Posts Tagged Pittsburgh Penguins

NHL terminating CBA … Canucks and Panthers notes … Shero wants big 3 … Top 5 FA targets for Sens … Semin’s agent audio

  • Jason Kay via twitter: The NHL has officially let the NHLPA know they are terminating the CBA on Sept. 15th. Talks are expected to start after the draft. Liz Mullen via twitter: A source said that one side must let the other side know if they want to make changes to a CBA 120 days before it expires.
  • Ben Kuzma via twitter: With a possible lockout looming, the fall prospects tournament for Canucks, Oilers, Flames, Jets in B.C. has been cancelled.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Panthers defenseman Jason Garrison will be a UFA on July 1st, and will be looking for a nice raise from the $675,000 he made this past season. He’d like to re-sign with the Panthers, and they are saying the right things, but their priorities list may lie with Kris Versteeg and bolstering their offense. Garrison is from BC, and may hope the Canucks are interested:

    “It’s always nice to be wanted and if that’s the case and you have a quality that they like, obviously it’s my hometown team and I grew up watching them play,” said Garrison, who played with Canucks winger Mason Raymond at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. “My friends and family are big Canuck fans and would love to see me play at home but you’ve got to be the right fit for a team. You want to be able to contribute.”

    Cap space for the Canucks would depend on a Roberto Luongo deal, and the re-signing of Cory Schneider. They need a top 6 forward, a 3rd line center and a top 4 defenseman. Sami Salo and Aaron Rome are UFAs, Marc-Andre Gragnani is a RFA.

  • Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: The door is still open for Scott Clemmensen to return to the Panthers next season with Jose Theodore, and that GM Dale Tallon would like to Jacob Markstrom to spend a full year in the AHL. Fialkov doesn’t sense they will bring back Marco Sturm, John Madden or Wojtek Wolski. Mikael Samuelsson and Krys Barch are possibilities. Jonathan Huberdeau and Quinton Howden will be given every opportunity to make the Panthers next season. Alex Petrovic and Colby Robak will likely start next year in the AHL. Keaton Ellerby and possibly Shawn Matthias could be packaged to move up in the draft.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins GM Ray Shero isn’t about to give up on the 3-center model that helped them win the Cup in 2009. Jordan Staal and Sidney Crosby have 1 year left on their deals, Evgeni Malkin has 2.

    “I’d like to do that, if possible,” he said. “We’re looking at hopefully getting extensions with [Crosby and Staal].”

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch lists the top 5 free agent targets for the Senators. 1. Zach Parise 2. Chris Kelly 3. Bryan Allen 4. David Jones 5. Jiri Hudler.
  • Ansar Khan of MLive: Zach Parise will be the Red Wings top goal scoring priority, but if they can’t land him, Khan wonders if they should look at Alexander Semin? Would his motivation increase playing with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg?
  • David Pollak via twitter: New reports are saying that Todd McLellan is coming back as the Sharks coach, but likely with new assistants.

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Parise opens up a bit … 4 teams that make sense for a Staal deal … Carle deal has to wait … Nash’s name back in rumors … CF schedule

  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Pending Devils UFA Zach Parise opens up a bit:

    “I’ m enjoying this, we’re playing well. It’s not even crossing my mind,” Parise said, at first.

    “It means a lot,” Parise told The Post. “It means we have a lot of good, young players who are going to be here a long time.”

  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: If Jordan Staal hits the open market after next season, he could get around $7 million. The Penguins already have $40 million committed to 10 players, not including Sidney Crosby who may get $10 million. Reports are that the Hurricanes and Oilers could be interested. Yohe offers up the most logical trade partners for the Penguins. 1. Carolina Hurricanes – have the cap room and assets. They could offer center Brandon Sutter. They have the 8th overall pick this year and some other strong prospects. 2. Toronto Maple Leafs – Brian Burke is a big Staal fan, and Ray Shero and Burke are friends. The Leafs have Nazem Kadri and stay-at-home defenseman Luke Schenn, a type of Dman the Penguins need. 3. Edmonton Oilers – the Oilers could use and accomplished center. The Oilers have the 1st overall pick. 4. Minnesota Wild – the Wild are a “no-name squad looking for an identity” and could use a name like Jordan Staal. Cal Clutterbuck and Devin Setoguchi may be 2 players that would interest the Pens. The Wild also have the 7th pick in the draft.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Due to the salary-cap tagging rule, the Flyers won’t be able to sign Matt Carle before July 1st. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said he wants to re-sign Carle. Carle earned $3.47 million this past year, and could get in the $5 million range on his next deal.

