Posts Tagged St. Louis Blues
Suter-Weber notes … Wings waiting for Lidstrom and Stuart … Blues priorities … Flyers notes … Sens and Karlsson … Michalek surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 11th, 2012
- 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.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek had hip surgery and it’s believed he’ll be ready for the start of next year.
Afternoon notes: Devils, Flyers, Blues, Predators and Stars
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on May 8th, 2012
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Ponikarovsky-Zajac-Kovalchuk; Parise-Elias-Clarkson; Sykora-Henrique-Zubrus; Carter-Gionta-Bernier.
- Randy Miller via twitter: Andres Lilja and Pavel Kubina skating after practice. Andrej Meszaros likely returning. Laviolette said he’s looked good for 7 to 10 days.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues have made it clear that they’d like to have Vladimir Tarasenko in uniform next season, and he’s nearing his decision if he’ll head to North America or remain in Russia. He’s expected to make his decision after the IIHF World Championships. Tarasenko has indicated to some that he intends to sign with the Blues. Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo had an MCL injury after taking the hit from Dwight King in Game 2. Forward T.J. Oshie suffered a knee injury, possibly in Game 3.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Predators GM David Poile should be able to recoup a 1st round pick this year by trading backup goalie Anders Lindback. Andrei Kostitsyn likely won’t be back. Alexander Radulov will be a RFA and will want a big raise if they bring him back (and if he wants to stay in the NHL). If coach Barry Trotz thinks he can straighten Radulov out, he may be back (if they can sign him).
- Brandon Worley via twitter: Did you know that Doug Armstrong traded #13 pick in 2002
for #26, #42 and #180. The #13 pick was Alex Semin and none of 3 picks for Stars played in NHL. (#26 – Martin Vagner, #42 – Marius Holtet, and #180 – Kirill Sidorenko). 2002 draft results
Torres appeals his suspension … Rads-Kostitsyn back at practice … Pietrangelo-Kovalchuk hope to return … Cervenka details
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions on May 3rd, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Hearing that Raffi Torres is appealing his 25 games suspension. Saying that 25 games was “excessive.” The CBA says that discipline needs to be enforced in a “consistent” manner. The question is if the suspension is consistent others? The appeal will be heard by Bettman. He will decide if it’s a in-person hearing, by phone or none at all. Bettman must write a ruling upon his decision. Darren Dreger via twitter: Torres appeal could be held next week. A reduction is unlikely.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Alexander Radulov was skating with Andrei Kostitsyn and Craig Smith at Predators practice this morning.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues hope to get defenseman Alex Pietrangelo back tonight. He’s been battling a lower body injury as well as concussion like symptoms. He made it through yesterday’s practice, but it may depend on how his head feels.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Top 3 Devils lines: Parise-Elias-Clarkson; Sykora-Zajac-Zubrus; Ponikarovsky-Henrique-Bernier. Rich Chere via twitter: Ilya Kovalchuck is skating with Ryan Carter and Stephen Gionta. Kovalchuk said he’s ready to play, a coaches decision. NJ Devils PR via twitter: Coach Peter DeBoer said that Kovalchuk wll be a game-time decision.
- Capgeek via twitter: Flames Roman Cervenka has bonuses “totalling $2 million for Hart, Richard, Selke and Conn Smythe voting, all-star team selection, and top-10 scoring stats.” Cervenka has a European assignment clause so if it doesn’t work out, he can leave.
Petrov, Mayorov sign in KHL … Preds still hope to re-sign Suter and Weber … Coaching notes for Sharks, Canadiens … 5 priorities for Sens
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 3rd, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Islanders prospect Kirill Petrov signed a contract extension with with Ak Bars.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Ak Bars has also signed Blue Jackets defenseman Maxim Mayorov. Aaron Portzline via twitter: It’s believed that the Blue Jackets will qualify Mayorov and keep his rights.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The two 2011 Stanley Cup Finals goaltenders, Roberto Luongo and Tim Thomas, could find themselves on the trading block this summer. Luongo has given the Canucks a short list of teams he’s accept a trade too: possibly the Panthers, Lightning, Blackhawks and Maple Leafs. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has heard the rumors on Thomas:
“I’ve seen speculation about moving a goalie, but I’m certainly not inclined to do that,” Chiarelli said.
