SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF - NHL.comkings.nhl.com/v2/ext/Media Relations Page/Sports... · to get 'dialed in' for final 35-game push 764772 Red Wings' Jimmy Howard gets back on the ice,

SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 1/27/2015

Anaheim Ducks

764726 Best part of All-Star game for Ducks' Frederik Andersen was invitation

764727 Ducks' 'meaningful' week begins in Vancouver 764728 Anaheim Ducks flying high coming out of All-Star break

Arizona Coyotes

764729 Coyotes return from All-Star break amid weather uncertainty

764730 Struggling Canadian dollar could hasten Coyotes' rebuild

Boston Bruins

764731 Bruins set to rejoin battle for playoff position

764732 Bergeron, Seguin find room to renew scoring connection

764733 Bruins may lose some wiggle room under next season’s salary cap

764734 Breaking bad a concern

764735 Haggerty's Morning Skate: Monday, Jan. 26

Buffalo Sabres

764736 Sabres notebook: Hackett, back from knee surgery, gets call-up

764737 Sabres hoping to reset into winning mode

Calgary Flames

764738 Johnson: Wolfman's tenacity a welcome addition to Flames

764739 Flames notes: Well-travelled Wotherspoon back with parent club

764740 Flames return from NHL all-star break with a mission

764741 Adirondack airlift brings hungry David Wolf to Calgary Flames

764742 Time for Calgary Flames' goaltenders Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo to step up

Carolina Hurricanes

764743 Quick hits from Canes practice

764744 Canes return, face uncertainty

Chicago Blackhawks

764745 Break's over for the Blackhawks as difficult trip begins

764746 Storylines to watch in Blackhawks' second half 764747 Judge scolds Bolingbrook man for selling fake Blackhawks tickets

764748 Hockey legend Denis Savard thrills young players

764749 Quenneville recalls Dennis Rasmussen ahead of road trip

764750 Blackhawks shake off rust ahead of six-game stretch

764751 Saad taking leap forward in development 764752 Blackhawks gearing up for 'new season'

Colorado Avalanche

764753 Avalanche goalie Reto Berra: He’s baaaaaaaack

764754 Avs' Erik Johnson will sit up to 2 months

Columbus Blue Jackets

764755 Blue Jackets: Second-half push for playoffs will be all uphill 764756 Blue Jackets notebook: Richards enjoys All-Star festivities as a fan

764757 NHL: Honda provides Ovechkin with Accord for charity

764758 Blue Jackets, Capitals at a glance

764759 Around the NHL: Penguins’ Crosby won’t play in game tonight 764760 Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky placed on injured reserved

Dallas Stars

764761 Heika: Stars need to start picking up games they 'deserve' to win

764762 Stars recall Jamie Oleksiak, Jyrki Jokipakka from AHL for road trip

764763 Stars' Tyler Seguin, Leafs' Phil Kessel can't contain laughter when they are traded for one anotheragain

764764 He said it: Stars coach Lindy Ruff talks power play and John Klingberg

764765 Team MVP for first half an easy call 764766 Three best, worst things about first half of Stars’ season

Detroit Red Wings

764767 Red Wings' Teemu Pulkkinen scores in AHL All-Star Game

764768 Wings' Babcock after break: 'It's like starting all over' 764769 Red Wings flying high out of NHL All-Star break

764770 Rested, rusty Red Wings ready for return to ice

764771 Detroit Red Wings recharged during All-Star break, looking to get 'dialed in' for final 35-game push

764772 Red Wings' Jimmy Howard gets back on the ice, still hoping to return in a couple of weeks

764773 5 things to watch: Detroit Red Wings ride five-game winning streak into tough portion of schedule

764774 Forget five-game win streak ... Red Wings are starting over 764775 Don't bet on Saskatoon event to be Gordie Howe's final public appearance

Edmonton Oilers

764776 Edmonton Oilers’ return from NHL all-star break spurs ‘huffing and puffing’ 764777 Cult of Hockey: Oilers don’t deserve Connor McDavid, you say? Preposterous

764778 Oilers winger Jordan Eberle likes the U-23 squad proposed for World Cup of Hockey

764779 Oilers out of playoff picture but aim to keep generating positive outcomes

Florida Panthers

764780 Florida Panthers hope to recapture momentum as NHL returns from All-Star break

764781 LONG CLIMB: Florida Panthers have tough road ahead to get back in playoff hunt 764782 Panthers ready to start fresh, put skid behind them

764783 Preview: Panthers vs. Red Wings, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday

Los Angeles Kings

764784 Ducks look like an NHL playoff lock, Kings are nearly there

764785 Mike Richards, star of 2012 Stanley Cup run, put on waivers by Kings

764786 Lombardi comments on waiving Richards

764787 Kings put veteran Richards on waivers

764788 Los Angeles Kings place struggling forward Mike Richards on waivers

764789 Encouragement, progress in Toffoli’s recovery

764790 January 26 practice notes

764791 January 26 practice quotes: Darryl Sutter 764792 Lombardi articulates decision to buy-out Richards

764793 Shore “likely” to return tomorrow

764794 Reports: Richards on Waivers

764795 Understanding “the business,” Kings complement Richards

Minnesota Wild

764796 Gameday preview: Wild at Edmonton

764797 Wild notes: Kuemper sent to Iowa for conditioning stint 764798 Wild leaves all-star break digging out of a deep hole

764799 Wild send goalie Darcy Kuemper on AHL conditioning assignment, after long January layoff 764800 Wild resumes season Tuesday night in Edmonton; Brett Sutter's bro a hit at All-Star Game

764801 Granlund returning to Wild lineup; Kuemper sent to Iowa on conditioning stint 764802 Wild's situation dire, simple as final stretch begins

764803 Wild: Devan Dubnyk uses all-star break to move

764804 Wild send goalie Darcy Kuemper to Iowa for conditioning

764805 Wild: Mikael Granlund expected to return against Oilers

Montreal Canadiens

764806 Canadiens' Gonchar proves his worth on ice and as a mentor 764807 Comeback Habs 'take pride in our resilience,' Pacioretty says

764808 Stars vs. Canadiens preview: Habs resume pursuit of first place

764809 Habs return to the ice, prepare to face Stars

Nashville Predators

764810 7 keys for Predators' second-half success

764811 Predators ready for stretch drive

New Jersey Devils

764812 Devils put forward Tim Sestito on waivers

764813 Devils GM Lou Lamoriello says lawsuit against him isn't a distraction

764814 Devils injury updates: What's the latest on Damon Severson and Stephen Gionta?

764815 Windsor Spitfires give Devils' Adam Henrique a "special night" by retiring his No. 14

764816 Devils' Patrik Elias had a blast at all-star weekened; Couldn't help back checking in wide-open game

764817 Jagr: "If anybody wanted to trade for me, I think they would ask first"; Recovered from flu, mumps

764818 Devils to try to avoid snow; Lamoriello declines comment on lawsuit; Sestito expects to be sent down

764819 Jagr, Ruutu, Elias all back with Devils for first post-all-star break practice

764820 Devils place center Tim Sestito on waivers; Patrik Elias hitches ride back with Isles' all-stars

764821 Devils' Jagr knows he could be on move

New York Islanders

764822 Islanders’ Kyle Okposo Is Sidelined

764823 Islanders' top line winger Kyle Okposo to miss 6-8 weeks with upper body injury

764824 Why winning division is last thing Rangers want 764825 Islanders injury buzzkill: Kyle Okposo out up to 8 weeks

764826 Rangers-Islanders imperiled by blizzard crushing New York

764827 Islanders' Kyle Okposo to miss six to eight weeks

764828 Islanders-Canadiens added to NBC Sports Network schedule

New York Rangers

764829 With New Confidence, Rangers Reanimate Power Play

764830 NY Rangers have work cut out for them in second half of NHL season

764831 Why winning division is last thing Rangers want 764832 Rangers-Islanders imperiled by blizzard crushing New York

764833 Rangers forced to practice at Coliseum because of storm

764834 Rangers: Blizzard may force game to be postponed

764835 Rangers prospect report Jan. 19-25

Ottawa Senators

764836 Senators notebook: It's back to 'camp' before facing Spezza and the Stars

764837 It's all about today for Pageau as Senators gauge his future with the club

764838 Methot good for Karlsson

764839 Sens get 'mini training camp' before Spezza's visit 764840 Senators' Neil, Phillips wait and see on trade talks

764841 Karlsson one of NHL's stars of the week

Philadelphia Flyers

764842 Flyers' Rinaldo suspended 8 games

764843 Flyers Notes: NHL suspends Flyers' Rinaldo for eight games

764844 Flyers' Rinaldo suspended 8 games by NHL

764845 Flyers face Coyotes after five-day break

764846 Kings part ways with Richards

764847 Flyers' MacDonald has special all-star break; lowly Coyotes in town

764848 Flyers' Rinaldo suspended eight games

764849 Mason skates, could be back shortly

764850 For desperate Flyers, 'playoffs' have already begun

764851 Simmonds refuses to give up hope for playoffs

764852 Richards too expensive to come back for Flyers

764853 Zac Rinaldo suspended 8 games for hit on Kris Letang

764854 Flyers Injury Update: Steve Mason 'up in the air' vs. Coyotes

764855 Ryan White waiting for a chance with Flyers

764856 Kings waive former Flyers captain Mike Richards

764857 Flyers' second half: 5 games to watch

764858 Flyers: Lack of consistency holding team back

764859 Flyers notes: Ryan White hoping he can finally contribute

Pittsburgh Penguins

764860 Penguins notebook: Letang's status vs. Jets uncertain

764861 Flyers' Rinaldo suspended 8 games for hit on Letang

764862 Crosby banned from Jets game because he missed All-Star Game

764863 Penguins recall 4 players

764864 Penguins' Letang hopes Rinaldo sees light 764865 Patchwork Penguins lineup will face Jets

764866 Flyers' Rinaldo suspended 8 games for hit on Penguins' Letang

764867 Penguins recall four from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

San Jose Sharks

764868 Sharks sign forward Nikita Jevpalovs to an entry-level contract 764869 Trio of youngsters set to return to Sharks

764870 Sharks midseason grades: The Forwards

764871 harks sign 20-year-old forward Nikita Jevpalovs

764872 Sharks midseason grades: The Defense

764873 Sharks midseason grades: The Goalies

764874 Sharks midseason grades: The Goalies

St Louis Blues

764875 Blues return to ice after long break

764876 Blues ready for busy stretch after a six-day break; nothing new on Brodeur

Tampa Bay Lightning

764877 Injuries on blue line forcing newcomers to step up for Lightning

764878 Lightning’s Drouin hasn’t lived up to the hype

764879 Lightning’s Johnson sits out NHL All-Star game

764880 Tyler Johnson questionable for Lightning's Tuesday game

764881 Tyler Johnson a game-time decision vs. Carolina

Toronto Maple Leafs

764882 Maple Leafs, Devils playoff hopes under the weather 764883 Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf out ‘week to week’ 764884 Sinking Maple Leafs fight to stay positive

764885 Shea Weber is Cody Franson's biggest backer 764886 Leafs' Dion Phaneuf out with upper body injury

764887 'No time' for new Marlie Nylander 764888 Toronto Maple Leafs on the outside looking in, Calgary Flames holding on: Canadian NHL teams and their playoff

Vancouver Canucks

764903 Frank Corrado ready to step into Kevin Bieksa’s spot on Canuck blueline

764904 Jamieson: Big chance for Corrado to show he belongs

764905 Kuzma: Higgins’ offence has disappeared for Canucks

Washington Capitals

764889 Back from all-star break, Capitals preach better ‘puck management’ while leading

764890 Capitals among East contenders; West race too tight to call 764891 Carlson's extra practice starting to pay off 764892 Ovechkin gets his car, donates to local hockey program

Websites

764906 ESPN / C Mike Richards waived by Kings

764907 Sportsnet.ca / Cox’s Weekend Takeaways: Phaneuf’s true value

764908 USA TODAY / Islanders finally have pieces to be Stanley Cup contenders

Winnipeg Jets

764893 More seating for Jets fans

764894 Tonight: JETS @ PENGUINS

764895 Perreault looks ready to go

764896 The push begins in earnest 764897 What the six Canadian NHL teams in contention must do to make playoffs

764898 Jets hope return of Perreault will help them keep rolling

764899 Jets need another gear 764900 Winnipeg Jets chances of making playoff excellent, as long as there's no post all-star letdown

764901 New scoreboard coming to MTS Centre as part of $12 million upgrade

764902 Byfuglien doesn't shine at All-Star Game

SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129

764726 Anaheim Ducks

Best part of All-Star game for Ducks' Frederik Andersen was invitation

Staff

Playing in the NHL All-Star game is something to value but, considering how unfriendly the 17-12 game was to goaltenders, perhaps just the invite was best for Frederik Andersen.

"The only fun part would've been the skills part, when you get to shoot into an empty net," the goalie joked Monday as the Ducks prepared for Tuesday's game against the Vancouver Canucks.

"I don't think the goalies had too much fun there. Everyone knows how [the game] is. It's not really for goalies."

Andersen, ranked second in the NHL with 26 wins, said he was told by General Manager Bob Murray that the league had asked if Andersen could replace injured Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky for Sunday's game in Ohio.

But Andersen fell ill before Wednesday's home victory over the Calgary Flames and elected to stay home to rest, leaving center Ryan Getzlaf as the lone representative from the team leading the league in points.

"I wish I would have gone, but when you're battling something like that, you've got to prioritize the team here. Maybe next year," Andersen said. "Still a little tired, tough coming back after not skating and being sick."

After needing intravenous fluids to make it through the Calgary game, Andersen said he spent most of the break alternating between his bed and the couch.

Stiff tests await

The Ducks (31-10-6) confront a post-break week of road games against their nearest Pacific Division pursuers (they're at second-place San Jose on Thursday), then return home to play the Chicago Blackhawks.

"Tough three games," center Ryan Kesler said. "We're going to go out there once again and prove to everyone we're the best team in the league."

Coach Bruce Boudreau put his players through an intense 50-minute practice Monday, ensuring that leg-strengthening sprints were part of the routine.

Near the end, Boudreau told the group, "Let's not be satisfied where we are."

"It's a fine line," Boudreau said. "They had four days off. Do you push 'em really hard? But then they're all stiff and not ready to go because they've had four days off. Or have your normal practice, add in a couple drills and hopefully they have their legs … and it's back to normal?"

He chose the latter.

Clayton Stoner returned to practice from a lower-body injury that the team would not disclose and had kept him out of Wednesday's game. The defenseman said he expects to play Tuesday.

Memorable trip

Getzlaf had a goal and assist in the All-Star game and was accompanied by his 4-year-old son, Ryder.

"Having my son there, he enjoyed it more than anybody," Getzlaf said. "He loved it, got to be around the locker room. His favorite thing, I think, was the mascot game, more than the actual game. First time I got to share it with my family."

DUCKS AT VANCOUVER

When: 7.

On the air: TV: Prime Ticket. Radio: 830.

Etc.: The three prior meetings between these teams have extended to overtime, with the Ducks winning the last two

LA Times: LOADED: 01.27.2015


Ducks' 'meaningful' week begins in Vancouver

Jan. 26, 2015

Updated 8:28 p.m.

BY ERIC STEPHENS / STAFF WRITER

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The grinding NHL schedule is often broken up into informal segments and the passing of the All-Star break now becomes the beginning of another month-plus push until the league’s March 2 trade deadline.

Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau has long preferred the weekly approach and his NHL-leading team has won far more than its share of seven-day stretches. Winning this one might qualify as the greatest challenge yet.

The Ducks face Vancouver on Tuesday and visit San Jose on Thursday in critical matchups against playoff-contending teams that are trying to cut into their 12-point lead in the Pacific Division.

And then they head right home to host Chicago – the team many consider to be today’s Stanley Cup favorite – on Friday. Breathe deeply.

“Not the easiest week in the world, I’ll tell you that much,” Boudreau said Monday. “It’s tough for us. … Meaningful. Absolutely meaningful. It’s going to be a great test for us. But it’s a season of tests. Hopefully we’ll pass them again.”

Said center Ryan Kesler: “We’re going to out there and prove to everybody once again that we’re the best team in the league.”

The Ducks got back to work with a spirited session at the University of British Columbia. Ryan Getzlaf flew in on a charter from Columbus where he was the team’s lone All-Star game representative.

Looking visibly tired afterward, Getzlaf said they’re up against “three great teams” and will have to quickly snap back into the consistent group that’s hovered atop the league all season. The Ducks went into the break with a five-game winning streak.

“You want to make sure that you do everything that you can to be prepared to be ready at the drop of the puck tomorrow,” Getzlaf said. “I think there may be a little bit of a period where you’re trying to get your legs under you and stuff like that.

“It’s the same for everybody though.”

Frederik Andersen used the weekend to get himself well after playing through the stomach flu against Calgary, where he made 30 saves in a 6-3 win for his 26th victory.

Andersen said he was asked if he wanted to go to Columbus as an injury replacement for Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky but turned down the last-second invitation.

“I wasn’t feeling very good,” Andersen said. “I wish I would have gone but when you’re battling something like that, you got to prioritize the team here a little bit more than going there. I’m sure it would have been cool to see all the fans there. Maybe next year.”

Kesler is back in Vancouver but this is now his third matchup against the Canucks. The team he played his first 10 season with is merely another opponent now.

“Yeah, I’m over it,” Kesler said. “The whole emotional thing’s over with. Obviously I still have friends here. That’s about it.”

STONER RETURNS

Defenseman Clayton Stoner took part in every drill and appears as if he’ll be back in the lineup after sitting out the win over the Flames. Stoner opted to rest a nagging lower-body injury that has improved with four days off.

“If it was Game 7, I would have been in the lineup,” Stoner said. “But it was just at a convenient time where I didn’t have to risk playing. We got lots of healthy (defensemen). I thought it was best.

“Smart move to sit that game and get ready for the start of the second half here.”

Orange County Register: LOADED: 01.27.2015


Anaheim Ducks flying high coming out of All-Star break

By Elliott Teaford, Daily Breeze

Posted: 01/26/15, 2:47 PM PST |

The Ducks have been at or near the top of the NHL’s overall standings for three seasons running, so what they accomplished before the All-Star break last weekend was nothing new or different. Their challenge is duplicating their success in the playoffs.

After all, they don’t throw parades for finishing first in the regular season.

The Ducks bear only passing resemblance to their cousins of the previous two seasons, however. This team is far more resourceful, more well-rounded and more resilient when injuries and the mumps threatened to derail their season.

Captain Ryan Getzlaf is playing like an MVP, goalie Frederik Andersen and defenseman Sami Vatanen should have been selected to join Getzlaf in the All-Star game, and centers Ryan Kesler and Nate Thompson have provided depth.

The bottom line is the Ducks (31-10-6) lead the league by three points and the Pacific Division by 12, the largest edge of any division leader. Coasting doesn’t seem to be an option. Failure doesn’t appear to be an option, either. At this point, it’s Stanley Cup or bust.

Here’s a closer look at what’s working and what’s not:

Nowhere is the Ducks’ improved depth more apparent than at forward, where Getzlaf (a team-leading 35 assists), Corey Perry (a team-high 19 goals) and Patrick Maroon form a productive top line and Kesler, Andrew Cogliano and Kyle Palmieri make up a strong second one. A case of the mumps sidelined Perry for five games and a sprained left knee kept him out for 10 more, or his numbers might be better. Getzlaf picked up the slack with five goals and 15 assists in December.

The Ducks needed to get tougher and edgier, so they signed Clayton Stoner as a free agent in the offseason. They still lack a true No. 1 defenseman, someone who can control the play and instill fear in opponents. Cam Fowler continues to make big strides in his career and it’s often difficult to remember he’s only 23, but he’s still a few seasons away from making the big jump. Can a team win without a No. 1 D-man? We’ll see.

Andersen is second in the NHL with 26 victories and has won 46 of his 62 decisions for the best start to a career since Montreal’s Bill Durnan won his 46th game in his 60th decision in November 1944. The question is, do the Ducks have enough faith in backup Ilya Bryzgalov to avoid overworking Andersen? Bryzgalov needed an extended training camp after rejoining the Ducks as a free agent Dec. 9. He is 1-2-0 with a 3.71 goals-against average and an .854 save percentage in four games.

The Ducks should have a better power play than one that’s ranked 17th in the 30-team league and clicking at a pedestrian 17.6 percent. With the skills of Getzlaf, Perry, Kesler and Palmieri, you would think they couldn’t help but have a better success rate. It’s one aspect of the Ducks’ game that must improve heading into the playoffs. The Ducks’ penalty-killing unit (ranked 18th, 80.5 success rate) also was another lackluster part of their game in the figurative first half of the season.

Bruce Boudreau has kept the Ducks pointed in the right direction despite illnesses and injuries, keeping them focused on the big picture. He’s pushed all the right buttons, and nowhere is that more evident than in the Ducks’ league-leading 22-0-6 record in one-goal games. Winning the franchise’s first Presidents’ Trophy as the top team in the NHL during the regular season remains a goal, but it will be a consolation prize if the Ducks don’t hoist the Stanley Cup in June.

Ducks general manager Bob Murray did his heavy lifting in the offseason, trading for Kesler, signing Stoner and Thompson and allowing Jonas Hiller to walk as a free agent so Andersen could assume the No. 1 spot in goal. Murray’s job isn’t complete, however. A tweak or two or three to the roster would strengthen the Ducks for the stretch run and enhance their chances for an extended playoff run. Don’t expect Murray to stand still before the trade deadline March 2.

LA Daily News: LOADED: 01.27.2015

764729 Arizona Coyotes

Coyotes return from All-Star break amid weather uncertainty

Sarah McLellan, azcentral sports 8:49 p.m. MST January 26, 2015

PHILADELPHIA – After they skidded into the All-Star break on a season-high six-game losing streak, the Coyotes' main concern had to be rectifying their play to prevent a spiral even further down the standings.

But once they reconvened from a five-day hiatus, their performance on the ice wasn't their only worry.

The Coyotes left the Valley an hour later than expected Monday because of a weather delay as the Northeast braced for a winter storm that anticipated heavy snowfall in Philadelphia. Despite being behind schedule, the team went ahead with an hour-plus practice to prepare for what's poised to be the start of a five-game road trip Tuesday against the Flyers.

"It would have been tough to jump into a game with not skating for seven days," coach Dave Tippett said. "We needed to get in here. Fortunately, the weather gave us that opportunity and we'll see where it goes (Tuesday). But it's good to get back on the ice and get moving."

Only a handful of players flew into Philadelphia on their own. Forward Sam Gagner was holed up in Toronto for an extra few hours while he waited out a delay.

"It wasn't crazy, but when I first got delayed, I was a little worried," Gagner said. "But I found out the team was a little delayed, too, so it worked out."

Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who spent the weekend in Columbus as the team's representative in the All-Star Game, was the only one unable to make it in time for practice. Ekman-Larsson's flight out of Columbus was canceled, so he took a flight to Washington D.C. and then caught a train to meet up with the team in Philadelphia. He was expected to arrive Monday night.

Even with Ekman-Larsson in the mix, this isn't the same team that departed for the break a week ago. During the time off, the Coyotes assigned goalie Mike Lee, defensemen Brandon Gormley and Philip Samuelsson and winger Lucas Lessio to the American Hockey League while simultaneously recalling Mike McKenna to be the next backup goalie to get a look. On Monday, the Coyotes also added defenseman Andrew Campbell and Lessio from Portland to put their roster at 22 – one under the 23-man limit.

The team is still without winger Mikkel Boedker, who is recovering in Winnipeg from surgery to remove his spleen but could be Phoenix-bound Tuesday.

"Everything's all right. He's in good shape," Tippett said. "He had a little issue (Sunday) that (he) couldn't make the flight. He'll be back I think in the next day or two."

The pause in the schedule certainly enables the Coyotes to return to their season with a fresh outlook, but erasing what led to a 6-1 thumping from the Blackhawks last Tuesday doesn't seem like a sound strategy, either.

"When you play that poorly, there has to be an accountability in the group and we'll address that here," Tippett said. "That's just unacceptable for our group. Unfortunately, it came before the break because it makes for a miserable break for the people involved. Hopefully we can jump back in and get a little refresher and recognize we're going to have to be way better."

And the recipe for that improvement hasn't changed.

"Defend better and better goaltending," Tippett said. "We can talk about a lot of other things. Our offense has struggled. But defend better and get better goaltending, and that'll be a start for us."

Tuesday's game

Coyotes at Flyers

When: 5 p.m.

Where: Wells Fargo Center.

TV/radio: FSAZ/KTAR-AM (620).

Flyers update: The Flyers won two of their previous five games before the All-Star break, which included a 3-2 overtime win over the Penguins a week ago, but Philadelphia is still 12 points shy of a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. They'll be without center Zac Rinaldo, who was suspended eight games by the league Monday for charging and boarding defenseman Kris Letang in that game against the Penguins. Goalie Steve Mason, who's missed the last five games because of a lower-body injury, is also expected to be out against the Coyotes. The Flyers are 12-2-3 when scoring first this season and 11-0-1 when leading after two periods. Against the Pacific Division, they've gone 3-3-2. Winger Jakub Voracek leads the team with 17 goals and 56 points.

Arizona Republic LOADED: 01.27.2015

764730 Arizona Coyotes

Struggling Canadian dollar could hasten Coyotes' rebuild

Craig Morgan

JAN 26, 2015 11:00p ET

Coyotes general manager Don Maloney could be in a favorable position in free agency this offseason, due to world factors out of his control.

Commissioner Gary Bettman at Sunday's NHL All-Star game tried to allay the fears of some big-market teams when he addressed the potential impact the struggling Canadian dollar could have on the 2015-16 salary cap.

"I assure you that even with the decline in the Canadian dollar, the salary cap doesn't fall off a cliff," Bettman told reporters. "When we gave you the rough estimate projection in December -- the same estimate that I gave to the clubs -- we were projecting a cap of $73 million, assuming the 5-percent increment under the collective bargaining agreement, based on the Canadian dollar at 88 cents to the U.S. dollar for the rest of the year.

"That would be 73 at 88. At 82 cents for the rest of the year, the cap would be 72.2, and at 80 cents, the cap would be 71.7.

"These are not -- in the context of a $70-million-plus cap -- dramatic numbers. As of Friday, I think the Canadian dollar was 81 cents. Nobody can project exactly where it's going, but the point that I'm making is you're not going to see a dramatic difference. The cap is computed based on currency on a daily basis. It's averaged over the season, so even as I said with an 80-cent Canadian dollar, we're still looking at a cap of almost $72 million."

Even so, that small drop could have an impact on teams currently bumping up against the cap and have bigger salaries coming on the books next season. The contract extensions for Chicago superstars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews both kick in next season when each will be paid an average of $10.5 million annually. Several other teams could have cap issues, as well.

Even a slight drop in the cap projection could lead teams to trade players, like Chicago did with defenseman Nick Leddy and Boston did with defenseman Johnny Boychuk this offseason, to the delight of the New York Islanders.

Season series: Coyotes lead 1-0.

Records: Coyotes 16-25-5, Flyers 19-22-7

Injuries: Arizona F Mikkel Boedker (spleen) is on long-term injured reserve. Philadelphia F Michael Raffl (ill) and G Steve Mason (lower body) are day to day. D Kimmo Timonen (leg blood clots) hasn't played all season. D Nicklas Grossman (lower body) and D Braydon Coburn (lower body) are on injured reserve.

Quick facts: The Coyotes recalled F Lucas Lessio and D Andrew Campbell from Portland of the AHL on Monday. ... Flyers F Ryan White could make his Philadelphia debut. After signing as a free agent, he tore a pectoral muscle during offseason workouts and has missed the entire season to date. ... C Antoine Vermette had a hat trick in the team's only other meeting this season, a 4-2 Arizona win at Gila River Arena on Dec. 29. ... Flyers winger Zac Rinaldo was suspended by the NHL for eight games Monday due to an illegal hit on Pittsburgh's Kris Letang last Tuesday.

If that happens, the Coyotes could be beneficiaries.

"Absolutely," Coyotes GM Don Maloney said on Monday. "Ideally for us, the Canadian dollar tanks and the cap goes down, not up."

Maloney was joking, it should be emphasized. He doesn't want to see the Canadian economy collapse. He is Canadian, after all.

But the point remains: if more players make their way to the market as cap casualties, the Coyotes could hasten their rebuilding project by acquiring quality players in the Boychuk and Leddy vein.

"All in all for us in Arizona, ideally the cap stays flat or sees as little a raise as possible and that will create opportunities," Maloney said.

The Coyotes are better positioned than most teams. They have just five players under contract beyond next season: defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, goalie Mike Smith, center Martin Hanzal, wing Lauri Korpikoski and center Joe Vitale.

Maloney said that fact was not a conscious decision, but more a product of the ownership uncertainty surrounding the team before last season. With financial flexibility and a long-term plan finally being instituted now that majority Andrew Barroway is in place, the Coyotes could look to fill some holes with veterans on defense while infusing more youth and speed into the forward group next season with prospects such as Max Domi.

"We want to stay as flexible as possible and if we need to grow this thing and run at a low payroll for a couple years, so be it," he said. "I think you see the problems a lot of teams get into when they get tied into long-term contracts."

Flexibility should also allow the Coyotes to take care of players they feel are pat of their future. Maloney had brief contract discussions with injured forward Mikkel Boedker's agent last week and may engage in lengthier discussions soon. Boedker will be a restricted free agent after this season. He could choose a one-year deal after which he becomes unrestricted, but Maloney hopes to sign him to a longer deal.

"I spent the weekend with Andy (Barroway) at the All-Star Game and really got a sense of who he is and what he's all about," Maloney said. "He really does want to do this right. He wants to build for the long term and he understands that there is some suffering involved to do what you need to do to build a winner that is sustainable."

foxsportsarizona.com LOADED: 01.27.2015

764731 Boston Bruins

Bruins set to rejoin battle for playoff position

By Amalie BenjaminGlobe Staff January 27, 2015

COLUMBUS, Ohio — By the time the Bruins get back to practice Tuesday, they will have been off the ice for five days. And it’s still two more days before they face their first post-All-Star break game, a Thursday date with the Islanders, one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

That game kicks off a two-week stretch in which the Bruins have one of their lighter schedules of the season, but all of the games are against difficult competition, with two against the Islanders and one each against the Rangers, Kings, and Canadiens.

It won’t be an easy return.

“It’s definitely going to be tough matchups and big games,” said Patrice Bergeron after his four-assist, 5-point performance in Sunday night’s NHL All-Star Game. “We know that with the position that we’re in, we have to keep going forward and keep moving forward as a team and improving.

“We need to refocus and be ready for the last stretch.”

Before the break, the Bruins had a carrot. They needed to get back into the playoff race in the East, so they had to concentrate on their last five games, their last four games, their last three, two, one. And in that, they were successful.

The Bruins had a torrid two weeks, finding their game again with the returned-to-health Zdeno Chara and David Krejci. Starting with their win over the Penguins on Jan. 7, the Bruins went 6-1-1 to put themselves 7 points up on the Panthers for the second wild-card spot (though Florida has four games in hand).

That pace needs to continue.

“Honestly, it wasn’t necessarily because of the break,” Bergeron said. “I think it was feeling like the situation we were in and we’re still in, I think the carrot is pretty easy to have. We need to gain ground and you look at the teams behind us and they’re still winning and they have games in hand and whatnot.

“I think it’s about realizing that that’s the situation that’s going on. It’s going to be close to 100 points if you want to be in the playoffs this year. And the parity in the league is obvious. So I think we don’t need much to make us realize that we need to keep winning.”

The question is whether they can, especially given the teams they’ll be facing after such a long break.

Bruins president Cam Neely said Saturday he has felt better about the team’s performance of late, although CEO Charlie Jacobs still doesn’t seem convinced. As Jacobs said this weekend, “We dug ourselves a hole, we’re starting to get ourselves out of it, but until we do and have a nice playoff run, I think the jury is going to have to be out on this group.”

The more optimistic Neely said, “I like the way we’re playing. I think the compete’s there, the passion and the energy’s there on a more consistent basis. Defensively, I think we’ve tightened up. Obviously having a healthy Krejci and Chara back is certainly beneficial for our team.

“I like the way we’re competing a little bit more on a consistent basis. Prior to January it was a little inconsistent for me.”

Those inconsistencies have, for the most part, been fixed. But much more needs to be done, as the Bruins attempt to solidify their playoff spot as they look up in the standings at Tampa Bay (64 points), Detroit (63), and Montreal (61), with the Red Wings having one game in hand and the Canadiens three.

And with Florida at 50 points with 38 games remaining, that means there could be a team well into the 90s in points that gets left out of the postseason. The Bruins do not want to be that team.

“If you look at the standings right now, yeah,” Bergeron said. “Especially with teams below us that have games in hand and all that. Definitely a race and we need to take that into consideration and realize that we need to keep going till the end.”

Nothing is assured, not with the position the Bruins are in, not with the way they played through the first couple of months of the season. But with the way the team has turned it on of late, there is hope. That’s significant, though it will be much more significant if the Bruins can safely get through their first five games after the break.

“It can change quick this year,” Bergeron said of the standings. “It changes quickly from week to week. I think it’s definitely — I wouldn’t say wide open — there’s definitely some great teams. It’s definitely going to be a battle for a seat.”

Boston Globe LOADED: 01.27.2015


Bergeron, Seguin find room to renew scoring connection


COLUMBUS, Ohio – It usually went the other way.

In their three seasons together, Patrice Bergeron and Tyler Seguin connected for 30 goals in the regular and postseasons, 30 times where one got the primary assist and the other the score. Of those 30 connections, 18 had yielded goals for Seguin. Twelve had resulted in goals for Bergeron, including two in the 2012-2013 postseason.

It seemed likely that it never would happen again after Seguin was shipped to Dallas in July 2013.

Until Sunday, that is.

“I kind of stayed out there late and I saw him on the ice,” said Seguin. “Right when I got it, I wasn’t going to pass to anyone else. I wanted to connect for at least one.

NHL summary: All-Stars 17, All-Stars 12

This is sports agate content

“We saw we weren’t going to be on each other’s line, but centers had to rotate because we were down a guy. So I was like, we’ll have a few shifts, see if we can do anything. So when I had the puck, I was waiting for him to get open to do that.”

It worked.

At 12:17 of the first period of the All-Star Game, Seguin collected the puck behind the net and sent a pass to Bergeron, who was cutting in front of the crease. Bergeron knocked it home for his first All-Star Game goal in his first All-Star Game. And, of course, his 13th career goal off a Seguin pass.

Said Bergeron, “I saw him, he looked at me, and waited for me to get in the zone. That was pretty nice of him to do that. I knew he was going to try to get it back, so I was trying to get open.”

But it wasn’t just that.

Bergeron added assists on four — yes, four — goals by John Tavares, at 19:03 of the first period, at 8:16 and 19:00 of the second period, and again at 6:13 of the third. That was another familiar pairing for Bergeron, who played on a line with Tavares for Team Canada at the Sochi Olympics for two games before Tavares was injured.

“We had some good chemistry in the Olympics,” said Tavares, whose Islanders will play Bergeron’s Bruins on Thursday in Boston’s first game after the All-Star break. “I know this isn’t a typical game, but more and more you get to know him as a person first and foremost. Just a tremendous guy, really just full of character, leadership, and you see why he’s such a special player on the ice playing with him.

“He must have had four, five, six assists tonight. He was setting up guys everywhere. A lot of fun to play with a guy like him.”

By the third period, Bergeron was being touted for MVP of the game, with his five points and plus-four evening at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. The five points tied for the most in the game, with Jonathan Toews and Jakub Voracek. But it wasn’t to be.

In the MVP race, Bergeron lost, in a vote by the fans, to Columbus’s Ryan Johansen, who walked away with the car awarded to the MVP of the game.

“That’s fine,” Bergeron said. “I was expecting John [Tavares] or even Ryan, so it was a lot of guys that were having some great nights. Not at all [disappointed].”

Nor was he disappointed in the weekend as a whole, his first All-Star Game appearance, his first chance to show NHL fans what he can do in a game that doesn’t matter.

As he said, “It was a lot of fun. It was a great experience. Definitely playing with two great players [Tavares and Patrick Elias], had a lot of fun on the ice.”

And he even got to show a little of his two-way game on a night that didn’t encourage it.

“I talked to him before the third period, and he said he enjoys backchecking,” Seguin reported. “I said, ‘Don’t lie to your friends.’ He’s like, ‘I enjoy it sometimes.’ I’m like, ‘All right, that’s why you’re Bergeron.’”

But it wasn’t all about the backchecking, or evenly mostly about the backchecking. It was about the points and the goals and the assists to Tavares and, of course, to Seguin.

So, Seguin was asked, did it feel familiar?

“Pretty familiar, yeah,” Seguin said, grinning. “Especially the celebration felt familiar. Even when we were kind of — after and before the game — doing our little handshake, just the whack, memories flashing back.”

Cracked Bergeron, “That’s what we said: We still got it. The chemistry is still there.”



Bruins may lose some wiggle room under next season’s salary cap


COLUMBUS, Ohio — With the Bruins perpetually right up against the salary cap these days, every dollar allowed under the cap counts. So even though the news was good on Saturday regarding the cap for next season — at least relative to the plunging Canadian dollar — the Bruins can’t be happy about the potential for losing even a couple of hundred thousand dollars of wiggle room.

“I assure you that even with the decline in the Canadian dollar, the salary cap doesn’t fall off a cliff,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said on Saturday at the All-Star Game.

In December, the projections had put the salary cap at $73 million for the 2015-2016 season, but that assumed that the Canadian dollar was at 88 cents on the US dollar. That’s no longer the case. So, as Bettman said, the cap would fall to $72.2 million if the Canadian dollar is at 82 cents on the US dollar and $71.7 if it’s at 80 cents.

On Friday, Bettman said, the Canadian dollar had been at 81 cents on the US dollar.

For the Bruins, the news wasn’t great, even if the cap might fall approximately $1.3 million under those projections. They already have approximately $54 million committed for the 2015-2016 season, not including Marc Savard’s contract, and still need to fit a bunch of free agents under the cap.

Boston needs to find room for Reilly Smith, Torey Krug, Dougie Hamilton, and Niklas Svedberg, who are all restricted free agents. Carl Soderberg is an unrestricted free agent, along with Adam McQuaid, Matt Bartkowski, Daniel Paille, and Gregory Campbell. Milan Lucic will be in the last year of his current contract.

The Bruins had significant difficulty with the cap this season given its lower-than-expected $69 million ceiling and overages that the Bruins owed, mainly due to Jarome Iginla’s deal. That resulted in the much-maligned deal that sent Johnny Boychuk to the Islanders just before the start of the season.

So Boston management can only hope that the Canadian dollar stays at least stable, rather than continuing to fall. Because they will need every dollar they can to continue to put together a Stanley Cup-level team for next season and in the future.

“That plays a part of where the cap will end up,” Bruins president Cam Neely said of the Canadian dollar on Saturday before Bettman had made his comments to the media. “At this point of the season I’m not sure how much more it’s going to affect it.

“So we’ll be keeping a close eye and hopefully get some decent information as time goes on so you can plan and prepare for next season because it’s important, especially teams that are up against the cap and you’ve got future dollars committed. You want to make sure that you’re planning accordingly.”

Johnny’s adventure

He was in. He was out. He was in again.

That’s what the weekend was like for Johnny Gaudreau, the former Boston College Eagle and now Calgary Flame. The rookie was alerted by the media on Friday that he had been added to the All-Star Game, in addition to playing in the skills competition as a rookie. Then word filtered out that that was not the case.

By Saturday evening, he was back in, having been added to Team Toews for Sunday’s game.

“I heard some rumors I was playing at first and I got kind of a little bit excited,” he said. “I heard I wasn’t playing, which wasn’t very fun. Then I got a chance to play and I was extremely excited about it.”

Gaudreau had two assists in his 14:06 of ice time in the game.

“It was awesome,” Gaudreau said. “It was a great experience for me. Being a younger guy here was really special for me and getting to play in the game was even better.”

His parents had intended to spend the weekend in Chestnut Hill, Mass., watching his brother Matthew play for the Eagles against UConn, but they made a last-minute switch. Gaudreau said they drove to Columbus on Sunday morning.

Record set for goals

The teams combined to score 29 goals on Sunday, which bested the all-time All-Star Game record of 26, set in 2001, as Team Toews won, 17-12. The teams tied the record with 6:51 to go in the third on a goal by Patrick Kane, which was the first goal of the night not greeted with a cannon blast. His teammate, Jonathan Toews, added the 27th and record-setting goal 1:12 later. The 17th goal for Team Toews also set an All-Star Game record . . . Alex Ovechkin spent most of Friday night’s fantasy draft lobbying to be picked last so that he would get the Honda awarded to the last pick. He ended up going third to last with the final two players both getting cars. As it turned out, Ovechkin wanted the car because he wanted to donate it to the NoVa Cool Cats, a local hockey club for kids with special needs, as he told reporters after Sunday’s game. When Honda found out his plan, after the draft, the company gave him a Honda Accord, which will go to the Cool Cats.



Breaking bad a concern

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Steve Conroy

The Bruins amassed a 6-1-3 record in their final 10 games before the All-Star break. They rediscovered the defensive structure that has made them a perennial contender during the past half-decade. The goaltending has improved. The passion has returned, as has good health.

Now they just have to hope that all that good karma has not disappeared with the lengthy break.

The B’s had one more day off from practice yesterday (unless Mother Nature decided to give them another one), and when they return to game action Thursday on Long Island, they will have had a full week off. That’s a concern.

Remember, it looked like the B’s had turned a corner right before the Christmas break, only to suffer one of their worst losses of the season — a 6-2 shellacking in Columbus — in their first game back. With just 34 games left in the season, they cannot afford another false start.

“(The untimely break is) one of those things that you have no control of, so you just have to make the most of it,” said Patrice Bergeron, the team’s lone All-Star.

The Bruins will not be able to ease into their schedule. They play the explosive Islanders then host the defending champion Los Angeles Kings on Saturday before traveling to New York for another battle with the go-go Rangers.

After that, the B’s come home for a rare Saturday-Sunday back-to-back with the Islanders and archrival Canadiens. After hosting Tyler Seguin and the Dallas Stars on Feb.�10, they embark on their longest road trip of the season, starting in Western Canada for games against Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton before a couple of difficult contests in St. Louis and Chicago.

If their heads aren’t right coming out of the break, problems could snowball quickly.

“It’s definitely going to be some tough matchups and big games, and we know that with the position that we’re in, we know we have to keep moving forward as a team and keep improving,” Bergeron said. “We need to refocus and be ready for the last stretch.”

The B’s are close to securing at least the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, but they are not quite there. They have a seven-point lead on Florida, but the Panthers have four games in hand. If the B’s stumble and bumble out of the gate, the last three weeks of the season — during which they face Florida three times — could be uncomfortable.

The B’s pushed hard toward the All-Star break, knowing that they if they buckled down and played, well they’d be able to enjoy their time off. But now their only motivator is their survival.

“If you look at the situation we’re still in, I think the carrot is still pretty easy to have,” Bergeron said. “We need to gain ground. You look at the teams behind us and they’re still winning, and they have games in hand.

“I think it’s about realizing what the situation is. It’s going to be close to 100 points if you want to make the playoffs this year, and the parity in the league is obvious. We don’t need much to make us realize we need to keep winning.”

Boston Herald LOADED: 01.27.2015


Haggerty's Morning Skate: Monday, Jan. 26

January 26, 2015, 12:15 pm

Joe Haggerty

*Paul Stewart writes in his column that Wayne Gretzky’s greatness could be found in his simple acts of kindness.

*Rick Nash was booed a bit by the Columbus fans at Sunday night’s NHL All-Star game, but that’s probably because Ryan Johansen has taken over his title as franchise player and rising star.

*The early-week blizzard is already making a negative impact on the New York Rangers’ plans and schedule.

*The pluses and minuses from last weekend’s AHL action with the Providence Bruins, per FOH (Friend of Haggs) Mark Divver.

*An interesting piece from Rob Rossi saying that Sidney Crosby has paid his debt to the NHL and the next ten years should be for himself. It would be interesting to go back and look at how many All-Star games Crosby has actually showed up for in his career. He usually does a great job in a sometimes thankless role of being the face of the NHL, but the All-Star game hasn’t ever really been a good backdrop for him.

*PHT writer and FOH (Friend of Haggs) Jason Brough has the city of Columbus proud to show itself off as a hockey town.

*For something completely different: an interesting piece on the relationship between Roger Goodell and Robert Kraft, which takes on an interesting tone given the recent Deflategate flap.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 01.27.2015

764736 Buffalo Sabres

Sabres notebook: Hackett, back from knee surgery, gets call-up

By Amy Moritz

on January 26, 2015 - 10:38 PM

Matt Hackett was sweating and he was thinking, the latter part being the most problematic for a goaltender.

The 24-year old returned from reconstructive knee surgery after blowing out his knee at the end of last year’s season.

He returned to the net in Rochester, getting his physical and mental groove back after seven months away from the game. It took him three starts to earn his first win – a 21-save performance in a 3-2 win over Adirondack on Friday.

That earned Hackett another call-up to the Sabres and a chance to continue reconstructing his game.

“Goaltending is basically all between the ears, right?” Hackett said at HarborCenter, joining the Sabres on Monday. “My first game back I was sweating the whole time, I was so nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. Even just thinking about, ‘oh it could happen again. I could tear it again.’ But I trust it. I trust the doctors. The mental part will come. It just takes a few games to get back into it. After the first 10 minutes you kinda forget about it and get back in the swing of things.”

Hackett was recalled Monday after Michal Neuvirth suffered a lower body injury in a workout. Sabres coach Ted Nolan said Neuvirth would not be making the trip with the team which features four road games starting in Calgary Tuesday. Neuvirth’s injury would be “not long long but long enough” Nolan said.

So welcome back, Matt Hackett.

This trip is familiar for Hackett, who made his Sabres debut in a 3-1 win at Edmonton last season. He appeared in eight games for the Sabres, including the second-last game of the season where he suffered the extensive knee injury.

“I was happy” with the rehabilitation Hackett said. “Seven months. They said it could be six to nine months so seven months. Did some good work, got back early. ... There’s a few things I still want to work on, but there’s nothing like a game. You get into a game you’re back into those different situations you don’t see very often. You’ve just got to react to them and just compete as hard as you can. It’s all about competing no matter what happens.”

Nolan likes to remind the media that Nikita Zadorov is a teenager.

He certainly had a teenage moment on Monday.

The 19-year-old defenseman did not make it back to Buffalo in time for the team’s first practice back from the All-Star break. As such, general manager Tim Murray announced he was suspended. In the press release, which officially called the offense “failure to report to the team on time following the NHL All-Star break,” Murray did not spell out how long the suspension would be but said “we anticipate Nikita joining the team at some point during this week’s western road trip.”

“When you’re a 19-year old kid, sometimes if you’re not instructed to do things, you know how kids can be sometimes,” Nolan said. “This will be a big, big learning curve for him. We’ll deal with it when he gets back.”

Added captain Brian Gionta, “It’s part of learning to be a professional. I’m sure that message will be sent.”

Speaking of Gionta, the captain will return to the lineup against the Flames after missing 13 games with an upper body injury he suffered Dec. 21 when he was hit by Boston’s Matt Bartkowski.

Gionta still won’t specify what the injury was but did seem to rule out any type of concussion. “Upper body. It was not the head,” he said.

Marcus Foligno is getting closer to returning after missing 13 games with a hand injury, but there still is no timetable.

Mike Weber, who missed two games with an undisclosed injury, will return.

Matt Ellis was recalled for the second time to the Sabres. He played in four games for the team before the All Star break. Serving as an alternate captain for the Amerks he has 13 points in 38 games for the AHL affiliate this season.

Buffalo News LOADED: 01.27.2015

764737 Buffalo Sabres

Sabres hoping to reset into winning mode

By Amy Moritz

on January 26, 2015 - 10:38 PM

Goalie Matt Hackett has been called up to replace an injured Michal Neuvirth. Story on B4.

Sabres goaltender Matt Hackett, making a save last season against Montreal, has come back from his knee injury and after playing three games for the AHL Amerks has been called up to the Sabres for their upcoming road trip.

Drew Stafford spent his time getting to be a new dad while Ted Nolan shoveled snow in Northern Ontario.

The Buffalo Sabres had a prolonged break for the NHL All Star festivities and one of the edicts from above was to stop thinking about hockey.

The team reconvened on Monday afternoon at HarborCenter before flying to Calgary where they kick off a four-game road trip against the Flames at 9 p.m. Tuesday (MSG, Radio 550 AM).

The hope is that time away from the rink will help the Sabres set the reset button as they try again to end the franchise’s longest losing streak, currently sitting at 11 games.

Stafford spent time with his wife, Hali, and son, Mason, who was born earlier this month.

“As frustrating and challenging as the hockey side of things can be, it definitely makes you realize life is good,” Stafford said. “There are good things going on and you just ride on that and focus on those things you usually end up having a little bit more of a clear head, get rid of some of that negativity and it definitely helps.”

Nolan went home to Northern Ontario, getting away from the NHL-centric world for a few days if not the trademark hockey weather.

“Some guys to go beaches, I go to shovel my deck off and enjoy my family and friends,” Nolan said. “It was really good. You get to talk to people outside of hockey and how they view it. It makes you feel a little bit better when you talk to family and friends.”

Players and coaches were pleased with the first practice back after an eight-day break. The hourlong practice was up-tempo and simple, which is ideally the way the Sabres would like to play the games for the entire game.

When last we saw the Sabres, you may recall, they were kicking some actually impressive hockey in the first period against the Red Wings in Detroit. They scored three goals in that period. They were playing solid defense while aggressive in the offensive zone. They were active and engaged and almost confident.

And then the wheels came off. Not slowly. In one big old swoop. By the end, that 3-0 first period lead turned into a 6-4 defeat and another loss.

“That first period we had, we were all over the puck,” Stafford said of the Detroit game. “We were winning battles and we were dictating the pace of the play just by taking care of the puck, making sure we were eliminating our turnovers. It’s as simple as that. Not giving them anything.”

From the player’s perspective, the problem is consistency. A great shift here. A nice period there. But nothing quite ties the performances together.

“If I had a direct answer I wouldn’t be here talking to you about it,” Stafford said. “It’s one of those things I think you just need to start with one good period, each guy holds himself accountable as far as each shift, earning your next shift, doing something to contribute, being part of the solution every single shift. That will lead collectively to us coming together as a group.”

The losing takes its toll on the collective and makes hitting that reset button all the more difficult. Brian Gionta, who returns to the lineup after missing 13 games with an upper body injury, sees a team that has been getting too caught up in the emotional waves that happen within a game and within a season. The captain wants his room to better learn to let go of the bad and the good.

“I still believe in the team we have. I believe we can play much better,” Gionta said. “The frustrating part is that we’ve shown it in the past. We just have to do it. … It’s that old cliché, you can’t get too high and you can’t get too low.

“If things are going bad, you’ve got to find a way out of it. You have to not take it home with you and that’s not a bad thing. You’ve got to try and leave things behind and not let it eat you apart and try to get out of it as quick as possible. With this break hopefully we can come back with a new mindset and start fresh.”

Buffalo News LOADED: 01.27.2015

764738 Calgary Flames

Johnson: Wolfman's tenacity a welcome addition to Flames

George Johnson,

Published on: January 26, 2015Last Updated: January 26, 2015 7:51 PM MST

He’ll huff and he’ll puff and (if you’re not paying attention) he’ll …

Not only blow your house down but maybe try and launch you into the 12th row of the lower bowl.

“The Big Bad Wolf?’’ rasped coach Bob Hartley Monday, voice fading into scratchy-33-rpm-LP mode. “He’s been real good. He’s been on the puck. Scored big goals. From the time he showed up, getting used to our sheet of ice, getting used to the American league, NHL training camp, this young man has done real well.

“He’s riding quite a hot streak now.

“It’s great because we always say we’ll reward the players who deserve it and Wolfie, it’s great to have him here.’’

The feeling is mutual.

“When they told me I got called up,’’ admitted Wolf, with a lovely lack of self-consciousness, “I almost started crying.

“It’s my dream, always, to play in the NHL, growing up playing hockey back home. I know it’s going to be tough, for a European or a German guy, but I’m going to give my best. I can guarantee you that. And we’ll see what happens.’’

What Wolf has to offer the Flames is that 6-foot-2-inch, 216-pound Duesseldorf chassis, an appetite for contact and, recently, a fair scoring touch, as well.

“Wolfman?’’ Sven Baertschi, called up from Adirondack along with Wolf and D-man Tyler Wotherspoon, smiles. “Well, it’s like this. He’s like a dog. A hungry dog. And the puck is like a bone.

“A dog on a bone. That’s the Wolfman.’’

Odds are that David Wolf, born only three and a half months following the Calgary Flames’ only Stanley Cup victory, won’t be receiving his NHL baptism Tuesday night with the Buffalo Sabres in town. And when he does slip on that big-league jersey for the first time — be it Thursday, a week from now, a month or a year — it won’t rate with Mario Götze volleying home in the 113th minute at the Maracanã in early July to slay Argentina or an impossibly young Boris Becker launching winner after winner on the hallowed Wimbledon grass at the age of 17 or Schumi nailing down any of his seven Formula One world championships in the annals of touchstone German sports moments.

Yet …

“Hockey’s not as big back home as it is here, obviously,’’ says Wolf. “But it’s a big deal for me to be here. Not a lot of players from Germany play in the NHL. It’s an honour to represent my country.

“There’s not as many kids playing hockey in Germany, but there are kids and every one of them wants to play in the NHL. So they’re looking up to me right now. They want to be where I am. So I try to be … how do you say it … a role model, to help those kids play hockey.’’

Given his penchant for the physical side of the game, no surprise that growing up he’d take a shine to Mark Messier, who used to tear through terrified defences like Godzilla trampling Tokyo underfoot onscreen.

“Big guy,’’ reasoned Wolf. “He goes to the net and everyone tries to stop him, but no one really could, back in the day.’’

Wolf certainly could do worse than study the No. 11 Hall of Famer and try to copy his abrasive style.

“Full of confidence? Yeah,’’ says Wolf guardedly, “but it is my first time here, being called up. So I’m still a little bit shaky. They do some stuff different

(here) than down in Adirondack so I just have to listen to the coaches and try my best every practice, every game.

“The last 10 games have been real awesome for me, scoring goals and helping the team win. I’m one of the older guys down there, so I try to be a leader.’’

Wolf credits Baertschi with speeding up his acclimatization to North America. Happily, the Swiss-born Baertschi speaks German.

“It does help,’’ agreed Baertschi. “Just something from home. Something familiar. He speaks English, but having someone there who speaks your first language makes things a little easier. When I got to Portland, I was lucky: Nino Niederreiter was there and that was big for me. Now I have Raffi (Diaz) and Jonas (Hiller) here.

“We’re close, the Germans and Switzerland. We like each other.

“And I went to junior, so it was easier to adapt, I think. Wolfie came over and went straight to an NHL camp. That’s tough. But he’s handled the changes really well.’’

It’s hard not to at least quietly pull a few fist-pumps for a rank outsider such as David Wolf, leaving home and what he knows to take a flyer on a one-year, two-way contract in order to fulfil a dream. It’s a quantum leap from the Hamburg Freezers to the NHL and, say, maybe playing against Sid the Kid and Gene Malkin when the Pittsburgh Penguins pay a visit late next week.

“Wolfman is such a great guy,’’ enthused Baertschi. “He’s really put in the work, picking up our systems. And he’s starting to really get it, better and better. Big body, strong. You look at what he’s done lately.

“You never know, until you get into an NHL game, feel the speed and stuff. But in the AHL, pace-wise, he’s been good. And he’s our most competitive guy (in Adirondack).

“It’s great to see him rewarded like this.’’

So, go on. Don’t be self-conscious. As the old Guess Who song goes: Clap for the Wolfman.

Calgary Herald: LOADED: 01.27.2015


Flames notes: Well-travelled Wotherspoon back with parent club

Kristen Odland


Tyler Wotherspoon collected some serious travel miles over the past seven days.

The 21-year-old defenceman had been in Glens Falls, N.Y., last Tuesday when he received the call from the Calgary Flames that they needed some reinforcement for the injured Ladislav Smid.

So, he flew via Charlotte, N.C., to Los Angeles, drove to Anaheim to meet up with the team at the Happiest Place on Earth. Wotherspoon went through Wednesday’s game day routine (but didn’t play) and was dispatched back to the American Hockey League on Thursday.

He played Saturday night — a 4-1 home win for Adirondack — and, upon receiving the news that he was being recalled (again), drove to Montreal and flew to Calgary.

Still, the hassle was all for a good cause.

“It was nice to hear that,” said Wotherspoon, who’ll wear No. 26 if he happens to dress for a game while he’s up. “A long travel day. But it wasn’t too bad. No delays or anything. It was nice to go to nice weather (in California).

“It was a good trip overall.”

Also joining Wotherspoon is Sven Baertschi and David Wolf, who are extra bodies if Curtis Glencross (lower body) is out any longer.

“Sven, Spooner, and Wolfy won’t be in the lineup (versus Buffalo),” Hartley said. “But that could change at any time. With Glenny injured, we just wanted to make sure we had extra bodies around to make sure if anything happened, we were ready.

“Sven has played pretty well in the minors. Wolfy is riding a hot streak right now. We’re very happy with those three guys.”

During a six-game points streak, Wolf has scored seven goals and two assists while Baertschi has five goals and 12 assists in 28 games.

As for Glencross (lower body), he skated by himself on Monday at the Saddledome. Hartley said he’s close and said he could be returning to action this week or early next week.

“We’re not going to rush anything,” Hartley said. “He skated and felt really good. We’re going to wait and see (Tuesday) morning. But it’s very encouraging.”

ORTIO STAYS IN AHL

Missing from Monday’s list of call-ups from the Adiorndack Flames was Joni Ortio, which was, perhaps, a bit curious.

The 23-year-old Finn had been the star of the team’s five-game road trip and his fate was somewhat undetermined when they entered the NHL all-star break. Before allowing four goals on 11 shots in Wednesday’s 6-3 loss to Anaheim, he’d been on a tear and won four straight including a 1-0 shut-out over the Vancouver Canucks. Ortio’s play had been so spectacular that when they activated Karri Ramo off of the injured reserve, the Flames continued to stick to their gut and start Ortio.

He had originally been scheduled to play in the AHL all-star game but was replaced last week.

Some had wondered if Ortio had impressed enough to stick around the NHL longer (or if he was going to be recalled again when the NHL all-star break was over).

Instead, the Flames sent him back to the AHL last Thursday. In his first appearance back, he made 35 of 36 saves for the Baby Flames in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Rochester.

“Everyone is playing to (be called up) to the NHL,” Hartley said. “We’re aware of this. AHL players, they work hard for our team down there and they work

hard for the organization. But let’s remember, they all want to go up. They all want to play in the NHL. But, right now, we’ve got two goaltenders that we feel play very well for us. We appreciate what Joni did for us. But, at the same time, we felt like Joni had to keep playing. We felt Jonas and Karri will cary the load for us.”

So, it’s back to status quo — the net split between Jonas Hiller and Ramo.

Hiller, who went in relief of Ortio against Anaheim, starts on Tuesday versus Buffalo.

“We’ll see,” said Hartley about returning to his original rotation between goalies. “Right now, every game has been a Game 7 for quite a while. So, we’re not going to change our approach.

“We’ve said it since the start of training camp — those two guys can carry the load and win some games for us. They’ve been great.”



Flames return from NHL all-star break with a mission

Kristen Odland,


Of course, Bob Hartley enjoyed watching two of his best players on display at the National Hockey League all-star festivities over the weekend.

But that doesn’t mean the Calgary Flames head coach, especially being a former goaltender, enjoyed or envied the record-high scoring affair at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus.

“A coaches’ nightmare,” he said, chuckling.

The bigger picture, though? For the fans and for the promotion of the game?

“You know what? It’s for the fans. I was privileged enough to participate in two — one in Colorado and one in Dallas.

“The NHL does this right,” said Hartley who participated in the 2001 event at Colorado and 2007 in Dallas, both as assistant coaches. “They treat the fans well, the sponsors, it’s a great event for the players as well, the families — I had lots of fun.

“It’s a gathering of the best talents of the NHL.”

Which included two of his own — captain Mark Giordano and rookie Johnny Gaudreau.

The duo weren’t on the ice Monday afternoon when the Flames reconvened after the four-day break from regular scheduled NHL action.

Hartley expected Giordano, a veteran of nearly 500 NHL games, to be less star-struck than Gaudreau the fresh-faced rookie who competed in Saturday’s NHL all-star skills competition and was a late addition to Sunday’s game.

“Probably more on Johnny’s side, to be around Toews, Tavares, and Doughty, all those great guys,” Hartley said. “I think it’s going to be a great eye-opener. Hey, I think you can always learn from those situations. Those two players represented our organization with lots of class and pride.”

But, as of Monday, it was back to real life and the grind of the NHL schedule which picks up again Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres.

Tuesday’s game is the start of a long stretch at home for the Flames. Ten of their next 12 are at the Scotiabank Saddledome, which gives them a huge opportunity to gain points in the Western Conference.

It also gives them a chance to turn their home ice into an impenetrable fortress.

Their home record — 11-9-2 — is not the worst in the league, but it’s not exactly intimidating, certainly not like the Anaheim Ducks’ House of Horrors Honda Center, where they’ve held court over Calgary in 20 straight games.

“St. Louis is another one, San Jose, it’s well known that it’s a tough building to play in,” said Flames forward Joe Colborne. “They’re known for coming out early, jumping on you and beating you down early, and being physical. When you start to get that reputation, it does play into the other teams’ minds ahead of the game and can affect them … I think we’ve been able to create an atmosphere where teams realize they’re going to have to strap on their pads and be ready to come out and battle for two points.”

The Flames headed into the all-star break having gone 6-4-0 in their last 10 games and had strung a four-game win streak together. It was snapped by the plucky Anaheim Ducks last Wednesday, yes, but they gained ground in the Pacific Division and pulled ahead of the Los Angeles Kings with 53 points.

“It’s always nice to have a few days to rest up,” said Jonas Hiller, who’ll start in net Tuesday against Buffalo. “But at the same time, there are still lots of games to be played. The next few months are going to fly by. We can’t give any presents away.

“We have to play the way we play and rack up as many points as possible.”



Adirondack airlift brings hungry David Wolf to Calgary Flames

By Scott Fisher, Calgary Sun

First posted: Monday, January 26, 2015 07:38 PM MST | Updated: Monday, January 26, 2015 07:41 PM MST

The wolf Flames hopeful David Wolf played on NHL-sized ice (200-feet by 85-feet) for the first time since he skated in Ottawa during the 2009 world junior tournament.

He’ll huff. And he’ll puff.

And apparently he’ll score some goals.

The Flames recalled German winger David Wolf, along with Swiss winger Sven Baertschi and defenceman Tyler Wotherspoon, from the AHL Adirondack Flames on Monday.

And while Flames bench boss Bob Hartley says he doesn’t expect any of the three players to suit up against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night (7 p.m. at the Dome, Sportsnet West), he’s excited about the scouting report he’s getting on the 6-foot-2, 216-lb. Wolf from Duesseldorf, Germany.

