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SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEFNHL 10/10/2013

Anaheim Ducks720422 For Ducks' Teemu Selanne, it's a season of goodbyes720423 Bobby Ryan looks to reintroduce himself to Ducks fans720424 New terrace provides grand entrance to Honda Center720425 Ducks celebrate 20 years in the NHL

Boston Bruins720426 Bruins poised to welcome some Western foes720427 Torey Krug helps crank up power play720428 Bruins prepare for undefeated Avalanche720429 Power boost a lift to Bruins720430 New "dynamic" with Bruins power play

Buffalo Sabres720431 Sabres waiting for Grigorenko to show competitive fire720432 Sabres notebook: Southern Ontario’s TV blackout lifted720433 Sabres' Miller available for next game, Tallinder back this

weekend; Grigorenko may sit720434 Sabres strike deal to appear on Canadian television

Calgary Flames720435 Monahan scores again — strengthening bid to remain in

NHL — as Flames shade Habs 3-2720436 Johnson: Behind spectacular game by Joey Mac, young

Flames finally hold a lead720437 Calgary Flames rookie Sean Monahan hits another level in

his quest to stay in NHL720438 Calgary Flames Snapshots: Following his Hart to Calgary …

Monahan making strong case to stay with big club … W720439 Calgary Flames vs. Montreal Canadiens preview

Carolina Hurricanes720440 Canes' Murphy closer permanent NHL spot

Chicago Blackhawks720441 Blackhawks, Toews ready for 'first playoff game'720442 Blues top Hawks 3-2 with 21 seconds left720443 Hawks' Olympic hopefuls under watchful eyes720444 To top Blues, Blackhawks’ style must prevail720445 Hitchcock, Toews: Current opponents, future cohorts720446 Last-minute goal gives Blackhawks first regulation loss of

season720447 Blues hand Blackhawks 'brutal loss'720448 Blues beat Hawks in closing seconds720449 Blues tally late goal to drop Blackhawks720450 Blackhawks look to play more keep-away against the Blues

Colorado Avalanche720451 Cory Sarich enjoying rebirth of NHL career with Avalanche

Dallas Stars720452 Salary-cap parity aids Stars; club absorbed payroll after

lockout mandated other teams shed salary

Detroit Red Wings720453 Report: Sergei Fedorov coming out of retirement to play for

his KHL team720454 Baseball, birthdays and pink: Detroit Red Wings in sunny

mood as they prepare for Coyotes720455 Detroit Catholic Central hockey star Matt Sorisho

hospitalized with broken back720456 Red Wings' Daniel Alfredsson remains plenty sharp at 40 for

run at Stanley Cup720457 Red Wings cheering on Tigers, too720458 Red Wings: It's more nerve-wracking watching Detroit Tigers

in playoffs than playing in a Game 7720459 Red Wings' Jimmy Howard to don special mask, equipment

for breast cancer awareness720460 Red Wings' Jordin Tootoo cleared to play, but must wait for

an opportunity to crack the lineup720461 Red Wings admire Detroit Tigers' playoff win720462 Tootoo cleared to return; Samuelsson back in for Tatar

Edmonton Oilers720463 Firecracker Yakupov still waiting to ignite720464 Just wind Ryan Nugent-Hopkins up and send him over the

boards720465 Devan Dubnyk returns to Edmonton Oilers net to face

Montreal Canadiens720466 Oilers blueliner Corey Potter is back on skates, continues to

recover from back problems720467 Boyd Gordon’s been the best Edmonton Oilers forward thus

far in 2013-14, just ask his coach720468 Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins making use of Ryan

Nugent-Hopkins can-do atttitude720469 Oilers forward David Perron enjoys playing Canadiens … all

hands on deck for coaches720470 Oilers goaltender Devan Dubnyk certain he can turn bad

start around, beginning with Canadiens

Florida Panthers720471 Florida Panthers goalie Tim Thomas recovering from groin

injury720472 PANTHERS IN TAMPA: Tim Thomas Feeling Better ... Scott

Clemmensen Up, Drew Shore Down ... Sean Bergenheim Out

720473 Preview: Panthers at Lightning, Thursday at 7:30720474 Panthers goalie Thomas' groin injury not believed to be

serious720475 Violas bring family, swagger to Panthers720476 Panthers G Tim Thomas' groin injury not serious

