Posts Tagged Brian Boucher
Franzen re-injures ankle … Flyers off-season notes … Reasons why Lidstrom may not retire
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 9th, 2011
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings forward Johan Franzen missed the 3rd period last night after re-aggravating his sprained ankle. Coach Mike Babcock said it will be up to Franzen if he goes Tuesday or not.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Some Flyers off-season notes. With some leadership questions in the playoffs, would the Flyers talk with Mike Richards about his team captaincy? If the Flyers would consider moving Jeff Carter, there would be at least 20 teams interested. Would be hard to move Scott Hartnell and his $4.2 million cap hit. Nik Zherdev is a UFA, was a healthy scratch 24 times. Andreas Nodl is a RFA, suffered a concussion in the playoffs, but will be back. They don’t have room ‘tagging’ room for Ville Leino at the moment, he’ll be looking for somewhere between $2-3 million. Kimmo Timonen is believed to be playing with a lower back injury during the playoffs. Brian Boucher is a UFA, he’d like to comeback, but may not be in the Flyers plans.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Allen lists 5 reasons he thinks Niklas Lidstrom won’t retire. 1. He and his wife are not in rush to leave Michigan. 2. The relationship between Lidstrom and the Red Wings is close to perfect. They ask him what salary number he can live with, and they don’t play hardball with him. 3. It could be hard to walk away from the money. He made $6.2 million this past season, and likely wouldn’t go below the $6 million Rafalski makes. 4. He still loves the game. 5. At 40 he is a Norris Trophy finalist.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Islanders will look to trade Evgeni Nabokov at or before the NHL Entry Draft. The Flyers seem like a logical possibility. Getting true value for Mike Green and Alexander Semin would be difficult if the Capitals decided to go down that route. Capitals forward Brooks Laich will be highly sought after on July 1st. He’ll be looking for 1st line money even though he’s a 2nd-3rd line player.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Wild have to sign WHL player of year, Darcy Kuemper by June 1st or he will become a free agent. Kuemper was a 6th round pick in 2009 but wants 1st round money. The Oilers and several other teams are watching free agent Swedish goalie Viktor Fasth. Doctor’s can’t figure out what is causing Jonas Hiller’s vertigo.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The Rangers traded 2009 draft pick Ethan Werek to the Coyotes for 2010 draft pick Oscar Lindberg. Werek wasn’t under contract and the Rangers would have lost his rights if he wasn’t signed by the end of the month.
Carlson, Gagne and Kubina hurt last night … Flyers roster notes … Dallas Stars sale progressing
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 30th, 2011
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals rookie defenseman John Carlson collided with Nate Thompson late in the 2nd period. He lasted about 36 seconds on 2 very short shifts in the 3rd before leaving for good. He’ll be listed as day-to-day, and Bruce Boudreau is hoping he’ll be able to go on Sunday.
- Joe Smith of the St. Petersburg Times: Lightning forward Simon Gagne likely suffered a concussion in the 1st period after his head slammed against the ice after a Scott Hannon hit. Gagne has a history of concussions. Defenseman Pavel Kubina also left the game. His head banged off the glass after taking a Jason Chimera hit, who received a roughing penalty.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers will likely go with 6 defense in Game 1 (had been going with 7 due to the uncertainty of Chris Pronger’s hand). Defenseman Danny Syvret will likely be a healthy scratch. Jody Shelley or rookie Zac Rinaldo will be on the 4th line. Jeff Carter is doubtful for the first 2 games of the series. Andreas Nodl practiced but won’t go in Game 1. Sergei Bobrovsky will backup Brian Boucher as Michael Leighton still has a sore back.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: The Panthers have had some contract discussions with 2010 1st round draft pick, Erik Gudbranson, “but there’s no deadline. We don’t have to have him signed right now. There are more pressing issues.” They’ve also had one “general” discussion with Tomas Vokoun people, so there is chance that he may not leave by free agency.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: There is a small group of Blackhawk fans who think they should trade Patrick Kane. (um…okay…yeah….do these people know anything about hockey? This makes absolutely no sense and isn’t going to happen. It doesn’t deserve to be even posted, but I did it anyways as it’s pretty funny.)