“Big, bad Wolf has been real good,” Hartley quipped Monday after he put the three newcomers through the paces along with the rest of the team — except for all-stars Mark Giordano and Johnny Gaudreau.

“He’s on the puck and has scored big goals.

“From the time he showed up over here and got used to the ice and got used to the American League and NHL training camp, this young man has done real well. We always say that we reward the players that deserve it.”

Wolf has scored a dozen goals and 21 points in 35 AHL skates this season.

He’s sniped six of those goals during an active four-game scoring streak that obviously caught the eye of the big club.

Veteran winger Curtis Glencross skated Monday morning with injured rookie Sam Bennett. Hartley says Glencross may return at some point this week but added his squad needed to add some healthy skaters in the meantime.

“With Glennie injured, we wanted to make sure we had some extra bodies around,” Hartley said of the Adirondack airlift.

Wolf says he got the call following Saturday’s 4-1 win by the AHL Flames over the Rochester Americans, and he nearly broke down.

“When they told me I got called up, I almost started crying,” Wolf said. “It’s my dream. I grew up playing hockey back home. I know it’s going to be tough, especially for German guys. Our country is not as good at hockey as over here in North America.”

The 25-year-old is just thankful to be sharing the same sheet of ice as the big leaguers, and he’s eager to soak it all in.

“I appreciate that I can be here, and I can show myself to the coaching staff,” Wolf said. “They do some things different than downstairs in Adirondack. I just have to listen to the coaches and try my best every practice.”

Wolf used his big frame to his advantage in the AHL. That size is something that will endear himself to the Flames brain-trust.

“I’ll just play my game just like down in the AHL,” Wolf said. “Some games, you have to be physical, and there’s some games where you don’t have to be as physical.

“I’ll play my game — it’s worked out pretty good the last couple of games.”

When Wolf showed up in North America last fall, it was after a summer of hard training but little skating.

There’s not much ice in Germany in the summer, and it took Wolf awhile to skate himself into game-shape.

So he found himself behind the eight-ball at camp, when he was also adjusting to the non-Olympic-sized ice.

“It’s different than being on the ice back home,” Wolf said of his conditioning. “It was also the small ice. I needed 10 or 15 games to get into it. And now I know the game here, and I can play the game.”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 01.27.2015


Time for Calgary Flames' goaltenders Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo to step up

By Scott Fisher, Calgary Sun


Three’s a crowd.

Especially in a 6-foot semi-circle of blue paint.

Fortunately for Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo, there’s now only two bodies fighting for space these days.

Red-hot youngster Joni Ortio was sent down to the AHL Adirondack Flames just prior to the NHL all-star break.

And while the Flames recalled three players from the Baby Flames on Monday, Ortio wasn’t among them.

Flames head coach Bob Hartley says it’s crucial his ’tender tandem of Hiller and Ramo find the kind of rhythm it had earlier in the season.

“It’s vital,” Hartley said. “We have a chance to play games that will mean something for us.

“We all understand that goaltending is a big part of the game.

“We’ve said it right from the start of training camp. We feel those two guys can carry the load and win some games for us.”

Ortio went 4-1 during his impressive five-game stint, but Hartley says there was no plans to bring the Finn back to the Stampede City.

“Joni took advantage of an injury and got hot,” Hartley said. “We played him, but now Hills will start (Tuesday) and Karri is fully healthy, so we’re in good shape.

“The AHL is full of players who can come up and not only fill a roll but do a great job. Look at what Josh Jooris did for us early in the season. And he’s still here.

“Our two goalies just have to focus on their jobs.”

Hiller, who came on in relief of Ortio in the club’s last game in Anaheim, will start Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres at the Saddledome (7 p.m., Sportsnet West, Sportsnet 960 The Fan).

It’ll be his first start since Jan. 9, but he says he understands why he had the best seat in the house for the past couple of weeks.

“(Joni) was playing really well, and we were winning, so there was no reason to change,” said Hiller, who has lost three straight and hasn’t tasted victory since a New Year’s Eve win over the Edmonton Oilers.

“You want to have success as a team, and we had that. Now I’ll try to help the team have more success.

“We’re still in the (playoff) picture, and it’s a great position to be in. But from here, it’s not going to get easier. It’s probably going to get tougher.”

Maybe not so much Tuesday night when the NHL’s doormats visit the Dome.

But even though the Sabres have lost 11 straight — the longest futility streak in the NHL since the 2003-04 Pittsburgh Penguins dropped 13 regular-season tilts in a row — the Flames have good reason to be wary.

The Sabres beat the Flames earlier this season in Buffalo.

“We can’t give any presents away,” Hiller said. “We’ve gotta be ready no matter who we play.

“We have to bank up as many points as possible.”

Ramo hasn’t been between the pipes since getting injured against the Detroit Red Wings on Jan. 7, but he says Ortio’s performance doesn’t put any added pressure on him.

“Obviously, it’s been a long time since I had a full game,” said Ramo, who hasn’t posted a ‘W’ since Dec. 4. “So I’m excited to get back, but I don’t know when it’s going to be.

“There’s still one spot there in the net. It’s the same battle.

“It’s been the same way the whole year even if Joni hasn’t been here.”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 01.27.2015

764743 Carolina Hurricanes

Quick hits from Canes practice

Posted by Chip Alexander on January 26, 2015

What now for the Carolina Hurricanes?

The All-Star break is over and 36 games remain in the regular season. The Canes are 20 points out of playoff position, so that's out. What's the goal now?

"We want to continue to get better," Canes coach Bill Peters said after Monday's practice at PNC Arena. "There are a couple of areas we just have to maintain. Obviously we're happy with our penalty killing but we have to get our power play going a little better and improve in that area.

"We need to continue to score. We've scored a little bit more lately but when you look at it we're the second-lowest scoring team in the National Hockey League. We want to make sure we have that under control and get our D gapped up and active.

"There's a lot of things we can continue to do to lay a foundation moving forward. We want to continue to play well and make it hard on teams."

The Canes face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday at PNC Arena. Carolina lost twice to the Lightning in Tampa last month, both by 2-1 scores. It wasn’t much better last season -- the Canes lost twice to Tampa Bay on home ice and were beaten in overtime on the road.

-- Even though the Canes were 6-2-1 in January before the break, no one was complaining about having six days off.

"With our schedule, it's so busy and you have to take advantage of the days off," goalie Cam Ward said Monday. "At the same time you're excited to get back and get things going for the remainder of the season."

Ward and his family headed to Mexico and other players found warmer climes. Canes coach Bill Peters said he took his family to Fort Lauderdale for a few days.

"A last-minute decision to go and we're glad we did," he said. "It's your last chance to recharge and get dialed in for the home stretch."

The Canes won road games at Ottawa and Toronto before the break -- the first consecutive road victories this season.

"We left for the break on a really good note," Ward said. "The team has been playing extremely well and we want to keep a good thing going."

-- Defensemen Justin Faulk and Ryan Murphy missed practice Monday. Faulk was returning from the NHL All-Star Game in Columbus, and Murphy was to play Monday night in the AHL All-Star Classic in Utica, N.Y.

-- The Canes put in some power-play work before the full practice began, then went another 45 minutes on the ice.

The lines had Jordan Staal centering Eric Staal and Jiri Tlusty; Victor Rask at center with Nathan Gerbe and Elias Lindholm, Riley Nash with Jeff Skinner and Chris Terry and Jay McClement at center with Brad Malone and Pat Dwyer. Alex Semin rotated in with Malone and Dwyer.

With Faulk and Murphy missing, forward Andrej Nestrasil subbed in as a defenseman.

-- Peters did not name a starting goalie for the Tampa Bay game. Anton Khudobin was the winner against the Sens and Maple Leafs.

News Observer LOADED: 01.27.2015

764744 Carolina Hurricanes

Canes return, face uncertainty

By Chip Alexander

January 26, 2015 Updated 7 hours ago

RALEIGH — After six days off for the NHL All-Star break, the Carolina Hurricanes went back to work Monday.

Some players had new tans as they took the ice for practice. All seemed refreshed, ready for the rest of the season.

Ahead of them: 36 games and a lot of uncertainty.

The Canes, who will face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday at PNC Arena, are 20 points out of a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. For the sixth straight season, Carolina (16-25-5) stands to be an outsider when the Stanley Cup playoffs begin. Personnel changes soon could be on the way.

“We’re not going to win 32 of the last 36 or whatever, and so be it,” defenseman Ron Hainsey said. “But what we have to continue to worry about is what we can control, and that’s playing like we’ve been playing for a couple of weeks now and building up some wins.”

The Canes are 6-2-1 in January, winning their final two games on the road before the break. Carolina topped the Ottawa Senators 3-2, then it went into Toronto and beat the Maple Leafs 4-1 for its first back-to-back road wins this season.

“We want to show we’re a better team than our record shows,” center Jay McClement said. “We started to do that and unfortunately the break seemed to come when we were hitting our stride, so we’d like to pick up where we left off.

“For us, it’s just show up every night and not worry about anything else and playing the way we’re expected to play and the way this organization expected us to play right from the start.”

The Canes will go into the final 36 games with a healthy roster. It’s the team Bill Peters expected to have in his first season as an NHL head coach.

Peters said as training camp began in September, he believed the Hurricanes were a playoff-caliber team.

But center Jordan Staal suffered a broken leg during the second exhibition. Jeff Skinner had a concussion in another exhibition, Eric Staal was injured early in the regular season and Alexander Semin has missed games because of injuries and conditioning issues.

Jordan Staal returned Dec. 29 after missing the first 35 games. It’s now the group Peters had hoped to have the first 46 games.

“I like our group,” Peters said. “I know our group a lot better than I did in July. I like our group moving forward and like the pieces we have in place. There’s a lot of things to build upon, and that’s what we’ll do. … I don’t think we’re far away.”

Some moves likely will be made before the March 2 trade deadline. General manager Ron Francis has said some players who would become unrestricted free agents in July could be dealt to attain assets – whether players or draft picks.

Need a veteran defenseman who can move the puck and help on the power play? The Canes’ Andrej Sekera could be available.

Need a veteran center who can win faceoffs and kill penalties? McClement might be the one.

So it goes. Forwards Jiri Tlusty and Patrick Dwyer and defensemen Tim Gleason and Brett Bellemore also are pending UFAs.

“That’s just the way the business works,” McClement said. “There’s going to be a lot of speculation, especially with UFAs.”

Sekera said Monday he hoped to stay with Carolina and sign a new contract. Francis has had discussions with Sekera’s agent – as well as Tlusty’s – and that it’s a matter of finding the “right price and right term” for the two players.

Sekera’s contract, which the Canes picked up in the June 2013 trade with Buffalo, paid him $1.75 million in each of the past two seasons. The former Slovakia Olympian might be able to fetch considerably more on the free-agent market but said Monday he’s in no hurry to leave.

“I really like it here,” Sekera said. “Hopefully we’ll get something done.”

Until then, Sekera will play. On Monday, he sat taping the handles of his sticks, his mind on the final 36 games.

“We want to play our best hockey and see where it will take us,” he said. “Just go out, play hard, show character and make sure we feel good about ourselves.”

News Observer LOADED: 01.27.2015

764745 Chicago Blackhawks

Break's over for the Blackhawks as difficult trip begins

Posted: 01/26/2015, 03:33pm | Mark Lazerus

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Jonathan Toews admitted to being a little wary of all the responsibilities he was facing as an All-Star Game captain — drafting a team, slotting players in the skills competition, playing a game, plus all the media attention.

“I wouldn’t say nervousness, but just excitement — maybe anxiety surrounding the whole experience,” Toews said.

But he wound up thoroughly enjoying himself, and embracing the silliness of the whole weekend in Columbus. So even though he and his four Hawks teammates in the All-Star Game didn’t get to spend their break at home with their families or on a tropical island somewhere, they feel recharged all the same.

“We’re around the rink and stuff like that, but it’s still pretty relaxed,” said Brent Seabrook, who had his wife and son with him in Columbus. “I think the NHL has done a good job of not clouding our schedule too much. We’ve had a lot of downtime, so it’s been nice.”

Good thing, too. Because reality comes swiftly in the form of the annual ice show trip. The Hawks headed to Los Angeles on Monday for a couple of days of practice before visiting the defending Stanley Cup champion Kings on Wednesday, the league-leading Anaheim Ducks on Friday and the always-dangerous Sharks on Saturday. Then come games at division rivals Minnesota, Winnipeg and St. Louis before they finally see the inside of the United Center again.

The stretch run is here.

“It’s not going to be easy,” Toews said. “We knew that going into this weekend. It’s almost better that we don’t have a long break. I think it’s great to have a few days, but for the most part you don’t want to get too far removed from being in season, and tease yourself with relaxing for a few too many days. I think the guys will come back and use this break the right way. We’ll be excited to play [this] week.”

The Hawks have enjoyed plenty of success on these lengthy trips. They went 5-1-0 on the circus trip earlier this season, sparking by far their best stretch of the season. They went 3-1-2 on last year’s ice show trip leading into the Olympics, and went 6-1-0 on last year’s circus trip. And in 2013, their 4-0-2 ice show trip was the springboard to their record 21-0-3 start.

“Usually we’re good because we focus on one game at a time,” Patrick Kane said. “Try not to look too far ahead. That’s the biggest thing with these. We’ve had success in the past, hopefully that’ll continue.”

The Hawks restart the season tied with the Blues for second place in the Central Division, with Nashville clinging to a three-point lead (with two games in hand) as it tries to cope with the loss of star goaltender Pekka Rinne. Winnipeg is just two points back. So while a postseason berth isn’t at stake, seeding and home-ice advantage very much are. But of those teams, only the Hawks have had any real postseason success. That experience puts them in a good position for the playoff push.

“We’re in a good spot,” Seabrook said. “We’re in the playoffs and that’s our goal at the start of every year. We have a lot of games here still and we can improve our position. As of right now I think we’re happy with the way things have gone. We know we’ve left some points on the board but that’s all part of it, and we have to be better in games like that.”

Break’s over. Now the real fun begins.

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 01.27.2015


Storylines to watch in Blackhawks' second half

John Dietz

updated: 1/26/2015 9:01 PM

All in all, it was a good first half of the season for the Blackhawks.

Coach Joel Quenneville's squad -- despite hitting a couple of rough patches of ice -- is coming out of the all-star break at 30-15-2 and on pace for a 108-point season.

The Hawks deserve a hall pass if they fall into an occasional slump for numerous reasons, which include:

•�The fact that nearly every team facing them is looking to knock off one of the NHL's best and most respected squads. The Hawks are getting their opponent's best shot each and every night.

•�The season's a grind. No team can be at its best for 82 straight games.

•�The Hawks have played plenty of extra hockey the last two seasons -- 42 playoff games to be exact.

Come mid-April when the playoffs begin, nobody's going to remember that 7-6-2 start to the season or that 3-5 mark to begin play in 2015.

What transpires in the next 2½ months, though, should be entertaining as teams begin scratching and clawing for a playoff berth while others jockey for position.

As the Hawks get set to embark on a six-game road trip, beginning Wednesday with the defending champion Kings, here's a look at some intriguing second-half storylines.

Kane MVP?

Unlike last season, when Sidney Crosby won the Hart Memorial Trophy in a landslide (128 out of 137 first-place votes), there's no clear-cut front-runner to this point.

Among the top candidates, there's no one hotter than Patrick Kane. After a slow start, Kane has 18 goals and 23 assists in the Hawks' last 41 games and is probably playing the best hockey of his career.

So who is Kane's top competition?

•�The Flyers' Jakub Voracek (56 points) and Stars' Tyler Seguin (52 points) lead the NHL in scoring, but their teams will have a difficult time making the playoffs.

•�The Penguins' Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby are both tied with Kane with 51 points, but as teammates they may split a lot of votes.

•�Of course, you never want to overlook the Capitals' Alex Ovechkin, a three-time MVP winner who is second in the league with 27 goals.

•�Other candidates to this point have to be the Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko (24 goals, plus-23 rating); Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf (50 points, plus-12 rating); the Rangers' Rick Nash (tied with Seguin with league-best 28 goals); and Steven Stamkos, who has 26 goals and has helped lead the Lightning to an Eastern Conference-best 64 points.

Kane deserves to be heavily involved in the conversation. The Hawks don't rely on any one player for their success, but Kane's play stands out and he deserves more recognition for it.

Division storylines

Nashville (65 points, first place) -- The sprained knee suffered by goalie Pekka Rinne on Jan. 13 is expected to keep him out 3-5 weeks. Rinne leads the league in wins (29) and is third in goals allowed per game (1.96) and save percentage (.931). Nashville went 1-1-1 without Rinne, allowing 10 goals as backup Carter Hutton had an unsightly .876 save percentage.

Rinne figures to miss 5-11 more games -- many of which come against some stiff competition -- so it wouldn't be surprising to see Nashville in third place by mid-February.

St. Louis (62 points, second place) -- Few teams are hotter than the Blues, having gone 7-0-1 over their last eight games while pumping in 37 goals (4.6 per game) in that span. Led by Vladimir Tarasenko, they have a deep roster in which five players have hit double-digits in goals and two more have 9 each.

St. Louis' goaltender situation seems to be more stable as Brian Elliott (.930 save percentage) has been decent after missing a month because of injury.

Winnipeg (60 points, fourth place) -- Speaking of red-hot teams, how about those Jets? Winnipeg, which is getting big contributions from ex-Hawks Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien, is 6-0-1 over its last seven games. Credit executive vice president and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, who was the Chicago Wolves' GM for 12 seasons and the Hawks' assistant GM in their Stanley Cup 2009-10 campaign, for helping turn around a team that finished dead last in the Central last season.

The Jets, who own 3 wins against the Hawks this season, have a firm grasp on a playoff spot for now.

Hawks' key games

Ten games Hawks fans should circle on the calendar:

1. at Los Angeles, Wednesday. Quenneville's squad should expect a fiery bunch of Kings as L.A. is trying to avoid the embarrassment of becoming just the fifth NHL Stanley Cup champion to miss the playoffs the following year. Carolina, the 2006 champion, was the last team to suffer this ignominy.

2. at Anaheim, Friday. There's certainly no easing into the post all-star break schedule. This tilt is against the West's top team to date.

3. at Winnipeg, Feb. 6. Jets 1, Hawks 0; Jets 5, Hawks 1; Jets 4, Hawks 2. And all at the UC. No team has owned the Hawks like the Jets have. This is a must-see affair.

4. at St. Louis, Feb. 8. This game against a fierce division rival closes out the six-game Ice Show Trip.

5. vs. Pittsburgh, Feb. 15. Anytime Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin come to town, it's a treat for the fans.

6. vs. Detroit, Feb. 18. This is the only chance fans have to chant their favorite Detroit chant all season, barring an unlikely Stanley Cup Final matchup. The Hawks will attempt to avenge a 4-1 loss in November.

7. at Tampa Bay, Feb. 27. More revenge on tap as the East's top team (to this point) will have the 3-2 shootout loss from Nov. 11 on its mind.

8. at Winnipeg, March 29. Another chance for Quenneville's squad to prove it can handle the Jets.

9. and 10. vs. St. Louis, April 5; at St. Louis, April 9. As tight as the West figures to be down the stretch, these two games could mean a two- or three-seed move for both the Hawks and Blues.

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 01.27.2015


Judge scolds Bolingbrook man for selling fake Blackhawks tickets

Robert Sanchez

A Bolingbrook man who admitted to forging Chicago Blackhawks tickets avoided prison time on Monday.

But Edgar I. Kim didn't leave the DuPage County courtroom without getting an earful from a judge who apparently is an avid Hawks fan.

Kim, of the 800 block of Tamms Lane, was facing six counts of forgery after he was accused of selling phony tickets for regular-season Blackhawks games to three unsuspecting fans. But in a deal with prosecutors, Kim pleaded guilty to one felony count of forgery in exchange for the other charges being dropped.

As part of the plea deal, Kim was given two years of probation, ordered to spend 20 days in the sheriff's work alternative program and ordered to pay a total of $1,010 in restitution to the three victims.

Judge John Kinsella said he also wants Kim to write apology letters to the victims.

"I hope you feel some sense of shame," Kinsella said to Kim.

"It was a shameful act."

Kinsella said he personally has spent a lot of money to attend Blackhawks games. He said he would be very upset if someone had sold him fake tickets.

In the forgery case in which he pleaded guilty, Kim connected with the victim through Craigslist, according to prosecutors. The victim agreed to pay $250 for one ticket for the Dec. 27, 2013, game.

Kim and the victim then met a day before the game at a business in an unincorporated portion of DuPage County.

It wasn't until the victim went to the game at the United Center that he learned the ticket wasn't legitimate.

Kinsella said the victim had to drive to Chicago on a cold day, and spent $40 to park just to get turned away.

The judge told Kim to think about what that and the other victims went through as a result of his "outright fraud."

Kinsella told Kim he couldn't have expected to get away with the crime. Kim was taken into custody on May 16, 2014. He was released from jail after posting $1,000 bail.

"This is a pretty desperate act," Kinsella said.

"Examine what's going on in your life."



Hockey legend Denis Savard thrills young players

By Gilbert R. Boucher II

1/27/2015 12:54 AM

Like the Pied Piper, Chicago Blackhawks legend Denis Savard drew a following of excited young hockey players as he skated onto the ice Monday in Vernon Hills.

Savard coached a Chicago Blackhawks Youth Hockey day camp at Glacier Ice Arena for players ages 10 and under at the Mite and Squirt levels.

"It's always nice to be involved with the Hawks and the kids," Savard said. "We do a lot of things for youth hockey with the Blackhawks involved in the Chicagoland area. We want to make sure to help the kids in youth hockey. It's a lot of fun. It is our future and I remember being at their age."

After instruction from the Hall-of-Famer, about 70 pint-size hockey players, all dressed in Blackhawks jerseys, skated through drills and shot on goal, acting like their favorite Chicago players.

"I feel good about it because we get to skate with him in these jerseys," said 7-year-old Nick Coletta of Lake Zurich as he waited to go on the ice with Savard. "And it is so cool that you get to learn all these things from him."

Savard played in the National Hockey League from 1980 to 1997 and was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000.

Savard was the third overall pick in the 1980 NHL Draft by the Blackhawks and played with the team from the 1980 to 1990 and again from 1994 to 1997. He has also served as head coach of the Blackhawks from 2006 to 2008.

At the end of the clinic, Savard took time to talk with the kids and sign autograph, leaving a lasting impression with the young Blackhawks fans.



Quenneville recalls Dennis Rasmussen ahead of road trip

January 26, 2015, 9:45 pm

Tracey Myers

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Dennis Rasmussen wasn’t anticipating anything.

When coach Joel Quenneville said last week that the Blackhawks would recall a forward before heading on this road trip, Rasmussen wasn’t aware of it. He was just going about his business with the Rockford IceHogs.

On Sunday, however, it was Rasmussen who got the call. Yet as excited as Rasmussen is to be here, he’s still not building any expectations into what could happen in his time here.

Rasmussen was recalled from the IceHogs on Sunday, a day before the Blackhawks headed to Los Angeles for their six-game road trip. It was good news for Rasmussen, who has eight goals and eight assists in 44 Rockford games this season.

“It’s a pretty big opportunity for me to be here. Obviously I’m really happy,” Rasmussen said following Monday’s practice. “It’s my first time being called up and it’s fun to be here with the guys after being with them in [training] camp.”

If and when he plays, however, is up in the air. When the Blackhawks play the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, Quenneville plans to have the same lineup he did prior to the all-star break. If and when Rasmussen plays, Quenneville will likely use him at center, his primary position.

“He gives us some size up the middle,” Quenneville said. “He’s a responsible guy, a two-way type of center man. He’s strong, has a nice shot. We’ll see how he does up here. Certainly he can play some wing as well but we’re thinking center when he does play.”

Rasmussen isn’t coming up here with any expectations. If he plays, he’ll do what’s worked for him in Rockford.

“I try to be a two-way player, be responsible on both ends of the ice and just try to help the team as much as possible, winning pucks and using my speed to make good plays,” he said. “It’s a goal to play up here this year. I know it’ll be tough. But now I’m here and it’ll be fun. I’m going to do whatever it takes to help the team win.”



Blackhawks shake off rust ahead of six-game stretch

January 26, 2015, 9:30 pm

Tracey Myers

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Blackhawks didn’t spend a lot of time on the Toyota Sports Complex ice on Monday. After a long day of travel, it was more of a spinning-the-wheels type of a session.

At the same time, the Blackhawks need to get back on track quickly. The Los Angeles Kings await them on Wednesday, so the Blackhawks have to shed rust and get over the long travel day pronto.

“Right away,” Sharp said of how quick the Blackhawks need to be ready. “Today was a tough day. We just wanted to see everyone, taking a long flight and going into a good practice. We have three tough California games, a lot of divisional games. We have to get off to a great start out of the break.”

Patrick Kane was the lone Blackhawks All Star to join the team’s Monday skate. Jonathan Toews, Corey Crawford, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook will join Tuesday’s practice. The Blackhawks still weren’t playing their best hockey heading into the break but they got two victories nonetheless.

“I know the other games (prior to the break) weren’t ideal, and the game we played Pittsburgh wasn’t great, Arizona was better,” Bryan Bickell said. “Going into the break, I think our heads weren’t fully there. Now we’re refreshed, looking forward to the games.”

One player, however, still won’t be a part of this road trek. Kris Versteeg, who suffered a broken hand on New Year’s Day, was a possibility to join the Blackhawks on this trip. On Monday coach Joel Quenneville updated that, saying Versteeg will not play at all over the next six road games.

For the rest of the Blackhawks, the show must go on. It won’t be an easy stretch. The Kings are struggling right now, but they and the Blackhawks always have tough matchups, be it regular or postseason. The Anaheim Ducks are 8-2-0 in their last 10 games prior to the All-Star break, sporting a league-best 68 points. San Jose, Minnesota, Winnipeg — we all know how that series has gone this season — and St. Louis are also looming.

The long travel day is done and the All-Star break is over. Minds are cleared and bodies are rested. The Blackhawks had their time to refresh. Now they’ve got to quickly get ready for one of the more challenging stretches of games they’ll have this season.

“We have a lot of work on this trip,” Quenneville said. “These are six tough games in a row, as tough a six games you’ll face in any road segment through a year. You want to find that balance when you need it.”



Saad taking leap forward in development

January, 26, 20155:17PM CT

Powers By Scott Powers

Brandon Saad is starting to get this NHL thing.

Saad’s talent has been undeniable since his first NHL call-up as a 19-year-old by the Chicago Blackhawks. From physical strength to puck possession to defensive reliability, he’s proven to be a solid top-6 forward at an early age for one of the league’s premier teams.

Expectations have been placed higher than that, though. While there were spurts during his first two seasons when he showed he could be a game-changer and produce offensively, the thought has often been Saad is capable of even more considering his age and ability. Just wait until he figures it out, people would say.

Saad has begun to figure it out. He's lately playing his most productive and most consistent hockey since joining the league. He’s scored eight goals and registered 11 points over the last 12 games.

What Saad has learned and put to use during his recent run has been the usefulness of getting to net. It’s simple, but quite effective.

“I think a little bit more focus and determination about it,” Saad said recently. “Playing with [Jonathan Toews] and [Marian Hossa] and building some chemistry and making plays. But the biggest thing is getting to the net, tons of rebounds, just sitting around the net. You see players around the league with getting more goals and that’s how they’re going to come.”

Six of Saad’s eight goals have all come by putting himself in that area. Four have come off rebounds and two more by being ready at the net to knock in the puck off a pass.

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville has recognized a difference in Saad’s recent play.

“I think he’s around the puck a lot, going to the net more, getting open-side goals, stick’s on the ice,” Quenneville said. “He’s getting some free looks because he’s hard to contain. His quickness, whether it’s an odd-man situation, it’s getting him open space. He’s driving with it. He’s a threat off the rush. That line’s playing well together. But we had an ordinary start, but his game right now is what we’re looking for.”

Consistency has been what Quenneville has preached to Saad over the last few seasons. Saad displayed flashes of his potential, but he would disappear at other times. Some of those ups and downs were expected considering his youthfulness.

How Saad closes out the regular season will determine whether he’s truly turned the corner. Saad does believe he has, and the numbers indicate he’s at a level he’s never reached in the past. He’s had a plus-62 Corsi over the last 12 games and had 22 shots on goal over the last four games. He's also first on the team with 28 points in 5-on-5 play.

“I think the more I’m playing, the more experience I get, the more consistent I’m going to be,” Saad said. “This year has been pretty good so far. I’m looking to continue that throughout the second half.”

Toews has also witnessed Saad’s development. Toews and Hossa did a lot of the heavy lifting when Saad played with them as a rookie. Now, Saad is carrying his own weight and making the trio the Blackhawks’ most dangerous line.

“He’s getting better and better,” Toews said. “I think he’s really feeling that if he puts pucks on net, they’re going to go in. It’s good for our line. Regardless of how we score, we want him contributing. Good to see him playing the way he can and getting the results he deserves.”

ESPNChicago.com LOADED: 01.27.2015


Blackhawks gearing up for 'new season'

By Dan Arritt

Monday, January 26, 2015

LOS ANGELES -- The last time the Chicago Blackhawks exited an All-Star break, they lost their next seven games. It wasn't a stretch to believe the downturn actually began with them dropping their final two heading into the All-Star weekend.

This time around, the Blackhawks took a two-game win streak into the hiatus.

Is it possible that momentum might carry over, too?

We’ll have to wait and see.

"It's kind of a new season," defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson said after the Blackhawks wrapped up a 30-minute practice Monday evening at Toyota Sports Center. "It's going to be a little rusty the first couple shifts, but it’s just like riding a bike: After a while, you get right back into it."

Chicago will be in better position to answer whether it has sustained the pre-break momentum after its California swing, which begins Wednesday against the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings and continues Friday against the Anaheim Ducks before heading north Saturday to visit the San Jose Sharks.

The Blackhawks' most recent post-All-Star swoon came in 2012. The NHL didn't have an All-Star Game in 2013 due to a work stoppage. The Blackhawks then dropped their first game coming off the 20-day Olympic break last winter.

Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa weren't thinking about losing or retaining momentum when they showed up for practice Monday. Both said they were just looking forward to a competitive second half of the season.

"It was nice to clear the mind mentally, not think about hockey for a couple days," Sharp said.

Hossa, who had 10 points in the first 10 games of January after scoring seven in 13 December contests, said it was a relief to get away from the rink, even if the break came when he was playing some of his best hockey of the season.

"There's a second part of the season coming up and you want to [use the All-Star break to] recharge your batteries," he said. "It's going to be an all-out race to the end, and the games get tighter and tighter."

Sharp and Hossa were among the few big names who practiced Monday, with Jonathan Toews, Corey Crawford, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook not in attendance after playing in Sunday’s All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio. Kris Versteeg is not on the road trip -- which continues through Feb. 8 at St. Louis -- as he recovers from a hand injury.

There was one new face on the ice: Dennis Rasmussen, who arrived following his first call-up from the AHL. The forward won't play against the Kings, as Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said he wants to stick with the lineup that earned victories against the Arizona Coyotes and Pittsburgh Penguins prior to the break.

Sharp said the 24-year-old Swede has shown the makings of a great NHL player.

"We saw Ras in training camp," Sharp said. "He's an all-around centerman there. He's a good skater, he's got great offensive skills, takes pride in the defensive side of the game as well, so it was nice to see him on the plane today."

ESPNChicago.com LOADED: 01.27.2015

764753 Colorado Avalanche

Avalanche goalie Reto Berra: He’s baaaaaaaack

By Terry Frei

The Avalanche goaltenders at Monday’s practice were Semyon Varlamov and Reto Berra, who had returned to the Avalanche following his five-game conditioning stint with the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters.

And as of Monday night, Calvin Pickard still was on the Monsters’ roster after being sent down on Saturday. The AHL All-Star Game was Monday night in Utica, N.Y., and the league resumes play Thursday. The Avalanche has a light schedule over the next week, facing Nashville Tuesday and Friday, then not playing again until Feb. 3 at Dallas. The next “conventional” start for a backup goalie — whether it’s Pickard or Berra — probably would be in one of the road games on back-to-back nights, at Minnesota Feb. 7 and at Winnipeg Feb. 8.

After practice, I spoke with Berra, the 28-year-old Swiss who was 3-1-1 with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage for the Monsters. With Colorado, he is 2-2-1, with a 3.57 goals-against and a .882 save percentage, and he hasn’t played for the Avalanche since Dec. 5.

“It was really good for me to play five games,” Berra said. “Maybe also to get away for two weeks. But the biggest thing was to play again. That was huge. I feel really good now after those two weeks. That’s good for my confidence. Now I’m happy to be back. It’s a big difference from two weeks ago.”

Berra said he hadn’t been told when he might next start for Colorado, but he said his confidence is back.

“Oh, yeah, of course,” he said. “If not, I probably would not be here and be back now. I feel really good, I’m confident, I’m ready to go. My confidence is really good. I had really good games here. I played three games in three nights the first weekend and this week we played two games at home. I saw a lot of action, so it was great.”

His first game was notorious, since he scored a goal into an empty net in the Monsters’ victory over the Chicago Wolves. His shot down the ice was dead-center, perfect.

“That was a great feeling,” Berra said. “Every goalie dreams and thinks sometimes about it. In that game, they were just dumping the puck all night and I had a really good feeling that night. I played a lot of passes and stuff and at the end, we were two goals up, so they just dumped it in to me again and I just let it fly. You need luck too. But it was an awesome feeling. . . It was the first one I scored, but I tried it once in Switzerland and I missed the net.”

The Wolves were a bit peeved when he celebrated the goal and if he were a right wing who fired in a wrist shot from the circle.

“I was so emotional in that moment,” Berra said. “I don’t even know what I did. I just saw the whole bench standing up and leaning over, like they wanted to get high fives, so I said OK and went over. It’s a team sport. I went and high-fived my teammates. It’s normal after a goal. Maybe it was not the best thing, I don’t know. Some players from Chicago were angry but after a second, it was all good.”

Denver Post: LOADED: 01.27.2015

764754 Colorado Avalanche

Avs' Erik Johnson will sit up to 2 months

The Associated Press - • Published: January 26, 2015 •

DENVER - The Colorado Avalanche will be without top defenseman Erik Johnson for three to eight weeks due to a knee injury.

Coach Patrick Roy says the team received the update on Johnson after he had a scope Monday. Roy said Johnson was "disappointed by the situation." Roy also said he has a "lot of confidence in our group" and that it will mean "different responsibilities for some of our defensemen."

Johnson made the All-Star team, but didn't play over the weekend. The 26-year-old has a career-high 12 goals this season, with 11 assists, averaging 24 minutes.

Johnson was tied for the league lead in goals among defensemen at the time of his injury. According to the team's website, the 6-foot-4, 232-pound defenseman ranks first on the Avalanche in goals (tied), ice time (24:17), blocked shots (92) and power-play goals (3-tied).

The Bloomington, Minn., native led the team with six goals in December, the most by an Avs defenseman in a single month since Rob Blake scored seven in March of 2003. Johnson recorded a career-high four-game goal streak from Dec. 20-27, the first Avalanche defenseman to score in four consecutive games since Sandis Ozolinsh from Nov. 13-20, 1996.

Selected first overall by St. Louis in the 2006 Entry Draft, Johnson was acquired by the Avalanche on Feb. 18, 2011. Now in his seventh NHL season and fifth with Colorado, Johnson has 192 points (48g, 144a) in 450 career games. He led all Colorado defensemen with 39 points (9g, 30a) in 80 games last season, tying his career high set in 2009-10 with St. Louis.

At the international level, Johnson represented the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics, helping the Americans capture the silver medal. He has also competed for Team USA at two world championships (2007, 2013) and two world junior championships (2006-07).

Colorado has some work to do to climb back into playoff contention. The team is 10th in the Western Conference, three points out of the last playoff spot.

Colorado Springs Gazette: LOADED: 01.27.2015

764755 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets: Second-half push for playoffs will be all uphill

By Aaron Portzline The Columbus Dispatch • Monday January 26, 2015 10:11 PM

Oh, right. The regular season.

After a weekend bathed in radiant glow, Nationwide Arena was a chaotic deconstruction site yesterday, with workers loading crates, moving risers and removing signage after All-Star Weekend in Columbus.

Amid this, the Blue Jackets got back to work after a four-day break yesterday, knowing they need an incredible second-half run if this season is to have any meaning.

The Jackets host the Washington Capitals at 7 tonight in Nationwide.

“We have 37 games to go,” general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. “We have to win 25 of them to give ourselves a chance. That puts us in the mid-90s (in points).

“It’s not going to be easy, we know that. But we’ve done it before.”

The Blue Jackets have ended the past two season on stunning runs, barely missing the playoffs in 2012-13 and finishing as the No. 7 seed last season.

They recently tore through December with a 10-1-1 record.

“It’s in us,” right wing Jared Boll said. “We’ve shown we can do it.

“We’re not happy where we’re at. And it doesn’t look good, if you do the math. But we know it’s possible. It’s just important for every guy in this room to do more, to play better. We have to bring it every night.”

There are two huge hurdles in front of the Blue Jackets.

They entered play a whopping 14 points behind eighth-place Boston in the Eastern Conference, an almost insurmountable deficit even though Columbus has played three fewer games than the Bruins.

This might be the more damning view: the Blue Jackets are two teams and 12 points ahead of last-place Buffalo, and 14 points and four teams behind the Bruins.

Right now, the Blue Jackets are closer to the basement than a playoff seed.

“Hopefully the guys took this (All-Star break) to get away, enjoy themselves and miss the game, miss being at the rink a little bit,” center Brandon Dubinsky said. “We need to be re-energized for what’s going to need to be a pretty special push here, if we’re going to find a way to get in.”

That gap would be hard to close with a healthy Sergei Bobrovsky, but the All-Star goaltender will miss 4 to 6 weeks because of a groin injury.

That means the Blue Jackets face their next 12 to 20 games without their best player.

“That’s just the way things have gone for us this year,” Dubinsky said. “You have to play with the cards you’re dealt. It’s a big opportunity and a big task. It’s a big hole. We’ve always been fighters. No matter what happens, we’ll fight to the end.”

The Blue Jackets recalled goaltender Anton Forsberg and right wing Josh Anderson from minor-league Springfield yesterday.

Asked how the McElhinney-Forsberg rotation might work with Bobrovsky on the shelf, coach Todd Richards said, “It’s Curtis’s ball.”

“His play has been very good. He has been solid, made some big saves at big moments and has won some big games for us. And he did that last year, too.”

In his past six outings, McElhinney is 3-1-0 with a .937 save percentage and 2.03 goals-against average. That includes a 34-save, 3-1 victory in Boston on Jan. 19 that snapped a four-game losing streak.

“It’s going to be a matter of us getting results on a nightly basis,” McElhinney said. “For us, we need results right now.”

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 01.27.2015


Blue Jackets notebook: Richards enjoys All-Star festivities as a fan

By Shawn Mitchell The Columbus Dispatch • Tuesday January 27, 2015 12:20 AM

Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards had intended to spend All-Star Weekend away from Columbus, lounging for a couple of days at a resort in western Pennsylvania with his wife, Maryann.

Instead, he elected to stay in Columbus and soak in the experience with his family. For one weekend, coach became fan.

“It was a different experience, when you’re up on the concourse walking around before the game,” said Richards, who even did some shopping in the arena Blue Line store.

“You take it for granted sometimes how all these people get in those seats. Where did they all come from? It’s a credit to everyone behind the scenes. It was a great, great event.”

Richards said he spent time on Saturday in the All-Star Winter Park in McFerson Commons, when he watched the Under-18 AAA Blue Jackets play the Cleveland Barons on the outdoor rink.

“That was just as the 5k was finishing, so there were lots of people down there,” Richards said. “It was great. And we spent time in stores and tents, just talking to people.”

And the snow slide on Nationwide Blvd.?

“I didn’t trust myself to go down the slide,” Richards said.

On Sunday, Richards made appearances at the Fan Fair in the convention center and attended the All-Star Game.

A half-speed game and its record 29 goals made him cringe, as it would any NHL coach.

But Richards, a three-time International Hockey League All-Star, understood.

“You want to put on a show,” he said. “It’s about entertaining. But coaches and goalies probably feel the same way.”

Another honor

Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen was named the NHL’s first star of the week after scoring two goals and adding two assists during his MVP performance in Sunday’s All-Star Game and winning the Breakaway Challenge event in Saturday’s Skills Competition.

Johansen has 17 goals and 26 assists in 45 games and leads the team in points and assists. He is the only NHL player to have had two points streaks of 10 games or more this season, including a 13-game streak that ended last week that is the longest in the NHL this season.

Bobrovsky placed on IR

As expected, the Blue Jackets placed All-Star goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky on injured reserve and recalled goaltender Anton Forsberg and forward Josh Anderson from minor-league Springfield.

Bobrovsky is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks because of a groin injury, the team said.

Forsberg was selected to start in tonight’s American Hockey League All-Star Game in Utica, N.Y., but was pulled from the event after Bobrovsky was injured on Wednesday.

“I wanted to be there, too, but it’s better to be (in Columbus),” Forsberg said.

Slap shots

Defenseman Ryan Murray (knee) and center Artem Anisimov (torn triceps) practiced yesterday but are not expected to be cleared to play tonight against Washington, Richards said. … Goaltender Curtis McElhinney is expected to start against the Capitals. “Right now, it’s McElhinney’s ball,” Richards said. “There is confidence in Curtis that he is going to step in and do the job.”



NHL: Honda provides Ovechkin with Accord for charity

By Shawn Mitchell The Columbus Dispatch • Tuesday January 27, 2015 5:11 AM

The seemingly strange wish of Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin to be picked last during the NHL All-Star fantasy draft on Friday doesn’t seem so strange anymore.

Ovechkin made it known during the draft that he wanted to win the booby prize of a Honda Accord that came with being one of the final two picks.

It didn’t happen — Ovechkin was selected by Team Foligno with the 35th pick — but his efforts captured the attention of a Honda representative.

It turns out that Ovechkin wanted the car to donate to the Washington Ice Dogs, a program in Laurel, Md., for children and young people with developmental disabilities. Ovechkin had formed a bond with one of the team’s players, and he saw it as a chance to help. That was not known by Honda or the NHL on Friday, however.

“Everyone was wondering why a guy like him wanted a free car,” Honda North America spokesman Chris Abbruzzese said.

So Honda reached out to the NHL and learned why, Abbruzzese said. They met with Ovechkin and his representative on Saturday and came up with a plan: If Ovechkin did not win the Accord that came with being named the All-Star Game MVP on Sunday, Honda would provide him with another. Ovechkin was presented with a giant key and the promise of a new Accord after the game.



Blue Jackets, Capitals at a glance

Tuesday January 27, 2015 5:11 AM

Staff

Blue Jackets at a glance

• Past 10 games: 4-6-0

• Power play: 24.3 percent (fourth in NHL)

• Penalty kill: 79.5 percent (19th)

• Injury update: G Sergei Bobrovsky (groin), LW Brian Gibbons (knee), RW Nathan Horton (back) and LW Boone Jenner (back) are out; D Ryan Murray (knee) and C Artem Anisimov (triceps) are doubtful; LW Matt Calvert (illness) is probable.

Capitals at a glance

• Past 10 games: 6-2-2

• Power play: 24.4 percent (third in NHL)

• Penalty kill: 79.5 percent (21st)

• Injury update: D John Erskine (neck), D Dmitry Orlov (wrist) and LW Aaron Volpatti (neck) are out.



Around the NHL: Penguins’ Crosby won’t play in game tonight

Tuesday January 27, 2015 5:11 AM

Staff

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby will miss a game tonight against Winnipeg after undergoing treatment for a lower-body injury.

Coach Mike Johnston said there’s a possibility that Crosby could return on Wednesday, when Pittsburgh plays at Washington. Crosby, a two-time NHL MVP, received an injection to deal with the injury on Thursday, causing him to miss the All-Star festivities over the weekend at Nationwide Arena.

Center Evgeni Malkin did not practice with his teammates yesterday and is out indefinitely, also with a lower-body injury.

Johnston said he didn’t know how much time Malkin will miss.

Kings release Richards

The Los Angeles Kings released Mike Richards, perhaps ending their relationship with the veteran center, who has lost his scoring touch.

If the Kings can’t work out a trade for Richards, he could be assigned to their American Hockey League affiliate in Manchester, N.H.

Richards was a key part of the Kings’ two Stanley Cup championship teams in the past three seasons, playing a responsible two-way role and providing leadership. But his plummeting offensive production hasn’t matched his exorbitant contract for years in Los Angeles, which acquired him from Philadelphia in 2011.

Richards, who turns 30 next month, has only five goals and 10 assists in 47 games this season — not the numbers expected of a player with a $5.75 million annual salary-cap hit for the next six seasons.

The Kings are in need of a lineup spark after hitting the All-Star break in ninth place in the Western Conference.

Notable

• �The Colorado Avalanche will be without top defenseman Erik Johnson for three to eight weeks because of a knee injury.

Coach Patrick Roy said the team received an update on Johnson after he had a scope yesterday.

Johnson made the All-Star Game but was unable to participate. The 26-year-old has a career-high 12 goals this season.

• �The Buffalo Sabres suspended rookie defenseman Nikita Zadorov for failing to report to the team on time following the All-Star break.

The Sabres did not say how long the suspension would last, but general manager Tim Murray said he anticipates allowing Zadorov to rejoin the team sometime this week.

The penalty was handed down after Zadorov missed yesterday afternoon’s practice.



Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky placed on injured reserved

FOX Sports Ohio

JAN 26, 2015 11:41a ET

Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have placed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky on Injured Reserve retroactive to January 21, recalled forward Josh Anderson and added goaltender Anton Forsberg to the roster on emergency recall from the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced today.

Bobrovsky, 26, suffered a groin injury on January 21 at Winnipeg and is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks. Selected to play in his first NHL All-Star Game prior to the injury, he has posted a 16-15-2 record with a 2.85 goals-against average, .913 save percentage and one shutout in 33 games this season. The Novokuznetsk, Russia native and 2013 Vezina trophy winner is 69-46-13 with a 2.39 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and 10 shutouts in 129 games with Columbus and 111-69-23 with a 2.52 goals-against average, .918 save percentage and 10 shutouts in 212 career NHL games with the Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers.

Anderson, 20, made his NHL debut on January 16 against the New York Rangers and has suited up in four games this season, recording seven shots on goal, 17 hits, two penalty minutes and averaging 13:24 time on ice. He has added 4-7-11 and 58 penalty minutes in 39 games with Springfield. Columbus' fourth pick, 95th overall, in the 2012 NHL Draft, he posted career highs in goals, points and penalty minutes with the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights in 2013-14, collecting 27-24-51 and 81 penalty minutes in 59 games. The Burlington, Ontario native registered 62-60-122 and 192 penalty minutes in 191 career OHL games and also represented Canada at the 2014 World Junior Championships.

Forsberg, 22, who recorded 26 saves in his NHL debut on November 1 in a 3-2 loss at New Jersey, is 0-1-0 with a 5.30 goals-against average and .841 save percentage in two games with Columbus this season. The Harnosand, Sweden native was selected to participate in the 2015 AHL All-Star Classic after posting an 18-7-1 record with a 2.04 goals-against average, .927 save percentage and two shutouts in 27 games with Springfield. Columbus' sixth pick, 188th overall, in the 2011 NHL Draft, Forsberg has gone 21-7-1 with a 1.94 goals-against average and .930 save percentage in 31 career AHL games since making his North American professional debut with the Falcons late last season.

The Blue Jackets return to action on Tuesday when they host the Washington Capitals. Game time from Nationwide Arena is 7 p.m. ET. Live coverage on FOX Sports Ohio begins with the Blue Jackets Live pre-game show at 6:30 p.m.

(Blue Jackets Press Release)

foxsportsohio.com LOADED: 01.27.2015

764761 Dallas Stars

Heika: Stars need to start picking up games they 'deserve' to win

MIKE HEIKA

Published: 26 January 2015 09:12 PM

Updated: 26 January 2015 09:12 PM

While the Stars are getting close to realizing their potential, but close isn’t good enough when you’re peering through the window at the playoff teams.

In the Stars’ last five losses, they have either dominated play or had a chance to win but have frittered away precious points. Dallas begins play after the All-Star break with a 21-18-7 record and a three-game Canadian road trip that starts in Montreal on Tuesday.

“The defending part of our game has been better, the energy and skating part has really been good through a very demanding part of the schedule,” Stars coach Lindy Ruff said. “We’re going in the right direction.”

On one hand, the right direction doesn’t always get you points. On the other hand, it’s a lot better than what the Stars were doing earlier in the season. But can the Stars take the next step and start winning games they seemingly “deserve” to win? Well, that’s a big question.

“We’ve put ourselves in the situation where we’re cutting a pretty fine line,” Ruff said. “We’re going to have to win these games that we dominate. It’s not going to do any good for me to stand here and tell you how good we played when we didn’t win.”

And while the power play and offensive finish have been huge problems in this stretch, the Stars believe they can’t lose structure in search of more goals. If the Stars take care of the puck and reduce chances against, they’ll probably have the puck more. If they have the puck more, they could earn more power-play chances. If they earn more power-play chances, they feel sure they’ll capitalize.

“We’re getting close, that’s for sure,” center Jason Spezza said. “If we keep working, we’ll find a way to get the puck in.”

If they do that, then the rest of the plan seems pretty smart. Remember the Stars swapped out defenseman Sergei Gonchar with Montreal for winger Travis Moen earlier in the season and also traded defenseman Brenden Dillon to San Jose for defenseman Jason Demers, so the defense is still coming together. There’s a good chance Trevor Daley returns from missing three games with an undisclosed injury, giving Ruff a more veteran lineup.

In addition, winger Patrick Eaves is expected to return after missing 21 games with an ankle injury, and winger Brett Ritchie could come back from missing three games with an undisclosed injury.

“They’re good to go,” Ruff said.

If the Stars are getting healthy, they should be better as a team at game details.

“Defensively,” Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski said when asked how the team can improve. “That’s what happens as the season goes on, games get tighter and tighter as teams get ready for playoffs, and that’s the name of the game. It’s definitely something we need to work on.”

Of course, it can’t all be defense.

“The guys that have to make a difference on the power play and get all those shots, are going to have to finish,” Ruff added. “Special teams is going to be a really big deal. Goaltending is going to be a really big deal.”

Little improvements in a lot of areas could be the key to swinging a few of these close games to the Stars’ favor, and that is huge right now. If they could have only swung two or three of the last five losses their way, they’d be looking at things completely differently right now.

“If we are going to make a push,” center Vernon Fiddler said, “we are going to have to find ways to win.”

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 01.27.2015

764762 Dallas Stars

Stars recall Jamie Oleksiak, Jyrki Jokipakka from AHL for road trip

MIKE HEIKA


Updated: 26 January 2015 12:55 PM

The guess is Trevor Daley (upper body) is not yet ready to return to play, so both defensemen are recalled for the upcoming road trip.

Here is the press release:FRISCO, Texas - Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the club has recalled defensemen Jamie Oleksiak and Jyrki Jokipakka from the Texas Stars, Dallas' development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Oleksiak, 22, has registered eight points (1-7=8), eight penalty minutes and 28 shots on goal in 31 games for Dallas this season. The Toronto, Ontario native has skated in six games with Texas this season, posting four assists (0-4=4) and a +4 plus/minus rating. The 6-foot-7, 250-pound defenseman was selected by Dallas in the first round (14th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.

Jokipakka, 23, has appeared in 19 games for Dallas this season, posting five assists (0-5=5) and 16 shots on goal. The defenseman has registered five points (3-2=5) in 17 games for Texas this season. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound native of Tampere, Finland was selected by Dallas in the seventh round (195th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.


764763 Dallas Stars

Stars' Tyler Seguin, Leafs' Phil Kessel can't contain laughter when they are traded for one anotheragain

SPORTSDAYDFW.COM


Updated: 26 January 2015 11:00 AM

The NHL All-Star game might not be the most popular event that hockey holds in the regular season - we'd give that nod to the Outdoor Classic every year - but the format in which the All-Star teams are chosen is the best of any professional sport.

It's old school. Each team has some captains and they choose their player, regardless of what league they're in, just like everyone used to do on the playground as kids. The draft is normally cut and dry. You pick until everyone is chosen.

But team captain Nick Foligno decided to change things up this year. He traded Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin for Maple Leafs winger Phil Kessel. The two could barely contain their laughter.

Why is that?

Back in 2009, Kessel was a member of the Boston Bruins. The team ended up trading Kessel to the Maple Leafs for a first and second-round pick in the 2010 draft, and a first-round pick in the 2011 draft. One of those picks ended up being Seguin, who Boston traded away after three seasons.

After being chosen 2nd overall by #TeamToews, @PKessel81 was traded to #TeamFoligno for @tseguinofficial. #NHLAllStarpic.twitter.com/orIVWnQj1b

- NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 24, 2015


764764 Dallas Stars

He said it: Stars coach Lindy Ruff talks power play and John Klingberg

MIKE HEIKA


Updated: 26 January 2015 11:00 AM

With the All-Star Break here, we have a chance to go back and empty the notebook a little. Some of these quotes have already appeared on the blog or in a story, but since we have the time and space, why don't we give you the entire interview.

Here, Stars coach Lindy Ruff talked on Jan. 16 about his power the day after it went 0-for-7 in a 2-1 loss to Winnipeg.. He also chats about young defenseman John Klingberg at the end.

What are you seeing in your power play right now?

"I look at our entries, and they have improved over last year. Even last night, I thought the entries on a whole were good. We had one miscue that cost us. We had real good zone time. I thought after watching the game again, we were a little bit light on the "A" chances, but they stayed in pretty tight. I thought we missed the net on some plays. You watch pucks go in on different power plays with wrist shots and redirections, we didn't have much puck luck when it came to our power play last night, but we did have some point-blank opportunities that should be in the back of the net. I think these last, probably the last three games, there's been some real good zone time. The setup has been good, the finish has been lacking."

How do you make decisions on who plays on the power play?

"It's really based on who's hot. With Goose (Alex Goligoski) for a good period of time when he was playing through his injury, he wasn't very effective on it. Hemmer (Ales Hemsky) we started the year and in the second month tried to get him more first-unit time and then we really struggled, so then we thought we get him the second unit where with Segy (Tyler Seguin) and Spezz (Jason Spezza) kind of in the same spot and Bennie (Jamie Benn) plays where Ales would normally play, you got more pieces than you got places."

Is having more pieces than places frustrating?

"It's not frustrating for me. I think it's an opportunity. Like for me, I get a little frustrated when we overstay our power play, because I think it takes some time away from our other guys, and I like to see 50 seconds out of the first group and then you got a chance that they can hit the ice again with 25 seconds left. Sometimes, you can't help that if you've got great zone time, but I think if you've gone up the ice and had some time, you've gone up the ice again, you shut down, get off and let that next group get at it. I think sometimes when you're frustrated as a goal scorer, you tend to overstay and we've done a little bit of that lately, which has hurt us."

Do players have some say in strategy?

"It is really based on what they do. We'll suggest certain plays…whether we can go low. When the down-low stuff is taken away, we've looked at some other options on the entries. We've got three or four. I think that's really helped us. I think for a period of time, you saw our double drop, which was effective. Now that it's single drop, we've added another one recently that got us a breakaway last night. The other unit with Hemmer and the way they break out, he's created some good opportunities off the rush, so depending on what the (other) team wants to do in the neutral zone, we try to adjust every game and give them the best option to get in."

Have you thought about playing John Klingberg more on the power play?

"Yeah, well sometimes Klinger, he overcooks it a little bit and his is a learning process. A young guy sometimes thinks he can get away with a little more…sometimes quicker puck movement and wrist shots to the net. Even bringing the puck up ice, that first read is important, which I think he's accustomed to doing it as well as we need it, but it's something that he's got to be a top power play guy. You need him. You give him time, he'll be a top power play guy."

Do teams better understand what Klingberg's strengths are now?

"Now teams know what he's doing. Now teams aren't going for some of the little jukes and jives. Even a couple times last night, I thought he got stalled out because they did a good job fronting him and he didn't move it. Those are situations where I want him to move that quick. I think those plays were opening up for him. I think when other teams are scouting us and probably showing some video, I think he's making some of the highlight clips now where before probably he didn't, because there's some goals that were scored where the other team will say don't let him get away with this."

What's the process for the coaching staff with young players?

"Some of it is patience. Some of it is just patience. It's knowing that sometimes the young guys, their one mistake is noticed more than the old guy's one mistake. For me, it's trying to show patience. Like the first goal (where Klingberg missed a man crashing the net), for me it's a tough one. It's a tough one you don't want to see anybody make, but it's a tough one that a young D, maybe not quite ready to play, not quite ready to get his coverage. Here's where we need to get better and you work with him, you talk to him. I thought he had struggled for a couple games and I spent some with him. I thought he bounced back with a two-goal game. I thought last night for me he had two great opportunities to put in the back of the net. One was just unlucky, it caught the top of Pavelec's stick or it's going in. The defending part for me is the thing that I want him to take care of first and he understands that. He understands when he's not playing well defensively."


764765 Dallas Stars

Team MVP for first half an easy call

By Travis L. Brown

01/26/2015 7:12 PM

01/26/2015 11:25 PM

It didn’t take a two-goal, two-assist performance as Dallas’ only representative in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game to prove that Stars’ center Tyler Seguin was the team MVP of the season’s first half.

Seguin shares the league lead in goals (28) and is second in points (52) to Philadelphia’s Jakub Voracek (56).

Seguin also leads the league with 17 goals at home, three more than second best Rick Nash of the New York Rangers.

His effort leads a Stars team that sits fourth in the league in goals per game at 3.09.

“Seguin has had a great first half and we’re going to need him to do the same in the second half,” teammate Jason Spezza said. “He’s a dynamic offensive guy. We’re going to push him to try and keep scoring goals and producing offense for us.”

Star-Telegram LOADED: 01.27.2015

764766 Dallas Stars

Three best, worst things about first half of Stars’ season

By Travis L. Brown

01/26/2015 7:52 PM

01/26/2015 11:26 PM

Defenseman John Klingberg has provided six goals, 12 assists and a bright future for the Stars’ blue line. Defenseman John Klingberg has provided six goals, 12 assists and a bright future for the Stars’ blue line.

Three best

1. Tyler Seguin: The 22-year-old forward has developed into the offensive threat Stars general manager Jim Nill hoped for when he traded for him before the 2013-14 season. He leads the league in goals with 28 and is second in points with 52.

2. John Klingberg: The rookie defenseman was first called up before the Stars’ Nov. 11 game against Arizona and has proved himself the puck-carrying defenseman the Stars have been looking for over the past few seasons. Klingberg sits sixth on the team in assists with 12 and 10th in points with 18.

3. The 7-1 win over Minnesota: The Stars confirmed they were on the right path to close out first half of the season with a dominating 7-1 offensive performance on Jan 3 at American Airlines Center. Forward Vern Fiddler led the charge with two goals, followed by a one-goal, one-assist performance from both Erik Cole and Seguin. It was the eighth win in nine games for Dallas.

Three worst

1. Kari Lehtonen: The man who has been the heart and soul of almost every Dallas win over the past two seasons is the worst in the league in goals against, allowing 110. Coach Lindy Ruff said he believes Lehtonen can find his former self to help Dallas push its way into the playoffs.

2. Ales Hemsky: Hemsky was slated to be one of the key additions to the Stars over the off-season, providing another scoring touch to a team that was carried offensively last year by only Seguin and Jamie Benn. Hemsky didn’t score a goal until Nov 28 and has posted just 18 points to date.

3. The power play: Dubbed the “Super Nova” power-play line of Seguin, Benn, Hemsky, Spezza and a defenseman, the Stars’ power play, on paper, was tabbed as one of the best in the league. Dallas sits 26th in the league with the man advantage, converting 15 percent of their power play chances.

Star-Telegram LOADED: 01.27.2015

764767 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings' Teemu Pulkkinen scores in AHL All-Star Game

By Kirkland Crawford, Detroit Free Press 11:48 p.m. EST January 26, 2015

Teemu Pulkkinen had a goal and an assist in the Western Conference's 14-12 win over the East in the AHL All-Star Game tonight in Utica, N.Y.

Pulkkinen was representing the Grand Rapids Griffins and was selected for the game before getting called up to the Wings.

Red Wings rookie defenseman Xavier Ouellet was also picked for the game but did not play.

The 23-year-old Pulkkinen started at right wing for the West. He had an assist on the team's second goal in the first period. He then scored the West's fourth goal of the second period.

Pulkkinen has 21 goals and 22 assists in 43 games in Grand Rapids, one point behind first in the AHL in scoring. With Detroit, he has one goal in six games.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 01.27.2015


Wings' Babcock after break: 'It's like starting all over'

By George Sipple, Detroit Free Press 9 p.m. EST January 26, 2015

Henrik Zetterberg, the Red Wings captain, talks about getting back to action following All-Star break. Video by George Sipple, DFP.

The Detroit Red Wings returned to practice this afternoon at the Taylor Sportsplex before heading to Florida for a two-game trip. The Wings play the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.

"Any time you've been off as long as we have, it's a grind out there," said Wings coach Mike Babcock, adding that taking care of the puck will be important as the team plays for the first time since the All-Star break.

The Wings come out of the break riding a five-game winning streak.

"That's over with," Babcock said. "To me, we got a new game here. It's like starting all over."

The Wings will be tested between now and the end of February. Eleven of their next 14 games are on the road.

"Just get started here on time and make sure we're focused," Babcock said.

■ On the mend: Forward Tomas Jurco (back) made it through the team practice and could be a game-time decision against the Panthers, depending on how he feels in the morning.

"It was my first full practice," Jurco said today. "We'll see how I feel tonight and tomorrow and we'll see.

"I gotta make sure its 100% ready. For sure since Day 1, it's huge progress. I've been doing some exercises and of course the medicine (helps). It's way better now. Hopefully, I'll be back soon."

He hasn't played since Jan.6 at Edmonton, when he left the game with back pain. He has two goals and 10 assists in 37 games this season.

Jurco said he is still dealing with some soreness.

"It's going to take some time to get it really strong, but of course I'm going to be back before that," he said.

■ Notebook: Goaltender Tom McCollum remains with the Wings, although Jonas Gustavsson (shoulder) practiced today. …Goaltender Jimmy Howard (groin) skated for 15 minutes before the Wings practiced. Howard said he hasn't seen a replay of the injury. Howard said he has had no setbacks, so he is still a couple weeks away from playing. ... Johan Franzen (headaches) did not practice.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 01.27.2015


Red Wings flying high out of NHL All-Star break

Gregg Krupa, The Detroit News 9:14 p.m. EST January 26, 2015

Detroit — They exit the All-Star break fourth in the NHL in points, and while some express surprise, many Red Wings players say they expect that level of performance.

They just believe they are that good.

As long as the key factors — better health, good goaltending and the continued development of younger players — remain constant through April, playing in a conference final for the first time in six seasons is not an entirely unreasonable expectation.

What would seal the deal is a more consistent performance, the Red Wings say.

At times, their goals have come by the bushel. But at those times, they have given up more.

When they have clamped down defensively, often the goals elude them.

Moderating those ebbs and flows and establishing evenness of play as a hallmark would help prepare them for a deeper playoff run.

