who recently said that Oshie is playing more of a north-south game than when he arrived.

"I feel like I'm going more north," Oshie said, "but it's really hard to tell (why he's been more successful). I don't feel like I've made a dramatic change. I feel like I'm just focused more on going toward the net."

INJURY UPDATE

Blues forward B.J. Crombeen, who suffered a broken shoulder in the final preseason game, made his first road trip of the season to Colorado.

"He's still probably 10 days, two weeks away from playing," Hitchcock said. "I think as soon as he gets out of the red (no-contact) sweater, he's going to feel good about things."

Vladimir Sobotka, who has an ankle injury after being hit by a shot in practice, also made the trip, but he will not play in either game. He did not skate Wednesday, opting for the exercise bike.

"Sobi isn't going to take much time," Hitchcock said. "We're hopeful that he can skate before Christmas and see where he goes from there."



McClement scores winner as Avs top Blues 3-2

By JEREMY RUTHERFORD [email protected] 314-444-7135 | Posted: Thursday, December 22, 2011 12:30 am | Loading…

DENVER • Former Blue Jay McClement spoiled a breakthrough moment for Chris Stewart, scoring the game-winning goal for Colorado in a 3-2 win over the Blues on Wednesday night.

McClement's second-period tally came about five minutes after Stewart helped the Blues erase a two-goal deficit. A scoreless third period gave the visitors their first regulation loss in seven games and only their third under coach Ken Hitchcock.

Colorado won its seventh consecutive game at Pepsi Center, becoming only the second opponent this season to score three goals against Blues goaltender Brian Elliott. Cody McLeod and Paul Stastny also netted goals against the netminder, who suffered his third loss of the season, ending a personal three-game winning streak.

The Blues are off today before playing the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday at Jobing.com Arena. That will end a two-game road trip before the Christmas holiday.

After going 5-0-1 in their last six games, the Blues weren't crisp Wednesday in Colorado in several areas, particularly in the first period. Elliott made a costly mistake that handed the Avs a two-goal lead. The power-play unit had three of its four man-advantages in the opening period and misfired on each. The unit is now 12-113 (10.6 percent) this season, still last in the league.

"I think when you start as poorly as we do, that's not winning hockey and that's not what we do," Hitchcock said. "We have for a long period of time been ready to play, and we haven't been ready to play the last two games. ... We've just thrown our sticks on the ice and today we didn't get away with it."

The Blues showed a spark in the second period, in which they were outshooting Colorado 14-1 at one point. But McClement's goal on the Avalanche's second shot of the period with 5:53 remaining wound up being the difference.

The Blues outshot the Avs for a stretch in the third period, too, going 11-1, but couldn't come up with the equalizer.

McClement gave Colorado the go-ahead goal with his sixth of the season on a play that had to be reviewed.

McClement broke in on the right side and backhanded the puck in front of the net, where it hit Alex Pietrangelo, who was sliding to break up the play, and went into the net. An official behind the net didn't signal a goal, but after a review it was ruled that the puck crossed the goal line before the net came off its moorings.

When asked about the explanation from officials, Blues captain David Backes said, "It's such a long convoluted thing. But whether it's a tic-tac-toe (goal) or something lucky, we need to have an answer for it and show more resiliency."

That put the Avalanche ahead 3-2 after Stewart tied the score with his fifth goal of the season and second in 16 games. Linemate Patrik Berglund executed a curl move into the slot and backhanded a shot on net. It missed but Stewart gathered it and put it past Avs goalie Jean-Sebastian Giguere with a forehand shot.

Stewart's goal wiped out a 2-0 lead Colorado had just 5:13 into the game.

The Avalanche scored 3:52 after the puck dropped, with Stastny tipping in a wrist shot by Matt Hunwick for his 11th goal of the season. Then 1:21 later, McLeod took advantage of a mistake by Elliott and netted his second of the season on a give-me goal. Elliott played a shot by the Avs' Kevin Porter to his right, in the direction of teammate Kevin Shattenkirk, but the puck went directly and softly to McLeod.

After falling behind two goals, the Blues had three power-play opportunities in the final 10 minutes of the first period, but the best scoring chance in the sequence was a 3-on-1 rush by the Avs after one of their penalized players exited the box.

"The power play needs to be something that gives us a spark," Backes said.

Backes jump-started his team in the second period by notching his 11th goal of the season. The Blues unleashed a flurry of offensive activity in front of the Colorado net early in the period, but the Avs withstood it. Moments later, Backes took the puck coast-to-coast, pulled up and ripped a shot over the glove of Giguere just 3:09 into the period.

Colorado didn't register its first shot on goal in the second period until 11:09 remained. McClement's goal with just under six minutes left was only the second shot of the period for the Avalanche. But after taking the lead, the Avs outshot the Blues 9-0 the rest of the frame.



Third Period Update: Avalanche 3, Blues 2

By DAN O'NEILL | Posted: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 8:39 pm | Loading…

Frustrating road loss for the Blues. They had the better of the play for much of the game, but could not capitalize on chances. At the same time, the validity of Colorado's decisive goal - credited to Jay McClement - was highly questionable. In fact, the Avs had two weird goals. their first goal went in off Alex Pietrangelo's skate.

And the game winner went in after two Blues players slid into goaltender Brian Elliott. The goal was knocked off its moorings as the puck was crossing the line. But replay officials on Mars - er, Toronto - somehow were able to watch replays and determine without a doubt the puck had crossed the line before the goal came off its posts.

The Blues had a plenty of time to overcome that second period goal, but weren't able to do so. They out-shot the Avalanche 39-22 for the night in a game that was a similar to an overtime-shootout loss in Nashville last weekend.

Chris Stewart broke a seven game goal-less stretch with his fifth of the season. David Backes was the other Blues goal scorer. The Note went 0 for four on the power play.

***

Berglund takes a high-sticking penalty with 3:25 to play. Not good.

***

This is turning into a replay of the Nashville game. Blues have completely outplayed the Avs since the opening minutes. But their inability to accomplish anything on a power play is threatening to cost them this game. There is still just under 13 minutes remaining.

***

The Blues killed the remainder of a Colorado power play, then wasted their fourth power play of the game. Just over 15 minutes to play.

***

The Blues gave up all the momentum they were building with a bad goal late in the second. They will begin the third trailing by a goal and they are 2-6-1 when behind going into the third. Worse, the Avs will have most of the remains of a power play to begin the final period.

***

The Blues give up a terrible goal to Jay McClement as the Avs get the lead back.

First, Colorado gets a 2-on-1 break. Elliott is in position to make the save, but two Blues players slam into the goaltender and the puck winds up in the net. The officials did not signal a goal, instead they get on the phone with the "War Room" in Toronto.

Although the referee never made a signal either way, the replay officials in Toronto somehow decide it is a goal and the Avs lead 3-2. There was not enough evidence to say it was a goal for sure, in that the goal came off its moorings in the midst of it all. But hey, this is the NHL.

***

Some guy wearing No. 25 just scored for the Blues, tying the game 2-2. Patrik Berglund made a power move into the slot and backhanded a shot. That guy - Chris Stewart - was parked in front and maneuvered the rebound past Giguere. Berglund and David Perron get assists.

It is Stewart's fifth goal of the season, and first since the invention of peanut butter. Moments later, David Backes had a breakaway but couldn't beat Giguere.

***

David Backes snaps a shot over Jean-Sebastien Giguere to cut the deficit to 2-1 at 3:01 of second period. The goal is the 11th for Backes and gets

the Blues back into it. Backes, Alex Steen and T.J. Oshie all lead the team with 11 goals, all play on the same line.

***

Blues are in trouble in this one. They had three power-play chances to make up for a bad start, but go to the dressing room trailing 2-0. The Blues out-shot the Avs 14-10, mostly because of the power plays. Not a good performance by the visitors.

You can bet Colorado will get a few power-play chances to even things out.

***

The Blues had a 5-on-3 for 14 seconds, but couldn't convert. Back to back power plays go nowhere. David Perron hit the post, but that's as close as they came.

**

The Avs quickly make it 2-0. A rare misplay by Elliott gives Gabriel Landeskog a chance in close and he buries it 5:30 into the period. Colorado has won six in a row at home and is dominating thus far.

***

Colorado breaks on top. The Avs win a faceoff in the Blues' end. The shot comes from the defense, is tipped by Paul Stastny and then hits Alex Pietrangelo's skate to deflect past Brian Elliott. The goal is credited to Stastny, his 11th, and give the Avs a 1-0 lead 3:52 into the game.


602101 Tampa Bay Lightning

Bolts notes: St. Louis' status for tonight's game uncertain

By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

The likelihood of Marty St. Louis returning to the lineup Wednesday night against San Jose remained the same after Wednesday morning's practice as after his first practice on Tuesday – nobody is quite sure what to expect.

St. Louis, who was struck in the face by a puck on Dec. 8, practiced with the team at HP Pavilion on Wednesday morning, participating in every drill while wearing a full cage to protect his broken nose and orbital bone. He even came off the ice early, an indication he might be ready to play.

But he gave no hint as to his status for the game – in or out.

"There's always a chance, but I don't know," he said. "It felt decent, but I'm still day-to-day and we'll assess as we go."

While on the ice, St. Louis had a conversation near the team bench with head coach Guy Boucher and head medical trainer Tom Mulligan. After taking off his gear, St. Louis worked on his sticks, which is part of his normal game-day routine. There also were additional conversations between Mulligan and Boucher, although nobody tipped their hand.

Boucher is not expecting St. Louis to be back in the lineup before Christmas, although he was not as firm as previously.

"He's skating well and adapting well, but obviously his vision is not where it needs to be and we will continue to monitor that in the coming days," Boucher said. "It was never part of the plan (for him to play Wednesday), so it would take a small miracle for that to happen.

"(The timetable) has always been for after Christmas. Right now, he was supposed to be back home and, to be honest, I was a little surprised when he was on the plane. He wanted to be with the guys, but he went on the ice twice and felt that he needed to make the next step, which was to practice with the players and get some reps, get his timing back.''

More injury updates

C Nate Thompson will miss tonight's game with a lower-body injury sustained during his second shift Saturday in Columbus. He has not skated since. Thompson instead plans to provide color commentary for the radio

broadcast alongside play-by-play announcer Dave Mishkin for the third period.

D Matt Gilroy also will be out tonight, missing his second consecutive game with a lower body injury. Gilroy came on the ice late Wednesday morning wearing a red non-contact jersey to do some light skating and shooting drills. There is no timetable for his return. He plans to skate again Friday morning before the game against the Colorado Avalanche, but was unsure if that would be with the full team.

"It felt pretty good, but we'll have to see how I feel after (Wednesday's skate) get in some more treatment and see how it goes from there,'' he said.

Old man in the room

Former Lightning D Dan Boyle, who helped Tampa Bay win the Stanley Cup in 2004, is the oldest player in the San Jose dressing room at 35, something that surprised him when he showed up for training camp.

"Last year, I was the fifth-oldest player in here, and the other four left, so I instantly became the oldest guy in the room, although I don't look like it,'' Boyle said. "Guys obviously get on the oldest guy quite a bit, so I've had to take my share of comments and stuff, but that's all part of it.''

Boyle has a Stanley Cup ring and is a big part of the leadership in the Sharks' dressing room. Now that he's getting closer to the end of his career, he appreciates how difficult it is to win a championship, especially after reaching the Western Conference final with San Jose twice in his four seasons only to come up short of reaching the final round.

"It's very hard, and all I have to do is look at (former Tampa Bay captain Dave) Andreychuk to look up to as it took him 20 years to win one,'' Boyle said. "So, I know that was fortunate to at least get one and put myself in a position here to get close, but it's just that hard to get to that next step.''

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 12.22.2011


St. Louis back on ice with Lightning


Wearing a full metal cage attached to his helmet, Marty St. Louis stepped onto the ice Tuesday at HP Pavilion to practice with his teammates for the first time since being hit in the face by a puck.

It was a small victory, considering how frightening the injury looked when it happened and how close it came to damaging to his vision.

"All said and done, if you had told me I'd be skating 12 days after it happened, I would have paid for that," said St. Louis, whose nose was broken and orbital bone fractured. "So, I count my blessings that I'm able to be out there right now."

St. Louis, 35, was hurt on Dec. 8 during a morning skate at Madison Square Garden in New York when an errant puck struck him near the left eye, ending his consecutive games played streak at 499.

No timetable has been set for his return, but St. Louis, tied for second on the team with 22 points, took part in every drill and worked with the top power-play unit toward the end of practice. He did not wear the red practice jersey that normally specifies an injured player.

While the door was not closed on a possible return to the lineup tonight when Tampa Bay faces San Jose, head coach Guy Boucher is not expecting St. Louis to play in either of the final two games before Christmas — tonight and Friday in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche.

"We don't want to get ahead of ourselves. We want to let him ease into what he feels that he can do and where he is going to go,'' Boucher said. "So, we'll see. But it's good that he's getting himself back into shape and getting better every day, so that's a good sign.''

After going through the 75-minute practice, St. Louis said everything felt good on the ice and he did not encounter any vision problems, though he

did require eye drops at one point late in practice. He handled the speed of the practice without incident.

"This is the first time in 12 days that I'm put in hockey situations with NHL level of play,'' said St. Louis, who began working out on Friday. "It wasn't easy, but I was very encouraged with how I felt out there.''

St. Louis had played in 749 out of a possible 751 games including the postseason before the eye injury, so missing the past five games proved to be an unfamiliar challenge. He last missed a game due to injury in November 2005, when he broke a finger during practice.

"I feel that I've come a long way in the past few days, so it's encouraging,'' St. Louis said. "It was nice to get into a hockey situation. I've skated the past couple of days by myself, but you don't get to test yourself until you are put in hockey situations with the guy, with NHL speed and that kind of stuff.''



Lightning spoil St. Louis' return, lose 7-2 at San Jose


Not even the heroic return of Marty St. Louis was enough to wake up the Lightning late Wednesday night. Tampa Bay looked like it was nap time back east instead of game time out west.

St. Louis made a surprise return to the lineup less than two weeks after being struck in the face with a puck, even scoring a goal, but San Jose looked inspired in routing the Lightning 7-2 in front of an announced sellout crowd of 17,562 at HP Pavilion.

The Sharks scored five goals in the opening 15 minutes on Wednesday to snap Tampa Bay's modest two-game winning streak. The five goals allowed was a season high for the Lightning in a single period this season, while San Jose set a team record for the fastest five goals to start a game.

"That's just an awful way to start a game and we clearly were not ready to play the type of game they were,'' defenseman Eric Brewer said. "In the first period, we were really junk.''

Ben Ferrriero, Joe Pavelski and Andrew Desjardins scored once each and Logan Couture twice to put Tampa Bay in a deep hole.

After a failed Lightning power play 36 seconds into the game, poor coverage around the Tampa Bay net allowed San Jose to get to those areas without much resistance, and the Lightning paid for it five times over.

"We were outworked, out-battled, outplayed. Period,'' Lightning head coach Guy Boucher said. "Coming out like that, it's very disappointing.''

The loss was Tampa Bay's fourth in a row in San Jose. Tampa Bay's last victory at the Shark Tank came March 24, 2003, and it is 1-7-1 in the past nine trips to northern California.

In four visits since the 2005 lockout, Tampa Bay has been outscored 22-6.

Ferriero skated through the crease to find a loose puck and deposit it in the open net at 3:26. Pavelski came down the left slot to collect a rebound and backhand a puck past Mathieu Garon for a power play goal at 4:51. Desjardins came from behind the net for a wraparound and found the five-hole on Garon at 6:21, ending Garon's night after allowing three goals on eight shots.

"I wanted to spark something,'' Boucher said of the change in goal. "This year, when we've made a goalie change, it's really helped us, changed this around no matter who we were playing. I thought changing would give us something, get us going, but it was too late.''

Dwayne Roloson came on in relief, but the change in goal did not result in the desired shakeup. Couture scored goals one minute, 34 seconds apart, both the result of a lack of coverage around the net.

"Guys were soft on the coverage," Boucher said. "This team is lethal around the net. We got prepared for it, looked at the video and they just overpowered us, plain and simple. "We got out-muscled the whole game. If

you don't come out against a Stanley Cup contender that has a big, physical team, that's first on puck, that has all the tools with no flaws … you can't come out and be soft like we were and expect anything positive to come out of it.''

Dominic Moore got Tampa Bay on the board, redirecting an Eric Brewer shot from the right point at 15:38 to make it 5-1 after the first period.

"We didn't come out ready to battle,'' St. Louis said. "You can have all the Xs and Os, but against that team, you have to be willing to battle in your own end, you can't give them time and space. You have to anticipate their play and jump them so you crowd their space right away, and we didn't do that. You don't want to give that team momentum. They thrive on scoring goals and they start to feel good about themselves.''

After a scoreless second period, San Jose made it 6-1 when defenseman Brent Burns fired a quick shot from the right point to the far upper post off a faceoff win by Michael Handzus 1:15 into the third period.

St. Louis scored his 10th goal of the season after taking a nice pass in the slot from Teddy Purcell behind the net at 7:45 to make it 6-2.

"I felt better than I thought; I felt better as the game went on,'' St. Louis said of his return after missing five games. "Coming back from that injury and putting a cage on, a lot of things come into play.''

Patrick Marleau finished the scoring for San Jose when his attempted pass into the crease popped into the air and defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron, trying to whack it out of midair, knocked it off the back of Roloson's pad into the net.

Tampa Bay also lost another player to injury as Ryan Shannon did not play in the third period after being hit into the boards by Sharks center Andrew Murray in the second period. Shannon hobbled to the bench, but left after the play. He returned to the bench, but did not take another shift.



'Ridiculous' streak for Bolts' St. Louis: 499 straight games


Editor's note: Martin St. Louis' status for tonight's game was undetermined after his was injured during Thursday morning's skate. Stay with TBO.com for updates.

Nearly a year ago, around 3 a.m. on Dec. 26, Tom Mulligan's phone rang. Phone calls at that time of the morning generally mean trouble. Marty St. Louis was on the other end of the line and told the Tampa Bay Lightning's head medical trainer there was a problem.

St. Louis was calling from the bathroom floor of his Connecticut home, where he had spent most of the night vomiting because of a stomach virus running through the household. St. Louis was scheduled to be on a plane at 6 a.m. to play a game that night in Atlanta.

His streak of playing in 427 consecutive games was in jeopardy.

"I couldn't function,'' St. Louis said.

Mulligan told St. Louis to try to get some sleep and call back before the team was scheduled to leave Tampa around 9 a.m. Sure enough, St. Louis got a bit of rest and felt well enough to get on a flight and join the team in Atlanta. He arrived at the rink around 4 p.m., took in as many fluids as he could, played 16 minutes and picked up a pair of assists, including setting up the game-winning goal in overtime.

Just another day at the office for somebody who has shown up for work every game for more than five straight seasons.

Tonight, when the Tampa Bay Lightning play the New York Rangers, the 36-year-old St. Louis was expected to suit up for his 500th consecutive regular-season game, the third-longest active streak in the league behind

Calgary's Jay Bouwmeester (533 games) and Vancouver's Henrik Sedin (526).

Add the playoffs and St. Louis has played in 528 consecutive games heading into tonight. Since returning from a broken leg during the 2001-02 season, he has played in 749 of 751 games, including the playoffs.

The two games he missed during that span were because of a broken finger in 2005-06.

"He is one of the most dedicated people I have ever seen to the game and taking care of himself,'' said former Lightning teammate Brad Richards, who will be on the opposing team tonight. "It shows when he accomplishes this.''

St. Louis has endured some other close calls throughout this streak. Earlier this season, he took a shot off an ankle and, had the team played the next day, St. Louis was not sure he could have put his foot in a boot.

Last year, heading into a game in Los Angeles, St. Louis had taken a puck off his big toe the night before in Anaheim and head coach Guy Boucher all but declared him out. Before the game, St. Louis had the excess blood drained from the toe and went out and played 21 minutes.

There's been a bit of fortune, as well, such as one of the rare times he was in a vulnerable position and took a hard hit to the head during a game on a Saturday. But because the team did not play for five days, he was able to recover and be in the lineup the next game.

"Sometimes the way the schedule falls, sometimes that helps, and in that sense there is a little bit of luck involved,'' St. Louis said. "There are definitely nights where you don't feel great, but as the game goes you feel better, like adrenaline is a natural painkiller.''

Factor in the number of minutes a night St. Louis plays, sometimes upward of 22 to 23 against top defensive pairings on most shifts, and the streak looks even more impressive.

"In particular, the way he plays and how hard he plays, it's more impressive,'' Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said. "He's a unique athlete. He's in such great shape. He competes hard. He's a little bit like Nik Lidstrom in that they win battles, first on the puck, but a lot of times, they don't put themselves in position to get run over.

"So, it's just a special player to be able to do that. It's a hard thing to do.''

Boucher called St. Louis' stretch a "ridiculous'' streak.

"He's a role model for all kids and adults, plain and simple,'' Boucher said. "The mental toughness of this individual, to me is an example for years and years and years.''



Marty St. Louis' return falls flat as San Jose Sharks rout Tampa Bay Lightning 7-2

By Mark Emmons, Special to the Times

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Marty St. Louis returned to the lineup, and he even scored a goal. But that was just about the only good news for the Lightning late Wednesday night.

The Sharks shredded the Lightning defense with five first-period goals and coasted to a 7-2 victory at HP Pavilion.

"We got outbattled and outplayed, period," Lightning coach Guy Boucher said.

Starting goaltender Mathieu Garon was chased just 6:21 into the opening period by three Sharks goals. Dwayne Roloson fared little better when he entered the game, yielding two more quick goals.

The five goals were the most given up by the Lightning in a single period this season. By the time Dominic Moore deflected an Eric Brewer shot past Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi with 4:22 left, the damage already had been done for the night.

"It's an awful way to start the game," Brewer said. "We weren't prepared to start the same way they were. … They were really good in the first period and we were really junk."