    “I don’t see any reason why we can’t work out a deal,” Holmgren said. “His demands, when I spoke with him and his agent, nothing was ever out of line. Could we get him under market value? I would say that we probably could. I don’t see any issues there.”

  • Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: There are different reports on what was/wasn’t offered by the Rangers at the trade deadline for Blue Jackets Rick Nash. The Rangers weren’t willing to move Chris Kreider. The Jackets were asking for Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, Derek Stepan or Carl Hagelin, Dreider and a 1st round pick. Another report was they wanted Dubinsky, another forward like Stepan, a prospect (not Kreider) and a 1st round pick, maybe 2. This offseason, teams will have move flexibility with their roster and salary cap. The Sharks and Bruins should be interested, possibly the Rangers again.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks the next stop for Alexander Semin is the KHL. He had 3 goals and 1 assist in 14 playoff games. The Blue Jackets have quietly continued to try and trade Rick Nash, but it’s hard to fin serious interest now. Sharks GM Doug Wilson is rumored to be interested in revisiting talks. Wilson may have told the Jackets that they could sweeten the pot in June. Expect the Maple Leafs to make a pitch for the 1st overal pick. Expect the Flyers to make a pitch for Ryan Suter’s rights if he doesn’t re-sign with the Predators. The Wings and Wild will be interested as well.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: NHL release of Conference Finals Schedule:

    2012 EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SCHEDULE

    Date Time (ET) #1 NY Rangers vs. #6 New Jersey Networks
    Game 1: Monday, May 14 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    Game 2: Wednesday, May 16 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    Game 3: Saturday, May 19 1 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBC, CBC, RDS
    Game 4: Monday, May 21 8 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    *Game 5: Wednesday, May 23 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    *Game 6: Friday, May 25 8 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    *Game 7: Sunday, May 27 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS

    2012 WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SCHEDULE

    Date Time (ET) #3 Phoenix vs. #8 Los Angeles Networks
    Game 1: Sunday, May 13 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, TSN, RDS
    Game 2: Tuesday, May 15 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, TSN, RDS
    Game 3: Thursday, May 17 9 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBCSN, TSN, RDS
    Game 4: Sunday, May 20 3 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBC, CBC, RDS
    *Game 5: Tuesday, May 22 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    *Game 6: Thursday, May 24 9 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    *Game 7: Saturday, May 26 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix TBD, CBC, RDS

    * If necessary

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Suter-Weber notes … Wings waiting for Lidstrom and Stuart … Blues priorities … Flyers notes … Sens and Karlsson … Michalek surgery

  • Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators GM David Poile said about Ryan Suter: “Based on yesterday, I really feel he wants to play in Nashville.” Darren Dreger via twitter: “Why wouldn’t Suter go to July 1? He’s earned right to consider his options. If deal with Preds isn’t best, Nashville will trade his rights.”
  • John Glennon of the Tennessean: Shea Weber options: Sign a multi-year deal, sign an offer sheet after July 1st with the Preds having the  right to match or take the draft picks, or go to salary arbitration for a 1 or 2 year deal.

    “Right now, I really don’t think we’re thinking about that side of things,” Weber said. “It was tough (to lose to the Coyotes). … It’s not easy to be going home right now.”

    When asked if the Preds multiple trade acquisitions at the deadline will play any role in his decision:

    “Yeah, who knows? When the time (comes) to think about that, I’ll think about it. But obviously the team was committed and that’s what you want. Every year you want to fill in holes you have and I think we did a great effort in trying to make things better. It just didn’t work out.”

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said he doesn’t really need to know Nicklas Lidstrom’s decision until mid-June. Despite the talk that defenseman Brad Stuart could be looking to sign with a West Coast team to be closer to his family, the Wings are leaving the door open. Holland said he’d speak with Stuart’s agent before the draft.
  • Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: On what will be done to try and get the Blues to the next level. Jeremy Rutherfored – The Blues will get a budget soon and will likely be higher than in the past. They should look for a #2 defenseman to play beside Alex Pietrangelo. A scorer is one area that they could improve on, but Armstrong has said he believes in a scoring by committee approach. There is going to be some turnover with 7 UFAs (Arnott, Langenbrunner, Nichol, Porter, Colaiacovo, Jackman and Huskins). T.J. Oshie, David Perron and Chris Stewart will be RFAs. Jeff Gordon thinks bringing in Vladimir Tarasenko is the top priority of the Blues. Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz will bring in some needed skill. Tom Timmermann thinks they need to bring in an “experience high-quality goalscorer.” Dan O’Neill and Andy Strickland think stabilizing the teams financials is the top priority. Strickland then adds signing their own free agents, and it’s possible that one of the young core players is traded this summer to improve their roster.
  • Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed was told that numerous Flyers will be getting MRI’s and decisions on whether surgery will be needed or not will be determined after.
  • Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren isn’t sure if he needs address defense for next season as he expects Chris Pronger to return from his concussion, but he’s aware Pronger still has issues.