"Compared to last year, we're more healthy and I think a little bit deeper," Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg said. "Special teams are a little bit better.

"We're doing a lot of good things, but we have to keep winning games," he said, emphasizing constancy, despite the five-game winning streak they ride into the first post-break game today, against the Panthers.

"There's a lot of way, left. We know that Montreal and Tampa will win games. We know that Boston will win games, so we need to keep playing well."

Feeling confident

Consistency is at a premium, especially when the powers that be have spent nearly more than a decade engineering parity among the teams, there is so little room for offense on the ice and portions of the Red Wings roster remain in development.

As he reviewed the first three months and anticipated the next three, Zetterberg considered the variations.

"We went through a stretch this year when we didn't score many goals, at all," he said. "I think since the road trip on the West Coast (Jan. 3-7), we started to play solid. We did the right things, played good defense and special teams was a little bit better, the power play started to get some goals and we just kind of got going, here."

But as the break came, frustratingly inconsistent performances against the Sabres and Wild, and a sudden deterioration of their stellar penalty kill caused concern.

Two of the Red Wings whose improvement this season is helping drive the success are unsurprised by it, and say they feel confident.

"A few ups-and-downs, but as far as the season's gone so far, I think we've done a pretty good job," said forward Darren Helm, whose 47 games (8 goals, 12 assists) are already the most he has played in any of the last three seasons.

"We've had a team that's been healthy for the most part, and we've done great things with the team not being healthy.

"I think we've got a deep team. We're a pretty hard-working team that skates and plays pretty hard."

"It's hard work, but things are paying off."

If he can play at this pace, garnering 15 or 16 goals and remaining healthy for the playoffs, Helm will be a significant contributor.

Players are motivated

Recalling the successes of the past two seasons as the roster began to transition, with the upset of the Ducks in the playoffs and going up 3-1 on the Blackhawks before losing in seven, and the persistence against a plague of injuries last season, many of the Red Wings believe that is their level of play.

"We kind of knew what we had in this locker room," said forward Justin Abdelkader, whose 26 points are two fewer than his career best, and whose 11 goals are one more than he tallied in each of the past two seasons.

"Obviously, everyone outside of this locker room and the organization was kind of doubting us, and questioned whether we could make the playoffs. And, we still have a long way to go, but we know what we have in the locker room and we know what we are capable of, night in and night out."

Considerable motivation proceeds from the way last season ended, with solid performance by a playoff-inexperienced roster against the Bruins that remains a sore point.

"I think we all kind of had a chip on our shoulder from last season, you know, the way it finished off for us," Abdelkader said of the 4-1 elimination by the Bruins in the first round after the Red Wings won the first game.

"We were really disappointed.

"Even the last few years, we felt like we had a team that could compete for the Stanley Cup Finals, or for the Stanley Cup, and we kind of fell short."

The sense of the dressing room seems that whether they are surprisingly good or not is for others to consider, and they want in February and March to give themselves the best opportunity for a deeper run in the playoffs

"The regular season is obviously important, and getting points while we can, because you don't know what's going to come your way as far as injuries and adversity and what not," Abdelkader said.

"So, it's been a nice stretch for us. We've put ourselves back in the mix with the top teams in the NHL."

Detroit News LOADED: 01.27.2015


Rested, rusty Red Wings ready for return to ice

Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 5:26 p.m. EST January 26, 2015

Taylor — They were rested and ready to play again.

The Red Wings hit the ice Monday at Taylor Sportsplex, concluding a five-day All-Star break, excited to begin the final push of the regular season.

"It was nice to get a few days and get away from it a little bit," Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg said. "But we're right back at it and we're looking forward to playing in a game."

Which happens Tuesday night when the Red Wings visit South Florida to play the Panthers. The two-game trip concludes Thursday against the Lightning.

As Monday's practice continued, some of the rust wore off from the extended break. And maybe all of the NHL games played Tuesday will not be works of art.

"(But) the good thing is it's the same for all the teams," Zetterberg said. "Obviously we're not used to having five days off, and even though it's great for the body and energizes you, it's not optimal to come back and play right away (after a lengthy break).

"But it's the same for all the teams and it's going to be fun."

The Red Wings play five of their first six games out of the break on the road and 11 of their next 14 away from Joe Louis Arena.

Coach Mike Babcock is looking at the short-term, in five-game segments, rather than looking at the schedule as one long final push to the end.

"A priority for us is to get started on time and make sure we're focused," Babcock said. "We feel we're a confident group that has a pretty good understanding of how we have to play and we have to get back to do that again.

"I don't get hung up in where the games are. We have a game in Florida (Tuesday) and we'll get there and we have to play well."

Howard goes on ice

Jimmy Howard (slight groin tear) skated for about 15 minutes before practice but isn't setting a timetable for a return.

Howard suffered the injury Jan. 10 10 in Washington and the original timetable was Howard being out for about a month.

Howard indicated that's likely to be correct.

"I'm definitely making strides," said Howard, who will make the trip to Florida. "It was nice to get back out there. Basically I just did some skating, but I haven't been on the ice since the injury so I'm just trying to get my feet under me."

Howard said he was able to begin walking up and down stairs a week after the original injury, he's been working out, and feels the original four-week timetable seems realistic.

"I haven't had any setbacks," Howard said. "We want to be cautious, but at the same time I want to get back out there as quick as possible."

The great outdoors

The Red Wings will play at Coors Field in Denver Feb. 27, 2016, facing the Avalanche, it was announced during All-Star weekend.

The opportunity to play in another outdoor game was greeted with excitement by everyone around the Red Wings.

"That's good for our franchise, good that you have enough respect nationally and across North America that you can be a draw," Babcock said.

Said Zetterberg: "It's going to be special. To be outdoors, it's going to be a great atmosphere. But it's a long ways away."

Ice chips

Tomas Jurco (back) skated in practice but looks to be a game-time decision against the Panthers.

…Johan Franzen (concussion) didn't practice and there's no timetable for a return.

…Jakub Kindl (elbow) and Jonas Gustavsson (shoulder) practiced but could be another a couple of days from being activated.

Detroit News LOADED: 01.27.2015


Detroit Red Wings recharged during All-Star break, looking to get 'dialed in' for final 35-game push

Ansar Khan on January 26, 2015 at 10:03 PM

DETROIT - After spending the second half of the past two seasons battling to make the playoffs, the Detroit Red Wings hope to be competing for the top spot in the Eastern Conference during the stretch run this year.

The five-game winning streak they rode into the All-Star break puts them in a good position. But they're still not playing their best hockey, according to coach Mike Babcock.

"We've won some games, but I don't think we've played our best hockey in these last few at all," Babcock said. "I feel we're a confident group that has a pretty good understanding of how we have to play and now we got to get back and do that again."

The Red Wings returned to practice Monday following a five-day break. They will play 11 of their next 14 games on the road, starting Tuesday in Florida and Thursday in Tampa Bay.

"Just get moving again and get dialed in," Babcock said. "Obviously you want to get off to a good start. Anytime you've been off as long as we have, it's a grind out there. It doesn't matter if you rode the bike or ran on the treadmill. So taking care of the puck your first game is the key to success. You don't want to be chasing the game."

Much rust can collect in less than a week.

"It's quite a bit," defenseman Niklas Kronwall said. "It does feel a little bit weird putting the skates on and starting to skate again. Five days without skating, that's a long time but it's the same thing for everybody. We've got to make sure that we're dialed in tomorrow."

Said captain Henrik Zetterberg: "We're not used to having five days off, but even though it's nice for your body, and you can rest up and get energized again, it's obviously not optimal to come back and play right away, but it's the same for all of the teams."

The Red Wings (27-11-9) are tied with the New York Islanders, who they will host on Saturday, for second in the East, one point behind the Lightning.

"If you look at our division, the teams ahead of us are winning games, the teams behind us are winning games, so you have to keep winning if you want to be in the hunt," Zetterberg said.

They've overcome lousy periods in each of their past two games. They fell behind 3-0 to Buffalo on Jan. 18 before rallying for a 6-4 win. They blew a three-goal third-period lead vs. Minnesota two nights later before winning 5-4 in a shootout.

This is their longest winning streak since February 2012, but Babcock said that's irrelevant.

"To me, we got a new game. It's like starting all over," Babcock said. "We got a 35-game push here and let's get started. These next five games are real important."

Justin Abdelkader said the season seems to go by quickly following the break.

"It's important to get going right away," Abdelkader said. "All teams, first day back, are going to be a little rusty (Tuesday) and in the first few games. It's almost a race to the finish, and I think we set ourselves up in a good position."

The Red Wings are 4-1-0 in their past five road games.

"It's always nice playing at home but you got to learn how to win as a team on the road," Abdelkader said. "As you move towards playoffs those road games can really turn a series. We look forward to going on the road and hopefully playing well and continuing where we left off before the break."

Michigan Live LOADED: 01.27.2015


Red Wings' Jimmy Howard gets back on the ice, still hoping to return in a couple of weeks

Ansar Khan

on January 26, 2015 at 6:04 PM, updated January 26, 2015 at 6:06 PM

DETROIT - Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard was back on the ice Monday, a huge step considering how he was feeling 16 days earlier when he injured his groin.

Howard skated for about 15-20 minutes before practice at the Taylor Sportsplex as the team returned from its five-day All-Star break.

All Howard did was skate, saying he's "just trying to get my feet back under me." He accompanied the team on its trip to Florida - the Red Wings play the Panthers Tuesday and the Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday.

He is not setting a target date for his return but believes he can still be back within the original estimate of two-to-four weeks. The injury, a slight tear in his groin, happened 1:53 into a 3-1 loss at Washington on Jan. 10.

"We're just going to keep following the timetable, 3-4 weeks, and hopefully it just keeps getting better," Howard said. "We want to be cautious, but at the same time we want to get back out there as quickly as possible."

Howard isn't sure how the injury happened. He hasn't even watched a replay.

"I don't know if it was when my foot hit the post or when I extended," he said. "I heard something pop and found out the next day I had a tear."

It's not as bad as it originally appeared to be, when he needed to be wheeled off the Verizon Center ice on a stretcher.

"At first (he thought it was real bad) because I was in so much pain," Howard said. "But after a week I was able to go up and down the stairs again, so it was kind of nice."

The injury occurred about an hour after he was named the team's only representative for the All-Star Game in Columbus.

"Stayed here over break, rehabbed it, worked out and got stronger I think every day," Howard said. "We're just going to keep the process going of treating it and working out and try to up the skating a little more each day."

He's delighted to see Petr Mrazek step in and continue to play well in his absence.

"Petr's been doing a tremendous job," Howard said. "It allows me to heal up and (not have to) possibly come back too early and then have another issue on our hands."

Jurco practices but not sure when he'll play

Forward Tomas Jurco practiced Monday for the first time since lower back pain forced him to leave after the second period Jan. 6 in Edmonton.

Chances are he's going to need a few more practices before being inserted into the lineup.

"We'll see how I feel tonight, tomorrow," Jurco said. "I felt good. It wasn't too hard, but it's different in a game. I need to make sure I'm ready."

Jurco said he's made huge progress thanks to medication and exercises. The back has been bothering him for some time.

"I want to get where it was better than before I was playing," Jurco said. "I think it's a few more days. It's still sore. I'm doing some exercises for lower back, abs and hips. It's going to take a while to get it really strong, but of course I'll be back before that."



5 things to watch: Detroit Red Wings ride five-game winning streak into tough portion of schedule

Ansar Khan

on January 26, 2015 at 6:01 AM, updated January 26, 2015 at 6:03 AM

DETROIT - Aside from a couple of rotten periods against Buffalo and Minnesota in their final two games before the All-Star break, the Detroit Red Wings are playing their best hockey of the season.

The Red Wings (27-11-9) have won five in a row, their longest winning streak since February 2012.

But their schedule gets tougher coming out of the break, when they play 11 of 14 games on the road. It starts with three games this week against teams that have given the Red Wings trouble in recent years -- at Florida Tuesday, at Tampa Bay Thursday and home vs. the New York Islanders on Saturday.

Here are five things to watch this week

1. Florida sliding out of playoff contention

The New York Rangers, Washington and Boston have distanced themselves from Florida in recent weeks. The Panthers (20-14-10) are winless in four (0-3-1) and are seven points behind the Capitals and Bruins for the final wild card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Panthers have won both meetings this season from the Red Wings (4-3 and 3-2 in a shootout, both at Joe Louis Arena). Florida is 5-2-0 vs. Detroit since the start of last season, winning three times in a shootout.

Florida has difficulty scoring, with only two players in double figures in goals - Nick Bjugstad (15) and Jimmy Hayes (13).

2. Division lead on the line in Tampa Bay?

Thursday's game at Tampa Bay could be for the Atlantic Division lead, at least temporarily.

Tampa Bay (30-14-4) has won three in a row and is 10-3-0 in its past 13, but leads the Red Wings by only one point.

The Lightning are the highest-scoring team in the NHL (3.21 goals per game). Steven Stamkos is fourth in the league with 26 goals, two behind leader Tyler Seguin of Dallas.

The Lightning are 5-1-0 vs. Detroit since the start of last season, winning twice in shootouts and once in overtime.

3. Trying to solve the Islanders

The New York Islanders have been one of the worst teams in the league the past two decades (one playoff appearance in seven seasons; haven't won a playoff round since 1993). But they play well against the Red Wings, going 7-1-0 in their past eight vs. Detroit, since March 2009. That includes three shutouts.

This year, it appears the Islanders (31-14-1) are a real threat to win the East. They are 5-1 in their past six games. They are second in the league in goals per game (3.15), led by John Tavares (21 goals, 45 points) and Kyle Okposo (14 goals, 44 points).

The off-season acquisitions of Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy have given the Islanders a more mobile, dynamic defense. They've combined for 11 goals and 43 points.

4. Most injured players not expected back this week

Jakub Kindl is due back this week from a sprained elbow, but he's not likely to get into the lineup as long as Xavier Ouellet is on the roster. The club can keep Ouellet around by putting Tomas Jurco on injured reserve after Kindl is cleared.

Jurco (lower back pain) has resumed skating but hasn't begun practicing with the team, so his return this week is questionable.

Johan Franzen (concussion-like symptoms) and Jimmy Howard (groin) hadn't begun practicing before the break, so they're not likely to return this week.

5. Penalty kill needs tightening

The Penalty kill, one of the club's biggest strengths all season, has slipped the past couple of weeks. The Red Wings have allowed at least one power-play goal in four consecutive games and seven of nine in January (20 for 29, 69 percent). They rank sixth in the league at 84.6 percent.



Forget five-game win streak ... Red Wings are starting over

By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily

Posted: 01/26/15, 6:25 PM EST |

TAYLOR >> The Detroit Red Wings come out of the All-Star break winners of five games in a row.

That means nothing to coach Mike Babcock after the team returned to practice Monday at Taylor Sportsplex.

“That’s over with,” Babcock said after the 40-mintue practice. “To me, we’ve got a new game. It’s like starting all over. We’ve got a 35-game push here and let’s get started. These next five games for us are real important. If I’m not mistaken four of them are on the road, so let’s get off to a good start and do well.”

The Wings embark on a pretty tough schedule off a five-day break playing 11 of their next 14 on the road starting Tuesday night at Florida. That’s followed with a game at Tampa Bay Thursday before returning home to face the New York Islanders.

“It’s always a challenge to go on the road, but you’ve got to stick with what you do,” Niklas Kronwall said. “We’ve had a lot of games on the road just after Christmas and I thought we did a fairly good job of sticking with it. We’ve got to get back to work here and do the right things.”

All three teams of the Wings’ next opponents have given them trouble in recent years.

Florida has won both meetings this season against Detroit, both played at Joe Louis Arena. The Panthers are also 5-2-0 since the start of last season against the Wings. Three of those wins were in a shootout.

Tampa Bay is 5-1-0 against Detroit since the start of last season, while the Islanders are 7-1-0 in their past eight against the Wings.

“You’ve got to win games,” Henrik Zetterberg said. “If you look at our division, the teams ahead of us are winning games and the teams behind us are winning games so you have to keep winning if you want to be in the hunt.”

The Wings have 63 points through 47 games and are just a point behind Tampa Bay for the overall lead in the Eastern Conference.

“I feel we’ve won some games, but I don’t think we’ve played our best hockey in these last few at all,” Babcock said. “I feel we’re a confident group that has a pretty good understanding of how we have to play and now we got to get back and do that again. I don’t get all hung up on where all the games are, we’ve got a game in Florida (Tuesday) and we’re going to get there and try to play well.”

-- Tomas Jurco (lower back pain) took part in his first full practice since leaving after two periods against Edmonton on Jan. 6. It’ll all depend how he reacts Tuesday morning if he’ll be back in the lineup.

“I felt good,” Jurco said. “It wasn’t too hard, but it’s different in a game. Way different. I need to make sure I’m ready then I can go.”

-- Jimmy Howard (groin) skated on his own briefly for the first time since getting injured on Jan. 10. He’ll make the road trip to Florida.

“I don’t want to say anything just yet,” Howard said when asked about a possible date for his return. “We don’t know what’s going to happen in the near future. We’re just going to keep following the timetable we have, 3-4 weeks and hopefully it just keeps getting better.”

-- Jonas Gustavsson (shoulder) and Jakub Kindl (sprained elbow) practiced. Both are most likely out Tuesday, which means defenseman Xavier Ouellet will remain in the lineup and goalie Tom McCollum with backup Petr Mrazek.

-- Johan Franzen (concussion-like symptoms) did not practice.

Macomb Daily LOADED: 01.27.2015


Don't bet on Saskatoon event to be Gordie Howe's final public appearance

KEITH GAVE

JAN 26, 2015 5:06p ET

Gordie Howe's transformation from early December until now is nothing short of extraordinary.

Gordie Howe and his extended family are still planning to join other Canadian hockey royalty in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Feb. 6 in what is being billed as Howe's "final public appearance ever."

Howe's children, grandchildren and siblings will attend, along with Wayne Gretzky and several local and national dignitaries in an event sponsored by the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon, the local chapter of a national service organization. Among the evening's highlights: The announcement that a local rink, the Kinsmen Arena, will henceforth be known as the Gordie Howe Kinsmen Arena.

Only one little issue surrounding all the hype surrounding this event, however: It may not be Howe's final public appearance.

That's how well he is responding after stem cell therapy in Mexico on Dec. 8 helped him rise from his death bed and give him his life back. The 86-year-old hockey legend is now stick-handling beanbag pucks around his daughter's home in Lubbock, Texas. He can throw and catch a football with either hand (like he could before a serious stroke on Oct. 26 robbed him of mobility along most of the right side of his body).

He can form short sentences, respond accurately to basic questions and tell "little three-minute stories," son Murray Howe said. Recently, Gordie pushed a shopping cart around the grocery store. And on another day, he and Murray walked about a half-mile at a local mall -- stopping several times for short breaks.

And best of all, Gordie Howe absolutely knows who he is as well as his role in the hockey universe. Ask him about "Mr. Hockey," Murray said, and Gordie points to himself.

So the Saskatoon appearance, once thought to be impossible because of his poor health, is definitely on. Howe will travel from Lubbock to Saskatoon in a private jet and sit among other VIPs for the 55th Annual Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Dinner before a sold-out crowd.

"If the Howes are asked to speak, it'll probably be me or Mark," Murray said of his Hall of Fame brother, the director of pro scouting for the Red Wings. "I don't expect my dad to make a speech, but he has been known to grab the microphone on occasion, and I wouldn't put it past him."

The transformation from early December, when the Howe family estimated Gordie's time was measured in a few weeks, if not days, until now is nothing short of extraordinary. Murray described it as a Christmas miracle. But the folks at Stemedica Cell Technology in San Diego, California, call it routine. They see results like these in patients frequently, which is why David McGuigan, vice president of Marketing and Business Development, urged his bosses to reach out to the Howe family after learning that Gordie had suffered a stroke.

McGuigan's first job out of college at the University of Michigan was as director of Amateur Hockey Development, a program of his creation involving injured and retired players holding clinics for college and other amateur groups, in the late 1970s under then Wings General Manager Ted Lindsay. That's when he first met Howe, who at the time was pushing 50 and still playing professional hockey.

When Stemedica first contacted the Howe family in late November they were keenly interested, Murray Howe said. But then Gordie was hospitalized again with what was first diagnosed as another stroke. Later, doctors determined that his system was severely dehydrated. By then he was so feeble the family feared it might be too late for such treatment.

foxsports.com LOADED: 01.27.2015

764776 Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers’ return from NHL all-star break spurs ‘huffing and puffing’

By Joanne Ireland, Edmonton Journal January 26, 2015 7:57 PM

EDMONTON — There has never been a way to avoid the muscle-burning, lung-busting sensations that have followed every break he’s taken, so Jordan Eberle knew all too well what was coming when the Edmonton Oilers returned to the ice on Monday.

“If you take two days off, you feel like you’ve never played hockey before when you get back on the ice. Today was definitely a tough day. We were huffing and puffing,” he said after the Oilers’ afternoon practice session wrapped up at Rexall Place, signalling the end of the NHL all-star break.

“I always find when you take a few days off and you get back out there, it’s going to suck, plain and simple, but by tomorrow, we’ll be back to normal.”

The Oilers, who haven’t played since their 5-4 shootout win over the Washington Capitals a week ago, return to Rexall Tuesday to host the Minnesota Wild in one of several games on the National Hockey League schedule.

It will be the first of the final 35 games the Oilers have left to play before making yet another early exit, but with the team on a stretch that has seen them scratch out a record of 5-4-2, Eberle said it’s as good a time as any to pick up where they left off.

The Oilers defeated the Capitals and the Florida Panthers before the players and staff scattered for their five-day break.

Eberle headed to Banff; Rob Klinkhammer and his wife spent time readying a room for their first child, who is due to arrive in March. Others sought out some sunshine, while head coach Todd Nelson elected to kick back for a few hockey-less days.

Heading into the break, he said there was a niggling thought in the back of his mind that the break could snap the modest momentum the team had been building, but in the end, he figured the opportunity to recharge was of more benefit.

“It was a good break for everybody. Guys seemed recharged and energized,” said Nelson. “Sometimes, the first practice back after time off gets really sloppy, but today that was not the case. It was a pretty good day.

“We want to make sure we don’t lose what we’ve gained, so this is an excellent opportunity to keep the ball rolling here.”

Between now and the season finale against the Vancouver Canucks on April 11, the Oilers roster could change again with the trade deadline set for March 2. David Perron and Mark Acrobello were already shipped out in deals for Klinkhammer and Derek Roy, and Matt Fraser was claimed off waivers bumping Steve Pinizzotto to the AHL.

But Nelson said what may or may not happen in the weeks to come isn’t something he’s thinking about. His focus is on the task at hand, which is pushing the Oilers to a point where they can compete consistently.

“I do think we’re starting to play the right way,” said Klinkhammer. “We still have a long way to go; we still need to find consistency, but it’s going in the right direction.”

“If we can keep it going, I really like where our team is headed,” said Eberle. “This is an opportunity for us to keep playing well and to feel confident about what we’ve got going next year. Right now, we just feel really good about the way we’re playing as a five-man unit.”

OIL DROPS: Taylor Hall was struck by a puck during Monday’s session and left the ice, favouring his left leg. He returned for a short spell then left the ice again. Nelson didn’t expect it was anything that would keep Hall out of the lineup for the game against the Wild ... Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who was at the all-star game, was travelling Monday and was not at practice.

Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 01.27.2015


Cult of Hockey: Oilers don’t deserve Connor McDavid, you say? Preposterous

By David Staples, Edmonton Journal January 26, 2015

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers franchise is now considered such a bad joke that there’s a considerable buzz that Edmonton simply doesn’t deserve to draft phenom Connor McDavid should the team end up with the first-overall pick in the 2015 National Hockey League entry draft.

This notion was stated most forcefully by former Nashville Predators beat writer Josh Cooper, now an editor with the Puck Daddy blog. Cooper recently ranted that Edmonton and Buffalo “aren’t worthy” of getting McDavid or American phenom Jack Eichel:

“For the love of God, please Arizona and Carolina tank,” Cooper said. “Tank worse than you’ve ever tanked before in your history. Do all in your power to make sure Eichel and McDavid don’t end up with Edmonton and Buffalo, the two poster children for crapola franchises. We need one of you to save hockey in the desert. We need the other to be the heir apparent to Eric Staal and bring back the playoff hockey tailgates we knew and loved in Carolina’s runs to the Cup Final. The last thing we need is for either to end up in Edmonton/Hoth or the recovering industrial paradise known as Buffalo — though one would get a ton of national TV love with the latter. To paraphrase Wayne’s World — you’re not worthy.”

Cooper goes on to decry the Oilers’ handling of Nail Yakupov and Leon Draisaitl.

A provocative argument from Cooper, but there are five things to keep in mind.

1. First off, the Oilers don’t have a great chance of getting Eichel or McDavid. My own bet is interim head coach Todd Nelson is going to get close to a point per game out of the weaker quality of competition Edmonton will face in February, March and April.

2. Edmonton is bad, but not as bad as many commentators believe. If Edmonton was in the Eastern Conference, it might even be in playoff contention. Edmonton’s record against Eastern teams is 9-7-1 this season.

3. Edmonton is much colder and more desolate than Hoth, the icy world depicted in the 1980 movie Stars Wars: The Empire Stikes Back.

4. Given his lack of hockey sense, Yakupov was going to struggle wherever he went. It’s certainly possible that former Oilers coach Dallas Eakins wasn’t the best pick to develop Yakupov and the other young Oilers stars, but Eakins is now gone.

The handling of Draisaitl was just fine. He got a taste of the NHL, didn’t get overwhelmed, looked OK-ish on the ice, now knows more about what it will take to succeed, and is back in major junior where he can dominate and grow.

He’s fine. He’ll be fine.

5. Cooper is imprecise when he says Edmonton is not worthy. In fact, owner Daryl Katz is not worthy, as he’s owned the least-successful NHL team on the ice since he took over in 2008.

That said, and in fairness to Katz, it’s worth pointing out that not every major hockey team he owns has done poorly. The Oklahoma City Barons have become an annual contender under Katz’s ownership, while the Edmonton Oil Kings won the Memorial Cup last spring.

Where Cooper’s argument really falls apart, though, is his suggestion that Edmonton itself isn’t worthy of McDavid or Eichel.

Cooper could not be more wrong. Yes, the Edmonton Oilers franchise is defined by its owner, but even more so by its extraordinarily loyal, fanatical and knowledgeable fans.

Edmonton is a hockey mecca. It’s where numerous brilliant hockey players have been born and raised up. It’s the city of Gretzky, Messier, and the greatest attacking team that ever was.

It’s not some place that’s never produced even one decent hockey player. It’s not a big, football-mad city that will only, really, maybe give a hoot about hockey if it’s got a winning NHL team or a hockey superstar in town.

Cooper isn’t alone in this belittling of Edmonton as an NHL market, but the jab doesn’t line up with the reality of Edmonton as a hockey hotbed and source of players. When the new downtown arena opens in 2016, this critique will be even more out of whack with the facts.

So Edmonton less worthy of a hockey superstar than non-hockey towns like Phoenix and Carolina? That’s utterly preposterous.

Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 01.27.2015


Oilers winger Jordan Eberle likes the U-23 squad proposed for World Cup of Hockey

By Derek Van Diest, Edmonton Sun


EDMONTON - He may be too old to be considered for the team, but Jordan Eberle likes the idea of an Under-23 squad at the next World Cup of Hockey.

The NHL announced the tournament would return in September, 2016 with a new format featuring the Under-23 team and an All-star team of European players otherwise not represented in the tournament.

“I like it, it definitely sets up more opportunity for more talent to make it,” Eberle said. “It sucks for guys like me or Hallsy (Taylor Hall) that are going to be just outside of the box. But I think for fans and building the game, this is another opportunity to do that, showing the best of the best against each other.”

National teams from Canada, the United States, Russia, Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic will join the two All-star teams at the event to take place in Toronto.

Eberle, 24 and Hall, 23, will be eligible to play for Canada. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, 21, will be eligible for the Under-23 team.

“It definitely will be different if you are chosen to be on that team,” Eberle said. “But there will be motivation to beat those other teams. I love the perspective for the fans.”

BRACING FOR CHANGE

With the Oilers out of the playoff race and trade talk heating up after the All-star break, the team is expected to have a slightly different look by the end of the year.

The Oilers have been stuck at the bottom of the NHL standings all season, which should prompt GM Craig MacTavish to make changes heading into next year. However, head coach Todd Nelson is not worried about who might stay and who might go, heading into the last 35 games of the year.

“I’m not concerned with that,” said Nelson. “From a personnel perspective, that’s Craig’s duty. I haven’t spoken with him over the last couple of days. As of right now, I don’t foresee anything going on.”

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 01.27.2015


Oilers out of playoff picture but aim to keep generating positive outcomes

By Derek Van Diest, Edmonton Sun


EDMONTON - The Edmonton Oilers returned from the NHL All-Star break well-rested and ready to tackle the remainder of their schedule.

The problem is, they really don’t have much to play for.

In what is becoming an all-too-familiar story, the Oilers are well out of the playoff race and are simply playing the remaining 35 games of the year for pride, attempting to build a solid foundation for next year.

It’s pretty much what they did last year and the year before, and the year before that.

“I don’t know if it’s a similar position,” said Oilers winger Jordan Eberle. “It is standings-wise, but as the way we are playing with the new coach, I think it’s been a little different. We’re starting to find an identity, we’re starting to play a little bit better and if we can find a couple of results, we can finish the season very strong.

“I really like where we are heading into next season. It’s really an opportunity for us to keep playing well and feel confident about what we got going next year.”

The Oilers went into the break on a modest two-game win streak after shootout victories over the Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals. It’s the first time the team has won back-to-back games since victories over the Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers on Nov. 7 and Nov. 9, respectively.

Under Todd Nelson things are seemingly getting better. The Oilers won five of the 11 games Nelson has been solely in charge behind the bench.

Prior to that, the Oilers had won three of 22 games under Dallas Eakins, who was fired on Dec. 15.

“I think more than anything we feel confident about our game,” Eberle said. “We’re playing better as a five-man unit. Systematically, from a viewers’ standpoint as well, people are coming up to me and say, ‘You guys look like you’re playing as a team. You’re playing as a five-man unit together.’ Not to mention we’ve had a few lines going offensively. I think if we continue to play like that, we’re going to have a chance every night.”

Unfortunately for the Oilers, it’s far too little, far too late.

What was expected to be a positive season by the organization turned into another farce with the Oilers stumbling out of the gate and never being able to recover.

General manager Craig MacTavish was forced to admit to his mistake and fired Eakins less than a year and a half into a four year contract, bringing Nelson in for mop-up duty.

Nelson may have the team trending in a different direction, but there is plenty of work to be done to make this a competitive club.

How much work will be determined in the last half of the year.

The Oilers head into the backstretch of the season facing the Minnesota Wild, Tuesday (7:30 p.m.) at Rexall Place before hosting the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.

“We want to make sure we don’t lose what we’ve gained,” Nelson said. “It starts in practice once again. (Tuesday) is an excellent opportunity for our team to keep the ball rolling here. We have a couple of games here at home and we want to keep playing the way we have and also improve on that.”

With the big-picture goal of making the playoffs lost, Nelson will centre the focus on the everyday things that make a team competitive. It starts with higher-tempo practices and concentrating on the details of the game.

“From our staff’s perspective, we want to make sure the players understand why we’re winning games,” Nelson said. “It’s because we’re working harder in certain areas and we’re having better execution. That needs to continue.

The players are understanding that and they worked hard (in practice) Monday.”

Collectively, the Oilers do not have much to play for coming out of the break, but individually, there are still plenty of motivating factors.

The Oilers are expected to be active as the NHL trade deadline approaches and there are jobs on the line.

“We have to focus on just playing the right way and playing for each other,” said Oilers centre Derek Roy. “You don’t build a championship team overnight, it takes years and it takes a lot of learning and a lot of progress. We have a lot of young players that need to learn, who are doing so and are moving in the right direction.

“It’s not about contract or anything like that, it’s about learning as a team and winning as a team.”

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 01.27.2015

764780 Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers hope to recapture momentum as NHL returns from All-Star break

By George Richards

01/26/2015 7:43 PM

01/26/2015 9:03 PM

Even though they are seven points out of a playoff spot, the Panthers feel they are a postseason contender as the unofficial second half of the season kicks off Tuesday.

Florida opens its post-All Star break with a tough matchup straight out of the chute as Detroit visits BB&T Center.

Although the Panthers have won both of their matchups against the Red Wings, Detroit is currently in second place in the Atlantic Division and just one point behind Eastern Conference leading Tampa Bay.

“The league is so balanced these days, you see teams come and go out of playoff spots,’’ goalie Roberto Luongo said from the All-Star Game this past weekend.

“You just have to get hot. We were collecting points every night and were still barely in. When you lose, you lose ground pretty fast. We can’t look at the big picture right now because you don’t want to be overwhelmed by the standings. We just have to take care of our business, and the standings will take care of themselves.’’

The Panthers had hoped to ride a wave of momentum into the All-Star break but lost their final four games.

Florida then watched Boston pick up three of an available four points to put the Panthers seven points back.

And even though the Panthers have played four fewer games than the Bruins, a number of national media members don’t see Florida catching Boston — or anyone else holding a playoff spot for that matter.

“I love their team this year, but things have been tough on them lately,’’ said E.J. Hradek of NHL Network.

“I think the eight playoff teams are already set, it’s just a matter of things being shuffled around. Now, last year, Toronto fell off a cliff. If someone else does that this year, Florida could be able to get back into it. I like this team though, I like their big picture in Florida. They’ve stayed the course, and they look good.’’

The schedule should play into Florida’s favor a little bit — it finishes the season with five games at home — although the competition in the coming weeks is going to be rough.

Even though it looks like a break when Columbus visits Thursday, Florida is winless in two games against the Blue Jackets this season.

After finishing off two games at home this week, Florida plays three games in four days on a tough New York trip that has the Panthers facing the red-hot Rangers and Islanders on back-to-back nights.

Despite the tough schedule, Pierre LeBrun of ESPN and Canada’s TSN says Florida can claw its way back into things.

“They are the only ones in the Eastern Conference not in a playoff spot that have a chance,’’ LeBrun said. “Toronto is toast, Ottawa isn’t getting back into it. Florida has the best shot, although I don’t think they should be aiming for Boston.

“The Bruins will be top three in the division soon I think. But maybe Detroit or Washington starts to slip. That would help the Panthers.’’

Tuesday: Red Wings at Panthers

When/where: 7:30 p.m.; BB&T Center, Sunrise.

TV/radio: FSFL; WQAM 560.

Series: Detroit leads 16-8-3.

Noteworthy: The Red Wings won five in a row coming into the All-Star break and sit just one point behind Tampa Bay in the Atlantic Division. Florida has won both meetings against the Wings this year — both coming in Detroit.

Miami Herald LOADED: 01.27.2015


LONG CLIMB: Florida Panthers have tough road ahead to get back in playoff hunt

TWITTER: @GeorgeRichards

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Even though they are seven points out of a playoff spot, the Panthers feel they are a postseason contender as the unofficial second half of the season kicks off Tuesday.

Florida opens its post-All Star break with a tough matchup straight out of the chute as Detroit visits BB&T Center.

Although the Panthers have won both of their matchups against the Red Wings, Detroit is currently in second place in the Atlantic Division and just one point behind Eastern Conference leading Tampa Bay.

"The league is so balanced these days, you see teams come and go out of playoff spots,'' goalie Roberto Luongo said from the All-Star Game this past weekend.

"You just have to get hot. We were collecting points every night and were still barely in. When you lose, you lose ground pretty fast. We can't look at the big picture right now because you don't want to be overwhelmed by the standings. We just have to take care of our business and the standings will take care of themselves.''

The Panthers hoped to ride a wave of momentum into the All-Star break yet lost their final four games.

Florida then watched Boston pick up three of an available four points to put the Panthers seven points back.

And even though the Panthers have played four fewer games than the Bruins, a number of national media members don't see Florida catching Boston -- or anyone else holding a playoff spot for that matter.

"I love their team this year but things have been tough on them lately,'' said E.J. Hradek of NHL Network.

"I think the eight playoff teams are already set, it's just a matter of things being shuffled around. Now, last year, Toronto fell off a cliff. If someone else does that this year, Florida could be able to get back into it. I like this team though, I like their big picture in Florida. They've stayed the course and they look good.''

The schedule should play into Florida's favor a little bit -- it finishes the season with five at home -- although the competition in the coming weeks is going to be rough.

Even though it looks like a break when Columbus visits Thursday, Florida is winless in two games against the Blue Jackets this year.

After finishing off two games at home this week, Florida plays three games in four days on a tough New York trip that has the Panthers facing the red-hot Rangers and Islanders on back-to-back nights.

Despite the tough schedule, Pierre LeBrun of ESPN and Canada's TSN says Florida can claw its way back into things.

"They are the only ones in the Eastern Conference not in a playoff spot that have a chance,'' LeBrun said. "Toronto is toast, Ottawa isn't getting back into it. Florida has the best shot although I don't think they should be aiming for Boston. The Bruins will be top three in the division soon I think. But maybe Detroit or Washington starts to slip. That would help the Panthers.''

Tuesday: Red Wings at Panthers

When/Where: 7:30 p.m.; BB&T Center, Sunrise

TV/Radio: FSFL; WQAM 560

Series: Detroit leads 16-8-3

Noteworthy: The Red Wings won five straight coming into the All-Star break and sit just one point behind Tampa Bay in the Atlantic Division. Florida has won both meetings against the Wings this year -- both coming in Detroit.

Miami Herald LOADED: 01.27.2015


Panthers ready to start fresh, put skid behind them

By Matthew DeFranks

For the Panthers, the All-Star break could not have come at a better time.

Florida was riding a seasonlong four-game losing streak and was outscored by 10 goals over that span, dropping them seven points back of an Eastern Conference playoff berth.

"We didn't play as well as we should have played," Panthers coach Gerard Gallant said. "We didn't get as many points as we wanted to get. But it was a good timing break for us, get her back on track. We got some big games early on here, get right back in that race."

The break gave the Panthers a chance to relax, refresh and even forget their slide to end the first-half.

"We can't forget about the success that we had, but the way we ended there, we kind of gotta forget about that and move on," center Nick Bjugstad said. "You can tell in the locker room, everyone's adamant to get back and ready to get going again."

The Panthers were looking to carry momentum into the break after a six-game road trip netted a franchise-record eight points. But three home losses punctuated an overall surprising first-half from the Panthers and put a damper on their playoff push.

Florida finished the break with 50 points in a league-low 44 games. Boston and Washington each have 57 points to lead the Wild Card race.

"It doesn't change where you are in the standings," defenseman Brian Campbell said. "It doesn't matter if you take two days off or five days off. The standings are the standings. We got some ground to make up, so definitely everyone's on a level playing field with being fresh and having time off."

February will be a key month for Florida to capitalize on its games in hand, as it plays 15 games in 27 days. The Panthers have just one two-day break until early March.

Ekblad back, Luongo off

Rookie defenseman Aaron Ekblad returned to the team on Monday, one day after participating in the All-Star Game in Columbus on Sunday. Ekblad was named a replacement All-Star and also participated in the Skills Competition on Saturday night.

Ekblad said he was practicing on about an hour and a half of sleep but he was ready to get "back to actually trying hard" after a nearly defenseless All-Star Game. Ekblad and Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo helped Team Jonathan Toews to a 17-12 win on Sunday over Team Nick Foligno.

Luongo did not practice with the team on Monday, using the day to travel and be with family. Minor league goalie Michael Houser filled in for Luongo at practice.

Gallant said he did not watch the All-Star Game because he had "no interest" and only monitored it for injuries.

Thornton returning Thursday?

Forward Shawn Thornton (groin) practiced with the Panthers' fourth line on Monday and is unlikely to make his long-awaited return on Tuesday.

Gallant said Thornton was "ready to go" but the team would give him a few days to get his conditioning in order. Thornton, who hasn't played since Dec. 6, could return on Thursday against Columbus, Gallant said.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 01.27.2015


Preview: Panthers vs. Red Wings, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday

By Matthew DeFranks

Scouting report: The Panthers lost their last four games before the All-Star break, putting them seven points back of Boston and Washington for the Eastern Conference's eighth playoff spot. Florida was outscored 17-7 over that stretch. … The Red Wings come to South Florida winners of their last five games, and seven of their last eight. … Tuesday's meeting will be the third of the season between Detroit and Florida, with the Panthers winning both contests. Detroit scored first in both games before Florida held on to a 4-3 win on Dec. 2 and pulled out a 3-2 shootout victory on Dec. 12. … Shawn Thornton (groin) is likely out for Tuesday's game but may return against Columbus on Thursday. Detroit's Tomas Jurco (back) could return for the Red Wings.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 01.27.2015

764784 Los Angeles Kings

Ducks look like an NHL playoff lock, Kings are nearly there

Helene Elliott

Kings Coach Darryl Sutter painted a vivid picture when asked last week about his players' struggles to defend their championship.

"They have to keep understanding and listening to what I'm telling them about how tough it is," he said. "The train has got to be a work train, not the Stanley Cup train. The Stanley Cup train was last year and some guys just have to get off that train."

With the Kings sagging to ninth in the West at the All-Star break, it may seem the Stanley Cup train has left the station. But they will have precedent on their side when the season resumes Tuesday.

In each season from 2005-06 through 2013-14 (excluding the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season) at least one but no more than three teams made the playoffs after being outside a qualifying spot at the All-Star or Olympic break. The Kings did it in 2010-11, making the playoffs after being one point out at the All-Star break. It should be noted that the 2010 and 2014 Olympic breaks were about two weeks later — and nearly two weeks longer — than All-Star breaks during that span.

Center Anze Kopitar said the Kings can't rely only on their resilience and the memory of winning the Cup in 2012 as the No. 8 seed.

"You want to build up your game up until the playoffs. Right now we realize that we're not playing good hockey and we're going to have to pick it up to make it," he said. "That being said, I think we're one point out of a playoff spot so it's not all that bad."

Here's a look at who's in what kind of shape as the season resumes:

IN: The Ducks (31-10-6 for a league-best 68 points) are 12 points ahead of second-place San Jose in the Pacific Division. They've overcome injuries and illnesses and have depth up the middle, thanks to Ryan Kesler. Nashville might be vulnerable while goalie Pekka Rinne recovers from a knee injury, but the Predators should still get a top-three spot in the Central Division. St. Louis and Chicago (5-5-0 before the break) also are pretty close to locks.

Looking at the East, Tampa Bay, Detroit (24th straight playoff trip), Montreal and the New York Islanders appear to be playoff bound. Yes, the Islanders.

NEARLY THERE: The San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks, though each team won only five of its last 10 games before the break. And you have to think the Kings will rediscover their resolve — or acquire an experienced defenseman.

In the East, the Pittsburgh Penguins have too much talent to miss, and the New York Rangers are hitting stride — and have games in hand on the Metropolitan Division leaders. Current wild-card place-holders Washington and Boston have opened a gap between them and their pursuers.

MAYBE: The Winnipeg Jets looked solid in winning seven of their last 10. The Calgary Flames are hoping Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau are too young to feel playoff-race pressure. Colorado isn't as good defensively as the teams it's chasing.

OUT: The Dallas Stars are inconsistent and the Minnesota Wild has been thoroughly disappointing. Neither has shown signs it can sustain success. Florida has had good spurts but is a season away from a playoff berth. Ottawa, Toronto and Philadelphia have some major restructuring ahead. Columbus doesn't have enough depth.

FAR OUT: The Arizona Coyotes and Edmonton Oilers are the main candidates to start trading potential free agents for draft picks or prospects. New Jersey can't be the NHL's oldest team again. Carolina is likely to soon be a seller. The Buffalo Sabres lead the Connor McDavid sweepstakes and must hope the draft lottery goes their way.

Olympian task

Commissioner Gary Bettman said last weekend the NHL and NHL Players' Assn. haven't decided whether players will participate in the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. If NHL players don't go, they might not return to future Olympics.

"I think the league and the players' association realize that if you step back, you can't go back and forth," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "The International Ice Hockey Federation wants NHL players in the Games. They want it to be the best tournament…. But we can't wait until the last year of the quadrennium to make that decision."

Players want to participate but owners dislike long Olympic breaks and the NHL and NHLPA figure to profit more off the just-announced 2016 World Cup than the Olympics because they retained the World Cup's commercial rights.

If NHL players don't go to South Korea, European nations can draw on domestic leagues. Ogrean said the U.S. "might have to take a creative approach." That could mean sending college kids, leaving NBC to play up parallels with the 1980 "Miracle on ice" team. Using junior-level players seems unlikely.

"There's some different possibilities," Ogrean said, "and that's why if NHL players are not going to go, we need to know in 2015 or 2016, not the year before."

Slap shots

Goaltender Martin Brodeur, who extended his leave from the St. Louis Blues to two weeks, is expected to decide his future in the next few days…. Per NHL policy, Sidney Crosby will miss Pittsburgh's game against Winnipeg on Tuesday because he cited an injury when he withdrew from the All-Star team but didn't miss his team's last game before the break. He will be there in a way: the Penguins are giving away a Crosby bobblehead that night.

Final All-Star note: Columbus did a fine job as host, but the game was a 29-goal blur. "You feel bad for the goalies with that many goals but the fans love it and it looked like they were having fun," Tampa Bay forward Steven Stamkos said. "It was great to see. They had been waiting a couple years for this game. They did it right."



Mike Richards, star of 2012 Stanley Cup run, put on waivers by Kings

By Lisa Dillman

Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi drifted over to another sport — using a baseball analogy — to describe the perplexing decline of center Mike Richards, whom the team placed on waivers Monday.

"Mike, through his career, has shown he can be a .330 hitter, 80 RBIs, an All-Star player," Lombardi said. "Maybe at this stage, maybe it's not fair, but I still think he is capable of being a .280 hitter and [can] do a lot of those things for you that only he can do.

"Let's face it: right now he's batting .200. I don't see any reason why he can't get back to that. He's gotta do what he's gotta do."

For the better part of two years, the Kings have been waiting patiently for Richards to regain his stroke. On Monday, they finally wavered.

Any NHL team can claim him until 9 a.m. Tuesday. If Richards, 29, clears waivers — and based on the length and terms of his contract, there is every indication that he will — then the Kings could assign him to their minor league affiliate in Manchester, N.H., and gain some salary cap relief.

"Mike's been a really good player for us, obviously," Kings Coach Darryl Sutter said. "He's had a tough year this year. It's natural for people on the outside to want to have all the answers. Mike's still got lots of game left and he's been frustrated with it this year, too.

". . . Lots of players go on waivers. Lots of players clear waivers. And lots of players still have great years in front of them."

Richards has a $5.75-million cap hit for five more years beyond this one, on a 12-year, $69-million contract the Kings inherited when they acquired him from the Philadelphia Flyers in a trade for Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn.

Richards was an integral part of the Kings' 2012 Stanley Cup championship, and although his role was diminished last spring when they won the Cup again, he did manage 10 points in 26 playoff games. This year, Richards has five goals and 15 points in 47 games and is a minus-seven. Since Nov. 22, he has scored just once.

Monday's decision was no small matter in terms of team chemistry.

"As players we understand it is a business, but at the same time, in here we're family," said Kings captain Dustin Brown. "So it's really hard to see Rick go on waivers. I think we all understand it, but it's not something that you take lightly as a group of guys, especially a group of guys that have won together."

The Kings considered issuing Richards a compliance buyout last summer, which would have eradicated his cap hit from their payroll, but team officials decided to bring him back in the hope that he would regain his scoring touch.

It didn't happen. Sutter has used Richards mostly in a fourth-line role, which makes him an expensive luxury the team can no longer afford.

Forward Justin Williams, the reigning playoff MVP, has a contract that expires this summer and the Kings are working on signing him to an extension — something they'll need to clear cap room to do. The Kings have been exploring trade options for Richards but so far have been unable to find a taker for his contract.

"It reminds you that we're in the business of professional sports," Kings defenseman Robyn Regehr said. "And that business is winning. And when a team isn't winning consistently enough, there's changes that are usually made.

"Sometimes it comes down to other decisions with economics, things like that, now in the salary-cap era. . . . I don't want to say it's a good reminder but those things happen sometimes. Whether it's getting traded or waived or anything like that, it's part of a very big business we're involved with."



Lombardi comments on waiving Richards

Jan. 26, 2015

Updated 2:32 p.m.

By RICH HAMMOND / STAFF WRITER

Kings general manager Dean Lombardi talked to reporters about the decision to put Mike Richards on waivers. Here's what he said...

(on the decision…)

LOMBARDI: ``It’s a process you work though. It’s not like it all of a sudden dawns on you. You think about it and you work through the process. I think it’s fair to say that we made a final decision on this, that we were one way or another going to (make a move) after the All-Star break.’’

(on how Richards took the news…)

LOMBARDI: ``You can ask him. The process isn’t done, obviously, because he still has to clear tomorrow, so we’ll probably talk again tomorrow. I’m sure it’s not easy on anybody, but these are the tough decisions you’ve got to make.’’

(on not buying out the contract…)

LOMBARDI: ``We expect loyalty from our players, and I think it’s a two-way street. Under the circumstances, with what he had done for us, I thought he deserved a chance to get back to where he knows he’s capable of. That’s a hard balance. Obviously I thought about that a lot, but there’s the new-wave thing about there where players are commodities, and things like passion and loyalty are values that I thought made sports special. Commodities guys will tell you that doesn’t matter. Well that’s been a big part of the success of this team, I certainly believe. That’s kind of the way I came down on it. If you’re going to expect loyalty from your players, then you, at times, have to show loyalty to them. Then the issue becomes, where is that line? When I step back now, I’m never going to lose my belief in those values being critical, but I think we see in the cap era that the cap is actually designed to eliminate those type of emotions. Fortunately, I still believe they’re a critical part of a good team. In retrospect, I can say, to use the commodities angle, `It should have been easy.’ If you have belief in the intangibles, then it’s not. It is what it is. In the end, I felt he believed that chance, for all he’d done for us. I don’t think there’s any question, we don’t win that first Cup without what he did for this team. Then obviously you don’t win the second one. But there’s still got to be a certain level here that has to get done.’’

(on possibly creating room to re-sign Williams and others…)

LOMBARDI: ``That’s the thing we’ve got to work through now. The way I look at it is, Mike, in his career, has shown he can be a .330 hitter and get you 80 RBIs and be an All-Star player. So maybe at this stage, maybe it’s not there but I certainly think he’s capable of being a .280 hitter and do a lot of those things that only he can do. Let’s face it, right now he’s batting .200, but I don’t think there’s any reason he can’t get back to that. He’s got to do what he’s got to do. There’s a lot things I saw that remind me of where Teemu Selanne was at this stage, when he had fallen off the map, it looked like, in Colorado. He looked like he was done, and then he started changing some things and went on to 10 years, for crying out loud. It’s up to Mike. I believe that if he wants to, that he can get back to that. I see no reason why not, but it’s going to be up to him.’’

(on any concern about reaction in the dressing room…)

LOMBARDI: ``There’s always a concern, because part of your team is, in the end it’s them getting it done. Face it, these decisions are all made for the team, quite frankly.’’

Lombardi added that if Richards does not accept the assignment to Manchester of the AHL, he would be suspended, but Lombardi believes that Richards will play and could play himself back into NHL form.



Kings put veteran Richards on waivers

Jan. 26, 2015

Updated 11:49 a.m.

By RICH HAMMOND

The Kings put one of their highest-paid players, center Mike Richards, on waivers Monday morning, as first reported by Elliotte Friedman of Canadian network Sportsnet.

It’s considered doubtful that any team will claim Richards, who carries a salary-cap hit of $5.75-million through the 2019-20 season and, for most of this season, has been relegated to fourth-line duty for the Kings.

This season, Richards has five goals and 10 assists in 47 games. He is the Kings’ third-highest paid forward, in terms of salary-cap hit, behind Anze Kopitar ($6.8 million) and Dustin Brown ($5.875 million).

Richards, 29, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, a former team captain and a veteran of 704 NHL games, would likely be assigned to Manchester of the AHL if he cleared waivers.

That’s a staggering fall for Richards, whom the Kings acquired in a 2011 trade with Philadelphia. At the time, General Manager Dean Lombardi believed Richards would be the Kings’ long-term answer as their second-line center. Instead, Richards largely underachieved, with only spurts of effectiveness.

Lombardi had a chance, last June, to buy out the final six seasons of Richards’ contract. Instead, he kept Richards, encouraged by what he believed to be Richards’ re-dedication to training and fitness.

Teams have until 9 a.m. Pacific time Tuesday to put in claims for Richards.



Los Angeles Kings place struggling forward Mike Richards on waivers

By Elliott Teaford, Daily Breeze

Posted: 01/26/15, 9:53 AM PST | Updated: 42 secs ago

The Kings placed underperforming forward Mike Richards on waivers Monday, marking their return to business after the All-Star break with a bold move that probably won’t work out as hoped. Richards’ high salary and low production make it unlikely another team will claim him.

Richards has a $5.75 million salary cap hit for the next five seasons after this one. He will make $7 million for 2014-15, $6 million for 2015-16, followed by $5.5 million, $4.5 million, $3 million and $3 million. He has only five goals and 10 assists in 47 games this season.

Richards, who turns 30 on Feb. 11, had 18 goals and 26 assists in 2011-12, helping to lead the Kings to their first Stanley Cup championship. He had 12 goals and 20 assists during the lockout-shortened 2013-14 season. Last season he had 11 goals and 30 assists as the Kings won the Cup again.

If he clears waivers, a likely scenario, he could be sent to the Kings’ American Hockey League team in Manchester, N.H., which would give the salary-cap burdened team a relief of only $925,000. The other 29 teams in the NHL have until 9 a.m. Tuesday to claim him.

Richards joined the Kings in a June 23, 2011, trade that sent Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn and a second-round draft pick in 2012 to the Philadelphia Flyers. The Kings also received the draft rights to Rob Bordson in the deal.

LA Daily News: LOADED: 01.27.2015


Encouragement, progress in Toffoli’s recovery

Posted by JonRosen

The side effects for mono may include fatigue, a sore throat, swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, headache, skin rash and a swollen spleen. Young athletes diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis are generally given a three week-to-one-month recovery period before they’re able to play again.

It is possible that Tyler Toffoli, who missed his first game with mono on December 10, could return for Wednesday’s game against Chicago, less than three weeks after his diagnosis.

“I want to play as soon as I can,” Toffoli said. “I think when you’ve missed one game, you don’t like it and you don’t want to be watching the guys, and we’ll see how tomorrow goes and what happens Wednesday.”

Though he skated after practices with his teammates during his recovery, Monday’s practice represented the first time that he was able to join a practice and weather contact. Even shortly after he was diagnosed with the virus, Toffoli noted to reporters and to his teammates that he wasn’t feeling overly ill, and that the effects of the virus were minor. Given his response and his eagerness to get back on the ice and test his endurance, it’s becoming clear that he’s likely to slot in on the quicker side of the recovery spectrum.

Clearly, the All-Star break came at the right time.

“If the break impacts guys who are banged up, he’s one of ‘em,” Darryl Sutter said. “I mean, we’re waiting for doctors’ marching orders on Tyler, so it’s good for him. He’s felt good for a week, it just wasn’t before the break. He felt good, he just wasn’t allowed to do anything in it. There’s obviously some catch-up there.”

Some of the catch-up required him to absorb some physicality at today’s skate.

“Yeah, Stick was trying to bully me a little bit,” Toffoli joked about Justin Williams.

On Friday, Toffoli received an ultrasound and had blood tests done. It’s still too early to gauge whether he’ll be in the lineup for Los Angeles’ final home game before a five-city road trip, but consider evenrything that happened between January 10 and today to fit mostly in the “best case scenario.”

“It won’t take him long,” Sutter said. “You know what? We’ll see how he feels tomorrow, and see how his pace is and how he feels and go from there.”

Tyler Toffoli, on any timetable for his return:

It’s a good sign to be skating with the guys and taking contact. We have one more skate until Wednesday, so we’ll see how it goes. I haven’t really talked to Kinger (Chris Kingsley) a whole lot. He told me I could skate and that got me excited enough.

Toffoli, on how he has handled mono:

The whole time, I was feeling relatively normal. There were a couple days when I didn’t feel my best or as good as I would have liked, but you have to give and take when you have mono. I’ll take that anytime compared to some of the other guys. They told me some pretty bad stories about when they had it. I’m not going to complain with the time I’ve missed and how I felt the whole way.

Toffoli, on what he did during the break:

I just hung low, didn’t really do a whole lot. I rested and tried to prepare to come back as soon as I could.

Toffoli, on whether there is more of an emphasis to return against Chicago:

Yeah and it’s not even that. It’s a big game. It’s that time of the year obviously. You’ve got to start stringing some games together and playing better as a group and we need to start winning.

Toffoli, on whether he would bet that he returns on Wednesday:

We’ll see. At the end of the day, I’ll talk to Kinger and Darryl and see where I’m at. I mean, it’s the first time I’ve skated with the guys in two-and-a-half,

three weeks, or whatever it was. I was a little tired, but that’s to be expected after getting a couple days off there. We’ll see tomorrow and get better. Hopefully Wednesday I feel real good.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 01.27.2015


January 26 practice notes

Posted by JonRosen

Before getting down to the details and what to expect this evening, here were the groupings that the Kings skated in at today’s 2:00 p.m. practice at Toyota Sports Center:

Blue: Gaborik, Clifford, Shore, Toffoli, King, Carter

Green: Williams, Andreoff, Brown, Stoll, Nolan

Red: Greene, McNabb, McBain, Muzzin, Martinez, Regehr

Goalies: Jones, Quick

-Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar were given the day off as they returned home from the All-Star Game festivities. “Thankfully we got out, because there teams were getting out this morning, and I bet they had trouble,” Darryl Sutter said about the snowstorm that wreaked havoc on the country’s travel network. “Anybody who was going east probably had lots of trouble.”

-Mike Richards remains in limbo prior to 9:00 a.m. PT Tuesday, at which point he will most likely either be claimed by another NHL team or assigned to AHL-Manchester. When speaking with reporters, Dean Lombardi indicated that he believes Richards will go to Manchester if he isn’t claimed, and that ECHL-Ontario was not a possibility. I’ll have players’ reaction to today’s news later this evening.

-Tyler Toffoli (mononucleosis) has been cleared for contact. He practiced today, and there’s a chance he could play Wednesday against Chicago. “It’s a good sign to be skating with the guys and taking contact,” Toffoli said. “We have one more skate until Wednesday, so we’ll see how it goes. I haven’t really talked to Chris Kingsley a whole lot. He told me I could skate and that got me excited enough.” Stay tuned; there’s a story coming.

-The Kings were honored today at the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Awards Luncheon. The team won the 2014 Outstanding Acheivement Award, while Bob Miller won best TV Play-by-Play (for the 10th time), Jim Fox won best TV Analyst for the second consecutive year (and fifth time in the last six years), Patrick O’Neal won the TV Pre/Post Game award for Kings Live for the second consecutive year, Nick Nickson was nominated for best Radio Talk Show for Kings talk and for best Radio Play by Play, and Daryl Evans was nominated for best Radio Analyst.



January 26 practice quotes: Darryl Sutter

Posted by James Nicholson

Previous: Lombardi articulates decision to place Richards on waivers

On the entire All-Star experience:

I thought Columbus – the city and the fans and the organization – did a great job. The game is almost the secondary part of it for the fans and the players. [Reporter: And the cannon. Are you still hearing that?] Yeah, they were late in some of their announcements. Like four-to-five minutes late. It was good, though. They did a really good job. It was almost like a playoff atmosphere for two days around there. The fans, you could see they were energized and enjoyed it. The players were really interactive with it, and having the two local guys, Foligno and Johansen, was I think really good, too.

On whether the time off will be good for the Kings:

Yeah, I think the break is same for every team. Everybody’s got the same break. Some teams have got a longer break, so I don’t know why it would be special to our group or special to anybody else, other than guys who played in the All-Star Game. [We’re] coming in today still working on to see who could practice today. Every day is a good day.

On the team’s decision to waive Mike Richards:

From a personal standpoint, from a coaching standpoint, Mike’s been a really good player for us, obviously, and he’s had a tough year this year. It’s natural for people on the outside to want to have all the answers, but you know what? Mike’s still got lots of game left, and he’s been frustrated with it this year, too. I think he’s still got lots of game left, that’s how I feel. I feel the very same way as when Colin Fraser was waived last year – how you feel about those guys because of what they went through. Not just to win championships, but what they went through here in terms of helping get the team back to where it should be in terms of compete and work and all that. That’s how I still see Mike. This is hockey, and some of you guys don’t get it, period. Lots of players go on waivers and lots of players clear waivers, and lots of players still have great years in front of them. It’s just that there are people in the media who continue to want to beat people up because they can’t do it themselves. It’s frustrating. I think Mike’s still got lots of hockey left.

On the club’s decision, from Richards’ perspective:

I don’t know, you’d have to talk to him. I mean, what I said is how I feel. I feel strongly about Mike Richards. I can’t say it any other way. I still think he has lots of hockey left in him. He re-finds his passion and his love for the game, that’s always been the strength of Mike. He’ll re-find that and go from there.

On Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty getting a day off after All-Star weekend:

Yeah, the trainers and Kopi and Drew. The only guys who didn’t get that were- [Reporter: You.]. But, you know, thankfully we got out, because there teams were getting out this morning, and I bet they had trouble. Anybody who was going east probably had lots of trouble. Even the pilots, when they dropped us off last night, said there were already – I forget what the number was – but there were 13 or 14 hundred flights that were either postponed or canceled already, and that was at midnight.



Lombardi articulates decision to buy-out Richards

Posted by JonRosen

Dean Lombardi, on when it became clear that Mike Richards would be placed on waivers, and that a trade wasn’t as likely:

I don’t think it’s one point. It’s a process you work through, right? It’s not like it all of a sudden dawns on you. I mean, you’re starting to think about it and you work through the process. I mean, I think it’s fair to say that we made a final decision on this that we were going to one way or another deal with it after the All-Star break.

Lombardi, on how Richards took the news:

You can ask him. The process isn’t done, obviously, because you’ve still got to clear. We’ll talk a little more tomorrow. I’m sure it’s not easy on anybody, but these are the tough decisions you’ve got to make.

Lombardi, on whether he hoped the discussion over a potential buy-out could “get him going” as part of a “second chance”:

I think it was a combination of that. We expect loyalty from our players, and I think it’s a two-way street, and I think under the circumstances, what he had done for us, I though he deserved a chance to get back to what he knows he was capable of. That’s a hard balance, and obviously I’ve thought about that a lot. There’s a new wave thing out there, that players are commodities, and things like passion and loyalty – those values that I thought made sports so special – the commodities guys will tell you they don’t matter. Well, it’s been a big part of the success of this team, I certainly believe. And that’s kind of the way that I came down on it, that if you’re going to expect loyalties from your players, you have to, at times, show loyalties to them. Then the issue becomes ‘Where’s that line?’ And I step back now. I’m never going to lose my belief in those values being critical, but I think as we see in the cap era, the cap is actually designed a lot of times – the function is to eliminate those type of emotions, and unfortunately I still think believe they’re still a critical part of a good team. Even in retrospect – if you use the commodities angle – you say, ‘Well, it should’ve been easy.’ If you use the belief in the intangibles, then it’s not. It is what it is. But in the end, I felt he deserved that chance for all he had done for us. I don’t think there’s any question we don’t win that first Cup without what he did for this team, and obviously, we don’t win the second one. But there’s still got to be a certain level here that has to get done.