The loss ended a two-game winning streak for the Lightning, which was outshot 43-24.

The game began on a hopeful note with the unexpected return of St. Louis. The star wing had been out of the lineup since suffering facial fractures after being struck by an errant puck Dec. 8.

Earlier in the day, Boucher had said he was surprised St. Louis, who had missed the previous five games, even was on the team flight for this two-game road trip. He added that "it would take a small miracle" for St. Louis to play and that the timetable still was for him to not return until after Christmas.

Miracles happen, it seems. And St. Louis made his presence felt by slamming home his 10th goal of the season midway through the third period. But it wasn't nearly enough to overcome Tampa Bay's defensive lapses.

The swarming Sharks got early, even-strength goals from Benn Ferriero and Andrew Desjardins sandwiched around a power-play goal by Joe Pavelski. Garon stopped only five of the eight shots he faced, although he didn't receive much help from defenders in front of him, either.

Boucher then made the switch to Roloson, who received an equally rude welcome when Logan Couture greeted him with two more goals, the second at 14:47 was a power-play tally with Moore in the penalty box for boarding.

Moore got a little payback less than a minute later with his third goal of the season to make it 5-1.

But by the time the horn sounded, 11 Sharks were on the scoresheet and San Jose had broken a 15-year-old record for the quickest five goals scored in team history.

"We didn't come out ready to battle," St. Louis said. "You can't have that when you're playing against a team like this. You can't allow them to have space and time to make plays. That's a team that thrives on scoring goals, and when they do, they start feeling good about themselves."

After a scoreless second period, San Jose's Brent Burns struck with a long one-timer from a face-off that beat Roloson to make it 6-1 at 1:15 of the third period.

St. Louis' goal from the top of the slot at 7:45 made it 6-2.

San Jose's Patrick Marleau got the credit for the final goal. But Lightning defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron actually knocked the puck out of the air, off Roloson's pads and into the net. Afterward, he slammed his stick on the crossbar in frustration.

It was that kind of night.

In the last four trips to San Jose, Tampa Bay has been outscored 22-6.

"It's always a shellacking when Tampa Bay comes out here," Boucher said, "and that has to stop."

And as if the final result Wednesday weren't bad enough, wing Ryan Shannon left the game in the second with a lower body injury and did not return.

St. Petersburg Times LOADED: 12.22.2011


Marty St. Louis returns to starting lineup for Tampa Bay Lightning

By Mark Emmons, Special to the Times

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Lightning coach Guy Boucher said he was surprised to see star wing Marty St. Louis on the team plane for this two-game trip to the Western Conference.

So the coach must have been shocked when St. Louis told him he was ready to return to game action Wednesday night. St. Louis was in the lineup against the Sharks for the first time since suffering facial fractures when he was struck by an errant puck Dec. 8.

St. Louis had practiced Tuesday and was on the ice for the morning skate Wednesday. And he had left open the possibility of playing, saying: "There's always a chance."

But Boucher didn't think so.

"It would take a small miracle for that to happen," Boucher said in the morning. "The timetable was always for after Christmas. He was supposed to be home now."

Instead, St. Louis was back after missing five games, wearing a full metal cage attached to his helmet. That was to protect healing injuries that halted his consecutive-games-played streak at 499.

St. Louis, 35, who is tied for second on the Lightning with 22 points, said earlier in the day that he was facing two challenges in getting back on the ice: conditioning and his vision.

"It's different," he said of the cage. "It's obviously not as clear as nothing in front of your face. It's uncharted territory for me because I haven't worn one for 14 years. But they say I need it for probably a month, so I better get used to it quick."

Boyle REUNION: Former Tampa Bay defenseman Dan Boyle has struggled this season with the Sharks, scoring just two goals with 13 assists. He even endured a scoreless drought of nine games.

But Boyle let it slip last weekend that there's at least one reason for the slow start. He has been playing with a broken foot since blocking a shot Nov. 10 against the Wild.

"It definitely hurt my game a little bit," said Boyle, who played in 394 career games for Tampa Bay. "My game is skating, and I was definitely a step behind for many of those games and a little slower out there."

But he entered Wednesday night's game against his former team having scored four points in the previous four games.

Boyle, 35, whose wife, Amber, is from Indian Rocks Beach, still owns a condo in Clearwater and an ocean lot in Tierra Verde. He said he has fond memories of his time with the Lightning.

"But there's not too many familiar faces there anymore," he said. "I think there's only three guys left from the (Stanley) Cup team in 2004. There's been a lot of change."

At the ready, again: The Lightning recalled winger J.T. Wyman and defenseman Evan Oberg from Norfolk of the American Hockey League for this trip. But neither was in the lineup Wednesday.

For the well-traveled Oberg, who was acquired from the Panthers organization Dec. 2, this already is the fourth time he has been called up by the Lightning.

"Any moment it could be his turn," Boucher said. "He's the next in line. He's been going back and forth, and I'm hoping that he does get rewarded for all the traveling that he's been doing."



Five ways to fix the Tampa Bay Lightning's problems

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer

Back Next

If the NHL playoffs started today, the Lightning would be playing golf. A season after nearly reaching the Stanley Cup final, the Lightning is more in line for a lottery pick than a return to the playoffs. Heading into Wednesday's late game at San Jose, the Lightning (14-16-2) was 13th in

the Eastern Conference, six points out of a playoff spot. Here are five things the Lightning can do to salvage the season.

FIND A GOALIE

Last season's savior, Dwayne Roloson, above, is either in an awful slump or the 42-year-old's age has finally caught up with him. His leaky goaltending has gone on too long, and the season is getting too deep to be patient any longer. And it's hard to feel good about Mathieu Garon. There's a reason he is 33 and has been a backup pretty much his whole career. The Lightning can gamble that Roloson will snap out of his funk or Garon finally will become a No. 1 in his 11th season. Or it can go after an established starter. Big names such as Vancouver's Roberto Luongo and Buffalo's Ryan Miller could be available. But for the Lightning, that's like shopping at Saks when all it can afford right now is Walmart. Maybe the Lightning could go back to the same place it got Roloson and go after Islanders veteran Evgeni Nabokov.

SHORE UP THE DEFENSE

Here's the problem: Eric Brewer, left, is the best defenseman, but he's not a true No. 1 like Boston's Zdeno Chara or Detroit's Nick Lidstrom. Victor Hedman is the second best, but he's not really a No. 2. And down the line you go. Every defenseman is asked to play a role reserved for someone with slightly more ability. The result: a team that entered Wednesday 28th in goals allowed per game at 3.28 and a defense that allows 30.3 shots a game. This can't be corrected overnight. The Lightning must keep it simple. Instead of worrying about doing too little, try not to do too much.

SHAKE UP THE LINES

Shake up the lines, set some sticks on fire, call a hypnotist. Do something, anything, to wake up the secondary scorers — that is players not named Steven Stamkos, left, Marty St. Louis or Vinny Lecavalier. The big three have combined for 40 goals while the rest of the team has combined for 45. Steve Downie is on pace for 11 after a career-high 22 two seasons ago. Teddy Purcell is on pace for 16, a disappointing total after 17 last season and six more in the postseason. Dominic Moore is on pace for five after a career-high 18 last season. Ryan Malone, assuming he stays healthy, is on pace for 21 — not bad, but not nearly enough for someone making $5.5 million.

MAKE ADJUSTMENTS

Coach Guy Boucher came in last season with his 1-3-1 defense and threw the league into a tizzy. But it would appear the rest of the NHL has figured out a way to maneuver around, through, over and under the 1-3-1. Boucher zigged, and the rest of the league has now zagged. Coaching is all about adjustments. It's time for Boucher to make some adjustments to the adjustments by adding a wrinkle or altering the scheme. Nobody dreads playing the Lightning. That needs to change, and it can start on the practice rink with Boucher.

PUT THE POWER IN POWER PLAY

Last season, the Lightning averaged four power plays and connected 20.5 percent of the time. This season, it is averaging 3.4 and is connecting only 15 percent of the time. At this rate, the Lightning will score 26 fewer power-play goals than a season ago. That's like one fewer goal every three games. That's a lot. Teams that draw the most penalties and score the most power-play goals tend to outwork their opponents. Effort isn't about skill. It's about will. It's time for the Lightning to show some will.

Tom Jones' two cents


602108 Toronto Maple Leafs

Nazem Kadri back with Maple Leafs

The Canadian Press

Nazem Kadri is back with the Toronto Maple Leafs after a stint in the American Hockey League.

The forward practised with the NHL team on Wednesday.

Kadri had 22 points in 22 games with the Marlies and was named the AHL's top player in November.

He joins a Leafs team nursing several injuries.

Forwards Colby Armstrong (concussion) and Philippe Dupuis (upper body) are the most recent players to be sidelined.



Maple Leafs' Armstrong only the latest NHLer to conceal concussion

david shoalts

It would be nice to say Colby Armstrong is an isolated example of a player who will put the desire to play ahead of his health, but all you can say is he is the latest example.

Even though concussion experts say the study of concussions is in its infancy, there is a wealth of information available to NHL players, coaches and managers about the symptoms and what needs to be done to treat them. Yet concussion and other injury symptoms are too often ignored because of the win-at-all costs mentality that permeates professional sports.

Coaches and managers are most often accused of brushing aside concerns about a player's head and browbeating him into playing. But as Armstrong showed on Monday, by trying to hide his concussion symptoms from the team until he got so sick the truth had to come out, players can be their own worst enemies.

It is easy to sympathize with Armstrong. He is in his second season with the Leafs and has had some awful luck with injuries, mostly to do with his feet. He missed 32 games last season and just returned to the lineup on Dec. 9 after missing 23 games with a sprained ankle.

The desire to stay in the lineup must have been overwhelming for Armstrong. So when he didn't feel right after colliding with Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks last Saturday night, maybe it was easy to ignore that feeling and tell the medical staff only about the cracked toe he sustained in the same collision.

Paul Echlin, a sports medicine specialist in London, Ont., who studies concussions, says he sees that attitude even in 12-year-old hockey players. It is one of the chief obstacles to the proper diagnosis and treatment of concussions. But more importantly, that attitude threatens a player's well-being, both in the short- and long-term.

"It's got to stop," Echlin said Tuesday. "People have to realize it's not bad to report symptoms or to say you don't feel right after a hit. If you get the diagnosis sooner, you can allow people to rest."

You can also not allow them to go back in a game and risk another hit to the head, one that could end a career.

Instead, Armstrong chose to try and hide his symptoms. He told the media on Monday morning he was fine and was ready to play against the Los Angeles Kings that night. He did look pale but everyone assumed the injury in question was his foot.

When he didn't appear in the lineup, everyone assumed once again Armstrong's foot was troubling him - until Leafs head coach Ron Wilson said after the Kings game that Armstrong threw up from the nausea caused by riding an exercise bike that afternoon and admitted he had concussion symptoms.

"It took us all by complete shock because we had no idea that he had his bell rung the other night," Wilson said. "He kind of kept that from us. He didn't tell the trainers or the doctors [Sunday] that he had his bell rung. He was nauseated, blurry vision, so he's got a concussion and we didn't know that until later [Monday] afternoon."

As they say in court, ignorance is not an excuse for breaking the law. And so it is here, although you have to wonder about any claim of ignorance given the blazing spotlight on concussions in the NHL over the past two years.

Armstrong just happens to be a good friend of Sidney Crosby. If he had any doubts, Crosby could have told him all about the dangers of playing a couple of days after a hard hit to the head.

The trouble is, too many players are willing to ignore the danger signs because they want to play or worry about losing a spot on the team. But the consequences are not worth it.

In addition to risking another head shot, Echlin says players are also playing with fire when it comes to their long-term treatment. By hiding a concussion, they are increasing the chances of suffering the cumulative effects of multiple concussions.

"That's what causes the horrific lack of quality of life in your 30s," Echlin said.



Cox: Maple Leafs need to give Nazem Kadri a long look

Damien Cox

First things first. Give the kid No. 13.

That's the number Nazem Kadri wears proudly and successfully with the AHL Marlies, and rather than again give him No. 43, like a reserve linebacker on this his fifth promotion to the Maple Leafs, give him Mats Sundin's old number and make him feel as though the club really wants him to be a star.

Disrespect to Sundin? Not even close. That number will never be retired, just honoured. If it was okay for Mark Osborne to wear Borje Salming's No. 21 and if it's okay for Colby Armstrong to wear Teeder Kennedy's No. 9 and if it's okay for Cody Franson to wear the No. 4 that once adorned the backs of both Red Kelly and Hap Day when they were Leafs, then giving Kadri No. 13 is no insult to Sundin 3 1/2 years after he left town.

Will the Leafs do it? Undoubtedly no. They seem to have gone overboard in making Kadri understand that his status as the first player selected by Brian Burke during his tenure in Toronto accords him no special status at all, that being highly skilled and the seventh pick of the 2009 entry draft just means he'll have to work as hard - or harder - than any other player to crack the NHL lineup.

So No. 13 will almost certainly stay in mothballs, even though giving it to Kadri would clearly be a huge statement of confidence in the young man.

This is not to say the Leaf approach with this prospect has been all wrong. In fact, after decades of rushing youngsters, Kadri has surely not been rushed. He has served a lengthy apprenticeship. Thursday night against Buffalo will be his 100th pro game and 66 of those have been in the AHL.

The six players taken ahead of him in '09 are all in the NHL. Several taken after him are as well, like Jared Cowan, Dmitri Kulikov, Marcus Johansson and Ryan O'Reilly.

Now it's time to let Little Nazzy become a man. Time to see if he can fly.

So start with the number and tell Kadri he'll be an NHLer for the rest of this season, or at least as long as he's a Leaf this season.

No more up and down to the Marlies. If events or his performance dictate that by the March trade deadline he's moved elsewhere for a part the Leafs feel they can use more, then it will be up to that team to decide whether to do the yo-yo thing with him.

But part of getting Kadri to play like the player the Leafs have long believed he can be is to communicate to him that belief. Enough of the tough love.

He can't dangle and make plays if he's sitting on the bench thinking the next turnover will have him headed back to the Ricoh Coliseum.

For the most part, he's done what the Leafs and Marlies have asked him to do. Sure, he still needs to be lured or browbeaten or tricked into hitting the weight room, which means he still doesn't have the strong build or

endurance to allow him to play consistently well in his own zone at the NHL level.

But on a recent trip to Atlantic Canada he was pure dynamite, and he leaves the Marlies leading them in scoring. He hasn't done a Kyle Turris and demanded a trade to a team that will treat him nicer. He wants to be a Leaf and the Leafs could surely use secondary scoring for a lineup that has been mostly about Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul.

He returns, apparently, as a right winger this time around, joining a unit centred by Tim Connolly with Clarke MacArthur on the left side. That's not ideal. He's been playing centre with the Marlies, usually with Mike Zigomanis on his line to take draws and somebody like captain Ryan Hamilton or speedy Jerry D'Amigo on the other wing to dig for pucks.

He's played the left side but right wing isn't Kadri's position. But at least he's joining a unit with proven offensive players. The trick now is to give him an extended look and try to find somebody who gels with him.

If the Leafs do that and Kadri still can't cut it, well, then it may be decision time. He's got another season on his entry-level deal but it's hard to imagine that if he flunks this audition it's ever going to happen for him with the Leafs.

That happens. A lot. MacArthur's a great example of a player who didn't figure it out until his third team and his seventh pro season.

Kadri will almost certainly be an NHL player. The Leafs just need to find out now if it can be for them.

Toronto Star LOADED: 12.22.2011


Leafs hoping to learn from mid-season slump

Mark Zwolinski

Leaf players say that at this juncture in the season, it's too early to scoreboard watch and eyeball the standings on a daily basis to keep up with the playoff races.

At the same time, though, the Leafs can't remember a time when that playoff race was so close in December.

"It's too early to watch the scores but it's definitely exciting to play in games when every team is so close," centre Tyler Bozak said. "It's starting a little earlier than the last few seasons."

Toronto enters Thursday's game against divisional rival Buffalo tied with a surprising Ottawa Senators squad with 36 points. Toronto holds down seventh place with one less loss.

Right behind them, though, is a pack of three teams - Washington, Buffalo, and Winnipeg - with 35 points.

And a larger pack of teams sees only four point separating sixth place New Jersey and 12th place Montreal.

The Leafs, like the Sabres, have gone 3-5-2 in their last 10 games to slide down the standings. Toronto had been tied for third overall in the Eastern Conference at the end of November.

"Every game is important regardless of the standings," defenceman John Michael Liles said.

"You need points whether you're hunting for a playoff spot or hunting for a higher playoff spot. As far as looking at the standings, I think that's to each his own. For me, I don't pay attention to standings too much, if you win then it takes care of everything and I think our focus right now is on winning every game.

"As (the) season goes along, every team starts playing more as a unit. The best teams continue to get better throughout the season and that's what we're trying to do. Every team goes through a rough spot; it's those teams that battle through that adversity that come out ahead. Especially with a young team like ours, we're working together and learning together. We're in close games and confident in our team identity."

Toronto visits the Islanders Friday then has a two-day Christmas break. Practice is likely to resume Boxing Day, ahead of a three-game road trip next week. The final game of that three-game swing is a New Year's Eve tilt in Winnipeg. The club plays nine of ten on home ice in January.



Cox: Maple Leafs need to give Nazem Kadri a long look

Damien Cox

First things first. Give the kid No. 13.

That's the number Nazem Kadri wears proudly and successfully with the AHL Marlies, and rather than again give him No. 43, like a reserve linebacker on this his fifth promotion to the Maple Leafs, give him Mats Sundin's old number and make him feel as though the club really wants him to be a star.

Disrespect to Sundin? Not even close. That number will never be retired, just honoured. If it was okay for Mark Osborne to wear Borje Salming's No. 21 and if it's okay for Colby Armstrong to wear Teeder Kennedy's No. 9 and if it's okay for Cody Franson to wear the No. 4 that once adorned the backs of both Red Kelly and Hap Day when they were Leafs, then giving Kadri No. 13 is no insult to Sundin 3 1/2 years after he left town.

Will the Leafs do it? Undoubtedly no. They seem to have gone overboard in making Kadri understand that his status as the first player selected by Brian Burke during his tenure in Toronto accords him no special status at all, that being highly skilled and the seventh pick of the 2009 entry draft just means he'll have to work as hard - or harder - than any other player to crack the NHL lineup.

So No. 13 will almost certainly stay in mothballs, even though giving it to Kadri would clearly be a huge statement of confidence in the young man.

This is not to say the Leaf approach with this prospect has been all wrong. In fact, after decades of rushing youngsters, Kadri has surely not been rushed. He has served a lengthy apprenticeship. Thursday night against Buffalo will be his 100th pro game and 66 of those have been in the AHL.

The six players taken ahead of him in '09 are all in the NHL. Several taken after him are as well, like Jared Cowan, Dmitri Kulikov, Marcus Johansson and Ryan O'Reilly.

Now it's time to let Little Nazzy become a man. Time to see if he can fly.

So start with the number and tell Kadri he'll be an NHLer for the rest of this season, or at least as long as he's a Leaf this season.

No more up and down to the Marlies. If events or his performance dictate that by the March trade deadline he's moved elsewhere for a part the Leafs feel they can use more, then it will be up to that team to decide whether to do the yo-yo thing with him.

But part of getting Kadri to play like the player the Leafs have long believed he can be is to communicate to him that belief. Enough of the tough love.

He can't dangle and make plays if he's sitting on the bench thinking the next turnover will have him headed back to the Ricoh Coliseum.

For the most part, he's done what the Leafs and Marlies have asked him to do. Sure, he still needs to be lured or browbeaten or tricked into hitting the weight room, which means he still doesn't have the strong build or endurance to allow him to play consistently well in his own zone at the NHL level.

But on a recent trip to Atlantic Canada he was pure dynamite, and he leaves the Marlies leading them in scoring. He hasn't done a Kyle Turris and demanded a trade to a team that will treat him nicer. He wants to be a Leaf and the Leafs could surely use secondary scoring for a lineup that has been mostly about Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul.

He returns, apparently, as a right winger this time around, joining a unit centred by Tim Connolly with Clarke MacArthur on the left side. That's not ideal. He's been playing centre with the Marlies, usually with Mike

Zigomanis on his line to take draws and somebody like captain Ryan Hamilton or speedy Jerry D'Amigo on the other wing to dig for pucks.

He's played the left side but right wing isn't Kadri's position. But at least he's joining a unit with proven offensive players. The trick now is to give him an extended look and try to find somebody who gels with him.

If the Leafs do that and Kadri still can't cut it, well, then it may be decision time. He's got another season on his entry-level deal but it's hard to imagine that if he flunks this audition it's ever going to happen for him with the Leafs.

That happens. A lot. MacArthur's a great example of a player who didn't figure it out until his third team and his seventh pro season.

Kadri will almost certainly be an NHL player. The Leafs just need to find out now if it can be for them.



Armstrong noble, but not smart

By Lance Hornby ,Toronto Sun

Ron Wilson found it hard to stay angry at Colby Armstrong for trying to play through a concussion.

Only when Armstrong became nauseated before Monday's game against the Kings did the severity of his injury, along with a broken toe he tried to ignore, become apparent.

"That's old school right there, where you don't tell anybody and hope you can fight through," the Leaf coach said Wednesday. "At least he realized, even if it was late in the day, that he just couldn't fake his way through it."

Wilson agreed in part with a reporter that such brave intent should nonetheless be discouraged in this time of rampant head trauma.

"But if a guy doesn't tell you that he has symptoms, it's no different than 90% of men who don't go in for a check-up," Wilson said. "And why? We have all these (medical) issues and that's just the way a lot of us were brought up. Unless you think you're dying, you don't see a doctor, you don't say anything."

And Armstrong is no ordinary player, having now missed as many games as he's played since joining the Leafs last season with a litany of mishaps.

"He's trying to be noble," Wilson said. "He's had a lot of injuries and doesn't want to be known as fragile, injury-prone or anything. So he didn't alert anybody until he felt that bad."