    “He’s doing probably the same and any chance of returning, I would say your guess is as good as mine,” Holmgren said of Pronger. “ … at some point, I’ll sit down with Chris and see where he’s at. Probably prior to July 1st, we’ll make an assessment on where he’s at.”

    The Flyers will be 1 of several teams that will be interested in Ryan Suter. If the Predators feel they can’t re-sign Suter, they’ll look to deal his rights before or at the draft. Holmgren on free agent Matt Carle:

    “I’ve said that before, if Matt wants to be here, we’d like to have him back,” Holmgren said. “I don’t see any reason why we can’t work out a deal. We’re in a position now where we can’t sign him because of tagging space, but this is something that could be done quickly, I think.”

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: As of early this week, there have been no formal talks between the Senators and Erik Karlsson. It may be in the best interest of the Sens to get something done as soon as possible so they can focus on other possible summer moves. Some  league executives think don’t think anything will get done quickly unless they get to $7 million per season immediately.“People in Ottawa should be prepared for this to take until training camp,” said one league executive requesting anonymity. “It could happen if both sides decide to dig in their heels on this one.”

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A deal in place to buy the Coyotes … Radulov-Kostitsyn could return … Trade Anderson? Staal to ‘Canes makes sense … Giroux hit could get a look at

  • John Manasso of NHL.com: Predators coach Barry Trotz said there is a “high probability” that Alex Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn will return for Game 5. The Predators are down 3-1 in the series and were shut out in their last game.
  • Dave Zorn via twitter: TV reports that there is a deal between the NHL and Greg Jamison to buy the Phoenix Coyotes. Gary Bettman and Jamison will be in town and have a press conference on Tuesday. David Pagnotta via twitter: The sale still needs to be approved by the Board of Governors and by Glendale City Council. Lisa Halverstadt via twitter: Sources are saying that Jamison is trying to get an item on the Glendale City Council agenda for Tuesday.
  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: It’s unlikely to happen, but Brennan thinks it might be a good time for the Senators to trade Craig Anderson, especially if Daniel Alfredsson is going to retire. Some of their offensive prospects still may need some time in the minors, and they may not be able to get any offensive players in free agency. Dealing from their strength, goaltending, could be an option. Putting Anderson in a package could get them a point producing forward and a defensive defenseman. The Lightning, Devils, Jets and Blue Jackets may be eager to talk. Malcolm Subban could be a draft option at #15.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Reasons that Jordan Staal may be dealt are the Penguins burgeoning payroll, how the new CBA may look, and that he’s 3rd on the Pens depth chart behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Pens wouldn’t make a draft day trade with the Oilers for the #1 pick just to make a splash since the draft is in Pittsburgh. A trade to the Hurricanes to reunite with his brother Eric does make some sense. The Hurricanes have defenseman Justin Faulk, Staal wannabe Brandon Sutter (not as much offensive upside) and the 8th overall pick.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens are in discussions with the Maple Leafs to bring in Rick Dudley. A move from the Leafs to the Canadiens is complicated in that both teams have high picks in the draft, and Dudley has done the prep work on it for the Leafs. The Leafs would prefer to wait until the draft is over before Dudley became the Canadiens assistant GM.
  • The League will look at Flyers Claude Giroux’s hit on Danius Zubrus, but will a suspension come down?

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Habs to hire Bergevin, buyout Gomez? … Leafs-Wings to do HBO 24/7 … Oilers and their #1 pick … Jets Burmistrov … Panthers only tweaking

  • Greg Brady via twitter: The Canadiens will be buying out Scott Gomez according to Louis Jean on the Brady & Lang radio show.
  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: The Montreal Canadiens have chosen Marc Bergevin to be their new GM. Bergevin was the Blachhawks assistant GM this past season.
  • Detroit Free Press: Yahoo! Sports is reporting that the Maple Leafs and Red Wings will do “HBO 24/7: Road to the NHL Winter Classic”
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have the 1st overall pick for the 3rd year in a row, and there is speculation that they may trade it, more from fans and blogs than for anyone within the organization. They would have likely taken a defenseman with the #2 pick, but now at #1 they’ll likely draft Nail Yakupov. Many fans think they should flip 1st rounders with Blue Jackets, Canadiens, Islanders or Maple Leafs and get a roster player like Jake Gardiner or P.K. Subban as well. A deal with the Penguins for Jordan Staal is the recent trade buzz. Staal will be a UFA after next season and likes it in Pittsburgh. They can’t talk about a new deal until after July 1st. The Oilers wouldn’t trade the 1st overall pick for Staal unless they knew he would sign an extension with them, and he may not want to do that when there will be many teams bidding for his services. Staal has never have more than 50 points (behind Crosby and Malkin), but how high is his offensive upside? If the Oilers were to do a 1st for Staal, they would have to get one of the Pens young blueliners as well, Joe Morrow or Simon Despres. There is no way Montreal would do the #3 and Subban for the #1. The Blue Jackets at #2 may not want to draft another Russian. The Islanders want a defenseman at #4. Jake Gardiner is likely untouchable in Toronto.
  • Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Ak Bars Kazan’s club director confirms they made an offer to Alex Burmistrov.