Lombardi, on how today’s decision could affect free agency negotiations:

Well, that’s the thing we’ve got to work through now. The way I look at this, Mike’s, in his career, he’s shown he can be a .330 hitter and get you 80 RBIs as an All-Star player. So, maybe at this stage, maybe it’s not there. But I still assume he’s capable of being a .280 hitter and doing a lot of those things for you that only he can do. Let’s face it – right now he’s batting .200, but I don’t see any reason why he can’t get back to that. He’s got to do what he’s got to do. The only analogy too, you can come up [with] – there’s a lot things that I saw that reminded of where Teemu Selanne was at this stage. I remember when he had fallen off the map, it looked like, in Colorado. It looked like he was done, and then he started changing some things and then went on to two great 10 years, for crying out loud. It’s up to Mike. There’s no [doubt] in my mind, I believe that if he wants to, that he can get back to that. But it’s going to be up to him.

Lombardi, on the impact within the Kings’ room:

There’s always a concern, because…in the end, it’s them getting it done. But, face it, these decisions are all made for the team, quite frankly.



Shore “likely” to return tomorrow

Posted by JonRosen

One quick note:

Early in the All-Star break, the Kings assigned center Nick Shore and goalie J.F. Berube to AHL-Manchester. Berube actually participated in the AHL All-Star skills competition in Utica, New York, though Shore did not.

I received word from hockey operations this morning that Shore is likely to be recalled to the Kings, and that recall date will “most likely” be tomorrow.

Because Martin Jones’ back spasms shouldn’t keep him out for any extended period of time, Berube’s services aren’t likely to be needed in the foreseeable future. But with the news earlier today that Mike Richards was placed on waivers, there does appear to be an opportunity for Shore, who recorded his first NHL point by assisting on Jeff Carter’s third period power play goal in San Jose last Wednesday.

In three games, Shore has one assist, a minus-one rating and two penalty minutes.



Reports: Richards on Waivers

UPDATE, 10:20 AM:

Posted by JonRosen

A pair of highly reliable sources reported that Mike Richards has been placed on waivers:

Richards has five goals, 15 points and a minus-seven rating in 47 games, and his minutes are down 3:17 to a career-low 13:42 from last year’s average ice time of 16:59. In 704 career games, Richards, who turns 30 on February 11, has 179 goals and 481 points. The two-time Stanley Cup champion and 2010 Olympic gold medalist was acquired on June 23, 2011 as part of a trade that sent forwards Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn and a second round draft pick to Philadelphia.

Over the summer the Kings chose not to use a compliance buyout on the center, who carries a $5.75-million cap hit through the next five and a half seasons. Per the CBA, the compliance buyout, which is no longer available, would have removed Richards’ cap hit from the Kings’ books while allowing the center to recoup 2/3 of the total value of the contract.

Because CapGeek is no longer active, these cap recapture penalties are not immediately available. There’s obviously more to come on this developing story.



Understanding “the business,” Kings complement Richards

Posted by JonRosen

It most likely wasn’t the easiest day for the players, who arrived at the rink this morning to learn that Mike Richards – a player who won two Stanley Cups with 14 current Kings – was placed on waivers and isn’t expected back in the near term, if he clears waivers and ultimately returns to the team at all. His locker space is now held by Jordan Nolan, who had moved from the nook of the room in which he had spent three seasons.

Richards was brought into the organization at a great cost, and the bounty he reaped wasn’t immediately harvested. The Kings went through some growing pains in 2011-12, bringing in Darryl Sutter, and ultimately Richards’ good friend in Philadelphia, Jeff Carter, and it wasn’t until the eight-over-one first round triumph in which Los Angeles dispatched Vancouver until a greater appreciation for Richards’ intelligence, style of play and ultracompetitive streak was reinforced.

“I think Rick’s intangibles were a big part of why they brought him here. He’s won at every level. He’s won pretty much everything there is to win in the hockey world,” Dustin Brown said. “I think, also, the other part of it is when you bring in a big player like Rick – and this can be said for a lot of players we’ve brought in over the last year – but it’s a message to the team that we were that team that was kind of trending in the right direction,” Dustin Brown said. “When you have a trade like that, that sends some young players out and a big piece in, the time is now is the message, I think. That’s the way I took it when the deal went down. Obviously we get Carts eight months later, or whatever it was. As a player, you get excited about that. I thought the excitement from the players’ standpoint, when Rick got here, was we’re going to make the next step. I’ve been through the rebuilding process. It’s always exciting. As a guy in this room when we traded for Rick, I was pretty excited about it.”

Robyn Regehr, on what Mike Richards being waived does to the room:

It reminds you that we’re in the business of professional sports and that business is winning. When a team isn’t winning consistently enough, there are changes that are usually made. I think really that’s what sometimes it comes down to. There are other decisions with economics and things like that now with the salary cap era. Those kinds of things happen and I don’t want to say ‘it’s a good reminder,’ but those things happen sometimes. Whether it’s getting traded or waived or anything like that. It’s part of a very big business that we’re involved with.

Regehr, on whether all the players view Richards being waived as a business decision:

I’m sure there are guys that look at it different ways. For example, a young player in here that maybe hasn’t seen that before, that would catch them by surprise. Some of the older guys that have been around have seen it before. It’s never fun to see it. Those things happen sometimes. There are all kinds of things that go on through the season with a team. Our jobs as players is just to really show up every day and be ready to be professional, come to work and prepare in order to try to win a game. That’s really all we, as players, need to be thinking about. But there is another side of that, and that you get some relationships built over time with players and people that you’re involved with. That makes it extra hard because there is an emotional attachment. It’s not just a business decision. I think those are the ones that really sting. There are guys in here that have played with Mike for quite a while and I’m sure that’s something that’s pretty tough for all of them involved right now.

Dustin Brown, on what kind of impact Richards being waived has on the organization:

From an organizational standpoint, it’s hard to answer. But from what I can comment on, what the 20 guys in here [feel], I think at the end of the day as players we understand it’s a business. But at the same time, in here we’re family so it’s really hard to see Rick go on waivers. I think we all understand it, but it’s not something that you take lightly as a group of guys, especially as a group of guys that have won together. It’s a harder thing to deal with, but it’s also what management feels is best for the team. As players, we deal with a lot of things and it’s just not very often that you see a player of Rick’s stature

go on waivers. But it is what it is. It’s up to us in this room to kind of forget about it and play.

Brown, on the impact Richards had on the team when joined in 2011:

I think he brought a lot of – I think grit would probably be the one word. Prior to that, we had players that played with grit, but we didn’t have enough of them. When we brought Rick in, it kind of I think solidified our middle. I think Kopi is a 1C, but I think Jarret is ultimately a 3C, especially when Rick got here. He was playing 2C for the whole time and when you get Rick here, it kind of slots everybody properly. Again, it’s not an easy thing to do. If every team could have a goalie like Quickie and a defenseman like Drew and two centers like Rick and Kopi – you look at a lot of the really successful teams, that’s pretty much the makeup of a team. Wingers can be…more of your up and down guys and you need those guys as well, but all those really good teams have those ingredients up the middle, back and in goalie.

Tyler Toffoli, on the environment in the room with Mike Richards being put on waivers:

It’s a business and I don’t know much about that. We know that it’s time to win. We didn’t need anything to happen to this group that we have. We know that we need to start winning and it’s been mentioned before – we’ve got to pull together and play 60 minutes. There are some games where we’re playing really well and we’re not winning. Then there are games where we’re playing poorly and winning. We want to play the right way and get to the type of hockey that we want to be playing.


764796 Minnesota Wild

Gameday preview: Wild at Edmonton

Updated: January 26, 2015 - 9:52 PM

8:30 p.m. at Edmonton • FSN, 100.3-FM

MICHAEL RUSSO

Preview: This is the first of a three-game, former Northwest Division rival swing, and the first of three meetings with the Oilers. The Wild has won eight of its past nine in Edmonton and is 17-8-1 there since the 2004-05 lockout. The Wild is 23-7-2 in its past 32 against the Oilers since March 26, 2008. The Oilers have won two in a row in shootouts and are 5-7-4 since firing coach Dallas Eakins.

Players to watch: Wild leading goal scorer Zach Parise, named dthe NHL’s third star of the week Monday, has goals in four consecutive games and is a goal from his seventh 20-goal season. He’s tied for 12th in the NHL. G Devan Dubnyk, the Wild’s starter, stopped 90 of 93 shots against the Oilers, his former team. C Mikko Koivu has 38 points in 50 career games vs. the Oilers. LW Nino Niederreiter has no goals in the past 17 games. His last goal came on a penalty shot at Chicago on Dec. 16. The Oilers are led by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle, who all have 29 points.

Numbers: The Wild’s 19 victories in Edmonton and 43 overall are its most against any franchise. … The Oilers rank 26th at 2.26 goals per game, 30th with a 3.30 goals-against average and 30th with an .889 save percentage. The Wild’s save percentage is 29th at .891.

Injuries: Wild C Mikael Granlund (wrist) is expected to play for the first time since Dec. 27. D Keith Ballard (concussion) is out. Oilers RW Tyler Pitlick (spleen) is out.

Star Tribune LOADED: 01.27.2015


Wild notes: Kuemper sent to Iowa for conditioning stint

Article by: MICHAEL RUSSO , Star Tribune


LEDUC, ALBERTA – With a light schedule on the horizon and Devan Dubnyk expected to get the lion’s share of Wild starts during the stretch, goalie Darcy Kuemper agreed to a conditioning stint with American Hockey League Iowa Wild on Monday.

The assignment can last a maximum of two weeks. Iowa has six games during that time, although Kuemper won’t see all that action.

Kuemper had missed seven games because of a lower-body injury, but he returned Tuesday in relief of Dubnyk and didn’t give up a goal in 37 minutes, 35 seconds to help the Wild get a point. Still, the Wild, which is carrying three goalies, wants Kuemper to get some work after struggles the past few months. When he sustained the injury, that opened the door to a minor league assignment that couldn’t otherwise happen because he needs to clear waivers to get there.

Since Nov. 11, Kuemper has been pulled five times, won seven games and has seen his save percentage fall from .915 to .904 and his goals against average rise from 1.99 to 2.62.

What does coach Mike Yeo hope Kuemper accomplishes from the time in the minors?

“Playing time, practice time before he gets the playing time,” Yeo said. “But more than anything else, just to mentally get himself back on track. I actually thought he played well in the Detroit game, but he needs to get more of a base underneath him.

“I’m just hoping for him to get a real good foundation coming back here as far as the confidence level, and obviously the playing time will be huge for him.”

As for Dubnyk, a 2004 Oilers first-round pick, this is not his first return to Edmonton since being traded by them to Nashville last year. In fact, with Arizona, Dubnyk was 3-0 against the Oilers with a 0.97 goals-against average and .968 save percentage.

“I played with a lot of those guys for a long time, so I still have some great relationships there and played a lot of games at Rexall [Place],” Dubnyk said. “The first one I was definitely most nervous for. It’s still a little bit weird to play there, but probably not as weird as having to play Arizona three days after the trade. So it’ll be all right.”

Defenseman Matt Dumba took part in the AHL All-Star Game on Monday night.

Yeo indicated the Wild would like to keep Dumba developing in Iowa unless it absolutely needs him. With six healthy defensemen — Ryan Suter, Jonas Brodin, Marco Scandella, Jared Spurgeon, Nate Prosser and Christian Folin — the Wild called up Stu Bickel as an extra body for the road trip.

“[Dumba’s] ice time is so valuable down there,” Yeo said. “The game is on his stick every game and [John Torchetti] is doing a great job with him, so we’ll keep letting him develop and if we need him and we feel he can help us win, then we’ll make that decision. But certainly we’re very focused on his development too.”

Etc.

• Center Erik Haula is expected to be a scratch against the Oilers.

“It’s not about skating in open ice and it’s not about skating fast in a straight line,” Yeo said. “It’s about the compete level in the small areas, it’s about being strong on the puck and puck strength and stick strength and D-zone coverage. These are the things that we need to see from him.”

• Asked about his apparent All-Star break dinner with Twins star Joe Mauer, Zach Parise said: “That’s why I don’t like social media. You can’t do anything anymore.”

• Yeo didn’t watch Suter play in Sunday’s All-Star Game, joking, “I watched that game about as intensely as it was played.”



Wild leaves all-star break digging out of a deep hole

Article by: MICHAEL RUSSO , Star Tribune


LEDUC, ALBERTA – The All-Star break is over, the Wild’s umpteenth opportunity this season to “reset” and “recharge” and “clear the head” is complete and now the Wild faces 36 critical games if it wants to save its season.

“We’ve got to win. There’s no other way to put it,” Zach Parise said Monday after the Wild, which opens a three-game road trip Tuesday against the Oilers with top-six6 center Mikael Granlund returning to the lineup, practiced in suburban Edmonton. “There’s not a lot of room for error, and it’s going to be hard. We know that. It’s going to be very hard. But we’re not going to quit.

“We’ve got to keep improving and get our game going in the right direction.”

The Wild — after a stretch in which it lost 11 of 13 — went 2-1-1 before the break and made modest gains in its game. It blew out Buffalo, beat Arizona, lost to Columbus and rallied from three goals down in the third period to grab a point at Detroit.

But it still sits in 12th place in the 14-team Western Conference, seventh out of seven teams in the Central Division, seven points behind Calgary for the second wild-card spot and 14 points behind Winnipeg for the first wild-card spot.

The Flames, whom the Wild play Thursday, are on pace for 92.4 points, meaning the .500 Wild (46 out of a possible 92 points amassed) would need to grab 47 of a possible 72 points (.653) to eclipse that.

“We can’t put ourselves in an, ‘Every game’s a win or season’s over,’-type scenario,” said Parise, who is riding a four-game goal streak and was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Week on Monday. “You stress yourself out and all of a sudden mentally you’re making the game a lot harder.

“You try to put it in small things where [Tuesday] night we’ve got to win the first period and then go from there. … That’s got to be our approach as we go on through this road trip and the rest of the season. We know what the standings look like. That’s no secret. But we can’t make up all those points this week. We’ve got to start small.”

Coach Mike Yeo concurred, saying: “If we start looking at the big picture too much, then we’ll lose sight of the individual focus that we need on each day and that’s the message from here. We can’t get caught up about what other teams are doing or what’s out of our control.”

The Wild hopes the return of Granlund will help. The skilled center, who is expected to center Parise and Thomas Vanek against the Oilers, had 41 points in 63 games last season and was a big reason the Wild survived injuries to Parise and Mikko Koivu.

But at the time of his Dec. 29 wrist surgery, Granlund only had four goals and 15 points in 32 games. The Wild went 4-7-2 without him and desperately needs him to start producing.

The Wild has been feeble up the middle all year. Koivu, below his usual pace, leads with 26 points in 46 games. But after that, Charlie Coyle, who has switched between center and wing all season, has 19 points, Kyle Brodziak 12 and Erik Haula, slated to be scratched Tuesday, seven.

“Mikko has certainly been putting up some points lately, but you need more than one guy,” Yeo said.

Parise is excited to have Granlund back.

“You need depth at center. That’s the only way you win in this league. You need deep centermen,” Parise said. “Everyone knows how good a player he is and how well he’s played, so for him to hop right back in and make a difference in our top-6, and power play as well, we’re ready and excited to get him back.”

Granlund hasn’t had a ton of practice time or contact drills since returning to the ice. So he said it could take a few games to get back up to speed and used to battling in corners. But he said, “It feels good to get back out there.”

The Oilers have played well the past month. But the Wild typically plays the Oilers well, especially in Edmonton, where Minnesota has won eight of the past nine games. The Wild would love to get this road trip off to a good start after playing so well in the third period Tuesday in Detroit.

“There’s still 30-something games left,” Granlund said. “A lot of things can happen and I think every guy in this locker room believes we can make it to the playoffs. We need to go game by game. That’s the only thing we can do now.”



Wild send goalie Darcy Kuemper on AHL conditioning assignment, after long January layoff

Article by: Associated Press


ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild have assigned goalie Darcy Kuemper to their AHL affiliate for a conditioning assignment.

The move was made Monday. Kuemper can stay with the Iowa Wild up to two weeks.

Kuemper's last start came on Jan. 6, his second straight game allowing four goals. He missed the next two weeks because of a lower-body injury, an absence during which the Wild acquired goalie Devan Dubnyk in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes. Kuemper relieved Dubnyk last week in the Wild's final game before the All-Star break.

Kuemper is 13-12-2 with a 2.62 goals against average this season in 29 games.

The Wild have reconvened from the All-Star break in Edmonton, where they play the Oilers on Tuesday to start a three-game road trip through western Canada.



Wild resumes season Tuesday night in Edmonton; Brett Sutter's bro a hit at All-Star Game

Posted by: Michael Russo under Wild news Updated: January 26, 2015 - 11:25 AM

The All-Star break has ended, Team Toews beat Team Foligno 17-12 and Wild defenseman Ryan Suter had a goal, assist, was plus-2 and blocked two shots in 19 minutes, 46 seconds.

This morning, barring any player's travel issues returning to the Twin Cities, the Wild will meet at MSP for a charter flight to Edmonton. It will practice in surburbia this afternoon and resume its schedule tomorrow night against the Oilers. The Wild has won 8 of its past 9 in Edmonton and 15 of past 19 overall.

The Wild, with points in three of its past four games (2-1-1), makes its first trip to western Canada this season and plays former now-defunct Northwest Division crying rivals Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver each for the first time (believe it or not).

Stu Bickel was recalled to add an extra body (he can play wing or defense if needed) for at least the start of the road trip. I would presume (barring anything unknown) that coach Mike Yeo will go with the Suter-Jonas Brodin; Marco Scandella-Jared Spurgeon; Nate Prosser-Christian Folin defense pairs he did last Tuesday in Detroit.

Matt Dumba is at the AHL All-Star Game in Utica. That game is tonight. So Justin Falk and Jon Blum were the only other options to be called up. If the Wild gets to a point this trip where it needs a D, it wouldn't shock me if Bickel and Dumba are swapped.

We'll maybe find out later if Mikael Granlund can return against the Oilers. Unless he's been skating on his own during the break, I would think that would be a stretch, but we shall see.

I will let you know later and of course you can follow me on Twitter at @russostrib.

Also, if you didn't see this cool moment during the All-Star Game, here's a tweet from Iowa Wild forward Brett Sutter (one of L.A. Kings coach Darryl Sutter's three kids) and a great article from the L.A. Times' Helene Elliott. What I love about the video is the like-father, like-son sight of Chris putting his arms around the shoulders of Bobby Ryan, Radim Vrbata and Alex Ovechkin. Darryl Sutter is the king of talking to players that exact same way during games on the bench.

Lastly, this is amazingly the one-year anniversary of the death of my stepdad, Lenny, who died peacefully five minutes after the Wild lost to San Jose in overtime last Jan. 25 (Pacific Time).

He made quite the influence on my life and how I became a sportswriter. If you don't remember, I found a blog he wrote meant for hospice patients on his iPad and posted it on my blog when I returned to the team in Denver a few days after he passed away. Unfortunately, it was the only blog he got a chance to write.

Here it is if you want to give it a read.

Also, a day after Lenny's funeral, my mom and I got trapped in the Atlanta ice storm. We had to walk three miles to my bro's house. I tweeted a poignant photo that and the Atlanta-Journal Constitution picked up on it. (see below article). My best to my mom today. She's recovering from knee surgery Thursday and unfortunately I didn't make it down there because I was sick all weekend.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

January 31, 2014 Friday

Main Edition

FINAL FAREWELL;

Storm can't stop widow's journey

BYLINE: J. Scott Trubey; Staff

SECTION: METRO NEWS; Pg. 1B

LENGTH: 718 words

HIGHLIGHT: Stranded woman, son take a walk with love, death --- and the cold.

They faced the same vexing decision countless other motorists faced Tuesday in the midst of the epic Snowjam. Stay in the car, or leave it behind?

Four tedious hours and only three-quarters of a mile into the four-mile drive to Sandy Springs, Mike Russo and his mother, Barbara Tabin, decided to hoof it. Their journey, after all, carried the weight of life and love.

Tabin's husband of 29 years, Lenny, had died Sunday. His funeral was Monday under a brilliant blue sky. On Tuesday, as a snowstorm seized metro Atlanta, relatives and friends were supposed to meet at her youngest son Adam's home in Sandy Springs to sit Shiva, to mourn Lenny's death and celebrate his life.

Thank God, we decided to hold the funeral on Monday, Tabin said she thought, or everyone would have been stranded at the cemetery.

The winter storm that trapped workers in their vehicles and kids in their schools and buses, and locked down one of the critical logistics hubs of the Earth, also ensnared the everyday rituals and happenings of joy and grief.

A baby was born Tuesday night in a car on the Perimeter. Some of the region's most vulnerable citizens hunkered down at home hoping their food and medicine would hold out. Birthday parties were canceled. And, like the Shiva gathering for Lenny Tabin, goodbyes were delayed.

Russo, a hockey writer for The Minneapolis Star Tribune, pulled their car into a parking lot near Perimeter Mall. Tabin, 67, slipped her six-pound poodle, Oliver, into a grocery bag. She wrapped a scarf around her head and looped it around Oliver's neck, lifting the sack to her shoulder.

Barbara and Lenny Tabin lived in Boca Raton, Fla., for nearly three decades, and only moved to Dunwoody in August to be close to her youngest son after Lenny got sick. Atlanta's weather seemed a better fit for a couple of Floridians than the treacherous winters of Minnesota.

Then weather, panic and poor decisions left Atlanta in a straitjacket.

The Tabins had their first date 34 years to the day of the Snowjam at a diner in Plainview, N.Y. But the last time Tabin walked in the snow, she said, was 27 years ago. Ronald Reagan was president.

"I could feel my husband watching, laughing, and saying, 'Only my wife would do this,'" Tabin said. As she got out of the car, the air was sharp but invigorating, she said.

On any normal day, Russo and Tabin's drive to Sandy Springs would have taken about 10 minutes. Now they were looking at a couple of hours of walking through bitter cold.

Things started out orderly, but as nerves frayed, temperatures dropped and the limitations of human bladders set in, some snowbound car travelers became unglued.

"People were hungry, thirsty and had to go to the bathroom. They were cold," Tabin said. "They couldn't move but inches, and they were using up the gas in their cars."

Aggressive drivers tried to force their way around other cars, Russo said. One man got out of his vehicle and started punching the driver's side window of a car that was blocking traffic. Other drivers ditched their vehicles along the side of the road.

They encountered one man wrapped up in a blanket who was walking back toward the office buildings near the mall, Russo said. The man said he was going to sleep in his office.

"He had just given up," Russo said.

They crossed over Ga. 400 where cars and trucks were frozen in place. They slowly walked up one icy hill and down the next.

"I kept thinking of 'The Little Engine That Could,'" said Tabin, a retired speech pathologist at a school in Florida, referring to the children's tale.

"That's how I felt, you can do it, you can do it, keep going, keep going," she said.

As they walked, others poured into the streets. A treacherous walk was better than being stopped.

A little before 7 p.m., Tabin and Russo caught sight of her youngest son's home. The Shiva had been canceled, but at least everyone was safe.

Lenny Tabin, 72, retired several years ago as a banker. But he loved kids, and his wife convinced him to become a substitute teacher. Their Boca Raton school sent a care package of food for the Shiva.

Their trek started as a drive to pay tribute to her husband and to say goodbye. But Lenny never really left, Barbara Tabin said.

"It was the dichotomy of life and death," she said. "My husband had died, but he was there encouraging me. He hadn't left me."



Granlund returning to Wild lineup; Kuemper sent to Iowa on conditioning stint

Posted by: Michael Russo under Wild game coverage Updated: January 26, 2015 - 6:14 PM

The Wild, minus goalie Darcy Kuemper, boarded a charter this morning for Edmonton, Alberta.

As was indicated last week, the Wild still went through with a two-week conditioning stint for Kuemper to Iowa after the All-Star break. As he said after the game in Detroit, Kuemper was open to it, although after seeing him save the day there for at least a point by stopping 14 of 14 shots prior to the shootout in relief of Devan Dubnyk, I wondered if the Wild would change its mind and not mess with the goaltending right now.

But since the plan is likely to start Dubnyk all three games on this road trip and the fact the Wild only has six games in the next 14 days and won’t play back-to-back next until Feb. 9-10, the Wild’s willing to send him to Iowa for a little bit to get some games.

“Playing time, practice time before he gets the playing time,” coach Mike Yeo said is his goal for Kuemper. “But more than anything else, just to mentally get himself back on track. I actually thought he played well in the Detroit game, but he needs to get more of a base underneath him. Just as far as the way things had gone, we were able to get him in a game here and there and once in a while it was a good game, once in a while it was a bad game. I’m just hoping for him to get a real good foundation coming back here as far as the confidence level, and obviously the playing time will be huge for him.”

Center Mikael Granlund will return Tuesday night when the Wild opens its western Canadian swing in Edmonton.

He underwent wrist surgery on Dec. 29 and the Wild went 4-7-2 without him. He’ll skate on a line with Zach Parise and Thomas Vanek. Mikko Koivu will center Jason Zucker and Jason Pominville. Kyle Brodziak will center Matt Cooke and Justin Fontaine, and Charlie Coyle will center a line with Ryan Carter and Nino Niederreiter. Erik Haula isn’t slated to play, nor is extra Stu Bickel, who was called up from Iowa to add an extra body for the trip.

Parise, named the NHL’s Third Star of the Week today for scoring three goals in two games, is excited to get Granlund back.

“You need depth at center. That’s the only way you win in this league. You need deep centermen,” said Parise, who’s riding a four-game goal streak. “Everyone knows how good a player he is and how well he’s played, so for him to hop right back in and make a difference in our top-6, and power play as well, we’re ready and excited to get him back.”

Mikko Koivu has 10 points in the past 12 games and 26 points in 46 games. Charlie Coyle has five in the past 11 games. Kyle Brodziak and Erik Haula have combined for 19 points this season.

Granlund has 15 points in 32 games.

That is not enough production up the middle, something Yeo has mentioned more and more lately.

So Yeo is hoping Granlund can add speed and scoring.

“Mikko has certainly been putting up some points lately, but you need more than one guy,” Yeo said. “And that’s not anything against Brodzy or Charlie or Erik. That’s not really their role. Their role is a little bit more of a checking role and so to get a scoring top-2 line centermen back that’s obviously a huge addition for us.”

Look at the standings, and the Wild’s quite the chore to get back into the playoff race. It’s seven points behind Calgary for the second wildcard spot, FOURTEEN behind Winnipeg for the top wildcard spot and even to get back into eighth, the 12th-place Wild has to hop four teams.

“We’ve got to win. There’s no other way to put it,” Parise said. “There’s not a lot of room for error and it’s going to be hard. We know that. It’s going to be very hard. But we’re not going to quit. We’ve got to keep improving and get our game going in the right direction.”

How do you play when every game you go in, you feel it’s a must-win? Parise said, “We can’t put ourselves in an every game’s a win or season’s over type

scenario. You stress yourself out and all of a sudden mentally you’re making the game a lot harder. You try to put it in small things where tomorrow night we’ve got to win the first period and then go from there. We can’t win the game right away, but we’ve got to win the first period. That’s got to be our approach as we go on through this road trip and the rest of the season. We know what the standings look like. That’s no secret. But we can’t make up all those points this week. We’ve got to start small.”

Granlund said, “There’s still 30-something games left. A lot of things can happen and I think every guy in this locker room believes we can make it to the playoffs. We need to go game by game. That’s the only thing we can do now.”

Yeo said the break was a “good opportunity to clear the head. And it was an opportunity to re-charge and I think that we had a pretty good energetic practice today so hopefully everybody feels the same way.

“Where do we go from here? That remains to be seen. But as much as anything message wise, certainly when you look at the standings and where we’re sitting right now, a very large portion of the season remains here. If we start looking at the big picture too much, then we’ll lose sight of the individual focus that we need on each day and that’s the message from here. We can’t get caught up about what other teams are doing or what’s out of our control. We just have to make sure that we’re prepared and ready for a good hard test tomorrow. It’s a team that’s been playing well. They definitely have a little more confidence in their game and they’ve been playing hard.”

The Oilers, yes, have been playing much better since Dallas Eakins was fired and has won two in a row.

Matt Dumba is in the AHL All-Star Game tonight and that game can be seen on FSN-plus. Yeo said, “What you’re looking for is progress from those guys. He’s just playing in every situation. His ice time is so valuable down there. The game is on his stick every game and [John Torchettii] is doing a great job with him, so we’ll keep letting him develop and if we need him and we feel he can help us win, then we’ll make that decision. But certainly we’re very focused on his development too. “

Yeo didn’t watch Ryan Suter in the NHL All-Star Game, joking, “I watched that game about as intensely as it was played.”

On Haula and what he wants to see from him the last couple months, Yeo said, “I would say consistency in his game. And consistency in the battle level. To me it’s not about skating in open ice and it’s not about skating fast in a straight line. It’s about the compete level in the small areas, it’s about being strong on the puck and puck strength and stick strength and D zone coverage. These are the things that we need to see from him.”

Dubnyk went back to Arizona during the break to, well, pack up his life. His wife and child will be moving to Minnesota on Feb. 4 and he found a place in the Twin Cities.

“It was nice to have that timing wise to get back home and gather up some stuff and get prepared to move some things and all that. It actually worked out great to get that timing to go back there and organize everything and be ready to go when we get back from this trip.”

The Oilers first-round pick, who lost his starting gig with them last year, is 3-0 against them this year with a 0.97 goals-against average and .968 save percentage.

“It’s been fun. I played with a lot of those guys for a long time so I still have some great relationships there and played a lot of games at Rexall,” he said. “The first one I was definitely most nervous for. It’s still a little bit weird to play there, but probably not as weird as having to play Arizona three days after the trade. So it’ll be alright.”

I better write for the paper. I’ll be on KFAN on Tuesday at 9:55 a.m. and Fox Sports North during Tuesday’s pregame show and first intermission.

I got a lot of questions about Mike Richards being on waivers from Wild fans. He has a $5.75 million cap hit the next five years and the big problem with him is the same problem with Ryan Suter and Zach Parise if they retire prematurely (see this story). If Richards hangs it up early, the team that picks him up (or frankly ever trades for him) would be on the hook for a cap recapture penalty. So it’s a big risk.

Can’t see anybody taking Richards. This is just a way to maybe drum up more trade interest. The problem is the Kings is so close to the cap, if you’re making a trade with the Kings, it’s hard for them to take any of your bad contracts or even retain some of the salary and cap hit. Hope that makes sense.

Have to really write for the paper. Just realized it’s 6:15 back there.



Wild's situation dire, simple as final stretch begins

By Chad Graff

Posted: 01/26/2015 12:01:00 AM CST | Updated: 80 min. Ago

LEDUC, Alberta -- Back in St. Paul, a giant board inside the home locker room at the Xcel Energy Center depicts the NHL standings, best record to worst. There's one in most visiting locker rooms, too. There's one printed in daily stat packages delivered to every NHL arena. And, of course, it can easily found online.

They all show the same troubling information: The Minnesota Wild are in 12th place in the 14-team Western Conference.

It's a standing the Wild can't seem to escape.

As the Wild begin the post-all-star break race to the finish, still not ready to give up on what has at times felt like a lost season, they're attempting to avoid the giant white boards and the printouts, attempting to put a disappointing first 46 games behind them and start anew.

"We've got a standings board in our room, and that's there for a purpose," coach Mike Yeo said. "But given where we're at right now, I think it's important that we just put that stuff aside and try to get focused on (Tuesday's) game. And every game after that, that's what we're going to have to be faced with."

The Wild play Tuesday night in Edmonton after practicing Monday in this southern suburb for the first time as a team in six days.

At 20-20-6, the Wild are seven points behind eighth-place Calgary, where the Wild travel after Tuesday's game against the last-place Oilers.

The Wild likely will need 48 points in the final 36 games, which would require a record of 22-10-4, to reach the playoffs.

"We've got to win," left winger Zach Parise said.

"There's no other way to put it. There's not a lot of room for error, and it's going to be hard. We know that. It's going to be very hard. But we're not going to quit. We've got to keep improving and get our game going in the right direction."

As much as Yeo may warn against getting preoccupied with the standings, every player knows where the Wild sit.

"We can't get caught up (in that)," Parise said. "We can't put ourselves in an every-game's-a-win-or-season's-over type scenario. You stress yourself out, and all of a sudden, mentally, you're making the game a lot harder. You try to put it in small things where (Tuesday) night we've got to win the first period and then go from there. We can't win the game right away, but we've got to win the first period. That's got to be our approach as we go on through this road trip and the rest of the season. We know what the standings look like. That's no secret. But we can't make up all those points this week. We've got to start small."

That starts with the Wild's first swing through western Canada this week. Following Tuesday's matchup against the Oilers, the Wild visit Calgary and then Vancouver, two teams ahead of the Wild in the standings.

The Wild front office needs to decide whether it wants to be a buyer or seller in the next 16 games before the March 2 trade deadline, which adds to the importance of this road trip.

"Where do we go from here?" Yeo said. "That remains to be seen. But as much as anything message-wise, certainly when you look at the standings and where we're sitting right now, a very large portion of the season remains here. If we start looking at the big picture too much, then we'll lose sight of the individual focus that we need on each day, and that's the message from here."

Pioneer Press LOADED: 01.27.2015


Wild: Devan Dubnyk uses all-star break to move

By Chad Graff

Posted: 01/26/2015 12:01:00 AM CST | Updated: about 5 hours ago

LEDUC, Alberta -- Devan Dubnyk spent the all-star break in Arizona. But it wasn't a vacation.

Most of Dubnyk's belongings remained in Arizona after the Wild traded for the goalie Jan. 14. Dubnyk began the move to Minnesota over the break and will be joined by his wife and child when the Wild return from this weeklong road trip through Western Canada.

The trip starts in Edmonton against the team that drafted Dubnyk in the first round in 2004.

Since being traded from the Oilers last season, Dubnyk has already played his former team three times, winning all three games.

It'll still be a bit weird playing in Edmonton, he said.

"But probably not as weird as having to play Arizona three days after the trade," Dubnyk said, referring to something he had to do after the Wild acquired him.

BRIEFLY

Zach Parise had dinner in Minneapolis with Twins first baseman Joe Mauer on Friday, a fact revealed when patrons at the restaurant tweeted about it. "That's why I don't like social media," Parise said. "You can't do anything anymore." ... Coach Mike Yeo had the best line of practice when asked whether he watched the NHL All-Star Game, which finished after a record 29 goals were scored. "I watched that game about as intensely as it was played," Yeo said.



Wild send goalie Darcy Kuemper to Iowa for conditioning

By Chad Graff


LEDUC, Alberta -- In an attempt to help him regain his confidence, the Wild sent 24-year-old goalie Darcy Kuemper to the minor-league Iowa Wild on a conditioning stint.

Kuemper can spend only two weeks with Iowa before he must return to the NHL.

Kuemper has played only once since Jan. 6 after missing two weeks because of a lower body injury.

Since the Wild already have two healthy goalies in starter Devan Dubnyk and back-up Niklas Backstrom, the stint will give Kuemper a chance to play more, too.

"But more than anything else, just to mentally get himself back on track," Wild coach Mike Yeo said. "He needs to get more of a base underneath him. Just as far as the way things had gone, we were able to get him in a game here and there and once in a while it was a good game, once in a while it was a bad game. I'm just hoping for him to get a real good foundation coming back here as far as the confidence level, and obviously the playing time will be huge for him."



Wild: Mikael Granlund expected to return against Oilers

By Chad Graff


LEDUC, Alberta -- For the first time in a month, the Minnesota Wild's top center will play.

After missing a month because of a broken wrist and subsequent surgery, Mikael Granlund is expected to make his return against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night.

"It's exciting," Granlund said. "I feel pretty good out there."

The Wild have lacked depth at the crucial center position without Granlund in the lineup. The 22-year-old centered the Wild's top line for much of the past two seasons.

In practice Monday, he skated between Zach Parise and Thomas Vanek, a welcome return to the lineup.

"You need depth at center," Parise said. "That's the only way you win in this league. Everyone knows how good a player he is and how well he's played, so for him to hop right back in and make a difference in our top-6, and power play as well, we're ready and excited to get him back."

This season, Granlund has recorded 15 points in 32 games.

Granlund had skated on his own in the past week and the Wild hoped he might return before the all-star break. But he wasn't cleared to play last Tuesday in Detroit.

Monday's was his first full-contact practice since the injury.

"We'll see how it goes," Granlund said. "I feel all right. But the game is always a little different. Contact, battling in the corners. We'll see how it goes."

Without Granlund, centers Charlie Coyle and Erik Haula were elevated to higher roles, something they weren't equipped for.

With Granlund returning, Haula will sit out as a healthy scratch Tuesday.

"That's not really their role," coach Mike Yeo said of Coyle and Haula. "Their role is a little bit more of a checking role and so to get a scoring top-2 line centermen back, that's obviously a huge addition for us."


764806 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens' Gonchar proves his worth on ice and as a mentor

Pat Hickey, Published on: January 26, 2015Last Updated: January 26, 2015 8:14 PM EST

Sergei Gonchar spent a little more than a season with the Dallas Stars, but he said it will be something special when the Canadiens face his former team at the Bell Centre on Tuesday (7:30 p.m., Sportsnet East, RDS, TSN Radio 690).

“It’s still means something because it gives you a chance to see guys you played with for a while,” said Gonchar, who spent the all-star break visiting his family in Dallas. “The trade (for Travis Moen) happened in the beginning of the year, so you went through training camp with them and they were your friends, and now you’re playing against them.”

The teams have already met once since the trade and the Stars defeated the Canadiens 4-1 in Dallas on Dec. 6 at the tail end of a four-game road trip. While the Stars are four points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference, they have averaged better than three goals a game and have an emerging superstar in Tyler Seguin. He and Rick Nash share the goal-scoring lead in the NHL with 28 and Seguin is No. 3 in the NHL scoring race (52 points). He led the Stars in their first game against Montreal with two goals and an assist.

“I played with him and I appreciate what he can do,” said Gonchar. “It’s going to be tough to play against him. He always had that skill and an unbelievable shot and he was a good player but with his maturity, he’s become a great player. He’s one of those guys you could see he had all the potential, but now you can see his development.”

Gonchar has been a valuable addition to the Canadiens. The expectations weren’t high for the 40-year-old, but he has averaged close to 19 minutes a game, has contributed a goal, 10 assists and is a solid plus-7.

“I think I was able to adjust pretty well to the style and the new team, find some chemistry,” Gonchar said Monday after the Canadiens held a mid-afternoon practice designed to shake off the rust after five days off. “There are some areas where I think I can improve, but overall the production has been pretty good.”

For the past month, Gonchar has been tasked with helping Nathan Beaulieu adjust to a top-four role.

“He’s been huge,” Beaulieu said when asked about Gonchar’s role in his development. “I think he’s one of the biggest reasons I’m playing well. He’s given me confidence and that was one of the things that was lacking. He calms me down. He’s not afraid to tell me when I’ve done something wrong. He’s not just there to be my friend. He can be hard on me when he needs to be. That’s what you need, someone to be honest with you and I’m fortunate to have him here.”

Beaulieu is averaging 15 minutes a game for the season, but he’s currently playing in the 20-minute range and that’s where he hopes to stay.

I don’t want to get comfortable; things can change real quick,” he said. “I’m happy with the way I’m playing and the way the team’s playing. I feel like my game is coming along and I can’t look back.”

Max Pacioretty spent the break on the beach and, while he enjoyed himself, he said he couldn’t take his mind off hockey and was thinking about how to improve during the second half of the season. He said he felt sluggish returning to the ice and coach Michel Therrien said that was natural.

“When you’ve been away for five days, it feels a little strange and that’s why we did a lot of different things,” said Therrien, who had his charges on the ice for a little more than hour.

There were absentees. Carey Price and Jiri Sekac were caught up in the airline chaos caused by the snowstorm hitting the U.S. Northeast and were delayed returning from the All-Star Game. They arrived late in the day and will play Tuesday. McGill goaltender Jacob Gervais-Chouinard filled in for Price at practice.

P.A Parenteau is still out as he recovers from his second concussion this month.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 01.27.2015


Comeback Habs 'take pride in our resilience,' Pacioretty says

Christopher Curtis, Published on: January 26, 2015Last Updated: January 26, 2015 8:11 PM EST

A Nashville Predators player scurried across the narrow hallway under the Bell Centre bleachers, screaming profanity at no one in particular.

“Well how’s that for a (expletive) game?” the shirtless player asked, rhetorically, looking a little bit insane as he disappeared into the dressing room.

“How’s that for a (expletive) game? What a load of (expletive).”

The Predators had the Canadiens dead to rights that evening one week ago, at one point outshooting them 24-4. And yet somehow, Montreal stopped the hemorrhaging and forced an overtime period.

Finally, Nashville sealed its fate when centre Craig Smith took an ill-advised tripping penalty during the extra frame. P.K. Subban buried a slap shot on the ensuing power play and Montreal once again slipped the noose.

“Jesus Christ! How’s that for a (expletive) game?” the player said, in one final moment of post-game hysteria. He was in another room, but you could hear him slamming something against the wall.

“You don’t want to be in that situation where you’re down after two periods, but ‘shoulda, coulda, woulda,’ (Nashville) lost at the end of the day,” said Habs forward Dale Weise. “You can act sharp all you want but if you don’t finish at team off, any team will come back. There’s times where we have no business being in the game, and I said it after the Nashville game. When you’ve got the best goaltender in the world, you’ve got a chance every night. … Having that ace in your pocket is never a bad thing.”

Like Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger or the late, great Harry Houdini, the Canadiens have a knack for cheating death … though, technically, two of those three people are fictional characters who rose from the dead, but I digress.

Through 45 games this season, the Canadiens have given up the first goal 26 times —hardly an ideal statistic. And yet, their record when coming from behind is 12-12-2, meaning that — more often than not — the team will at least come away with points in a game that saw them give up an early lead.

Only Nashville, the New York Islanders and Detroit Red Wings have more comeback victories than Montreal this season. When scoring first, on the other hand, the Canadiens have the highest winning percentage in the league (.895).

“Good hockey teams find a way to win somehow, that’s all it is,” said Nathan Beaulieu. “Whether it’s a hot goalie or just a few plays in each period that, overall, win you a game, that’s what good teams do. … We’ve had games where we came back from three-goal (deficits), games where (goalie) Carey Price faced almost 50 shots and stood on his head.”

Any reasonable justification for the Canadiens’ success this season begins with Price’s play. He’s faced more shots than all but four goalies in the National Hockey League and yet Price gives up an average of just 2.15 goals per game.

Without Price, the team’s half-season run doesn’t make much sense. They give up the first goal about 60 per cent of the time, their power play is inconsistent and they’re outshot in almost every game.

For months, any sort of advanced, statistical analysis of the team would conclude that Montreal and its fan base have been living in a fool’s paradise. That, at any moment, the house of cards will come crashing down and the Canadiens will be auctioned off for scrap metal and a few draft picks.

And yet with less than half a season remaining, the Canadiens are within striking distance of first place in the Eastern Conference.

Max Pacioretty said that despite its apparent flaws, the team doesn’t generally panic when it falls behind early or takes a beating through two-and-a-half periods.

“We take pride in our resilience,” said Pacioretty. “We’ve leaned on (Price) a little too much, we’ve fallen behind a little too often, but you want to try and

stay positive. We have a way of coming back and winning games that maybe other teams couldn’t. That’s a good quality, not necessarily one you want to rely on too often, but it’s good to know you can do that.”

Advanced statistics are kind to teams that generate a great quantity of chances, teams that grind away at opponents with methodical, lunch-pail hockey. They tend not to look favourably upon a team like the Canadiens — which scores goals in just a handful of small, explosive bursts up ice in each game.

On some level, this boils down to a debate about quantity versus quality.

“There’s so many ways to look at it. I’m not really a stat guy, I just know that it’s the little things that maybe people don’t see,” Beaulieu said. “Taking a hit, blocking a shot early in the game it can pay off later. You don’t know where that puck will end up later.”

With the all-star break over, the Canadiens begin a short march toward the playoffs where all of these numbers will become irrelevant in the face of that one final reality —winning the games you’re meant to win and at least a few one the ones you’re supposed to lose.



Stars vs. Canadiens preview: Habs resume pursuit of first place

Pat Hickey, Published on: January 26, 2015Last Updated: January 26, 2015 6:31 PM EST

Stars at Canadiens

Tuesday at the Bell Centre, 7:30 p.m., SNE, RDS, TSN Radio 690

Back to work: Coming off the all-star break, the Canadiens (29-13-3) resume their pursuit of first place in the Atlantic Division when they take on the Stars. The visitors (21-18-7) are struggling in the Western Conference, but they defeated the Canadiens 4-1 in their first meeting last month in Dallas. The Canadiens are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and have a modest two-game winning streak. They are three points behind Tampa Bay and two behind Detroit, but they have three games in hand on the Lightning and two on the Red Wings.

Powering up: The Canadiens power play ranks 21st in the NHL, with a 17-per-cent success rate, but it has been on fire recently with seven goals in the last four games, including both goals in a 2-1 win over Nashville before heading into the all-star break. The Stars’ power play has been even worse, ranking 28th at 15 per cent. Max Pacioretty leads the Canadiens with 38 points and is eighth in the NHL in goals (21) and seventh in the plus/minus ratings (plus-22).

Big edge in goal: Carey Price, who spent the break performing at the All-Star Game in Columbus, has been putting up all-star numbers this season. He ranks fifth in the league in goals-against average (2.15) and save percentage (.929). He’ll be tested by a Dallas offence that is scoring 3.09 goals a game to rank fourth in the NHL. The Stars’ Tyler Seguin leads the NHL in goals (28) and is second in the scoring race (52 points), four back of leader Jakub Voracek of the Philadelphia Flyers. The problem in Dallas has been the defence, which has allowed 3.26 goals a game. No. 1 goaltender Keri Lehtonen has a 2.98 GAA and a .904 save percentage.

Injury update: The Canadiens’ P.A. Parenteau is back on the injured-reserve list with his second concussion this month and Christian Thomas has been recalled from the AHL after spending the all-star break with the Hamilton Bulldogs. If you’re hoping to see the return of former Canadien Erik Cole, you may be disappointed. He’s listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Defenceman Trevor Daley is also day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Rich Peverley has missed the entire season with a heart-related ailment. Other Stars on the injured-reserve list are Patrik Nemeth (arm), Valeri Nichushkin (groin), Patrick Eaves (lower body) and Brett Ritchie (undisclosed injury).



Habs return to the ice, prepare to face Stars

Posted by Stu Cowan

Carey Price wasn’t in Brossard when the Canadiens practised Monday afternoon for the first time since the all-star break, but he is expected to be in goal when the Habs face the Dallas Stars Tuesday night at the Bell Centre (7:30 p.m., SNE, RDS, TSN Radio 690).

Price — who played in the All-Star Game Sunday — and teammate Jiri Sekac — who took part in the All-Star Skills Competition — had their morning flight home from Columbus cancelled, Pierre LeBrun reported on Twitter, and ended up taking a private charter flight to Montreal later in the day.

Coach Michel Therrien confirmed to reporters in Brossard after practice that Price is expected to start against the Stars.

The Canadiens practised at 2 p.m. in Brossard, with Tomas Plekanec the first player on the ice. P.A. Parenteau, who is sidelined with a concussion, didn’t take part. The Canadiens called up Christian Thomas from the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs on the weekend.

The Canadiens worked on their power play again, which now ranks 21st in the NHL with a 17.0 per cent success rate after scoring seven goals in the last four games.

The first power-play unit at practice had Max Pacioretty, Tomas Plekanec and Brendan Gallagher up front, with P.K. Subban and Andrei Markov on the points. The second unit had Lars Eller with David Desharnais and Alex Galchenyuk up front, with Sergei Gonchar and Nathan Beaulieu on the points.

Here’s how the forward lines and defence pairings looked:

Pacioretty-Plekanec-Weise

Galchenyuk-Desharnais-Gallagher

Thomas-Eller-Prust

Bournival-Malhotra-Weaver

Subban-Markov

Beaulieu-Gonchar

Emelin-Gilbert

McGill Redmen goaltender Jacob Gervais-Chouinard filled in for Price during the practice.

In other news, Hamilton Bulldogs forward Charles Hudon was named co-MVP of the AHL All-Star Classic Monday night after scoring three goals and adding one assist as he helped lead the Western Conference all-stars to a 14-12 victory over the Eastern Conference all-stars in Utica, N.Y.

After Tuesday’s game, the Canadiens will play the Rangers Thursday night in New York before back-to-back afternoon games at the Bell Centre on Super Bowl weekend with the Washington Capitals visiting on Saturday and the Phoenix Coyotes on Sunday. Both weekend games will be 1 p.m. starts.

Back to work: Coming off the all-star break, the Canadiens (29-13-3) resume their pursuit of first place in the Atlantic Division when they take on the Stars. The visitors (21-18-7) are struggling in the Western Conference, but they defeated the Canadiens 4-1 in their first meeting last month in Dallas. The Canadiens are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and have a modest two-game winning streak. They are currently three points behind Tampa Bay and two behind Detroit, but they have three games in hand on the Lightning and two on the Red Wings.

Powering up: The Canadiens power play ranks 21st in the NHL with a 17.0 per cent success rate, but it has been on fire recently with seven goals in the last four games, including both goals in a 2-1 win over Nashville before heading into the all-star break. The Stars’ power play has been even worse, ranking 28th at 15 per cent. Max Pacioretty leads the Canadiens with 38 points and is eighth in the NHL in goals with 21 and seventh in the plus/minus ratings at plus-22.

Big edge in goal: Carey Price, who spent the break performing at the All-Star Game in Columbus, has been putting up all-star numbers this season. He ranks fifth in the league in goals-against average (2.15) and save percentage (.929). He’ll be tested by a Dallas offence that is scoring 3.09 goals a game to rank fourth in the NHL. The Stars’ Tyler Seguin leads the NHL in goals with 28 and is second in the scoring race with 52 points, four back of leader Jakob Voracek of the Philadelphia Flyers. The problem in Dallas has been the defence, which has allowed 3.26 goals a game. No. 1 goaltender Keri Lehtonen has a 2.98 GAA and a .904 save percentage.

Injury update: The Canadiens’ P.A. Parenteau is back on the injured-reserve list with his second concussion this month and Christian Thomas has been recalled from the AHL after spending the all-star break with the Hamilton Bulldogs. If you’re hoping to see the return of former Canadien Erik Cole, you may be disappointed. He’s listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Defenceman Trevor Daley is also day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Rich Peverley has missed the entire season with a heart-related ailment. Other Stars on the injured-reserve list are Patrik Nemeth (arm), Valeri Nichushkin (groin), Patrick Eaves (lower body) and Brett Ritchie (undisclosed injury).


764810 Nashville Predators

7 keys for Predators' second-half success

By Dave Ammenheuser, 11:51 p.m. CST January 26, 2015

As the NHL returns to action Tuesday after the All-Star break, here are seven keys for the Predators to remain in first place in the Central Division at the end of the season.

Healthy Rinne

The Predators need goaltender Pekka Rinne to be healthy. Injured Jan. 13, he had to miss the All-Star game and is expected to be sidelined another 2-4 weeks. If all goes well, he's back on the ice Feb. 3 for the start of a three-game homestand. He's been in net for 29 of Nashville's 30 wins — the highest ratio in the league — and owns the league's third best goal-against average (1.96).

Own the home ice

The Predators are dominant at home. They are 18-2-1 at Bridgestone Arena and have won seven straight. After a tough 4-3 loss to the Predators on Jan. 16, Capitals coach Barry Trotz said the arena is one of the toughest to play in. He should know since he coached here for 15 seasons.

Avoid losing streaks

The Predators entered the All-Star break on a two-game losing streak, although they did gain one point in the overtime loss at Montreal. It was the first time Nashville lost back-to-back games. Avoiding losing streaks will be crucial over the final 11 weeks, especially Feb. 19 to March 15, when they play nine of 15 games on the road.

Balanced scoring

With six players at 10 or more goals, the Predators have one of the more balanced scoring attacks in the league. James Neal and Filip Forsberg lead the team with 15 goals each. Forsberg also has 25 assists and a team-leading 40 points. The Predators have nine players with 18 or more points. With no pure elite scorer, this team will continue to count on different scoring combinations each night.

Forsberg item

A leading candidate for the Calder Trophy as the league's rookie of the year, Forsberg must continue to be a consistent offensive presence. He likely won't duplicate his first-half performance, but the Predators will benefit greatly if he can come close to his first-half numbers.

Power play

Nashville's power play (15.8 percent) ranks just 24th in the league. It has improved in recent weeks, however, especially at home after going 13 games at Bridgestone Arena without a power-play goal. By comparison, the St. Louis Blues have scored on a league-leading 25.5 percent of their power-play opportunities.

Penalty killing

Another 24th-place ranking and another area that needs improvement. The Predators have killed 78.3 percent of opponents' power-play opportunities, well below the league-leading Chicago Blackhawks' 88.4 percent.

Tennessean LOADED: 01.27.2015

764811 Nashville Predators

Predators ready for stretch drive

Maren Angus,

6:55 p.m. CST January 26, 2015

The Predators returned from the All-Star break on Monday and are ready to turn it up a notch for the second half of the season.

It begins Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche at Bridgestone Arena.

The Predators (30-10-5) are leading the Central Division and are second in the Western Conference, but there will be pressure to stay there as teams jockey for playoff position.

“We want to come back strong here and play like we did in the first half,” forward James Neal said. “It’s very critical to gain ground and make up as many points as you can before you push into the playoffs. I think everyone is recharged and ready to go.”

Despite going into the break with back-to-back losses for the first time season, the Predators do have seven straight wins at home. They can tie the franchise record for longest home winning streak by beating the Avalanche on Tuesday.

“We aren’t a team that loses back-to-backs, and we did that right before the break, so we kind of have that bitter taste in our mouth,” forward Colin Wilson said. “Everyone is starting to make their playoff push and ... we just need to continue playing.”

Injury update: Goaltender Pekka Rinne skated on his own before practice on Monday. He has been out since leaving the Jan. 13 game against Vancouver because of a sprained knee.

He’s expected to miss about two to four more weeks.

The Predators said defenseman Ryan Ellis, who suffered a lower-body injury on Jan. 8 against Dallas, is projected to miss at least another two weeks.

Roster changes: Goaltender Marek Manzanec was recalled from Milwaukee on Monday.

Tennessean LOADED: 01.27.2015

764812 New Jersey Devils

Devils put forward Tim Sestito on waivers

Rich Chere

on January 26, 2015 at 2:27 PM, updated January 26, 2015 at 5:57 PM

NEWARK — The Devils Monday placed forward Tim Sestito on waivers with the intention of opening a roster spot as several players return from the flu.

If Sestito clears waivers at noon Tuesday, he can be assigned to Albany (AHL). That would give the Devils roster room as Jaromir Jagr and Tuomo Ruutu return from bouts with the flu.

Jagr and Ruutu both missed all three games on the Devils' California road trip.

The Devils will play their first game since the All-Star break Wednesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Prudential Center.

Jagr and Ruutu both practiced with the team Monday at AmeriHealth Pavilion. General manager Lou Lamoriello said it was possible they could play against the Leafs.

Patrik Elias, back from the All-Star Game in Columbus, practiced with the Devils.

Lamoriello said if Sestito clears waivers at noon Tuesday he will decide then whether to assign the forward to Albany.

Star Ledger LOADED: 01.27.2015


Devils GM Lou Lamoriello says lawsuit against him isn't a distraction

Rich Chere


NEWARK — Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said he will continue to work behind the bench alongside co-coaches Scott Stevens and Adam Oates when the team hosts the Toronto Maple Leafs Wednesday night at Prudential Center, but indicated that arrangement could soon change.

Lamoriello told NJ Advance Media Monday that his presence behind the bench may not last much longer.

"At this point, yes, but it's a day-to-day situation," Lamoriello said. "That's the intention right now, but it could change."

He said there is still a benefit in remaining alongside Stevens and Oates.

"Yes. There is still evaluation in a lot of areas," he said.

Lamoriello was quick to say that the lawsuit filed against him by former Prudential Center president Rich Krezwick is not a distraction.

"No," the GM said.

In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, Krezwick claims Lamoriello regularly cursed and disparaged him, jeopardizing his livelihood. The shot claims Lamoriello’s criticism cost Krezwick the $2.25 million he would have made under the new ownership team.

The Devils are currently 14th in the 16-team Eastern Conference. Although they are 15 points behind the eighth-place club, Lamoriello said he is not yet thinking about trading some of his players.

"No, I'm not," Lamoriello said without hesitation. "That's still something, at this point, which is not a thought process."

Jaromir Jagr, Marek Zidlicky, Martin Havlat, Scott Gomez, Peter Harrold and Steve Bernier are among those players who could be traded.



Devils injury updates: What's the latest on Damon Severson and Stephen Gionta?

Rich Chere


NEWARK — The Devils were hoping to see rookie defenseman Damon Severson back on the ice right after the All-Star break, but that will not happen.

Sweverson, who suffered a fractured left ankle when he was struck by an Alex Ovechkin shot on Dec. 6, is expected to be out at least another 2-3 weeks.

"He was back and we took a normal X-ray last week. It's better, there's no question, but the calcium has not gotten to the point where he's ready to skate," Devils GM/coach Lou Lamoriello told NJ Advance Media Monday. "He's out off the boot, but I would say it's going to be another two or three weeks."

The same is true for center Stephen Gionta, who broke his hand when he was hit by a Kris Letang shot in a Dec. 29 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Gionta's hand has not healed well enough yet to begin practicing.

Gionta is skating on his own.

Severson, 20, was part of the Devils' top defense pairing when he was injured on Dec. 6. He finished that game and played the next five games with a fractured ankle until the pain became too much.

In 32 games, Severson has 12 points (four goals, eight assists).

Captain Bryce Salvador remains out with a lower body injury.

"Everything is as it's been," Lamoriello said. "I should have an update today with reference to the therapy he's been going through."

Devils All-Star representative Patrik Elias made it home from Columbus, Ohio, before the heavy snow but may not practice Monday.

The Devils are scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. practice in Newark.

"It's going to be how he feels," Lamoriello said. "He has that option."



Windsor Spitfires give Devils' Adam Henrique a "special night" by retiring his No. 14

Posted by Tom Gulitti

It definitely seemed odd to Adam Henrique that he hasn't even reached his 25th birthday yet and there was at WFCU Center in Windsor Sunday night having his No. 14 jersey retired by the Spitfires.

Isn't the Devils center still too young for that?

“Everybody kept asking me that,” Henrique said today. “It was a little strange. It feels like just yesterday I was there playing. In 2006, getting drafted by them and 2010 still feels like yesterday. But, then you look back and it is a while ago. My time there and everything was awesome.”

Henrique, who will turn 25 on Feb. 6, helped the Spitfires win back-to-back Memorial Cups in 2009 and 2010. Steve Ott, who also wore No. 14 during his Spitfires career, also was part of Sunday's ceremony and Ed Jovanovski, another Windsor No. 14, had his own ceremony a week earlier. All three players were honored with individual banners with the No. 14 and their pictures on it.

“They had a young Adam Henrique on the banner – had the long hair on there and everything,” Henrique said. “Just to see it go up was chilling. It was a night I'll never forget. It was a special night just having a lot of my buddies there, a lot of family came in from out of town, which was awesome.”

Henrique's family and the billet family he lived with when he was playing in Windsor were on the ice with him. Both he and Ott gave speeches of “probably four or five minutes.”

“Steve read his speech first and he did a great job. He was awesome,” Henrique said. “So, following him up was pretty tough, but it was good. Everybody enjoyed it, everybody had a fun night.”

Henrique said a “a good friend” helped him put his speech together, which admitted he didn't spend a lot of time preparing.

Henrique felt the night was more about “thanking the fans and all the people that were there – the coaching staff, everybody that in one way or another kind of helped me out through everything while I was there. People in the front office, they did an awesome job handling everything, setting everything up. It was pretty hectic for them. I'm sure they're pretty happy to have everything done and for it to have gone smoothly.

“I thanked all the teammates when we played together there and just my family. They were all on the ice with me and my billet family was out there too. So, it was a special night.”

Henrique claimed, “I had people tearing up out there.”

How?

“It was a good speech,” he said.

“It was nice, though, because once you're out there, the lights are off so you can't really see everybody,” Henrique said. “There were a couple lights just kind of blinding me, so it made it a little easier to go through the speech.”

Henrique said he and Ott tried to keep their speeches “fairly short” so the players could get on to playing the game, which Windsor lost, 6-3, to Sarnia. It still doesn't seem like that long ago he was one of them.

“I felt like showing up there I should be just suiting up, playing in a game,” Henrique said. “The family got there and everybody was there and seeing all the coaches and everybody there, even people in the front office and fans, people that I recognized from when I was there, just being on the ice and the whole atmosphere of it was a little nerve wracking. But, it was awesome.”

Henrique flew back to New Jersey this morning and was at Prudential Center in time to practice with the Devils this afternoon.

“I was just hoping to get in before the storm,” Henrique said. “I got a little nervous, but, luckily enough, everything went smoothly, I got in OK and made it to practice in time.”

Bergen Record LOADED: 01.27.2015


Devils' Patrik Elias had a blast at all-star weekened; Couldn't help back checking in wide-open game


Devils left wing Patrik Elias went to the NHL All-Star Game in Columbus planning to enjoy it as if it would be his last and ended up having an even better time than he anticipated.

“It was fun,” Elias said today after having two assists for Team Toews in its 27-12 win Sunday. “The whole weekend actually surprised me a little bit. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. It was a good group of guys we had there and hanging out with them in the locker room and around everybody seemed laid back and very approachable and everything went pretty smooth.”

With his wife, Petra, and two young daughters in Florida, Elias brought a small group of friends with him for the weekend. The same group went with him to Raleigh, N.C. when he represented the Devils at the 2011 all-star game.

“I had my friends there, a few of my friends, and we hung out when I didn't have to do all the other stuff around the game itself and the media, etc.,” he said. “Even the boys (the players) were very nice when we were around the locker rooms. Everybody seemed very approachable. You could talk to them about anything. Everybody had fun.”

Elias, who played in his fourth all-star game, said the best part of the weekend was “winning the game,” but enjoyed the entire weekend, beginning with the fantasy draft on Friday, in which he was selected in the 12th round.

“Even compared to the draft I was part of in Carolina, I think they did a better job this time,” he said. “It seemed a little better for the players because we could hang backstage a little bit. You didn't have to sit the whole time just kind of watching what's going on. You could interact together a little bit more and it seemed the guys had a little more fun with it, too. So, that was pretty good.”

Elias thought the skills competition on Saturday ran “pretty long.”

“There's things maybe they could change for the fans and also for the players,” he said.

Elias suggested limiting the Breakaway Challenge, in which three shooters from each team had three creative breakaway attempts apiece, to just one shooter per team.