Toronto Sun LOADED: 12.22.2011


Steckel feeling better

LANCE HORNBY, Toronto Sun

A thinner - but better ventilated - David Steckel hopes to be back in the Toronto lineup on Thursday evening.

The big centre has been out two games because of bronchitis that sapped him of about eight or nine pounds, before he could partake of a turkey dinner lunch on Wednesday aftre practice. He could hardly get out of bed, but was good enough to practice the past couple of days.

"I don't know how I got it, but I was trying not give it to my family at home," a hoarse Steckel said. "Each day is better, I'm getting my energy back."

It's not clear if he'll play against the Sabres on the fourth line with Darryl Boyce and Joey Crabb yet, but Toronto has another game Friday on Long Island.

Steckel hopes the team doesn't get distracted by the coming two-day holiday to give less than the required effort against Buffalo and New York.

"Going into Christmas, it's important to get these last two games, because you don't want to be sitting there and stewing about it over the holidays," he said. "With a (three-game) road trip coming up right after, it's going to be a lot better for us (to win).

"You don't want to be battling (for must-have points) right after Christmas. I don't want to say we're in playoff mode, but these are points we need. In the division and the conference right now, there is already some separation."

NEW FRAT PACK

Rookie Matt Frattin continues to work his way into the good books of managememt and coaches. If he can somehow prove to be the missing ingredient on a line with Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski, he'll be even more welcomed. Frattin overcame a long scoring slump without sacrificing other elements of his game.

"Matt's finally starting to feel comfortable out there and the results are starting to show," coach Ron Wilson said. "He's putting points on the board, being physical, with the confidence he's big enough, strong enough and fast enough to be in this league.

"He's just kind of coming into his own. He seems to be a really honest, straight-up kid, I don't know about his sense of humour, I haven't got into that with him yet, because mine is a little out there."

THE NEWS ON NAZ

Darryl Boyce has had a good window on fellow forward Nazem Kadri's progress on the farm, having been there all year and called up a day before the youngster.

"Knowing his NHL skill level, I'm sure (the Marlies coaches) have fine-tuned his game," Boyce said. "He's not making those little mistakes he made earlier in his career. In the last month and a bit, he's become a great overall player, a lot more dangerous with the puck."

LOOSE LEAFS

The Leafs tried treating last week's game in Buffalo like a road trip, going in a day early to change their luck. They lost 5-4 and winger Joffrey Lupul got in trouble for a mischievous tweet about the view from his room. For Thursday's game, the Sabres came in a night earlier, after a loss in Ottawa ... John-Michael Liles and Dion Phaneuf are among the top 20 NHL scoring defencemen at 13th and 17th, respectively ... Crabb's next NHL game will be his 100th.



Boyce ready to help Leafs' penalty kill


Darryl Boyce thought his best chance to get back on the Maple Leafs came and went with the arrival of Mikhail Grabovski's second child.

It was the birth of the Grabovskis' first child - at this time last year - that gave Boyce the ticket he parlayed into a regular job and a role in helping the Leafs make a strong run for a playoff spot.

"Grabbo just had a second kid (forcing him to leave the Dec. 5 game in New York) and I thought I'd get picked up," Boyce joked on Wednesday at the MasterCard Centre. "I guess it's Happy Holidays again, right? It's refreshing to think I can be a guy who provides that spark they are looking for."

Boyce received what a lot of people would call a raw deal. After keeping his fleeting hopes for an NHL career alive with his late season contributions, he was down on the farm again to start this year. Here was a guy whose

shoulder was wrecked in his first NHL game in early 2008 and it took two years for the boat to come by him again. But a string of injuries, most significantly to energy forward Colby Armstrong and penalty killer Philippe Dupuis, opened the door this week for the 27-year-old to leave the farm.

"You take a six-hour bus ride to play a game on Friday and a six-hour bus ride back and play Saturday at 1 p.m. So you appreciate (the NHL) pretty quick," the Prince Edward Islander said. "I'll probably be a lot more determined than last year, just because there are a lot more guys competing for jobs and everyone in this room wants to get to the playoffs.

"So I have to put my best foot forward and get right into this game come Thursday (against Buffalo). It's a dream come true and hopefully I stick around a lot longer. I just approached every game like it was going to be my last. My family is really excited and I'm sure a few will be at the games during the holidays."

Boyce should help the NHL's 30th ranked penalty killing unit, which had a much better mark when he was on it last year.



Meet the new, improved Nazem Kadri


At age 21, it seems strange to talk about Nazem Kadri being near the make-or-break point with the Maple Leafs.

But on a team that has added more young lions to its roster since Kadri was drafted seventh overall in 2009, this week's sudden call-up will have a big say on his future as a Leaf, at least under this management. Kadri is now on his fourth tour with the parent club and given Matt Frattin's regular gig and Joe Colborne's great reviews a couple of weeks ago, it's clear Kadri has to do something special to keep his name prominent.

With Kadri summoned ahead of Colborne, tongues were already wagging that this was a move to showcase Kadri for a deal in the New Year. If so, it's the new-model Kadri, whom everyone seems to think has patched up most of his defensive weaknesses. He faced a long road back after a terrible 2010 camp when a job was waiting for him and the team gave him every chance to succeed, but he wasn't ready. The London, Ont., native would prefer the Leafs reap those benefits now, not another NHL team.

"Of course I (hear trade rumours), but that's something I've been dealing with my whole life," Kadri said Wednesday at the MasterCard Centre. "Especially in a market such as Toronto. You focus on what you have to and let the rest fall into place.

"I want to be here. This is where I dreamed of playing since I was a kid. I'm trying to make that a reality and establish myself. I did have some things I had to work on, I believe I've done that and I hope I can cash in this time."

Kadri and the Marlies weren't exactly lighting it up in their past three games, getting just one goal in consecutive losses. But he shares the club scoring lead with Marcel Mueller and Mike Zigomanis with 22 points each. Kadri's eight goals and 14 assists included three power-play goals and a minus four. He was the AHL's player of the month in November and in his first stint with the Leafs this year, he had an assist in three games.

Kadri grabbed an early-morning flight to Toronto from the Marlies' road trip in the Chicago area. With Colby Armstrong and now Phlippe Dupuis on IR this week and the Leafs in a rut of 2-5-2, Kadri has been afforded a great chance. After fighting his way back on the roster late last year in a left wing role, he'll now be auditioning for what could become the second line, with Tim Connolly and Clarke MacArthur.

Starting with Thursday's home game against Buffalo, he'll be asked again to switch roles, this time to the right side. And once more, the focus will be on whether he can handle the puck safely and stay poised when the other team has the disc.

"That's one of the main things that (Marlie coach Dallas Eakins) has been referring to - the night and day difference with me," Kadri said. "I'm much more responsible in my own end. I think it's come down to just instinct now, where I have to be. The coaching staff and the whole team (particularly veteran Zigomanis) have made it easier on me. They just gave me the encouragement. They talked about it a lot, not stressing me, but showing me a couple of clips of what I had to do. I listened, I absorbed and went out there and did it."

Coach Ron Wilson, who has tried the tough love approach a couple of times, believes Kadri is ready - with proper mentoring.

"Some guys don't even need time in the minors and in some cases, it's a year or two or three," Wilson said.

"I think his defensive game has improved a lot. He probably still does things at the American League level that you can get away with there. That's an adjustment he has to make. I went over some things that might be different in the sense of playing right wing. But all he has to do is talk a lot to Timmy.

"Last year he didn't get as many offensive looks as he needs to be successful. But playing with Clarkie and Timmy, he should get those and we'll try to get him out there on the power play."

Observers raved about Kadri's vision and creativity at camp, but the Leafs settled on players such as Frattin, who has shown glimpses of greatness when he drives the net to augment his other talents.

"I'm ready for this," Kadri insisted, not one to shy away. "Ron told me to go out and play my game. He's not trying to take away my creativity, he wants to see me control the puck. I do have to watch my turnovers, pick my spot and use my skill. I've been waiting for this a long time and my opportunity has come."



Leafs call Kadri back up from Marlies


A very happy Nazem Kadri was roaring around the ice on Wednesday morning, called back to the Maple Leafs during an injury crisis.

With two players going on injured reserve in as many days (Colby Armstrong with a concussion and broken toe, Philippe Dupuis with an undisclosed upper body issue), Kadri followed Darryl Boyce's recall on Tuesday night from the Marlies.

Kadri was skating on a line with centre Tim Connolly and right winger Clarke MacArthur, in Armstrong's old spot.

If Kadri can help the Leafs escape a mid-December funk, he will earn himself a longer stay. Leafs host Buffalo Thursday.

But the interesting aspect is that Kadri's defensive play has been his biggest hinderance to full-time NHL employment and that's what the Leafs are lacking right now. Plus Joe Colborne did not get the call ahead of Kadri, when he was the victim of a numbers game earlier this month that saw him returned - so there could be an ulterior motive to showcase Kadri for a trade.

Kadri and the Marlies weren't exactly lighting it up in their past three games, getting one goal in consecutive losses. But he shares the club scoring lead with Marcel Mueller and Mike Zigomanis with 22 points each.

Kadri's eight goals and 14 assists included three power-play goals and a minus four. He was the AHL's player of the month in November.

In his first stint with the Leafs this year, he had an assist in three games.



Forward Nazem Kadri rejoins Maple Leafs

TORONTO (AP) Nazem Kadri is back with the Toronto Maple Leafs after a stint in the American Hockey League.

The forward practiced with the team Wednesday.

Kadri had 22 points in 22 games with the Marlies and was named the AHL's top player in November.

He joins a Leafs team nursing several injuries. Forwards Colby Armstrong (concussion) and Philippe Dupuis (upper body) are the most recent players to be sidelined.

Toronto hosts Buffalo on Thursday and visits the Islanders on Friday.

National Post LOADED: 12.22.2011

602119 Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver's Luongo clips Red Wings

By Sports Network

VANCOUVER - Roberto Luongo made 38 saves, backstopping the Vancouver Canucks to a 4-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Rogers Arena.

Chris Higgins, Cody Hodgson, Alexandre Burrows and Alexander Edler lit the lamp, while Jannik Hansen added a pair of assists for the Canucks, who have won three straight overall and six of their last seven at home.

Todd Bertuzzi and Drew Miller scored, while Jimmy Howard stopped 21-of-25 shots in defeat for the Wings, who had their two-game winning streak halted.

Trailing by two, the Red Wings elected to pull Howard with less than two minutes to play in regulation. Daniel Sedin was then whistled for tripping with 48.8 seconds to play, giving the Wings a 6-on-4 power play. They got some good pressure on the Vancouver net, but Luongo kept the puck out, preserving the two-goal win.

Vancouver opened the scoring at 9:36 of the first stanza when Mason Raymond picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone and raced into the offensive zone on the right wing. Raymond cut in on goal and fired a shot that was stopped by Howard, but Higgins pounced on the rebound and chipped it into the net to give the Canucks the 1-0 lead.

The Canucks scored again just 21 seconds later when Hansen, holding the puck on the left wing, found a cutting Hodgson, who walked in and blasted a slap shot past Howard from the slot.

The Red Wings responded at 13:46 when Ian White fired a shot from the right point that was blocked in front, but Bertuzzi was there to jam it home on the doorstep to make it 2-1.

The Canucks made it 3-1 at 15:40 when Sedin wristed a shot toward the net from just inside the blue line. Just as the puck arrived on net, Burrows drifted in front of Howard and deftly tipped it past the Wings' netminder.

Detroit cut it to a one-goal game again at 16:20 of the second stanza when Darren Helm fired a shot from the high slot that was deflected past Luongo by Miller, who was parked in front.

The Canucks, though, made it 4-2 3:30 into the final period while down a man. Hansen poked the puck out the neutral zone and was off to the races down the left wing. He went to his backhand and got a weak shot off while crashing into Howard, but Edler was following the play and fired it into a wide-open net.

Game Notes

The Canucks are 17-4-0 this season when scoring the first goal. Vancouver is also 16-0-0 when leading after two periods this season...Detroit finished 0- for-4 on the power play, while Vancouver did not have any power play chances...The Canucks will battle the Calgary Flames on Friday, while the Red Wings will face the Flames on Thursday.

Winnipeg Sun LOADED: 12.22.2011


Stirred up Canucks clip Red Wings

By Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun columnist December 21, 2011

VANCOUVER - After the shortest day of the year, the Vancouver Canucks had one of their best nights of the season.

There is no such thing as a bad win against the Detroit Red Wings, who have maintained the National Hockey League's standard of excellence - in every regard - for nearly two decades.

The Canucks were happy with their 4-2 win on Wednesday.

They were relieved Ryan Kesler got up after being steamrolled by Niklas Kronwall on a thunderous, contentious hit early in the third period.

They were satisfied they maintained their focus during a spell of suspect refereeing that included Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard attacking without penalty Vancouver's Jannik Hansen, who crashed the crease when upended on a shorthanded breakaway after Kesler was penalized for chasing after Kronwall.

They were elated that Canuck defenceman Alex Edler poked the puck into the open net on that play, providing a decisive shorthanded goal that put Vancouver two ahead with 16:30 remaining. And they were grateful Canuck goalie Roberto Luongo's final 15 minutes were among his best this season.

Luongo said after the game that all wins are the same, but we were looking for pantsfire as he was saying it. Only a bean counter thinks they're all the same.

This is one the Canucks won't forget as they continue to climb the NHL standings.

"It's very satisfying," Canuck defenceman Kevin Bieksa said. "It's always satisfying to beat these guys because they're such a good team. All the credit to Kes for getting up after a hit like that. It was a sneaky hit and when you don't see it coming, it hurts even more. But he's a warrior and he got back up."

So did the Canucks.

Their response to Kronwall's leaping, butt-first hit that led to a Detroit power play, was Edler's shorthanded goal after a fierce rush to the net by Hansen.

"We're probably not going to get the benefit of the doubt on a whole lot of calls because of our reputation and the team we have," Bieksa said. "We've got to earn it. We didn't have a power play tonight, did we? I'm sure the referees will probably figure we deserved at least one when they look at the outcome. But like I said, we're going to have to earn it by sucking it up and not complaining too much and eventually we'll get those calls."

In short, despite their competitive parity the last three years, the Red Wings are still the revered Red Wings and the Canucks are still the diving, whining, hated Canucks.

Bieksa is right. The Canucks need to accept this reality because only then do they have the best chance at changing their reputation.

But it is tough. Just ask Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault.

"We keep playing the right way, but we're being challenged from a different perspective," Vigneault said of the successive non-calls on Kronwall and Howard and the lone penalty to Kesler. "You have to stay focussed and keep your mind on what's going on on the ice and keep doing the right things. I thought, for the most part, we did do that.

"Tonight, for both teams, it was about making the right plays at the right time and getting the timely saves. For 35 minutes, we were real solid 5-on-5 and then the momentum shifted a little bit on some penalties and they took it to us pretty hard in the third. But the goaltender stood his ground like a great goaltender does."

Luongo finished with 38 saves, 16 of them in the third period and the best of them a glove save on Pavel Datsyuk's backhand with four minutes remaining.

Howard had 21 saves to go with his zero penalties.

"Their goaltender jumped our player and that was fine," Vigneault said incredulously. "That's allowed."

See how hard it is to win respect?

When pressed about specific incidents, Vigneault said several times "I'm not going to comment on that," explaining "it would just get me in trouble."

The edginess only made a terrific game better.

It didn't really take off until the Canucks scored twice in 21 seconds halfway through the first period.

Chris Higgins, skating as hard to the Detroit net as Mason Raymond, made it 1-0 at 9:36 by whacking in a rebound after his linemate was stopped on a breakaway by Howard.

Red Wing Ian White's turnover at the Canuck blueline led to quick passes by Manny Malhotra and Hansen and a wide open route to the net for Cody Hodgson, who slapped post-and-in from about 35 feet at 9:57.

The reeling Red Wings used their timeout and and badly needed a break. They got it at 13:46 when ex-Canuck Todd Bertuzzi put a rebound into a mostly-open Vancouver net after defenceman Sami Salo, who claimed to have been shoved by Bertuzzi, entangled his own goalie.

But Canuck Alex Burrows quickly restored the two-goal lead, deftly deflecting Daniel Sedin's purposeful shot behind Howard at 15:40.

It remained 3-1 until 16:20 of the second period when the Wings cut the deficit to a goal when the Canucks, caught on a marathon shift, eventually left Darren Helm unchecked in the high slot. His shot was deflected in by Drew Miller.

"It was a fun game," Higgins said.

It was much more than that.

Vancouver Sun: LOADED: 12.22.2011


Game Within Game: Luongo and a turning point

By ELLIOTT PAP, VANCOUVER SUN December 21, 2011 10:57 PM

RED WINGS AT CANUCKS

THREE STARS

1. Roberto Luongo, Canucks. Bobby Lou looking good again, 38 saves.

2. Jannik Hansen, Canucks. Two first assists for the ever improving "Honey Badger'. Also six hits and plus-2.

3. Pavel Datsyuk, Red Wings. Always a delight to watch, win or lose. One assist, plus-1 and 15-for-26 on faceoffs.

PIVOTAL POINT - With Canucks leading 3-2 early in the third-period and Ryan Kesler in the penalty box - he got roughing after Niklas Kronwall nearly killed him - Alex Edler scored shorthanded 15 seconds into the Detroit power play. Wings netminder Jimmy Howard didn't like it either as he was taken completely out of the play by Jannik Hansen, who was shoved into him by Henrik Zetterberg.

By THE NUMBERS - The Wings trailed after the first period for only the seventh time, and after second period for only the ninth time, in 33 games... Canucks improved to a perfect 16-0-0 when leading after 2... Detroit fell to 1-9-0 when trailing after two... The Canucks scored on their fifth, sixth and eighth shots of the first period...The Wings had 16 second-period shots, down from the 24 they fired at Cory Schneider when the Canucks were in Detroit on Oct. 13.

SAVE(S) OF THE NIGHT - With 4:16 left in the regulation and the Canucks leading 4-2, Roberto Luongo was down and out but still managed to snake out his right pad to rob Darren Helm and keep the two-goal margin. Fifteen seconds later, he heisted one off the stick of Pavel Datsyuk with his trapper.

HIT OF THE NIGHT - Detroit defenceman Niklas Kronwall, noted for stepping up at the offensive blueline, stepped up on Ryan Kesler early in the third period. Fortunately for Kesler, he wasn't hurt. Even more fortunately for the Canucks, they scored shorthanded 15 second later when Kesler was assessed a retaliation roughing minor.

DID YOU NOTICE? The Red Wings were overloading one side of the ice on their forecheck and the Canucks exploited that on their first two goals as both Mason Raymond, whose rebound was buried by Chris Higgins, and Cody Hodgson had all kinds of room to ramble.



Canuck notes: Howard snarling over being 'steamrolled'

By ELLIOTT PAP, VANCOUVER SUN December 21, 2011 10:53 PM

VANCOUVER - Vancouver Canuck defenceman Alex Edler's shorthanded goal was the final dagger Wednesday to the Detroit Red Wings and netminder Jimmy Howard didn't like it one bit. Neither did Wings coach Mike Babcock.

"I am just sick and tired of getting run over every single game," huffed Howard following the Canucks' 4-2 victory at Rogers Arena. "I saw the replay. I thought Zee [Henrik Zetterberg] never pushed him. He loses his footing and he steamrolls me."

The 'he' in question was Canuck forward Jannik Hansen, who drove hard to the net on his forehand and appeared to be shoved - or at least nudged - by Zetterberg. Hansen piled into Howard and took him out of the play, leaving Edler a yawing cage for Vancouver's fourth goal.

"I didn't like the goal," Babcock said. "To me, it's no foul on them but, to me, it's no goal. The goalie has to be able to make a play. I think that's what the rules are and that's what they stipulate. But that's life. Anytime you dig yourself a hole like we did against a good team, you're going to have a hard time coming back."

Zetterberg admitted he was surprised that Edler's goal counted.

"I think Hansen lost his balance," Zetterberg said. "He comes with a lot of speed and he falls down into our goalie. For sure, I was surprised it counted if you see the stuff that is being called this year."

The other controversial third-period play was Niklas Kronwall's hellacious hit on Canuck centre Ryan Kesler just inside the Vancouver blueline. Babcock called that "a good hit".

"I mean, one guy has the puck, he's coming up the wall and the other guy is going after him," Babcock commented. "If you're taking that out of hockey, then we don't have hockey."

Kronwall didn't feel he left his feet and said that if he did, he expected a call from league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan.

"If that's the case, I'm sure I'll get a call," he added. "Obviously it's not what we want in our game. I felt the puck was there and I tried to put a good check on him."

Edler's critical goal came 15 seconds later with Kesler in the box for attempted retaliation.

IT'S A HAB-IT: Canuck winger Alex Burrows grew up in a bilingual household in suburban Montreal, with an English father - Rodney Burrows is actually from England - and a French-Canadian mother.

He was an ardent Montreal Canadiens supporter growing up and understands as well as anyone the controversy surrounding the Habs' appointment of unilingual Randy Cunneyworth as interim coach. His take on the matter?

"It's a delicate situation," Burrows said Wednesday. "Growing up in Quebec, a lot of people relate to the Montreal Canadiens. A lot of people watch the Canadiens every Saturday night, and on weekdays, and they like to hear the coach answer questions and talk to them in French about the team that they love.

"But at the end of the day, I still think if you win games, it doesn't matter if you speak English or French," added Burrows. "Winning is all that matters. However, I can see why people in Quebec would like a bilingual coach. I understand both sides of the story."

Fellow Canuck forward Max Lapierre not only grew up in the Montreal area, he was drafted by the Habs (third round, 2003) and broke into the NHL with them. He was on the team most recently as last season before he being dealt to the Anaheim Ducks and then the Canucks.

The three coaches he played for in Montreal - Guy Carbonneau, Bob Gainey and Jacques Martin - were all bilingual.