Los Angeles Kings720477 Jeff Carter deflects winner for Kings in OT720478 Carter's redirection lifts Kings in OT720479 October 9 postgame notes, highlights720480 October 9 postgame quotes: Darryl Sutter720481 October 9 postgame quotes: Ottawa720482 October 9 postgame quotes: Jeff Carter720483 October 9 postgame quotes: Dustin Brown720484 October 9 postgame quotes: Matt Greene720485 Game 4 Preview: Ottawa at Los Angeles720486 October 9 morning skate quotes: Darryl Sutter

Minnesota Wild720487 With Wild still winless, Yeo makes some changes720488 Gameday preview: Winnipeg at Wild720489 Backstrom day-to-day, and line changes galore720490 Veilleux called up from Iowa, Zucker sent back720491 Minnesota Wild: Winless start brings new lines, sense of

urgency720492 Minnesota Wild: John Curry glad to be on-call goalie720493 Minnesota Wild: Jason Zucker not the right fit for fourth line720494 Wild: Josh Harding preps for first start amid 'good news' on

Nik Backstrom's injury720495 Minnesota Wild recall Stephane Veilleux

Montreal Canadiens720496 Flames extend points streak to four games with win over

Habs720497 Dallas Stars on the rise720498 Stubbs: Habs’ Parros ‘almost symptom-free’ after

concussion720499 Habs’ losing streak in Calgary extends to seven720500 Bibaud living dream as Habs organist720501 The man behind the voice at Bell Centre720502 Expect Pacioretty to play against Flames720503 About last night …720504 Concussed Parros “nearly symptom-free”

Nashville Predators720505 Predators help Metro break ground on new practice facility720506 Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at Nashville Predators720507 Nashville Predators get first taste of Eastern Conference720508 Nashville Predators seeing progress on power play

New Jersey Devils720509 Devils winless start: Are you alarmed at their play so far and

their blown leads?720510 Devils: What has gone wrong and what has gone right in

poor start?720511 Devils (0-1-3) off to their slowest start since 2001-02720512 Devils: Cory Schneider impressive in Vancouver, but club's

winless streak reaches four720513 Devils fall to Canucks, 3-2, in overtime as winless streak

reaches four after another blown lead720514 Devils' Bryce Salvador excels in captain's role

New York Islanders720515 Islanders’ depth on D sends Reinhart, 19, back to juniors720516 Rookie defenseman Matt Donovan, from Oklahoma, proves

he can play in NHL

New York Rangers720517 NY Rangers at loss of words, still adjusting to Alain

Vigneault after 9-2 loss to Sharks720518 Alain Vigneault & Rangers talk it out behind closed doors

after blowout loss to Sharks; Rick Nash 'concerned,'720519 NY Rangers right wing Rick Nash leaves game in San Jose

due to elbow to head from Sharks defenseman Brad Stuar720520 Rangers’ Nash on shelf after getting hit in head720521 Rangers season at crossroads — already720522 NHL benches tough guy for three games720523 Tomas Hertl scores fourth goal through legs against

Rangers720524 Brad Stuart suspended three games after high hit on Rick

Nash720525 Rangers at Mighty Ducks tonight … pre-game notes720526 NHL suspends Sharks’ Stuart three games for head shot

against Rick Nash

NHL720527 Ruling on Coyotes bankruptcy could have ripple effect720528 Researchers Press for Broad Ban on Hockey Fights

Ottawa Senators720529 Sens storm back before falling in OT720530 Karlsson respects Doughty, but won’t make comparisons720531 Senators update: Spezza won’t play against Kings720532 Ottawa Senators look to get physical on West Coast trip720533 Sens captain Jason Spezza not suiting up for game against

Los Angeles Kings720534 Ottawa Senators not calling up Mika Zibanejad despite injury

to Jason Spezza

Philadelphia Flyers720535 Philadelphia Flyers prospect check: Scott Laughton, Anthony

Stolarz stand out720536 Flyers' Giroux needs to get going720537 Flyers Notes: Mason emerging as No. 1 goalie720538 FLYERS The new stuff just keeps on coming720539 Flyers Notes: Berube gets down to business720540 Flyers Notes: Hartnell avoids serious injury720541 Claude Giroux: My 'confidence is not there'