“I'm sure the guys kind of struggled with the ideas of what they're going to do,” Elias said. “They improvised pretty good. It was pretty fun some of the things, but I think there's still things they can improve on.”

Elias also thinks there's ways to improve the game itself.

“Obviously, nobody is going to be hitting each other and coming back 100 percent back checking, etc., but it still could be a little more action, a little more competitive,” Elias said.

Elias said he tried to back check “a couple times,” including once against Alex Ovechkin in the first period.

“I think it was because I turned the puck over too, so I was coming back,” Elias said. “You can't get it out of your head. It's your DNA sometimes. I was coming back and Ovi was looking at me. At the beginning of the second period, we were standing against each other on the faceoff and he was like, 'What are you doing? I had a breakaway.' And Patrice Bergeron had a a couple great back checks in the third and he was like, 'When you have it, you have it.'”

Elias admitted that the Nationwide Arena cannon, which was fired after each of the Team Foligno goals (except a couple), “Scared us a few times, especially the first time when it happened.

“But, they warned us after that this is what's going to be happening every time after they score and after the anthem, etc., so we were ready for that,” Elias said. “But, for me, the most enjoyable thing was actually the game itself. I really enjoyed playing with Patrice Bergeron and Johnny Tavares there. I really had a lot of fun.”

Elias played most of the game on a line with Bergeron and Tavares. He was pushing for Tavares, who scored four goals, to try to get a fifth goal, which would have been an all-star game record.

“He's a good guy,” Elias said of Tavares. “We play so much against them and I admire and respect the way he plays. I really enjoyed playing with him and was trying to push for that fifth goal for him and he kind of seemed like he didn't want it.”

But, Elias said he had fun being around and watching all the all-stars.

“It's amazing what they can do,” Elias said. “Even the opposition, the guys, you watch them and Patrick Kane, the two goals he scored it's like, 'Oh my God, how did he do that?' with the quick hands. The young kids (Filip) Forsberg and (Johnny) Gaudreau from Calgary, it's amazing what they can do. So, you kind of watch them and I really enjoyed the experience.”

Elias played a shift with Forsberg and Guadreau in the second period and his “sick” pass up to Gaudreau for a breakaway led to a rebound goal for Forsberg.

“A little behind the back on the breakaway, I set him up,” Elias said. “One shift and we scored one goal, so a pretty good percentage.”

Elias, the oldest player in the game at 38, also enjoyed being around Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who is still only 18 and was the youngest player in the game. Ekblad was born on Feb. 7, 1996, exactly two months after Elias made his NHL debut for the Devils.

“We had an optional practice on Saturday and it was only the goalies, me, him and (Brent Burns) was there with his kids,” Elias said. “So, there were a few of us, but it was funny that the oldest and the youngest guys were there trying to get the legs moving a little bit.”

Although Lamoriello said Elias had the option not to stake today after taking part in all-star weekend, Elias said, “nobody really told me that.”

Elias wanted to practice with the team today anyway after flying back from Sunday night with Tavares and Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak. They offered him a ride back on the private jet they chartered so he wouldn't have to risk being stranded in Columbus because of the snowstorm.

“I was supposed to come in today in the morning, but I hopped on the plane with the Islanders guys, which was great so I got home late last night, but got enough sleep,” Elias said. “I wanted to skate. It's not like you work hard there for three days.”



Jagr: "If anybody wanted to trade for me, I think they would ask first"; Recovered from flu, mumps

Staff

Right wing Jaromir Jagr plans to be back in the Devils' lineup Wednesday night against Toronto after recovering from a debilitating bout with the flu and (surprise) also the mumps that sidelined him for the team's last three games before the all-star break.

Jagr does not know, however, how much longer he will continue to be a Devil. Although Devils GM and interim coach Lou Lamoriello said he's not yet thinking about which players he might move before the March 2 trade deadline, Jagr, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, knows he could be one of them.

The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer said again he'd be happy to remain a Devil, but he also understands he might get traded to a playoff contender in exchange for some piece for the future. And the Devils have only 16 games left before the trade deadline, so Jagr's time left in New Jersey could be limited.

“I've got no idea,” Jagr said of what his future holds. “I don't really want to think about it. I just want to play the best I can play and whatever happens happens. I just want to enjoy it every time I'm on the ice. I cannot control anything anyway.”

Still, though Jagr noted that he does not have a no-trade clause in his contract, he'd expect any team interested in him would want to talk to him before completing a trade.

“If anybody wanted to trade for me, I think they would ask first. I think they would do it,” Jagr said. “If anybody wants to bring somebody in, they want to make sure that he wants to go even if you don't have control. At least, they did it when I went to Boston. They gave me time to think about it. But, I didn't want to leave Dallas either. I was happy there.”

Jagr made it clear he is happy in New Jersey. Still, the Devils are 15 points out of a playoff spot and a long shot at best to avoid missing the postseason for the third year in a row. Jagr, who ranks second on the Devils with 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists), would be sure to draw interest from other teams around the trade deadline and, no doubt, wouldn't mind a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup again if he feels the fit is right.

“But, you never know,” he said. “Everything happens for a reason. I just have to work hard and be ready. Whatever happens, happens.”

Jagr said he “was sleeping all the time, so I didn't see much” of the three games (two wins) the Devils played without him before the all-star break because he was ill.

Jagr revealed today that on top of having the flu, he also had the mumps, making him the sixth player in the organization to contract the infectious disease. Travis Zajac, Adam Larsson, Patrik Elias, Michael Ryder and Scott Clemmensen (Albany) also had the mumps.

“I had everything possible I could have at the same time – all the diseases,” Jagr said.

The flu came first. That hit him after he played in the Devils' Jan. 9 game against the Islanders.

“For five days, it was the worst,” Jagr said. “I didn't leave the bed for five days. I didn't eat for five days. And then I started swelling. That was totally different.”

The swelling in Jagr's face was one of the symptoms of the mumps. He said last month that he was the only player on the team that chose not to get the mumps booster shot when team administered them on Dec. 9. He had been battling a nagging flu bug that kept him out of the team's Dec. 4 game in Toronto and was lucky initially that the mumps didn't hit him, too.

His luck ran out, though, just as he was getting over the worst of the flu.

“But, it wasn't that bad. I didn't have a temperature,” Jagr said. “My body was so sore, plus the swelling. I couldn't move. But, I didn't have a temperature.”

The incubation period for the mumps can take nearly four weeks, so Jagr was playing with the virus inside him for a while without knowing it.

“I played with it,” he said. “I scored a hat trick with it (Jan. 4 vs. Philadelphia). It was on my back, those mumps. I couldn't get rid of it.”

Jagr had talked about going to the Czech Republic for the all-star break, but couldn't after he was diagnosed with the mumps.

“When you have the mumps, you cannot leave for five days,” he said.

Jagr said, “it's over,” now, though. He lost some weight while he “didn't eat at all” for five days, but didn't know exactly how much and said he is back to his pre-illness weight now.

Jagr resumed skating last weekend and continued to skate on his own over the all-star break.

“But it's different just to skate and have a regular practice,” he said.

Jagr said he felt “OK” during today's practice, which featured a lot of skating in the drills and then some conditioning skating at the end.

When asked if he will play Wednesday night, Jagr said, “Of course.”

Left wing Tuomo Ruutu also said he is ready to play Wednesday after he also had the flu – but not the mumps – and missed the team's final three games before the all-star break.

“I was pretty sick for a while,” Ruutu said. “But, you know what? After being sick like that, even though it was nothing serious, there's nothing better than feeling normal. You appreciate it so much more when you're actually healthy.”

Ruutu said he actually started to feel sick before the Jan. 8 game against the Islanders.

“Before, I kind of felt there's something going on,” he said. “I thought maybe I was tired or something. I just felt a little sick. Then, right after, I knew something's not right.”

Although Ruutu didn't have the mumps, he had a pretty bad case of the flu.

“I was pretty much in bed for a full week” he said.

Unlike Jagr, however, he was able to eat while he was sick, so he didn't lose much weight.

“I'm usually a pretty good eater,” he said. “I find a way to eat even when I'm sick. Obviously, I lost a little bit (of weight), but I got it back pretty quickly after.”

Ruutu said he feels “good” now after skating on his own for a week plus. In fact, he took “a couple days off” for the weekend before returning to practice today.

“I've been good for a while now,” he said.

Although Jagr didn't watch much of the Devils' games while he was sick, he did watch Sunday's NHL All-Star Game in Columbus.

“I think it was the first time ever,” he said.

Even with the teams combining to score an all-star game record 29 goals, Jagr says he has no regrets about saying he didn't want to be picked.

“Then, I would think it's too easy,” he said.



Devils to try to avoid snow; Lamoriello declines comment on lawsuit; Sestito expects to be sent down


To try to avoid the blizzard scheduled to hit the area tonight, the Devils are scheduled to practice at 4 p.m. Tuesday to prepare for Wednesday night's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

That will be both teams first game following the all-star break.

If the weather forces them to, the Devils can always cancel practice, but they're going to try to get on the ice Tuesday and, hopefully, avoid the worst of the storm and travel problems.

“We'll take no chances in the morning and let all the people who are trying to get out in the morning (go) and stay out of the traffic,” Devils GM and interim coach Lou Lamoriello said.

Lamoriello said, “It's my understanding”, the Maple Leafs are scheduled to fly to New Jersey Tuesday night.

“I have no other news,” he said.

Devils assistant coach Nick Foligno was the only one to miss today's practice. He was in Columbus to root on son, Nick, in the NHL All-Star Game and his flight was canceled.

Lamoriello said Foligno rented a car and was driving back to New Jersey today.

Left wing Patrik Elias was supposed to fly back from Columbus this morning after representing the Devils at the all-star game, but got a ride back Sunday night with Islanders' all-stars John Tavares and Jaroslav Halak, who chartered a private jet. The flight Elias was scheduled to be on this morning ended up being canceled.

Lamoriello declined to speak about the lawsuit filed against him last week by ex-Prudential Center executive Rich Krezwick.

“I have no comment,” Lamoriello said.

In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey on Thursday, Krezwick, the former President of Devils Arena Entertainment, is seeking $2.3 million in damages from Lamoriello for “tortious interference with a prospective contract,” under New Jersey common law. Krezwick was dismissed from his job after Josh Harris and David Blitzer took over ownership of the Devils and operational control of Prudential Center from former owner Jeff Vanderbeek in August of 2013.

Harris and Blizter brought in Scott O'Neil and Hugh Weber to run the business side of the team and arena operations when they became the new owners.

For details on the lawsuit, here is a link to a detailed look at it by The Record's John Brennan:

Lamoriello said they will wait to see if Tim Sestito clears waivers at noon Tuesday before deciding whether he will be sent down.

Sestito, 30, said he is expecting to be returned to Albany, but will probably wait to drive back (assuming he clears waivers) because of the snow. Albany's next game is Thursday at Lehigh Valley.

“The whole weather issue plays a bit into it,” Sestito said. “They (the Albany Devils) leave soon for a game, so I'll just kind of hang on and wait a bit probably for a phone call. I doubt I'll be leaving tomorrow. I'll probably be snowed in. I'll get down there as soon as I can, though.”

Sestito, who has no goals and two assists in 15 NHL games this season, was not surprised to return from the all-star break and learn he was being placed on waivers. Jaromir Jagr and Tuomo Ruutu are both ready to play after missing the last three games before the break because they were ill.

“It's not like it wasn't expected,” the 30-year-old Rome, N.Y. native said. “Guys are healthy, which is a good thing. I think it was a good little stint, so you do down and play well and, hopefully, you're not needed, but if you are just keep going.”



Jagr, Ruutu, Elias all back with Devils for first post-all-star break practice


Right wing Jaromir Jagr and left wing Tuomo Ruutu are on the ice with the Devils for their practice this afternoon after missing the team's last three games before the all-star break because of the flu.

This is the team's first practice following the all-star break. The Devils have been off since a 5-2 win in San Jose a week ago. All players are on the ice for today's practice, including left wing Patrik Elias, who represented the team at the NHL All-Star Game and had two assists for Team Toews in its 17-12 win over Team Foligno.

Elias was scheduled to fly back from Columbus this morning, but was offered a ride back Sunday night by Islanders all-stars John Tavares and Jaroslav Halak, who had chartered a private jet. Elias' scheduled flight back from Columbus this morning was canceled due to the snowstorm.

Jagr and Ruutu last played on Jan. 9. They did not participate in the team's practices on Jan. 11, 12 and 13 in New Jersey before it departed for Los Angeles and the start of its three-game California road trip.

Tim Sestito, who was placed on waivers earlier today, is also among the players practicing today.

Assistant coach Mike Foligno, who was in Columbus to root on son, Nick, in the all-star game, is the only one missing from today's practice.

Devils GM and interim coach Lou Lamoriello was on the bench as the players were taking the ice for the start of practice, but then went up to the balcony to watch.

Injured left wing Ryane Clowe (suspected concussion) and center Stephen Gionta (fractured hand) were both watching practice by the benches for a while.

Here is the breakdown of the players practicing today:

Forwards: Adam Henrique-Scott Gomez-Jaromir Jagr; Patrik Elias-Travis Zajac-Martin Havlat; Dainius Zubrus-Mike Cammalleri-Michael Ryder/Steve Bernier; Tuomo Ruutu-Jacob Josefson/Tim Sestito-Jordin Tootoo.

Defensemen: Andy Greene-Adam Larsson; Mark Fraser-Marek Zidlicky; Eric Gelinas-Jon Merrill; Peter Harrold.

Goaltenders: Cory Schneider, Keith Kinkaid.



Devils place center Tim Sestito on waivers; Patrik Elias hitches ride back with Isles' all-stars


The Devils placed center Tim Sestito on waivers today. If he clears waivers at noon Tuesday without being claimed by another team, Sestito will be eligible to be re-assigned to Albany of the AHL.

With right wing Jaromir Jagr and left wing Tuomo Ruutu set to return from the flu after missing the last three games (and Jacob Josefson already back from the flu), the Devils are going to need to open up a roster spot before Wednesday's game against Toronto – their first after the all-star break.

Because Sestito has played more than 10 games for the Devils since he last was put through waivers before this season began, so he had to be put through waivers again to be sent down. In 15 games with the Devils this season, Sestito, 30, has no goals two assists. He had an assist on Jordin Tootoo's tying goal in the first period of the Devils' 5-2 win in San Jose in the team's final game before the all-star break a week ago.

In 101 career NHL regular season games, Sestito has no goals and eight assists.

The Devils are scheduled to hold their first practice after the all-star break at 2:30 p.m. today. (Per the CBA, teams were not permitted to practice before 2 p.m. today).

Devils' all-star representative Patrik Elias (two assists Sunday) did make it back from Columbus before the snowstorm began. He was scheduled to fly back to New Jersey this morning, but Islanders' all-stars John Tavares and Jaroslav Halak offered him a ride back Sunday night on the private jet they had chartered. (Elias and Halak have the same agent.)

That worked out well because the flight Elias was supposed to be on this morning was canceled due to the snowstorm.

Elias is at Prudential Center this afternoon, but will be given the option not to practice. The rest of the team is expected to be on the ice.



Devils' Jagr knows he could be on move

January 27, 2015 Last updated: Tuesday, January 27, 2015, 1:20 AM

By TOM GULITTI

NEWARK – Having recovered from a draining bout with the flu and also (surprise) a case of the mumps, right wing Jaromir Jagr expects to be back in the Devils’ lineup Wednesday night when they host Toronto in both teams’ initial game after the All-Star break.

How much longer Jagr will remain a Devil is unknown. Although Devils GM and interim coach Lou Lamoriello said he’s not yet thinking about which players he might move before the March 2 trade deadline, Jagr, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, knows he could be one of them.

The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer said again he’d be happy to remain a Devil, but he also understands he might get traded to a playoff contender in exchange for some piece for the future.

"I don’t really want to think about it," said Jagr, who ranks second on the Devils with 25 points. "I just want to play the best I can play and whatever happens, happens. I just want to enjoy it every time I’m on the ice. I cannot control anything anyway."

Still, though Jagr does not have a no-trade clause in his contract, he’d expect any team interested in him would want to talk to him before completing a trade.

"If anybody wants to bring somebody in, they want to make sure that he wants to go even if you don’t have control," he said.

Jagr pointed out that was what Boston did before it acquired him from Dallas two years ago.

"They gave me time to think about it," he said. "But, I didn’t want to leave Dallas either. I was happy there."

Jagr is happy being a Devil, too, but with the team 15 points out a playoff spot, it is a long shot at best that they will qualify for the postseason. They did, however, win two out of the three games he missed while he was out sick.

Jagr "didn’t eat at all" for five days when he had the flu and then his face swelled up, indicating he had the mumps. He was the sixth player in the organization to have a confirmed case of the infectious disease. Left wing Tuomo Ruutu also missed the last three games before the break, but said he only had the flu. Like Jagr, he feels ready to play Wednesday.

There is no indication so far that Wednesday’s game won’t be played as scheduled. The Maple Leafs plan to fly to Newark tonight. To try to avoid the worst of the blizzard, the Devils scheduled today’s practice for 4 p.m.

All Devils players made it back for Monday’s practice, including Patrik Elias, who represented the team at the All-Star game. Elias was scheduled to fly back from Columbus on Monday morning, but was offered a ride back Sunday night by Islanders All-Stars John Tavares and Jaroslav Halak, who chartered a private jet.

BRIEF: Lamoriello declined to comment on the lawsuit filed against him last week by ex-Prudential Center executive Rich Krezwick. Krezwick, the former president of Devils Arena Entertainment, is seeking $2.3 million in damages from Lamoriello for "tortious interference with a prospective contract," under New Jersey common law.

764822 New York Islanders

Islanders’ Kyle Okposo Is Sidelined

By ALLAN KREDAJAN. 26, 2015

Kyle Okposo, the Islanders’ top-line right wing, will be sidelined for six to eight weeks with an upper-body injury. The team announced no further details on the injury.

The Islanders (31-14-1) lead the Metropolitan Division with 63 points, 3 points ahead of the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins. The Islanders are scheduled to play the Rangers on Tuesday night at Nassau Coliseum as the N.H.L. season resumes after the All-Star break. The game could be postponed because of blizzard conditions affecting the Northeast.

Okposo, 26, has 14 goals and 30 assists for 44 points, 1 point behind his center John Tavares for the team lead. Okposo led the Islanders last season with 69 points in 71 games, stepping in when Tavares went down for the season with a knee injury at the Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

“It’s a huge loss; he’s one of our leaders,” Tavares said, adding, “He works hard on his game and sets an example that way.”

Led by Tavares and Okposo, the Islanders are second in the N.H.L. in scoring, averaging 3.15 goals per game. Okposo scored a career-high four goals in a 6-3 home victory over Pittsburgh on Jan. 16. Okposo had seven goals and 10 assists in his last 14 games before the All-Star break.

Forward Mikhail Grabovski, who has six goals and eight assists in 38 games, may return from a lower-body injury to take Okposo’s spot. Grabovski skated on the top line with Tavares and Josh Bailey at Monday’s practice.

The Islanders face a difficult schedule this week. After the Rangers, the Islanders have games against two other Eastern Conference teams in playoff position: the Boston Bruins on Thursday and the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

Okposo, the seventh overall pick in the 2006 draft, has not missed a game this season. If he is out for eight weeks, he will not return until late March. The regular season ends April 11.

Okposo joined the Islanders during the 2007-8 season and was one of their most effective players during his only postseason experience, scoring three goals in an opening-round six-game loss to Pittsburgh in 2013.

New York Times LOADED: 01.27.2015


Islanders' top line winger Kyle Okposo to miss 6-8 weeks with upper body injury

BY Stephen Lorenzo

Monday, January 26, 2015, 7:44 PM

The Islanders will be without assists leader Kyle Okposo (r.) for six to eight weeks. Anthony Gruppuso/USA Today Sports The Islanders will be without assists leader Kyle Okposo (r.) for six to eight weeks.

After one of the best starts to a season in franchise history, the Islanders will begin their playoff push without one of their best players.

Kyle Okposo will miss six to eight weeks with a mysterious upper-body injury. The Isles’ top line winger leads the team in assists (30) and is second in points (44).

“It sucks,” Johnny Boychuk said simply. “He’s one of our key players on the ice. To have him not be here for a while, it sucks.”

“I don’t say frustrating, I just say disappointing because that line was playing so well,” Isles coach Jack Capuano said. “You look at the last two or three games that they played and the amount of points that they put up. Now we’ll analyze it, figure out who’s going to play there (on the top line)…It’s unfortunate, but teams go through it and we’ve just got to battle through this one here and other guys have to step up.”

Okposo seemed to be finding a groove leading up to the All-Star break with six goals in his last five games, including a four-goal outburst against the Penguins on Jan. 16. Additionally, with six points in his last three games, Josh Bailey seemed to be settling in as the third piece of the Isles top trio alongside Okposo and John Tavares. Now the chemistry will be disrupted once again.

“It’s a big loss,” Tavares admitted. “Certainly we all know what Kyle brings to the table, how valuable he is to the team. It’s an opportunity for guys to have increased roles and increased minutes.”

“We’ve dealt with injuries all year. It’s part of the game, but it’s certainly very unfortunate for Kyle,” Tavares added. “We felt like we were starting to get into a pretty good rhythm. He certainly had a couple of big games… it was tough when I first heard the news from talking to him, but he works hard. He’s a very committed guy and very focused. He’ll use the time to find a way to get better. We look forward to getting him back… it’s a huge loss.”

In the meantime, it appears as though Mikhail Grabovski will slide up to the top winger’s role in Okposo’s absence. Grabovski skated with Tavares and Bailey at Monday’s practice and appears to be ready to play after recovering from a lower body injury.

“The other three lines have played so well that you don’t want to break those guys up,” Capuano said. “I don’t want to over analyze it and think about it too much. We have some options that we can put up there.”

The Isles will battle the Rangers on Tuesday night at the Coliseum, weather permitting.

New York Daily News LOADED: 01.27.2015


Why winning division is last thing Rangers want

By Larry Brooks

January 26, 2015 | 5:54pm

Regardless of whether Mother Nature (or Gary Bettman) allows for this Rangers-Islanders showdown at the Coliseum to be played as scheduled on Tuesday or if it is pushed back to Wednesday — when both teams and the building are free — this next Battle of New York represents the Blueshirts’ best, if not last, chance to join the race for first place.

Which, other than ninth place, could be the worst place for the Rangers to be when the playoffs open.

Have you thought much about a hypothetical first-round matchup against the potential wild-card Bruins? No, didn’t think so.

But now do you see my point?

First things first: True enough, the Rangers still will have 35 games to go following this one, and at worst, a regulation defeat would drop them seven points back and still with two games in hand, so it might seem premature to get out the “Sky is Falling” placards.

But the NHL’s three-point game that creates the opportunity for losers to pick up points along the way has created an illusion of proximity in the standings. Even with games in hand, the likelihood of making up seven points in a little over two months on a team as strong as the Islanders is negligible.

To wit: Even in going 16-3 since Dec. 8, the Blueshirts have picked up only five points on the Islanders, 13-5-1 over the same period. And as much to the point, the Rangers have picked up only one point on Washington, even though the Caps won just 13-of-20 games over that stretch … but had gained five losers’ points in the standings.

Of course, there is the unknown of injuries, such as the upper-body issue that apparently will sideline the Islanders’ Kyle Okposo for the next six-to-eight weeks. There is the unknown of the March 2 trade deadline.

But suffice to say a seven-point hole is just that … a hole out of which it isn’t so simple to dig.

But dig as the Rangers must in keeping their eyes on the prize, it’s fair to suggest finishing atop the Metropolitan Division might be a consolation prize with Boston lurking as a realistically possible first-round opponent.

The conference’s first-place team with the best record gets the second wild-card team. As of now, by points, that would be Tampa Bay against Boston. Which would be just fine for the Rangers, since they are a combined 0-4 against those two opponents while outscored by an aggregate 18-7. (Toss in the Islanders and the Blueshirts are a combined 0-6 while outscored 27-10.)

But the Islanders are just one point behind the Lightning with two games in hand, so as close as the Rangers are to the Brooklyn-bound club is just about as close as they are to their Florida annex. Win this next Battle of New York, and the Rangers are in the conference championship conversation.

Which could be music to Brad Marchand’s and Tuukka Rask’s ears.

These may not be the vintage Bruins, currently holding the conference’s final spot, but they are nobody’s idea of a favorable first-round matchup and least of all the Blueshirts’ — who have gone 1-8 against the B’s in the last nine meetings dating back to the 2013 second round, including a 3-0 defeat in Boston on Jan. 14.

The Bruins play a heavy, hard forecheck, physical, puck-pressure game against the Rangers, who have been susceptible to teams that take away time and space on the first pass, whether out of their own end or in the neutral zone on transition. Boston has done it and the Islanders have done it.

The Rangers are focusing on the next game, not the first round. And even as first place has its benefits, the first-round matchup may not be among them.

Best for the Blueshirts would appear to be an opening two-three divisional matchup against the Penguins, against whom the Rangers are 3-0-1 this season and 6-0-1 back through Game 5 of last spring’s Round Two.

In other words: Tank for Sidney!

New York Post LOADED: 01.27.2015


Islanders injury buzzkill: Kyle Okposo out up to 8 weeks

By Brett Cyrgalis

January 26, 2015 | 3:53pm

The sky is falling, in so many different ways.

As this winter blizzard tore through New York on Monday afternoon, it seemed doubtful the Rangers and Islanders could resume the post-All-Star-break part of the schedule with Tuesday’s Coliseum matchup. But for the first-place Isles, horror struck their fan base when the team announced after Monday’s practice top-line forward and alternate captain Kyle Okposo would be out six-to-eight weeks with an “upper-body injury.”

“I kind of had an idea before the break, but it definitely comes as a shock,” coach Jack Capuano said, with Okposo having played in all of the team’s first 46 games. “Not only, for me, is Kyle’s play dictating how we go and the pace we play with, but it’s his leadership. But we have a lot of guys in that room and it’s another opportunity for somebody to step up.

“You have to deal with injuries throughout the year, but unfortunately, this is a tough one for us.”

Okposo has 14 goals and 44 points, just one point behind his linemate and captain John Tavares. It also leaves Tavares in the unfamiliar position of taking the ice without Okposo on his right side, something he has done very rarely over his five-plus years in the league.

“It’s unfortunate for Kyle,” Tavares said. “I felt we were starting to get in a pretty good rhythm, certainly had a couple big games. It’s always nice to get a break and try to keep that going.

“I know for him, it was tough when he first heard the news, talking to him,” Tavares continued, with he and Okposo having become good friends over their years together. “But he works hard, very committed guy, very focused. I know for him, he’ll use this time to try to get better and I’m looking forward to him getting back.”

The most likely way Okposo is going to be replaced — although with his size and skill, that’s hardly the right word — is with Mikhail Grabovski, as the forward is set to return after missing the five games preceding the break with a lower-body injury. The way Capuano put it is that Grabovski will go to the left side, and Josh Bailey, who is a left-handed shot and was playing on the left with Tavares and Okposo, will switch to the right.

“I don’t say frustrating, it’s just disappointing, because that line was playing so well,” Capuano said, with the three games leading into the break having the three players combine for 20 points, including Okposo’s outrageous four-goal outburst on Jan. 16 against the Penguins.

“We’ll analyze it, and figure who’s going to play there. Especially a right shot, coming down the wing with the way [Okposo] uses his skill and protects the puck down low. It’s unfortunate right now, but teams go through it and we have to battle through this one right here and guys have to step up.”

This also dampens the lead-in to one of the most anticipated Rangers-Islanders game in recent memory, as the Blueshirts have won 16-of-19 going into the break and are just five points — with two games in hand — behind the Islanders.

“They play with a good pace, they’re a diversified team, they have some skill, they have some size,” Capuano said. “There is a reason they did what they did last season and went to the Stanley Cup finals. This is a good measuring stick for our hockey club, to play against a real good team that’s playing as well as the Rangers.”

A good measuring stick, as well, for what kind of team the Islanders will be with Okposo over the next two months.

One small bit of good news for the Islanders is defenseman and power-play specialist Lubomir Visnovsky is set to come off injured reserved and return to the lineup after missing the seven games before the break with an upper-body injury. Visnovsky, 38, practiced fully with the team on Monday and likely will replace Brian Strait.

No other roster move will be necessary, as Okposo is likely headed to IR.

The Rangers had a late-afternoon practice at the Coliseum, and forward Chris Kreider didn’t participate because he was ill. Rick Nash was the only other player not to practice, as he wasn’t required to after returning from the All-Star Game.



Rangers-Islanders imperiled by blizzard crushing New York

By Larry Brooks

January 26, 2015 | 2:46pm

Butch Goring: The great relief of the Islanders finally being 'back'

Tuesday night’s scheduled mid-winter Rangers-Islanders showdown at Nassau Coliseum remains on the docket even as a potential record-breaking blizzard is forecast for the New York area.

“[It is] possible [the NHL could announce a postponement on Monday], but there is no set deadline or time line,” an NHL spokesperson said via email. “We stay on schedule unless and until we have to postpone.”

Both teams, as well as the building, are free Wednesday night.

In the event of a 24-hour postponement, both teams would face back-to-backs and three games in four nights. The Rangers scheduled to meet the Canadiens and Hurricanes at the Garden, Thursday and Saturday, respectively. The Islanders set to play host to the Bruins on Thursday before facing the Red Wings in Detroit on Saturday.

The Rangers, who are moving their first post-All-Star-Game practice to the Coliseum late Monday afternoon and will then bivouac at a Long Island hotel through game day, already had one game postponed this season.

A snowstorm in Buffalo forced postponement of the Blueshirts’ originally scheduled Nov. 21 match against the Sabres. The game is now set for Feb. 20 as the second half of a back-to-back for the Blueshirts following a Feb. 19 match at the Garden against the Canucks.



Islanders' Kyle Okposo to miss six to eight weeks

Updated January 26, 2015 6:58 PM

By ARTHUR STAPLE

The Islanders' terrific season is being put to its biggest test.

Kyle Okposo will miss the next six to eight weeks after surgery on an undisclosed upper-body injury during the All-Star break, depriving the 31-14-1 team of its second-leading scorer and one of its most important leaders until the final stretch of the regular season.

"We had an idea something was bothering him before the break, but when you get the news, it's tough," Jack Capuano said after the Islanders' first practice back from the All-Star break Monday afternoon. "Kyle was leading the team in a lot more ways than just his production on the ice. His enthusiasm on the plane, in the room, he's been terrific in that regard."

Okposo had seven goals and 10 assists in his last 14 games despite dealing with the injury that required surgery, giving him 14 goals and a team-leading 30 assists through 46 games.

Now the Isles' No. 1A scorer behind linemate John Tavares will be out until late March, well past the March 2 trade deadline.

IslandersKyle Okposo

The Islanders' belief in themselves and their ability to roll 12 efficient forwards will be severely tested.

"He'll obviously be missed, but we can fill in for him and still win games," Matt Martin said. "We'll have to find ways to win games the way we have so far this year, with everybody contributing in different ways and at different times. It's been Johnny some nights, Kyle some nights and other guys on other nights. That's what we'll need."

That difficult process begins Tuesday night -- weather permitting. The Islanders and Rangers both practiced at the Coliseum on Monday in advance of the snowstorm, and as of Monday evening, there was no word from either team about a postponement.

Both teams are scheduled to play at home on Thursday. The Coliseum is free Wednesday night, offering a later option for a huge game straight out of the break.

The focus, though, was on losing Okposo. Martin said he returned from a weekend getaway to the news that his teammate was out. "I was definitely caught off-guard," he said. "I had no idea something was wrong right before I left. I don't think too many of the guys did."

Capuano and the coaching staff were aware that something was amiss, even if Okposo's play didn't reflect an issue. Now the depth that Garth Snow amassed over the summer will come into bigger focus.

Mikhail Grabovski, who missed six games before the break with a lower-body injury, skated in Okposo's spot on the top line with Tavares and Josh Bailey on Monday.

"We're going to do what we've been doing: Play hard, play within our framework and with the consistency we've had through most of the year," Capuano said. "We understand the way we need to play and I think we understand we've got a good hockey club. It's a big loss, but I like the way we've responded in the past."

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 01.27.2015


Islanders-Canadiens added to NBC Sports Network schedule


By NEIL BEST

NBC Sports Network has added the March 14 Canadiens at Islanders game to its schedule, a step toward correcting what executive producer Sam Flood called a "mistake" in originally scheduling the Islanders for no national TV games.

"This team changed dramatically in the time between us setting the schedule and the start of the season," Flood said from Glendale, Arizona, during preparations for NBC's coverage of Super Bowl XLIX. "This is an opportunity to fix it."

Flood said once the postseason arrives, the network wants to tell only stories that directly relate to the playoffs, so the March game was NBC's last, best opportunity to tell the story of the Islanders' final season at Nassau Coliseum.

"We can celebrate the current team as well as the legacy of that building and the history of that building," he said.

It will be the second Islanders game added to NBCSN's slate. The network also carried the Nov. 1 game at San Jose.

NBCSN will have exclusive rights to the game, meaning it will not be available on MSG Plus, the Islanders' primary local TV home.

Flood said the renewed energy at the Coliseum and the Islanders' strong play will ensure an energetic backdrop.

"We knew the building would continue to have life at the end of the season," he said. "That's the key to this. If there is a team playing out the string, I don't think the building would have the same impact on an audience at home. And what better than to have the Montreal Canadiens, an Original Six team, coming in?"

NBCSN's addition of an Islanders game comes in contrast with what has gone on with the Knicks in recent weeks. ESPN and TNT have sought to shed as many of their games from the national schedule as possible.

The Knicks' last game remaining on either of those networks -- a TNT game against the Lakers on March 12 -- was removed from the schedule late last week.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 01.27.2015

764829 New York Rangers

With New Confidence, Rangers Reanimate Power Play

By ALLAN KREDAJAN. 26, 2015

The Rangers’ oft-derided power play — a source of frustration through the regime of their former coach John Tortorella and during Alain Vigneault’s first season behind the bench — is now a source of confidence as the team heads into the second half of the season.

Buoyed by the addition of the veteran defenseman and power-play specialist Dan Boyle and growing chemistry among forwards Rick Nash, Derek Stepan, Derick Brassard and Martin St. Louis, the Rangers (27-13-4) are 12th in the N.H.L. in power-play efficiency, converting 19.3 percent of the time. They return from the All-Star break Tuesday night against the Islanders at Nassau Coliseum, a game threatened by a snowstorm.

The Rangers had an efficiency rate of 18.2 percent last season after two years with an identical 15.7 percent (23rd in the league). The last time the Rangers registered a man-advantage success rate among the league’s top third was 2006-7.

“We have a lot of guys going great at the right time, and we’re all more and more comfortable,” said center Stepan, who leads the Rangers with 24 assists, including 7 on the power play. “We’re keeping it simple and getting results.”

His fellow center Brassard leads the Rangers with 14 power-play points, and St. Louis has 13. Nash, who is tied for the N.H.L. lead with 28 goals, rounds out the top power-play unit, with 8 points with a man-advantage.

During a recent 11-game stretch, the Rangers scored 10 times in 31 power-play chances, including goals by Brassard, Chris Kreider and Nash in the first period of a 6-1 victory over Buffalo on Jan. 3.

Brassard said that cohesion and confidence as a group were main factors in the Rangers’ 16-3 record since Dec. 8.

“We’re well-prepared because we want to use the power play as a weapon and we have a plan for every game,” Brassard said. “We know special teams are key every game, and we all know our roles. We just need to keep going.”

The assistant Scott Arniel, who joined the organization with Vigneault before last season, works with the team’s forwards and pays close attention to man-advantage strategy.

St. Louis, 39 and a veteran of more than 1,100 games, credited Arniel, the former head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, with instilling additional mindfulness to the team before each game.

“He helps us a lot because he pre-scouts opponents and gives us direction,” St. Louis said. “But at the end of the day, we’re the ones out there. You take what they give you.”

Vigneault, who guided the Rangers to the Stanley Cup finals last spring, said having an extra voice like Arniel’s provided bonus assurance.

“Arnie does a really good job,” Vigneault said. “He makes sure the guys are aware of the other team’s tendencies. He makes me look good.”

Vigneault also praised Boyle and his strong shot from the point. In his first year with the Rangers, Boyle, 38, had to contend with a broken hand sustained on opening night and the flu, missing 17 games over all.

Boyle appeared to be reaching his stride in recent weeks with three goals and four assists on the power play.

This pleased Vigneault.

“A big part of our game is defense to offense and being able to move the puck,” Vigneault said. “That starts with our defense. Our guys have a ‘shoot-more’ mentality, and it’s paying off. The power play is all about puck movement, traffic and puck recovery. We are executing that well.”

New York Times LOADED: 01.27.2015


NY Rangers have work cut out for them in second half of NHL season

BY Pat Leonard

Monday, January 26, 2015, 5:45 PM

The Rangers ended the 2014 calendar year with more regular-season and playoff wins combined (58) than any other NHL team. But in 2015, they are still chasing that elusive Stanley Cup, a franchise drought at 20 years and counting.

Alain Vigneault’s Blueshirts (27-13-4, 58 points) went into the All-Star break on a 16-3 roll, and carry a three-game winning streak into the second half of their schedule, with Rick Nash playing like an MVP candidate and Henrik Lundqvist looking determined as ever.

The upcoming slate will be grueling, though, with 38 games in the next 75 days, including 20 on the road. And there is plenty of room for improvement if the reigning Eastern Conference champions hope not only to defend their crown this spring, but to take that final step to win it all.

As of late Monday afternoon, after the Rangers practice at the Coliseum, the NHL had not postponed Tuesday night’s first game back against the host Islanders, though conditions still make that the likely course of action. But when the second half starts, this is what the Rangers need to work on:

BIG-BOYLE PANTS TIME

Vigneault famously called out his top forwards prior to Game 3 of last year’s second-round series against Pittsburgh, urging them to “put on the big boy pants.” This season, he needs much more from veteran defenseman Dan Boyle, who has been a liability defensively and off-and-on captaining the power play since signing as a free agent last summer. Boyle’s first half was hampered by injury, illness and perhaps the undisclosed personal issue he attended to during one unscheduled off-day in early January. But the Rangers need him at least to be strong on the power play when it matters most. Kevin Klein already has assumed some of Boyle’s top-four defensive role.

IN A HAYES

Rookie center Kevin Hayes has been a gritty mainstay on the third line this season, but the Rangers’ ability to win a Cup with him playing heavy minutes is a question mark, on a unit that does not score often and showed a glimpse of what inexperience can mean before last week’s benching against Ottawa. Hayes’ struggles in the faceoff circle, a weakness shared by teammate Derek Stepan, demonstrate a need for the Rangers to acquire a reliable depth-veteran center before the March 2 trade deadline. Glen Sather doesn’t have much cap room, though. It’s the reason why on Monday, when the Los Angeles Kings waived center Mike Richards, Rangers fans just sighed, knowing the team can’t take on a $5.75 million annual cap hit for five more years.

RYAN’S HOPE

Everyone wants to know whether Nash’s torrid pace will be the difference that lifts the Rangers to a Cup. The answer is that it might, if all things are equal to last season, but so far, that has not been the case for top defenseman Ryan McDonagh. In his first season as captain, McDonagh has played below the lofty standard he set for himself last year, when he beat out typical winner Lundqvist for the team MVP award before leading the Blueshirts with 17 points in the playoffs. The Rangers need their three best players at their respective positions to dominate their area of the ice consistently. If McDonagh returns to his top form, the trio of the captain, Nash and Lundqvist could lead the Blueshirts to the ultimate goal.

MEET THE METS

The Rangers have three more head-to-head meetings with the Metropolitan Division’s first-place Islanders (Tuesday, Feb. 16, March 10), all at the Coliseum, as well as three more games against the fourth-place Washington Capitals (March 11, March 29, April 11), including two in the nation’s capital. All of those tilts are potential four-point swings in the standings. Their March 10 visit to the Coliseum will be the rivalry’s final regular-season match in the old barn prior to the Isles’ move to Brooklyn next fall. The April 11 game at

Washington’s Verizon Center is the season finale and could decide a playoff spot at the 11th hour.

GARDEN TREATS

The Rangers’ remaining home schedule is manageable but not easy, thanks to upcoming visits from some of the Western Conference’s best teams. Fans interested in seeing a less familiar, but competitive opponent can snag a ticket to watch the Vancouver Canucks (Feb. 19), Nashville Predators (March 2), Chicago Blackhawks (March 18), Anaheim Ducks (March 22) and Los Angeles Kings (March 24). Well, the Kings are familiar.

New York Daily News LOADED: 01.27.2015


Why winning division is last thing Rangers want

By Larry Brooks

January 26, 2015 | 5:54pm

Regardless of whether Mother Nature (or Gary Bettman) allows for this Rangers-Islanders showdown at the Coliseum to be played as scheduled on Tuesday or if it is pushed back to Wednesday — when both teams and the building are free — this next Battle of New York represents the Blueshirts’ best, if not last, chance to join the race for first place.

Which, other than ninth place, could be the worst place for the Rangers to be when the playoffs open.

Have you thought much about a hypothetical first-round matchup against the potential wild-card Bruins? No, didn’t think so.

But now do you see my point?

First things first: True enough, the Rangers still will have 35 games to go following this one, and at worst, a regulation defeat would drop them seven points back and still with two games in hand, so it might seem premature to get out the “Sky is Falling” placards.

But the NHL’s three-point game that creates the opportunity for losers to pick up points along the way has created an illusion of proximity in the standings. Even with games in hand, the likelihood of making up seven points in a little over two months on a team as strong as the Islanders is negligible.

To wit: Even in going 16-3 since Dec. 8, the Blueshirts have picked up only five points on the Islanders, 13-5-1 over the same period. And as much to the point, the Rangers have picked up only one point on Washington, even though the Caps won just 13-of-20 games over that stretch … but had gained five losers’ points in the standings.

Of course, there is the unknown of injuries, such as the upper-body issue that apparently will sideline the Islanders’ Kyle Okposo for the next six-to-eight weeks. There is the unknown of the March 2 trade deadline.

But suffice to say a seven-point hole is just that … a hole out of which it isn’t so simple to dig.

But dig as the Rangers must in keeping their eyes on the prize, it’s fair to suggest finishing atop the Metropolitan Division might be a consolation prize with Boston lurking as a realistically possible first-round opponent.

The conference’s first-place team with the best record gets the second wild-card team. As of now, by points, that would be Tampa Bay against Boston. Which would be just fine for the Rangers, since they are a combined 0-4 against those two opponents while outscored by an aggregate 18-7. (Toss in the Islanders and the Blueshirts are a combined 0-6 while outscored 27-10.)

But the Islanders are just one point behind the Lightning with two games in hand, so as close as the Rangers are to the Brooklyn-bound club is just about as close as they are to their Florida annex. Win this next Battle of New York, and the Rangers are in the conference championship conversation.

Which could be music to Brad Marchand’s and Tuukka Rask’s ears.

These may not be the vintage Bruins, currently holding the conference’s final spot, but they are nobody’s idea of a favorable first-round matchup and least of all the Blueshirts’ — who have gone 1-8 against the B’s in the last nine meetings dating back to the 2013 second round, including a 3-0 defeat in Boston on Jan. 14.

The Bruins play a heavy, hard forecheck, physical, puck-pressure game against the Rangers, who have been susceptible to teams that take away time and space on the first pass, whether out of their own end or in the neutral zone on transition. Boston has done it and the Islanders have done it.

The Rangers are focusing on the next game, not the first round. And even as first place has its benefits, the first-round matchup may not be among them.

Best for the Blueshirts would appear to be an opening two-three divisional matchup against the Penguins, against whom the Rangers are 3-0-1 this season and 6-0-1 back through Game 5 of last spring’s Round Two.

In other words: Tank for Sidney!



Rangers-Islanders imperiled by blizzard crushing New York

By Larry Brooks

January 26, 2015 | 2:46pm

Butch Goring: The great relief of the Islanders finally being 'back'

Tuesday night’s scheduled mid-winter Rangers-Islanders showdown at Nassau Coliseum remains on the docket even as a potential record-breaking blizzard is forecast for the New York area.

“[It is] possible [the NHL could announce a postponement on Monday], but there is no set deadline or time line,” an NHL spokesperson said via email. “We stay on schedule unless and until we have to postpone.”

Both teams, as well as the building, are free Wednesday night.

In the event of a 24-hour postponement, both teams would face back-to-backs and three games in four nights. The Rangers scheduled to meet the Canadiens and Hurricanes at the Garden, Thursday and Saturday, respectively. The Islanders set to play host to the Bruins on Thursday before facing the Red Wings in Detroit on Saturday.

The Rangers, who are moving their first post-All-Star-Game practice to the Coliseum late Monday afternoon and will then bivouac at a Long Island hotel through game day, already had one game postponed this season.

A snowstorm in Buffalo forced postponement of the Blueshirts’ originally scheduled Nov. 21 match against the Sabres. The game is now set for Feb. 20 as the second half of a back-to-back for the Blueshirts following a Feb. 19 match at the Garden against the Canucks.



Rangers forced to practice at Coliseum because of storm


By SAL CACCIATORE

Because of the snow, the Rangers practiced at Nassau Coliseum Monday in preparation for Tuesday night's game there, where they will look to reverse their fortunes against the Islanders and continue their hot play from the first half.

Two home losses to the Islanders, a 6-3 defeat in October and a 3-0 loss on Jan. 13, were rare dark spots in an otherwise strong first half. The Rangers headed into the All-Star break with 18 victories in their last 21 games.

"We know there's more work left to be done, but it's a fun place to be," Martin St. Louis said, adding that he was not worried about his team cooling off after the break. "I think every team is in the same position in terms of the time away from the game. We're just going to try to go out there and earn it the way we have in the first half this year. As you get over the midway point, as things start to take shape in the standings and you're fighting for position, it's just going to get tougher."

The Rangers are in third place in the Metropolitan Division and in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 58 points. Their plus-28 goal differential is fifth in the NHL.

They trail the first-place Islanders by five points.

"They're a good skating team," Ryan McDonagh said of the Islanders. "In the past games, we made it hard [on ourselves] in our offensive zone. It's been one and done. We haven't had a lot of sustained pressure. We have to focus on making it tougher on them."

"We have to find a way to get success against those guys," St. Louis said. "They've had a really good year, they've played really strong."

McDonagh also said practicing in an opponent's arena could give the team a slight advantage.

"This is a tough barn to play in," he said. "They play really well at home. It's an older building, so you get some kinks and bounces off the board. It gets you used to the ice and the locker room. Everything helps factor into being that much more comfortable come game time."

After facing the Islanders, the Rangers will host Montreal on Thursday and Carolina on Saturday.



Rangers: Blizzard may force game to be postponed

January 27, 2015 Last updated: Tuesday, January 27, 2015, 1:20 AM

By ANDREW GROSS

Both the Rangers and Islanders prepared on Monday as if they would be facing each other tonight at Nassau Coliseum in each team’s first game after the All-Star break.

How many people would be in the arena to see the game, considering the extreme blizzard blanketing the Northeast with snow, is another matter.

As of Monday evening, the NHL had issued no word on whether tonight’s Metropolitan Division showdown between the first-place Islanders and third-place Rangers would be played or postponed.

The NHL typically prefers not to postpone games unless necessary because of the changes in schedule it causes for the clubs and fans able to make the game.

But the NBA did postpone home games for both the Knicks and Nets on Monday night.

The Rangers opted to travel to Long Island early Monday, holding an afternoon practice at the Coliseum after the Islanders skated. Originally, the Rangers were scheduled to practice at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, N.Y.

The Rangers already have had one game postponed due to a severe blizzard this season as their game at Buffalo on Nov. 21 was pushed back to Feb. 20 after some parts of that Western New York region were hit with 7-plus feet of snow.

If the league does decide to postpone tonight’s game, the Rangers and Islanders are available to play Wednesday, and the Coliseum is open that night as well.

However, that would create a stretch of three games in four days for the Rangers, who host the Canadiens on Thursday at the Garden and the Hurricanes on Saturday.

Monday’s practice was the first time the Rangers have gathered as a team since a 3-2 overtime win over the Senators a week ago at the Garden so, other than Rick Nash, the team’s lone All-Star, the players had five days off.

They’ll need the rest considering the condensed post-break schedule, not helped by their previous snow postponement. The Rangers are scheduled to play their final 38 regular-season games over 75 days, starting tonight.

Nash, the ex-Blue Jacket captain, scored two goals in Sunday’s All-Star game at Columbus’ Nationwide Arena and was excused from Monday’s practice. Left wing Chris Kreider also missed practice due to illness.

The news was worse for the Islanders, who learned that top-line right wing Kyle Okposo (14 goals, 30 assists), who teams so well with All-Star John Tavares, will miss six to eight weeks with an upper-body injury.

So, between the dire weather and Okposo’s injury, it made for a less than stellar lead-up to what should be a marquee game. It’s the first time the teams have met this season at the venerable Coliseum, in its last go-round as an NHL arena before the Islanders move to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center next season.

The Islanders lead the division by three points over the Penguins and are five points ahead of the Rangers, though the Rangers have played two fewer games. The Rangers bring a three-game winning streak into their next game and have won 16 of their past 19 to make up for a sluggish start to the season.

But they haven’t been able to close the gap with the Islanders, who started the season strong with four straight wins and went into the All-Star break having won five of six.



Rangers prospect report Jan. 19-25

By Rick Carpiniello on January 27, 2015

Adam Tambellini, C, Calgary Hitmen (WHL) – Tambellini tallied a goal/point in all three Hitmen games over the past week (four goals), helping Calgary win all three contests. The Rangers’ third round pick (65th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft extended his goal streak to four games (seven goals) and his point streak to five games (seven goals, one assist over the span). Tambellini has recorded a point in nine of the last 10 games (11 goals, six assists, plus-12 rating over the span).

Tambellini is one of four players in the three Canadian Major Junior Leagues – and the only player in the WHL – who ranks among the top three in his respective league in goals and plus/minus rating this season. He ranks third in the WHL in goals (33) and plus/minus rating (plus-32), and is tied for sixth in the league in game-winning goals (five) in 2014-15.

He has registered a point in 33 of 48 games this season and has tallied a goal in 26 of those contests. Tambellini has recorded a point in 54 of 79 career WHL regular season games, tallying 95 points (50 goals, 45 assists) in those contests.

2014-15 WHL TOTALS: 48 GP, 33-23-56, +32 RATING, 16 PIM

Brandon Halverson, G, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) – Halverson won all three games he appeared in over the past week, extending his personal winning streak to a career-high eight games in the process. The 18-year-old is the only goaltender in any of the three Canadian Major Junior Leagues who has posted three separate winning streaks of at least seven games in length this season. Halverson is also the only goalie in the three Canadian Major Junior Leagues who has posted 20 or more wins and has recorded only three regulation losses in 2014-15.

The Rangers’ second round pick (59th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft has not recorded a regulation loss in his last 20 appearances (17-0-0-2, 2.59 GAA, .914 SV%, 1 SO over the span). In his last 37 OHL appearances (dating back to last season), Halverson has posted a 28-3-1-2 record, along with a 2.83 GAA, a .912 SV%, and 3 SO.

Halverson ranks second in the OHL in wins (24), ninth in GAA (2.95), and 10th in minutes (1,728) this season.

Anthony Duclair, LW, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) – Duclair tallied two assists in the Remparts’ 6-1 victory over Halifax on Jan. 23. Since making his QMJHL season debut with Quebec on Jan. 9, the 19-year-old has notched a point in five of seven games (one goal, five assists over the span).

Notes from the Wolf Pack’s three contests over the past week:

Oscar Lindberg tied single-game AHL career-highs with two goals, three points, and a plus-three rating in Hartford’s 4-3 victory over Springfield on Jan. 23. He has registered a point in 11 of the last 17 games (five goals, eight assists over the span). Lindberg leads the team in shots on goal (128) and ranks second on the team in goals (13), assists (15), and points (28) this season.wolfpack 2

Dylan McIlrath registered the game-winning goal and posted a plus-two rating in Hartford’s 4-3 victory over Springfield on Jan. 23. McIlrath has tallied four points (three goals, one assist), including two game-winning goals, and has posted a plus-five rating in January.

Conor Allen tallied a goal in the Wolf Pack’s game against Syracuse on Jan. 24. With the goal, his sixth of the season, Allen tied his AHL career-high in goals (he has registered six in 38 games this season after tallying six in 72 games last season). Allen is tied for fourth on the Wolf Pack in points (18) and leads all team defensemen in goals and points in 2014-15.

BANNER QUICK HITS

Pavel Buchnevich, LW, Severstal Cherepovets (KHL) – Buchnevich recorded an assist on Jan. 22 against Dinamo Riga. With the assist, Buchnevich now has 23 points this season, which is the fourth-highest point total a player younger than 20 years old has posted in one season in KHL history.

Daniel Walcott, D, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL) – Walcott tallied two points (one goal, one assist) in the Armada’s 6-3 victory on Jan. 23 vs. Rimouski. He has registered 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in the last 17 games.

Richard Nejezchleb, RW, Tri-City Americans (WHL) – Nejezchleb notched three assists/points in Tri-City’s four games over the past week. He has tallied a point in 22 of 29 games this season (13 goals, 21 assists in 2014-15).

Ryan Graves, D, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) – Graves recorded a point in each of Quebec’s two games over the past weekend (one goal, one assist). He is tied for sixth among QMJHL defensemen in goals (nine) this season.

Ryan Mantha, D, Niagara IceDogs (OHL) – Mantha recorded an assist in each of Niagara’s two games over the past week. He has registered six assists/points in the last nine games.

BANNER QUOTE BOOK

“He was dialed in. He gave us an opportunity when we had some breakdowns. … He’s an asset when he plays the puck and moves it.” – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Associate Coach Joe Cirella on the play of Brandon Halverson

“(After recently returning from an injury), he (will be) a big part of any kind of success this team has come playoff time after coming so close to winning a National Championship last year.” – Rangers Amateur Scout Larry Bernard on Brady Skjei

Rockland Journal News: LOADED: 01.27.2015

764836 Ottawa Senators

Senators notebook: It's back to 'camp' before facing Spezza and the Stars

Ken Warren

Published on: January 26, 2015Last Updated: January 26, 2015 9:18 PM EST

The way Ottawa Senators coach Dave Cameron sees it, the beginning of this week is essentially a “mini training camp”, a chance to fine tune details in an effort to stay in the playoff chase before playing the Dallas Stars Thursday.

“Our schedule, everybody’s schedule, is the same way,” Cameron said following a Monday evening workout at Canadian Tire Centre. “When it heats up, there’s not much practice time. Very rarely do you get three days (of consecutive practice), so we’re just going to touch on everything. Today was more about getting their legs under them, just skating, not so worried about execution, but more about getting the rust off.

“(Tuesday), we’ll get into a little more detail and a little more detail (Wednesday).”

While the Senators play nine of their next 11 games at home, Cameron says he has a short-term attention span.

“My only goal is the next two points against Dallas. That’s as far ahead as I look.”

THE RAW NUMBERS: Eight of the Senators’ next 11 opponents are currently out of a playoff spot. The stretch of games involves the six leading contenders in the Connor McDavid sweepstakes, including Buffalo (twice), Carolina, Edmonton, Arizona, Columbus and New Jersey. Add in Dallas and those eight teams have a less-than-spectacular combined record of 130-198-43.

The three teams in playoff positions include the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens.

KARLSSON WINS WEEKLY HONOUR: After scoring three goals in two games, Senators captain Erik Karlsson was named NHL second star of the week. Karlsson says he has been feeling better in the past few weeks, partly because of the team’s improved play around him and also due to the return of defence partner Marc Methot to the lineup. (Methot missed Monday’s practice due to the flu or food poisoning, according to Cameron, but is expected back for Thursday’s game.)

Karlsson says he welcomed the all-star break. “I feel stronger now than I did before,” Karlsson said.

OTTAWA HOME FOR NEIL, NO MATTER WHAT: Senators general manager Bryan Murray told the Citizen last week that he was open to the possibility of trading veterans Chris Neil, Chris Phillips and Dave Legwand if the team fell out of the playoff race. Before seriously considering trade options, though, Murray said he would talk to the veterans. “I haven’t really thought about anything, to be honest,” said Neil. “I haven’t talked to Bryan. We’ll cross that path whenever it comes and go from there. This is home for me, regardless of what happens. It’s the place, after I’m done playing, that I’ll call home, for sure. I’ve got lots of friends and family here, embedded some roots here. I love the city, love the fans, I love every part about Ottawa.”

Phillips, meanwhile, wasn’t interested in discussing his thoughts on the matter publicly.

CECI LIKES YOUNG GUNS’ CHANCES: When he first heard about the idea of an under-23 World Cup team, Senators defenceman Cody Ceci was caught off guard. After some consideration, though, the 21-year-old Ceci believes it can work. “I guess the league is getting younger now, so they saw an opportunity and it should draw a different crowd.” But could a young guns team compete? “I saw the list that came out,” said Ceci. “There were a lot of pretty good players on that list. I think we would have a good amount of energy coming into a new experience. A lot of the guys would show up to play every night and I think we would put up a pretty good fight.”

Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 01.27.2015


It's all about today for Pageau as Senators gauge his future with the club

Ken Warren

Published on: January 26, 2015Last Updated: January 26, 2015 9:21 PM EST

As we all return to our regularly-scheduled NHL programming following the all-star break, Jean-Gabriel Pageau is also maintaining his same routine.

While the Ottawa Senators continue their long-shot quest at making the playoffs — at 16.7 per cent, the glass is about one-sixth full for all of you eternal optimists — Pageau, 22, won’t allow his head to get caught in the clouds, despite what appears to be an increasingly important role on a team that is set to embrace the youth movement.

“Like I always say, I’m day-to-day and I don’t even know what’s going to happen tomorrow,” says Pageau, who was back on the ice with his Senators teammates for Monday’s late afternoon workout at the Canadian Tire Centre.

The Senators have three days of practice before Thursday’s home game against Jason Spezza and the Dallas Stars. They know they’ll need to string together something resembling a 22-12-2 or 21-11-4 record to make the post-season.

Those are difficult numbers for the Senators, but the signs are certainly pointing upward for Pageau, now in his third year of riding the Binghamton-Ottawa shuttle.

When the Toronto Maple Leafs circus came to town before the break, and with veteran centre David Legwand sitting out as a healthy scratch for the first time, coach Dave Cameron used Pageau as his go-to guy on key faceoffs. For those counting, he has won more than 59 per cent of his draws in each of his past three games.

After fighting off a pair of checks behind the net, he also helped set up Erik Karlsson for the game-winning goal in the 4-3 victory over Toronto.

Pageau has also topped the 16-minute ice-time mark in the past two games. If you exclude the double-overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins during his dream playoff season in 2013, his 17:01 against the New York Rangers Jan. 20 was a career high.

When the Senators went public with their plans to trade and/or place Colin Greening on waivers last week, Cameron said that “other players have passed him.” Enter Pageau.

Yet if you think all of the above had Pageau doing cartwheels while at his Gatineau home during the break, guess again.

He has adopted the old-hat approach for players on the bubble between the NHL and AHL. Keep an eye on what’s going on, but don’t ask too many questions. Understand that ice time can fluctuate dramatically, but always be ready for the coach to tap you on the shoulder.

With one goal and two assists in his past four games, he will allow that he’s more confident.

“I feel way more comfortable playing here with the team,” says Pageau, in the final year of an entry-level contract that pays him minor-league wages when he’s in Binghamton. “Even if I get sent down, I’ve proved what I can do here and I can help the team, and they know it. I won’t quit, and if they need my help again, I will come for sure.”

Several factors are in Pageau’s favour:

• He’s the only Senators centre who has a winning faceoff percentage, at 52.1 per cent. Legwand is at 48 per cent, followed by Kyle Turris (47.3), Mika Zibanejad (47.2), Curtis Lazar (45.5) and the injured Zack Smith (44.6). Pageau has earned himself a regular spot in the penalty-killing rotation and has seen spot duty playing alongside Bobby Ryan and Mike Hoffman. In his 16 games as the Senators’ new coach, Cameron has opted to make both Legwand and Lazar healthy scratches.

• In addition, Senators general manager Bryan Murray has opened the door for the possibility of trading Legwand and fellow veteran forward Chris Neil for a team looking to add experience for a long playoff run. When Pageau

was assigned to Binghamton at the end of training camp, Murray apologized to him, saying he was a victim of his contract situation.

• Whether the Senators make the playoffs or not, the club, trying to gauge how big a role he could play in the future, wants to see as much as possible of Pageau before summer contract negotiations.

The way Pageau looks at his situation, though, it’s not about the future. It’s all about today.

Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 01.27.2015


Methot good for Karlsson

By Chris Hofley, Ottawa Sun

First posted: Monday, January 26, 2015 08:36 PM EST | Updated: Monday, January 26, 2015 11:54 PM EST

Marc Methot won't be out long.

Cue the sighs of relief.

As the Ottawa Senators returned to practice Monday following the All-Star break, the Senators defenceman was absent from the Canadian Tire Centre ice.

That could cause some to worry, for a couple different reasons. Not only has Methot had a tough year injury-wise -- he has only played nine games this year after being hampered by a back/hip issue since training camp -- but he's also seen as a big reason for the improved play of captain Erik Karlsson.

While there's no denying Karlsson's offensive abilities, having Methot on the ice at the same time gives Karlsson the freedom and protection to do what he does best.

Slightly reducing Karlsson's heavy workload has also done him a world of good and his play over the last few weeks is, as usual, turning heads, but for all the right reasons. Karlsson was recognized for his strong play -- which most recently included a two-goal effort to defeat the Maple Leafs last week -- when he was named the NHL's second star of the week Monday.

Karlsson tied for first among all players with three goals/points in two contests, helping the Senators pick up three out of a possible four standings points during the week.

Karlsson will take the personal accolade but quickly credits the players around him for the way he's elevated his play of late.

"Obviously (the recognition) is fun but at the same time I think we've been winning games and playing some good hockey as a team and that's probably the main reason for (his success)," Karlsson said after Monday's practice, the first of three in a row before the next game Thursday when Ottawa hosts Dallas.

"I think (his game) is feeling a little bit better but ... as a team I think we've been playing better as of lately and, as I said, with the team success comes the individual success as well."

The team's improved play -- even losses like the recent one to Carolina when Ottawa players felt they were the better team -- has lifted the morale in the locker room.

"If you go around the room I think everybody's happier about their game now than they were a couple months ago," Karlsson said.

As for playing with Methot, who missed Monday's practice with the flu or possibly food poisoning, Karlsson likes their chemistry.

"I like playing with him and I want to play with him, I think we complement each other really well," he said.

ENEMY TERRITORY

Chris Neil wasted no time heading into enemy territory after his Senators beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in Ottawa last week, the latest edition of the somewhat watered-down Battle of Ontario.

With a few days off during All-Star weekend, Neil took his family to the new Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Toronto.

The city is obviously familiar to Neil, who is from Flesherton, Ont., and has played in many a heated contest at the Air Canada Centre over the years. But while he has drawn the ire of Leafs faithful for years because of tough play and willingness to fight anyone, people don't stop in the street to trash talk Neil, though he does get recognized.

"You get some fans that come up to you," he said. "People are pretty respectful (and) I was there with my kids."