“Tim didn’t have statistically the year he had the year before, but I thought he had a very good year. We have, if not the best, one of the top goaltending tandems in the league.”
The Predators still believe they’ll be able to re-sign Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. Predators chairman Tom Cigarran:
“We were going to keep the very best players to the extent we can, to the extent they want to play here,” Cigarran told the Tennessean. “To the extent they want to play here, we would step up and make sure we had the money available to pay them.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks GM Doug Wilson got a vote of confidence from ownership, but the coaching staff hasn’t received one yet. Wilson is still in the review process, which should be completed over the next couple weeks. Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Coach Todd McLellan has 2 years left on his deal, and LeBrun thinks he’ll remain with the team. New Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin would definitely be interested in Alain Vigneault if the Canucks fired him. Marc Crawford could also be in the mix for the Canadiens job. Darren Dreger reported that Bob Hartley and Michel Therrien are in consideration. The sale of the St. Louis Blues to minority owner Tom Stillman is “very close.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators top 5 offseason priorities: 1. Bring back Daniel Alfredsson 2. Sign defenceman Erik Karlsson 3. Re-sign center Chris Kelly as a UFA 4. Trade defenceman Sergei Gonchar 5. Buy out winger Bobby Butler.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues tried to upgrade their blueline at the trade deadline, but were unsuccessful. Kent Huskins will likely replace Ian Cole tonight. Matt D’Agostini could replace Alex Steen on the line with Andy McDonald and David Backes. Blues coach Ken Hitchcock wanted to rule Jaroslav Halak out of the series to eliminate any potential distraction.
Morning notes on: Torres, Lidstrom, Alfredsson, Luongo, Red Wings, Roy, Emery, Clifford, Parse and Blues sale
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 21st, 2012
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Coyotes Raffi Torres suspension is likely to be announced late morning or early afternoon.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom reiterated last night that a decision on his future won’t be made for several weeks. He’ll eventually meet with GM Ken Holland to,
“go over things. So I’ll see what he wants to do and what time table he’ll give me to make a decision.”
Coach Mike Babcock,
“I think Nick Lidstrom retires when he thinks he’s not a good player any more. But I think he’s been a pretty darn good player. He’s too good to quit.”
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Daniel Alfredsson won’t be returning for Game 5. He didn’t practice with the team yesterday, and didn’t fly with them to New York .
- Jim Jamieson via twitter: Canucks Roberto Luongo said he isn’t reading papers or listening to the radio about speculation surrounding his future. Luongo added that he’s 100% behind Cory Schneider.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) The Red Wings did have interest in Rick Nash at the trade deadline, but it wasn’t the right timing for the Wings. The cost financially and structurally was also too much for the Wings. If they hit the open marketing, the Wings will have interest in landing one or both of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter.
- Marianne White in the Montreal Gazette: Patrick Roy said yesterday that he hasn’t received a call from the Canadiens yet, “But my cellphone is always turned on.” Roy added,
“If I receive a phone call, I’m obviously going to listen,” he said.
“The NHL has been the best thing that’s happened to me in my life and I’m certainly not going to turn down calls from an NHL team. But am I going to make calls? No.”
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Jahns wonders if the Blackhawks will go with Ray Emery for Game 5 over Corey Crawford.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kyle Clifford didn’t skate yesterday. Scott Parse took part in his first team practice since November. Parse is still weeks away from possibly playing.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gary Bettman said yesterday that the sale of the St. Louis Blues could be completed “soon.” Once the lawyers are finished, the NHL Board of Governors will meet with Tom Stillman to give their final approval.
“We remain singularly focused on Tom Stillman completing his proposed transaction to purchase the St. Louis Blues’ franchise. “The process is progressing positively, and we have no reason to think that it won’t get done in the relatively near future.”
Luongo a tough move … JVR ready … Halak still in boot … Could it be Lidstrom’s final game … Roy knows Habs will call
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 20th, 2012
- Craig Custance of ESPN: One GM laughed when asked if Roberto Luongo’s contract is movable, and another responded:
“No,” he answered. “Unless the trading team was allowed to subsidize the deal.”