Phoenix Coyotes720542 Phoenix Coyotes already feel the need for adjustments after

pair of bad games

Pittsburgh Penguins720543 Defenseman Maatta, 19, making case to stay with Pens past

trial period720544 Penguins notebook: Injured Letang, Neal progressing nicely720545 Poor home ice conditions affecting Penguins720546 Penguins Notebook: Letang makes some progress

San Jose Sharks720547 Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks rookie, has hockey world

buzzing720548 Sharks' Brad Stuart suspended for three games by NHL720549 Meet Tomas Hertl, the San Jose Sharks' red-hot rookie720550 San Jose Sharks720551 NHL results, Oct. 9720552 Stuart slapped with multi-game suspension for hit on Nash720553 Rookie Nieto thrilled with first NHL points720554 Stuart could face punishment for Nash hit

St Louis Blues720555 Blues fail to keep all of the red out720556 Steen's late goal lifts Blues in playoff atmosphere720557 Blues don't mind Cardinal Red, just not Chicago Red720558 Blues-Blackhawks rivalry among the best720559 Steen's late goal stuns the Blackhawks

Tampa Bay Lightning720560 Bolts start long homestand, hope to keep momentum going720561 Tonight’s Game: Florida at Lightning720562 Lightning-Panthers preview720563 Lightning's Stamkos continues work to improve his game720564 The Lightning's newly decorated hallways

Toronto Maple Leafs720565 Maple Leafs leaning on youngsters as injuries hit720566 Jake Gardiner tries to shut out trade talk720567 Mirtle: Lupul joins growing list of injured Leafs720568 Blair: Leafs sure to feel the wrath of Randy Carlyle after loss

to Avs720569 Maple Leafs list Joffrey Lupul as day-to-day with bruised calf720570 Maple Leafs: Joffrey Lupul misses practice amid lineup

shuffle720571 Maple Leafs need to remember what led to earlier success:

Cox720572 Maple Leafs: Mistakes finally catch up to team in loss to Avs:

Feschuk720573 Leafs' Leivo and Broll 'excited' by call-up

Maple Leafs Continued720574 Maple Leafs search for answers as blue line struggles720575 Maple Leafs' Joffrey Lupul out day-to-day with bruised calf720576 Toronto Maple Leafs get down to dirty details on defence720577 Toronto Maple Leafs’ Joffrey Lupul day-to-day with leg injury720578 Toronto Maple Leafs have no excuse for lack of depth

Vancouver Canucks720586 'Torts won't let us quit': The Tortorella effect is taking shape

in Vancouver720587 Torts: Booth a 'weird dude'720588 Gallagher: Is Kesler just pacing himself?720589 Hertl’s trick shot to cap rookie’s four-goal flurry has caught

Canucks’ attention720590 ere’s your big shot, Santorelli: skating with the Sedin twins

against the Sharks720591 Torts: Booth is a “weird dude” but that’s a good thing720592 Santorelli's gamble paying off early for Canucks720593 Vancouver braces for Sharknado720594 Luongo one save better than Schneider as Canucks beat

Devils in OT

Washington Capitals720579 Ted Leonsis and the Caps’ lack of weaknesses720580 Nicklas Backstrom excited for new chapter as a father720581 Road to Sochi: A ‘wakeup call’ for Jamie Benn

Websites720595 ESPN / Can Blues measure up to Hawks?720596 ESPN / Hertl's game translating to NHL with ease720597 ESPN / Report: Court throws out NHL lawsuit720598 ESPN / Patrick Roy getting real in Denver720599 USA TODAY / Olympic tracker: Who's rising, falling?720600 USA TODAY / Stuart suspended three games, Nielsen fined

Winnipeg Jets720582 Halischuk keen to contribute720583 Winnipeg Jets are Wild about potential new rivalry720584 Devin Setoguchi fitting right in with Jets720585 Matt Halischuk stays ready for Jets’ debutSPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129

720422 Anaheim Ducks

For Ducks' Teemu Selanne, it's a season of goodbyes

It's his 15th and last season with the Anaheim team. 'You look at things differently knowing it will be your last time,' he says.

By Lance Pugmire| 10:12 PM PDT, October 9, 2013

There will be so many final steps for Teemu Selanne to take this season before he retires. The Ducks' 43-year-old wing has said this season will be his last.