As for the aquarium itself, Neil is a fan.

"Just to be able to take in the sites of all the different fish and sharks, it was pretty neat," he said.

Neil's break seems to have a gone a little more smoothly than teammate Chris Phillips, whose plans were changed due to "some plane" trouble. Ski resort Mont Tremblant turned out to be a suitable backup plan.

THIS AND THAT

While Methot was working to get over his gastrointestinal difficulties, Zack Smith was the only injury-related absence from Monday's practice. Coach Dave Cameron simply said "no" when asked if Smith, who is rehabbing a dislocated wrist, was close to a return to practice. Bobby Ryan and Mike Hoffman were given the day off as they returned from the festivities in Columbus ... Say what you will about Neil, but the Senators will miss his grit if he were to be traded before this year's deadline. Sure, he's older, but he's still the kind of guy who can swing the momentum with a big hit or well-timed fight ... Speaking of grit, defenceman Mark Borowiecki appears fully recovered from that gruesome cut to his leg sustained while playing pre-game soccer at the rink. He's taking part in full practice meaning once Methot is healthy the Senators will have eight able-bodied defenceman on the roster again ... With Ottawa's next game against Dallas at home, there will be plenty of Jason Spezza talk in the coming days as the former Senators captain makes his return to the capital. Cue the debate about the type of reaction Spezza will get, but don't expect too many boos. His request to get out of Ottawa was hardly met with shock or anger by the fans. Both sides were ready for a change.

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 01.27.2015


Sens get 'mini training camp' before Spezza's visit



The Ottawa Senators are getting back to basics this week.

Coming out of the All-Star break, the Senators have a rare three days of practice before Thursday's visit by Jason Spezza and the rest of the Dallas Stars.

That started Monday, day one of what head coach Dave Cameron calls a "mini training camp," even if his captain doesn't quite agree with the comparison.

"I don't think (it's) nearly close to training camp, I think we played 50 games or something already," Karlsson said with a smile after coming off the ice Monday evening. "But it's definitely nice to get a couple of practices in and get your body back into shape."

For a guy who logs the minutes Karlsson does, the four days away from the rink were important. The defenceman has been playing his best hockey of the year and will be a huge factor if the Senators have any hope of getting back into a realistic playoff conversation.

"As much fun as it is to play the All-Star Game, I think the rest of the guys enjoy the break as well," he said. "I think everybody came back motivated."

Cameron expects his team to turn that motivation into wins, starting with Thursday's visit from former captain Jason Spezza and his Dallas Stars. Ottawa has a long way to go to climb back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture but Cameron doesn't want anyone looking beyond Thursday night at Canadian Tire Centre.

"My only goal is the next two points," Cameron said. "That's as far ahead as we look (as a team), that's as far ahead as I look."

The coach continued to preach the importance of playing "the right way," something he saw in spurts in the final game before the break against Toronto but wants to see more of.

What is the right way, coach?

"Five, five and five, that's the right way," he said. "If you can picture the game on video, every time you push the pause or stop button (on) the video you should see five of your players, that's the right way.

"Then you throw in the intangibles on top of that (and) special teams on top of that and just finding the way to get that extra goal or prevent that extra goal, blocked shot, won face-off."

Sounds simple enough and simple is the name of the game for this team early in this so-called training camp. Back to basics, lots of skating and shooting and just getting the feet moving again.

"Once (the schedule) heats up there's not much practice time so very rarely do you get three days (off)," Cameron said. "We're just going to touch on everything, obviously (Monday) it was more about just getting their legs underneath them ... (They weren't) so much worried about execution as it was just getting the rust off."

Defenceman Chris Phillips said the team is getting better but knows it's an uphill battle and just playing well enough isn't going to cut it.

"I think we've improved in a lot of areas (and) got rewarded with some points because of it," he said. "But we certainly can't sit on that, we've got a long ways to go to get ourselves back in playoff contention but we're on the right path right now."

Expect more of the same at practice Tuesday but with the tempo upped even more. After getting the day off practice as they returned from Columbus, Ottawa's All-Stars Bobby Ryan and rookie Mike Hoffman are expected back on the ice.



Senators' Neil, Phillips wait and see on trade talks



Ottawa's two longest-serving Senators took different approaches Monday when asked to respond to comments made recently by GM Bryan Murray about their respective futures in the city.

Murray suggested in media reports before the break that he would consider trading alternate captains Chris Phillips and Chris Neil if the right deal presented itself and Ottawa decides to be sellers at the trade deadline.

Both had heard what Murray said and neither were willing to look too far down the road.

"I haven't really thought about (his situation) to be honest with you," Neil said Monday after the team's evening practice at Canadian Tire Centre. "I haven't talked to (Murray), we'll cross that path whenever it comes and go from there."

Phillips, who has spent time in the press box as a healthy scratch under head coach Dave Cameron, didn't want to wade into the conversation.

"The last time I spoke pretty candidly you (media) blew it up and it was all over the place," Phillips said. "We'll see what happens."

Whatever the team decides to do with the two veterans, expect there to be no shortage of conversation between GM and players.

Neil said he still happy being an Ottawa Senator.

"When you throw that jersey on you gotta go to war for everyone in here and I can honestly I say I've done that every single shift I go out there," he said.



Karlsson one of NHL's stars of the week

OTTAWA SUN


Erik Karlsson’s improved play has earned him recognition from the NHL.

The Senators’ defenceman, whose play has been coming on of late, was named the NHL’s second star of the week Monday.

Karlsson tied for first among all players with three goals/points in two contests, helping the Senators pick up three out of a possible four standings points. He scored his ninth goal of the season in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Rangers Jan. 20.

Karlsson then found the back of the net twice, including the game-winning tally, in a 4-3 victory over the Leafs Jan. 21. It marked Karlsson’s seventh career multi-goal game and first since Nov. 5, 2013.

Since entering the NHL in 2009-10, only Shea Weber (9) and Mike Green (8) have more multi-goal performances among defencemen.

Karlsson is tied for first in scoring on the team with 11-22-33 points in 46 games. His 33 points also rank sixth among defencemen in 2014-15.

“He’s hitting a lot of home runs and not striking out,” coach Dave Cameron said last week. “He’s making really good decisions with and without the puck. He’s at the top of his game.”

Why?

“Karl’s a really smart person and a really gifted athlete. What’s happened here is that he’s had some success playing that way,” said Cameron. “A big part is that our whole team is learning to trust the system and trust each other.

"Therefore the burden is shared. The team isn’t on anybody’s shoulders. Everybody is buying into what they have to do. Although we’re not getting the results we want as far as wins, we’re giving ourselves the best opportunity. Once you have that good feeling it’s an easier buy-in.”


764842 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers' Rinaldo suspended 8 games

Frank Seravalli, Daily News Staff Writer

Posted: Tuesday, January 27, 2015, 3:01 AM

ZAC RINALDO was dealt an eight-game suspension by the NHL yesterday for boarding and charging Pittsburgh's Kris Letang on Jan. 20. It is the longest ban for an on-ice infraction handed down this season by league disciplinarian Stephane Quintal.

Rinaldo, 24, waived his right to an in-person hearing in New York, choosing instead for it to be conducted via telephone. He was vacationing in the Caribbean with teammates and friends during the All-Star break, delaying the punishment.

Rinaldo left his feet to nail Letang from behind in the emotional rivalry game, causing Letang's face to smack off the glass. Letang, who has a history of concussions, missed the remainder of the game and Pittsburgh's next game before returning to practice yesterday.

The Flyers have two meetings left with Pittsburgh in April. Rinaldo is eligible to return to the lineup on Feb. 17 against Columbus.

This is Rinaldo's third career suspension. He also has been fined twice. He was last suspended on April 7, 2014, four games for an illegal check to the head of Buffalo's Chad Ruhwedel. Rinaldo will fork over $73,170.73 in salary to the NHL's emergency player assistance fund.

In all, Rinaldo has involuntarily donated $107,213.87 to the fund - which helps former players and their families who have fallen on hard times - in his 4-year NHL career.

Two players have been suspended 20 games for performance-enhancing drugs. Los Angeles' Slava Voynov has been suspended indefinitely since his domestic-violence arrest on Oct. 20. In all, the league has collected $1,203,132.64 through fines and suspensions this season, including the $50,000 the Flyers reportedly were fined for violating the CBA by traveling on Dec. 26.

Forward Ryan White was summoned from the Phantoms to replace Rinaldo. White, 26, skated in 11 games for Lehigh Valley since returning from a torn pectoral muscle on Dec. 31. He has 232 penalty minutes in 141 career NHL games (all with Montreal) and has a style of game reminiscent of current Canadiens forward Brandon Prust.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 01.27.2015


Flyers Notes: NHL suspends Flyers' Rinaldo for eight games

Sam Carchidi,


Flyers winger Zac Rinaldo was suspended by the NHL for eight games Monday because of an illegal first-period hit on Pittsburgh's Kris Letang last Tuesday.

"He knows he can't hit somebody from behind like that, you know what I mean?" coach Craig Berube said Monday after practice in Voorhees. ". . . I've said it a hundred times."

Letang did not return in the Flyers' 3-2 overtime win over the Penguins, and he was unable to play in Pittsburgh's next game.

It was Rinaldo's third suspension. He was suspended for four games last April and for two games in 2012. He will forfeit $73,170.72 of his salary, which will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Rinaldo received five minutes for boarding and a game misconduct for his hit on Letang.

After the win against Pittsburgh, which included four second-period fights, Rinaldo said that he "changed the game," and that he would take the suspension "with a grain of salt."

Rinaldo, 24, averages 8 minutes, 44 seconds of ice time per game and is ninth in the NHL with a team-high 75 penalty minutes. He will be eligible to return Feb. 17 against visiting Columbus.

Laughton's status

Rookie center Scott Laughton, who has missed the last four games with what is believed to be a concussion, is "kind of at a standstill right now, not progressing as quickly as we hoped or maybe even thought," general manager Ron Hextall said. "When he's healthy, he's healthy and we'll get him practicing and get him going."

Timonen update

Hextall said he expected to have an answer in a couple of days on whether Kimmo Timonen can play again.

The 39-year-old defenseman has been sidelined all season because of blood clots.

"We're still going through a process with Kimmo," Hextall said.

Breakaways

All-stars Claude Giroux and Jake Voracek were still in Columbus and did not attend Monday's practice. . . . Hextall was asked if he watched the 29-goal All-Star Game: "No. Thank God," he said. . . . Winger Michael Raffl was ill and missed practice. . . . The Flyers will try to avenge last month's 4-2 loss (with an empty-net goal) in Arizona. . . . The team's last snowed-out home game? Last Jan. 21 vs. Carolina.



Flyers' Rinaldo suspended 8 games by NHL

Sam Carchidi

Posted: Monday, January 26, 2015, 7:28 PM

Flyers winger Zac Rinaldo was suspended by the NHL for eight games Monday because of an illegal first-period hit on Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang last Tuesday.

“He knows he can't hit somebody from behind like that, you know what I mean?” coach Craig Berube said after Monday’s practice in Voorhees. “... I've said it a hundred times."

Letang did not return in the Flyers’ 3-2 overtime win over the Penguins, and he was unable to play in Pittsburgh’s next game.

It was Rinaldo’s third suspension; he was suspended for four games last April, and for two games in 2012.

Rinaldo received five minutes for boarding and a game misconduct for his hit on Letang.

After the win against Pittsburgh, which included four second-period fights, Rinaldo said he “changed the game,” and that he would take the suspension “with a grain of salt.”

Rinaldo, 24, who averages 8 minutes and 44 minutes of ice time per game, is ninth in the NHL with a team-high 75 penalty minutes.

Rinaldo will be eligible to play Feb. 17 against visiting Columbus. He will forfeit about $73,000 of his $750,000 salary for the games he misses, and the money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Laughton at ‘standstill.’ Rookie center Scott Laughton, who has missed the last four games with what is believed to be a concussion, is “kind of at a standstill right now, not progressing as quickly as we hoped or maybe even thought,” general manager Ron Hextall said. “When he’s healthy, he’s healthy and we’ll get him practicing and get him going.”

Timonen update. Hextall said he expected to have an answer in a couple days on whether Kimmo Timonen can play again.

The 39-year-old defenseman has been sidelined all season because of blood clots.

“We’re still going through a process with Kimmo,” Hextall said. “I would expect to have something hopefully definitive within the next maybe two days.”

Breakaways. All-stars Claude Giroux and Jake Voracek were still in Columbus and did not attend Monday’s practice…..Hextall was asked if he watched the 29-goal All-Star Game: “No. Thank God,” he said.…Winger Michael Raffl was ill and missed Monday’s practice….The Flyers will try to avenge last month’s 4-2 loss (with an empty-net goal) in Arizona….The Flyers’ last snowed-out home game? Last Jan. 21 vs. Carolina.



Flyers face Coyotes after five-day break

Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer


When the Flyers resume action Tuesday against Arizona at the Wells Fargo Center, they will try to avoid the same letdown that followed their last lengthy break.

The Flyers are 12 points out of the Eastern Conference's last playoff spot with 34 games left, and they have little margin for error if they hope to play in the postseason.

"We've got to bear down, see what's at stake, and make a strong push here," said defenseman Andrew MacDonald, who got married in the Bahamas during the all-star break.

The Flyers scored an emotional 3-2 overtime win over Pittsburgh on Tuesday, then had five days off for the all-star break before returning to practice Monday in Voorhees.

"At times, we play good hockey. Then at times, we get off page and lose games, a couple in a row and obviously that can't happen anymore," said defenseman Mark Streit, who, along with defensemen Luke Schenn, Nick Grossmann, and Ray Emery, attended MacDonald's wedding. "We've got to play the right way. Every game means the world to us right now."

As of late Monday afternoon, with heavy snow predicted by nightfall, the Flyers planned to play Tuesday, general manager Ron Hextall said.

The last time the Flyers had a lengthy break in the schedule - five days between games, from Nov. 8 to Nov. 14 - they returned and won just one of their next 11 games (1-8-2).

Coach Craig Berube said the Flyers must improve their penalty-killing and their first-period play if they are going to make a playoff push.

The Flyers have allowed the first goal in 11 of the last 14 games, and have been outscored in the first periods of those games, 15-5. They are 5-8-1 in that span.

The team's penalty kill is next to last in the league, having been successful just 74.4 percent of the time.

"Discipline-wise, I think penalties have gone up the last 20 games. We have to cut that back and get more disciplined," Berube said. "Just need the consistent effort from everybody. I thought we got it against Pittsburgh [the Flyers killed all six penalties], with the energy and the emotion in the game. We need that all the time."

Goalie Steve Mason, who has missed the last six games with an injured right knee, skated before practice Monday but is doubtful for Tuesday, although Hextall did not rule it out.

The Flyers are still missing three other injured players: defenseman Grossmann (right shoulder), who skated Monday but won't play Tuesday; defenseman Braydon Coburn (left foot); and center Scott Laughton (probable concussion).

Ryan White, signed as a free agent in the offseason, is expected to make his Flyers debut Tuesday. He had two goals and six points in 52 games with Montreal last season, and he can play either center or wing.

"I'm excited. Just hoping that weather permitting, we get that game going," said White, who was sidelined by a torn chest muscle (suffered while he was bench-pressing). He spent 11 games with the AHL Phantoms, collecting three points and 39 penalty minutes.



Kings part ways with Richards


Sam Carchidi.

The Los Angeles Kings waived center Mike Richards on Monday, general manager Dean Lombardi said.

If the Kings can't work out a trade for Richards, he could be assigned to their AHL affiliate in Manchester.

Richards has been a key part of the Kings' two Stanley Cup championship teams in the last three seasons, playing a responsible two-way role and providing leadership. But his plummeting offensive production hasn't matched his exorbitant contract for years in Los Angeles, which acquired him from Philadelphia in 2011 in one of the biggest trades in Flyers history.

The Flyers sent Richards, then their captain, to the Kings for Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn, and a second-round draft pick that they later dealt for Nick Grossmann.

"Obviously it's unfortunate," Simmonds said. "Richie's a good player, and he has been for a long time. . . . He's obviously accomplished a lot in his career. He's got a goal medal, two Stanley Cups; he's won at every level. Won at every place he's been, so obviously he can't be that bad of a player."

If Richards, who turns 30 on Feb. 11, clears waivers and is sent to the AHL, $925,000 of his $5.75 million salary-cap hit comes off the Kings' books. They would still have $4.825 million of his cap number on the books.

Flyers general manager Ron Hextall, who was assistant general manager in L.A. when Richards was acquired, declined comment, although he conceded that the Flyers do not have the cap space to sign the veteran center.

Richards was 22 in December 2007 when he signed a 12-year, $69 million extension with the Flyers. He has five years left on his contract after this season.

In 47 games this season, Richards has five goals and 10 assists.

"I'm not there; I don't know what's going on and it's hard for me to comment," Flyers coach Craig Berube said. "I can only go by having Richie here; we loved him. You know, a heart and soul player.

"He was a good captain for us, and a good player and he got traded. That happens in this sport. Anybody can get traded. [Wayne] Gretzky got traded. Nobody's untouchable."

Richards has a minus-7 rating and has won only 48 percent of his faceoffs while playing on a depth line with the Kings this season.

Okposo sidelined

The surprising New York Islanders are starting the second half on a down note as top-line forward Kyle Okposo will be sidelined for six to eight weeks because of an undisclosed upper-body injury.

Bobrovsky on IR

The Blue Jackets placed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 21 and said the former Vezina Trophy winner will be out the next four to six weeks with a groin injury.

Bobrovsky was selected to play in his first NHL All-Star Game before he was hurt.

He has a 16-15-2 record with a 2.85 goals-against average, a .913 save percentage and one shutout in 33 games this season.



Flyers' MacDonald has special all-star break; lowly Coyotes in town

Sam Carchidi


Flyers defenseman Andrew MacDonald used the all-star break to create the memory of a lifetime.

He got hitched.

MacDonald, 28, and his fiancé, Hali, were married in the Bahamas on Friday, and several of his teammates attended: defensemen Luke Schenn, Mark Streit, and Nick Grossmann, and goalie Ray Emery.

"It was great, a special moment in anyone’s life when you get to spend it with your family and friends,” said MacDonald after the Flyers practiced in Voorhees on Monday afternoon. “We had a great group of people there. It was a big commitment for a lot of people to go, and we really appreciated everyone being able to come.”

Because of the Flyers’ schedule _ they return to action Tuesday, weather permitting, against visiting Arizona _ MacDonald and his wife had a short honeymoon.

“Maybe at the end of the season or the summer sometime, we’ll try to get away, but it was a great week,” MacDonald said. “We really enjoyed ourselves and we’re really happy.”

The Flyers are 12 points out of a playoff spot with 34 games left.

“It’s crunch time,” MacDonald said.

The Flyers haven’t played since last Tuesday.

“I think for everyone, the break is great mentally and physically to rest up a little bit and re-focus and re-charge the battery,” MacDonald said. “We have a lot of games coming up here in a short amount of time the next couple months. It’s obviously going to be pivotal in our stretch run.

“You just want to get on a roll here,” he said.

Lowly Coyotes. Arizona, which scored a 4-2 win over visiting Philadelphia last month, is having a worse season than the struggling Flyers. The Coyotes are averaging just 2.2 goals per game (28th in the NHL) and allowing 3.3 goals per game (29th).

The Flyers are averaging 2.7 goals per game (tied for 18th) and allowing 2.9 (tied for 23d).

Arizona is 16-25-5, while the Flyers are 19-22-7.

Breakaways. No team has had teammates finish one-two in the scoring race for a non-playoff team (excluding shortened lockout seasons) since expansion in 1967-68. The Flyers’ Jake Voracek and Claude Giroux could finish one-two in the NHL scoring race _ and the Flyers are a long shot to make the playoffs….The game matches two of the league’s worst penalty-killing teams: Arizona is 27th out of 30 teams, and the Flyers are tied for 28th…..Arizona defenseman Connor Murphy will face off against his father, Gord, a Flyers assistant.



Flyers' Rinaldo suspended eight games

Posted: Monday, January 26, 2015 8:03 pm

Wayne Fish

VOORHEES -- Zac Rinaldo found himself the eight-ball on Monday and he wasn't playing a game of pool.

The Flyer forward was hit with an eight-game suspension by the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety for his illegal boarding hit on Pittsburgh's Kris Letang last Tuesday.

It's the longest suspension of Rinaldo's career. He previously had been suspended for two games and four games for other incidents.

According to the NHL, Rinaldo is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the league's collective bargaining agreement. Based on Rinaldo's average salary, he will forfeit $73,170.72. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Burlington County Times LOADED: 01.27.2015


Mason skates, could be back shortly


Wayne Fish

VOORHEES – The original prognosis of two weeks on goaltender Steve Mason’s injury has come and gone, but now it looks like he’s getting close to a return.

Flyers general manager Ron Hextall told reporters late Monday afternoon that Mason, out since Jan. 10, skated earlier in the day and didn’t completely rule him out for Tuesday night’s game against the Arizona Coyotes.

The Flyers have gone 3-3 since Mason left the lineup.

Mason might have been able to practice on Monday but Hextall said he was under the weather (ill).

“He’ll skate (Tuesday) in the morning and then we’ll see where he’s at,’’ Hextall said.

Is Mason out for the Coyotes?

“I wouldn’t say one hundred percent? No,’’ Hextall said. “Mase is up in the air for tomorrow. Whether he dresses or not, I don’t know.’’

In other injury news, Hextall said Scott Laughton (concussion, Jan. 14 at Washington) remains in a holding pattern.

“He’s kind of at a standstill right now,’’ Hextall said. “Not progressing as quickly as we had hoped. Maybe as we thought.’’

Timonen resolution closer: Hextall said he expects to have a resolution on the Kimmo Timonen situation in the next “two days.’’

Timonen is still dealing with a blood clot condition in his leg and doctors are trying to decide the risk of possibly playing again.

“We’re still going through a process,’’ Hextall said. “I talked to Kimmo this morning and hopefully (there will be a resolution) in the next two days.’’

Hextall’s outlook: The GM was asked what his team will have to do in the remaining 34 games to get back in the playoff hunt.

“I think consistency is the biggest thing,’’ Hextall said. “Our last game (a 3-2 OT win over Pittsburgh) was a heck of a game. We played with passion and we worked hard.

“We were consistent and that’s the kind of effort we need every night to win in this league. There’s a fine line between winning and losing in this league. How many one-goal games do we have? It’s a big difference: If you win 15 one-goal games and lose seven, you’re in a lot better position than the opposite.

“You can’t just have the letdowns that we’ve had this year. Individually, we have some players who can play better and that collectively makes your team better. Our consistency has to be at a higher level.’’

MacDonald gets hitched: Defenseman Andrew MacDonald used the NHL All-Star break to get married. He and his fiancé, Hali, tied the knot at a resort in Jamaica. Several Flyers attended, including Mark Streit, Nick Grossmann and Luke Schenn.

“It was a big commitment for a lot of people to go so we appreciate everyone being able to come,’’ MacDonald said.

MacDonald said the couple’s plans for a honeymoon will have to wait for at least the summer.

Short shots: Hextall refused to comment on the decision by the Los Angeles Kings to put former Flyer forward Mike Richards on waivers Monday. “I can’t talk about another team’s player so I’m not going to make any comment on it.’’



For desperate Flyers, 'playoffs' have already begun


Wayne Fish

VOORHEES – Realistically, do the Flyers have any chance to make the Stanley Cup playoffs?

They have just 34 games left on their post All-Star Game schedule and they have at least 12 points to somehow make up for a possible wild card spot.

It’s almost as if the Flyers have already started the playoffs. Just to get to 90 points – considered the bare minimum to make postseason most seasons – the Flyers have to double the 45 they possess now.

Compounding their problems: Health.

Four regulars – defensemen Nick Grossmann and Braydon Coburn; goaltender Steve Mason and center Scott Laughton – are all still on the shelf with notable injuries.

Only Grossmann (no contact) was on the ice on Monday.

One thing working in the Flyers’ favor: Nineteen of the remaining 34 games are in the friendly confines of the Wells Fargo Center, where at least the Flyers have a winning record (12-7-3).

Regardless of the location, the Flyers have to start becoming a more consistent team. Their longest winning streak this season is three games.

“We’ve been in this position for a while,’’ Mark Streit said after Monday’s practice. “At times we play good hockey, at times we get off page. We lose games, a couple in a row, that obviously can’t happen anymore.

“We have to play the right way. Every game means the world right now.’’

Andrew MacDonald got married over the All-Star break but he’s back to business now.

“It’s crunch time,’’ MacDonald said. “It’s been that way for a little bit now. We really have to bear down. We realize what’s at stake, we have to make a strong push here.’’

Wayne Simmonds feels the same way.

“We have to win a lot,’’ he said. “We have to make sure we’re bringing that passion, that fire, the type of game we showed against Pittsburgh. I thought we played with a lot of passion that game.’’

Coach Craig Berube hopes to get some of his injured players back soon. In the meantime, these four home games – Arizona, Winnipeg, Toronto, the Islanders – could go a long way toward pointing the Flyers in the right, or wrong, direction.

“We’ve been outscored in the first period, something like 15-5 (in recent games) and that has to change for sure,’’ Berube said. “Getting the lead can really help.

“Our penalty killing (last in the NHL) has to improve. Get more consistent. Discipline-wise, penalties have gone up the last 20 games. We have to cut that back.

“And we need the consistent effort – the emotion of the Pittsburgh game. We need that all the time.’’

Richards waived: In a surprise move on Monday, former Flyer Mike Richards was put on waivers by the Los Angeles Kings.

The former captain in Philadelphia has won a pair of Stanley Cup rings with the Kings (2012, 2014).

Richards has five more years left (after this year) on the contract he originally signed with the Flyers, which has a $5.75-million annual salary cap hit.

Of course, Flyers general manager Ron Hextall was assistant general manager with the Kings when Los Angeles acquired him from the Flyers in June, 2011 for Simmonds, Wayne Simmonds and a second-round draft pick (which they traded to Dallas to acquire Grossmann).

“It’s unfortunate,’’ Simmonds said. “Richie is a good player. He has been for a good time. Sometimes things just happen like that, I guess.’’

Richards doesn’t even turn 30 until Feb. 11.

“I don’t know the complete history of all the ins and outs of what’s going on,’’ Simmonds said. “Obviously he’s accomplished a lot in his career. He’s won an Olympic gold medal, two Stanley Cups. He can’t be that bad of a player.’’

Umberger was here and played with Richards in his first term with the Flyers and was surprised by the news.

“I’m not there (in Los Angeles), I can’t speak for sure but I imagine the way he plays with his heart on his sleeve, shows his emotions here,’’ Umberger said. “He does whatever they ask for.

“He’s always a guy who would kill penalties, do dirty things. To have this happen, I feel for the guy.’’

Grossmann skates: After a light workout, Grossmann (shoulder) said there’s no timeline yet as to a return. Berube said there’s still a ways to go.

Grossmann added: “We’re going to go through some tests soon and make sure it’s good to go and all that. We’ll talk to the crew here and the staff and see where to go from there.’’

White recalled: With Zac Rinaldo expected to be suspended by the NHL late Monday afternoon for his boarding major penalty against Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang last week, the Flyers recalled center Ryan White from the Phantoms on Monday.

White missed almost the entire first half of the season with a torn pectoral muscle. When he was finally deemed ready to play, the Flyers put him on waivers, he cleared and was sent to the Phantoms.



Simmonds refuses to give up hope for playoffs

By Rob Parent,

Posted: 01/26/15, 9:03 PM EST |

VOORHEES, N.J. >> Presuming the Blizzard of ‘15 or whatever weathercaster nickname this storm will incur doesn’t keep the Flyers from their appointed Tuesday night rounds with the Arizona Coyotes, it might be interesting to see how much of an impact a full week off had on the Flyers’ latest promise of turning this season around.

Then again, it might not.

A full dozen standings points out of an Eastern Conference playoff spot, and having played as many as three or four more games than several of their supposed conference rivals, the Flyers (19-22-7, 45 points) would appear to be headed for nothing more than a long march to nowhere the rest of the way.

Then again, the 3-2 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins last Tuesday was one of their most inspiring positive moments in a season that hasn’t had many.

So after a prolonged All-Star break, will that wild win have any lasting effects that could somehow produce an unlikely run for a playoff spot?

“We have to win a lot,” Wayne Simmonds admitted Monday. “We have to make sure we bring that passion and that fire, the type of game we showed against Pittsburgh. It doesn’t necessarily have to be fights all the time, but I thought we played with a lot of passion in that game. Everybody was in it.”

While admitting it wouldn’t be easy, Simmonds wasn’t discounting the possibility of his team playing meaningful games when the season stretch drive arrives.

“We have no choice,” he said. “We have to do it. I think we’re 12 points back right now, and obviously it’s going to take everything we have within this dressing room to make up the ground.”

“It’s crunch time. It’s kind of been that way for a little bit now,” defenseman Andrew MacDonald added. “Especially now, we’ve got to bear down and see what’s at stake and make a strong push here. I think for everyone the break is great mentally and physically; to rest up a little bit and re-focus and re-charge the battery. We have a lot of games coming up here in a short amount of time the next couple of months. It’s obviously going to be pivotal in our stretch run.”

According to general manager Ron Hextall, the biggest difference between the pre-break Flyers and the team that will play the remaining 34 games is how it fares in one-goal games.

The Flyers are 9-8-7 in games decided by one goal. That doesn’t sound so good when you realize that means they’ve won nine of 24 one-goal games on the season.

“There’s such a fine line between winning and losing,” Hextall said. “It’s a big difference when you win 15 one-goal games and lose seven, you’re in a lot better position than the opposite. You just can’t have the letdowns that we’ve had so far this year.

“Individually some players could play better, which collectively makes your team better. And as a player it’s hard to be consistent for 82 games. But our consistency has to be at a higher level. It really does.”

Zac Rinaldo received an eight-game suspension from the league disciplinary office Monday night, stemming from a check from behind last Tuesday on Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang. Rinaldo, who waxed comically and elequently after that game when almost boasting that he’d probably get suspended, had several terse “no comment” comments Monday about the incident.

Coach Craig Berube said of Rinaldo “He knows he can’t hit a guy from behind like that.”

Injury wise, the Flyers are still without Braydon Coburn (fractured left foot), Scott Laughton (concussion), Nick Grossmann (shoulder) and Steve Mason (knee).

Grossmann practiced Monday and indicated he might only be a few more practice days away from coming back. Mason apparently is ready, except that he took ill during the break. He might be back at Tuesday’s morning skate. Coburn’s injury is still long term, and Hextall indicated Laughton may not be a short stay, either.

“He’s kind of at a standstill right now,” Hextall said of the rookie center. “He’s not progressing as much as we’d hoped, or even thought. ... When he’s healthy, he’s healthy, we’ll get him practicing again and get him going.”

NOTES >> Despite the forecast, the Coyotes flew into Philadelphia Monday. That raised expectations that the game will go on as scheduled ... Michael Raffl also missed practice due to being ill ... Hextall said he talked to Kimmo Timonen Monday, but that they still need a couple of days to sort out whether or not it’s feasible for Timonen to try and return to play this season ... During the break, MacDonald got married in Nassau in the Bahamas. Teammates Grossmann, Luke Schenn, Ray Emery and Mark Streit were on hand for what MacDonald called, “Great; a special moment in anyone’s life.”

Delaware County Times LOADED: 01.27.2015


Richards too expensive to come back for Flyers

By Rob Parent, Delaware County Daily Times

Posted: 01/26/15, 6:35 PM EST |

VOORHEES, N.J. >> So let’s bat around a favorite old Flyers argument again. ... How’s that Mike Richards trade looking now?

Coupled with sending Jeff Carter to Columbus for Jake Voracek and two well-used draft picks (Sean Couturier and the Phantoms’ Nick Cousins), the Richards to Los Angeles deal that brought Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn in the shake-it-up month of June 2011 was a move that former general manager Paul Holmgren took a lot of heat for, and for a long time.

Especially so after Carter went to L.A. and joined Richards in two Stanley Cup parades.

But despite this Flyers team that was rebuilt by those two trades appearing to be headed for a second playoff miss in four seasons, how does it look now that Richards, still just 29, was waived Monday by the Kings?

To a couple of current Flyers that played with Richards, another question might be more important ... can we get him back?

“He’s a heart and soul kind of guy,” R.J. Umberger, who won a Calder Cup with Richards with the Phantoms in 2005, and played the next three Flyers seasons with him, said after a post-break practice at the Skate Zone. “I never would have dreamed this would have happened to a guy like that.”

It was when Richards blossomed into one of a young Flyers’ club’s best centers that he was rewarded with an almost unprecedented, 12-year, $69 million contract extension in Dec. 2007. The deal, incurring a $5.75 million cap hit, appeared to set in stone his status with the team. He would be its captain by the start of the 2008-09 season.

“When he signed that contract,” Umberger said, “it looked like he was going to retire as a Flyer. That’s the way I felt at the time. He was being groomed as the next captain. He was a Bobby Clarke kind of player.”

He even led the Flyers to a Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals in 2010. But behind the scenes, there were perceived problems both with Richards and Carter, and in a changing league environment, cap relief became a big issue.

“I’m sure it a contract thing,” former Richards teammate Ray Emery said. “It’s the nature of the game, I guess. The game is changing. It’s getting younger and younger and faster and faster.”

Richards, never acknowledged as a fleet skater, but seen as a defensive center who is always a threat to score, seems to be changing, too.

En route to their second Stanley Cup title in three seasons last spring, he was taken off scoring lines and spent a lot of time in a checking role. He did manage 10 goals in the 2014 playoffs.

This season the tide has really turned. He hasn’t scored in his last seven games, and has just one goal in his last 24 games. Overall through 47 games, Richards has five goals, 15 points and is a minus-7.

“Obviously, it’s unfortunate,” Simmonds said about the player he was traded for. “Richie’s a good player, and he has been for a long time. Sometimes, things happen like that, I guess.

“He’s obviously accomplished a lot in his career. He’s got a gold medal, two Stanley Cups; he’s won at every level. He won at every place he’s been, so obviously he can’t be that bad of a player.”

But for a guy with a $5.75 million cap hit and contract that goes five years beyond this season, and who has played almost exclusively on the fourth line this season, Richards’ contributions to the Kings are way below expectations.

And there is no Ilya Bryzgalov or Vinny Lecavalier type of compliance buyout this summer, finance fans.

Presuming Richards clears waivers by the 12 noon deadline Tuesday, the Kings might opt to send him to their AHL affiliate in Manchester, N.H. If they do, they would receive $925,000 in cap relief under the so-called (Wade) Redden rule. The Kings are more than $2 million under the cap now, but may

be looking to sign another ex-Flyer, Justin Williams, to an extension and would need cap room to do so.

For kicks and giggles, then, and presuming it would be a deal that would include the Kings paying a good chunk of Richards’ remaining contract, replacement GM Ron Hextall was asked if there might be any way the Flyers could consider a trade for Richards.

Hextall, who earlier had begged off comment on Richards because “he’s another team’s player,” just smiled and shook his head no.

“I don’t know what’s going on and it’s hard for me to comment,” said Flyers coach Craig Berube, an assistant coach when the Richards-captained Flyers went to the Cup finals against the Blackhawks in 2010. “I can only go by having Richie here. We loved him. You know, a heart and soul player. He was a good captain for us and a good player and he got traded. That happens in this sport. Anybody can get traded. (Wayne) Gretzky got traded. Nobody’s untouchable.”

Delaware County Times LOADED: 01.27.2015


Zac Rinaldo suspended 8 games for hit on Kris Letang

January 26, 2015, 7:15 pm

Tim Panaccio

Zac Rinaldo will miss eight games and forfeit $73,170.72 in lost salary for last week’s hit on Pittsburgh defenseman Kris Letang.

The NHL Department of Player Safety, headed by Stephane Quintal, gave the Flyers’ left winger that suspension on Monday night, following a telephone hearing in New York City.

Rinaldo opted last week for a phone hearing, rather than appear in person. Because of the NHL All-Star game, his hearing was pushed back until today.

No one should be surprised. Even the 24-year-old Rinaldo admitted last Tuesday he knew his latest incident would result in a fine and suspension.

Rinaldo crushed Letang against the side boards during the first period of the Flyers’ 3-2 overtime victory. He launched himself into a defenseless player, whose head smacked the glass.

"He knows he can't hit somebody from behind like that, you know what I mean?" Flyers coach Craig Berube said. "I've said it a hundred times."

Letang left the game with a suspected concussion and did not return. Rinaldo was given a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct.

This is the third suspension for Rinaldo. He was given a four-game suspension last April for a hit on Buffalo’s Chad Ruhwedel and had a previous two-game suspension in Feb. 2012 for a reckless hit on Detroit’s Jonathan Ericsson.

As a repeat offender, all of that past history is taken into account every time a new issue arises. Hence, the longer suspension this time.

Rinaldo has two assists this season with 73 penalty minutes and is minus-7. He is eligible to return on Feb. 17 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Flyers' schedule resumes Tuesday night at Wells Fargo Center against the Arizona Coyotes.



Flyers Injury Update: Steve Mason 'up in the air' vs. Coyotes

January 26, 2015, 4:45 pm

Tim Panaccio

Flyers goalie Steve Mason practiced early Monday morning and has been quietly practicing since before the All-Star break.

He could even be available Tuesday against the Arizona Coyotes when the NHL schedule resumes at the Wells Fargo Center.

“Mase is a little under the weather,” said general manager Ron Hextall.

Mason, who has a right knee injury, has been practicing on his own, but has not taken shots or been involved in the normal routine he has the day before a game.

Hextall said it was not “100 percent” ruled out that Mason would be in the lineup. Rob Zepp worked practice on Monday.

“Mase is up in the air for tomorrow; whether he dresses or not, we don’t know,” he said.

On Kimmo Timonen (blood clots)

Hextall said no decision has been made as to his future.

“We’re still going through a process with Kimmo,” Hextall said. “I would expect to have something definitive in the next two days. I talked to Kimmo this morning.”

On Scott Laughton (concussion)

Hextall said things were at a “standstill.”

“He’s not progressing as quickly as we hoped or even thought,” he said. Laughton was clocked by Washington's Matt Niskanen on Jan. 14.

Hextall said he had no idea how many previous concussions Laughton has had while with his junior team.

“When he’s healthy, he’s healthy, and we’ll get him practicing and going again,” Hextall said.

Laughton will miss his fifth game on Tuesday.

On Nicklas Grossmann (right shoulder)

Hextall said he had been cleared to play.

Grossmann said his shoulder felt strong and didn’t think it would require extra padding to play again. Grossmann practiced on his own on Monday and was hoping to play sometime this week.

Grossmann took a clean board check from Washington’s Tom Wilson on Jan. 8 and injured his right shoulder.

“He’s cleared to go, but he hasn’t practiced for a while,” Hextall said. “But he’s cleared to go. He probably needs a couple practices under his belt.”

Grossmann will miss his eighth game on Tuesday.

On postponement

Hextall said Tuesday’s game remains “on.”

“It sounds to me right now, the information I have right now, I believe we’re going to play,tomorrow,” he said.

The Coyotes arrived in Philadelphia late Monday.



Ryan White waiting for a chance with Flyers

January 26, 2015, 4:15 pm

Tim Panaccio

VOORHEES, N.J. -- Every time it appeared as though Ryan White would find a way into the Flyers' lineup, something happened to prevent it.

White has waited a very long time to show the Flyers what he can do and now, given Zac Rinaldo’s eight-game suspension, his chance has arrived.

Assuming there’s no postponement on Tuesday’s game at Wells Fargo Center against the Arizona Coyotes, White will lace up his skates for the first time in an NHL game since last spring.

The snow looms in his path …

“I would not have guessed that would come in but stranger things have happened,” White said of possibly having this game postponed because of snow.

“That gets added onto the list of the weird things that have happened to me this year. Hope everyone gets to the game and gets safe.

“I’m excited. Just hoping that weather permitting, we get that game going tomorrow and I’m hoping for the best. “

White signed a one-year, two-way contract for $575,000 as a versatile, fill-in forward for both the Phantoms and Flyers on Aug. 7.

A month later, he was lifting weights during a workout and tore his left pectoral muscle. White’s first visit to Philadelphia last summer wasn’t to meet Flyers brass but to meet his surgeon at Methodist Hospital.

Initially, the Flyers feared the 26-year-old might not be available to February, but White made a quicker recovery than expected and was given a conditioning assignment that lasted into the first week of January.

“That was tough,” White said. “You are so prepared to come in here and make a difference. You want to earn yourself a spot. New opportunities is always exciting. Such a down point for me this year. Just keep working hard to get myself in this spot to get an opportunity … “

It appeared as though White was going to play on Jan. 6 against Ottawa because of the uncertain health status of both Scott Laughton and Claude Giroux that week, but on the very day White was recalled from the Phantoms -- Jan. 5 -- he was sent back down. Laughton and Giroux played the next night.

“Nice to get down there and get some games,” he said of the only good thing that came of that.

White desperately wanted to get a clean slate with the Flyers after missing 29 games via injury and health scratches last season as a Montreal Canadien before becoming a free agent.

He has actually spent about 3 1/2 months working out by himself. He has not played an NHL game since last April 10.

“Pretty long haul when you are just working by yourself,” he said. “Your battling against your own body to get that thing back into playing shape. Lot of hard work but it was all worth it.”

Flyers coach Craig Berube says he’s earned a chance to play.

Right now though, White has a chance to take Rinaldo’s job if he looks good during these games.

“It's hard,” Berube. “The guy comes into came and gets injured. It's tough being out that long. But he's worked extremely hard. He's a real good team guy and he went down to the minors and has gotten better and better in his game plan.

“He's worked hard and that's why he is where he's at right now, ready to play. I think he's going to add a lot of energy to our lineup.”

Loose pucks

Michael Raffl was ill and missed practice. General manager Ron Hextall said the club may have to call up another player -- Jason Akeson, perhaps -- if Raffl can’t play.



Kings waive former Flyers captain Mike Richards

January 26, 2015, 1:45 pm

Staff

A person familiar with the move tells The Associated Press that the Los Angeles Kings have released center Mike Richards.

The person spoke Monday on condition of anonymity because the Kings had not announced the decision.

Richards was a standout for the Flyers when he was acquired by the Kings, but his scoring has dropped every year since -- from 18 goals in 2011-12 to just five halfway through this season with the defending Stanley Cup champions one point out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The Kings valued Richards' responsible two-way play and leadership, but he also represented a $5.75 million annual cap hit over the next six seasons.

The Flyers traded Richards to the Kings in 2011 for Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds, the same day as they traded Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Carter, who was eventually sent to the Kings, remains in L.A.



Flyers' second half: 5 games to watch

January 26, 2015, 11:00 am

Sarah Baicker

Look, we know the Flyers need a miracle in order to make the playoffs. They’re 12 points out of the final wild-card spot, currently languishing in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division.

But even if the postseason is all but out of the picture, there are still games worth circling on your calendar. Here are five of them.

Feb. 17: Flyers vs. Blue Jackets

Are the Flyers and Blue Jackets destined to be rivals? It sure seems like it. With so many players who’ve spent time on both teams (Steve Mason, Scott Hartnell, Jakub Voracek, Sergei Bobrovsky …), it’s only a matter of time before Flyers-Jackets games have at least a percentage of the energy you see when the Flyers face the Penguins. The two teams meet so many times a year these days they ought to be fluent in each other's style of play, which should make for yet another entertaining matchup.

Feb. 22: Flyers vs. Capitals

The Flyers lost when the two teams met earlier this month, but just barely. They lost 1-0 with Rob Zepp in net, in one of the more evenly matched and entertaining games of 2015. Plus, if the Flyers have any chance of sneaking into the playoffs, they’d have to overcome the Caps to do so. You'd have to hope they'll play with that fact top of mind.

Feb. 28: Flyers vs. Rangers

This game marks the Rangers’ final visit to South Philly this season, and the Flyers ought to be looking for revenge. They fell to the Blueshirts 3-0 back in November, on the team's annual Black Friday game. They were rivals even before last postseason's seven-game series that saw the Rangers emerge victorious.

March 14: Flyers vs. Red Wings

As good as the Red Wings are — and have been — they can’t seem to win at the Wells Fargo Center these days. (Oh, if only that was the case in 1997 too!) Believe it or not, the Wings haven’t notched a victory in Philly since June 3, 1997. In fact, the Flyers outscored the Red Wings 9-2 the last two times Detroit made a stop in Philly.

April 5: Flyers vs. Penguins

Does this even require explanation? When the Penguins visit the Wells Fargo Center, the atmosphere is playoff-like — no matter the circumstances.



Flyers: Lack of consistency holding team back

Dave Isaac, Courier-Post 8:14 p.m. EST January 26, 2015

Flyers coach Craig Berube spent some of his All-Star break looking at tape of the first unofficial half of the season.

There were no surprises.

A test with the naked eye tells that the Flyers have been wildly inconsistent so far this season and have done nothing in the first 48 games to suggest that the final 34 will be wildly different.

"Just need the consistent effort from everybody," Berube said. "I thought we got it against Pittsburgh (in the last game before the All-Star break), the energy and the emotion in the game. We need that all the time."

As evidenced by the rivalry since Sidney Crosby broke into the league, Flyers-Penguins games are always different. If the Flyers finished their season with nothing but an inter-state rivalry, they might not look as far out of playoff contention as the dozen points they are.

"We're in this position for a while now," alternate captain Mark Streit said. "We, at times, are playing good hockey. Then, at times, we get off page and lose games, a couple in a row and obviously that can't happen anymore. We've got to play the right way. Every game means the world to us right now."

Looking at the trends in the Eastern Conference, or even within the Metropolitan Division, the Flyers have even more work cut out for themselves. The New York Islanders, Rangers and Washington Capitals all look like world-beaters, while the Penguins are only three points outside of first place in the division.

"Our main focus here is obviously to make the playoffs," said injured defenseman Nick Grossmann, who is still about a week away with a right shoulder injury. "Everything else is irrelevant right now. We're trying to win games and I think we had a good game going into the break. That's what we have to keep going into the break and it was good to see the guys today, excited to be back and get back to work."

Without a quick turnaround, the Flyers will surely be sellers at the March 2 trade deadline. In fact, general manager Ron Hextall has already sniffed around the league to see if anyone is interested in players that aren't part of the team's long-term plans.

"I think you can't waste too much energy on things you can't change," Grossmann said. "It's out of my hands and out of the players' hands. We've got one thing we can keep our focus on and that's to focus on hockey and play good games."

With a little more than a month to go before that deadline, the Flyers are still looking for solutions to their game, even though they know consistency is what's keeping them from a playoff spot.

"Our league now, there's such a fine line between winning and losing," Hextall said. "You know, how many one-goal games have we had? It's a big difference. If you win 15 one-goal games and lose seven, you're in a lot better position than the opposite. You just can't have the letdowns that we've had so far this year."

Those letdowns have come early. In the Flyers' last 14 games, they've been outscored 15-5 in the first period.

"Against Pittsburgh, we were outshot (13-0) the first seven or eight minutes, but we end up getting the first goal and that goes a long way," Berube said. "That's one area we really have to improve on; our first periods and getting a lead. Not so much the play of a first period, but getting a lead is really going to help for sure."

The visiting Arizona Coyotes are the second-worst team in the Western Conference. Even if the Flyers can jump on them early Tuesday, assuming a snowstorm doesn't postpone the game, they'll have a lot further to go if they're going to avoid missing the postseason for the second time in three years.

Courier-Post LOADED: 01.27.2015


Flyers notes: Ryan White hoping he can finally contribute

Dave Isaac, Courier-Post 8:11 p.m. EST January 26, 2015

So far this year Ryan White has torn his pectoral muscle while bench pressing, spent a few months on the ice alone, got recalled only to be waived and sent to the minors and then he saw Tuesday's weather report.

According to the National Weather Service, there's a winter storm warning until 6 p.m. Tuesday.

"I would not have guessed that would come in, but stranger things have happened," said White, who is set to make his Flyers debut Tuesday as long as snow doesn't cancel a game for the second straight season. "That gets added onto the list of the weird things that have happened to me this year. Hope everyone gets to the game and gets safe."

White has been itching to get in the Flyers' lineup since he signed as a free agent in August.

"It's hard. The guy comes into came and gets injured," Flyers coach Craig Berube said. "It's tough being out that long, but he's worked extremely hard. He's a real good team guy and he went down to the minors and has gotten better and better in his game plan. He's worked hard and that's why he is where he's at right now, ready to play. I think he's going to add a lot of energy to our lineup."

As long as the Flyers actually drop the puck Tuesday night, White will replace Zac Rinaldo, who had a hearing with the NHL and was suspended eight games for his hit on Pittsburgh defenseman Kris Letang.

The only thing Berube isn't sure of yet is where White will play. He can line up either on right wing or at center and has done both in practices, which he started participating in last month.

"Pretty long haul when you are just working by yourself," White said. "You're battling against your own body to get that thing back into playing shape. Lot of hard work but it was all worth it."

White, 26, had a goal and three points in 11 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He hasn't played in the NHL since the regular-season finale for the Montreal Canadiens last season against the New York Rangers. He had two goals and four assists in 52 games.

• Reset during the break: While Claude Giroux and Jake Voracek went to Columbus as All-Stars, a handful of Flyers headed to Nassau, Bahamas for defenseman Andrew MacDonald's wedding.

MacDonald, 28, had a quick honeymoon with his wife Hali before returning for the second half of the season. He's hoping that the five-day break helps everyone hit the reset button and try and make a late break for the postseason.

"Obviously that's what you want to see," MacDonald. "You just want to get on a roll here, feel confident in ourselves and at times you go through little lulls in the year and sometimes they can compound on you. I think a nice little break like that can help you forget about it and just move on and get back to the way we know we can play."

For the Flyers, the playoffs start now.

"Everybody knows that, realizes that in the room," said Mark Streit, who attended MacDonald's wedding. "We have that kind of team, a lot of character and we are gonna battle as hard as we can to win one game after the other and then we'll see."

• Injury report: Goalie Steve Mason and forward Michael Raffl both missed Monday's practice with an illness. Mason, who has missed the last six games with a right knee injury, may be able to dress Monday against the Arizona Coyotes.

Defenseman Nick Grossmann is cleared for contact. He's missed the last seven games with a right shoulder injury, but may play this weekend.

Scott Laughton, who has an upper-body injury that appears to be a concussion, isn't ready to return. He's been out the last four games after taking a hit from Washington's Matt Niskanen.

Blueliner Braydon Coburn is still a ways off with a left foot injury suffered Jan. 12.

Courier-Post LOADED: 01.27.2015

764860 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins notebook: Letang's status vs. Jets uncertain

By Josh Yohe

Monday, Jan. 26, 2015, 8:30 p.m.

Updated 1 hour ago

Defenseman Kris Letang is a candidate to play Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets.

Although there was initial concern that Letang had received a concussion following a hit from behind courtesy of Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo, he said Monday that he never suffered a concussion and feels well enough to play.

Coach Mike Johnston said Letang technically only has been cleared to practice and that a discussion will take place Tuesday with team doctors to decide Letang's game availability.

“I skated with the team, and it went really well,” Letang said. “No problems.”

There was uncertainty regarding Letang's status for a couple of days.

“During the game, they gave me the protocol,” said Letang, who confirmed he never was diagnosed with a concussion. “The next day, I went to UPMC and did all the tests.”

Letang said he must talk with team doctors and the coaching staff before returning to game action but said that he feels capable of playing against Winnipeg. He has sustained three concussions in his career and suffered a stroke last year.

Hornqvist, Comeau skate

The Penguins have missed right wings Patric Hornqvist and Blake Comeau. Both injured players skated today, and one is especially close to returning.

Hornqvist's return could come in a matter of days. He sustained a broken left foot in December but skated with Comeau for nearly an hour before Monday's practice and then took part in a full team workout.

“Hornqvist did pretty much every drill in practice,” Johnston said. “His conditioning looks very good. He's getting close enough where he could play at any time. We'll just have to determine that over the next few days.”

The report isn't quite as optimistic on Comeau, who has been out more than a month with a wrist injury. Johnston said he won't be able to practice with the team for almost a week.

Despres, Perron sick

Defenseman Simon Despres isn't sure if he'll be able to play against the Jets.

Despres first became ill Jan. 16 on Long Island. He played through one more game but was unable to play in Philadelphia or against Chicago.

He felt better during the All-Star break while on a Caribbean vacation but still isn't right.

“I don't know,” he said when asked if he'll play against Winnipeg. “I didn't feel my best today. I didn't feel as good today as I did before.”

Meanwhile, forward David Perron left halfway through Monday's practice because he felt ill. Johnston believes he will be able to play against the Jets.

World Cup announcement

The recent announcement that NHL players will be participating in the World Cup of Hockey in 2016 is being perceived as a sign that the league is distancing itself from Olympic participation in 2018. Left wing Chris Kunitz, who won a gold medal in last year's Olympics in Sochi, has mixed feelings.

“My (Olympic) experience was great,” he said. “I had a lot of fun. Going further down the road, I don't know. The World Cup of Hockey is something I grew up watching.”

Four players recalled

Because of all the illnesses and injuries the Penguins are dealing with, they recalled forwards Bryan Rust, Scott Wilson and Andrew Ebbett, along with defenseman Scott Harrington on Monday.

Tribune Review LOADED: 01.27.2015


Flyers' Rinaldo suspended 8 games for hit on Letang

By Josh Yohe

Monday, Jan. 26, 2015, 8:06 p.m.

Updated 1 hour ago

Philadelphia Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo has been suspended eight games for a hit on Penguins defenseman Kris Letang last week.

The NHL will release its customary suspension video, but not for a few days, as league employees currently are unable to get back to New York because of a winter storm. Many of the employees were off during the NHL All-Star break.

Letang missed one game because of the hit and is questionable to play against the Jets on Tuesday.

“We all know him,” Letang said of Rinaldo. “We all know his type of game.”



Crosby banned from Jets game because he missed All-Star Game

By Josh Yohe

Monday, Jan. 26, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

Updated 1 hour ago

Coach Mike Johnston didn't even know about the policy.

Neither did right wing Craig Adams, the Penguins' NHLPA representative.

Sidney Crosby, who should be able to resume skating Tuesday and theoretically may have been recovered enough from a lower-body injury to play against the Winnipeg Jets, is banned from the game because he didn't participate in the NHL All-Star Game.

“If that was something we (NHLPA) bargained for, I missed that one,” Adams said. “My bad. I didn't know it existed.”

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed to the Tribune-Review via email that players elected to the All-Star Game may not participate in their next regular season game, no matter the severity of the injury or when it occurred, if they don't play in the All-Star Game.

Johnston agrees with that policy — “I wasn't aware of the rule, but I do think it's fair,” he said.

But many of his players do not.

“It depends,” defenseman Kris Letang said. “If you have a guy who is banged up, but he's willing to play with an injury and wants to take the All-Star break off to make sure he's ready when his team starts playing again, I think that should be allowed.”

Many Penguins defiantly said Crosby is indeed injured and did not embellish an injury to avoid playing in the NHL All-Star Game. Crosby only has played in one All-Star Game during his career, as injuries, two Olympic breaks and a lockout have kept him from all but the 2007 game.

The only Penguins representative in Columbus, Ohio, was goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, as Crosby and center Evgeni Malkin were unable to play. Malkin isn't eligible to play Tuesday but is out at least one week with an injury.

“I think it's a fair rule if somebody pulls out of the game just to rest, just if they don't feel like going,” Fleury said. “But Sid is hurt. He can show it. He's got proof. I think it was a little much.”

The NHL became sensitive enough to players blowing off the All-Star Game that it suspended Detroit stars Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk one game — with pay — in 2009 when the duo decided against participating in the game in Montreal.

Crosby's case, his longtime linemate insisted, is a little different.

Left wing Chris Kunitz said that Crosby and Malkin represent the NHL well at every opportunity.

“I'm sure they're trying to keep the integrity of the All-Star Game by having the best players there,” Kunitz said. “Unfortunately on our side, we had players who weren't able to go. They always represent the league the best way every single time.”

Crosby is expected to skate Tuesday after having an injection to help a lower-body injury that has been plaguing him for two weeks. He is eligible to return against the Capitals in Washington on Wednesday and hasn't been ruled out of that game.

Malkin, however, won't skate for a few more days and won't play on the team's upcoming road trip to Washington and New Jersey.

The Penguins hope to have Crosby back as soon as possible, even though the league won't let them have him Tuesday.

“It's not my call,” Letang said. “The league obviously wants its best player at the All-Star Game to promote the game.”

The Penguins want their best player back, too.

“I understand what the intent is,” Adams said. “But what if you're just ready (to play) two days later? That does happen.”



Penguins recall 4 players

By Josh Yohe

Monday, Jan. 26, 2015, 3:04 p.m.

Updated 2 hours ago

With Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin ineligible to play against Winnipeg on Tuesday – and many other injured players expected to remain out of the lineup – the Penguins have recalled four players from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Forwards Bryan Rust, Andrew Ebbett and Scott Wilson, along with defenseman Scott Harrington, have been recalled and could play against the Jets.

Wilson has played just one NHL game, suffered a leg injury during his NHL debut Dec. 2 against the Devils.

Rust (two points in 14 games) and Ebbett (six points in 18 games) have been regular contributors during the past two weeks. Harrington has been in and out of the lineup and could play on Tuesday because of the questionable statuses of Kris Letang (head injury) and Simon Despres (illness).

Crosby and Malkin can't play Tuesday because they bowed out of the NHL All-Star Game. NHL rules prohibit players from playing in the first regular season game following the break if they missed the All-Star Game because of an injury.

Crosby could return Wednesday in Washington while Malkin is expected to miss at least one week.



Penguins' Letang hopes Rinaldo sees light

January 27, 2015 12:21 AM

By Seth Rorabaugh / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Philadelphia Flyers center Zac Rinaldo was suspended eight games by the NHL Monday for boarding and charging Penguins defenseman Kris Letang.

The hit took place Jan. 20 at 15:36 of the first period in Philadelphia's 3-2 home win . Rinaldo was given a boarding major and a game misconduct on the play.

Letang left that game after the hit with a head injury and missed a 3-2 loss at home Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Rinaldo, suspended as recently as April 7, is considered a repeat offender within the terms in the NHL's collective bargaining agreement with the NHL Player Association. He will forfeit $73,170.72 in salary.

Before the league's announcement of the suspension, Letang said he hopes Rinaldo, who has been suspended three times in his career, gets the message about hits like this.

"We all know him," Letang said. "We all know his type of game. It's not my call. I have no say to what's going to happen to him. But it's not his first time so, hopefully, they make sure he understands this time around."

The NHL did not post a customary web video explaining the details of the suspension. Members of the Player Safety Department had issues traveling Monday from the All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio, to the league offices in New York because of bad weather on the East Coast.

Winnipeg, which will face the Penguins at 7:08 p.m. today at Consol Energy Center, hasn't qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs since 2007, when the franchise was based in Atlanta. The Jets dry spell might, however, be about to end.

Winnipeg comes out of the All-Star break with a 26-14-8 record, good for fifth in the Western Conference. The Jets stumbled to a 2-5 start, but have a balanced attack, with seven players having 26 or more points, and are among the league's most stingiest defensive teams, allowing 2.35 goals per game.

"They're a big, physical, strong, fast team," Penguins winger Steve Downie said. "They've been playing pretty good hockey, besides the first couple weeks of the season. They play the same way pretty much every night, so we have to beat them at their game."

Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury returned to practice after spending a few days in Columbus for the All-Star Game. He enjoyed just about everything about the festivities. Just not the game.

Fleury allowed seven goals on 16 shots in the second period and was credited with the loss.

"The weekend was nice," Fleury said. "It's a nice city. It was good to hang out with the guys and to skate with them. The game wasn't as fun, though. Other than that, it was a good time."

While Fleury acknowledged most All-Star Games feature less defense than an average practice, he was still disappointed.

"When you're a goalie, you still want to make the saves," Fleury said. "It's still frustrating. I'm not going to let that bother my day, but it's still disappointing."

Dave Molinari contributed to this report

Post Gazette LOADED: 01.27.2015


Patchwork Penguins lineup will face Jets

January 27, 2015 12:17 AM


With the All-Star break behind them, the Penguins lineup for a home game tonight against the Winnipeg Jets could look very familiar.

If you watch Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins games.

Monday, the Penguins called up centers Andrew Ebbett and Scott Wilson, right winger Bryan Rust and defenseman Scott Harrington from their American Hockey League affiliate.

With Evgeni Malkin being placed on injured reserve due to an undisclosed ailment and Sidney Crosby also out with an undisclosed injury which required an injection to treat, the Penguins will not have their top two centers in the lineup. Neither player participated in practice Monday at Consol Energy Center.

"Sid should [return] fairly soon," coach Mike Johnston said. "After the injection he had, he has to wait so many days and his days are basically up [Monday]. I would expect he would be able to return soon."

"[Malkin], until he skates, we won't know. I don't anticipate him skating over next three or four days for sure."

Regardless of his health, the NHL will not permit Crosby to play tonight after he skipped on- and off-ice obligations involving the All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio, this weekend. League rules require any All-Star selection to miss the next game his team plays if he skips the event.

Johnston does not object to the rule.

"I do think it's fair because I don't think you want to leave it open at any time for a player to make a decision to forgo an All-Star Game," Johnston said. "I don't know if it's ever happened before but I think the league, in ensuring it won't happen, has put those steps in. So, I do think that's fair, yeah."

The NHL and the NHL Players Association do not officially regard this as a suspension.

Meanwhile, the Penguins defense could get a boost with the potential returns of Kris Letang and Simon Despres.

Letang, who suffered a head injury Dec. 20 after he was boarded and charged by Philadelphia Flyers enter Zac Rinaldo, is optimistic he will play tonight.

"Yeah, I think so," Letang said. "That was the practice we wanted to have no problem with it, and it went really well."

Letang said he passed all concussion testing.

Despres missed the past two games due to an illness and was able to partly recuperate on a trip to Jamaica with centers Zach Sill and Brandon Sutter on the All-Star break.

"It was my first time in Jamaica," Despres said. "We got some sun, enjoyed the ocean. Just got to relax a little bit. I'm still feeling sick. I'm not 100 percent. I went there to recover."

Left winger David Perron left practice early due to an illness, but he is expected to play tonight.

"He left practice early because he had some cold symptoms," Johnston said. "We just didn't want to wear him down, so he took half of practice. That was the plan. He'll get a morning skate [today]. I anticipate he'll be fine."

Right winger Patric Hornqvist participated in his first full practice since a suspected foot injury Dec. 27. He did not speak with the media. Hornqvist and left winger Blake Comeau (wrist) each took part in a workout with strength and conditioning coach Mike Kadar before practice.

"Hornqvist pretty well did every drill in practice his first time," Johnston said. "His conditioning looks to be very good. Didn't seem to miss very much out there. Now that he's out there in regular practice. He's getting close enough that he could probably play at any time."

"Comeau just skated with [Kadar] early. He won't be joining regular practice until at least five, six, seven days from now."

■ Game: Penguins vs. Jets.

■ When: 7 p.m.

■ Where: Consol Energy Center

■ TV: Root Sports.

■ Inside: Rinaldo gets 8 games. Page F-3.