Options for the Canucks this summer: 1. Pray for an amnesty clause – if he was bought out at the end of the season without the amnesty, Luongo would come off the books in 2031-32. 2. Trade him – he has a no-trade clause and tough contract to move. “There’s a limited amount of teams,” an NHL source said. “A very limited amount of teams.” The Lightning are looking for a goalie this summer. Luongo has ties to the state of Florida. The Panthers have Jacob Markstrom on the way. The Leafs are looking for a goalie as well, but Burke doesn’t like long contract, plus “Why would he want to go from one fishbowl to another?” one source said. 3. Keep him – this would be a tough sell and Luongo likely wouldn’t be happy being a backup. With Schneider needing a new contract, a lot of money would be tied up in the position.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Shoalts thinks the only teams that may need goaltending are the Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets and Oilers. The Devils could be looking for a goalie due to Martin Brodeur’s age, but there financial situation would likely prevent bringing in Luongo.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers James van Reimsdyk skated for the 4th straight day yesterday and appears ready to return to the lineup. Defenseman Nicklas Grossman is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Erik Gustafsson or Brandon Manning would take Grossman’s place if he’s not ready to go.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak’s return to the lineup doesn’t appear to be imminent. He is still wearing a walking boot on his left foot, and missed his 2nd straight game. Halak tested it out on the ice on Tuesday, but it didn’t go that well.
- Rich Hammond via twitter: Kings coach Darryl Sutter on Simon Gagne: “I don’t even know if he’s in North America.”
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: If the Red Wings lose tonight, it’s possible that Nicklas Lidstrom has played his final NHL game. Lidstrom will be 42 in a week.
“I’ve been hearing that same story for about five years now,” Babcock said Thursday. “I haven’t thought much about Nick. I’d be shocked if he retires, but I’ve been shocked before.”
“It’s crossed my mind,” Jimmy Howard said, “but you try not to think about it. It’s been quite the honor to play with Nick, and I hope he comes back, but that’s up to him.”
Lidstrom has said he’ll take some time to relax after the season, then him and his wife will make a decision on next year.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Patrick Roy’s Quebec Remparts are out of the playoffs, and he knows a call from the Canadiens will be coming.
“Going there would definitely interest him. He thrives on challenges,” said the above friend. “Winning one or two Stanley Cups was not enough for him; he wanted more. And, when the Avalanche traded for Ray Bourque, it became his mission to win another one.”
Serge Savard told the Montreal Gazette mid season that he thought the Roy would coach the Canadiens under “certain conditions.” Guy Lafleur thinks Roy would be a better GM than coach.
- Martin Lunden via a Swedish site: (tweeted by Bruce McCurdy) Oilers 2011 1st round draft pick Oscar Klefbom is set to a sign a 3 year entry-level deal with the team.
Afternoon notes: Torres, Martin, Alfredsson, Vokoun, McDonald, Chaput … Markham arena … Pens, Sens and Caps lines
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions on April 18th, 2012
- Josh Rimer via twitter: Coyotes Raffi Torres will have an in-person hearing on Friday. Suspended indefinitely.
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said that Paul Martin is out for Game 4.
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Penguins lines: Sullivan-Crosby-Dupuis; Kunitz-Malkin-Kennedy; Cooke-Staal-Tangradi; Jeffrey-Vitale-Park. Neal, Asham and Adams out.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Senators coach Paul MacLean said there is no update on Daniel Alfredsson.
- 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.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun said he had a pretty significant groin tear.
- Brian McNallty via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Laich-Johansson. Chimera-Perreault-Semin.Hendricks-Beagle-Brouwer. Knuble-Aucoin-Ward.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Markham will vote on the 19,000 seat arena proposal next week. A special general committee council on Friday at 1:30 pm and a special meeting next Thursday at 7 pm.
- 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: Blue Jackets forward Tomas Kubalik had should surgery, should be ready for training camp.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets are in talks with prospect Michael Chaput, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Flyers.
Yakupov wants to be an Oiler … Elliott to start … Sharks may add size … Allaire may retire … Suspension videos for Hagelin and Carkner
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 16th, 2012
- Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun: Likely 1st overall draft pick Nail Yakupov said:
“I definitely want to go to Edmonton and play for the Oilers, for sure,”
“I’ve played in Canada, in Sarnia, for the last two years. I love the people. I very much want to play for a Canadian team like Edmonton. I want to play for those guys!
“If they draft me, I will work very hard to make the team, give it everything I’ve got to work hard and play for the Oilers.