"I think the main goal is to win hockey games and I'm pretty sure if the team wins 10 games in a row, [Cunneyworth] would be a God in Montreal," said Lapierre, 26. "The only thing you want to do is win. Even if nobody can understand him, if he wins hockey games, people will be happy."

Cunneyworth hasn't won anything yet, and dropped to 0-3-0 Wednesday night after a 5-1 loss in Chicago.

BALLARD STILL OUT: Canuck defenceman Keith Ballard (back spasms) was back on the ice Wednesday morning but he didn't stay out for the full optional practice. He had a long chat with head coach Alain Vigneault by the bench before leaving.

"Keith is still day-to-day," Vigneault said. "It's nothing serious but there is still some spasms there so we're going to try to get this over with so we don't hear about it. It might take a couple of more days."



Daniel Sedin and Canucks looking to continue roll against Red Wings

By ELLIOTT PAP, VANCOUVER SUN December 21, 2011

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings may be teams similar in style but, for Daniel Sedin, tonight's marquee NHL match at Rogers Arena is just another chance for him and his mates to do their thing.

"I think every game is an opportunity to play well and it doesn't matter who you are playing against," said Daniel, who is coming off a sublime three-assist performance Monday against the Minnesota Wild. "But Detroit is always a pretty good matchup. They're considered to be a top team in this league and that's the kind of team you want to compete against."

The Canucks received some help on the out-of-town scoreboard Tuesday night when the Northwest Division-leading Wild were beaten 2-1 by the Calgary Flames. Vancouver is still three points behind Minny but now has two games in hand. Unlike the injured-ravaged Wild, the Red Wings come into tonight's game with all their horses healthy, which means the Canucks will see plenty of Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Nick Lidstrom, among other prominent players on their roster.

"You look at their forwards and you look at their defence and they have a lot of guys who can generate a lot of offence," said Canuck netminder Roberto Luongo. "There is a lot of things that create problems for us so we want to make sure we're in the shooting lanes, we're blocking shots and boxing out guys. And whenever there is a breakdown, I need to make saves."

The Canucks will make one lineup change tonight as forward Andrew Ebbett, whose broken right foot is now healed, will slot in for Chicago Wolves' callup Mark Mancari. Ebbett will start on the fourth line with Max Lapierre and Dale Weise.

"It's going to be a fun test," Ebbett said. "Both teams are playing really well so we'll see what we can do against them tonight. I think there is going to be a lot of speed in this game and I think that kind of suits my style."

Both teams are indeed hot. Detroit is 12-3-0 in its last 15 games while the Canucks are 11-2-1 in their last 14.

"For sure, we have to show up tonight to win this game," said Red Wing forward Tomas Holmstrom. "They're a really good hockey club and it's a good test for us, too. It's always fun to play here and the crowd gets into it."

The Red Wings' top two lines are expected to feature Datsyuk between Johan Franzen and ex-Canuck Todd Bertuzzi while Zetterberg centres for Valtteri Filppula and Jiri Hudler. Detroit's top defensive pairing has Lidstrom with Ian White. Lidstrom, now 41, has 22 points and is plus-17. White is a team-leading plus-23 with 15 points.

Daniel Sedin marvels at fellow Swede Lidstrom's continuing excellence.

"It's unbelievable how he keeps going and playing well," said Daniel. "It's remarkable."

INJURIES: The Canucks will be missing LW David Booth (knee), LW Aaron Volpatti (shoulder surgery), D Keith Ballard (back spasms) and D Aaron Rome (broken thumb). Detroit is without forwards Patrick Eaves (jaw) and Chris Conner (hand).



Canucks reward faithful with an early Christmas gift as team downs Detroit 4-2

By Ben Kuzma, The Province December 21, 2011 10:56 PM

It was billed as Fan Appreciation Night. See? There is truth in advertising.

It was also premium-ticket night, so it was appropriate that the Vancouver Canucks rewarded their faithful with an early Christmas present Wednesday at Rogers Arena. In a 4-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, those who went home with a significant souvenir - a jersey off the back of the Canucks - might want to frame it. No re-gifting. No eBay. This was one for the memory bank, one to remember not so much for what occurred in the entertaining and edgy exhibition, but for what it could mean in the spring when it matters most.

On a night when the Canucks proved their speed will cause any retreating opposition headaches, they also displayed depth in getting goals from their top-three lines - Chris Higgins, Cody Hodgson and Alex Burrows - and a shorthanded effort by Alex Edler in the third period to turn a 3-2 nail-biter into the two-goal decision. And they did it without a power play and without Edler finishing the game with back spasms.

There were two goals 21 seconds apart in the first period as the Canucks abandoned a dump-and-chase game for long lead passes that caught the Wings up ice and flat-footed. There was a solid 38-save performance by Roberto Luongo. There was a dominant second period in which the Canucks could have easily extended a 3-1 lead, but what the Wings surrendered in speed, they more than made up for it with skill and will.

Against the flow of play in the second period, the Canucks got caught and started chasing. On a shift that lasted 1:31, Drew Miller beat Luongo to the glove from the slot to make it 3-2 at 16:20. If that wasn't enough drama, what unfolded early in the third period got the fans out of their seats again. After Ryan Kesler received a roughing minor after challenging Niklas Kronwall, who left his feet to deliver a devastating check on the sideboards as the Canucks centre was exiting the zone, Edler delivered a shorthanded dagger just 15 seconds later. Henrik Zetterberg lost the puck in the neutral zone and Jannik Hansen cut in on goalie Jimmy Howard and the two collided as the stopper made the save. But Edler was there to ram the loose puck in and an incensed Howard then collared Hansen.

However, Luongo had to make a sprawling right-pad save off Darren Helm and then got a glove on a Pavel Datsyuk backhander to maintain the two-goal cushion.

Kesler's biggest problem was that Kronwall didn't answer his challenge after the hit and it was Kesler who got the roughing minor.

"That's obviously his go-to move," said Kesler. "My only problem with the hit is he doesn't stand up for himself after and he has zero career fights. When you hit guys like that, you're going to have to drop the gloves. I didn't see him coming and that shorthanded goal was a good way to stick it to them. We're not a team that's going to get pushed around and I think you saw that in the third period."

Kronwall thought that Kesler had the puck and had control, although the replay would beg to differ and showed the defenceman leaving his feet.

"If that's the case, that's not the way we want our game and I'll get a call from Shanny [league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan]. "To me, it was a clean hit. You get hit and you take it. It's part of the game."

The Canucks got their revenge in the best possible way after Hansen stripped Zetterberg of the puck on the power play and nearly scored a shorthanded goal before Edler did. Hansen was left to wonder what got to Howard in going after the Dane.

"I didn't know what was going on there - he was upset," shrugged Hansen. "I was definitely in his space but not by me doing it. I got a good push [from Zetterberg] coming across and I don't believe it was my fault. The Kes call went the wrong way and it was nice to stick it back in their face."

Zettlerberg claimed that Hansen lost his balance, but an obviously agitated Alain Vigneault had a problem with Howard's collar but didn't want to get into fine territory.

"I thought their player pushed ours in the net and their goaltender jumped our player and that was fine - that's allowed," he said.

What was not lost in translation was the speed that the Canucks brought. After the Wings dominated early, Kevin Bieksa sprung Mason Raymond with a long lead pass. The winger easily outlegged Ian White and forced Howard to make a save before Higgins rammed home the rebound at 9:36.

"We used our speed pretty well and played a quick transition game and once they turned it over we established offence pretty quickly," said Higgins. "They don't give up a lot."

White then lost the puck at the Canucks blueline and Hansen sprung Hodgson, who made it 2-0 at 9:57 with a stick-side slapper. Red Wings coach Mike Babcock called a time out but got the biggest assist from Sami Salo to narrow the count. Shoved into Luongo by the Red Wings winger, Salo took down the Canucks starter and Bertuzzi easily shoved the puck past the prone keeper. But Burrows answered right back.

"We moved it good early," said Burrows. "In the last period, Roberto played a great game."

OF NOTE - Andrew Ebbett returned from a foot fracture and played on the fourth line in place of Mark Mancari.

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 12.22.2011


Who said hockey players can't be sentimental?

By JIM JAMIESON, The Province December 21, 2011

Cody Hodgson invited a lot of friends and family to his first-ever NHL game at the Air Canada Centre in his hometown of Toronto last weekend.

Likely none was more surprised to get a ticket than his Grade 1 teacher, Laraine Forgrave, who taught Hodgson at the Victoria Street Elementary School in Haliburton, Ont.

It seems Hodgson, like a lot of six-year-old Canadian boys, claimed he was going to play in the NHL when he grew up. But Forgrave was the only teacher who took his dream at face value - and Hodgson never forgot it.

"It's something that always sticks with you," Hodgson said before the Canucks took on the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. "She was so different than all the other teachers that I had. I was in Grade 1 and everything I did was about hockey - all my journals, any of the stories I had to make up - it all related to hockey. She was pretty special. Other teaches

always said, 'You've got to find something else besides hockey, you've got to have Plan B. Nobody makes the NHL, you've got to be realistic.'

"She was totally different. I had to miss half a day of school in Grade 1 to play in an away tournament and she said, 'It's fine, just get me a ticket when you get to the NHL.'"

Hodgson moved with his family to Markham when he was eight, but Forgrave sent him congratulatory letters when he was drafted by the Canucks in 2008 and when he won a gold medal with Team Canada at the world juniors in 2009.

"Two weeks before I went to Toronto I called and her daughter picked up," said Hodgson. "I don't think she believed me when I told her who it was."

Forgrave, now retired, said being invited to the game and meeting her former student again was an experience she won't forget.

"Honestly, I was just blown away and felt pretty special and humbled," Forgrave told the Haliburton County Echo. "Seeing him play his dream, it was just an experience in [my] life that I'll never forget."



Red Wings looking forward to top-tier tilt against Canucks

By Jim Jamieson, The Province December 21, 2011

RED WINGS (21-10-1) at CANUCKS (20-11-2), 7 p.m., ROGERS ARENA

TV: TSN, Radio: TEAM 1040

This is the kind of game the Red Wings look forward to. It will be fast-paced, packed with skilled players and fun for the fans and the participants.

"When you're playing another team that's near the top of the league, for sure you get up for it a little bit more," said Red Wings defenceman Brad Stuart of tonight's clash with the Canucks. "You know there's going to be a good atmosphere and two highly skilled teams going at it should be fun to watch. Those are always fun games to be part of."

Stuart knows the Canucks' Sedin brothers, Daniel and Henrik, are at the top of the must-stop list for Detroit. Heading into tonight's games, Henrik is in a four-way tie for the NHL scoring lead (9-30-39), while Daniel is one point behind (13-25-38).

"They're going to make plays, but you try to limit those and you know they're always trying to look for each other so you just try to limit what they do," said Stuart.

Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock said there's no guarantee of a great game, but all the ingredients are there.

"They've got a number of players who are considered high end," he said. "But that doesn't mean it's going to be a good game. Maybe one team gets away on the other team. I don't know the answer to that. I know they'll be excited to play and so will they. Who's going to execute better, who's going to make the big save, who's going to hit the post? I don't know."

The matchup starts in goal, where Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo is 6-0-1 in his last seven starts, giving up just nine goals. Detroit's Jimmy Howard, who gets his eighth straight start, is 5-2-0 in his last seven and has given up 15 goals.

Detroit has won five or their last six games, scoring 30 goals in that span, and has received red-hot scoring from stars Pavel Datsyuk (2-7-9 in his last six games) and Henrik Zetterberg (3-5-8 in his last six).

The Red Wings are coming off a 3-2 win in Edmonton on Monday and play in Calgary on Thursday before heading home for the holiday break.

Expected lineup for Detroit:

Forward



Cleary-Helm-Miller


Defence

Lidstrom-White

Kronwall-Ericsson

Kindl-Stuart

Goal

Howard



Canucks ready for 'measuring stick' battle with ageless Red Wings

By Ben Kuzma, The Province December 21, 2011

VANCOUVER - With only three players in double-goal figures, there is no angst among the Detroit Red Wings.

Even when the perennial powerhouse franchise isn't putting up the numbers, the club is taking care of business in its own end and more often than not gets the job done. With 12 wins in their past 15 games, the Red Wings are once again well on their way to making it 21 straight playoff appearances as they prepare to face the Vancouver Canucks Wednesday night at Rogers Arena.

None of this surprises Todd Bertuzzi. The burly winger would never admit to needing a support system at this point in his NHL career, but the former brooding Canucks power forward couldn't have landed in a better place - because he gets to play a support role where secondary scoring and a much-improved dedication to defence will make the Red Wings a serious Western Conference championship threat.

"It's an unbelievable group to be a part of," said Bertuzzi, who has but three goals and 13 points, yet is a pleasing plus-11. "It's the guys who have been here and won four Cups, it's the way they carry themselves on and off the ice. Our atmosphere is very relaxed. We really don't sweat over a lot of the issues and it seems to work for us.

"I've been on a couple of teams where they watch Detroit video and ask you questions about how the team is run. There's no better-run organization. It stems from [general manager] Kenny Holland and his relationship with the players. He treats you like a man, which opens up to having this kind of success."

If the Canucks, who have won 11 of their past 14 games, want to pattern themselves after any team, it really should be the Wings.

Whether it's ageless defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom - who's as good with the media in the room as he in on the ice - or a number of other offensive threats, it's quite the stage for Andrew Ebbett to return from injury, after missing 17 games with a foot fracture, to add a speed element.

He'll start on left wing on the fourth line with Maxim Lapierre and Dale Weise while Mark Mancari sits. Depending on the game tempo, Ebbett could also wind up with Cody Hodgson and Jannik Hansen, with Manny Malhotra dropping down. Regardless, the chance can't come soon enough for Ebbett, who has been doing more tweeting than playing.

"It's been a long six weeks, the most I've ever missed," said Ebbett, a free-agent acquisition who has two points in five games this season.

"It's been frustrating at times when they've had to play some defencemen up front, but I'm ready to go and the foot is not an issue and hasn't caused me any problems. It's a big challenge, and everybody gets up when you play the Red Wings and it's going to be a fun test. There's going to be a lot of speed in the game and that suits my style."

The Red Wings scored two goals in a three-minute span of the second period on Oct. 13 at Joe Louis Arena en route to a 2-0 win in the clubs' only previous meeting this season. However, that was not the same Canucks club. As much as the Wings endured an early six-game losing streak, the Canucks have gone 15-6-1 since a 5-5-1 October and their 20-11-2 record rightfully mirrors the Wings, who are 21-10-1.

"It's a good measuring stick for us because they've been so good for so long," said winger Alex Burrows, who is second in team goals with 12 and first in plus-minus at plus-15. "We have to make sure we're smart with our decisions with the puck, because that team can make you pay because they have a lot of weapons."

The Red Wings can say the same about the Canucks. Henrik Sedin is tied atop the NHL scoring race with 39 points (9-30) while Daniel Sedin is one point back (13-25). The Canucks also sport the top-ranked power play and have four defencemen among the top 35 scorers on the back end.

"It goes with our maturity level," added Burrows. "We've been through highs and lows and it's all about bringing the same attitude every day, whether you're winning or losing."

Roberto Luongo knows he'll probably be paid a visit by crease-crowders Tomas Holmstrom or Johan Franzen tonight, but the Canucks starter knows that comes with the territory. He must stand his ground, not get distracted and continue to track the puck better.

"The last couple of years, I like to stay at the top of the paint and there hasn't been as much contact," said Luongo. "I find it's easier to do my job and I know he [Holmstrom] is not afraid to get in there and it's part of the job. It's fun. I like battles like that, and it poses a challenge for me and I like to get up for those.

"They've got very creative players and there are a lot of things that cause problems for us. We want to make sure we're in the shooting lanes and boxing out guys, and whenever there's a breakdown, I need to make saves."

Asked to find some cracks in the Red Wings' armour, Canucks coach Alain Vigneault was brief and concise.

"No weaknesses," he said. "Great team."

Enough said.

OF NOTE - Keith Ballard (back spasms) took the morning skate but remains day-to-day while the medical staff tries to sort out an ailment that has moved from his lower to middle back.



Detroit D-power in effect against Canucks tonight


The Detroit Red Wings have scored 30 goals in their last six games and won 12 of their last 15 games, but much of the credit to the successful run has to do with a dramatically improved defensive performance.

The Red Wings slumped to a poor 23rd overall goals against last season, but in an excellent start this year they are currently ranked fifth overall.

What accounts for the about-face? Head coach Mike Babcock focused on cutting the goals-against right from training camp, but certainly the more consistent play of No. 1 goaltender Jimmy Howard, the growing maturity of young D-men Jonanthan Ericsson and Jakub Kindl and the replacement of the retiring Brian Rafal-ski with a more defence-focused Ian White have combined to make it happen.

"You've got to be up there with the top teams in many areas if you want to be successful," said White, who landed on his feet when the Wings signed him as a free agent in the summer and then paired him with perennial Norris Trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom from the first day of training camp. He's a team-leading plus-23.

"We knew 23rd wasn't good enough and we took the responsibility," added White. "Jimmy Howard has been fabulous and the defencemen and forwards have been really committed as well."

The 27-year-old Howard, in his third full NHL season, has been good and is enjoying career-best numbers so far. The stretch last season where he was dealing with con-tract negotiations are now well in the rear-view mirror.

"It's just confidence, just being in situations and learning from them in my first two years," said Howard, who'll get the start today against the Canucks.

"Heading into this year, I felt I couldn't contribute a lot more."

And getting buy-in from the guys playing in front of you doesn't hurt, either.

"We are doing a lot better job on defence this year," Howard said. "Last year it was a bit more run and gun and it was a lot of fun. But right from day one in training camp we stressed defence and the guys are doing a great job."

Detroit forward Henrik Zetterberg said rolling four lines has also helped with the defensive improvement. But he also acknowledged that tonight's game with Canucks is one the Red Wings are looking forward to - but not for the back-checking. Both teams are loaded with offensive talent and that should equate to an entertaining game, for the players as well as the fans.

"Some teams are fun to play against because they play fun hockey," said Zetterberg. "It's fan friendly. It's exciting games, lots of pace, lots of speed. It's fun to play those games."



Canucks vs Red Wings Gameday


RED WINGS (21-10-1) at CANUCKS (20-11-2),

7 p.m., ROGERS ARENA

TV: TSN Radio: TEAM 1040

THE SETUP

THE CANUCKS:

The Sedins and goaltender Roberto Luongo were the story in a 4-0 win over Minnesota on Monday and they may well have to be against a jet-fuelled Red Wings team on Wednesday. The Canucks are on an 11-2-1 run over their last 14 games, which is about the same as Detroit - 12-3-0 in its last 15.

THE RED WINGS:

This one shapes up as a track meet. Detroit is coming off a 3-2 win in Edmonton on Monday, have won five of it's last six games and has scored 30 goals in that span. The Red Wings have the slight edge in even-strength play, while the Canucks are better on special teams. It should be fun to watch.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1 Nicklas Lidstrom and Ian White vs. the Sedins. You know Red Wings coach Mike Babcock will want to get his future Hall of Fame D-man Lidstrom out against the Sedins, especially after their collective six-point game against Minnesota. Another fascinating matchup.

2 Red Wings superstars Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. The two all-world forwards have been on fire the last 15 games and there's no surprise the team is 12-3-0 in that span. In the last six games, Zetterberg has 3-5-8, while Datsyuk has 2-7-9.

3 Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo. Louie is on a huge roll since watching Cory Schneider's seven straight starts. In seven subsequent starts, he's 6-0-1 and has allowed just nine goals.

By THE NUMBERS

5: Detroit's ranked in goals against at this point in the season. Last season they finished 23rd.

INJURIES

CANUCKS:

D Aaron Rome (broken thumb, three weeks), F Andrew Ebbett (broken foot, day to day), LW Aaron Volpatti (shoulder surgery, out for the season), LW David Booth (knee, indefinite).

RED WINGS:

RW Patrick Eaves (jaw surgery), RW Chris Conner (fractured hand).

LEADERBOARD

vancouver canucks

GOALS 13 D.SEDIN

assists 30 H.SEDIN

POINTS 39 H.SEDIN

PIM 67 LAPIERRE

IN NET 13-6-LUONGO 2

2.48 GAA / .910 SV%

RED WINGS

GOALS 14 FRANZEN

assists 23 DATSYUK

POINTS 33 DATSYUK

PIM 31 ERICSSON

IN NET 20-7-1 HOWARD

1.91 GAA / .928 SV%



Canucks better than ever in 2012?

By Ben Kuzma, The Province December 21, 2011

VANCOUVER - The general manager referenced balanced scoring, a strong defence and solid goaltending for continued dominance on home ice and an improving road record. The GM was Ken Holland of the Detroit Red Wings, but it could have easily been Mike Gillis of the Vancouver Canucks.

As much as the defending Presidents' Trophy winners resemble the resilient Red Wings and have been purposely constructed to mirror a franchise that has advanced to the post-season for 20 straight seasons, the Canucks are somewhat divided in whether they're a better team than last season. It will take a Stanley Cup championship, but the potential to take that one last step has been strengthened by experience, greater depth and more versatility.

You see it in the value of Chris Higgins, the resurgence of Mason Raymond, the improvement in Jannik Hansen and the potential of Cody Hodgson. You can see how a healthy David Booth would solidify a second wave of attack and how a third line of Higgins-Hodgson-Hansen would trump the combination of Raffi Torres-Maxim Lapierre-Hansen in the Cup final last spring because of a better ability to contribute offensively. A number of current fourth-line combinations seem better suited for the rigours of post-season play than Tanner Glass and Victor Oreskovich. If the top four stay healthy on the back end and Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider maintain consistency, you can make the argument that this is a better team.

"For sure," said winger Alex Burrows, who is second in team goals (12) and first in plus-minus (plus-15). "We've got even more depth than we had last year and that was one of our strengths. We know what it takes now and we prepare ourselves the right way.