    “Shamil Khusnutdinov, the club’s director, is confirming that Kazan has also offered a contract to Alexander Burmistrov of the Winnipeg Jets,” wrote Adler. “Khusnutdinov would not reveal any more details other than the club’s representatives have already talked to Burmistrov who is now in training with Team Russia for the world championships.”

    Burmistrov was rushed to the NHL by the Thrashers, he doesn’t like being told by veterans or coaches his flaws.

    “He doesn’t like to be told what to do. He response is always, ‘No respect, no respect,’” said one Jets veteran, when asked this season about Burmistrov. “His English isn’t great and he gets his back up. He gets defensive. The only guy that can talk to him is Antro (Nik Antropov).”

    He might be best served to get some time in the AHL, but his salary would go from $1.5 million to $67,500.

  • George Richards of the Miami Herald: With the fairly successful season, the Florida Panthers will only be looking to tweak their roster. Panthers UFAs are: Scott Clemmensen, Jason Garrison, Krys Barch, John Madden, Mikael Samuelsson and Wojtek Wolski. Tallon said re-signing Garrison and Versteeg is a priority.

    “We want to keep the team together,” Tallon said. “We’re going to start talking to agents now and sign the guys we need to get signed. They want to be here and we want them here.”

    Florida isn’t expected to go after big name free agents like Zach Parise or Ryan Suter.

  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens P.K. Subban injured his knee in an exhibition game with Team Canada against Switzerland and will be out for the remainder of the World Championships.

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Luongo would waive his NTC … Pens want to re-sign Crosby and Staal … Grabovski gets offer before Leafs deal … Kesler injury

  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: It’s no secret the the Blue Jackets need a starting goalie, but due to Roberto Luongo’s age and contract, he would be a last resort.
  • Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Penguins GM Ray Shero said that it is their goal to re-sign both Jordan Staal and Sidney Crosby. Shero added that his is “not sure” if he can do it until he speaks with Staal and Crosby, and has a better idea of the landscape. The CBA will be a factor as well. Shelly Anderson via twitter: Shero on trading one of their 3 big centers: “We have to take a look over the next couple months.”
  • Brian Hedger via twitter: Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom: “I want to take a few weeks and get over this. It’s hard when you’re just a few days away from losing.”
  • Ben Kuzma via twitter: Canucks Ryan Kesler has a shoulder injury. Doctors will look at it further to determine if surgery is needed. He injured it in February.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Panthers Jose Thoedore wasn’t at their morning skate. Jacob Markstrom was on the ice with Scott Clemmensen. Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Theodore is with the team, and the injury is not serious. He had the injury before.

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Afternoon notes on: Torres, Grossman, Martin, Neuvirth, Halak, Bryzgalov, Garrison, Silfverberg … Bruins and Rangers lines

  • Katie Carrera via twitter: The Capitals have assigned Dany Sabourin to the AHL, which likely means Michal Neuvirth will be the backup for Game 5.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Anisimov-Stepan-Gaborik Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust (Hagelin extra) Kreider-Mitchell-Rupp (Scott extra)
  • Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Bruins lines: Lucic-Krejci-Rolston. Paille-Bergeron-Peverley. Caron/Pouliot-Kelly-Seguin. Marchand-Campbell-Thornton.
  • Mike Morreale of NHL.com: Panthers defensman Jason Garrison was a late scratch last night due to 2 lower-body injuries, and is listed as day-to-day.