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Two sources confirmed that Tom Gaglardi is in the 30-day negotiation window to purchase the Dallas Stars. Gaglardi’s offer is “significantly” better than the other offers. If everything goes to plan, the deal could be done by June. This could be helpful in giving the Stars an opportunity to have some serious negotiations with Brad Richards (though Richards may want to test the free agent market anyways). It would also allow them to get their new head coach in place. Possible candidates are Texas Stars coach Glen Gulutzan or Canadiens assistand coach Kirk Muller (in yesterday’s post and in that article we/they said that Kirk Muller will likely get the job).
Richards not suspended for hit on Connolly … Norris finalists announced … Roy in for Game 7 … Boucher to start Game 7… Kaberle responds to Chiarelli’s comments
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on April 25th, 2011
- Norris finalists are Zdeno Chara, Nicklas Lidstrom and Shea Weber.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Flyers center Mike Richards won’t be suspended for his hit from behind on Sabres Tim Connolly.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Tim Connolly will be out for Game 7, Derek Roy is in. Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: “Tim’s not doing very good,” said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff. “That’s something the league definitely has to take a look at. It’s a lack of respect for another player on the ice. It’s from behind. It’s head first. That’s a tough play. We lost a good player.”
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Carchidi thinks that if Brian Boucher needs to be replaced in Game 7 it should be by Sergei Bobrovsky. Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: “Brian Boucher will start Game Seven,” Laviolette said.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals defenseman Dennis Wideman skated in full pad today for the first time since suffering his leg hematoma.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: According to coach Bruce Boudreau there is no timetable on when Mike Knuble or Dennis Wideman will be back in the lineup. Mike Green isn’t on the ice today but is ‘okay.’
- Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston: Bruins defenseman Tomas Kaberle responded to GM Peter Chiarelli’s “disappointment” comments,
“I always put a lot of pressure on myself,” Kaberle said, “and hopefully I can prove why I am here. I would like to help out in every little thing I can do on the ice. Obviously I’m one of the guys on the [power play] and it would be nice to get something going there.
“The first couple of games I could have been better. The last few games I felt a lot better and I’m feeling better confidence-wise, so I’ll take it from there.”
At the time of the trade, Chiarelli and Kaberle’s agent, Rick Curran, agreed to put off contract talks until the off-season. There has been no communication between the two sides since then. Curran didn’t think Chiarelli’s comments were a concern for future talks. Kaberle has been paired with stay-at-home defenseman Adam McQuaid lately.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Parise says he’s interested in staying in NJ, enjoys his teammates and has fun play there. He hasn’t talked to his agents about contract details.
- Mike Richards hit on Tim Connolly
Pronger and Carter done for series? Who’ll be in net for Flyers? Isles retain Nabokov’s rights … Laich to 1st line
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 23rd, 2011
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: A source close to the Flyers said that Chris Pronger won’t be in the lineup for the rest of the series. Pronger is still experiencing pain in his fractured hand, and can’t really take contact to the area. Jeff Carter is also not expected back as he has a severely sprained MCL in his right knee, he’s been wearing a brace.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers coach Peter Laviolette wouldn’t say after last night’s game who would be the starting goalie for Game 6 on Sunday. The Flyers have used 3 goalies so far as Michael Leighton replaced Brian Boucher in last night’s game. “I’m going to sleep on that one and probably give you nothing,” he said.
- Katie Strang of Newsday: The NY Islanders have exercised the option of Evgeni Nabokov, and will retain his rights for next season.
- Tom Jones of the St. Petersburgh Times: Some are questioning if Lightning forward Steven Stamkos is injured. When asked if he was Stamkos answered, “Everything feels good.” He only has 1 point this series, and has missed a couple ‘optional practices’ this week, something he rarely does.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Brooks Laich will be on a line with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom for Game 5. Ovie will move to the right side. From coach Bruce Boudreau, “I like [Ovechkin on the right] for short periods of time because Alex is more used to playing left wing,” Boudreau said. “But Brooks is so responsible, you can play him anywhere and he’s going to make that line better. So I like that aspect of it. But right now, with Mike Knuble out, it makes for the better fit [to have Laich on the right]. Who knows, it might change.”