“I want to be No. 1. No. 1 is No. 1. I don’t want to be second or third.”
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Brian Elliott will start in net for the Blues. Jaroslav Halak suffered a lower-body injury on Saturday and will be out for tonight. The injury isn’t considered serious.
- Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks may be considering making a lineup change for Game 3. The Sharks may look to get bigger, with options being Michal Handzus Brad Winchester and Colin White. Dominic Moore’s broken nose was badly swollen yesterday but he’ll be able to go.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: According to Elliotte Friedman, Maple Leafs goalie coach Francois Allaire may resign and retire as an active goalie coach. Burke told the Star that he had not heard directly from Allaire regarding his retirement.
- Rangers Carl Hagelin gets a 3 game suspension for his head hit on Senators Daniel Alfredsson.
- Senators Matt Carkner gets a 1 game suspension for fighting Rangers Brian Boyle.
Afternoon notes on: Radulov, Sedin, Gill, Krejci, Kubina, Rome, Ebbett, Preds and Wings lines, Halak starts
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 13th, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Predators Alexander Radulov’s Russian agent: “Radulov will most likely spend the next season in Russia.”
- Brad Zeimer of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks forward Daniel Sedin won’t be in the lineup tonight.
- Craig Custance via twitter: Predators Hal Gill won’t be in the lineup tonight but he’s making progress. He’ll travel with the team to Detroit. Josh Cooper via twitter: Gill: “I’m going to give it some more time. I don’t think at this point I can help the team.”
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Bruins David Krejci thinks he’ll be able to go for Game 2.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Flyers defenseman Pavel Kubina will be back in the lineup after being a healthy scratch. He’ll replace Marc-Andre Bourdon who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: For Game 2 Aaron Rome will replace Keith Ballard, and Andrew Ebbett is in for the suspended Byron Bitz.
- ESPN: Predators lines: S. Kostitsyn – Fisher – Erat , A. Kostitsyn – Legwand – Radulov, Bourque – Spaling – Hornqvist , Yip – Gaustad – Halischuk. Defensive Pairings: Suter – Weber, Klein – Josi, Bouillon – Hillen/Ellis … Red Wings Lines: Franzen – Datsyuk – Bertuzzi , Filppula – Zetterberg – Hudler, Nyquist – Albdelkader – Cleary, Miller – Emmerton – Holmstrom. Defensive Pairings: Lidstrom – Ericsson, Kronwall – Stuart, Quincey – White.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Jaroslav Halak will start Game 2 for the Blues.
Weber fined … Helm out … Neil returns … Pens lines … Elliott skates … Leafs and goalies … Morrow’s future … Bitz has hearing
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on April 12th, 2012
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Shea Weber was fined $2,500 for hitting Henrik Zetterberg’s head into the glass.
- 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.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators Chris Neil will return to the lineup. Matt Gilroy is also in.
- Shelly Anderson via twitter: Penguins lines: Kunitz-Malkin-Neal, Sullivan-Crosby-Dupuis, Cooke-Staal-Kennedy, Asham-Vitale-Adams.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Anton Khudobin will backup Tim Thomas tonight.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Blues goalie Brian Elliott took part in their morning skate.
- 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.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Canucks Byron Bitz’s disciplinary hearing is at 3:30 EST.
2011-12 NHL Attendence for each team: Final numbers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 9th, 2012
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. | ||||||
Afternoon notes on: Boychuk, Grossman, Penguins, Maple Leafs, Senators and bunch of starting goaltenders
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on April 5th, 2012
- Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk is day-to-day with a mild knee sprain.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman is wearing 2 knee braces and remains optimistic for the playoffs.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Penguins Sullivan, Neal and Nikanen will not be in the lineup for the Penguins. Will DePaoli via twitter: Eric Tangradi is skating on a line with Sidney Crosby and Pascal Dupuis.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Scratches or out tonight for the Capitals: Halpern, Ward, Erskine, Schultz, Vokoun. Brian McNally via twitter: Michal Neuvrith is expected to start tonight.
- 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.
- Bob Duff via twitter: Jimmy Howard will start in net for the Red Wings against the Devils.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Jonathan Quick was the first off the ice for the Kings and the likely starter.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Josh Harding will start in net for the Wild.
- George Richards via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers against the Capitals.