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Afternoon notes: Torres, Martin, Alfredsson, Vokoun, McDonald, Chaput … Markham arena … Pens, Sens and Caps lines

  • Josh Rimer via twitter: Coyotes Raffi Torres will have an in-person hearing on Friday. Suspended indefinitely.
  • Dan Rosen via twitter: Penguins lines: Sullivan-Crosby-Dupuis; Kunitz-Malkin-Kennedy; Cooke-Staal-Tangradi; Jeffrey-Vitale-Park.  Neal, Asham and Adams out.
  • Erin Nicks of NHL.com: Senators lines: Milan Michalek – Jason Spezza – Colin Greening, Nick Foligno – Kyle Turris – Bobby Butler, Erik Condra – Zack Smith – Chris Neil, Zenon Konopka – Jim O’Brien – Jesse Winchester. Defensive Pairings: Filip Kuba – Erik Karlsson, Jared Cowen – Sergei Gonchar, Chris Phillips – Matt Carkner.
  • Brian McNallty via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Laich-Johansson. Chimera-Perreault-Semin.Hendricks-Beagle-Brouwer. Knuble-Aucoin-Ward.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues forward Andy McDonald considered retiring last October due to his concussion.

    “Early on, I was kind of down about my chances of getting back,” McDonald said Tuesday. “Having that (first concussion) and then going out so quickly this year after a hit that maybe wasn’t that severe – that was a red flag. So early on, I really didn’t know what was going to happen.”

  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets are in talks with prospect Michael Chaput, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Flyers.

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Shanahan suspension videos for Arron Asham, James Neal and Nicklas Backstrom

Penguins Arron Asham was suspended for 4 games for his cross-check on Flyers Brayden Schenn.

Penguins James Neal was suspended for 1 game for charging Flyers Claude Giroux.

Capitals Nicklas Backstrom was suspended for 1 game for cross-checking Bruins Rich Peverley.

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End of the line for Luongo? Staal deflects trade rumor … Fleury fine … Halak out … Video of Torres hit on Hossa

  • Jason Bothchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks haven’t announced who will be their starting goalie for Game 4. If Cory Schneider gets the start over Roberto Luongo, it “would be tangible evidence suggesting we may have seen the end of the Luongo era in Vancouver.” If Luongo gets the call, it’s because of his experience. If Schneider gets the call, it’s because of his numbers. Regardless, the team may be moving forward with Schneider in their plans, they don’t want to trade him. If they keep Schneider, Luongo may never regain the definitive #1 goalie status in Vancouver.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins Jordan Staal will be a free agent after next season (along with Crosby) and will likely be looking for a raise from his $4 million salary. When asked about speculation that he was unhappy with the Pens and that he could possibly be traded this summer:

    “About me?” Staal asked. “What are they saying? No, not right now. That’s the last thing on my mind, for sure.”

  • Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Marc-Andre Fleury said he’s not feeling any effects from a collision he had in a game against the Islanders towards the end of the regular season, and that it has nothing to do with his struggles. Paul Martin was given a maintenance day and is possible for tonight.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Sharks may be looking at some lineup and possible line changes for Game 4.

    “We can look at the line combinations, the potential lineup changes. There’s a lot we can do. It’s 2-1. We’ve been here many times and we’ve conducted ourselves appropriately and come back and won series.”

  • Coyotes Raffi Torres’ hit on Blackhawks Marian Hossa

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Afternoon notes on Alfredsson, Hanzal, Smith, Wolski, Gill, Backstrom, Asham, Moore, Leighton and Shaw’s 3 game suspension video

  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators Daniel Alfredsson had a setback yesterday afternoon. He’ll be evaluated tomorrow.
  • Chris Kuc via twitter: Coyotes Martin Hanzal and Mike Smith will be game time decisions. Lauri Korpikoski will be out.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Zajac-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Ponikarovsky-Henrique-Clarkson; Carter-Gionta-Bernier.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Penguins Arron Asham waived his right to an in-person hearing and will be done by phone at 5:00. He can be suspended for 6 games or more.
  • Blackhawks Andrew Shaw was suspended for 3 games for his hit on Coyotes goalie Mike Smith.

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Neal gets 2 hearings, Asham 1 … Shanahan changed mind on Weber … Alfie concussed but might play … Gil skates … Still no Neurvirth/Vokoun

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Penguins James Neal will have 2 separate disciplinary hearings tomorrow. Aaron Asham will have an in-person hearing at 11 am. Dan Rosen via twitter: Neal’s hearings are for his hit on Sean Couturier and his charging on Claude Giroux.
  • Joe Yerdon via twitter: Brendan Shanahan said he was close to giving Shea Weber a 1 one game suspension, but Red Wings GM Ken Holland told him that Henrik Zetterberg was okay, and it changed his mind.
  • Nick Cotsonika via twitter: If the Rangers are going to appeal Carl Hagelin’s suspension, they’ll have to do it before tonight. Shanahan won’t reduce Hagelin’s suspension after the fact based on whether Daniel Alfredsson will be able to play or not.
  • Bob Duff via twitter: A NHL executive: “Colin Campbell always did what he thought was right and didn’t worry about what people thought. Shanahan just wants to be liked.”
  • Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Laich-Brouwer, Johansson-Backstrom-Semin, Chimera-Beagle-Perreault, Aucoin-Hendricks-Ward.
  • Brian McNally via twitter: Michal Neuvirth and Tomas Vokoun were not at practice this morning. Dany Sabourin will be the backup.