"And the experience is something nobody can take away from us in being in those high-pressure moments and most of the time we've responded really well."

The Canucks are first on the power play and seventh on the penalty kill, fourth in offence and sixth in defence. By comparison, the Wings are fifth on the power play, 21st on the penalty kill, third in offence and fifth in defence.

With Henrik and Daniel Sedin again challenging for the NHL scoring lead, the challenge on Wednesday at Rogers Arena will be for the Canucks to match the Red Wings in the puck-possession game and patience. The Wings seldom panic and scored twice in a three-minute span of the second period on Oct. 13 at Joe Louis Arena to secure a 2-0 victory over the Canucks in the clubs' only previous meeting this season. But that was when the Canucks struggled to find their way. They're 15-6-1 since a 5-5-1 October and their 20-11-2 record rightfully mirrors the Wings who are 21-10-1.

"We've all been through a lot and I think that's going to help us along the way," said Luongo, who gets the start against Detroit. "We're better equipped to handle certain situations. We're very similar (to Detroit) with guys who play the system well. Even our fourth line is generating a lot and playing the body well and a lot of time they spend the whole shift in the other zone. Those are little intangibles that make a big difference in the end.

"For me, it's just exciting to play one of the top teems and that's what gets you going."

Passing another litmus test will prove that the Canucks can raise their game to a level often missing when they face cellar-dwellers. What to read into it in December is harder than come April. Are they better now?

"That's tough to say," said centre Ryan Kesler. "I like to think every year you get better. We know what it takes, we've just got to prove it. I don't want to say we mirror the Red Wings. We have our own style and we're pretty good at it. But it's always fun playing the best in the game and they're right up there."


602131 Washington Capitals

Capitals vs. Predators: Washington gets a boost from big names in 4-1 win

By Katie Carrera, Published: December 20

Over the past week, the Washington Capitals wondered where their offense went. But on Tuesday night against the stingy Nashville Predators, they found the power switch again.

Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin scored in the same game for the first time since Oct. 30, 2010 to lead the Capitals to a 4-1 win over Nashville, which saw its five-game winning streak come to an end.

“We played a good game 60 minutes tonight,” said Backstrom, who added to his team lead in goals (12) and points (34) in the win. “I think this is something we have to do every night, play like this, help out and skate like this. It was a good night for us. Hopefully we can build off of this.”

The Capitals improve to 5-5 under Coach Dale Hunter after what may have been their strongest overall outing since the coaching change was made on Nov. 28.

Washington came out at Verizon Center with an emphasis on strong physical play in the first period, allowing it to establish an early lead. The forecheck Hunter has emphasized for offense, along with cycling the puck down low and driving the net, were all evident from the earliest shifts of the

contest as the Capitals sought to test Nashville backup netminder Anders Lindback (19 saves) early and often.

It would be that constant movement, accompanied by force in the offensive zone, that fueled the offense.

“When [teams] come out hitting just like that when we go on the road it kind of sets you back on your heels a little bit. I don’t think they expected it and then by doing that we surprised them,” Hunter said. “I liked the first period more than anything. We came out and took it to them instead of wait and see what happens.”

Ovechkin, who had already made his presence known with three big hits on his first two shifts, opened things up at 7 minutes 42 seconds of the first for his second goal in the past three games. Karl Alzner sent a long stretch pass from the Washington zone just inside the offensive blue line. Ovechkin picked it up and blazed toward the net for a wicked wrist shot that beat Lindback low, glove side for a 1-0 edge.

After seizing the early lead, the Capitals continued to control the contest. Matt Hendricks drew an unsportsmanlike misconduct call against Blake Geoffrion and the power play came dangerously close to adding to the lead when it took four shots on goal.

The Capitals extended the advantage to 2-0 with just over four minutes remaining in the first when Backstrom muscled his way through Jerred Smithson for a wraparound goal that caught Lindback unable to stop the stuff attempt.

With two goals in the first period the Capitals broke out of their slump after having scored just one in each of the past three contests. In addition to the offensive success, Washington did an equally strong job in its own end limiting the Predators to just four shots on Michal Neuvirth (20 saves) in the first.

“I think the energy that we have in the first period we have to keep at the same level,” Ovechkin said. “In the second period we took too many penalties and was not that good, almost stupid penalties, too many men on the ice in the offensive zone but penalty kill guys do a great job.”

Washington experienced a few lapses in the second as it was whistled for three penalties in just more than 13 minutes. But the penalty kill proved up to the task and didn’t allow the Predators much opportunity to set up or take shots. All told, the visitors recorded just three shots on goal in five chances with the man advantage. By thwarting Nashville, the Capitals’ penalty kill continues to improve, having weathered 40 of the past 45 trips to the box.

Sergei Kostitsyn put the Predators on the scoreboard 4:40 into the third but Semin would relieve the pressure near the halfway mark of the final frame to make it 3-1. With a sublime drop pass by Marcus Johansson, Semin stepped into a shot and rifled the puck past Lindback’s glove for his second goal in as many games with 10:21 elapsed.

Troy Brouwer tipped a point shot by Dennis Wideman on the power play at 13:46 for Washington’s fourth and final goal. By then, the Capitals had pulled Nashville out of its defensive shell and was able to dictate their own style of play on the game.

“Nashville’s a team that’s very defensive, they play their systems very well,” Brouwer said. “But if you can get out to a good lead on them it gets them out of their comfort zone and makes them take chances.”

Capitals notes: Mike Knuble was honored prior to the contest, which marked his 1,000th career NHL game. He finished the night with no points in 10:07 of ice time. .?.?. Mike Green missed an 18th consecutive game with a strained right groin muscle. John Erskine was a healthy scratch.

Washington Post LOADED: 12.22.2011


On Hockey: Alex Ovechkin shows flashes of his old self, but Capitals need him back for good

By Tarik El-Bashir, Wednesday, December 21, 12:24 PM

Alex Ovechkin reminded us Tuesday night of the impact he’s still capable of making in a game.

He sparked the Verizon Center crowd — and put the Nashville Predators on notice — with a variety of crushing hits in the opening minutes.

He fired shots from all angles, a game-high seven in all.

Most important, the Washington Capitals’ captain scored the type of goal that made all the morning highlight shows, the type Washington fans had grown used to seeing regularly but now find themselves craving.

For one night, at least, Old Ovi was in the house. And, predictably, his teammates followed his lead.

They always do.

“When he’s getting scoring chances, hitting, bringing that energy, it fires everybody else up,” defenseman Karl Alzner said after a 4-1 victory, perhaps the Capitals’ most thorough of the Dale Hunter era. “He’s the most exciting guy in the league.

“When,” Alzner added after a pause, “he’s on his game.”

And there’s the rub.

Ovechkin has only been “on his game” a handful of times this season. So few, in fact, it would be wise not to let one good performance fool you.

We also believed Ovechkin might have returned after his memorable goal at Ottawa two weeks ago. You remember, don’t you? The one that began with Ovechkin circling the Senators’ cage and ending with defenseman Erik Karlsson eating ice shavings.

As it turned out, that was just a cameo.

So we’re going to wait a game — or three — before making any optimistic proclamations. Ovechkin has been so inconsistent, in fact, some have begun to wonder if the days of No. 8 carrying the Capitals are in the past. And if so, how will the 13-year, $124 million contract extension he signed in 2008 affect the Capitals?

He’s only 26, true, but his second-line-winger-like numbers over the past year and a half don’t offer a strong rebuttal.

Ovechkin’s goal against the Predators was only his 11th in 32 games.

Through Tuesday’s slate, that put the two-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner on pace for 28 goals this season, tied for second with grinder Jason Chimera on his own team and knotted with 25 others for 42nd in the league.

Just as troubling is the fact that Ovechkin is on pace for a career-low 318 shots on goal, 49 fewer than he took last season and 210 fewer than he launched in 2008-09. Once the perennial league leader in that category, Ovechkin’s 124 shots are tied for fourth most and 12 off the lead.

“Good question,” he said when asked why hasn’t been shooting more. “That’s probably one of the things that hurts my stats.”

Something Ovechkin no longer questions, however, is the fact that he’s a marked man. As recently as a month ago, he often dismissed such talk, placing the onus on effort level rather than tactics.

But now he seems more receptive to what his coaches have implored him to do for more than a year.

“I talk to guys from different teams,” Ovechkin said Monday. “In meetings, they show video of what I did. So, of course, they know what I’m going to do exactly, in a certain time.”

The most obvious adjustment has been Ovechkin’s plan of attack, particularly when carrying the puck into the offensive zone.

Instead of cutting to the middle at the top of the left circle time and again, he’s also been luring defensemen low into the circle before cutting hard to the crease in recent games.

“You try lots of different things,” he said. “You switch wings. Maybe make a move [down low]. .?.?. That’s creativity. I’m learning and trying to do better.”

Tuesday’s performance was one of those games that make you really want to believe him.

On his second shift, Ovechkin, still one of the game’s most feared and prolific hitters, steamrolled Nick Spaling, then laid a pair of crushing checks on Colin Wilson.

Two shifts later, a roar rippled through the capacity crowd as he plucked the puck off the boards, used a linesman as a pick and then used his afterburners to turn around defenseman Jonathon Blum in the circle.

Once around Blum, Ovechkin made a beeline for Nashville’s net. Backup goalie Anders Lindback didn’t have a prayer.

“We were like, ‘Oh, yeah, Ovi’s getting it done tonight,’?” Alzner said, smiling. “He’s that guy for us.”

Ovechkin has three goals in his past six games. He had three goals in 15 games before this small surge.

About 30 minutes after Tuesday’s win, owner Ted Leonsis made a brief appearance in the home dressing room on his way to the parking garage.

“We’re more concerned with how the team does than individuals,” he said, asked to contrast Ovechkin’s struggles with that night’s vintage performance. “I thought we got good goaltending and the big save when it counted. We scored on the power play and the core players, Alex, Nick [Backstrom] and Alex [Semin] all scored. Usually when that happens, we’re a really, really good team.”

“Alex had some space tonight,” he added.

Asked how concerned he is about Ovechkin’s second straight slow start, Leonsis said, “He’ll work his way through it.”

You confident about that, Ted?

“Yeah,” he said. “He’s in shape, he’s healthy and he’s in a good place.”

Ovechkin has 50 regular season games to prove it.



Dale Hunter’s contract with Capitals only through this season, source says

By Tarik El-Bashir

Dale Hunter’s contract with the Washington Capitals only runs through the end of this season, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed Wednesday.

Hunter, one of the franchise’s all-time greats as a player from 1987 to 1999, was introduced as the 15th coach in Capitals history on Nov. 28, hours after Bruce Boudreau was fired. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss Hunter’s contractual status.

Before joining the Capitals, Hunter had spent 11 seasons running one of junior hockey’s most successful and lucrative franchises, the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. Hunter served as coach and president the Knights franchise, which he co-owns with his brother, Mark.

Dale Hunter is still listed on London’s Web site as team president.

Hunter did not answer his cellphone. A Capitals spokesman said the team does not comment on the contract of its coaches as a matter of policy.

Hunter’s one-year contract allows the team and Hunter the opportunity to reassess the situation at season’s end, much like the first contract Boudreau received when he was hired in November 2007.

If Hunter’s first stint behind an NHL bench is a success and he enjoys his new job, it’s likely he’ll agree to an extension, the source said.

If he is unable to turn the Capitals around – they were in ninth place in the Eastern Conference entering Wednesday’s games and 5-5 since he took over – he may return to the Knights and his native Ontario, where his family maintains a sprawling farm.

WJFK (FM-106.7) and the Washington Times reported Hunter’s contractual status earlier Wednesday, also according to sources.



Balanced performances from lines help Capitals overcome Predators

By Katie Carrera

Coach Dale Hunter said part of the reason he mixed up the Capitals’ lines for Tuesday’s game was to get better matchups for his team against the Nashville Predators. The switches turned out to be beneficial for the Capitals, who found chemistry and even-strength success within the new combinations.

“The lines played well together; I think they had some chemistry,” Hunter said Wednesday when asked if the groups might stick together for Friday’s game in New Jersey. “But I’m a game-to-game kind of guy, everybody plays a different system and we have to adjust to it just like they adjust to us.”

The decision to create two top lines, one with Alex Ovechkin, Brooks Laich and Troy Brouwer and the other with Marcus Johansson, Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin, prohibited Nashville from targeting one group to shut down.

The Predators have split up their all-star defensive tandem of Shea Weber and Ryan Suter more often this season to provide depth on the blueline, so the move wasn’t purely a reaction to Washington’s line combinations. That’s not to say it didn’t play a part, though. While Weber and Suter did take shifts together on Tuesday night, they were also paired with other defensemen frequently, which allowed for more space offensively.

“Normally those two guys are out against definitive top lines and tonight I thought we spread it out real well,” Brouwer said. “When they’ve got to pick and choose who they’re going to cover — and they split up Weber and Suter for the most part of the game — we can isolate one of them, put it in their corner, finish our checks on them and just make it no fun for them to go back and get pucks.”

The 4-1 win over the Predators marked the first time since Oct. 30, 2010 that Washington received goals from Ovechkin, Backstrom and Semin on the same night. While it’s only one game, balancing the offense in that manner is one of the traits the Capitals want to incorporated in their play on a more consistent basis.



When will the Capitals get the old Ovechkin back for good?

By Lindsay Applebaum

For one night, the old Alex Ovechkin was in the house. He started off the game with three big hits, had a team-high seven shots on goal and started off the scoring in an evental 4-1 victory over Nashville.

The Capitals captain hasn’t had enough of those performances over the last two seasons, but he finally appears to be making some changes to his game, writes Tarik El-Bashir in his latest On Hockey column:

The most obvious adjustment has been Ovechkin’s plan of attack, particularly when carrying the puck into the offensive zone.

Instead of cutting to the middle at the top of the left circle time and again, he’s also been luring defensemen low into the circle before cutting hard to the crease in recent games.

“You try lots of different things,” he said. “You switch wings. Maybe make a move [down low]. …That’s creativity. I’m learning and trying to do better.”

Tuesday’s performance was one of those games that make you really want to believe him.

It’s too early to tell, but do you think Ovechkin could return to his old form this season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.



Capitals hold optional practice on Wednesday

By Katie Carrera

Washington held an optional skate the day after its 4-1 win against the Predators and most players elected to skip the on-ice session.

Mike Knuble, Matt Hendricks, Mathieu Perreault, Jeff Schultz, John Erskine, Tomas Vokoun, along with injured players Jay Beagle (concussion) and Mike Green (strained right groin muscle) took to the ice for drills and a workout with the coaching staff.

— This marks the third straight day that Green has skated since returning from a visit to a specialist last week about the groin injury that has caused him to miss the past 18 games. Green did not speak to reporters.

— Erskine was a healthy scratch against the Predators as Coach Dale Hunter wanted to get Jeff Schultz, who had sat out the past four games, back in a game. Schultz played 6 minutes and 1 second in 10 shifts against the Predators.

“Erskie, he’s a warrior, he plays hard, but Schultzie hasn’t played for a long time,” Hunter said. “We figure we’ll get him into a game and we’ll go from there and we’ll judge who plays in New Jersey on Friday. [Schultz] looked OK. When you’re not playing for three or four days you’re going to be a little rusty but he was OK.”



Michal Neuvirth on a roll for Capitals

By Katie Carrera

The first three months of the 2011-12 season have been far from the ideal sophomore year that Michal Neuvirth might have planned for himself. But with three consecutive starts for the first time this year over the past six days, the 23-year-old netminder has given himself – and the Capitals – a confidence boost.

In the past three games, Neuvirth has stopped all but three of the 75 shots he’s faced for a .960 save percentage. In five starts and one relief effort under Coach Dale Hunter, he’s stopped 140 of the 151 shots he’s faced for a .927 save percentage.

More important than the numbers, though, are the timely saves that Neuvirth has made recently to help keep Washington in tight games. It’s something that the Capitals haven’t received much of since October as veteran Tomas Vokoun has struggled.

Neuvirth has “been solid, he’s been making big saves for us, and it makes it easy for us to play in front of him,” forward Troy Brouwer said. “We know that if we do make a mistake he’s going to be there with the save to bail us out.”

For Neuvirth, this recent stretch has been an opportunity to get in a rhythm. Being able to roll one successful outing into another is an immeasurable asset for goaltenders and before these three games Neuvirth had started only two games in a row once this year.

“I feel more comfortable every game but I know I can still play a little bit better,” Neuvirth said after the 4-1 win against the Predators. “I think I can still control the rebounds better than I did tonight.”

Against Nashville Tuesday night, Neuvirth wasn’t tested early as the Capitals only allowed their foes four shots on goal in the first period. But as the contest wore on, there were a few defensive breakdowns that required Neuvirth to stand tall.

Perhaps the most eye-popping stop Neuvirth made came 11 minutes and 54 seconds into the third when Nashville’s David Legwand lost his coverage and was unguarded in front of the net. Legwand tried to pull the puck wide on his backhand, but Neuvirth sprawled to make the stop with his glove hand outstretched along the ice.

“He’s been really good, he’s really stepped up and played as we’re used to seeing him play,” Marcus Johansson said. “Last year he was just as good as he is now, he made some really big saves for us tonight and kept us with the lead. Sometimes that’s what you need from a goalie and he was unbelievable tonight.”

Will Neuvirth start over Vokoun in New Jersey on Friday? It’s too soon to tell as Hunter is playing his cards close to the vest on that one, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get the nod again.



Dale Hunter’s deal with Capitals covers just the rest of the season, sources say

By Stephen Whyno

The life span of an NHL coach is short, based on lack of success and the idea that his voice stops being heard.

Dale Hunter waited for his chance, spending more than nine years honing his coaching craft with the London Knights (Ontario Hockey League) before taking over the Washington Capitals.

He knew at the time it would be a “full commitment” — but it’s also one that is shorter than most expected when he replaced Bruce Boudreau. As it turns out, Hunter and the Capitals agreed to just a one-year deal, multiple sources with knowledge of the situation told The Washington Times and 106.7 The Fan. Those sources requested to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to comment on the matter.

“I don’t discuss coaches’ contracts,” general manager George McPhee said Wednesday. “I never have, never will.”

A contract that ends after this season was mutually agreed to in part because Hunter’s future could depend on the Caps’ success and because it affords the 51-year-old the flexibility to see if he likes coaching at the professional level, one source said.

Hunter is a co-owner of the Knights along with his brother Mark, who had been serving as general manager and took over as coach Nov. 28. Dale Hunter was in the midst of his 10th season in London when he accepted the job with the Capitals. One reason for a one-year deal is that Dale Hunter could potentially return to a comfortable situation with the Knights if things don’t work out in the NHL.

Mark Hunter said it has been a good transition, and he was focused on the upcoming world junior championship and its effect on the Knights more than the long-term future of the coaching position there.

“I’m not even thinking about that right now,” Mark Hunter said. “It’ll all break loose how it happens in Washington. That’ll be up to Dale.”

The Caps are 5-5 since Hunter’s arrival, showing progress in fits and spurts. Players are gaining more knowledge of the system and his emphasis on video, it seems, each practice. Going into Wednesday night, the Caps were ninth in the Eastern Conference with 35 points in 32 games.

Tuesday night was perhaps the best game under Hunter — a 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators.

“Just a great win all around,” Mike Knuble said after the game. “That’s what we should be doing on a more consistent basis. We intend to.”?

Washington Times LOADED: 12.22.2011


Capitals' Neuvirth trying to save his season

By: Brian McNally | 12/21/11 8:05 PM

After early struggles, goalie looks sharp

From the moment the Capitals signed veteran free agent goaltender Tomas Vokoun in July, incumbent starter Michal Neuvirth understood he would have to bide his time this season.

Former coach Bruce Boudreau tabbed Vokoun as his No. 1 goalie as far back as rookie development camp in July. But that didn't mean Neuvirth -- the starter for 45 games in 2010-11 and all nine Stanley Cup playoff contests -- would be bereft of chances.

His latest opportunity has come this month after Vokoun struggled in a 5-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Dec. 13. And this time Neuvirth is taking advantage. He has started three games in a row for the first time all season, allowing just three goals. It's a modest stretch of success given Neuvirth's ugly overall statistics. But for the first time he's challenging Vokoun. His latest attempt came Tuesday when he stopped 20 of 21 Nashville Predators shots in a 4-1 Washington victory.

"I'm feeling more comfortable every game," Neuvirth said. "But I know I can still play a little bit better. I think I can still control the rebounds better than I did [Tuesday]."

Neuvirth posted a shutout Dec. ?15 at Winnipeg. In these three starts plus a relief period in that loss to Philadelphia, he has stopped 83 of 87 shots for a .954 save percentage. Of course, that has put only a small dent in his overall stat line (5-6-1, 3.09 goals-against average, .893 save percentage). Neuvirth ranks 41st in save percentage among goalies starting at least 10 games.

And disaster always lurks around the corner. Bad goals have plagued the Caps all season -- Vokoun is equally at fault -- and Neuvirth had a doozy at Colorado on Saturday when he never saw a soft floater sent from the blueline by Avalanche forward Cody McLeod. Washington lost by a goal.

Yet Neuvirth shook it off, played well in the final 57 minutes of that game and made a handful of quality saves against the Predators on Tuesday. He denied a sneak attack stuff from forward Matt Halischuk with 10:05 left in the game and recovered to spoil a Mike Fisher bid at the opposite post.

At 11:53 of the third with the score still 3-1, Neuvirth sprawled on the ice at his left post to keep David Legwand from flipping a backhand shot into an open net. And earlier in the third, Jordin Tootoo had been left alone in the slot before Neuvirth moved to the top of his crease and smothered the backhander.

"He's been making ... the saves that we need him to make, and that just gives the team a lot of confidence," forward Troy Brouwer said. "The game in Colorado, anyone can tell you on the ice that when the puck goes in those seats it's tough to pick up because their lights are turned off and they're brown seats. So you've got to give him a little leeway on that one. But other than that he's only allowed one or two goals in his last three games. He's been solid."