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Mike Knuble won’t be able to go in Game 5 for the Capitals. Knuble was hit on the hand by a Mike Green shot in Game 3.
Torres not suspended … Boucher in, Leighton backup? Update on Pronger, Bolland, Leopold, Seguin, Chara, Zetterberg and Jovanovski
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 18th, 2011
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Dreger reporting there will be no supplementary discipline for Raffi Torres hit on Seabrook.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Quenneville said that Seabrook is “likely” to play tomorrow and is “optomistic” that Bolland and Bickell will play as well. Adam Jahns via twitter: Bolland said yesterday that he believes he’s ready for Game 4.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Bruins coach Claude Julien said it’s “looking good” that Zdeno Chara will go tonight, a game-time decision.
- Anthony San Filippo via twitter: Sabres defenseman Jordan Leopold will be in the lineup tonight.
- Kevin McGran via twitter: Bruins forward Tyler Seguin will likely be healthy scratch again.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Andrei Kostitsyn practiced on a line with Mike Cammelleri and Tomas Plekanec.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Carchidi wouldn’t be surprised if Michael Leighton backs up Brian Boucher tonight.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: NBC Sports reported that the setback Chris Pronger suffered a couple weeks ago was a 2nd break in his hand.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Pronger skated today and took some wrist shots. Carchidi thinks that if they lose tonight, he’ll play on Wednesday. If they win, he won’t play Wednesday. Frank Seravalli via twitter: Pronger skated with teammates for the first time since March.
- Anthony San Filippo via twitter: Flyers winger Nikolai Zherdev will be in the lineup for Andreas Nodl.
- Andy Stickland via twitter: Blues prospect Vlad Tarasenko will either play in the NHL or the KHL next season. He won’t come over to play in the AHL.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings Henrik Zetterberg practiced yesterday but won’t be in the lineup for Game 3. He didn’t take part in any physical drills.
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: Coyotes defenseman Ed Jovanovski will be in the lineup tonight, he left in the 2nd period of Saturday’s game.
Wild could move Burns … Avs best bet for Vokoun … Pronger unlikely for tonight … Bogosian’s future
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 18th, 2011
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Minnesota Wild may consider moving defenseman Brent Burns because they may not want to pay him $5 million a season when his current contract runs out after next year. They’ll want offense in a return for him. The Flyers have extra forwards and the Sharks have always liked him. The Blue Jackets likely won’t re-sign defenseman Jan Hejda. The Avalanche are the best bet to sign UFA Tomas Vokoun. Vokoun turns 35 on July 2nd, so if he’s not signed on July 1st, his salary cap number will stay on the books if he retires and can’t be bought out. Omsk of the KHL has expressed some interest.
- Phil Sheridan of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers Dman Chris Pronger is unlikely for tonight’s game, but could make a return on Wednesday for Game 4. Coach Peter Laviolette isn’t saying who will be between the pipes for tonight’s game. Sheridan thinks the Flyers should go with Sergei Bobrovsky, but others are saying Brian Boucher. Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Harrington says that it seems likely that the Flyers will go with Boucher in net.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Brooks thinks that if the Boston Bruins don’t make it to at least the conference finals that Devils GM Lou Lamoriello will have the chance to rehire Claude Julien as the next coach of the Devils.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Consitution: Thrashers RFA Zach Bogosian was asked about his future with the Thrashers,
I guess it will be interesting to see what happens. I haven’t had any talks with management yet. I’m just going home and getting ready to be the best player I can be. … That’s what my agent is there for. I’ve had him for awhile so I’m pretty comfortable with him. It’s something that I haven’t put too much thought into but now that the season is over you can put more thought into.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Former NHL coach Craig MacTavish has said it’s “unlikely” that he would coach St. Petersburg in the KHL. Last week it was reported that team chairman and KHL president Alexander Medvedev said that MacTavish was one of four candidates for the head coaching position. It’s been reported that MacTavish did fly to Russia late last week.