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Weber fined … Helm out … Neil returns … Pens lines … Elliott skates … Leafs and goalies … Morrow’s future … Bitz has hearing

  • Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings forward Darren Helm had surgery to repair lacerated tendons in his right forearm and will be out from the remainder of the playoffs.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Leafs GM Brian Burke said he wouldn’t move his 1st round pick to bring a goalie like Jonathan Bernier or Anders Lindback. Zeisberger wonders if the Blues would give up one of Brian Elliott or Jaroslav Halak. Even if the Canucks wanted to trade Roberto Luongo, the Canucks “organization despises the Leafs.”
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Brenden Morrow’s future with the Stars is up in the air, and he has be hearing criticism from from fans.

    “I’m not going to lie, it’s really tough to hear,” said Morrow of speculation that the team might be better if it moved forward without him. “But at the same time, I saw it with franchise players, good friends. If it happened to Mike Modano, it can happen to anyone.

    “I don’t like it; I’m uncomfortable with it. I want us to win, I want us to be better, but I also understand this is a business and some of the things are out of my control. So what I can control is to get myself as healthy as I can and work as hard as I can and hope I perform as well as I can.

    “I’d love to be a part of the solution next year, and hopefully management agrees.”

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2011-12 NHL Attendence for each team: Final numbers

Here are the final home attendance numbers for the 2011-12 season. The Winter Classic attendance is included in Philadlephia’s numbers, hence the high “% Capacity” number.

15 teams had 100% capacity or more. 20 teams had over 96% capacity. The Phoenix Coyotes had only a 72.5% capacity this season, which is an increase for them compared to the last 2 seasons.


RK TEAM
2011-12
AVG
%
Capacity
2010-11
AVG
2009-10
AVG
2008-09
AVG
1 Chicago
21,533
105
21,423
21,356
22,247
2 Montreal
21,273
100
21,273
21,273
21,273
3 Philadelphia
20,433
107.4
21,273
19,535
19,545
4 Detroit
20,114
100.7
19,680
19,546
19,865
5 Toronto
19,506
103.7
19,354
19,289
19,312
6 Ottawa
19,356
101.1
19,289
19,260
18,949
7 Calgary
19,289
100
18,378
18,269
19,289
8 Vancouver
18,884
102.5
18,860
18,810
18,630
9 St. Louis
18,809
98.2
19,150
18,883
18,554
10 Pittsburgh
18,566
102.7
18,240
17,078
16,975
11 Buffalo
18,550
99.9
18,452
18,529
18,531
12 Washington
18,506
101.3
18,397
18,277
18,097
13 Tampa Bay
18,468
96.2
17,268
15,497
16,497
14 NY Rangers
18,191
100
18,108
18,076
18,949
15 Los Angeles
17,920
100
18,083
17,313
16,488
16 Minnesota
17,772
98.4
17,565
17,388
17,039
17 Boston
17,564
100
17,562
17,558
17,039
18 San Jose
17,562
100
18,012
18,415
17,488
19 Edmonton
16,839
100
16,839
16,839
16,839
20 Nashville
16,690
97.5
16,142
14,979
15,010
21 Florida
16,628
86.6
15,685
15,146
15,621
22 Carolina
16,042
85.9
14,820
13,947
16,572
23 Colorado
15,498
86.1
14,775
15,535
15,429
24 New Jersey
15,396
87.4
16,415
15,240
15,790
25 Winnipeg
15,004
100
13,469
13,607
14,626
26 Anaheim
14,760
86.4
14,738
15,168
16,990
27 Columbus
14,660
80.8
13,658
15,416
15,543
28 Dallas
14,226
76.8
11,059
12,735
17,680
29 NY Islanders
13,191
81.3
15,073
17,215
13,733
30 Phoenix
12,420
72.5
12,188
11,989
14,875
Prior years attendance for Winnipeg are AtlantaÕs attendance numbers.

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Afternoon notes on: Boychuk, Grossman, Penguins, Maple Leafs, Senators and bunch of starting goaltenders

  • Tim Panaccio via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman is wearing 2 knee braces and remains optimistic for the playoffs.
  • Paul Hendrick via twitter: The Maple Leafs have sent Joe Colborne back the Marlies. David Steckel will be back in the lineup. Mikhail Grabovski won’t play. Ben Scrivens will be starting in net. Jonas Siegel via twitter: Grabovski is not sure if he’ll be able to return on Saturday. He was cut around his knee by Brayden McNabb’s skate and required 20-30 stitches.
  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators Filip Kuba and Erik Karlsson will play tonight. Matt Gilroy is out. Ben Bishop will start in net.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Pekka Rinne has been battling an illness this week. He was the first off the ice and Barry Trotz said he’s “probably” the starter tonight.