- Luke DeCock via twitter: Cam Ward was the first off the ice and will likely start in net for the Hurricanes.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Martin Biron will start in net for the Rangers against the Penguins.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Steve Mason will start in net for the Blue Jackets.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Brian Elliott will start in net for the Blues on Friday. Jaroslav Halak will start on Saturday.
Morning notes on: Toews, Bolland, Brunette, Kassian, Sedin, Ballard, Jets, Blues ownership and Schneider starts
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 5th, 2012
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews hasn’t been ruled out for Saturday.
“There’s still signs of the concussion lingering and, when that’s completely gone, I’ll be comfortable playing,” said Toews.
Dave Bolland is day-to-day with a n upper-body injury. Andrew Brunette (foot) is questionable for tonight.
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks Zach Kassian is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Byron Bitz has been recalled. Coach Vigneault when asked if Daniel Sedin has begun light skating,
“He’s following the protocol. . .there’s nothing to report there. That’s where we are.”
GM Mike Gillis has said he hopes Daniel is ready for the playoffs. Keith Ballard travelled with the team but won’t play tonight. Kevin Bieksa has missed the last 4 games.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: The Jets need to find a #1 center either through a draft and develop or through free agency. Brian Little, Alex Burmistrov and Kyle Wellwood have been used in the top 6, but are not top-line centers. Top draft pick Mark Scheifele still needs to grow physically and learn to against men.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Minority owner of the Blues, Tom Stillman, is still working on finalizing a deal to buy the team. No closing date is set. One area that hasn’t been settled with the NHL yet is who guarantees/funds the losses.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Cory Schneider will start in net for the Canucks against the Flames.
Afternoon notes: Briere, Gonchar, Segal, Komarov, Leafs goalies, Flyers lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 3rd, 2012
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers Daniel Briere hopes to be able to return for the start of the playoffs, but said there is no timetable.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators coach Paul MacLean said that Sergei Gonchar will be out tonight with a lower-body injury.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: The Lightning put Brandon Segal on waivers.
- Damien Cox via twitter: The Maple Leafs are hopeful they can lure forward Leo Komarov (2006 6th round draft pick) over next year. He’s been playing for Moscow Dynamo (stats at bottom).
- The Leafs Nation Audio: Justin Goldman (@TheGoalieGuild), Ian (@67Sound) and (@JPNikota) talk about the Leafs goaltending situation and Francois Allaire. (@TheGoalieGuild is an excellent twitter follow, really informative)
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers lines: Hartnell-Giroux-Jagr, Schenn-Read-Simmonds, Talbot-Couturier-Voracek, Shelley-Wellwood-Rinaldo. Defensive pairings: Timonen-Coburn, Carle-Kubina, Lilja-Bourdon.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Bruins Tim Thomas is not playing or dressing tonight.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Andres Lindback is the likely starter for tonight. Pekka Rinne didn’t skate.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Henrik Lundqvist will start in net for the Rangers tonight.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Ilya Bryzgalov was the first off the ice and the likely starter for tonight.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Ben Scrivens looks to be starter tonight for the Maple Leafs.
- George Richards via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Brian Elliott will start in net tomorrow against the Red Wings.
Leo Komarov
Morning notes on Sedin, Toews, Carter, McQuaid, Reimer, Gustavsson, McDonald, Hejduk, Mueller, Suter and Parise
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 30th, 2012
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: The Canucks get some good news in that Daniel Sedin could be ready to return for the 1st round of the playoffs according to GM Mike Gillis.
“It’s risky to make projections with these things because one day the player just may not feel right, but he’s going in the right direction,” Gillis told The Vancouver Sun. “He’s feeling a little better each day. We’re hopeful if things keep going the way they are that he’ll be available [for the first round].”
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews is getting real close to returning.
“I’m not sure if it’s official yet, but probably,” Toews said. “If it’s not [Thursday], it will be soon, though.”
Defenseman Steve Montador’s concussion symptoms returned on Tuesday and he’s out indefinitely.
- Rich Hammond of LAKings NHL.com: Kings Jeff Carter is unlikely to play tonight due to an ankle injury.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid left last night’s game in the 1st period after being hit face-first into the boards by Jason Chimera. McQuaid has had concussion issues in the past. He was cut over the eye and was ‘woozy’ leaving the ice.