Bolland and Pronger doubtful for their Game 3′s … Bob or Boosh? Burke to put out an offer sheet? Options for Leafs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on April 17th, 2011
- Chris Kuc via twitter: David Bolland is doubtful for Game 3 according to coach Joel Quennville.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Backstrom and Arnott trade places at yesterday’s practice. Capitals forward lines: Ovechkin-Arnott-Knuble, Sturm-Backstrom-Semin, Laich-Johansson-Chimera, Hendricks-Gordon-Bradley, King-Beagle-Fehr
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: A source close to the Flyers said before yesterday’s game there is a “50/50″ chance that Chris Pronger will be in the lineup Monday. After the game he said “He’s probably out Monday.” So it’s looking like a ‘must win’ would get Pronger back in the lineup. Who will be in net for the Flyers on Monday is the next big question. Laviolette pointed out that Bobrovsky has bounced back from tough games in the past. Arguments for both sides are,
For those in “Bob’s” corner: Boucher seems better suited in a relief role than Bobrovsky because of his experience. In addition, Bobrovsky has been more effective on the road than Boucher.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: From an interview with Wild owner Craig Leipold: On GM Chuck Fletcher, “He knows he has my complete and absolute confidence.” Fletcher has full control on hiring the next coach, and there is “no financial restraints when it comes to a coach.”
- Sean Leahy via twitter: “SKA & KHL Pres Medvedev claims Hitchcock & MacTavish are 2 of 4 finalists for head coach.”
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “Brian Burke said an offer sheet for restricted free agents is not out of the question in the future.” Some RFA’s this year are, Steven Stamkos, Shea Weber, Zach Parise, Keith Yandle, Zach Bogosian. If Brad Richards doesn’t want to sign with the Leafs, would they look at the next best option, Brooks Laich of Washington? Another intriguing UFA is Ville Leino.
- Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star: Zwolinski looks at some possible UFA centers the Maple Leafs could look at. Brad Richards: Will either re-sign with the Stars or sign with the Rangers. Simon Gagne: more of a LWer. Tim Connolly: could fill the hole for a year or two. Jason Arnott: same as Connolly. Michal Handzus: a long shot, but how much game does he have left. Zwolinski looks at some possible trade partners. New York Rangers: RFA’s Brandon Dubinsky, Brian Boyle. Rookie Derek Stepan and Erik Christensen has 1 year left before he’s a UFA. Ottawa Senators: Jason Spezza has 3 years left and could be moved to restock the roster. Boston Bruins: David Krejci has been rumored to Toronto. Would be costly to add him, makes $3.75 million next year. Philadelphia Flyers: Jeff Carter has been linked to the Leafs in the past, he and Mike Richards are locked up long term. The Flyers have less than $500,000 in cap space for next year. A long shot. San Jose Sharks: They have to interesting centers, Joe Pavelski ($4 million) and Devin Setoguchi ($1.8 million). Both are not likely to be moved, unless they disappoint in the playoffs again. Setoguchi is an RFA this summer, Pavelski has 2 years left. New Jersey Devils: Zach Parise is a RFA this summer, can the Devils afford him.
For those in Boosh’s corner: Boucher has been the steadier goalie this season, and his experience gives the team a calming effect.
Some off-season decisions for the Flames … Kreider staying on College … Bolland and Brower back for Hawks … Pronger day-to-day still
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 12th, 2011
- Ian Busby of the Calgary Sun: Flames forward Curtis Glencross potted 24 goals this season, and now he’s looking to cash in. “I want a long-term deal. That’s our biggest factor right now.” He made $1.2 million this past season, and hopes to get something done with the Flames. Alex Tanguay, Brendan Morrison, Steve Staios, Anton Babchuk, Brett Carson, and Henrik Karlsson are UFA’s for the Flames. It’s unlikely that Staios will be back. Karlsson hopes to stay in Calgary, and he thinks they might be interested.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: It was reported last week that Maple Leafs prospect Leo Komarov would be coming over to North America, but he told KHL.ru that he’s more likely to stay in the KHL.
- Dave Naylor via twitter: “Forbes.com calculates that Glendale’s plan would bring its spending to almost $400 million on a team valued at $134 million.”
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: NY Rangers 2009 1st round pick Chris Kreider will be returning to Boston College next season for his junior year.