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Carter’s return unknown … Boychuk injured … Jones wants to stay … Selanne to know by July 1st … Milbury’s Crosby comments

  • Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: When Kings forward Jeff Carter will be able to return is still not known. According to GM Dean Lombardi, Carter’s ankle is going to be sore for a while. Ideally the Kings would like to keep Carter off the ice until the playoffs start, but they are still no guaranteed a spot.
  • Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk had to be helped off the ice as he appeared to injury his left knee. He was seen limping around after the game, but was at least walking on his own. More will be known today.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward David Jones doesn’t know if he’ll be back with the team next season. Jones will be a UFA, and despite wanting to sign an extension by now, the Avs rarely do contracts in-season.

    “It’s unfortunate they don’t do any of their signings during a season,” Jones said Tuesday, the Avs’ fourth consecutive day without a game. “Which is fine, and just something you have to adjust to. But you can’t really think about that too much right now. We still have games to play and have a hope we can make the playoffs.”

    Jones currently makes $2.5 million and could get a deal in the $ to $4 million range. Jay McClement will also be a UFA and would like to return but added “it’s out of my hands.”

  • Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Despite not being close to 100%, Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will play out the season. Ondrej Pavelec and Evander Kane are both RFAs at the end of the year. “Not really. I’m just focusing on finishing the season strong,” the goaltender said. “There’s going to be a lot of time to think about it.”
  • Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash doesn’t know if he’ll play for Team Canada at the World Championships due to his “bumps and bruises.”
  • Eric Stephens via twitter: There is nothing new on Ducks Justin Schultz’s situation, and sources are saying there won’t be any decision for awhile. Schultz plans to remain in school to finish the year.
  • Jeff Miller of the OC Register: The Ducks competitiveness for next season will play a part in whether Teemu Selanne will return for another season.

    “The good thing is the Ducks don’t have to do much (in the offseason),” Selanne insisted despite the team missing the playoffs. “That’s always very important to me. I’m going to see (general manager) Bob (Murray) after the season to get his view about this team and the future.”

    If Selanne is going to retire, he said he will let the team know by July 1st.

  • Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun: The Oilers have 10 pending free agents, 7 are restricted. It’s unlikely that Linus Omark will be back next year. Since he’s a RFA, they will likely have to qualify him before trying to trade him. If the Oilers draft Mikahil Grigorenko and bring in Anton Lander, they may look to trade Eric Belanger and his $2 million salary. The Oils will have to make a decision on Darcy Hordichuk. Ryan Smyth situation remain in question. Goalie Devan Dubnyk is one of their RFAs.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN (mailbag): The Wild need to find some offense going forward. The Wild will go after Zach Parise if he hits the open market, but will be joined by the Red Wings, Rangers and others. The Flames aren’t interested in a “Edmonton-style rebuild,” but there will be changes. LeBrun thinks the Flames need to sit down with Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff and have “The Chat.” LeBrun doesn’t think Dion Phaneuf is not captain material and their top 6 forwards are too small. They need a #1 goalie, #1 center and some spare parts. Ducks GM Bob Murray has some big offseason decisions to make regarding his core group. LeBrun doesn’t think they should trade Ryan Getzlaf as they’d spend the next decade trying to replace him.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Milbury’s comments about Sidney Crosby:”Little goody two-shoes [Crosby] goes into the corner and gives a shot to [Brayden] Schenn,” Milbury said. “Schenn was late to the party, he should have turned around and drilled him right away, but I guess better late than never. So you know, Crosby gets cross-checked, big whoop. He said after he came back from his 35th concussion, ‘I’m not going to do this anymore, I’m not going to get into these scrums, I’m going to stay away from that stuff.’ He couldn’t help himself because there’s a little punk in Crosby. He’s not the perfect gentleman. He’s not the sweet kid you see in interviews with his hat pulled down over his eyes. I’d say screw him, hit him.”