“We’ll probably learn more (today),” coach Claude Julien said. “But for the obvious reasons that the medical staff deals with those kind of things, the minute you don’t feel right, they pull you out. So hopefully we’ll get good news (today).”
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: The Maple Leafs may shut James Reimer down for the season as a result of concussion-like symptoms returning.
“There will be probably a point that there’ll be a decision made if he’s going to return or not,” Carlyle said. “That’s in the medical people’s hands right now. We just have to wait for clearance from everybody involved to put the player back on the ice.”
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs pending UFA Jonas Gustavsson is trying to not think that far ahead. “What’s going to happen next year is going to wait for a while.” Gustavsson was injured in the warmups and was unable to make the start. The Leafs may look to bring in a veteran goalie next year to work with James Reimer.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues forward Andy McDonald will return to the lineup on Saturday.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk is considering retiring after the season.
“It could be. I don’t want to analyze right now, but it definitely could be,” Hejduk said.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: (mailbag) Avs pending RFA Peter Mueller has been a healthy scratch for 2 games lately and would required a $2.2 million qualifying offer. Dater thinks they will likely qualify him, but it is possible they look to trade him.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Sources are saying that the Red Wings have sent scouts to watch the remaining games of pending UFAs Ryan Suter and Zach Parise. The Wings could be leaning more towards Suter since Nicklas Lidstrom could retire or play only one more season. B.J. Crombeen has been out with a hand injury. Roman Polak could return on Saturday.
Injury notes on Bryzgalov, Backstrom, Ehrhoff and Timonen … Some starting goalies for tonight
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 28th, 2012
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov has a small chip fracture in his right foot. An MRI showed the fracture after 2 x-rays revealed nothing. He won’t require surgery and could be back playing by the weekend.
“We don’t think this is a serious injury,” Holmgren said. “It’s a chip off a weight-bearing bone, and the doctor has said it’ll be absorbed back into his system, and there’s no real risk here at all [to play]. It’s just he’s in a little bit of pain right now.”
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom passed his baseline test “with flying colors.” Backstrom has been out since Jan. 3rd, and has skated 14 of the past 15 days.
“We’ll see where it goes from here,” McPhee said. “We’re making sure he’s in good shape and he’s comfortable. It’s going to be his decision.”
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff left last night’s game in the 1st period with a knee injury.
“We’ll have our doctors evaluate him but it looks like he’s going to miss a little bit of time,” said coach Lindy Ruff. “It’s something we’ll get evaluated [today] and get a better idea.”
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timomen is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
- Iain MacIntyre via twitter: Cory Schneider will start in net tonight against the Avalanche.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Devan Dubnyk will start in net for the for the Oilers tonight against the Stars.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Jaroslav Halak will start in net on Thursday for the Blues.
Keith waives in-person hearing … Tarasenko ready for NHL … Bettman ready for CBA talks … Howard back next week … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 23rd, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Blackhawks Duncan Keith waived his right for the in-person hearing. Will do over the phone at 2 PM EST.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Vladimir Tarasenko’s Russian agent told SovSport that Tarasenko “is ready for the NHL…both physically and mentally.” … But Chesnokov wonders if he’ll come over.
- AP in the Sporting News: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said they are ready to start CBA talks:
“That’s something that we’re relying on the union for right now,” Bettman said of the timing on talks. “We’ve been ready to go for months but there’s a new executive director and he’s getting up to speed, meeting with his constituents and when the union’s ready, then we’ll start.”
NHLPA spokesman Jonathan Weatherdon from an email statement:
“At our request, the NHL recently supplied the NHLPA with some initial financial information that we are currently reviewing,” Weatherdon said. “While we do not have a set date for formal negotiations to begin, we expect negotiations will begin when we have players available to participate in bargaining sessions.”
- Ted Kulfan via twitter: Red Wings Jimmy Howard won’t be back in the lineup until next week. Needs 2 good practices. Ansar Khan via twitter: Howard not practicing today. Johan Franzen and Nicklas Lidstrom are skating. Franzen left the ice before the drills started.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews has skated for 4 consecutive days.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Blues have put Danny Syvret on re-entry waivers.
- Rob Mixer via twitter: Cam Ward is the likely starter for the Hurricanes tonight against the Blue Jackets.