Washington Examiner LOADED: 12.22.2011

602140 Winnipeg Jets

Jets' Noel mum on Habs' coaching controversy

By: Ed Tait

WINNIPEG - Claude Noel has his own worries about his Winnipeg Jets. And so the last thing the Jets head coach is going to do is stress out about what is happening in Montreal with the Canadiens.

The Habs, who play in Chicago Wednesday night before facing the Jets at MTS Centre Thursday, are embroiled in controversy after firing head coach Jacques Martin and replacing him with Randy Cunneyworth, slapping the "interim" tag on his job description amid howls from the French media that he cannot speak their language.

"Randy Cunneyworth is a friend of mine," Noel said Wednesday afternoon following Jets practice. "I’ve coached against him and I have a lot of respect for him. It’s a tough situation for him.

"I don’t know the situation enough there, not having lived in the province to understand it enough to say it’s right or wrong. I don’t understand it enough. I feel for him. It’s hard enough to coach in the National Hockey League, let alone to coach in tough circumstances like that."

Asked if he felt Cunneyworth was in a no-win situation, Noel added: "I don’t want to go there. I don’t have a real comment on the situation there. That’s in Montreal and I’m going to leave that in Montreal."

The Jets are 15-13-5 following Tuesday’s 3-2 shootout loss to the New York Islanders and, with 35 points, are tied with Washington and Buffalo in the Eastern Conference – one point out of a playoff spot heading into Wednesday’s action. The Canadiens are 13-14-7 and have 33 points.

After the Habs’ game, Winnipeg plays host to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday before the Christmas break.

"We’ve got two games before we break for Christmas and both of them are important for us," said Noel. "You can see in the standings they are big games. You gotta get points out of these games. We’re going to face Montreal with the same vim and vigour that we’ve had. I’d like us to play with a little bit more life than we did in the game (Tuesday) night.

"They beat us here at home (in the season opener). It’s not like a revenge thing, we weren’t that great in our first game at home because of a lot of different factors. We just need to be prepared to play the games. (The Canadiens) haven’t been going that well and they’ve had some changes and controversy in their team. We have to just play this thing like we have a formidable opponent.

"They’re going to be wanting to win the game as badly as we will. They’re in Chicago tonight and they’re going to be battling to get their situation straightened around. We’ll have to be ready to go."

Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 12.22.2011


5,000 more Jets licence plates go on sale this week

By: Staff Writer

More custom Winnipeg Jets license plates will go on sale after an initial run of 20,000 sold out in eight days.

Talk about "fuelled by passion" -- it took just eight days for fans to snap up all 20,000 available Winnipeg Jets licence plates, Manitoba Public Insurance said Wednesday.

But don’t despair: MPI has ordered an additional 5,000 of the $70 plates, with $30 going towards the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation.

The plates will be available at Autopac agents beginning Friday, Dec. 23, MPI said. Due to staggered delivery dates throughout the province, customers should call ahead to confirm they’ve arrived.

You can purchase a plate for a friend, but both giver and recipient need "qualifying active" insurance policies, MPI said. Specialty plates can also be transferred to another customer as long as the new plate owner has a letter from the previous owner granting permission for the transfer.

Last word of advice? No sports mullets allowed. MPI said you can’t put a Bombers plate on one end of your vehicle and a Jets plate on the other. You can, however "change plates as the sporting seasons change."



Ladd's stick, Buff's skates can now be yours

By: Geoff Kirbyson

IF you've ever wondered what it's like to skate a mile in Dustin Byfuglien's skates, you're about to get your chance.

The Jets Gear store at St. Vital Centre has received its first shipment of game-used equipment from the Winnipeg Jets. Now on the shop floor or hanging on the walls are sticks, gloves and pants from a variety of players, including Andrew Ladd, Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian.

St. Vital Centre Jets Gear store manager James Scott displays Evander Kane's hockey pants, now for sale.

"This sets us apart from every other store in the city. If you want pro Jets gear, we're the exclusive outlet for it," said James Scott, the store's manager.

He said the equipment, despite having been used by professional players crashing into each other and the boards at top speed, is in very good shape.

"A lot of it looks like it was used for a couple of shifts. A lot of the players switch up their sticks halfway through a game," he said, noting some of the sticks are in pristine shape.

Scott said a shipment of skates is expected shortly, too. Pucks used in NHL games at the MTS Centre are also for sale and are expected to be "very hot" items, Scott said.

"A lot of people are looking for the official game puck. It's very hard to come by. Now a lot of people will be able to purchase the real deal," he said.

It used to common for fans to snag pucks during games when they were shot or deflected into the stands. But the league mandated protective netting be installed at the goal ends of every team's facility following the death of a 13-year-old girl at a Columbus Blue Jackets game in 2002. Now pucks hit the netting, causing a stoppage in play, and bounce back on to the ice.

Scott said he has about 70 sticks and 25 pairs of gloves, all of which will sell for between $150 and $295. The pucks will retail for $40.

Pretty much every kind of protective gear used by the team will be made available to the public.

"Everything except jocks," Scott said with a laugh.

Scott Brown, director of communications for the Jets, said True North Sports & Entertainment did something similar with equipment from Manitoba Moose players in previous years but on a smaller scale.

The team decided to make Jets equipment available for sale in response to strong demand from fans.

"I think there's a big thirst from the public to be able to have a game-used stick that's not snapped in half. If it's available to us to sell in an acceptable form, it makes good business that we would do that," he said.

The Jets Gear store works in conjunction with the team's equipment managers and players in sourcing equipment, Brown said.

"No player is obligated to give up something they don't want to give up," he said.

Arguably the most sought-after piece of equipment -- player jerseys -- will not be for sale. The NHL, not the team, controls what happens to them, Brown said.



Jets Report

By: Staff Writer

About the Jets

At 15-13-5, the Jets have alternated wins and losses in their last six. Tuesday's shootout loss to the Islanders was the team's second S/O loss this season... In a favourable stretch of schedule that has them playing 13 of 15 games at home up to Dec. 31, the Jets are 6-3-1... The teams have met once before this season, on the historic opening night in Winnipeg Oct. 9. It was a 5-1 Habs' win. "I won't look back at that game and pre-scout it," said Jets coach Claude Noel. "I'll look at how they're playing of late. To me, it won't have anything to do with the first game."... Winnipeg has just one power-play goal in its last five games, though it had zero chances Tuesday against the Islanders.

About the Canadiens

Having lost three in a row and two in a row under new coach Randy Cunneyworth, Montreal was 13-14-7 heading for Wednesday night's game in Chicago. It was the first of five straight road games for the team... This is the Habs' fourth instance of games on back-to-back days this season. They have lost the back half of their first three tries... C Tomas Plekanec leads the Habs in scoring with 7 goals and 26 points in 34 games. LW Eric Cole leads in goals with 13... D P.K. Subban is Montreal's most-used player, averaging 24 minutes per game...Ranked 29th overall and 30th and worst on the road, Montreal's power play was succeeding only 12.3 per cent of the time, but had goals in four of its five previous games.

WINNIPEG JETS

31 Ondrej Pavelec

50 Chris Mason

4 Zach Bogosian

5 Mark Stuart

6 Ron Hainsey

8 Alexander Burmistrov

9 Evander Kane

13 Kyle Wellwood

14 Tim Stapleton

15 Tanner Glass

16 Andrew Ladd

17 Eric Fehr

18 Bryan Little

19 Jim Slater

20 Antti Miettinen

22 Chris Thorburn

26 Blake Wheeler

29 Johnny Oduya

33 Dustin Byfuglien

36 Mark Flood

39 Tobias Enstrom

80 Nik Antropov

MONTREAL CANADIENS

30 Peter Budaj

31 Carey Price

11 Scott Gomez

13 Michael Cammalleri

14 Tomas Plekanec

15 Petteri Nokelainen

17 Chris Campoli

21 Brian Gionta

22 Tomas Kaberle

26 Josh Gorges

32 Travis Moen

45 Mike Blunden

46 Andrei Kostitsyn

51 David Desharnais

52 Mathieu Darche

61 Raphael Diaz

67 Max Pacioretty

68 Yannick Weber

71 Louis Leblanc

72 Erik Cole

74 Alexei Emelin

75 Hal Gill

76 P.K. Subban

81 Lars Eller



Jets don't pass 'click' test

By: Tim Campbell

In most cases, Winnipeg Jets coach Claude Noel has seen his players' A games.

The tricky part now is to keep them on the ice, a chapter of coaching that always proves more time-consuming than expected.

After alternating wins and losses for six games now, Noel mused after Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the New York Islanders that in the area of team play, "We don't have the chemistry we had before. It's maybe because of new people in, but it's not like it was before, clicking-wise."

The Jets were able to rally off a 5-9-3 start with some important discoveries and nights of execution in November, all of which stoke the impatience which has started to reveal itself in December.

"Our execution, you mean," Noel said Wednesday, asked to address again the area of the team's sharpness heading into tonight's home game with the Montreal Canadiens (7:30 p.m., TSN Jets, TSN 1290). "That's one of the reasons we practised today, just to try to get sharp. It's difficult.

"It's a real task right now. There's a lot of distractions here.

"People have family in for Christmas. It's such a short break. Your routines are all out of whack. You don't have the same freedom to do things.

"I don't have a direct reply to how I'm going to... I don't control the execution factor on the ice."

The 15-13-5 Jets are in a better place than they were five weeks ago but there is a clear sense that all cylinders aren't firing quite as right as during that heady week in which Winnipeg soundly defeated Tampa Bay, Washington and Philadelphia in the MTS Centre.

One of the factors has been line adjustments.

Centre Bryan Little, who had recently caught fire after a personal slow start, missed Tuesday's game with a sore foot, and there was no sign of him on Wednesday. Alex Burmistrov continues in that spot.

Add to that the introduction of right-wigner Antti Miettinen to the lineup on Tuesday, and you have three lines with altered makeups.

"Really, it shouldn't take too long," said left-winger Tanner Glass, Miettinen's new linemate.

"It's part of the game, that when you get new linemates, it's about communicating a lot early on. And then yeah, just practice time you have together, the more time you have out there together, the faster it's going to be.

"I think you have to talk amongst yourselves, just to learn the intricacies of each other's games and what a guy wants to do in this situation or that.

"And just get to know him, really. And on a personal level, too. That's important."

Glass sees some differences beyond personnel from last month's positive push.

"I think we've been a little too cautious playing against other teams' top lines," Glass ventured. "I think we've been too defensive at times and then once we do try to get going, that's a few games ago... and myself personally I think I've been trying to hang onto the puck in situations where I shouldn't instead of getting it out and I've been surprised by pressure a few times."

Veteran forward Kyle Wellwood, on this week's only intact unit with Nik Antropov and Andrew Ladd, went through this very thing recently when Antropov was out six of seven games.

"The season's so long, you know you're going to have at least half the games where you're going to be in spots where you're going to have to be productive even though it's not the perfect situation," Wellwood said Wednesday. "You've got to find a way as a line then, to get things done."

In many cases, players' worth in the NHL is a function of being able to adapt to such situations.

"It's not just sharpness," Wellwood said. "There are maybe things you're not accustomed to, like (Evander) Kane and (Blake) Wheeler were playing with Little for a 10-game stretch and they were getting just a ton of points and they seemed to win us all the games.

"Then if one of the three is out, they play the same way but it's just a different chemistry. So it's a challenge to find a way to get things done with the change of personnel.

"Sometimes it takes three or four games and enough shifts where you have something good that happens or something that you find that works."



By Ed Tait and Tim Campbell Locals keeping low profile on Habs controversy

By: Ed Tait and Tim Campbell

UNOFFICIAL NHL clubhouse rule No. 348: when it comes to the woes of your opponents -- be they on the ice, off the ice or both -- keep your head down and play your own ball.

That's been the approach of the Winnipeg Jets over the last couple of days as reporters have pressed the players and head coach Claude Noel for a take on what is happening with the Montreal Canadiens, who are here tonight after a game in Chicago.

Noel & Co., after all, have their own worries to deal with, let alone be dragged into a discussion about the Habs, who are slumping and embroiled in controversy after firing head coach Jacques Martin and replacing him with Randy Cunneyworth.

Cunneyworth, given the 'interim' tag, is getting roasted in Quebec because he does not speak French.

"Randy Cunneyworth is a friend of mine," Noel said Wednesday afternoon following Jets practice. "I've coached against him and I have a lot of respect for him. It's a tough situation for him. I don't know the situation enough there, not having lived in the province to understand it enough to say it's right or wrong. I don't understand it enough. I feel for him. It's hard enough to coach in the National Hockey League, let alone to coach in tough circumstances like that."

Asked if he felt Cunneyworth was in a no-win situation, Noel added: "I don't want to go there. I don't have a real comment on the situation there. That's in Montreal and I'm going to leave that in Montreal."

The Jets are 15-13-5 following Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Islanders and, with 35 points, are tied with Washington and Buffalo in the Eastern Conference -- one point out of a playoff spot heading into Wednesday's action. The Habs, meanwhile, were 3-4-3 in their last 10 prior to Wednesday's game in Chicago.

"I'm sure the guys in Montreal are accustomed to that but yeah, you want controversy on the other team's team," said Kyle Wellwood. "Every time you play them, you want them to be in a spot where they don't have the chemistry or there's something they've got to deal with.

"I'd say that's a positive for our team if they might have to deal with something."

Added Tanner Glass, who played for Cunneyworth in Rochester: "I liked him. He was very fair. He worked hard. He always gave us his all. I thought he was a very professional guy, came to the rink with his workboots on every day and taught us what it means to be a pro."

Just FYI, knowing that assistant coach Pascal Vincent's name has been linked to the potential opening in Montreal -- he was very popular during his two years as the head coach of the QMJHL's Montreal Juniors -- the Jets have opted not to make him available for interviews to avoid any controversy.

"I don't think he wants to get himself involved in that," said Noel. "We have enough to do, fellas. We don't need to bring in other topics. We have to deal with our own team. We want our players to focus on the task, why would we not focus on task? You can't ask your team to do one thing and then you're all over the place. We don't coach another team, we coach our team."

-- THE RIGHT CALL: Here's Noel on the collision between Evander Kane and Islanders' goaltender Al Montoya, who had to leave the game with what is now being called a concussion, late in the second period:

"I think that was a good call," said Noel of Kane's minor penalty. "I don't know what he should have done, that's up for debate. But you have to make sure if you're going to go to the net like that you're prepared to miss the goalie. It's kind of a double-edged sword, but you almost have to find an escape route. That's the way it has to be."

The Islanders also lost David Ullstrom to a concussion after he crashed into the boards in overtime.



CHEAP THRILLS

By: Ed Tait

These are the shootout moments Blake Wheeler chooses to cherish: arms raised in celebration and the crowd at full throat as he touches his teammates' gloves while skating by a euphoric bench.

After all, there's nothing like besting an opponent mano-a-mano with the contest hanging in the balance.

So his complete whiff on an attempt in Tuesday night's 3-2 shootout loss against the New York Islanders will soon be all but gone and forgotten by the big Winnipeg Jets winger.

"I've got decent numbers in the shootout," said Wheeler when the subject was broached Wednesday, "but I'm normally better when I get a shot off instead of dumping it in the corner. Hopefully next time I'll challenge the goalie a little bit."

Ba-dum, dum.

Hey listen, give the guy some credit for at least having a sense of humour about it all.

Funny thing about the shootout, which ended up costing the Jets a point the other night after both Wheeler and Kyle Wellwood missed while P.A. Parenteau and Frans Nielsen both scored for the Isles:

When the home side wins, everybody in the building insists it's the greatest contribution to hockey since the invention of the jockstrap. But when the home side loses, the angry mob cries out about it being an absolute abomination that should be immediately trashed.

That script played out late Tuesday on the TSN Radio post-game show when fans debated head coach Claude Noel's decision to use Wheeler and Wellwood, despite the fact they lead the team in career shootout goals with nine each and despite the fact Wellwood -- along with Andrew Ladd -- scored the only goals in a shootout win over Florida earlier this season.

But no one ever said the facts should get in the way of a good rant.

Just for the record, Noel said Wednesday the call on the shootout participants against the Islanders was based on their career numbers.

"You go on the percentages and who has had success," said Noel. "Some guys are great scorers in games, but not in shootouts. Some guys don't want to be 'The Guy.' You don't ask the players, you just get a feel for what's what. Some guys have got good one-on-one moves and sometimes you practise it and watch. We haven't done it as of late, but we did earlier in the year and we know the records guys have had through the league.

"There are no guarantees... Wheeler's a real good shootout guy and he lost the puck. When you're dealing with three players (to take part), you go with your best first, that's the way that I go. I don't save my best for last because it might be over before you get to use him. And then you go from there. Once it gets into four, five and six, then you start to feel things out and maybe go with a hunch. You just don't know. There's no real answer there because you just don't know what you're going to get."

Wheeler said he got the tap on the shoulder not long after the overtime session ended against the Islanders. And, just so we're clear: he'll eagerly take on the challenge again when asked to do so.

"It's fun for everyone... the players, the fans, everybody," said Wheeler. "It's tough that a point comes down to something like that, but at the same time it's created a lot of excitement for the fans and as a player you want to be involved in it, too.

"I'll tell you what, though," he added, "it's a whole lot more fun when you score."

[email protected]

Twitter: @WFPEdTait

NHL SHOOTOUTS -- BY THE NUMBERS

Love it or despise it, the shootout is a fixture in the NHL and plays a critical role in determining

which team picks up the extra point following an overtime game and, ultimately, who qualifies for the playoffs. Here's a look at some of the juicy shootout numbers:

JETS/THRASHERS ALL-TIME SHOOTOUT RECORD

2011-12 -- 1-2

2010-11 -- 5-7

2009-10 -- 4-6

2008-09 -- 7-1

2007-08 -- 9-6

2006-07 -- 7-4

2005-06 -- 5-5

All-Time: 38-31

JETS SHOOTER SUMMARY

A look at the career shootout numbers for the current Jets, including total shots taken, goals, scoring percentage and game-deciding goals:

Player Shots Goals S% GDG

Blake Wheeler 26 9 34.6 2

Kyle Wellwood 27 9 33.3 2

Antti Miettinen 25 8 32.0 3

Bryan Little 22 6 27.3 1

Andrew Ladd 10 4 40.0 3

Nik Antropov 14 3 21.4 0

Tim Stapleton 3 2 66.7 2

Jim Slater 1 1 100.0 1

Alexander Burmistrov 4 1 25.0 1

Evander Kane 4 0 0.0 0

Chris Thorburn 1 0 0.0 0

Dustin Byfuglien 6 0 0.0 0

Tobias Enstrom 1 0 0.0 0

Eric Fehr 3 0 0.0 0

Ron Hainsey 1 0 0.0 0

THE FINISHERS

Top five NHLers who have scored the most game-deciding goals via the shootout this year:

Player/Team GDG

1. Ilya Kovalchuk, New Jersey 4

2. Rick Nash, Columbus 3

3. Ryan Clowe, San Jose; Matt Cullen, Minnesota; Patrick Kane, Chicago; Joffrey Lupul, Toronto; Dominic Moore, Tampa Bay; Ryan O'Reilly, Colorado; Jason Spezza, Ottawa; Jonathan Toews, Chicago -- all tied with 2

BEST OF THE BEST

Top five NHLers with most career shootout goals:

Player/Team Total G S% GDG

1. Jussi Jokinen, Car. 62 28 45.2 9

2. Pavel Datsyuk, Det. 55 27 49.1 9

3. Zach Parise, NJ. 55 27 49.1 9

4. Brad Boyes, Buf. 54 26 48.1 9

5. Radim Vrbata, Phx 55 26 47.3 10

THE GOALTENDERS

Top five NHL goaltenders in the shootout this season:

Player/Team W L Shots Goals Sv%

1. Semyon Varlamov, Col. 5 0 16 2 .875

2. Johan Hedberg, NJ 5 1 18 6 .667

3. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pitt. 3 1 12 2 .833

4. Craig Anderson, Ott. 3 1 14 4 .714

5. Corey Crawford, Chi. 3 2 14 3 .786

Ondrej Pavelec, Wpg. 1 2 7 4 .429

THE STOPPERS

Top 10 active goaltenders in career shootouts:

Player/Team W L Shots Goals Sv%

1. Henrik Lundqvist, NYR. 38 27 248 59 .762

2. Martin Brodeur, NJ. 37 19 195 54 .723

3. Ryan Miller, Buff. 31 20 175 52 .703

4. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pitt. 30 16 142 33 .768

5. Kari Lehtonen, Dal. 26 16 141 40 .716

-- Chris Mason, Wpg. 17 15 101 30 .703

-- Ondrej Pavelec, Wpg. 4 11 42 19 .548



Jets to 'stick' it to fans

By KIRK PENTON, QMI Agency

A sign in the crowd on Tuesday night said, ‘All I want for Christmas is Big Buf’s stick.’

Now that youngster can get that stick, and he won’t even have to wrestle grown men for it, as the team is now selling game-used sticks in its Jets Gear store.

The sticks hit the shelves this week, and they’re already hot-selling items.

“The reason it’s for sale is there’s a thirst for it amongst the public. They’re game-used sticks that aren’t snapped in half or broken. They’re sticks that players don’t want to use anymore,” True North’s senior director of communications, Scott Brown, said Tuesday.

“Anything to do with the hockey team right now is popular, especially at this time of year. Things particularly that are directly connected to the players, you can imagine the popularity of those items.”

It’s not a new concept in Winnipeg. The Manitoba Moose sold used sticks and gloves, but “it just didn’t have the same fanfare,” Brown said.

There’s a chance the Jets Gear store could also sell gloves and other Jets game-worn equipment in the future, but Brown couldn’t promise anything.

“What exactly will be available going down the road is determined between the store and the locker-room,” Brown said.

DANGEROUS HEAD GAMES

The newest concussion-related problem is starting to gain attention in the NHL.