Dave Molinari contributed to this repor



Flyers' Rinaldo suspended 8 games for hit on Penguins' Letang

January 26, 2015 7:48 PM


Philadelphia Flyers center Zac Rinaldo was suspended eight games by the NHL for boarding and charging Penguins defenseman Kris Letang.

The hit took place at 15:36 of the first period in a 3-2 home win by the Flyers last Tuesday.

Letang left that game following the hit because of a head injury and missed a 3-2 loss at home to the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

Earlier today, following his team's practice at Consol Energy Center, Letang said he passed all concussion testing and was optimistic he will play in the Penguins' next game at home Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets.

Rinaldo, suspended as recently as April 7, is considered a repeat offender by the terms of the NHL's collective bargaining agreement with the NHL Player Association. He will forfeit $73,170.72 in salary.



Penguins recall four from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

January 26, 2015 3:00 PM


The Penguins recalled centers Andrew Ebbett, Scott Wilson, right winger Bryan Rust and defenseman Scott Harrington from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.

Ebbett, 32, has appeared in 18 NHL games this season and has scored six points (one goal, five assists).

Wilson, 22, has appeared in one NHL game this season and has no points. Officially, he was on injured reserve for 18 games due to a leg injury throughout December and January.

Rust, 22, has appeared in 14 NHL games this season and has two points (one goal, one assists).

Harrington, 21, has appeared in nine NHL games this season and has no points.


764868 San Jose Sharks

Sharks sign forward Nikita Jevpalovs to an entry-level contract

By Curtis Pashelka

Posted: 01/26/2015 11:31:51 AM PST0 Comments | Updated: about 12 hours ago

SAN JOSE -- The Sharks have signed free agent forward Nikita Jevpalovs to an entry-level contract.

Entering Monday, Jevpalovs, 20, has 71 points in 45 games with Blainville-Boisbriand of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. His 38 goals rank second in the QMJHL, and his nine game-winning goals lead the league.

Jevpalovs, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound native of Riga, Latvia, has 164 point and 92 penalty minutes in 166 career QMJHL games. He has represented Latvia in the 2012 and 2013 World Junior Championships and finished with a combined eight points in 12 games.

Most recently he played in the 2014 Division I World Junior Championship, where he had nine points in five games and helped Latvia win the Silver Medal.

Prospect Nikita Jevpalovs has signed a contract with the San Jose Sharks.

Prospect Nikita Jevpalovs has signed a contract with the San Jose Sharks. (Courtesy of San Jose Sharks)

"Nikita is a big-bodied forward who has a good combination of size and scoring ability," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said in a statement. "He has represented his country numerous times and impressed against some of the world's top young talent and we're excited to add a young forward with his skill set to our organization."

Riga is also the hometown of former Sharks Arturs Irbe and Sandis Ozolinsh. Jevpalovs is one year younger than NHL All-Star Zemgus Girgensons of the Buffalo Sabres

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 01.27.2015


Trio of youngsters set to return to Sharks

January 26, 2015, 6:00 pm

Kevin Kurz

SAN JOSE – Sharks forwards Tomas Hertl and Barclay Goodrow, and defenseman Mirco Mueller are all expected to be back in San Jose on Tuesday when the Sharks resume practice following the All-Star break, according to a team source.

The three young prospects were reassigned to the Sharks' AHL affiliate just before the league shut down for several days.

In two games with Worcester Hertl tallied two assists, as the Sharks wanted to get him more minutes playing the center position. Just before the break, Hertl skated in his first four games in the NHL at center, where the Sharks are hopeful he will play in the future.

In two games, Goodrow was scoreless with nine penalty minutes.

Mueller, on a conditioning assignment as he recovers from a left wrist injury, had one goal, a -2 rating and four penalty minutes in three games with Worcester. The 19-year-old is not eligible to remain there, due to his age.

The Sharks host Anaheim on Thursday.



Sharks midseason grades: The Forwards

January 26, 2015, 3:15 pm

Kevin Kurz

Editor's note: This article is Part 3 of a three-part feature series in which Insider Kevin Kurz grades each player by position.

Sharks midseason grades: The Forwards

Adam Burish

Stats: 1g, 2a, -6 rating in 20 games

Burish’s four-year, $7.4 million contract signed in 2011 is now officially an abomination of a deal, since Burish has been cut and subsequently loaned to AHL Chicago. Burish has almost certainly played his last game in a Sharks sweater, and I’ve heard talk that the organization wasn’t very pleased with Burish’s attitude after he was made a healthy scratch. It’s questionable whether he was a full-time NHL player in the first place.

Grade: F

Mike Brown

Stats: Scoreless, even rating in 8 games

Brown has played in just eight games so a fair assessment isn’t possible, but the winger seems to give a jolt to the club when he’s in the lineup. The Sharks are 7-1 when Brown dresses, and although that’s probably a bit coincidental, the well liked sparkplug does have a positive influence. Not to mention, Andrew Desjardins seems to be at his most effective when he has Brown at his side. He’ll be welcomed back from his broken right leg, probably by early February, assuming his recovery is on schedule.

Grade: Incomplete

Logan Couture

Stats: 18g, 24a, +2 rating in 48 games

It almost seems like Couture has flown under the radar this season, but a quick glance of the stats shows that he’s tied for the team lead in scoring. Couture has been especially good lately, after he may have been feeling the effects of off-season hand surgery early on. Not only has he been producing offensively, Couture showed his toughness and commitment to his team recently when he played through a couple cracked teeth that exposed a nerve. Perhaps it’s time to take the ‘A’ off of Patrick Marleau’s sweater and stitch it onto Couture’s?

Grade: A-minus

Andrew Desjardins


In fairness, the organization hasn’t done Desjardins any favors in terms of his linemates, but the 28-year-old hasn’t given the Sharks much of anything. Desjardins has sorely missed Mike Brown’s speed and energy on the wing, and hasn’t been able to develop any chemistry with guys like Tye McGinn, Barclay Goodrow or John Scott. Another pending unrestricted free agent, Desjardins could be playing out his last season here.

Grade: D

Barclay Goodrow


Goodrow has the potential to develop into a very good NHL player. He has the size, the smarts, and the confidence, and has shown flashes of being a real agitating player to go up against. He may not remain in the lineup on a nightly basis this season, and a stint in AHL Worcester could do him some good, but it does look like the Sharks have unearthed a promising prospect in the 21-year-old rookie.

Grade: C-plus

Tomas Hertl


It’s been a tough season for the sophomore, who hasn’t produced at nearly the same rate as he did in his rookie season. Hertl wasn’t able to train properly in the summer thanks to tweaking his knee injury, and his slow start adversely affected his confidence. Lately he’s been tried at the third line center position, and has looked more effective. Perhaps the All-Star break and a stint in Worcester will rejuvenate the 21-year-old, because the Sharks could sure use more from the jovial former first round pick.

Grade: C-minus

Melker Karlsson


It’s hard to believe Karlsson has played just 19 NHL games, as the 24-year-old has fit right in ever since he was called up in early December. There’s no reason to think he won’t continue that scoring pace, either, as Karlsson has avoided the drop off that commonly occurs with young players still making their way into the NHL. The biggest pleasant surprise of the season, by a long shot.

Grade: A

Tyler Kennedy


Kennedy hasn’t had much go his way since he was acquired from Pittsburgh at the 2013 draft. That includes a pair of injuries this season, in training camp and early December. Still, Kennedy’s speed and tenacity has been noticeable in the few games he’s played, and the Sharks will hope that continues now that top nine forward Tommy Wingels is on the shelf.

Grade: B-plus

Patrick Marleau


The bottom line for Marleau is that nine goals isn’t good enough when you’re the team’s highest paid player at $7 million, nor is his -10 rating, tied for worst on the team. The veteran winger remains a valuable part of the second line with Logan Couture, and is often playing against the other team’s best players, but Marleau’s primary responsibility is still to score goals. Unless he starts showing a little more determination – and in recent games, he has been – he may not deserve to play his 20 minutes nightly if the Sharks’ “clean slate, no equity” approach isn’t a bunch of malarkey.

Grade: C-minus

Tye McGinn


The Sharks gave up a third round pick to acquire McGinn, and that now looks like a huge price to pay for the winger that just doesn’t seem to do, well, much of anything. McGinn has even been given a couple chances in the top six, but can’t produce there, either. He’s a candidate to lose his roster spot or even be placed on waivers if he doesn’t pick it up.

Grade: F

Matt Nieto


Like fellow sophomore Tomas Hertl, Nieto’s season so far has been disappointing. Unlike Hertl, though, Nieto has remained confident in his game, and his strong advanced possession numbers reflect that he’s doing something right when he’s on the ice. Still, Nieto will have to start scoring more, especially considering he’s spent so much time on one of the top two scoring lines.

Grade: C

Joe Pavelski


Now firmly established as one of the NHL’s premier goal-scorers, Pavelski has become the de facto leader of the team, and its plainly evident why he’ll be the next captain of the Sharks at some point. When the Sharks need a spark, more often than not it’s Pavelski setting the tone, whether it’s forcing a turnover and creating space in the offensive zone, or burrowing in front of the

net on a power play and whacking in a rebound. Pavelski still seems to be getting better at age 30.

Grade: A-plus

James Sheppard


A prime example of the Sharks’ lack of forward depth, Sheppard is still mired in a miserable scoring slump, with one goal in his last 33 games despite averaging 14 minutes a night. Sheppard deserves credit for learning how to take faceoffs in the NHL, but unless the Sharks find an upgrade to their third line center woes – maybe Tomas Hertl, or even Chris Tierney can play there – the Sharks will be outmatched by the league’s elite teams.

Grade: D

John Scott


Debate Scott’s role all you want, and whether there's still a place for a guy like him in today's NHL, but the massive enforcer has come as advertised. He’s a popular player with his teammates, has stuck up for them when necessary, and he typically doesn’t do anything to hurt the team when he’s on the ice. He was also the breakout star of the “Holiday Sweater” video, so he’s got that going for him.

Grade: B

Joe Thornton

Stats: 10g, 27a, even rating in 44 games

The Sharks managed to go 2-2 with Thornton out with an injured shoulder at the beginning of the month, but a pair of 7-2 losses to the Blues were enough evidence that team can’t compete with the elite opposition when the former captain isn’t in the lineup. Thornton’s 10 goals is only one off his output from last season, and he’s also shooting the puck more, with 80 shots in 44 games.

Grade: A-minus

Tommy Wingels


Wingels will be on the shelf for a little while now with an injured left hand, and while that will hurt the team in the short term, it could benefit in the long term. Wingels’ style of play seems to wear him down at times, as evidenced by his scoring just two goals in the last 20 games (one in an empty net). Even when he’s not scoring, though, Wingels brings other assets, like his 174 hits, third in the NHL. He has also taken a bigger role in the team’s leadership group, and is a good role model for younger players. Perhaps the time off will allow him to re-fill the tanks for the final few weeks of the season.

Grade: B-plus



harks sign 20-year-old forward Nikita Jevpalovs

January 26, 2015, 2:00 pm

Staff

Nikita Jevpalovs has 71 points for Blainville-Boisbriand of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. (TheHockeyNews.com)

The Sharks have signed free agent forward Nikita Jevpalovs to an entry-level contract, general manager Doug Wilson announced Monday.

Jevpalovs, 20, has recorded 71 points (38-33=71) and 24 penalty minutes in 45 games with Blainville-Boisbriand of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The Armada's alternate captain currently ranks 2nd in the league in goals and 4th in points in his third QMJHL season. His nine game-winning goals lead the league, while he ranks 6th in power play goals (13).

"Nikita is a big-bodied forward who has a good combination of size and scoring ability," said Wilson. "He has represented his country numerous times and impressed against some of the world's top young talent and we're excited to add a young forward with his skill set to our organization."

The six-foot-one, 210-pound native of Riga, Latvia, has tallied 164 points (84-80=164) and 92 penalty minutes in 166 career QMJHL games. He has represented his native country of Latvia in numerous international tournaments, including: 2014 Division I World Jr. Championship (silver medal), two U-20 World Jr. Championships (2013, 2012) and the 2012 U-18 World Jr. Championship.



Sharks midseason grades: The Defense

January 26, 2015, 11:30 am

Kevin Kurz

Brent Burns has 35 points this season and is on pace for more than his output last year. (USATSI)


Sharks midseason grades: The Defense

Justin Braun

Stats: 1g, 18a, +4 in 47 games

With a five-year, $19 million contract extension set to kick in next year, Braun has regressed a bit from his breakthrough 2013-14 season, but still remains one of the team’s most valuable blueliners. Braun hasn’t been strong enough in front of the Sharks’ net, or as reliable in terms of defensive positioning since he was split up from partner Marc-Edouard Vlasic in early January, but the Sharks will miss him over the next four-to-six weeks while he recovers from a right hand injury. Braun's 19 points are already two more than he had all of last season and a new career-high.

Grade: B

Brent Burns

Stats: 11g, 24a, -6 in 48 games

Burns has been a force offensively, and his 35 points from the blue line and contributions to the power play in place of Dan Boyle can’t be overlooked. In terms of raw talent, Burns may be second on the Sharks only to Joe Thornton. Still, Burns hasn’t developed into a shutdown defenseman in any sense, and on far too many nights displays the troubling characteristic of avoiding physical contact or blocking shots. At age 29, and years working under Jacques Lemaire and Larry Robinson, there’s no reason to think Burns will ever become Drew Doughty. Still, when Burns plays a physical game and uses his vast skill set in the offensive end, the Sharks are tough to beat. When he’s not engaged or willing to pay the price, it shows. The Sharks’ fortunes may very well be tied to All-Star Burns’ second-half performance.

Grade: B

Brenden Dillon


The Sharks improved their blue line when they acquired Dillon for Jason Demers, and he was a big reason the team was playing so well before Christmas. His play dropped off a bit after the holiday break, and Dillon started making some errors that he wasn’t making when he was first acquired, but the 24-year-old is one of the hardest working Sharks in terms of practicing and keeping in shape. He should get better as he gets more used to his surroundings.

Grade: B

Scott Hannan

Stats: 0g, 1a, even rating in 36 games

Hannan isn’t an everyday player anymore, and evidenced by his frequently coming out of the lineup, and if he hadn’t signed in San Jose over the summer there’s a good chance he would be out of the league by now. Still, although he’s slowed down, Hannan is a well-liked veteran in the dressing room and some of the younger players like Matt Tennyson have credited him with helping them adjust to the NHL. That was the plan when he signed a one-year deal.

Grade: C-plus

Matt Irwin


It can’t be easy for Irwin to play on such an infrequent basis, but the 26-year-old still looks like he has trouble keeping up with the pace of NHL play when he’s in. Depending on the progression of Mirco Mueller, Irwin may have a tough time holding down his roster spot if the team gets fully healthy. Unless he dramatically improves, the pending unrestricted free agent may be playing out his final season with the Sharks.

Grade: D

Mirco Mueller


Mueller started the season looking good, but as the first month progressed, it became clear that he might not be ready for a full-time position. A strong case can be made, too, that Mueller would have been better off returning to his junior club. Still, his practicing with NHL players and working with the team’s coaching staff could benefit Mueller in the long run, even if he’s not quite ready for the show just yet.

Grade: C

Matt Tennyson


Tennyson is getting his chance to prove he’s an NHL player, playing in 16 of the last 18 games. His offensive output is a little disappointing, considering that is supposed to be one of his strengths, but Tennyson should rightfully be concentrating on his defense first. Perhaps he can take that next step on the other end in the second half, and generate more than the approximately one shot per game he’s currently averaging.

Grade: B-minus

Marc-Edouard Vlasic


Still the Sharks’ most valuable defenseman, and his team-best +13 rating is reflective of that. Responsible, hard working, rarely out of position, and now assuming more of a leadership role, Vlasic continues to be one of the better defensive blueliners in the entire NHL (stop us if you’ve heard any of this before). The 27-year-old has also already tied his career high in goals, set in 2008-09.

Grade: A



Sharks midseason grades: The Goalies

January 26, 2015, 11:15 am

Kevin Kurz



Antti Niemi

Stats: 19-11-5, 2.57 goals-against average, .912 save percentage

Niemi has been a reflection of the Sharks team itself -- he’s had some stretches of playing very good hockey, but has struggled to find his consistency, much like last season. His even-strength save percentage of .918, perhaps the best indicator of a goalie’s effectiveness, is just 23rd in the NHL (among goalies with at least 20 games played). Niemi remains a pending unrestricted free agent that would have some value in the trade market, and his playoff numbers suggest he wears down, but he’s still the Sharks’ best option at present.

Grade: C-plus

Alex Stalock


Stalock was given a brief opportunity at the start of the season to wrestle the starter’s job away from Niemi, but wasn’t able to do so. (Although, I would argue he should have been given a longer look than just splitting the first six games). One of Stalock’s greatest assets is playing the puck, and too many times this season he’s made costly mistakes when venturing from the crease. He’s also letting in some bad angle goals that he wasn’t last season, and the jury is still very much out as to whether Stalock can be a full-time NHL starter. He'll need to be better in the second half.

Grade: C




January 26, 2015, 11:15 am

Kevin Kurz


Antti Niemi


Niemi has been a reflection of the Sharks team itself -- he’s had some stretches of playing very good hockey, but has struggled to find his consistency, much like last season. His even-strength save percentage of .918, perhaps the best indicator of a goalie’s effectiveness, is just 23rd in the NHL (among goalies with at least 20 games played). Niemi remains a pending unrestricted free agent that would have some value in the trade market, and his playoff numbers suggest he wears down, but he’s still the Sharks’ best option at present.

Grade: C-plus

Alex Stalock


Stalock was given a brief opportunity at the start of the season to wrestle the starter’s job away from Niemi, but wasn’t able to do so. (Although, I would argue he should have been given a longer look than just splitting the first six games). One of Stalock’s greatest assets is playing the puck, and too many times this season he’s made costly mistakes when venturing from the crease. He’s also letting in some bad angle goals that he wasn’t last season, and the jury is still very much out as to whether Stalock can be a full-time NHL starter. He'll need to be better in the second half.

Grade: C


764875 St Louis Blues

Blues return to ice after long break

1 hour ago • By Tom Timmermann

For the All-Star break, the Blues scattered in every direction, some going north, some south, some east, some west. Golf was played, beaches were visited. Wing Steve Ott went back to Windsor, Ontario, where his junior team retired his number. Coach Ken Hitchcock had what amounted to his own film festival, taking in five movies over the six off days. For some there was work, for some there was rest, or in the case of goalie Brian Elliott, who cut short his vacation in the Caribbean to be a late addition to the All-Star roster, there was work and rest.

“I would do the same thing,” defenseman Ian Cole said. “You can always go back to wherever you are. You can’t be an All-Star too many times.”

But wherever they went, all roads led back to the IceZone in Hazelwood on Monday, where the Blues practiced for the first time in a week. The Blues got a head start on their hiatus by playing their final game before the break last Monday, and they get some extra rest on this end as well since they don’t play until Thursday. (Only one team, San Jose, won’t already have been on the ice by the time the Blues and Predators start on Thursday at Scottrade Center.)

Three straight off days are rare in the NHL season, and three straight off days on which you can practice are even rarer. The Blues won’t have this chance again this season, so Hitchcock didn’t hesitate to put the team to work in their longest practice since training camp, running over an hour. It was a chance to teach, but he also sees a need to get the team up to speed on their own because, when the Blues play Thursday, Nashville will already have played a game.

“We’ve got to take advantage of the time we’ve got,” said Hitchcock. “This is our quality practice time. When we start up, we play nine (games) in 15 nights; we are going to have to really get onto the floorboard with the pedal right away because we’re going to be behind everybody in games and playing catchup a little bit. So these quality practices that we need to get in are important, and I thought we had great focus today.”

“We deserved it,” defenseman Barret Jackman said of the longer session. “You get some time off, the coaches get nervous. They want to make sure everybody put their work in while we were away. It looks like everyone has.”

Hitchcock wants the team to pick up where it left off before the break, where it had won six of seven. Hitchcock had planned to have the team go for 40 minutes, have a rest while the ice was resurfaced, then go another half hour. He pulled the plug about 10 minutes early on Monday.

“I think we had really good energy,” said Hitchcock, whose drills on Monday stressed checking. “We had good focus. We scaled the second phase of the practice back because we felt like with the tempo we were going at, we were seeing the effects of having too much sand between our toes instead of our socks.”

“Now it’s getting back into that mindset of how hard it is to win, how hard it is to play the right way and the price that it takes to win games,” center David Backes said. “That’s our focus, getting the sharpness back in our game, making passes tape to tape and executing.”

“It was good,” said Ott. “You feel refreshed. You can feel the energy from the group. The guys had some step, and when you have three good days to really ramp up your game, it’s nice as well.”

The break paid some clear benefits. T.J. Oshie, whose ice time in the past two weeks had been limited to games because of a bruised foot, was back on the ice for the first half of practice and it looks like he’ll be back out more often. “He looked a lot better,” Hitchcock said. “He’s able to participate, so now it’s us just being careful.”

Everyone was on the ice for the Blues except for their three All-Stars, who will be back on the ice Tuesday, and goalie Martin Brodeur, whose leave of absence continues. Brodeur’s agent, Pat Brisson, didn’t return a message on Monday, but a decision is expected soon from the veteran goalie. Hitchcock reiterated that the team would like Brodeur to stay around. “We wish that he was here,” Hitchcock said, “but I’m sure he’s got some career decisions he’s trying to balance.”

Rules bending

Hitchcock was asked Monday if he’d seen anything comparable to the New England Patriots and their underinflated footballs in his years in hockey. He scoffed. After all, this is a guy who once coached juniors, hockey’s version of the Wild West.

“Worse. Way worse,” he said. “Competitive advantage was the norm, every day. There was no strong guidelines set, so you did whatever you could to gain a competitive advantage. If that meant finding another place for gas in somebody’s bus, or painting the locker room, or putting sand on the bench, or turning up the heat in the locker room and it happened to go from 60 to 90, you did whatever you could. The rules needed to get changed because quite frankly it was getting out of control. So whatever’s going on with these inflatable footballs is nothing compared to what I saw or witnessed and was a perimeter participant at times on. Oh boy, you’d go to jail for half that stuff now.”

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 01.27.2015

764876 St Louis Blues

Blues ready for busy stretch after a six-day break; nothing new on Brodeur

By Norm Sanders

News-DemocratJanuary 26, 2015 Updated 3 hours ago

ST. LOUIS — After six full days off since their last game before the NHL All-Star break, the St. Louis Blues hit the ice again Monday for practice feeling rested and relaxed.

“Six days off with no texts from Ken Hitchcock, so it was a great break all around,” joked Blues captain David Backes, whose team entered the break on a torrid 7-0-1 stretch. “We’ve got three days of hard work to put in at practice, get our feet back under us and get comfortable on the ice again and hit the ground running against a good Nashville team.”

The only players missing were NHL all-stars Vladimir Tarasenko, Brian Elliott and Kevin Shattenkirk along with goaltender Martin Brodeur, who has been granted a leave of absence by the club.

“It didn’t feel like a long break for us,” Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo said. “Driving to the rink this morning it felt like we were here two days ago, time went by so quick. You get back to the rink and you flip that switch and you get excited to be back on the ice.”

The Blues (29-13-4) have two more practices before resuming the season Thursday at home against Central Division leader Nashville, the first of nine games in a 15-day stretch. The Predators (30-10-5) are three points ahead of the Blues and Chicago Blackhawks (30-15-2) in a tight division that includes three of the NHL’s top eight records.

“That’s life in the Central Division,” Backes said. “We’ve got really seven capable teams of making the playoffs and going deep in the playoffs, I feel, in most years. Winnipeg started off a little slow and now they’re red hot. You’ve got Colorado and Minnesota, teams that made the playoffs last year ... it seems like if you’re not winning you’re falling behind. You’ve got to win just to keep pace.”

Hitchcock said the busy schedule and playoff race presents its own set of challenges.

“This is really the dialed-up phase,” Hitchcock said. “This is the phase where everybody can see light at the end of the tunnel. There’s a real race going to happen now. I think the good play before the break came from great focus, great energy and really strong leadership.

“We expect that to stay the same, but you can’t dismiss great leadership and great focus. They go hand in hand. I thought at the end of the break we were one of the most focused teams in the league and we want that to be our starting point when we come back.”

Monday’s workout was part cardio work and also some fine-tuning of the team’s basic concepts.

“We’re going to have to really get onto the floorboard with the pedal right away, because we’re going to be behind everybody in games and playing catch-up a little bit,” Hitchcock said. “These quality practices that we need to get in are really important.”

Backes said he spent the all-star break in his native Minnesota with his wife, Kelly, and some of the family’s many rescue dogs.

“It was a chance to recuperate and re-energize,” Backes said, “but now it’s getting back into that mindset of how hard it is to win, how hard it is to play the right way, that sacrifice to win games.”

Hitchcock worked the team hard for 40 minutes, then gave banged-up Blues forward T.J. Oshie a chance to clear out early before finishing up with a second practice session.

Hitchcock said the 42-year-old Brodeur will take as much time as he needs before deciding his next move. Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong has said the team’s two goalies are Elliott and Jake Allen, though Brodeur provided some valuable goaltending while Elliott was out with a knee injury.

Brodeur was 3-3 with a 2.87 goals-against average and one shutout.

“To be honest with you I’m out of the loop,” Hitchcock said. “Doug said when and if Marty makes a decision he’s going to let me know. To show how far out of the loop (I am), I’m Marty’s neighbor and I don’t even know what’s going on.

“He’s not here and we wish that he was here, but I’m sure he’s got some career decisions that he’s trying to balance.”

Hitchcock stressed that the club is willing to let Brodeur make the decision on what he wants to do.

“It’s nothing to do with us. It’s 100 percent on Marty,” Hitchcock said. “Marty wanted some time off to think about things and so we felt as an organization that he came in and helped us at a real delicate, critical time (so) we owed him that.

“We said sure, take your time, it’s a big decision. Whatever you want to do, go ahead and do.”

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 01.27.2015

764877 Tampa Bay Lightning

Injuries on blue line forcing newcomers to step up for Lightning

By Erik Erlendsson

Published: January 26, 2015

RALEIGH, N.C. — Last we left the Lightning, their fortunes turned around on the ice.

Tampa Bay closed the pre-All Star game schedule with a perfect three-game homestand and sat atop the Eastern Conference standings.

But as the Lightning open the unofficial start of the season’s second half with tonight’s game at Carolina, the blue line suddenly looks a little green.

Injuries to Radko Gudas and Matt Carle have taken two of Tampa Bay’s top defensemen out of the lineup for an extended period. That means rookies Nikita Nesterov and Luke Witkowski will assume some of those lost minutes.

“If you dress six defensemen, the top guys are getting 22-23 (minutes), other guys are going to get 20. So somebody else has to get 15-16 minutes and we have to get them in there somehow, so they are going to play,” Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said.

Gudas is out for the remainder of the regular season following surgery this month to repair torn cartilage in his right knee.

Carle is out until March after undergoing surgery to repair adductor muscles in his abdominal region.

While Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman figures to fill the holes created by the injuries via the trade route, nothing appears imminent.

So with the more strenuous part of the schedule about to begin as teams fight for playoff spots and positioning, the revamped and improved Lightning defensive corps suddenly doesn’t look as strong as it did at the start of the season.

Now the coaching staff has to find a way to integrate Nesterov, who made his NHL debut Dec. 31 and has seven games of NHL experience, and Witkowski, who made his debut in the final game before the All-Star break, to help fill the void.

“We have to get them in and there is no perfect scenario to get them in,’’ said associate head coach Rick Bowness, who is in charge of the defense. “This is what we are dealt with and we will deal with it. Our defense will deal with it. They will have great support on the ice from their teammates and we will handle it the best we can. And you never know until you throw them into a game situation how they will respond, so we’ll just have to go from there.’’

In the short term, Nesterov has been better than expected in his seven games. He has two assists and is a plus-3 while averaging more than 14 minutes of ice time.

Witkowski drew rave reviews for his simple style in his first game last week, logging 14 minutes, 29 seconds, making the right plays and not getting himself into trouble.

But the sample size has been very small for both players and the games now start to get tighter and mistakes often get magnified. Not exactly ideal conditions to learn on the fly in perhaps the toughest position in the game to try to master.

“The game does change a little bit in the second half of the season. Guys have to make plays a little bit quicker and it’s more physical. You just try to make them aware of that as much as possible and when they get on the ice, they are going to get a feel for it. And after that, it’s up to them to do the rest,’’ defenseman Jason Garrison said.

“When you are paired up with somebody who has less experience, you try to help them out as much as you can and talk to them. You want to let them know how things usually go in a game and what to expect. They obviously have to learn on their own out there, too. It’s live and learn out there on the ice a lot of the time. But they are good players. They are here for a reason and they are going to go out there and do the job.”

Johnson update

Center Tyler Johnson, who did not play in Sunday’s All-Star game because of a lower-body injury, took part in practice on Monday afternoon and is a game-time decision tonight against Carolina.

“When you have five days rest, it obviously helps. But we’ll see how it goes. It’s still there,” said Johnson, who aggravated a previous injury last week. “Practice today was more getting things working for everybody, so we didn’t really try all the stuff you need to be able to do in a game, so that’s something we’ll address (today).”

Cooper said after practice that there were no plans to make a recall from Syracuse in the American Hockey League.

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 01.27.2015


Lightning’s Drouin hasn’t lived up to the hype

By Martin Fennelly | Tribune Staff

Published: January 26, 2015

TAMPA — Lightning rookie winger Jonathan Drouin finally made his mark the other night: as a blur. Drouin won the fastest skater event at the NHL All-Star skills competition in Columbus, Ohio, in a record time 13.103 seconds.

“I didn’t know I was that fast,” Drouin said with a smile.

He wasn’t selected to play in Sunday night’s All-Star game, “But I was fortunate to be around all those superstars,” Drouin said. “I watched a lot of them growing up. I’d love to get to play (as an All-Star) in the next few years.”

Maybe that will happen, but Drouin’s rookie season hasn’t broken from the gates like that.

“I’m happy with the process,” Drouin said. “A lot of people think it’s been really slow or not the way it was supposed to be. The expectations were there.”

Yes, they were.

Drouin, 19, was taken by the Lightning third overall in the 2013 draft, was supposed to have deep impact. He hasn’t. I figured he’d be playing on the same line with Steven Stamkos by now. I was at least a year off. In that sense, Drouin has been a disappointment, though he doesn’t turn 20 until March. Remember that.

He has 18 points, but only two goals. There are 33 rookies in the league who’ve scored more goals than Drouin. Lightning coach Jon Cooper has made Drouin a healthy scratch in a handful of games. Drouin has sat, watched and he says learned. He hasn’t been teamed with Stamkos very often, has rarely cracked the Lightning power play. He gets third- and fourth-line ice time.

Two goals?

We keep waiting for that light to go on, in more ways than one.

“At first you’re disappointed a little bit,” Drouin said. “You see all those rookies doing well, so it’s not quite what I wanted.”

But he adds that he has had a lot of talks with Lightning GM Steve Yzerman and coach Jon Cooper …

“It’s a process,” Drouin said. “We just want to make sure it’s done the right way.”

Face it: We’re a little spoiled around here, rookie-wise. Stamkos scored 23 goals as a Lightning rookie. While Drouin was scoring 108 points in 46 games of junior hockey at Halifax last season, Lightning dynamos Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson vied for the NHL’s Calder Trophy for top rookie. Palat and Johnson were beaten out for that rookie prize by Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon, who was picked No. 1 in the same draft as Drouin and was Drouin’s former linemate in Halifax. Many assumed Drouin was on that kind of track when he hit training camp this season.

“Everyone wants things to happen right away,” said Stamkos, who also was a healthy scratch a few times as a rookie. “As a player, you want to be the best right away. You want to win the Cup right away. Life usually doesn’t work that way. You have to deal with what you’re given. And (Jonathan) has done a pretty good job with that.”

The Lightning are atop the Eastern Conference as they come off the All-Star break tonight in Carolina. Their success and depth at forward have allowed Drouin room to grow, though it would be oh, so helpful if he kicked it in down the stretch.

“This isn’t a one-year investment. It’s long term with (Jonathan),” Cooper said. “It’s a different game than what he came from in junior. But he’s gotten better and better and better. It’s clear when you watch the games now. There’s more command of the puck. He doesn’t rush plays anymore. He knows he has a little more time.”

“The comfort level is way higher,” Drouin said. “Just confidence-wise, system-wise, I think I’m playing a little bit better.”

“It’s definitely not easy,” Stamkos said. “You’re that go-to guy in junior and you come in here and you’re not necessarily given anything right away. It’s tough to put up the same kind of numbers and have the same kind of expectations.”

On to the second half of Drouin’s first NHL season. He has shown star flashes, that stick work, a move or two that faked defenders out of their skates, some pretty assists to set up goals. There are moments with Drouin when we wonder “How’d he do that?” There are more moments when we ask when he’s going to do more.

Did you remember that Jonathan Drouin doesn’t turn 20 until March?

Everyone wants things to happen right away.

Life doesn’t usually work that way. No matter how fast you skate.



Lightning’s Johnson sits out NHL All-Star game

Published: January 26, 2015 | Updated: January 26, 2015 at 06:52 AM

From staff reports

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Lightning center Tyler Johnson did not play in Sunday’s All-Star game because of a lower-body injury.

Johnson, who was drafted by Team Toews on Friday, was replaced by the Flames’ Johnny Gaudreau.

If Johnson is healthy, he could play in Tuesday’s game against the Hurricanes because he participated in All-Star weekend events.



Tyler Johnson questionable for Lightning's Tuesday game

Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer

Monday, January 26, 2015 8:07pm

TAMPA — The Lightning was a little encouraged to see center Tyler Johnson back on the ice for Monday's practice, considering he missed Sunday's All-Star Game with a lingering lower-body injury.

But coach Jon Cooper made it clear there's no guarantee Johnson plays tonight in Carolina.

"Don't read into anything," Cooper said. "He'll be a game-time decision at best."

Johnson, 24, the Lightning's leading scorer, suffered the injury Jan. 12 in Philadelphia, forcing him to miss the next game in Boston. Johnson played the final three games before the All-Star break but re-aggravated the injury late in the first period Jan. 20, when Vancouver's Alexander Edler tripped him.

Johnson said while the five days of rest helped a lot, the injury is still there, which is why he pulled himself out of the All-Star game in Columbus, Ohio. He still enjoyed the festivities.

"It's disappointing," Johnson said. "Obviously, you want to be able to be there and be able to play, but there's other things that are more important.

"…I think you can play with any injury, but at this point, for an All-Star Game, you really don't want to risk something more than it is to play in something like that."

Few players are more important to Tampa Bay (30-14-4) than Johnson, who leads the team with 48 points, 31 assists, and is tied for second in goals with Nikita Kucherov (17). Known for his toughness, Johnson played through a broken foot the second half of last season. Cooper said there's always a concern of an injury like this lingering, but he doesn't expect a call-up before tonight's game.

"(Johnson) wanted nothing more to play in the All-Star game," Cooper said. "For him to pull himself out, especially a first-timer, that's got to be something. The other side of the coin is he plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning, he went out there, represented well, just couldn't go. So we'll see, hope he can go (tonight)."

Captain Steven Stamkos, who scored two goals in the All-Star Game, and rookie Jonathan Drouin, who won the fastest skater in Saturday's skills competition, were excused absences from practice due to travel.

Drouin, 19, said the All-Star experience was even better than he expected, though he admitted he was nervous in the fastest skater challenge (he won at 13.103 seconds).

"When you're in line waiting for the whistle, it was nerve-wracking," he said. "Everybody is watching. All four guys on our team just didn't want to fall."

Drouin, who has two goals and 16 assists, said his confidence is way higher than it was earlier in the season, with his weekend potentially giving him a springboard into the second half.

"I think participating in an event like this, it was fun, it was special," Drouin said. "Hopefully it'll give me a little boost."

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 01.27.2015


Tyler Johnson a game-time decision vs. Carolina

Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer

Monday, January 26, 2015 4:41pm

The Lightning was a little encouraged to see center Tyler Johnson back on the ice for Monday's practice, considering he missed Sunday's All-Star game due to a lingering lower-body injury.

But coach Jon Cooper made it clear there's no guarantee Johnson plays Tuesday night in Carolina.

"Don't read into anything," Cooper said. "He'll be a game-time decision at best."

Johnson, 24, the Lightning's leading scorer, said the five days of rest helped his injury, which he suffered Jan. 12 in Philadelphia and reaggravated in Jan. 20 game against Vancouver. But it's still "there," which is why he pulled out of the All-Star game. Johnson did enjoy the festivities, though.

“It’s disappointing,” Johnson said. “Obviously, you want to be able to be there and be able to play, but there’s other things that are more important.”

Few players are more important to Tampa Bay than Johnson, who leads the team with 48 points, 31 assists, along with 17 goals. Known for his toughness, Johnson played through a broken foot the second half of last season.

"He wanted nothing more to play in the All-Star game," Cooper said. "For him to pull himself out, especially a first-timer, that's got to be something. Other side of the coin is he plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning, he went out there, represented well, just couldn't go. So we'll see, hope he can go (Tuesday) night."

Cooper said he doesn't expect a call-up for Johnson because they have an extra forward, as well as an extra defenseman.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 01.27.2015

764882 Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs, Devils playoff hopes under the weather

By: Mark Zwolinski Sports reporter, Published on Mon Jan 26 2015

NEWARK, N.J.—The weather, like the playoff outlook for the Maple Leafs and Devils, was bleak Monday.

The clubs are scheduled to face off Wednesday night despite up to three feet of snow in the forecast over the next two days, prompting politicians to ask locals to “do all that you can” to stay indoors.

The Devils made dubious NHL history the last time a big snowfall occurred here: They faced the Calgary Flames on Jan. 22, 1987, selling 11,247 tickets with only 334 fans actually showing up, believed to be the lowest attendance in modern NHL history. The Leafs charter was set for Tuesday afternoon, though, when a break in the weather was in the forecast.

There’s no break in the schedule, though, as both clubs try to claw back into the playoff race. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings emerged as wild-card teams last spring with 93 points. Here’s what the Leafs (47 points) and Devils (42) would have to do the rest of the way to get there . . .

Toronto: With 34 games remaining they must win at least 22 times to reach the 93-point plateau. They play five of their next six games against teams lower in the standings, so there’s some short-term hope.

New Jersey: Figure out whether GM Lou Lamoriello remains behind the bench, in a coaching triumvirate with Scott Stevens and Adam Oates, and find 51 points in their final 35 games.

Both teams are preaching a return to simple, mistake-free hockey. Neither has given up hope on the season.

The reality for the Leafs, though, is more complicated than getting a good post-break start. They are 10 points out and would have to climb over four teams — currently Washington, Boston, Florida, and Ottawa — to reach that goal. If they continue to slide, they will have to worry about being passed by Philadelphia and Columbus as well.

The Leafs are also 11 points up on third-last in the NHL. Right now, their chances of gaining the top pick in June’s Connor McDavid sweepstakes are said to be five per cent. Last year, recall, the Buffalo Sabres finished dead last but didn’t get the first overall selection, losing out to Florida in the draft lottery.

So, nothing is easy for the Leafs. They’d do themselves a bigger favour by losing than by shooting for a wild card and falling short. But the playoffs aren’t entirely out of reach. According to Sports Club Stats, a leading website predicting playoff chances, the Leafs would stand a 55.6 per cent chance of making the post-season if they reach 95 points. They’d have to go 22-8-4 down the stretch to do it.

With 94 points, they’d have a 42.8 per cent chance. With 93 points, it’s a 30.9 per cent proposition.

Globe And Mail LOADED: 01.27.2015


Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf out ‘week to week’

By: Curtis Rush Sports reporter, Published on Mon Jan 26 2015

Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf is out “week to week” with a suspected hand injury as the club returns from the all-star break facing an unlikely climb to a playoff spot.

Leafs coach Peter Horachek said after practice Monday that Phaneuf was hurt in their last game against Ottawa but played through it.

Phaneuf and Phil Kessel, who was returning from the all-star game in Columbus over the weekend, both missed practice at the MasterCard Centre in Etobicoke. The Leafs will skate again in Toronto on Tuesday before flying out for Wednesday’s game against the Devils in New Jersey.

Phaneuf’s absence coupled with the Los Angeles Kings waiving centre Mike Richards rekindled recent trade rumours involving the two high-priced veterans. The Leafs had no comment on the Richards move.

“We’re hoping to get (Phaneuf) back as soon as possible,” Horachek told reporters after the club recalled defenceman Petter Granberg, along with forward Josh Leivo, from the AHL Marlies. The six-foot-three Granberg, who shoots right and has one game of NHL experience, was drafted in the fourth round in 2010.

Phaneuf fought in each of the Leafs’ last two games. He traded blows with Hurricanes captain Eric Staal in a 4-1 loss to Carolina last Monday, just the second scrap of Staal’s career, then dropped the gloves with Ottawa’s Milan Michalek in a 4-3 loss to the Senators on Wednesday before the all-star break.

TSN’s Darren Dreger tweeted that Phaneuf aggravated a hand injury in the fight with Staal and made it worse against Michalek, but that the damage isn’t structural.

In Wednesday’s game, Phaneuf took a couple of whacks at Michalek, who was controlling the puck in the Leafs’ end. Michalek fell, Phaneuf kept whacking away and Michalek got up swinging. Phaneuf appeared to land several blows to Michalek’s face with his right hand.

Horachek said he spoke to Phaneuf and that the defenceman feels terrible about missing game action: “It’s hard. He’s a competitor and he wants to play.”

Phaneuf — who hasn’t missed a game to injury since November, 2010 — will continue off-ice workouts until the injury heals.

“He’s a tough guy,” the coach said of Phaneuf, who leads the team with five major penalties, “and he’s going to play through those things as best he can. Being as tough as he is, he finished the game.

“You’re not really able to replace him. . . . Everyone has to pull up the slack.”

Phaneuf has two goals, 20 assists and a minus-4 rating in 48 games this season.

The struggling Leafs head to New Jersey having lost six in a row and 14 of their last 17. With only 34 games remaining, Toronto is 10 points out of a playoff spot.

The good news is that forwards Peter Holland and Joffrey Lupul returned from injuries and participated in full workouts. They haven’t played since New Year’s Eve, when both were hurt against the Boston Bruins. Horachek said they might play in Wednesday’s game.

Winger Leo Komarov, who hasn’t played since suffering an injury Jan. 12 against Los Angeles, is also expected to face the Devils, but defenceman Stephane Robidas left practice early and likely won’t be available in New Jersey.

The Leafs return home for a Thursday game against the Arizona Coyotes before travelling to Philadelphia to face the Flyers on Saturday.

Globe And Mail LOADED: 01.27.2015


Sinking Maple Leafs fight to stay positive

By Lance Hornby, Toronto Sun


TORONTO - Goalie Jonathan Bernier said it was great to go "somewhere sunny" during the all-star break, but knows he and his teammates return to a cloudy playoff picture.

Ten points out and all but three Eastern Conference rivals holding games in hand does not bode well to end a string of eight seasons of missing post-season action in 82-game schedules. A year ago, only two clubs, Detroit and Dallas, were able to get back in the top eight of their respective conferences when starting late January out of a spot.

"You can't look back," Bernier said of the mess the Leafs left behind after the break. "If you want to dig out of that hole, you have to think forward, not negative, and keep working on your game."

To that end, interim coach Peter Horachek stressed positive thinking through a series of Monday meetings as the Leafs returned from various break destinations.

"I'd told them to come back rejuvenated, clear-minded and ready to work," Horachek said. "All those things necessary for our team to move forward.

"We have to start games faster and harder. I've talked about that a lot, but we're down 3-0 (to start their game in Ottawa last Wednesday). The second and third periods were much better, 31 shots, but we have got to learn to play complete games.

"We have to learn to embrace (adversity) and say we're not afraid when that happens. You have to enjoy that challenge, enjoy the work. And we'll be in a better situation."

RE-PHIL GAS TANK

Phil Kessel was given Monday off after representing the Leafs in Columbus on the weekend. He somehow managed to be shut out of his team's 12 goals, but Horachek looks for him to be in a good frame of mind upon rejoining the club for its game in New Jersey on Wednesday.

"When he scores, it seems like our team wins, so (confidence) is important and his total game is important to the maturity of the team," Horachek said. "I'm looking at him as I look at everyone on the team. We need a consistent effort, everyone to do their job and fit in to what the team is trying to push, to be a leader."

STORMING AHEAD

The Leafs had an awful experience with an East Coast storm a couple of years ago and are trying to avoid another.

So they have moved their Tuesday practice back until early afternoon and plan to take a later flight they hope will avoid the aftermath of the big storm ahead of the game in Newark. In December of 2010, they were stranded by a blizzard after a game with the Devils, which included a four-hour white-knuckle bus ride and an unplanned stop to help push the media bus out of a snowbank.

In February of 2006, the Leafs missed the last great storm to cripple New York City by a day after playing the Rangers.

LOOSE LEAFS

Horachek turned 55 on Monday, noting that he shares the big day with Wayne Gretzky, who is a year younger. "Barry Trotz (Horachek's former boss in Nashville) called me to say: 'Quite a day, you, Gretz and (Trotz's) son, all the same birthday.' " ... Horachek spent the break at his off-season home in Florida ... Call-up Petter Granberg missed significant time this year with a upper-body injury, after playing at the end of the 2013-14 season for the Leafs. The lanky defenceman has seven points in 28 games on the farm. "It took me awhile to get back, but I slowly got better," Granberg said Monday. Winger Josh Leivo also was called up after playing in Ottawa and being returned to the Marlies during the NHL break.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 01.27.2015


Shea Weber is Cody Franson's biggest backer

By Mike Zeisberger, Toronto Sun


COLUMBUS - If Cody Franson is in need of good P.R. man, the Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman need only look to childhood pal Shea Weber to pump his tires to the hockey world.

Franson, of course, is eligible to become a free agent this summer after having played on back-to-back one-year contracts the past two seasons. It is a situation Weber finds headscratching.

"He's a big guy, he can skate and he can shoot," said Weber, who won the hardest shot event at the NHL All-Star skills competition this past weekend with a rocket clocked at 108.5 mph. "I'm not sure how he hasn't gotten a longer-term deal."

Weber has seen his buddy play dating back to the days when Franson was a tiny tot in Sicamous, B.C. Cody's dad drove the Zamboni at the local rink and often would let the boys skate there after hours.

Years later, they would go on to be teammates in Nashvile up until the time that Franson was dealt to the Leafs in 2011.

Now, with the Leafs announcing Monday that Dion Phaneuf is out week-to-week with a reported hand injury, Franson will have to pick up some of the load -- if he stays in Toronto, that is.

Various reports suggested this past weekend that Franson could be a possible target for the Dallas Stars while the Anaheim Ducks also are reportedly interested. Of course, as the clock ticks down to the March 2 trade deadline, such speculation is sure to balloon.

With Phaneuf out of the lineup, Franson's minutes are certain to swell, giving him a prime opportunity to audition for a longer contract this time around.

"I want to come back here," said Franson earlier this month, referring to the Leafs. "This is a place for me where I've always wanted to be. I'd love to be here for a long time and I'd love to win in this city. For me, that's the end game, to be able to come in here and win.

"There's no better place in the league to win than what would be Toronto. That's my view on it. I'm hopeful that we can make it work."

Whether it's in Toronto or any other NHL market, Weber feels Franson is a commodity a team should lock up for multiple years. Question is, with who?

SNOW JOB

With a blizzard of epic proportions moving into the American northeast on Monday, many players, team officials and media members were left stuck in Columbus, unable to get to their destinations at or near the Atlantic coast.

There were some, however, who used their imaginations to find their way back.

Even if it meant foes turned into friends.

Such was the case with the Devils' Patrik Elias, who was smart enough not to turn down a good offer when he heard it.

Scheduled to fly back to New Jersey on Monday morning, Elias, aware of the impending bad weather that was slated to move into the New York area, jumped at the chance to join Islanders all-stars John Tavares and Jaroslav Halak on a private jet on Sunday night. Elias, who shares the same agent as Halak, was back on the ice for Devils practice Monday afternoon.

Good thing, too, since his original flight on Monday ended up being cancelled.

Even players not travelling to the eastern seaboard were delayed by the ripple effect of the thousands of scuttled flights throughout the U.S.

The Canadiens' Carey Price and Jiri Sekac, for example, did not make it back in time for Habs practice Monday afternoon but are expected to play Tuesday when Montreal hosts the Dallas Stars at the Bell Centre.

The storm, meanwhile, could force the cancellation of the Rangers-Islanders game at Nassau Coliseum on Tuesday.

STAR STRUCK

Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo only allowed four goals in his 20 minutes of work, not bad when you consider the All-Star game featured a record 29 goals.

But it was via social media that Luongo proved to be the star of the weekend, thanks to his alter-ego Twitter account @strombone1



Leafs' Dion Phaneuf out with upper body injury



TORONTO - The question of how the Maple Leafs would fare minus Dion Phaneuf is about to be answered — without a pie-in-the-sky trade rumour coming true.

There will be a forced absence of the captain, “week-to-week” in the words of interim-coach Peter Horachek, after Phaneuf was a no-show at Monday’s regroup from the all-star break.

Phaneuf, who hasn’t missed time with an injury since early in the 2010-11 season, has a suspected hand injury that he tried to play through last Wednesday in Ottawa. Whether he was hurt fighting Senators’ forward Milan Michalek or aggravated a previous problem by getting into two scraps in consecutive games as TSN’s Darren Dreger tweeted, the Leafs are faced with filling up a team-high 23:05 of ice time.

The Leafs lost six straight before the break and 14 of 17, ramping up pressure on under-performing big-ticket players such as Phaneuf and Phil Kessel. Whether or not management had seriously conducted trade talks with NHL teams looking for fire sale prices, the immediate problem is redistributing Phaneuf’s minutes, with three games in four nights starting Wednesday in New Jersey. This is ample opportunity for someone to use the chance to heighten their profile at a time where leaders-by-example are in rare supply.

“You’re not really able to replace Dion, but other guys get an opportunity to step up,” Horachek said. “We’ve run through some injuries before and it’s a tough thing. Everyone else has to pull up the slack.”

With Stephane Robidas still out with a suspected shoulder injury, either Korbinian Holzer or farm call-up Petter Granberg will get Phaneuf’s spot on the roster. But reliance on Phaneuf’s partner Cody Franson and left shooting defencemen Morgan Rielly, Jake Gardiner will increase.

As for Phaneuf, one of his most frustrating spells as a Leaf continues.

From a sound plan to ease his load by acquiring Roman Polak and Robidas, his troubles became symptomatic of the team’s.

In an attempt to assert himself, Phaneuf went looking for trouble against Eric Staal of the Hurricanes and then Michalek, but it failed to ignite the team.

If there was a injury issue after the Carolina game, perhaps Phaneuf should have been rested with the break coming up, or kept in the room after the Michalek dust-up.

“He’s a tough guy and he’s going to play through those as best he can,” said Horachek, who is officially calling it an upper body injury. “That was the situation he was dealing with, whatever he has to do to stay in the game and finish. And being as tough as he is, he finished the game.”

“It wouldn’t be right to (guess on a specific return date). I just go on what the trainers and doctors say.

“He doesn’t like to miss games, he’s a competitor. We hope he gets healed as soon as possible. Right now, we hope to have him back sooner rather than later.”

Phaneuf is coming up on his fifth anniversary of joining the Leafs in a trade from Calgary. Other than a two-game boarding suspension, he hadn’t missed significant time since getting cut by a skate against Ottawa in November of 2010.

While Phaneuf has been hearing it from the fans at the ACC of late, the Leafs record with him in the lineup since being acquired is 169-157-33, a .517 points percentage, while Toronto’s mark minus the captain is 5-10-3.

“That’s obviously a big hole for us,” Franson said. “He plays a big role with a lot of minutes, he’s physical and a guy that the boys look to as a leader. It’s up to the guys to pull together, make others accountable and come out with solid team games.”

Phaneuf joins Robidas on the sidelines, though injured forwards Joffrey Lupul, Peter Holland and Leo Komarov are expected back any day.

“We’ve definitely had some bumps and bruises along the way,” Franson said. “But every team goes through injuries and they’re forced to manage with those situations, just as we are forced to manage ours.”

HELP COMING SOON?

Though Dion Phaneuf was nowhere to be seen Monday, there was some injury relief in Leafland when three forwards appeared in active practice jersey colours.

Joffrey Lupul, Peter Holland and Leo Komarov, whose absence can’t be ignored as a contributing factor to the current state of playoff peril, were together on the ice for the first time in nearly a month. All three were hurt in the New Year’s Eve ‘Boston Massacre’ a costly 4-3 shootout win over the Bruins that has seen the Leafs triumph just once since (1-9).

The Leafs do not let injured players talk to the media unless they are about to return, but interim coach Peter Horachek listed Komarov as a probable for Wednesday in New Jersey and the other two as day-to-day. Komarov has had on-and-off concussion issues since late November, complicated by an upper body injury earlier this month. Lupul is lower body, Holland upper.

“We were trying not to give (Lupul and Holland) too much contact today, but they went through everything else in practice,” Horachek said.

“You just go in stride with these things. You don’t want to see injuries and people go out of the lineup that affect you as a team. When adversity hits, you just have to deal with it.”

Defenceman Stephane Robidas was in the early part of practice on Monday but withdrew as planned. Phil Kessel, en route home from the all-star game in Columbus, was given Monday off.



'No time' for new Marlie Nylander


First posted: Saturday, January 24, 2015 10:34 PM EST | Updated: Saturday, January 24, 2015 10:38 PM EST

TORONTO - If the Maple Leafs wanted to give William Nylander a useful welcoming gift to Canada, perhaps a recording of No Time by The Guess Who would have been best.

Lack of such has been evident in his first two games in the American Hockey League, producing no goals, no assists, and one shot for the farm team Marlies.

"You have less time with the puck on good scoring chances," Nylander said after Toronto lost 4-3 in overtime Saturday to the Hamilton Bulldogs at Ricoh Coliseum. "So you have to get your shot off pretty quick.

"If I'd played these two games without scoring opportunities, I'd feel different, but we are creating. We'll work from there."

As was the case Friday in the Marlies' 3-0 loss to the same team, Nylander showed flashes, but also found himself on the outside of the play. He put some fancy moves on Hamilton's Mac Bennett in the Bulldogs' corner in the first period, but didn't get quite away. His one puck on net skittered wide off of Mike Condon's glove. Nylander was on for a couple of power-play chances, spending five-on-five shifts with centre Greg McKegg and right winger Matt Frattin.

The hitting hasn't been as rugged as expected -- yet -- but Marlies coach Gord Dineen have been satisfied with the basics of Nylander's game.

"He was what we expected," Dineen said after the attention Nylander received this week after his arrival from Sweden, and then the back-to-back losses. "He was a little tentative, probably more so today, playing in front of the home crowd. But he showed spurts, especially on the power play. He'll just have to adjust his game to the way we play, with the smaller ice and the time and space."

Nylander and the Marlies now get a few days off for the AHL all-star break.

"I hope William isn't feeling the pressure (to score)," said Dineen, whose team let a two-goal lead get away. "I'd have liked to have seen our team respond better around him, play to their standards and maybe take some of the focus away from him."

LEAFS DUTY BECKONS

Brad Lynn, the Marlies' director of hockey operations, made sure Saturday he knew where all players were vacationing during the AHL's brief break. One or two are expected to be summoned by the Leafs for the parent club's road game in New Jersey on Wednesday.

Right after last Wednesday's game in Ottawa, the Leafs returned defenceman Stu Percy and forwards Matt Frattin and Josh Leivo to the Marlies. Percy was grateful to have gone up to the Leafs after he had returned to the Marlies from an early season NHL trial and fell into a rut.

"I had some bumps and bruises in November and December and I'm just trying to get my game back," Percy said. "I'm pretty familiar with what they're doing up here and down there. I think I'm back in the swing of things.

"It's adjusting to certain systems, certain plays."

The puck-moving Percy enjoyed being partnered with burly veteran Roman Polak.

"It was great to play with him in the beginning of the year and (Wednesday) night. He's giving a lot of advice all the time and he battles hard, exactly what you need as a young guy."

FINN FINALLY SCORES

One high Leafs draft pick did get his first AHL goal on Saturday with defenceman Matt Finn scoring from the point to make it 3-1 Toronto. Last year with Guelph of the OHL, Finn had 14 goals and 61 points. But a

combination of roster numbers and a slow start had him at Orlando of the ECHL earlier this season.

"I've got the puck in my stall," said Finn, chosen 35th overall in 2012. He was the second player chosen that year by the Maple Leafs, who had picked Morgan Rielly in the first round.

"I was a little relieved. It took a while. (In Orlando) I was moving my feet a lot more, getting back to the basics, getting up in the rush as I was in junior."

"We know Matt has offensive talent," Dineen added. "It's a matter of confidence for him. Making those plays will turn into results. He just has to make sure both sides of the puck are taken care of in his game."

LOOSE LEAFS

Other goals Saturday came from Brandon Kozun and Carter Ashton, who now has four in his past five games ... While the Marlies scattered for the break, top scorer Connor Brown headed to Utica to play in the all-star game Monday ... Dineen, trying to get more from former first-rounder Tyler Biggs, started him at centre on Saturday. Biggs had an assist, while Troy Bodie had a couple of helpers ... Despite the weekend losses to a team they are chasing for a playoff spot, the Marlies are 7-2-4 in their past 13 games.



Toronto Maple Leafs on the outside looking in, Calgary Flames holding on: Canadian NHL teams and their playoff chances

Stephen Whyno, Canadian Press | January 26, 2015 | Last Updated: Jan 26 8:32 PM ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Four Canadian teams are in playoff positions at the NHL’s all-star break. The Montreal Canadiens are the lone Eastern Conference team, while the Winnipeg Jets, Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames are in the top eight in the West.

Is Phil Kessel's best good enough for the Leafs?

Here’s what those teams have to do to keep the spots in the second half of the season and what the others in contention, the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs, need to do to make it. The Edmonton Oilers are 20 points out of a playoff spot and are largely considered out of post-season contention.

Playoff chances are from Sports Club Stats.

MONTREAL CANADIENS

Record: 29-13-3, 61 points

Place in standings: Third in Atlantic Division

Chances of making playoffs: 98.8 per cent

What they have to do: Hope Carey Price stays healthy. The all-star goaltender is Montreal’s best player, and as long as he’s on the ice and contributing, the Canadiens will be fine.

WINNIPEG JETS


Place in standings: First Western Conference wild card


What they have to do: Don’t let up and the first playoff game in Winnipeg for this version of the Jets awaits. This team “turned a corner,” according to defenceman Dustin Byfuglien, and a 7-2-1 stretch going into the break gave it a nice cushion.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS


Place in standings: Third in Pacific Division


What they need to do: Play better at home, according to all-star winger Radim Vrbata, talking about the Canucks’ 11-8-1 record at Rogers Arena. With 21 home games left the rest of the way, that’ll determine if Ryan Miller and Vancouver can hold on despite some inconsistency.

CALGARY FLAMES


Place in standings: Second Western Conference wild card


What they need to do: Beat the other teams in the hunt and “you try to avoid the losing streak,” captain Mark Giordano said. Up one point on the defending Stanley Cup-champion Los Angeles Kings and with others not far away, it’ll be a test of Bob Hartley’s young group.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS


Place in standings: 10 points out of second Eastern Conference wild card


What they need to do: Get on a roll fast and figure out how to play interim coach Peter Horachek’s system. Losers of six in a row, the Maple Leafs are in danger of not only a lost season but huge changes on the horizon this off-season. A run to the playoffs now looks improbable but it might affect the organization’s plans.

National Post LOADED: 01.27.2015

764889 Washington Capitals

Back from all-star break, Capitals preach better ‘puck management’ while leading

By Alex Prewitt January 26 at 6:21 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Monday afternoon, once the Washington Capitals reassembled here following the all-star break and began preparing for a gantlet of two back-to-backs over the coming week, defenseman Brooks Orpik attempted to explain a tricky issue without getting bogged down in semantics, but he found it unavoidable.

Before they scattered, the Capitals had blown a two-goal lead against the lowly Edmonton Oilers and limped into vacation ruminating over their struggles maintaining advantages. Some tried forgetting. Others watched film. But the issue had surfaced even before falling at Verizon Center in a shootout, before Washington lost its third straight game, so Orpik attempted to relay how Coach Barry Trotz hoped they would act while ahead in games.

“I hate the word ‘safe,’ because you play safe you’re playing not to lose, and that usually gets you in trouble,” he said. “I guess you’ve got to be a little careful with what you call it or what language you use. I think you’re just a little smarter with some of the decisions you make, especially when you’re up 3-1 against Edmonton at home.”

At even strength with leads, the Capitals rank 17th in the NHL with 45.4 percent of total shot attempts going in their favor, according to stats.hockeyanalysis.com, and only three squads – Los Angeles, Tampa Bay and Detroit – enjoy greater than 50 percent of attempts while ahead. They are the league’s second-best team when scoring first, posting a .821 winning percentage in those situations, but they haven’t led wire-to-wire in many of those 23 victories.

The worst came last Tuesday against Edmonton, when the joy over two early goals from forward Alex Ovechkin – including one that busted the net camera – disappeared fast. Up 3-1 in the dying seconds of the middle period, defenseman Matt Niskanen took a kneeing penalty. On the ensuing faceoff, a clean win for the Oilers, Nikita Nikitin blasted a point that brought his team within one goal, four seconds before the Capitals could escape into intermission.

Then, once Nicklas Backstrom’s tip-in put Washington ahead 4-2, it allowed two goals over the final five minutes of regulation, survived overtime and lost in the shootout.

“It’s one of the most difficult things to come by, or to become as a group,” goaltender Braden Holtby said. “Once you get a lead — you always say you play for your team at all times — but when you have a lead, there’s a lot more sacrifices that have to be made. You never want to change the way you play, but you have to change certain situations to make sure you use it to your advantage that you do have a lead. That’s not necessarily safer plays, but simpler plays throughout the game. But it’s limiting that, playing a boring style if we have the lead, to just grind the other team.”

After the Edmonton game, several players believed the Capitals “took our foot off the gas,” as forward Jay Beagle said, a notion that when relayed to Trotz irked the coach who is working through his first season in the District.

“You don’t need to score another goal, but you need to secure the hockey game,” Trotz said then. “If that’s the way they’re thinking, they’re thinking wrong. That’s the absolute wrong answer that should be coming out of their mouths.”

Asked Monday at Nationwide Arena to elaborate on the elements he wanted from the Capitals when holding a lead, Trotz replied, “puck management.”

“A good example of that was end of the second period,” he continued. “There’s 20 seconds left, just make a good play or get it out and don’t try to be too fine. That’s to me managing the game and managing the situation. We had a couple leads. We’re just a little loose on our coverage. A guy sniped one, then they got a lucky one. But it was 3-1. If we made it 4-1 in that game, you’re fine. But we kept letting them get nice and close, nice and close, then they get a lucky puck and they score a goal, tie it up, then they win in a shootout.”

Of course, there’s a fine line between protecting the lead and playing too cautious, between making wise decisions to avoid unfavorable situations and

simply flinging the puck out of the defensive zone, thereby handing possession over to the opponent who cannot mount comebacks without possession.