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Backstrom could play Saturday … Letang out at least 2 games … Leafs interested in Abbott … Vokoun ready … Canucks goalies

  • Chuck Gormley via twitter: Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom said he won’t play on Thursday against Boston. Could be looking at Saturday against the Canadiens.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Word is that the Maple Leafs are close to signing college free agent Spencer Abbott of the Maine Black Bears. A number of teams are interested but he may be leaning towards signing with the Leafs. Abbott had 62 points in 39 games and is a Hobey Baker Award finalist.
  • David ALter via twitter: Maple Leafs line: MacArthur-Grabovski-Frattin, Ashton-Bozak-Kessel, Connolly-Steckel-Crabb, Rosehill-Lombardi-Brown-Armstrong.
  • Ken Warren via twitter: Senators Ben Bishop said his recovery is ahead of schedule and is hoping to skate this weekend. He might be able to play next week.
  • Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks Cory Schneider will start tonight, and should get another start this weekend as they have a back-to-back starting Friday. There is a chance Schneider plays in 5 of 9 games in a 2 week stretch that follows Roberto Luongo’s worst 4 game stretch this year. “Is it possible there’s a genuine goaltending audition going on here and no one has much noticed or believed it?”

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Hall out 5-6 months … No contact yet for Toews … Roster notes for Pens, Devils, Preds, Wings … Starting goalies

  • Edmonton Oilers via twitter: Oilers Taylor Hall will not return to this season as he’ll be having labral shoulder surgery. According to Steve Tambellini: “Recovery time will be between five and six months, so our hope is that Taylor will be ready for the start of next season.”
  • Mike Morreale via twitter: Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said that Jonathan Toews still hasn’t been cleared for contact.
  • Pens Inside Scoop: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is day-to-day with a lower body injury. Ben Lovejoy had knee surgery and will be out 3-4 weeks.

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Morning notes on: Kessel, Crosby, Letang, Lidstrom, Kuznetsov, Gerbe, Nash, Selanne, Gomez and Toews

  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox doesn’t think Phil Kessel fits with the Maple Leafs. Despite his ability to score 30 goals,

    “He’s no leader on a team still developing internal leadership. He’s not combative or a fierce adversary. He doesn’t bring size to the equation or pluck or two-way excellence.”

    Cox thinks the Leafs should look at trading Kessel. He has a $5.4 million cap hit, and will get a $5.1 million salary next year and $5.4 million in the last year of his deal.

  • Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom suffered a bit of a setback. At yesterdays’ morning skate,

    “I was more sore today when I skated, so that’s why I was out there for just a few minutes. It was more sore today.” He has a deep bone bruise and there is still some swelling, no fracture.

    On shutting things down for a bit:

    “We’ve talked about it,” he said. “I’m sure they’ll talk more to the coaching staff and see what the next step will be, but it’s still day-to-day. It’s discouraging that I haven’t started feeling better, as it’s going on two weeks now.”

  • John Vogl via twitter: Sabres Nathan Gerbe was scratched from last night’s game with upper-body injury.
  • Jim Matheson via twitter: A veteran pro scout on Blue Jackets Rick Nash, he loves his skill but “Does he make other people around him better?”
  • Derek van Diest of the Toronto Sun: Blue Jackets Rick Nash won’t talk about his trade request and why he wanted out of Columbus.Defenseman James Wisniewski on how it is has been in the dressing room after Nash’s request came out last month,

    “Our job is to go out there and play hockey,” said Blue Jackets defenceman James Wisniewski. “We go out there to try and win hockey games. What happened behind the scene is his personal business and we support him as a person and as a player.”

  • Jeff Miller of the OC Register: Jari Kurri thinks that Teemu Selanne should keep playing,

    “Everybody’s really happy with what he’s doing,” Jari Kurri said. “Keep going. Why stop now?”

    “I’m hoping he keeps playing,” Kurri said. “Why stop? I know he wants to win. He wants to do well and he’s playing well. I don’t see any reason for him to stop.”

  • Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens forward Scott Gomez will miss some time with a concussion. Gomez suffered the injury when he was hit by Sabres Tyler Myers, who was suspended for 3 games.
  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: (written on Tuesday) Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville on Jonathan Toews:

    “it’s part of the process. Some days are better than others, but he knows his body and we’ll see how he is. Hopefully, we’ll get him back on the ice (Wednesday) and things progress.”

    “Jonathan was excited when he was skating,” Quenneville said. “He’s still looking forward to getting back. Hopefully, it’s going to be soon.

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Afternoon notes on: Radulov, Duchene, Perry, Sbisa, Datsyuk, Letang, Backstrom, Eager and Wings starting goalies

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov’s Russian agent said there is no meeting with the KHL today. A decision is expected tomorrow.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Matt Duchene will return to the lineup on Thursday. He will miss only 9 days instead of the expected 3 to 4 weeks for the ankle injury.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Both Corey Perry and Luca Sbisa are questionable for tonight. Perry injured his shoulder on Saturday and Sbisa developed back spasms on Monday.
  • Dave Lozo via twitter: Capitals Nicklas Backstrom has skated 2 days in a row and said there’s “no problems at all.”

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