Maple Leafs forward Colby Armstrong made headlines this week when he concealed concussion symptoms, hoping they would go away and enable him to keep playing. They didn’t go away, and now he’s out indefinitely.

Jets centre Jim Slater knows all about concussions, having missed the second half of last season because of one. He realizes in the old days it was normal to hide a concussion, but not anymore.

“In the past it was tough,” Slater said. “Nobody wants to come out of the lineup. You know there’s another guy waiting there to take your spot. Colby’s a pretty established player in the league. Obviously he felt a reason not to say anything. I don’t know what the reason was, but it came back to take him down.

“Nowadays, it’s very important to speak up and tell the trainers how you’re feeling and what’s going on with you.”

Jets head coach Claude Noel, whose career ended on a severe concussion in what was going to be his final season anyway, said it’s crucial players be up front about their symptoms.

“You want your players to be forthcoming on injuries, regardless of what they are. There’s so much attention on concussions and head shots now, you really want to know for sure.”

LATE HITS

Noel said he could see Antti Miettinen on a line higher than the third, which is where he made his debut for the Jets on Tuesday night with Tanner Glass and Jim Slater. Miettinen had 15 minutes of ice time and one shot … Jets netminder Ondrej Pavelec made 31 saves in the 3-2 shootout loss to the Islanders, and several of them were stellar. “I thought Pavelec was good,” Noel said. “He played real strong. He really helped us. We’ll thank him for that point.” … Jets centre Nik Antropov’s first-period goal was his first in seven games.

Winnipeg Sun LOADED 12.22.2011


Jets' bottom lines must improve

By Kirk Penton, QMI Agency

The Jets are being dogged by inconsistency these days, and part of their struggles could easily be traced to the third and fourth lines.

The last member of Winnipeg's bottom six to score an even-strength goal was third-line centre Jim Slater on Nov. 19 against the Philadelphia Flyers. That's 13 games without a goal. Fourth-line centre Tim Stapleton dented the twine on Dec. 9 against Carolina, but that came on the power play.

The book on the Jets this season was they would have trouble scoring, and it's even harder to win games when only two of their lines are producing.

Blake Wheeler and Evander Kane have scored goals while playing in the bottom six, but the regular third and fourth liners have combined for only 12 of Winnipeg's 91 tallies this season.

Slater has six goals, and Tanner Glass and Stapleton have three. Two of Stapleton's tallies, however, have come with the Jets enjoying a man advantage.

The bottom six obviously don't get as much playing time as the top six, but they still need to chip in now and again.

BUZZ NEEDED: Head coach Claude Noel said his team didn't have as much spirit as it should have during Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Islanders.

Winger Blake Wheeler feels the Jets will need to do their part to get the MTS Centre crowd going on Thursday night when the Habs come to town.

"We gotta do a better job of getting our fans involved and more excited than we did last game for sure and hopefully use that to our advantage," he said.

-- Penton



Habs bring cirque to Winnipeg

By Paul Friesen, QMI Agency

Just how intense is the media firestorm swirling around the Montreal Canadiens these days?

Going into Thursday night's game against the Habs, the Winnipeg Jets have been inundated with requests for interviews with assistant coach Pascal Vincent, who's been reported to be a candidate for the Canadiens head coaching job.

Of course, if you speak French and know a blue line from a bagel, you're probably a candidate.

It's never a good idea to mix politics and sports, but in Montreal they mix them like martinis.

The latest outcry from the sanctimonious sidelines is aimed at interim Habs coach Randy Cunneyworth, who replaced the fired Jacques Martin, last weekend.

Cunneyworth's crime: he doesn't speak Canada's other official language, which, we're told, has a good portion of the French populace in an uproar.

Seeing a chance to score a political point or two, Quebec's elected representatives have waded into the fray, demanding the Habs correct this indignation.

Former coach Guy Carbonneau said, no French, no chance.

Ex-GM Serge Savard was outraged, saying the team "belongs to the people."

The man it actually does belong to, Geoff Molson, even issued a statement, acknowledging a working knowledge of both languages will be very important when it comes time to select a permanent head coach.

Cunneyworth might want to start those French lessons ASAP.

Watching from Winnipeg with something other than amusement was Jets head coach Claude Noel, a sympathetic friend of Cunneyworth's.

"I have not lived in the province to understand it enough to say it's right or wrong," Noel said, Wednesday. "I feel for him. It's hard enough to coach in the NHL, let alone to coach in a tough circumstance like that."

Ask western Canadian boys like Jets captain Andrew Ladd about the Great Language Debate, and they all but shake their heads.

"Not being from there, it's difficult to understand where they're coming from," Ladd said. "Obviously, they want to keep their culture intact. But at the end of the day, from an outsider, if he's qualified and is going to make their team better, he should be the guy."

That's just it, Cunneyworth's actual coaching ability doesn't seem to matter.

Two games into his interim stint behind the bench, both losses, it's almost like he's being mocked by the Montreal press, the French-language Le Journal de Montreal trumpeting his second game with the headline: "Another Loss For Cunneyworth" -- in English.

Only one Jets players has experience in the boiling cauldron of Les Canadiens, and that's defenceman Ron Hainsey.

He says as intense as the media scrutiny is here, it's on a different level in Montreal.

"A lot of things come into play with the two languages," Hainsey said. "Obviously, the tradition of the coach speaking both languages is an important thing for them. Guys have done it, learned it on the fly. Bob Gainey wasn't French, he learned it. And he's one of the most respected and revered guys there."

Hainsey had Cunneyworth as an assistant coach for two years in Atlanta, and has kept in touch.

"He's obviously being thrown into a little more of a tense situation," Hainsey said. "I wish him the best after this week."

After playing in Chicago Wednesday night, the Habs and their traveling media circus will touch down here, where Thursday they'll play another hockey game, far from the politicians and the commentators.

As for Vincent, the up-and-coming Jets assistant listed at bodog.ca as a 45-to-1 long shot to be the next Habs boss, he's not being allowed to talk.

The Jets don't want to subject the poor guy to the massive Montreal media influx.

Seems to me there'd be no better way to prepare him for the job.



Pavelec calls ’em out

By Kirk Penton, QMI Agency

Jets' bottom lines must improve

Ondrej Pavelec was frustrated with his forward teammates on Tuesday night, and his feelings hadn't changed much on Wednesday afternoon.

The Jets starting netminder was not pleased with Winnipeg's offensive attack during their 3-2 shootout loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday night at MTS Centre. He voiced his displeasure after the game and didn't back down when asked about it again after Wednesday's practice.

"I just said what I felt," Pavelec said. "It's not easy to score a goal in this league, and we just threw the puck away in their zone. We're practising every day what we're supposed to do, and we just don't do that. It was bad to see it. We were just shooting for a rebound, and nobody's driving to the net."

Pavelec was outstanding during the game, making several highlight-reel stops among the 31 he made overall. At the other end of the rink, Evgeni Nabokov had to replace Al Montoya late in the second period after Jets forward Evander Kane plowed into the latter, giving him a concussion.

According to Pavelec, that's when the Jets should have pounced. Instead, they played passively.

"And especially against Nabokov," Pavelec said. "He's a great goalie with the great experience. He's played in the NHL for so many years. It's simple. You're not going to score against those guys like that, just throwing the puck away in the zone. I wasn't happy to see that, but it is what it is.

-¦ He was cold after sitting two hours on the bench, and we just warmed him up. You need to take advantage of it. It's not easy for a goalie to go in and make saves. We just make it easy. I know it's tough sometimes, but we just gotta be better there next time."

Pavelec was speaking only about Tuesday's game, but he might as well have been talking about most of the season. The 24-year-old Czech Republic native has been Winnipeg's best player. If all the Jets were playing as well as Pavelec, there would be a lot more joy on Portage Avenue.

The Jets will host the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night and then entertain the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday to close out their pre-Christmas schedule, so it's time for the Jets to get a little greasy and prove they want to win, which it didn't look like they were willing to do on Tuesday night.

"We were shooting a decent amount (Tuesday), but some of them were just kind of hope shots from areas where you're not really going to get much of a rebound," winger Blake Wheeler said. "So if we can get guys going to the net and guys shooting, hopefully the puck will squirt into some areas where we can put it in."

Pavelec isn't mad, and he didn't yell at his teammates for their effort. He was just calling it the way he saw it, which doesn't seem to be a problem for the personable goaltender.

"We always talk about how to shoot the puck, how to beat those goalies," he said. "But no, I don't yell at my teammates at all.

"We've got good defencemen who can shoot the puck well, and they're looking for a shot from the point. That's great, but we need guys in front. It's that simple. I know it's tough to play in front. It hurts, but it is what it is. That's how you score the goals. So hopefully we're going to be better in this part next game."


602151 Websites

ESPN / Trophy Tracker: Vezina Trophy candidates

By Scott Burnside

There are lots of interesting names to kick around when it comes to handicapping the Vezina Trophy race as we hit the end of the calendar year -- some familiar, some not. Here’s a look at our top five plus some honorable mentions.

1. Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings

A couple of things stand out for us when it comes to the likable Detroit netminder. First, he leads the NHL in the one stat that trumps all others: wins. But beyond his 20 victories, Howard has been one of the busiest goalies in the league, ranking third in minutes played and 10th in shots against. In short, Howard has been a rock for the Wings, especially when they were struggling to find their offensive game, holding the fort with a 1.91 GAA fifth-best in the league.

“He’s been our best player for sure,” Detroit head coach Mike Babcock told ESPN.com during the Wings’ pre-Christmas western road trip.

The Wings, 12-3-0 in their past 15 games, are three points back of Chicago for the Central Division and Western Conference leads, and the rapidly maturing Howard is a big part of the team’s success.

“We’re playing him a lot. We’re riding him, but he’s young,” said Babcock, joking that Howard, 27, has plenty of time to rest later.

2. Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins

What do you say about the defending Vezina and Conn Smythe winner other than that he hasn’t missed a beat? Thomas has 13 wins in his past 15 appearances and ranks second in save percentage and third in GAA. He also is tied for first with four shutouts. The Bruins, meanwhile, look like a team on a repeat mission sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings, one point behind Chicago for the NHL lead. Thomas and cohort Tuukka Rask have the Bruins atop the league in goals against per game.

3. Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators

The 29-year-old Vezina Trophy runner-up from a year ago continues to earn every cent of his new seven-year contract. He is riding a personal five-game win streak while leading the NHL in saves, appearances and shots against. Rinne appears to have shaken off a rough patch that he and the Predators endured in mid-to-late November and has the Predators back in the thick of the playoff hunt in the Western Conference. He was named one of the NHL’s stars of the week with a 3-0-0 record and .957 save percentage last week. With all due respect to Norris Trophy hopeful and Preds captain Shea Weber, as Rinne goes, so go the Nashville Predators.

4. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

There are a couple of reasons the New York Rangers remain very much in the hunt for the Atlantic Division crown and the top spot in the Eastern Conference despite injuries that have decimated their blue line. There’s Marian Gaborik, who’s enjoying a bounce-back season with 19 goals, one off the league lead. And there’s The King, netminder Henrik Lundqvist. The young blue line has been rocked by a series of injuries to key members, including Marc Staal, who has yet to play a game this season. Meanwhile, Lundqvist has displayed his veteran leadership in keeping the Rangers more than just afloat. He has a .934 save percentage that ranks fourth in the NHL. Overall, the Rangers are third in the league in goals allowed per game and fifth on the penalty kill. Those are impressive stats that begin and often end with Lundqvist.

5. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins

In much the same way that Lundqvist has risen to the occasion for the Rangers, Fleury has quietly helped keep the Penguins in the mix at the top of the Eastern Conference despite being rocked by injuries to top players, including captain Sidney Crosby, Norris Trophy hopeful defenseman Kris Letang and at various times Paul Martin, Jordan Staal, Brooks Orpik and Evgeni Malkin. Fleury had a stretch during which he allowed three or more goals in eight of nine games, but his 17 wins are second in the NHL. He has very much been a stabilizing influence on a team that continues to put up points in spite of a roster lacking many key pieces. He also had a stellar performance in a victory over top-seeded Chicago on Tuesday night.

Honorable mentions: Brian Elliott, St. Louis Blues, Niklas Backstrom, Minnesota Wild, Jose Theodore, Florida Panthers, Ray Emery, Chicago Blackhawks, Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils.

ESPN LOADED: 12.22.2011

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ESPN / Daily Debate: Who made out better in the Turris deal?

By Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun

Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun talk about the surprise Senators, big names who should return soon and the befuddling Sharks.

Burnside: Good day, my friend. Well, I must give credit where credit is due. The oft-maligned (by me, anyway) Kyle Turris set up the winning goal for the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night to defeat Buffalo 4-1. The win propelled the Senators into the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference -- over the Sabres. Nice for GM Bryan Murray to see immediate dividends from a deal with Phoenix that cost him a top defensive prospect in David Rundblad and a second-round draft pick.

The Coyotes also won, surviving a late penalty shot to defeat Florida 2-1. The Yotes are tied in points for eighth place in the Western Conference (they’ve played more games, so are technically ninth), so maybe this is one of those deals that works out for both squads. Rundblad did not play Tuesday, but he’s part of a very impressive crop of youngsters along the Coyotes' blue line.

But let’s look ahead to the Philadelphia Flyers’ visit to Dallas on Wednesday night. I spoke with surprising young netminder Richard Bachman, who has had an immediate impact on the Stars in the absence of Kari Lehtonen, who is out with a groin injury (hardly shocking given Lehtonen’s history). The Stars lead the suddenly weak-kneed Pacific Division, and Bachman has been a big part of keeping the team on track with a 4-1 record.

But the story of the night will be the potential for the pride of Hearst, Ontario (one of many hockey luminaries to come from the small, northern outpost) to return to the Flyers’ lineup. With all the bad news surrounding concussions of late, this would be almost too much to hope for.

LeBrun: It is certainly Claude Giroux's intent to return, from what I’m told, but we’ll see whether the Flyers’ training staff gives it the final green light. If so, what a relief for the Flyers and their fans, who held their breath when the league’s leading scorer went out with a concussion. As we’ve all found out all too well, unfortunately, over the past few years, there’s no timetable for a concussion. Everyone reacts differently to it. No one would feel better, by the way, of Giroux's returning than teammate Wayne Simmonds, whose inadvertent knee felled Giroux on a freak play.

You mentioned the Senators, however. It's hard to believe they’re sitting in a playoff spot as we speak today, tied with the rival (and fading) Maple Leafs with 36 points. Murray made no bones in September about how he viewed this as a retooling season, one that could have some short-term pain to gain the long-term benefits of properly rebuilding the base in the hope of eventually cobbling together a contender.

He would never admit it, of course, but I’m telling you he’d be as surprised as the rest of us to see the Sens’ immediate rise with so many young players playing crucial minutes. One of those young bucks is 20-year-old defenseman Jared Cowen, Ottawa’s first pick -- ninth overall -- in the 2009 NHL entry draft. He’s playing top-four minutes on the blue line and looks like he belongs. He’s a big reason, along with the offensive machine that is Erik Karlsson, that Murray felt comfortable dealing Rundblad in the Turris deal.

Burnside: Another guy who looks like he’s making remarkable progress in coming back from what looked to be a potentially long-term injury is Tampa’s Martin St. Louis. After taking a puck to the face courtesy of teammate Dominic Moore during the morning skate before a game against the New York Rangers on Dec. 8, no one could guess how long St. Louis would be out. Yet he joined his teammates on their western road trip and skated Tuesday with them in San Jose. There’s a possibility St. Louis will play Wednesday night, but more likely he’ll return after the Christmas break. Not a moment too soon for a Lightning team that has struggled to find the

consistency that marked its advancement to the Eastern Conference finals this past spring.

As well as Steven Stamkos has played -- he leads the league with 20 goals and is sixth with 37 points -- I don’t think there’s any way the Lightning get a sniff of the playoffs without St. Louis, a surprise if well-deserved finalist for the Hart Trophy last season. The Lightning woke up Wednesday morning six points out of eighth in the Eastern Conference, in 13th place.

Meanwhile, your annual Cup-winner prediction, San Jose, is hanging on to eighth in the West, and it looks like the enigmatic Martin Havlat will be out of action at least short term.

LeBrun: Well, let’s be honest, the Sharks are either third in the West or eighth in the conference depending on the day. If they beat Tampa on Wednesday night, they’re back into third in the conference. Which I think we can both agree is where they’ll end up at the end of the regular season -- atop the Pacific Division. The Sharks have played well in the past few games after hitting a rough patch. It’s unfortunate for Havlat, because after struggling for the opening two months, he was finally coming into form when he got hurt.

It's interesting to see the Minnesota Wild have extended their recent slide to five games (0-3-2). Injuries have taken their toll on the surprising team. The Wild are now dealing with the kind of key injuries that many teams have had to cope with this season. It was finally their turn. The Wild’s five-game stumble has opened the door for the powerhouse Canucks to chase down first place in the Northwest Division. Vancouver is only three points back with two games in hand on Minnesota. Ever since you wrote that glowing piece on the Wild, Scotty, they’ve been snakebit.

Burnside: Actually, it was interesting that in a conversation at the team hotel in Los Angeles, rookie head coach Mike Yeo acknowledged the team would go through a stretch like this. All teams do. And he predicted that people would assume this was the “same old Wild” revealing their true nature. The good thing for the Wild is that they built themselves a cushion that should see them ride out a rough stretch -- provided it doesn’t turn into a month of losses. Their goaltending is too good, although I don’t see any way the Wild actually finish ahead of the surging Canucks. The Canucks are looking very much like the team that dominated on both sides of the puck all last regular season.

As for the Sharks, I agree they should not just win the Pacific but also run away with the division given Anaheim’s descent and the up-and-down nature of the Stars and Coyotes. But "should” and “can” are two entirely different things, so we’ll see whether the Sharks can shake the cobwebs loose in the new year.

I think it may come down to a three-way battle in the Pacific between the Kings, Coyotes and Stars for that final playoff spot, and that’s assuming Darryl Sutter can coax more offense out of the anemic Kings -- something I’m not entirely sold on, as you know.

LeBrun: Coming into the season, I again labeled the Pacific Division the best in the NHL, but it has been far from it so far this season. Anaheim’s dramatic plunge and L.A.’s surprising struggles have dragged down what was once last season the best division in the league. Right now, you’d be hard-pressed not to say the Atlantic is tops in the league with Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, the Rangers and Devils all holding down playoff spots as of today. Those first three teams are all playing like Cup contenders with a revived New Jersey team not too far behind. Tough sledding in that division, boy, that’s for sure.


602153 Websites

ESPN / '24/7' fails to deliver with Pronger news

By Pierre LeBrun

OK, you know you're a big deal when you're jamming with John McEnroe during your downtime.

Such is the life for Henrik Lundqvist, the stylish Rangers netminder who opened Episode 2 of HBO's "24/7" Wednesday night with a glimpse of his guitar skills.

"He's almost as good as he is at tennis," quips McEnroe.

The highlight of Episode 2, for me, has to be John Tortorella's frenetic rant after the first period of a loss at St. Louis. The Rangers head coach gets it on, steam coming out of his ears:

"I asked you to f------ defend, I've seen you f------ defend before and you're going to do it here. If that's how we're going to battle, we're not going to have a chance to win. Jesus Christ, how much time do we have to talk about it? If that's all the juice we have as far as competing against that team, we will get killed tonight. And we have two periods here. So I've asked you all to buy into how we have to play. If that's it, we're f------- done. Pack it up! I know this f------ team isn't that way. I've seen ya! We have 40 f------ minutes to go. Take each shift at a time and chip away. They are not that good in their end zone. And we know our club, that's the biggest f------ positive is how hard we play. So f------ screw it on straight here. Screw it on and let's be ready to go each shift at a time. Stiffen up here. Everybody. But I'll tell you, if you're not going to be stiff, you're not going to play. I'm warning you all. This is contest here that's a good test for us for where we are right now. ... Let's see what we are against a stiff hockey team. Let's be ready to go here now. C'mon."

Personally, I'd go through a wall for this guy. I guess I always loved the coaches who were yellers when I played.

Although my wife did turn to me when Tortorella was in mid-rant and said, "What is he talking about?"

Then again, she's not a big hockey fan.

If the Tortorella rant was the highlight, the lowlight had to be the way the show dealt with Chris Pronger's bombshell news from last Thursday. The show dropped the ball in my mind. It's understandable that Pronger wasn't available, but what about showing some kind of behind-the-scenes clip where Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette breaks the news to the team after their win over Montreal? Instead, we get a shot of Laviolette's media scrum -- a run-of-the-mill shot. Sorry, big fail there. The point of this show is to bring us in the moment, like we were part of the team. I didn't get that feeling in that particular moment, which was the biggest story of the year for the Flyers.

However, it's important to note that both teams have the right to keep material out of the show on final edit. So if it is indeed the Flyers that didn't want that private chat with the team about Pronger to be included, then you can't blame HBO.

Other moments worth noting:

Loved the shot of Laviolette on the team's charter flight late at night watching more game film. The job never ends for a head coach -- it is literally 24/7.

I thought it was a terrific clip to show the work of the Rangers equipment staff unloading feverishly after getting off the plane before a practice in St. Louis. Those guys work incredibly long hours and fans should know how important they are to the team's success.

Finally, Flyers veteran center Danny Briere gets a voice. He's such a smart guy and he wasn't really a part of the first show. Briere talks about Sean Couturier's amazing maturity for a rookie. Later, the viewer finds out Couturier lives with Briere. Funny scene when one of Briere's children rips Couturier's ball cap off while they play video games and puts it on before declaring, "You have a big head."

Flyers rookie Zac Rinaldo talks about how amazing it is to play on the same team as future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr. "He was on Sega Genesis!" Rinaldo said in a comment that immediately made me feel old since I had a Sega Genesis in university. Oy.

Well, it wouldn't be a show without a few Ilya Bryzgalov moments:

"A Husky [dog] is basically a hot girl," the Flyers' Russian goalie declares at one point.