- David Alter via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs. Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils. Travis Zajac won’t return tonight.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Henrik Lundqvist will start in net for the Rangers.
Sedin leaves with head injury … Backstrom could practice next week … Wings injury update … Steen progressing … Sarich back to Calgary
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 22nd, 2012
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks Daniel Sedin took one shift after Duncan Keith’s elbow, and didn’t return for the 2nd period after suffering an apparent head injury.
- Katie Carerra of the Washington Post: Capitals Nicklas Backstrom has skated 8 of the last 9 days and could return to practice next week. There is no timeline on when he could be back in the lineup.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings injury update: Nicklas Lidstrom, Jakub Kindle, Jimmy Howard are hoping for Saturday. Johan Franzen isn’t sure when he can get back to skating or into game action.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues forward Alex Steen (concussion) has been back on the ice with teammates. He’ll remain with the team and return to St. Louis after their 3 game road trip. Strickland thinks he’ll play at some point this year, with the regular season a possibility but no timetable has been given.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Flames defenseman Cory Sarich went back to Calgary after looking concussed during their game against the Avalanche.
Radulov returning to Predators this week … Stuart leaving Wings after season … No broken bones for Backes … KHL wants to play in Brooklyn
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 19th, 2012
8:10 AM:
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Someone OTHER than Radulov bought out his contract for this year. It’s undisclosed who paid for it.
8:05 AM:
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Alexander Radulov will be on a plane for Nashville tomorrow according to Sport-Express. Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Radulov bought himself out of his Salavat deal just for the remainder of the season. He’s still under contract for next season with them. Radulov wanted to keep his KHL options open in case he didn’t receive a good enough offer in the NHL.
7:55 AM:
- Darren Dreger via twitter: As of about 7:39 AM, the Predators remain optimistic about Radulov returning, but GM David Poile said they are still waiting for confirmation.
7:25 AM:
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Alexander Radulov and his KHL team Salavat have reached an agreement that would let Radulov leave for Nashville now. Salavat would keep his KHL rights. Reports are that he’ll fly to Ufa [today] and likely leave for Nashville later this week. Dmitry Checnokov via twitter: Radulov’s russian agent confirms that he’ll be joining the Predaotrs in the coming days. Curtis Zupke via twitter: Predators coach Barry Trotz said that Radulov could fly to the U.S. by Tuesday, and that he’d “love” to see him in the lineup on Thursday. Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Comments from Ryan Suter, Mike Fisher and Shea Weber on Radulov:
Ryan Suter:“Whenever you have top players it makes the game a lot easier. Simple, easy plays, not a lot of panic. He’s a top player.”
Mike Fisher:
“Radulov has been here before and knows some of the guys. I don’t see him not fitting in fine. He’s going to add a lot. If he does end up coming, you can add a player like that late going into the playoffs, it’s going to be big for us.”
Shea Weber:
“Everyone knows what a good player he is and how dynamic he is and what he’s able to do with the puck. It adds another element and adds some depth and some exciting play.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Current Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart is a pending UFA and has made it known that he likely won’t be back with the Wings next season. His wife and 3 kids still live in California, and it’s too far with him in Detroit. The Sharks would be a perfect fit, and the Kings might have interest. Kings GM Dean Lombardi drafted Stuart.
- St. Louis Blues via twitter: Blues forward David Backes blocked a shot on Saturday and will be evaluated in a few days according coach Ken Hitchcock. Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Backes didn’t break any bones. Hitchcock said there is no return date yet. He’ll go on the West Coast trip and could play by the end of it.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: The Lightning are signing goalie Sebastien Caron, who has been playing in Germany. Announce coming today. Dustin Tokarski likely heading back to the AHL.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: The KHL wants to play regular season games in Brooklyn next year.
“We decided that when the basketball club [the New Jersey Nets, owned by Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov] finishes building its arena in Brooklyn, KHL Legends Game and regular season games will be held there,” Medvedev said in the interview. (Interview by SovSport)
“We are continuing to improve the relationship between the KHL and the NHL. I am hoping that the situation with [Alex] Radulov will not spoil it.”
Jaromir Jagr’s thoughts:
“They’re thinking of doing that?” Jagr asked. “No [bleeping] way would they draw. Who would go to the games? How they gonna fly here? It makes no sense.”
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