“I think how aggressive you are, pinching, obviously you don’t want to give up an odd-man rush last minute of the period, then ultimately a goal last minute of the period,” Orpik said. “Just little things like that, how aggressive you press to create scoring chances, maybe you’re a little smarter there. You don’t want to sit back and play not to lose, but it’s somewhere in between the two.

“It’s 3-1, do you press and try to make it 4-1 last minute of the period and take that chance where it could backfire? I think sometimes it’s great if you could make it 4-1, but when you’re in control of those games, just be patient, and eventually the other team’s going to open up and start taking chances, that’s where you can capitalize and get your scoring chances from them opening it up. I guess ‘patience’ is a good word too.”

Washington Post LOADED: 01.27.2015


Capitals among East contenders; West race too tight to call

By JOHN WAWROW - Associated Press - Monday, January 26, 2015

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Alex Ovechkin’s familiar gap-toothed grin has returned with the Washington Capitals in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff hunt.

Hardly anyone’s smiling in the West, where the standings are far more convoluted heading into the post-All-Star break of the NHL schedule, which opens with 11 games Tuesday.

“It’s hard,” St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk said during the All-Star festivities in Columbus, Ohio, over the weekend. “If you lose three, four games in a row, it’s scary because you find yourself in eighth place when you were in first a week ago.”

It’s a tale of two conferences.

In the West, seven points separate the fourth-place San Jose Sharks from the 11th-place Dallas Stars. Don’t count out the 12th-place Minnesota Wild, who rode a 23-10-7 second-half surge to clinch a playoff spot last year.

And then there’s the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings who are a single point out of the postseason picture at the moment.

“We’ve had some spurts where we played pretty good,” Kings forward Anze Kopitar said. “But we also had some moments where we didn’t play very good at all.”

In the East, the Capitals (24-13-9) are seventh, but part of a top-eight group of contenders that have begun separating themselves from the bottom eight.

And that, so far, is fine with, Ovechkin who is feeling much better after one his most trying years.

“Before the season, I said, it’s a very important year for us, for me, for the whole group of guys on the team,” said Ovechkin, who made his fifth career NHL All-Star Game appearance. “We all wanted to come back and show last year was maybe a little bit of no luck.”

The Capitals not only missed the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons, Ovechkin’s frustrations were compounded on the other side of the Atlantic. That’s where he and his fellow Russians wilted under immense national pressure by failing to even sniff an Olympic medal on native soil at the Sochi Games.

The Capitals have successfully made the transition under new coach Barry Trotz, and shored up their defense by adding Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen.

Ovechkin’s production has barely slowed, and put him in contention to win his fifth career and third straight scoring title. His 27 goals are one off the league-lead shared by Dallas’ Tyler Seguin and New York Rangers’ Rick Nash.

And Ovechkin’s defensive numbers are markedly improved. After finishing third-last in the NHL with a minus-35 rating, he’s currently 40th with a plus-12.

Steven Stamkos, captain of the East-leading Tampa Bay Lightning, isn’t exactly rooting for Alex The Great’s return to the playoffs. But, he noted, it would be good for hockey to have such a high-profile player competing well into the spring.

“It’s great that he’s having a great year,” Stamkos said. “Any time you have a top player playing well it only adds to building our game.”

The East teams outside the playoff hunt have plenty of catching up to do. The youth-laden Florida Panthers - whose roster includes rookie No. 1 pick, defenseman Aaron Ekblad - are ninth. Ottawa and Toronto are next with 47 points, and shown few signs of consistency even after both Ontario rivals changed coaches over the past two months.

The West is filled with intrigue, which shouldn’t come as a surprise after many top teams spent last summer stocking up on high-profile free agents. Still, there are three teams - San Jose (fourth place), Winnipeg (seventh) and

Calgary (eighth) - that are in the hunt despite not making many offseason splashes.

Chicago and St. Louis both find themselves looking up in the Central Division at Nashville.

“It’s a tough division to be in, but it’s also a good division to be in,” Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook said. “We’re all playing meaningful games down the stretch, getting ready for the playoffs.”

Not all will make it.

There is a race to watch at the other end of the standings. Buffalo (14-30-3) and Edmonton (12-26-9) have been locked in a battle for futility and, more important, the right to land the top draft prospects - Erie Otters forward Connor McDavid and U.S.-born, Boston University freshman Jack Eichel.

The Sabres are suddenly gaining the “edge” for last place and, with it, a guaranteed top-two selection. They entered the All-Star breaking having lost 11 straight in regulation - the NHL’s worst streak since Pittsburgh lost 13 in a row from January to February 2004, according to STATS.

Washington Times LOADED: 01.27.2015


Carlson's extra practice starting to pay off

January 26, 2015, 3:15 pm

Chuck Gormley

Every non-game day, about 15 minutes before practice, Capitals defenseman John Carlson steps onto the ice with assistant coach Todd Reirden and works on some of the finer details of his game.

One day it’s taking passes on his backhand along the wall. Another it’s handling bouncing breakout passes. Another it’s shooting pucks off his back foot on cross-ice passes through a maze of pucks.

“They’re just little things that maybe you don’t get a bunch of reps on during practice,” Carlson said.

“I’m doing whatever I can to get better every day, that’s always been my goal and I want to stick to it as much as possible. The schedule is crazy, so whenever I can get a chance I do it. A couple minutes a day isn’t going to make me a superstar, but it helps my game.”

With five goals, 29 assists and a plus-15 rating, Carlson ranks third on the Caps in scoring and first in plus-minus this season. He also leads the Caps in ice time at 23:25. Among NHL defensemen, Carlson is tied for second in assists, tied for fourth in points and tied for fifth in plus-minus.

And while there was an outcry of injustice when Nicklas Backstrom was left off the NHL All-Star team, an equally strong argument could have been made for Carlson.

“He deserves to be recognized for his accomplishments,” Caps defenseman Karl Alzner said. “It’s pretty impressive to put up that many points.

“We were joking last year when we were having an even-strength point battle and he’s got a ton of even-strength points this year.”

Last season, Alzner actually finished with more even-strength points [15] than Carlson [14]. This season, 27 of Carlson’s 34 points have come at even strength, a testament to the Caps’ improvements in 5-on-5 play.

But there has also been a marked improvement on the Caps’ production from the blue line. Last year, 14 different defensemen combined for 140 points.

Through 46 games this season seven Caps defensemen have combined for 103 points, putting them on pace for 184 points this season.

Alzner already has a career high of three goals and has been working diligently with Reirden to find shooting lanes through traffic. He’s also been working with a lighter stick and is shooting harder than he has in his career.

“We’ve been moving to middle of the ice with Karl,” Reirden said. “We joke about it, but from training camp until now, his shot has probably picked up 6 to 8 miles per hour. That would be my guess, not having a radar gun.”

Alzner agrees, saying he has worked on his windup, cocking his back arm to provide more torque to his shots.

“I thought, why not change one thing?” Alzner said. “So far it’s been pretty good.”

Carlson and Alzner are also adjusting to playing apart. Paired together through most of their first four years in the NHL, Carlson has played the majority of his minutes beside Brooks Orpik, while Alzner has settled in with Matt Niskanen on his right.

“Sometimes you get into a pattern, a comfort zone with a guy and you don’t think about changing thing or doing things any different,” Alzner said. “You think it’s working pretty good, why change?

“But sometimes when you switch things up you re-learn things and sometimes you learn them better. It’s been good for both of us. He’s having a great year with Orpik and I’m on my way with Nisky.”



Ovechkin gets his car, donates to local hockey program

January 26, 2015, 7:00 am

Staff

Since Friday night, Alex Ovechkin made it clear he wanted a new car. Finally on Sunday, we found out why.

Ovechkin received his car following the All-Star Game on Sunday night after Honda learned he had been lobbying for the car in order to donate it to the Washington Ice Dogs, a local special needs hockey program.

It seemed as if it was not to be. Ovechkin was taken third to last in the NHL All-Star Draft on Friday, one pick away from winning a car. Then, he was not able to win the MVP for the All-Star Game on Sunday finishing with three assists and no goals.

But after the game, Ovechkin found out that all of that lobbying had paid off when he was given the key to a new Honda.

According to NHL.com, after Ovechkin's lobbying on Friday night Honda contacted Ovechkin's agent to find out why a player who makes over $9.5 million per year would be trying to win a Honda Civic. Once they learned of his intentions, the company decided to give him the car.

Ovechkin became involved with the Ice Dogs through his friendship with young Ann Schaub, a 10-year-old girl with Down syndrome who Ovechkin took on a date in October.

So Ovechkin got his new car after all, but since he will be giving it away it looks like he'll still have to take the bus to work.


764893 Winnipeg Jets

More seating for Jets fans

By: Geoff Kirbyson

Posted: 3:00 AM

The MTS Centre is expanding its seating capacity for the 2015-16 NHL season but it won't raise the roof.

The downtown arena also won't be widened, said Norva Riddell, senior vice-president of sales and marketing at True North Sports & Entertainment.

Instead, the owners of the Winnipeg Jets are going to add 278 premium loge seats above the luxury suites but accessed from the 300 level.

The seats will be 24-inch wide swivel chairs in groups of three, four or six, and will form a single row around the building.

'We wanted to add a reasonable amount of seats. We consider these to be premium seats. There's nobody behind you and there's nobody in front of you'

"We wanted to add a reasonable amount of seats. We consider these to be premium seats. There's nobody behind you and there's nobody in front of you," Riddell said.

The cost will be $134.40 per ticket, and a $500 seat licence will be tacked on to the season ticket package.

The central figure in the arena enhancement, all part of the True North 2020 plan that began in 2013, is a new, high-definition video scoreboard that will replace the current ornament high above centre ice. The new board will feature four primary screens that are 2.5 times the physical size and three times the resolution of the screens on the existing scoreboard.

It will feature two large video rings situated above and below the screens. A new state-of-the-art control room will be installed to allow for the production of high-definition Images, improved audio and additional cameras.

"There will be other buildings with bigger scoreboards but ours is going to be terrific in our arena bowl. Bigger isn't always better. Clearly we want people to focus on the game and not be watching the scoreboard all the time," Riddell said.

Jon Spoelstra, a U.S. sports marketing expert, said it's great the MTS Centre can only add 278 seats.

"I'm always a fan of the smaller building in the NHL. I think (the Jets) are in a terrific place. I think they're about right. I think that's a great venue to watch a game," he said.

Spoelstra said those who think True North should raise the roof and add thousands of seats need to give their heads a shake. The Buffalo Sabres did that 30 years ago and it was a disaster.

"They added 4,000 terrible seats. Everything was wrong with it, including the concessions and restrooms. They were the worst seats I had seen in sports. It was so steep. I walked up there and I thought I needed to be an alpine climber with ropes and Gurkhas with me," he said.

The MTS Centre has undergone several renovations since the Jets became the main tenant 31/2 years ago. More than $8 million was spent in the summer of $2011 and $2 million more in each of 2012 and 2013.

By the time the overhaul is complete, the total price tag will have reached $40 million for renovations carried out from 2013 to 2020.

Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 01.27.2015


Tonight: JETS @ PENGUINS

Posted: 3:00 AM

Ed Tait

The Pens limped -- literally and figuratively -- into the all-star break, having gone 0-2-2 in their last four and 4-6-4 in their last 14.

Pittsburgh has already lost 205-man games to injury and that number will rise. Both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who missed the all-star game, are out; Blake Comeau, Patrick Hornqvist and Simon Despres have all been out while Pascal Dupuis and Olli Maatta are gone for the year.

Kris Letang, who suffered a concussion after taking a nasty shot from Zac Rinaldo last week, practised with the team on Monday but will need medical clearance before getting the green light to go against the Jets. Hornqvist, meanwhile, was also back on the ice on Monday.

The Pens called up four players from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: Andrew Ebbett, Scott Wilson, Bryan Rust and Scott Harrington.

Even with all their injuries, the Pens still have the NHL's sixth-best power-play at 22.2 per cent.

Chris Kunitz has 14 goals for the Pens this year, seven on the power-play and four of which have been game winners.

"Ø"Ø WINNIPEG JETS

31Ondrej Pavelec

34Michael Hutchinson

2Adam Pardy

4Paul Postma

5Mark Stuart

8Jacob Trouba

9Evander Kane

14 Anthony Peluso

15Matt Halischuk

16Andrew Ladd

17Adam Lowry

18Bryan Little

19Jim Slater

21T.J. Galiardi

22Chris Thorburn

23Jay Harrison

26Blake Wheeler

33Dustin Byfuglien

39Toby Enstrom

44Zach Bogosian

55Mark Scheifele

63Ben Chiarot

67Michael Frolik

85Mathieu Perreault

"Ø"Ø PENGUINS

1Thomas Greiss

29Marc-Andre Fleury

4Rob Scuderi

6Scott Harrington

7Paul Martin

10Christian Ehrhoff

13Nick Spaling

14Chris Kunitz

16Brandon Sutter

19Beau Bennett

23Steve Downie

25Andrew Ebbett

26Mark Arcobello

27Craig Adams

36Bryan Rust

38Zach Sill

39David Perron

41Robert Bortuzzo

43Scott Wilson

47Simon Despres

51Derrick Pouliot

57Marcel Goc

58Kris Letang



Perreault looks ready to go

By: Ed Tait

Posted: 3:00 AM

PITTSBURGH -- Mathieu Perreault was back at his post Monday flanking the left side of Mark Scheifele and Michael Frolik and taking turns on the power play.

But now the lingering question as the Winnipeg Jets prepare to resume action after the All-Star Game festivities Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins:

Can the slick left-winger rediscover the scoring touch that made him one of the NHL's hottest players prior to the vicious cross-check from the Blackhawks' Daniel Carcillo back on Jan. 16?

"I hope so. Obviously. I was on a bit of a streak and was playing well," said Perreault after Monday's practice in suburban Pittsburgh. "Hopefully this seven to 10 days I had off won't hurt too much and I'll be able to go back to like I was."

Perreault was on a scorching run prior to the cross-check, potting six goals in six games including his four-goal effort against the Florida Panthers. He did not score a single goal in his first 19 appearances as a Jet, but has 15 in his last 26.

'Hopefully this seven to 10 days I had off won't hurt too much and I'll be able to go back to like I was'

-- Jets winger Mathieu Perreault

The cross-check left his left arm bruised and there was some pain in the ligament. But it also could have been worse.

"The two days we had off helped a lot," said Perreault. "(The cross-check) is what it is. It was a little vicious and the league took care of it. My end... there's nothing I can do. Thankfully it didn't hurt too bad so it is what it is."

Jets coach Paul Maurice wouldn't confirm Perreault's return just yet -- they'll play it cautiously until they see how he feels in Tuesday's game-day skate -- and was straightforward when asked what the club missed in his absence.

"The offence that line generates looks different (when he's not there)," said Maurice. "He plays an important role on our power-play, even though I didn't mind what the power-play was trying to do. It wasn't as effective when he's not there. Other than that, for a guy that's not that big, he brings a lot of energy. He finishes checks, he's on the puck, competing at a really high level and that's infectious. Good player.

"We missed him but we had good players step in. We had Evander (Kane) step in and have a couple of goals and we needed him to. (Chris) Thorburn came in and that line looked real strong last game."

For what it's worth, with Perreault back with Scheifele and Frolik, Monday's practice also featured Kane working with forwards Adam Lowry and Chris Thorburn on the right. Forward Matt Halischuk was on the fourth line with Jim Slater and Anthony Peluso.

Perreault's return will also mean the Jets are carrying too many bodies and will have to make a roster move.

FYI, defenceman Dustin Byfuglien did not practise but was en route from Columbus to Pittsburgh and is expected in the lineup Tuesday against the Pens.

MR. NERVOUS: Mark Scheifele got to play the role of fan on the weekend at the X Games in Aspen, Colo., watching his girlfriend Dara Howell win a bronze in a slopestyle event. And when an elite athlete is forced to watch, not participate, it can be a little dicey.

"I'm definitely pretty happy for her and proud," said Scheifele. "Honestly, it was probably the most nerve-wracking thing in my life. I don't think I ate all day just waiting for it to come. It was definitely pretty fun when it was all said and done and I saw she did well and she was happy. It was a pretty unbelievable experience.

"It's crazy, especially to see what they do. It's pretty crazy. I don't think I could ever do it. The whole event is done really well and the city is unbelievable. It was something I've never experienced before and I definitely had a lot of fun."

BIG APPLE TOURIST: There had been some speculation late last week that Jets goaltender Michael Hutchinson might be added to the All-Star Game roster after the injury to Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The NHL instead summoned Brian Elliott of the St. Louis Blues -- who cut short a trip to the Caribbean.

And so Hutchinson headed to New York City.

"I just went with my plans. I was going to New York, so I wasn't too far away," he said. "One of my friends that I went (to New York) with was a little more nervous that I was going to get the call or not, because he was going (to New York) either way and he would have been stuck there alone. The next morning, I saw that Brian Elliott got named and he deserves it. He's had a great start to the season. I was really happy that he got the opportunity."



The push begins in earnest

By: Ed Tait

Posted: 2:03 AM

PITTSBURGH -- It's not anything measurable. There are no numbers to punch into a formula that spits out hard-core data to represent collective confidence or swagger.

And so the Winnipeg Jets who returned to the ice Monday afternoon at the Iceoplex in Southpointe, a Pittsburgh suburb, didn't look a whole lot different than the crew that had reeled off five consecutive wins before the NHL All-Star break.

Oh sure, a few of the boys had the glow that comes from a few days in the hot sun. Defenceman Jay Harrison dumped his beard sometime after he took his family up to Riding Mountain National Park. And centre Mark Scheifele was still beaming from watching his girlfriend, Dara Howell, win a bronze medal in the ski slopestyle event at the X Games in Aspen.

What remains is that 'expect, not hope to win' vibe that has been percolating all season. And that's important as this team prepares for the meat grinder of the schedule.

'This is the way we play. We've played that way all year and we're very excited for this end of the season'

-- Jets forward Mathieu Perreault

"Good break. We needed it," said Jets coach Paul Maurice. "With the stretch of games that we had, our medical room was starting to fill up on the things that can really heal up with two or three days. So that was a well-timed break for us.

"There is an excitement here, I feel it, to get back on this big push. There's no more breaks and the hockey changes gears now. It's the hardest played of the regular season."

The Jets have 34 games remaining and, with 60 points in the bank, there's a belief that going .500 down the stretch -- winning 17 games -- should put them close to the playoff line. Again, though, they want more. There is a sense they aren't just peeking over their shoulder at the pack behind them, but instead looking at taking down the squads ahead of them.

And, man oh man, doesn't that ever represent growth from this time last winter.

"This rest was good to get away from it," said Mathieu Perreault, who was back on the ice for the first time since the gruesome cross-check from Daniel Carcillo on Jan. 16. "The guys were actually excited today to come to the rink and get back on the ice. The mood in the room and on the ice today was really good. It's going to be great for the group.

"The way we've been playing lately we've had a lot of hard hockey, tough hockey to play and this rest was good.

"There's a lot of teams fighting just to get into the playoffs. Usually, this last bit of the season is a lot of hard intensity but it's good for us. This is the way we play. We've played that way all year and we're very excited for this end of the season."

The Jets hold down the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference -- seven points ahead of the Calgary Flames. But they are also just five back of the Nashville Predators, who are first in the Central Division, and two back of the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks.

All of those division rivals have games in hand, but the last 34 games of the regular season also include eight head-to-head matchups against the teams in their crosshairs (four with the Blues; two each with the Hawks and Preds).

"We've all had the playoffs in our minds," said Scheifele. "Everyone wants to make the playoffs and being there and having a spot right now, we don't want to lose it. We want to continue to press to even raise the standings even more. We've got to continue to play our game, stick to our strategy each and every night and play it for a full 60 minutes.

"It's just the way our team has prepared this year. We prepared in the summer all the way up until this point. And with that confidence, you keep an even keel. You don't ever get too high, you don't ever get too low."

A tad cliché? Sure. But the Jets have also learned this: The view from the crest of the wave lately is a heckuva lot more scenic than splashing around and inhaling sea water from the bottom of it.



What the six Canadian NHL teams in contention must do to make playoffs

By: Stephen Whyno, The Canadian Press

Posted: 01/26/2015 11:56 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 01/26/2015 2:10 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Four Canadian teams are in playoff positions at the NHL's all-star break. The Montreal Canadiens are the lone Eastern Conference team, while the Winnipeg Jets, Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames are in the top eight in the West.

Here's what those teams have to do to keep the spots in the second half of the season and what the others in contention, the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs, need to do to make it. The Edmonton Oilers are 20 points out of a playoff spot and are largely considered out of post-season contention.

Playoff chances are from Sports Club Stats.

MONTREAL CANADIENS


Place in standings: Third in Atlantic Division


What they have to do: Hope Carey Price stays healthy. The all-star goaltender is Montreal's best player, and as long as he's on the ice and contributing, the Canadiens will be fine.

WINNIPEG JETS


Place in standings: First Western Conference wild card


What they have to do: Don't let up and the first playoff game in Winnipeg for this version of the Jets awaits. This team "turned a corner," according to defenceman Dustin Byfuglien, and a 7-2-1 stretch going into the break gave it a nice cushion.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS


Place in standings: Third in Pacific Division


What they need to do: Play better at home, according to all-star winger Radim Vrbata, talking about the Canucks' 11-8-1 record at Rogers Arena. With 23 home games left the rest of the way, that'll determine if Ryan Miller and Vancouver can hold on despite some inconsistency.

CALGARY FLAMES


Place in standings: Second Western Conference wild card


What they need to do: Beat the other teams in the hunt and "you try to avoid the losing streak," captain Mark Giordano said. Up one point on the defending Stanley Cup-champion Los Angeles Kings and with others not far away, it'll be a test of Bob Hartley's young group.

OTTAWA SENATORS




What they need to do: Hope one of the current playoff teams falls off its current pace because erasing a 10-point deficit this late is almost impossible.

Winger Bobby Ryan said the Senators need to gain a point or two the rest of this month and close the gap in February and March just to put themselves in striking distance in April.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS




What they need to do: Get on a roll fast and figure out how to play interim coach Peter Horachek's system. Losers of six in a row, the Maple Leafs are in danger of not only a lost season but huge changes on the horizon this off-season. A run to the playoffs now looks improbable but it might affect the organization's plans.



Jets hope return of Perreault will help them keep rolling

By Ken Wiebe, Winnipeg Sun

First posted: Monday, January 26, 2015 09:21 PM CST | Updated: Monday, January 26, 2015 10:48 PM CST

PITTSBURGH - - It turns out the NHL All-Star break came at the perfect time for Mathieu Perreault.

Barring an unlikely setback, the Winnipeg Jets forward looks like a good bet to return to the Winnipeg Jets lineup on Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Perreault missed the past two games after taking a cross-check to the left arm from Chicago Blackhawks forward Dan Carcillo, who received a six-game suspension for his actions.

“The days we had off helped a lot. I’m ready to go and be back,” said Perreault, who has 15 goals and 29 points in 45 games with the Jets this season and was been riding a five-game point streak (which included the first four-goal game of his NHL career) prior to the injury. “Obviously, I was on a bit of a streak and was playing well. Hopefully this seven-to-10 days I had off won’t hurt too much and I’ll be able to go back to (playing) like I was.”

Perreault said he had no prior history with Carcillo.

“No, not at all. It was just an ugly play. There was emotion involved. It is what it is. It was a little vicious and the league took care of it,” said Perreault. “There’s nothing I can do. Thankfully it didn’t hurt too bad.”

Jets centre Mark Scheifele was happy to have Perreault back riding shotgun on Monday as the Jets skated at the Iceoplex at Southpointe in Canonsburg, Pa.

“He’s a huge part of our team. He’s a huge part of our power play and he has so much skill,” said Scheifele. “He brings so much to the table and it’s definitely exciting to have him back and I’m happy to play with him, for sure.”

Jets head coach Paul Maurice seemed encouraged by the prospects of Perreault returning to the lineup as well, though he made it clear he won't give the official green light until after the morning skate.

“Yeah, he looked fine out there. We're going to give it the day,” said Maurice. “Experience tells you that anybody coming off injuries gets to skate once and then we'll see how they're doing. We'll take a look at all our guys, but we're pretty close to healthy.”

You can include defenceman Mark Stuart in the same category as Perreault.

After sitting out with a lower-body injury last Wednesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets for precautionary reasons, Stuart was a full participant on Monday and could be an option on the blue line.

If Perreault gets the expected clearance, the Jets will need to make a corresponding move in order to activate him to the 23-man roster.

Although it's unlikely the Jets would keep nine healthy defencemen on the active roster for a long period of time, it's important to remember that winger TJ Galiardi, who has one goal in 26 games this season, has already cleared waivers once this season and is a candidate to be placed on waivers again.

With 34 games left in the regular season, the Jets are eager to get back into game action and continue their push for a spot in the post-season.

“We’ve all had the playoffs in our minds. Everyone wants to make the playoffs and being there and having a spot right now, we don’t want to lose it,” said Perreault. “We want to continue to press to even (rise) in the standings even more.”

AROUND THE GLASS

Maurice made a couple of changes to his forwards lines as Perreault returned, shifting Evander Kane with Adam Lowry and Chris Thorburn and bumping Matt Halischuk to the fourth unit with Jim Slater and Anthony Peluso...Dustin Byfuglien was given Monday off after participating in the NHL All-Star weekend in Columbus, Ohio...Jets goalie prospect Connor Hellebuyck gave up four goals on 13 shots in the opening period of Monday's

AHL All-Star Game in Utica, N.Y. Hellebuyck, who was the lone representative for the St. John's IceCaps, is 18-13-2 with three shutouts, a 2.48 goals against average and .925 save percentage in 34 games this season...The Jets announced that they will host the third annual Hockey Talks night on Feb. 26 as part of the game against the St. Louis Blues. The aim is to encourage further conversation about mental health and wellness...Philadelphia Flyers winger Zac Rinaldo was given an eight-game suspension for boarding/charging Penguins defenceman Kris Letang, which means he'll miss Thursday's game against the Jets.

Winnipeg Sun LOADED 01.27.2015


Jets need another gear

By Paul Friesen, Winnipeg Sun


Maurice Paul Maurice has the Jets playing well above expectations so far this season.

Paul Maurice calls it another gear. But do his Winnipeg Jets even have one?

The Jets head knock likes to say the intensity level in the NHL picks up after Christmas, and then again after the all-star break.

The thinking is teams get a fire under their rear ends in the scramble for playoff spots, while those already sitting pretty bear down and fine-tune their games for the Stanley Cup tournament.

The NHL’s Little Team That Could can only hope Old Man Momentum hasn’t deserted them as they open Phase 3 of their season in Pittsburgh, Tuesday.

Winnipeg went into the break on a roll, and enjoys an eight-point cushion in the race for a wildcard playoff spot in the West.

Anybody who saw that coming should be investing in a crystal ball, a pack of Tarot cards and some tea leaves and setting up shop in a dark corner of the nearest carnival.

I saw the Jets competing for a spot this season, if they played to their potential — not winning one going away.

Maurice The Miracle Worker has squeezed potential from this group like it’s the last drop of water from a chamois, leaving a shine the rest of the NHL has begun to notice.

But if he’s right about teams polishing up their games, beginning now, I’m not sure how that’ll reflect on his.

The Jets have caught many opponents off guard, Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews acknowledging as much at the all-star festivities on the weekend.

They’ve done it by basically playing playoff-style hockey for the last couple of months: they hit, check like demons, count on the goalie for big stops and score timely goals, all while working harder than the other guys.

If those teams crank it up a notch now, what do the Jets find when they reach for their dials?

“The goal is to change the gear after the break,” winger Michael Frolik told me before the break. “We are in a good spot right now, but you still want to have that push after the break... and just keep rolling where we finished.”

A noble goal. But, again, does this team have another gear?

“I think so,” Frolik said. “We had a couple of guys out of the lineup and now everybody’s coming back. Hopefully we come back healthy out of the break... if you want to have that push and want to be that playoff team you have to always try to get better and find that new gear. That’s going to be the challenge.”

It’s true the Jets are healthier than they’ve been in weeks. If the compete level stays as high, with a higher talent level, they should be fine.

But there’s another challenge lurking as January winds down and February steps in: the season begins to feel awfully long.

Players call it the dog days — far from the freshness of the start, and not close enough to the frenzy of the finish.

So while some look for another gear, others simply look for a reason to get excited.

“It can be both,” veteran defenceman Jay Harrison told me. “I don’t think it becomes the dog days intentionally. It’s just a matter sometimes of the mental fatigue and physical fatigue that comes along with the grind of the schedule.”

Andrew Ladd said the standings are too tight for anybody to get into a dog-days funk, and Harrison basically sees it the same way.

For teams scrambling to that playoff line, the math begins to change, now.

“You’ll certainly see another gear as the points continue to have increased value,” Harrison said. “Despite only being two, they mean a lot more when there’s less of them available, right? So you’ll definitely see a little more desperation in games and teams are tightening up and gearing up.

“That’s what we want to do. We’re looking at bringing our game to the next level and then peaking as we enter the playoffs, as opposed to riding something that’s behind us. We’re looking at our best in front of us.”

That will take some effort.

Other teams, like Chicago, probably have more to give.

I just wonder if the Jets do.



Winnipeg Jets chances of making playoff excellent, as long as there's no post all-star letdown

By Ted Wyman, Winnipeg Sun


When the NHL season started, how many people predicted the Winnipeg Jets would be comfortably entrenched in a playoff spot at the all-star break, with pundits starting to wonder not whether they will make it to the post-season but how many rounds they will win?

Not very many. Probably none.

A few of us told anyone who would listen we thought the Jets were better than many of the prognosticators suggested and had a chance to be improved with coach Paul Maurice conducting a full training camp and working his magic during the season.s

We didn’t predict this, of course.

Then again, predictions are worth less than a Russian ruble. Just ask those who suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild were likely playoff teams.

Still, it must be somewhat uplifting to the Jets organization and fans of the team to see them being talked about as a post-season contender.

The website sportsclubstats.com currently gives the Jets a 92.4% chance of making the playoffs.

The calculation is made based on past performance, difficulty of upcoming schedule and probability of performance. It’s still just the 12th best percentage in the league, but from the sounds of things it would take an epic collapse for the Jets to fall out of the playoff race.

So, does that seem likely to happen? No doubt there are many Jets fans who are not counting on anything just yet. They’ve never seen this team come up big in the second half of a season. Of course, they’ve never seen a team that works this hard before either.

Talking to fans over the weekend, a big concern was that the Jets momentum will be stalled by the All-Star break.

The Jets are on a 6-0-1 streak, which includes five straight wins, and some people were wishing their next game would have been last Friday instead of Tuesday night in Pittsburgh.

With all the snow on the Eastern Seaboard, further delays are possible this week (the Jets go to Philadelphia on Thursday) and many would agree that’s not what a red-hot team needs right now.

Still, the Jets have been very consistent throughout the season and there’s no reason to believe that will stop now.

They believe in their coach, their goaltenders and themselves.

Sportsclubstats even gives them a 3.8% chance of winning the Stanley Cup, a better percentage than it gives Anaheim, Montreal, Boston or San Jose and the 10th best odds in the league.

It would be very surprising to see them take a nosedive.

RATHER HAVE KRAMER

Can’t see the Jets taking a chance on two-time Stanley Cup winner Mike Richards, who was placed on waivers by the L.A. Kings on Monday. Richards comes with a huge salary, five years of term left and his skills have declined considerably. With the Jets hoping to sign Michael Frolik, Andrew Ladd, Dustin Byfuglien and Jacob Trouba to deals in the next couple of years, they shouldn’t take on an albatross contract like the one Richards carries. Yes, they should try to upgrade at forward, but not at that expense.

ALL-STAR FAIL

I don’t even feel like commenting on the NHL all-star game. That might be a bigger waste of time than the game itself. Just trash it already cause it’s garbage.

ALL-MANITOBA TEAM

As I said last week, I’m not a fan at all of the new World Cup of Hockey format. It’s an NHL cash grab that threatens to replace NHL players in the Olympics, which would be very disappointing to hockey fans, particularly the ones in Canada.

But since, the NHL is looking at putting together all-star teams to play in the next World Cup, I got to thinking about what it would be like if you had to put a Team Manitoba together.

Here’s a not bad roster of NHLers that I was able to come up with.

In goal, Calvin Pickard (Colorado) and James Reimer (Toronto).

On defence, Duncan Keith (Chicago)-Travis Hamonic (Islanders), Bryce Salvador (New Jersey)-Michael Stone (Arizona), Damon Severson (Devils)-Justin Falk (Minnesota).

Up front, the lines would be Alex Steen (St. Louis)-Jonathan Toews (Chicago)-Eric Fehr (Washington); Ryan Garbutt (Dallas)-Cody Eakin (Dallas)-Mark Stone (Ottawa); Matt Calvert (Columbus)-Travis Zajac (New Jersey)-Ryan Reaves (St. Louis); Michael Ferland (Calgary)-Darren Helm (Detroit)-Jordin Tootoo (New Jersey).

Coached by Barry Trotz.

upt to the CHALLENGE

This is a big week on the university sports calendar as the Duckworth Challenge between the Bisons and Wesmen resumes at Investors Group Athletic Centre and Duckworth Centre with the volleyball and basketball portions of the annual event.

The Bisons and Wesmen men’s and women’s volleyball teams will play Thursday night as the Bisons look to improve on the lead they took when their women’s soccer team beat the Wesmen 2-0 back on Sept. 13.

The Duckworth Challenge finishes off on Friday at the U of W when the men’s and women’s basketball teams take to the court.s

Whichever school wins the most of the five matches (two volleyball, two basketball and one soccer) will be declared the winner of the Duckworth Challenge.

It’s local rivalry at it’s best and is worth checking out if you haven’t before.

Manitoba has a 12-6-5 record in the 23 previous Duckworth Challenges. Soccer was just introduced as part of the event this year for the first time.



New scoreboard coming to MTS Centre as part of $12 million upgrade

WINNIPEG SUN


The owners of the Winnipeg Jets say they’ll spend approximately $12 million to improve the MTS Centre this summer.

The improvements include a new centre-hung scoreboard featuring bigger and better video screens on all four sides.

The new screens won’t be the biggest in the NHL, but fans will notice a huge change, including an upgrade to high definition, Norva Riddell, senior vice-president of sales and marketing for True North Sports and Entertainment, said, Monday.

“They’ll be two-and-a-half times bigger,” Riddell said. “It’s just right for our building.”

A new LED ribbon board will also show graphics in better quality, while a new behind-the-scenes control room will allow for better in-game production, with more cameras and better sound.

The 10-year-old facility will also get more seats: 278 premium, upper-level, loge seats.

Riddell says ticket holders in Row 1 of the 300 Level will get first crack at the higher-priced areas, which will include swivel chairs and a semi-private environment for groups of three, four or six fans.

“It’s the least we could do for those fans in the 300 level,” she said, some of whom wanted tickets in the lower level but weren’t able to get them because of limited supply and high demand.

Loge seat prices will be $134.40 per game plus a $500 premium seat license fee added onto the full season package.

In addition, seamless glass will replace the mesh railings in Row 1 of the upper level, improving visibility.

The improvements, coming on the heels of washroom and concession upgrades in the upper level last year, are part of an ongoing investment in the facility, Riddell says.

The work will be scheduled to take place around concert and other events next summer.



Byfuglien doesn't shine at All-Star Game

By Ken Wiebe, Winnipeg Sun

First posted: Sunday, January 25, 2015 09:14 PM CST

COLUMBUS, OHIO - This wasn't the type of game that set up for Dustin Byfuglien to dominate or even put on much of a show.

Sure, the Winnipeg Jets defenceman is a dynamic player with plenty of skill but the NHL All-Star Game is a glorified version of shinny, which lends itself to showcase the talents of the forwards.

Back-checking is virtually non-existent and body-checking your opponent is strongly discouraged (officially, there were no hits), since nobody wants to get hurt during an exhibition with nothing on the line.

Byfuglien managed to chip in one assist in 18 minutes and 22 seconds of ice time while paired with Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Arizona Coyotes, but ended up on the losing side as Team Jonathan Toews defeated Team Nick Foligno 17-12 on Sunday before a crowd of 18,901 at Nationwide Arena in what turned out to be the highest-scoring game in NHL All-Star history.

“I didn't even realize (the score) was that bad until I looked up at the end,” said Byfuglien. “I was like 'wow, they have 17.' I didn't hear the cannon go off that many times, I didn't think.

“It's tough to be a D-man (in an All-Star game). But the goalies' (job) would actually be the worst. There's not too much defence in this. You just kind of more or less watch these forwards show what they can do. Some of those goals out there... wow.”

Byfuglien, who started the season at forward but was moved back to the blue-line on Dec. 5 after the Jets suffered a plethora of injuries to the defence corps, was grinning from ear-to-ear and clearly enjoyed the experience of participating in his second NHL All-Star weekend.

“It's something that you dream about. You just enjoy the moment and have fun,” said Byfuglien, who was chosen for the All-Star game in 2012 but couldn't take part because of an injury.

Byfuglien didn't hesitate when asked what he was going to remember most about the experience.

“It's just the guys that got to put the jerseys on. There's a lot of great players in here,” said Byfuglien. “You never know what's going to happen later on (in your career). They put on a great weekend here in Columbus. I enjoyed myself, my family enjoyed it. Everyone seemed to be getting along and having a good time.”

As much fun as he had, Byfuglien is already looking forward to starting the stretch drive on Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center.

“It's definitely going to be nice to get back in the swing of things. Hopefully we're ready to go and start the second half good,” said Byfuglien, who has 12 goals and 31 points in 48 games this season. “We've got to stay consistent and do what we've been doing. Keeping it simple. It's not going to be an easy task but we've been doing it well all year.”

The Jets enter Tuesday's action with a record of 26-14-8, which leaves them two points behind the St. Louis Blues and Blackhawks for second place in the Central Division standings.


764903 Vancouver Canucks

Frank Corrado ready to step into Kevin Bieksa’s spot on Canuck blueline

By Elliott Pap, VancouverSun January 26, 2015

VANCOUVER - A door of opportunity has opened for young Vancouver Canuck defenceman Frank Corrado but he doesn’t intend to bust the thing down.

He’d like to slip through it without making too much noise unless, of course, the noise is in the offensive zone. Defensively, his goals are no goals against.

“I just want to be steady, make a good first pass, be solid in the defensive zone and break the puck out well,” Corrado said Monday as the Canucks returned to practice, minus the injured Kevin Bieksa. “I think if that’s what I bring to the table, I can help the team.”

Bieksa, who broke his left hand in Tampa on Jan. 20, is out for 6-8 weeks and his absence on the right side will have to be filled by someone. Corrado appears to have passed the audition and is expected to pair up Tuesday night with veteran Dan Hamhuis when the Canucks meet the Anaheim Ducks at Rogers Arena.

“I feel as ready as I’ll ever be,” said Corrado, 21. “I’ve put in some good work in the American League and, even the times I didn’t play when I was up here earlier, I thought I put a lot of good work in. Now I like where my game is at and I like the confidence I can play with.

“The team is obviously going to miss Kevin. He does so much in the dressing room and so much on the ice. I think it’s up to the whole defensive corps to fill that void. It rests upon all of us, not just one player.”

Bieksa wasn’t having much of a season offensively. He had just three goals and nine points in 45 games. Defensively his play was erratic and he was a minus-4. But there was never any doubt about his toughness, his heart and his leadership skills.

First-year Canucks Luca Sbisa was quick to make that very point.

“We’ll miss Kevin’s grittiness every night,” said Sbisa, the former Duck. “I remember playing against him and I hated it because if he’s not hitting you, he’s trash talking to you and if he’s not trash talking you, he’s making a great play on you.

“He’s a hard guy to play against and I don’t think I’ve seen him take a night off where he had the chance to hit a guy but didn’t do it,” Sbisa continued. “So he’ll be missed, especially a righty like him. He’s a big part of the team but it was the same thing when Hammer (Hamhuis) went down. We did a pretty good job of filling his shoes and we need guys to step up again.”

Hamhuis, 32, returned to the Canuck lineup Jan. 16 in Carolina after missing 22 games with a groin tear. The Canucks shut out the Hurricanes in that outing and then held the Florida Panthers to just one goal three nights later. Bieksa went down in the third period the following night, his hand shattered by a Victor Hedman slapper. The Canucks lost 4-1 to the Lightning.

Canuck head coach Willie Desjardins will have to resort to the same juggling act he deployed when Hamhuis was out.

“First it was really great to get Dan back,” said Desjardins. “He made a difference to our team and just the way everything matched up. Now we’re used to, I guess, having one of our defencemen out so it’s not something we’re not used to. We’ll miss Kevin. He’s always a guy who gets better when a game gets tough so we’ll miss him, for sure. But like with any injury, somebody else has to step up and play well.”

This, of course, leads to Corrado.

“Frankie has played well and he’s deserved to play,” noted Desjardins. “So we’ll see where it goes. We’re not locking into anything but I think he’s played well in that spot (with Hamhuis).”

“Frankie plays beyond his years, I think,” added Hamhuis. “Certainly he’s had some good development time in the AHL and it’s really showing. He’s going to get his chance to play and when you come to pro hockey there is a lot of pressure on you.

“There are a lot of people watching and sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. Everything gets magnified a bit, whether it’s a good play or a

bad play, and I think the key to making it in professional hockey is being able to stay on even keel. So he’s done a good job of that so far.”

ICE CHIPS: Right winger Radim Vrbata missed Monday’s practice while travelling home from the all-star game in Columbus. Zack Kassian took Vrbata’s spot alongside the Sedin twins in Monday’s practice, an indication that the disappointing Kassian is likely to be scratched against the Ducks.

WHO'S NEXT: Canucks vs Ducks

RECENT FORM

The Canucks are back home after going 3-2-0 on their pre-all-star break road trip, all three victories coming against Eastern Conference teams — Philadelphia, Carolina, Florida — well below the playoff bar. They dropped the last game of the trip 4-1 to Tampa Bay. Prior to the trip, they lost consecutive home dates to the Panthers (3-1) and Flames (1-0). The Ducks, who sit first overall in the league, are riding a five-game winning streak. They are 13-5-3 on the road.

WHO’S HOT?

Canucks penalty killers, who have killed off 16 straight opposition power plays and sit second in the league in PK efficiency at 88.3 per cent. Only Chicago, at 88.4 per cent, is better … Canucks G Ryan Miller has stopped 103 of 107 shots since returning from his two-game absence due to illness (.967 save percentage) … Ducks RW Corey Perry has four goals, seven points and is plus-9 in his last four games … C Ryan Getzlaf has five points and is plus-8 in his last four.

WHO’S NOT?

Canucks RW Zack Kassian has gone 19 games without a goal and nine without a point … LW Chris Higgins is mired in an 11-game goal drought and has one in his last 21 … D Luca Sbisa, the former Duck, does not have a point in 21 games and is minus-14 during that span … Ducks C Ryan Kesler, the former Canuck, had gone 10 games without a goal before scoring in his last game before the break.

HEAD TO HEAD

The teams have met three times this season with all three going beyond regulation. The Canucks won 2-1 in a shootout in Anaheim on Nov. 9, lost 4-3 in a shootout at Rogers Arena on Nov. 20 and then lost 2-1 in overtime on the road Dec. 28, seen above. The Canucks squandered third-period leads in both their losses. Their power play is zero for five in the three games while their penalty kill unit is seven for eight and has killed off seven straight.

QUOTABLE

“I think it’s consistency and the personnel they have. They have a good balance of big bodies and small guys, so they can play the game down low or they can come fast through the neutral zone. It wears teams down, especially at this time of year when teams are starting to feel the grind a bit. That’s almost when they start to play better.” — Canucks defenceman Luca Sbisa on the first-overall Ducks.

Vancouver Sun: LOADED: 01.27.2015


Jamieson: Big chance for Corrado to show he belongs

By Jim Jamieson, The Province January 26, 2015

Jim Jamieson tells the tale of Canucks' three storylines for Tuesday's game against the Anaheim Ducks at Rogers Arena.

It’s a huge opportunity for Frank Corrado.

And it’s just as big for the Canucks brass — to gauge if the 21-year-old rookie is indeed ready for full-time employment in the NHL.

With veteran Kevin Bieksa out long-term after undergoing surgery on his left hand after taking the brunt of a Victor Hedman slapshot last week in Tampa, Corrado — also a right-shot defenceman — gets a chance to play a stretch of games and show he belongs. His performance will undoubtedly play into the team’s thinking on the re-signing of D-men Luca Sbisa, Yannick Weber and Ryan Stanton, all of whom will become restricted free agents this summer.

So will Corrado, but his young age and impressive development over the last season and a half in the AHL make a new deal automatic.

Corrado, one of the best draft picks of the previous regime, was taken way down in the fifth round (150th) in 2011 and looks to have a solid NHL career ahead of him. He skates well and is poised beyond his years. He got into seven games the year he graduated from junior and 15 last season. Corrado, who scored his first NHL goal against Tampa, feels he’s ready.

“I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” said Corrado, following the Canucks’ afternoon practice on Monday. “I’ve put some good work in down in the AHL. And even coming up here, in the times I didn’t play, I thought I put some good work in. I like where my game is at and the confidence I can play with.

“We’re going to miss Kevin. He’s a big part of the team. He does so much in the dressing and so much on the ice. It’s up to the whole D-corps to fill that void. That’s on all of us, not just one player.”

Corrado played with Dan Hamhuis in the last two games before the All-Star break and, based on practice on Monday, will remain paired with the veteran.

“He’s great, he’s easy to play with,” said Corrado of Hamhuis. “He makes the game easy for us. I just want to try to reciprocate that.”

Hamhuis is enjoying the brief partnership.

“He’s been good to play with, for me as a D-partner,” said Hamhuis, who took over Bieksa’s spot on the second-unit power play. “Frankie’s a really great skater and sees the game well, too, for a young D-man. The games I’ve seen him play this year, he’s done really well.”

But Hamhuis knows himself the pressure that beats down on a rookie in the NHL — especially when he’s likely to see his minutes ramp up.

“Sometimes (the pressure) can be a bit overwhelming,” said Hamhuis. “Everything gets magnified whether it’s a good play or a bad play. I think the key to making it in professional hockey is being able to bounce back after a bad shift and stay on an even keel. He’s done a good job of that so far and I’ll keep reminding him.”

The pressure won’t ease much on Tuesday when the NHL-leading Anaheim Ducks visit Rogers Arena. The Canucks’ top pairing of Alex Edler and Chris Tanev will see a lot of the likes of superstars Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry as well as former Canuck Ryan Kesler, but Hamhuis and Corrado will certainly play against them, too.

“Big bodies, some of the best players in the world,” said Corrado. “You have to show you can play against those guys to stay in the league.”

With Corrado in the lineup, the third pairing appears to be two of Sbisa, Weber or Stanton — though Sbisa’s edge is something the team needs more of with Bieska out.

Sbisa acknowledged that’s an area where he has to step up.

“I think out of our D-corps, me and Juice (Bieksa) are the guys who rely the most on playing hard so I think I’ve got to step it up,” said Sbisa. “It’s a valuable skill set to have, but it’s hard to do it every day. That’s why I was so

impressed with Juice, he does it every night. I want to pattern my game after his, try to be consistent, starting now and heading up into the playoffs.”

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 01.27.2015


Kuzma: Higgins’ offence has disappeared for Canucks

By Ben Kuzma, The Province January 26, 2015

Jim Jamieson tells the tale of Canucks' three storylines for Tuesday's game against the Anaheim Ducks at Rogers Arena.

“Everything looks good in the summer.”

That telling quote from Chris Higgins on the eve of training camp carried a lot of weight. Not only were the Vancouver Canucks in transition on and off the ice, the veteran winger spent the majority of the off-season here, got to know new coach Willie Desjardins, got engaged, bought a home in West Vancouver and his fiancée is due to deliver the couple’s first child in mid-April. In that regard, the future has never looked brighter.

Fast forward and the clouds have rolled in. Higgins is struggling with no goals in his last 11 games and has just one in his last 21. His six goals and 18 points have him on pace for career lows in goals and points over a full season, yet he remains a second-line staple. Meanwhile, Jannik Hansen has 10 goals and is on pace to eclipse his career high of 16 goals as a fourth-line regular.

“I think sometimes for myself when things go bad, I focus too much on playing good defence and falling back on that,” Higgins admitted Monday. “I need to continue to push myself to be more dynamic with the puck and challenge myself to be a better offensive player. It’s always been a tendency of mine because I know I have the defence to fall back on and I fall back on that a little bit too much. I have to score and put up points for this team to be successful.”

You could argue it’s a continuation of a disturbing trend. Higgins didn’t score in his last 13 games last season and had just one goal in 21 games before the club missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Higgins is averaging considerably less minutes than he did under John Tortorella — 15:57 compared to 19:10 — and on six occasions last season he logged more than 23 minutes and even hit 24:52 as the Canucks were clobbered by injuries and indifferent play. Through all that, he had 17 goals and 39 points. You’d think Higgins would be fresher with less minutes this season and contribute more.

“I didn’t feel like I was tired last year,” added Higgins. “You always want to play and obviously it’s easier to put up points when you’re playing more. That being said, I’m playing with good players and should be able to put up points and score, and I believe I can do it. We have plenty of season left and I’ll be happy if (the scoring) comes now.”

Then again, it’s not like Higgins isn’t making the effort. He’s second in shots among club forwards with 103 — Daniel Sedin leads with 106 — and had 13 shots in his last three outings. He’s also tied with Chris Tanev at a team-best plus-8 and is a big part of the league’s second-ranked penalty kill. But the Canucks rank 24th in even-strength goals and the second power-play unit, of which Higgins is a member, has been incredibly ineffective with just eight points this season.

“One of the biggest indicators of how good you are as a team is how well you score and defend 5-on-5,” said Higgins. “The power play and penalty kill can carry you far, but good even-strength play puts you over the top. And I don’t think I’m too far away from it. You get hot for a couple of games and your confidence goes up and you become more dynamic with the puck.

“No one ever accuses me of over-passing the puck. If I get it, I like to shoot it instead of chipping it in or holding on to it longer. Sometimes, when things don’t got well and you don’t want to make mistakes and turnovers, you play a little safe and that happens to me.”

At age 31, Higgins believes he has much to offer. On the books for two more seasons at $2.5 million US annually, he might be movable as a depth addition to a contender if the Canucks hit he skids in February in advance of the March 2 trade deadline. But replacing what Higgins provides overall isn’t easy and he doesn’t feel like he’s lost of step or can’t battle effectively.

“Not yet,” he chuckled. “It’s inevitable and you never think it’s going to happen. That might just be the human condition and I don’t feel that way at all. That’s a good thing. I’m not that old.”

And not interested in playing somewhere else.

“Certainly not,” he stressed. “And everybody in this organization knows that. It inspires me to play hard because I want to stay here and I want to win here. It’s an easy mindset for me to have.”

That doesn’t surprise Desjardins. In Higgins, the Canucks coach sees a Swiss army knife with multiple functions and few flaws.

“I like his attitude,” said Desjardins. “He blocks a lot of big shots where he’s really sacrificing and he’ll sacrifice things for the team and never ask to be in this spot or that spot. He just plays hard and contributes in a lot of ways.”

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 01.27.2015

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ESPN / C Mike Richards waived by Kings

By Pierre LeBrun

The Los Angeles Kings placed center Mike Richards on waivers Monday, a move that would have been unheard of just a few years ago when he was still one of the league's top two-way centers.

But his play has fallen since then to the point where for the past two years he's been a third- or fourth-line center for the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Mike Richards has five years left on a deal that counts $5.75 million per season on the Kings' cap.

The Kings tried to find a taker via the trade route over the past month, talking to Toronto, Calgary and Winnipeg among other teams, according to sources, but couldn't get a deal done.

Kings general manager Dean Lombardi confirmed there have been trade talks with other NHL clubs but obviously nothing materialized.

"There were a few things but I don't think they were attractive," Lombardi told ESPN.com on Monday.

Whether or not another NHL team would want to claim him on waivers before 12 p.m. ET Tuesday remains to be seen given what's left on his contract.

Should he clear waivers Tuesday, Richards will be sent down to AHL Manchester (barring a trade) where Lombardi views it akin to a veteran baseball hitter trying to find his swing again.

"I don't expect him to get picked up on waivers," Lombardi said. "But, there's still time here. He knows what he has to do. That part I am not questioning. The way the schedule is down there, it allows him to get his innings in and conceivably he could be back here. That's the way we're approaching this. That's the short term.

"On the long term, he could be a different player. If you remember when Teemu Selanne when he went to Colorado it looked like he was done. He looked done. But all of sudden things changed. He went on for a longer career. They're different players but I see no reason why this can't happen here, either."

The Kings GM also underlined the importance of Richards in the Kings' becoming a championship team. It's that bond that kept Lombardi from buying Richards out last summer when the window was closing on buying out contracts that wouldn't count against the salary cap.

"We don't win the first Cup without this guy," Lombardi said. "He set a tempo. There's still time here. I'm hoping that he's got to do what he's got to do to get going."

Richards, who turns 30 next month, has five more years after this season on a deal which carries a $5.75 million cap hit. His deal pays him $7 million this season, $6 million next season, then $5.5 million in 2016-17, $4.5 million in 2017-18, and $3 million each of the last two years.

The Kings need to create cap room to sign some of their players past this season.

"We understand it's a business, but in here, you're a family," Kings captain Dustin Brown said. "So that's why it's really hard to see (Richards) go on waivers. ... As a group of guys who have won together, it's even harder."

ESPN LOADED: 01.27.2015

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Sportsnet.ca / Cox’s Weekend Takeaways: Phaneuf’s true value

DAMIEN COX JANUARY 26, 2015, 2:21 PM

More than ever this year, NHL players at the all-star game seemed to embrace the concept that putting on a worthwhile event is at least half their responsibility, and maybe more.

Starting with the fantasy draft on Friday, the players showed their humour and willingness to be something more than stoic and serious in front of the cameras and tape recorders.

Nick Foligno and Ryan Johansen really were hometown stars, while Jakub Voracek’s comedy bit with Johnny Gaudreau was good fun.

All in all, the notion that the players and the owners are partners in the event, and that the players have to do more than just show up, was evident. Now, if the players could just convince each other a little more effort in the game would make it better. In fact, just a tiny, wee bit more effort would help enormously.

Some suggest giving the players an expensive watch for all-star participation would increase their effort. But they already tried putting money on the table, and that didn’t work. They’re all extremely wealthy as it is. Go back to conference play, with the winner getting home ice in the Cup final? That doesn’t seem to have any legs, certainly not with the commissioner’s office. The union might be more inclined to scrap the draft and the skills competition, but those are probably better events than the game itself now.

So the status quo for the foreseeable future seems the likely scenario.

Other weekend takeaways:

The contract turned albatross: It was December, 2007 when Mike Richards signed a 12-year, $69 million contract with Philadelphia. Since then he’s been traded – worked out pretty well for him – and today he found himself on waivers with five years still left on the deal. It does make you think twice about the concept of “locking players up,” that seems to be the norm these days.

Of course, 12-year deals are no longer possible. Still, L.A. undoubtedly now wishes it had exercised a buyout option on Richards last summer.

Gone and not forgotten: If you thought it was a bit peculiar earlier this season when the Tampa Bay Lightning honoured Marty St. Louis this season after he had demanded a trade out of Tampa last season, you might have been more satisfied with the reception of boos Rick Nash got at the all-star game from Blue Jackets fans, both when he was introduced and every time he touched the puck.

They even cheered when he missed the net on a breakaway in the first period. The perception here, right or wrong, is that he demanded a trade out of Columbus, and apparently they aren’t forgiving him. Not yet, anyway. Voracek, on the other hand, received generous applause as a former Columbus draft pick.

Leafs for sale: Interesting to read speculation out of Dallas that the Stars might have a prominent place for Dion Phaneuf on their blueline, noting that the cost to get Phaneuf out of Toronto would be enormously high. Shows the fishbowl of Toronto, with so many suggesting the Leaf captain is untradeable, might skew perception a tad. Unlike Richards, Phaneuf is at the very least a good player in the league, just not the star and captain some wish he was.

Goalie angst: Fun was had by all, yes, on the all-star weekend. Well, except for Marc-Andre Fleury. The Penguins goalie was lit up for seven goals on Sunday and was reportedly ticked off about it afterwards. Being razzed by Columbus fans who got to know Fleury in the playoffs last year made it more miserable.

Creating leverage: It’s hard to say at this point whether the NHL will return to the Olympics in 2018 or beyond. But by setting up a World Cup schedule for 2016 and 2020, the NHL has at the very least increased its bargaining power with the IIHF and IOC.

Moreover, if players start to feel they enjoy the World Cup as much as the Olympics, they may be less insistent on continuing to pursue Olympic medals.

Young guns still uncertain: The NHL still hasn’t set out a date of birth eligibility requirement for the 23-and-under World Cup entry, and the thinking there is they want to set the date in such a way as to capture the most possible Canadian and American players. They could just go with the Sept. 15 date that decides draft eligibility, but they may choose to go later on the calendar to make more players eligible.

Hard to ignore: Good line from Buffalo GM Tim Murray at the CHL Top Prospects Game last week.

“You show up saying I’m not going to watch Connor McDavid. But he forces you to watch him anyway.”

Sabres listening: Murray, by the way, says he isn’t being cagey and holding on to his available players as long as possible before dealing them closer to the trade deadline.

“I’m not waiting,” he said. “I’m ready to go now.”

Improving draft stock: Ottawa 67s forward Travis Konecny had to be the big individual winner at the prospects game with his two-goal performance.

He fell in recent NHL Central Scouting rankings after being seen as possibly a top 10 pick last fall, and looked like he’s intent on working his way back. He played on the best line in the game (no surprise) with Erie superstar Connor McDavid. The third member of the line was Halifax winger Timo Meier, a Swiss-born forward who some NHL scouts believe could play in the NHL next season because of his size and North American style of play.

Pairing for the future?: Team Orr, coached by Bobby Orr, won the game 6-0, and a big reason why was the defensive pairing from the Brandon Wheat Kings of Ivan Provorov and Ryan Pilon. Provorov was ranked 10th by Central Scouting in its mid-term rankings, and Pilon was ranked 31st. A clever NHL general manager might see fit to draft both in June, and set himself up with a lock-down pair for a decade.

Racing for the Rocket: Should be a good stretch run for the Rocket Richard Trophy, with Rick Nash, Vladimir Tarasenko, Steve Stamkos, Tyler Seguin and Alex Ovechkin all in serious contention.

Back to reality: Zemgus Girgensons had all the attention he could possibly want on the weekend after finishing first in all-star voting (with a little help from Latvia) with more than 1.6 million votes. Now he gets to back to being 168th in NHL scoring and back to being with the Buffalo Sabres, losers of 15 of their past 16 games.

Giving masked men a voice: It really was amazing on Sunday to listen to Carey Price chat with the broadcasting crew while he was facing shots from some of the best players on the planet. Imagine that in a regular season game. Won’t happen, but we can dream, can’t we?

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 01.27.2015

764908 Websites

USA TODAY / Islanders finally have pieces to be Stanley Cup contenders

Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports 8:22 p.m. EST January 26, 2015

As far as captain John Tavares is concerned, it was a covert operation that allowed the New York Islanders to acquire the final assets needed to be a true Stanley Cup contender.

Negotiations must have been on a strict need-to-know basis, because the Islanders' top player was as surprised as everyone else when general manager Garth Snow announced in October that he had traded for defensemen Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy.

"It was out of the blue for me," Tavares said. "Garth is a kind of guy who holds things tight to his chest. I think to pull something like that off you have to be under the radar."

Eighteen weeks later, the trades seem like a completing-the-jigsaw-puzzle moment, like the addition of GPS to automobiles or bacon to anything.

"That really solidified our team," Tavares said. "You look at all of the pieces that we have added, and then you add those two guys, proven players, great guys in the locker room, tremendous skill set, different in their own way, but what we needed."

Boychuk is a gritty, two-way performer, owner of a booming shot but, more important, a highly competitive spirit. As soon as he stepped into the lineup, the Islanders were instantly harder to play against.

Leddy added sparkle to the back end. A brilliant skater, he can distribute the puck and create magic. His acquisition is like mixing an additive into high-octane fuel.

Slowly, the Islanders had built a dangerous offense, thanks to solid drafting. But these two players gave the Islanders' engine more pep and a greater roar. These moves came on top of the offseason acquisition and signing of Jaroslav Halak, who has given the team its most intriguing goaltending since Rick DiPietro was healthy and performing at a high level.

The Nashville Predators might be the NHL's biggest surprise, but what they have accomplished isn't a shock.

Given general manager David Poile's long history of keeping his teams competitive, it seemed plausible the Predators could make a quick fix and get back in the hunt after missing the playoffs for a couple of seasons.

The Islanders' rise has had more of a wow factor. People around the NHL are talking about the Islanders because they have the league's second-best offense, an improving defense and a goaltender who has the potential to steal a game now and then.

The Islanders, who lead the Metropolitan Division by three points, are 16-4-0 at home in their final season on Long Island. They move to Brooklyn next season.

Halak said the Islanders' fan support had impressed him.

"Every single game, they have been like our sixth skater on the ice," he said. "Hopefully they will find a way to bring us luck the rest of the way. They have been a big part of our success at home."

While the Islanders aren't a Stanley Cup favorite, they are the NHL's most intriguing contender.

Monday's announcement that forward Kyle Okposo would be sidelined for six to eight weeks with an upper body injury is hurtful but not catastrophic. That's how far this team has come.

Tavares saw this coming, and that's why he locked himself in with the Islanders long term. He wanted to be the one leading the ascent when the flag was planted on the top of the mountain.

"I really thought it's been a long time since the Islanders have had any Stanley Cup success or playoff success and I can be a part of something like that. I thought it could be pretty special," he said. "Certainly there is a long way to go and we are still trying to get there, but I've certainly enjoyed every bit of it."

Tavares' presence as the Islanders' leader is another reason the NHL community is fascinated by the potential of this team. He has that Steve Yzerman/Jonathan Toews/Sidney Crosby aura about him. People think he knows the way to get you where you need to go. Plus, he's in the prime of his career.

Although Snow doesn't fill in his captain before making big trades, Tavares believes in Snow.

"I know Garth is very passionate and adamant about what we are trying to accomplish here, and that message has been very strong and very clear," he said.

The only real concern about the Islanders at this point is that they have no history together in the postseason. The franchise has missed the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons.

Playoff experience matters. One thought is that the Islanders have to lose together in the playoffs before they can figure out how to win together.

But they understand their strengths and weaknesses, and that is the first step to success this season. Right now the Boychuk and Leddy trades are viewed as missing-piece acquisitions.

If the Islanders have the kind of success their fans hope they will, those trades will go down as two of the more important trades in NHL history, just below the 1979 one that brought Butch Goring to the Islanders before their run of four consecutive Cups.

Other under-the-radar contenders:

-Montreal Canadiens: No one seems to take them seriously, even though they have been consistent performers this season. Goalie Carey Price can win a series by himself.

-Boston Bruins: After a slow start, they are starting to get back to their old winning ways. With Claude Julien behind the bench, they are always a threat in the postseason.

-Winnipeg Jets: They have two fewer points than the Chicago Blackhawks. Since Paul Maurice took over last season, they've been a team on the rise.

USA TODAY LOADED: 01.27.2015

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