On goaltending: "I love it, yeah, I love it. ... Sometimes I hate it."

Tortorella on Rangers defenseman Marc Staal, who hasn't played this season because of a concussion: "I just want a yes or no from our trainer

when he can play. I'm not sure that's going to come this year. So we just go about our business and play."

Laviolette blows his lid during a 4-3 win over the Canadiens in Montreal, hammering the refs for what he believes are pro-Montreal calls. "That's a disgrace. It's typical. Montreal typical."

Touching moment when the show brings us a 10-year-old Rangers fan with cerebral palsy who has a special relationship with Tortorella. That's the soft side of Tortorella you rarely get to see but it doesn't surprise those who know the coach. Tortorella is a terrific person.

And how about that last-second win for the Rangers in Phoenix? Talk about the script writing itself for HBO.

Episode 2 wasn't perfect, but it still left you wanting more.


602154 Websites

FOXSports.com / Kings should feel more urgency under Sutter

Jon Rosen

LOS ANGELES — Kings players had a very "open door" approach with Terry Murray, dismissed as coach Dec. 12 after 3 1/2 seasons of leading the club from the depths of the Western Conference back into the playoffs, and to the higher expectations placed upon it.

"Especially the last few years, we were a growing team. He didn't come in and yell at young guys," captain Dustin Brown explained last month prior to Murray's 500th NHL victory.

For Brown and the rest of the Kings, expect that elusive "message" to be delivered much more clearly and directly now.

Darryl Sutter was introduced as the 24th head coach in Kings history on Wednesday, and, from his Alberta cattle farm, brings a gruff honesty that has both startled and endeared himself to the players on the bench in front of him.

"Darryl's the polar opposite of Terry in terms of just the way they go about getting their message across," defenseman Matt Greene said. "Terry's a more X's and O's guy, and Darryl's more emotional. It's different for a lot of guys, but something's got to change with this group right now. This is definitely going to be a big change, and hopefully it's exactly what we need."

After an introduction by Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Miller, Sutter was able to address the expectations he has for his players, and how his style of coaching will endeavor to highlight their talents.

"[I'm] really honest, firm, (to) try to get the most out of them," Sutter said. "You hear about overachievers and underachievers. Really, overachieving is getting the most out of yourself, and I think that's what I can help a lot of guys with. There are a lot of guys who have a lot of growth going forward, and for the rest of their careers. And I think there's a veteran group that we have to push to help our young players get better.''

General Manager Dean Lombardi underscored Sutter's goals.

"I totally agree with him," Lombardi said. "I get it when players have changed on the outside, but I'm not buying it. Because I believe deep down, they want to be pushed. It's the Tom Landry thing, and that hasn't changed. Deep down the athlete — you have to get him to do what he doesn't want to do so he can become what he wants to become. And I believe it. It's just harder to get there today. Whether you want to call it all the hoopla, or the money, and you can throw that in the mix — it's certainly harder. But in the end, I believe the athlete still wants to be pushed. At times, they're not going to like it."

Lombardi, who also hired Sutter to coach San Jose in 1997 and saw the Sharks raise their point total four consecutive seasons, reflected on his conversations at that time.

"I went through all the interviews — first time I hired a coach — and the bottom line, I said, Heck with these interviews, let me talk to guys, players I

respect," Lombardi said. "They said, 'He's hard, but I'd play for him in a New York minute.'"

"As soon as he comes in, your team starts getting an identity," Lombardi said

But didn't the Kings already have a fairly firm identity? With intermittent exceptions, work ethic and commitment have not been problems this year. They're sturdy down the middle and defensively. They're among the most physical teams, ranking second in the league in hits. You could throw out a dozen names of players in the locker room who emanate character —Greene and Brown and Willie Mitchell, among others. This is not a team that lacks effort or reputation.

The Kings just don't score goals.

So apparently Sutter is going to push the team harder, but can he yell at the puck to get into the net?

"There are little areas of the game that we can be a lot better at, and we'll score more goals," Sutter said. "In the big part of it, this league is a 3-2 league. It's not a 5-2 or a 5-4. It's a 3-2 league. There's still a tremendous amount of impact by being good defenders, and not spending as much time in your own zone, spending time in the offensive zone, controlling the neutral zone. There are lots of parts to it. It's not just because we haven't scored enough goals.''

Despite the change and need for a new identity, there still will be a firm adherence to the defensive responsibilities established under Murray.

"I don't want to change our game, what Murph put in place as far as defensively, top-five in the league," Lombardi said. "But we've got to add to our game, and part of that is we're going to make it more difficult on you."

If it's not the systems that are going to change under Sutter, it's the tone and delivery of the message. When Brown was asked whether that message will be any different from Murray’s, he took a long pause, eventually settling on a well-measured response.

"Our approach to the X's and O's, I think, is going to be very similar. It's more about the attitude, and having it every night. I mean we have players in here (who) I think kind of wear their heart on their sleeve, and I think he wants more of that."

Lombardi agreed with the assessment of the team's backbone.

"I do think a lot of it in having been around; they really are a good group," Lombardi said. "And some of it's the other way. They're gripping it way too tight. It's not lethargic, or ‘I quit,’ or ‘I give up,’ it's like this. [tenses up] It's almost like, OK, let's get back to basics. But we've also got to start believing in ourselves here. And I think a lot of what I'm seeing, some of those veterans — they have really taken this personally. You've got to start believing in yourself and not grip the sawdust out of that stick."

Sutter shook off the assessment of his style being that of a disciplinarian, referencing the balance of choosing the right time to yell and the right time to step back. Some have argued that today's player tunes out a more old school coach who offers a more heavy-handed approach.

"Quite honestly, players need to be pushed and pulled. Sometimes you get pushed, sometimes you get pulled. It's simple. They want it. They want success," Sutter said.

Lombardi agreed, noting that the team will benefit from a much more direct, honest message.

"It's not a popularity contest. I think these players want that," Lombardi said. "They might not like the process, but in the end, they want it."

FOXSports.com LOADED: 12.22.2011

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NBCSports.com / Forsberg backs off claim that Sweden threw a game in 2006 Olympics

Joe Yerdon

Peter Forsberg really should’ve thought twice about admitting Sweden threw a game in the 2006 Olympics. The amount of blow back and outrage from some fans for the rather unsportsmanlike display has painted Forsberg and the Swedes in a negative light.

That’s why Forsberg is stepping back from his claims and saying he was taken out of context.

“What I meant to say was that even for someone like me, with a winning mentality, it is sometimes difficult to find full motivation for a match that doesn’t have to be won at any cost,” Forsberg said.

Backpedaling that hard, that fast could help you travel backwards in time.

In a report that aired over the weekend in Sweden, Forsberg said that he saw no reason for Sweden to beat Slovakia and that while coaches didn’t tell them to tank the game, the players may have taken it upon themselves to do it anyhow. A win over Slovakia would’ve put the Swedes against Canada or Russia in the next round. Instead, they got Switzerland on their way to winning gold.

To paint the picture for you, that 2006 Sweden team had Forsberg, Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, Mats Sundin as well as Henrik and Daniel Sedin among other superstars. Henrik Sedin denied the allegation that they threw the game. Slovakia wasn’t exactly as talent-laden featuring Marian Hossa, Zdeno Chara, and Marian Gaborik among others.

NBCSports.com / LOADED: 12.22.2011

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NBCSports.com / PHT Morning Skate: Kevin Dineen’s power play ‘schmazel’

Joe Yerdon

PHT’s Morning Skate takes a look around the world of hockey to see what’s happening and what we’ll be talking about around the NHL world and beyond.

Panthers coach Kevin Dineen was upset about a lot of things and thought last night’s 2-1 loss to Phoenix, “turned into a bit of a power play schmazel.” Laverne and Shirley are proud of that wording. (Sun-Sentinel)

Mario Lemieux skated with the Penguins! …But just for fun. He’s the owner, he can do stuff like that. (NHL)

Kyle Turris‘ Sens debut saw him earn an assist on the eventual game-winning goal. That’ll do, Kyle. (Senators Extra)

Ryan Smyth would like some consistency in his game these days. Wouldn’t we all? (Edmonton Sun)

Martin St. Louis is back to practicing after his horrible shot in the face. (Lightning)

Canucks-Red Wings tonight should prove to be a good measuring stick for both teams. (Detroit Free Press)

Anyone seen Mike Cammalleri in Montreal? He’s needed to help the team get their season back on track. (Montreal Gazette)

They’re referring to Ryan Jones in Edmonton as a “junkyard dog” these days. If he starts walking around the locker room with a big chain around his neck, this wrestling/hockey mix is officially off the rails. (Edmonton Journal)

If you think you saw nude photos of Leafs player Mike Zigomanis, Brian Burke wants you to know it’s not him. Awkward. (Toronto Sun)

Cam Janssen wanted his fight with Mike Rupp to be a spark for the Devils last night. They lost 4-1 to the Rangers instead. (Star-Ledger)

Ottawa’s Jesse Winchester is on the concussion list now. (Sportsnet)

Michal Neuvirth is seizing the day in Washington. Carpeing diem? I never took Latin. (CSNWashington.com)

Travis Hamonic played over 28 minutes for the Isles in his hometown of Winnipeg. (Islanders)

Make it five in a row for the Wild. Losses, that is. (Russo’s Rants)


602157 Websites

NBCSports.com / Zigomanis assures Leafs — “the nude photos are not of him”

Jason Brough

Toronto Marlies forward Mike Zigomanis swears the pictures aren’t him. And when you’re a professional athlete in the age we live in, you hate to have to do that.

The two pictures in question appeared on the U.S.-based website isanyoneup.com. Neither shot shows the subject’s face, but you can imagine what they do show.

In addition to the aforementioned pictures, there are also Images of Zigomanis fully clothed. In these shots, his face is shown, thus leading the website’s visitors to believe the nude ones are him, too.

The Marlies are the AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs. When asked to comment, Leafs president and general manager Brian Burke defended Zigomanis.

“Ziggy assures us that the clothed photos are of him, and were purloined off his Facebook account,” Burke wrote in an e-mail to QMI Agency. “He also assures us that the nude photos are not of him. He has retained a lawyer to help him put an end to this.”

Unfortunately for Zigomanis, there might not be much he can do.

First of all, if he claims copyright to the lascivious pictures (hey, if Burke can use the word “purloined,” we can use “lascivious”), he’s essentially admitting that they’re of him.

Zigomanis could also obtain a defamation order in hopes of obtaining the IP address of the person who posted the pictures on the website; however, as Toronto Internet lawyer Gil Zvulony tells QMI, that might not get him anywhere either.

“A U.S. court will not enforce a Canadian defamatory judgement,” Zvuolony said. “Sometimes that IP address would lead you to a dead end. A Canadian judge does not have power to have it removed from the site.”

So Zigomanis might be stuck.

Jiri Tlusty was not reached for comment.


602158 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Gordon's return to Long Island

Mike Brophy

In hockey you are taught to not get too far ahead of yourself. Worry about whom you are playing next; not who you are playing down the road.

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, their next game is a home encounter against the Buffalo Sabres; a club that is nipping at their heels for the eighth and final playoff position in the Eastern Conference. The Leafs have lost three games in a row and four of their last five at home.

If you are Leafs assistant coach Scott Gordon, you can be excused for looking past the Buffalo game to the one you have circled on the calendar.

That would be Friday night when Toronto travels to Long Island for a meeting with the Islanders.

Just so happens Gordon used to be the head coach of the Islanders. Being a true pro, Gordon won’t admit to looking beyond Thursday night’s home game.

"Obviously I know we’re playing the Islanders, but I haven’t really thought about it much," Gordon said. "Maybe if I was a head coach, it would be different. I haven’t had that, ‘it’s-your-old-team’ thought process going. On top of that, I’ve been pretty busy so I haven’t had much time for forward thinking."

A former NHL goaltender who played 23 games with the Quebec Nordiques over two seasons, Gordon was 17 games into his third season as head coach of the Islanders last year when he was fired and replaced by Jack Capuano. After a good start to the year, the Islanders dropped 10 straight games and that was it. Truth of the matter is, even though the Islanders had a solid second half, Scotty Bowman couldn’t have gotten that team to the playoffs.

This was not a case of a coach like Bruce Boudreau not being able to motivate the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom to meet their potential. No, where Gordon and the Islanders were concerned, it was more a case of a coach being asked to make chicken salad out of chicken do-do.

After opening 4-1-2, the Islanders went 0-9-1 and averaged just 1.7 goals per game in that stretch. Gordon said you could almost feel things starting to turn even when the team was winning.

"You could see a trend occurring," he said. "The last couple of wins we were just okay. Then the next two were losses, but we were just okay and then we had three were losses and we weren’t very good at all. In my last five games I figured if we weren’t going to score goals, we had to keep pucks out of our net and we tightened up. To the players’ credit I think in the last four games leading up to my final game we only gave up five or six goals. We just couldn’t score."

Gordon wasn’t shocked when the Islanders let him go. Nor was he surprised when the team started winning – mainly because that group of players was not the group he coached.

"It’s funny, if you look at the lineup I finished with, the next 10 or 12 games weren’t there whether it was because of injuries or guys being sent down (to the minors) or released or because of trades.

Asked about his most lasting memory of coaching the Islanders, Gordon said that is easy.

"It was almost like there was one crisis after another with all the injuries we had," Gordon said. "The first thing people told me when I took the job was I’d never have to worry about goaltending. Turned out goaltending was a constant worry from the day I took the job until the day I got fired. To Rick DiPietro’s credit he did everything in his power to try to get back healthy, but it never played out that he was able to get back to his all-star form. That certainly made the first year difficult not having him and the second year it was good, but we had the three-headed monster in goal. We had three guys who had all been No. 1 goalies and who all wanted to play – DiPietro, Martin Biron and Dwayne Roloson. The last year Rick was healthy, but in his defence, he didn’t get a whole lot of support."

A lot of coaches, when they are fired, worry they’ll never work again in the NHL. Not Gordon, though.

"Maybe it’s a little bit different because they have their eye on a head coaching job, but for me, if I had gotten a head job it would have been great, but I knew my circumstances as a head coach in the NHL probably weren’t ideal, with all the injuries," Gordon said. "For me coming here and having the opportunity to work with someone who has been coaching in the NHL for a long time was great. I knew Ron before I came here and I just wanted to see how somebody else’s day to day operation was like to learn from."

So far, even though the Leafs have had their share of ups and downs through the first 33 games, Gordon has been impressed.

"I think the way Ron gets players to play with speed and skill is something that I would take with me to my next game, because there’s certainly an element of passing that, by the way we are doing things, we are doing them better than I did," Gordon said. "There are some things that I did with the Islanders that have been reaffirmed. For me it has been good to step back

and stay in the background and watch a little bit and to be able to dissect film a little bit differently; not as the head coach."

After the Leafs failed to make the playoffs for the sixth year in a row – and third since Wilson was named head coach – changes were made. Assistant coaches Tim Hunter and Keith Acton were not re-hired and Gordon and Greg Cronin were added to the staff. Rob Zettler, who works with the defencemen, was retained.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 12.22.2011

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USA TODAY / Canada has fallen on hard times in net

By Kyle Woodlief

Canada goaltender Mark Visentin gets hit by U.S. forward Ryan Bourque during last year's world junior championships in Buffalo.

And at Red Line Report, we've been reflecting on goaltending. Specifically, Team Canada's goaltending — and whether there's anyone out there who can stem the tide of shaky performances by goalies wearing the maple leaf crest the last two years.

There used to be a time not so long ago when the guys between the pipes matched the extraordinary talent of the skaters up front (think of names like Price, Mason, Fleury, etc.). But lately, Team Canada has fallen on hard times in the nets.

STORY: Seth Jones ruled out of WJC

To illustrate the point, we looked at our own rankings from the past few years. Last season, Red Line didn't have any Canadian netminders ranked in our final Top 100. This year, only two of our top seven ranked goalies are from Canada — none in the top 75 overall. And trust us, Canadian goalies didn't fare any better in our 2010 rankings.

So lately, it's been a story of: Woe, Canada. With no disrespect to Mark Visentin and Scott Wedgewood, we don't see a strong reason for great optimism in reversing the trend this year.

On a cheerier note, it looks like we might see a lot of prospects who populate the top 25 spots in our rankings at the world juniors. Team Sweden has already announced its roster, and all three Swedish forwards in our top 11 — Filip Forsberg, Pontus Aberg, and Sebastian Collberg — have made the club.

Though the Russians have yet to trim down to its final roster, it looks as though top snipers Nail Yakupov (if healthy) and Mikhail Grigorenko will make their country's lineup.

Zemgus Girgensons will certainly lead Latvia's fortunes. And Olli Maatta, already a world juniors veteran, will solidify Finland's blue line. Radek Faksa, Tomas Hertl and Martin Frk (again, health permitting) all look like they'll play for the Czechs.

Even the North American entries pose interesting possibilities with Ryan Murray on the back end for Canada and this season's best surprise, Tanner Pearson, up front. And the Americans have Jacob Trouba on their preliminary list.

Wow! Now that's what we call a Christmas wish list.

Rising

•Matt Finn (22)— The biggest revelation for RLR this season after a mediocre performance at Team Canada camp last summer. Excellent puck mover is playing with poise, aggression, and confidence.

•Tanner Pearson (48)— The growth of his game in one year is staggering. Has improved virtually every facet in dramatic fashion and is the rare 3rd year eligible who will be selected in the top two rounds.

•Pontus Aberg (8)— Just turned 18, but has been playing like a man in the SEL, and was terrific at last month's U-20 event in Finland.

•Jacob Trouba (10)— Very smooth and polished defender is calm and collected. Rarely makes mistakes and makes great decisions both with and without the puck.

Falling

•Luca Ciampini (115)— Has plenty of skill, but is soft and for every one good game he plays, he's invisible in four others.

•Matia Marcantuoni (56)— The early injury slowed him, but we expected much more offensive production after his strong rookie showing last year.

•Calle Andersson (52)— He wowed us in August at the Hlinka tourney but has been underwhelming in a half dozen viewings the last five weeks. Where's the swashbuckling, slashing offensive attack?

News and notes from the scouting community

•Red Line had several good chances to see Guelph during the past month and came away mightily impressed with Matt Finn, which frankly was a big surprise to us. Back in August we watched him all week at Team Canada's under-18 evaluation camp in Calgary and came away thinking he was a cookie-cutter, ho-hum defenseman who showed nothing to get us excited.

Now, three months later, Finn is as dynamic (if not more so) as all the other Ontario Hockey League blue-liners we had rated way ahead of him coming into the season. In fact, he's right in the middle of the mix with Olli Maatta, Slater Koekkoek, Cody Ceci, Gianluca Curcuruto, and the thoroughly disappointing Nick Ebert. And if he continues on his current development arc, it's not much of a stretch to think we could have him passing all five of those OHL defenders in our rankings over the course of the season's second half.

•Last month, Red Line's chief scout attended a game between Edmonton and Vancouver, ostensibly to see how Oil Kings defenseman Griffin Reinhart and Giants center Daulton Sward were progressing. But, as is often the case in scouting, it was a pair of lesser known rearguards who wound up impressing us more than our main targets.

Steady Giants blue-liner Brett Kulak makes smart decisions all over the ice and seems to have good instincts at the offensive end, where we think he has some untapped potential. Meanwhile, Oil Kings defender Cody Corbett is a big Minnesota kid who joined the club late and took a little while to adjust, but now looks like a top performer nightly on an absolutely stacked Edmonton blue line, where playing time is at a premium.

Kulak plays a smart, simple game on the back end and rarely makes mistakes (as his team leading plus18 mark attests). He does a good job clearing out the traffic areas and makes very quick decisions and first passes that prevent other teams from gaining extended pressure in his own zone.

Kulak had a major growth spurt after he was drafted in the ninth round of the Western Hockey League bantam draft, when he was listed at 5-9. He's now a lean 6-1, 174 and could develop a two-way game once he gains more strength and major junior experience.

Our Calgary-based scout has also warmed to Corbett, who has only been playing in the Dub for seven weeks, but has shown a lot of puck poise and offensive upside, even while playing behind Reinhart plus three other NHL-drafted veterans. He needs to start putting his wide-bodied frame to better use around his own crease, and looks as though he could stand to lose a few pounds, but there's definitely something there.

•Speaking of Reinhart, he started off slowly the first six weeks of the season, and still wasn't playing well when our chief scout saw him a month ago. But he's picked up the pace considerably over the last three weeks and is beginning to look like the big, skilled force from the blue line we all expected.

At 6-4, 208, he has a great size/skating/mobility combination. And much like his father, longtime NHL rearguard Paul Reinhart, he's skilled with the puck and has a smooth offensive game. But unfortunately, he doesn't seem to round out the overall package with an aggressive nature as he doesn't initiate much contact in the corners or front of the net.

Still, there's a lot to be said for a huge horse who can eat up big minutes and quarterback a power play effectively.

Red Line Report's top prospects

No. Player Pos. Ht., wt. Shoots Date of birth Team

1 Nail Yakupov RW 6-0, 190 Left 10/6/1993 Sarnia

2 Filip Forsberg LW 6-1, 176 Right 8/13/1994 Leksand

3 Mikhail Grigorenko C 6-2, 192 Left 5/16/1994 Quebec

4 Ryan Murray D 6-0, 191 Left 9/27/1993 Everett

5 Matt Dumba D 6-0, 175 Right 7/25/1994 Red Deer

6 Zemgus Girgensons C 6-1, 187 Left 1/5/1994 Dubuque

7 Morgan Rielly (injured) D 6-0, 200 Left 3/3/1994 Moose Jaw

8 Pontus Aberg LW 6-0, 193 Right 9/23/1993 Djurgarden

9 Alex Galchenyuk (injured) C 6-1, 197 Left 2/12/1994 Sarnia

10 Jacob Trouba D 6-1, 183 Right 2/26/1994 U.S. under-18

USA TODAY LOADED: 12.22.2011

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