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: With Manny Malhotra’s injury and Raffi Torres’s suspension, Cody Hodgson and Victor Oreskovich joined the Canucks yesterday. Hodgson centered Mason Raymond and Jannik Hansen at practice. Oreskovich could slot in beside Max Lapierre and Tanner Glass on the 4th line.
- Brian Hamilton and Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: It looks like both David Bolland and Troy Brower will be in the lineup for the Blackhawks during their 1st round matchup with the Canucks. Bolland has been out since March 9th with a concussion. Brower has been out with a shoulder injury since last week.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Bob Hartley was a candidate to coach the Senators before they hired Cory Clouston, and was considered a candidate this time around, signed a deal to coach in the Swiss Elite League in Zurich.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly.com: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger is still listed as day-to-day and no one knows or is saying if he’ll be ready to go in Game 1. He did not practice yesterday but took part in a special team’s meeting and did some off-ice rehab.
- Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers will likely use both Sergei Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher during the playoffs.
Wideman has hematoma … Pronger out till playoffs … Sid practices … Flames off-season options
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 1st, 2011
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Dennis Wideman is out indefinitely with a leg hematoma. Wideman was hit in the leg by Tuomo Ruutu on Tuesday, muscle damage appears limited.
Blood was drained from his leg to alleviate pressure, he’s been sending pictures to teammates. A hematoma occurs when blood leaks from a broken blood vessel, artery or capillary into tissue where it doesn’t belong, such as a muscle. It can result in compartment syndrome, which involves increased pressure in a muscle compartment that can lead to permanent muscle or nerve damage.
Mike Knuble said Wideman could be out 2 weeks or more. John Erskine left last night’s game and is day-to-day.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Chris Pronger’s broken right hand is not healing as fast as they thought, and he probably won’t get into another regular season game. They had hoped to get him into a game next week. Jody Shelley is healing quickly and could return next week. Brian Boucher is expected to start today against the Devils.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The Flames quest for the playoffs this year are likely over. Ales Kotalik and Niklas Hagman are not likely to be back next year. Alex Tanguay and Curtis Glencross will be UFA’s at seasons end. If Glencross is looking for a 5 year deal, he may have to look elsewhere. Jarome Iginla has 2 more year left on his contract, and hasn’t given any indication he “wants to seek greener pastures.” Miikka Kiprusoff has 3 years left at a $5.833 cap hit, so he’s not that attractive to other teams, especially if they’d want a good return.Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Ales Kotalik was sent back to the minors yesterday afternoon. He has 1 more year left at $3 million. Daymond Langkow could play tonight, a year since he suffered broken vertebrae.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby practiced with teammates yesterday. There is no timetable for his return, and GM Ray Shero doesn’t see that he’ll be given clearance to return before the end of the regular season.
“Whether you’re coming back from injury going into the playoffs or it’s the regular season, you’ve got to make sure that you’re healthy,” Crosby said. “It’s a matter for me of making sure that I’m healthy. If that takes two months, then it takes two months. If it doesn’t, great. I can’t really control that.
“I’ve just got to do the right things to try to feel good and get back to where I need to be. I’m not looking too far ahead at all. I’m just trying to look at these little opportunities as a good chance to get back with the guys. At the same time, it’s a small step with a lot to go.”
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Thrashers are planning on alternating goalies down the stretch. Chris Mason started last night, Ondrej Pavelec could start Saturday and back with Mason next week versus Nashville.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avalanche should know next week if Adam Foote is able to get back in the lineup before he retires from the NHL. Peter Budaj will start in net for the Avs tonight.
Pacioretty ‘contact skating’ in 3-5 weeks … Marchand gets 2 games … Eriksson, Burish out tonight … DeBoer’s could be out in Florida … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 17th, 2011
- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens medical staff is saying that Max Pacioretty is expected back ‘contact skating’ in 3 to 5 weeks. He’s on complete rest until March, then rehab begins. On March 8th, he suffered a “non-displaced fracture of his C4 vertebra and a severe concussion”
- Boston Bruins via twitter: Brad Marchand gets 2 games for his head hit on RJ Umberger.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Loui Eriksson (possible concussion) and Adam Burish (broken foot) won’t be in the lineup for the Stars tonight against the Blackhawks.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Andy Greene will be a free agent at seasons end, will he want to re-sign? “I don’t know. A lot of things will go into it,” he said. “I want to hear what their plans are, their views. Hopefully they’re the same as my views. That would make it a better match.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: With Adam Foote likely to retire at the end of the season, Dater weighs in on the candidates for the next Avalanche captain. John-Michael Liles 45%. Paul Stastny 30%. Milan Hejduk 10%. Matt Duchene 10%. Erik Johnson 5%.
- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Roman Hamrlik will play in 1,300th game tonight, and he hopes to get a contract extension from the Canadiens.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers coach Peter DeBoer has 1 more year on his contract and wants to comeback, but there are people in the organization who think it’s time for a change. Others want to see what he can do with a real lineup.
- Ted Kulfan of hte Detroit News: Joey MacDonald will get the start for the Red Wings tonight against the Blue Jackets.
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: Brian Boucher will get the start for the Flyers.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Curtis McElhinney will get the start for the Senators tonight. Craig Anderson and his undisclosed injury will back-up.
- Ben Wright via twitter: Ondrej Pavelec will be in net for the Thrashers tonight.
Crosby’s father refutes retirement pressure report … Green back late this month and other Capitals notes … Paul Stastny clears air about is dad’s comments
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on March 14th, 2011
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: GM meetings today are all about head shots and concussions.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun talked to Sidney Crosby’s father on Friday and there was no truth to Bob McCown’s reports that Crosby’s family was trying to get him to retire. Still no timetable on a possible return. “Not at all,” Troy Crosby, from his Halifax, Nova Scotia, home, told ESPN. “We’re just trying to get him healthy again. However long that takes, that’s how long it’s going to take.”
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: As the Red Wings get closer to another playoff run, coach Mike Babcock is fine-tuning his line combinations. At home when Babcock has better control of the line combinations, he have Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg together. On the road, he’ll have them on 2 lines. Friday at home they were together with Johan Franzen. Saturday in St. Louis Datsyuk was with Franzen and Holmstrom, Zetterberg centered Bertuzzi and Cleary.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Flyer forward Ian Laperriere’s playing days are likely over. He hasn’t played since last season after blocking a shot with his face. “I still have some nerve damage in my right eye and the light bothers it.” New Sabres owner Terry Pegula is worth $3 billion according to Forbes. Sergei Bobrovsky is playing more than Brian Boucher now, but that might change in the playoffs. Mike Green may return to the Capitals lineup late this month as he’s still suffering concussion symptoms. Tom Poti could return next week, he’s been battling groin issues for hte last 2 months. Since Mike Knuble will be coming off the books for the Capitals, and if he’d take a pay cut to around $2.5 million, Jason Arnott could be back with the Capitals next year. As the playoffs get closer, Tyler Seguin has become a healthy scratch more often. The Capitals are 17-0-0 when Alexander Semin scores. It’s likely that Capitals’ 1st round pick Evgeny Kuznetsov will be playing in North America next season.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Herald: The Flames have already begun to look at upcoming free agents, identifying players and their team needs. They have UFA’s Alex Tanguay, Curtis Glencross and Brendan Morrison, Anton Babchuk and Feaster noted “We’re not any further along,” about those negotiations.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Antti Niemi is expected to get the start tonight against the Blackhawks. Antero Niittymaki could get the start on start on Tuesday, ending Niemi’s 25 consecutive game run.
- Terry Frei of the Denver Post: Avalanche Paul Stastny talked to Eric Johnson about the negative comments his dad made about the trade that brought Johnson to Colorado. Paul said, “I talked to (Johnson). I told him it had nothing to do with him or Jay. I think it was more about losing Stewie, a rare power forward. When I talked with my dad, he said he meant no disrespect at all and he loves both players.”
- Ian Walker of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks winger Tanner Glass suffered an upper body injury in practice last week and tried to play through it. “I tried to play; I was treating it like a playoff game so if there was any chance I could go I would have but there was no way,” said Glass, 6-1 and 210-pounds. “It’s gotten progressively worse since the San Jose game and it’s one of those things … It’s muscular and if I keep pushing it, it’s going to get worse so I have to give it a few days.”
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