Thursday night's game at Honda Center against the New York Rangers will be his final home opener. It will be an opportunity to soak in the capacity crowd's adoration as the Ducks embark on their last go with legendary No. 8 beside them.

"You look at things differently knowing it will be your last time," Selanne said Wednesday after practice. "You just try to enjoy it."

Now in his 15th season as a Duck, Selanne — with 675 goals and 755 assists — has created massive goodwill in Anaheim with his production and so much more.

Whether it's the humorous video he made, chucking golf clubs in the water before "deciding" to return this year, or a sincere nod to a fan watching practice at the Rinks in Anaheim, or standing outside at 1 a.m. last week signing autographs upon his return to Winnipeg, where he began his career in the NHL, there's an authentic nature to the man that has made him beloved.

"Very nice person, doesn't turn down requests," Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "He generally loves people and is passionate about the game, and everybody can tell he's passionate about the game. Those are things that are not hard to become a fan of."

Selanne called the Winnipeg treatment Sunday "unreal" and "amazing."

"I try to be nice to people, and they treat you back the same way," Selanne said. "For some reason, I've always had that. On the ice, I'm not, 'Focus, focus, focus,' only seeing the puck. I enjoy it all. I look at how people react. It's the whole package that I enjoy so much. I'm a pretty open guy."

Selanne says he hasn't experienced one regret about returning, and says he's "feeling good, no complaints," despite no goals in seven shots over two games.

He and Boudreau crafted an agreement that in 13 remaining pairs of consecutive games Selanne will play the first game and sit out the second.

"That will keep him a lot fresher," Boudreau said. "He's 43. This season is torturous with our travel before Christmas. We want him at his best."

The coach praised Selanne's "hop" and ability to create good scoring chances.

"I'm just waiting for when we get rolling again," Selanne said. "I'm excited."

Injury update

Wing Emerson Etem practiced again Wednesday, and Boudreau said there's a "good chance he's going to play." The coach said left wing Matt Beleskey and right wing Kyle Palmieri (upper body injuries) will not play, but added that Palmieri will "be ready to play Sunday" against Ottawa.

THURSDAY

DUCKS VS. N.Y. RANGERS

When: 7.

Where: Honda Center.

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

Record vs. Rangers (2012-13): Did not play.

Etc.: The Rangers are reeling from a 9-2 loss to San Jose in their last outing.

LA Times: LOADED: 10.10.2013


Bobby Ryan looks to reintroduce himself to Ducks fans

It took the forward a bit of time to be recognized by fans in Ottawa, where he was traded to in July, but he won't have that problem in Anaheim, where the Senators play the Ducks on Sunday.

By Lisa Dillman | 8:42 PM PDT, October 9, 2013

Bobby Ryan didn't put on a mask, any sort of disguise or implement a clever way to hide his identity.

He roamed the streets of Ottawa in September and interviewed fans about ... Bobby Ryan.

Surely, the deeply knowledgeable fans in that Canadian hotbed of hockey would recognize the newly minted Senators forward.

After all, this was not some journeyman fourth-liner. Ryan happened to be a high-scoring forward who had four 30-goal seasons when he played for the Ducks. He was traded to Ottawa in July in exchange for forwards Jakob Silfverberg and Stefan Noesen and a first-round pick in next year's draft.

Bobby, who?

What was a lark became must-see video, at times hilarious and at times cringe worthy, and the clever Letterman-like spot went viral on the Internet.

Ryan's self-effacing manner combined with the funny reactions from the fans, most of whom had absolutely no idea it was Ryan asking about Ryan, made it all the rage.

"It was really fun. I know how all those people pretty much wrote me on Twitter afterward, saying how dumb they felt that they couldn't figure it out," Ryan said, smiling.

Ryan said the idea was sparked by a video produced by New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey, who hit the streets of New York for "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon."

"It was one of those things that I wasn't sure how it would get taken or how it would turn out and the video editing was good," Ryan said. "I felt pretty comfortable. … It's tough to do, interviewing people."

Now they know who he is. Fans have been driving by his house and honking their horns, unsettling his girlfriend who was home alone when Ryan was on a trip. Help surfaced in the form of his neighbors.

"They've told people to go away," Ryan said. "Twitter patrol in Anaheim and neighborhood watch in Ottawa."

Ryan was chatting with reporters at Staples Center on Wednesday morning, a few hours before the Senators were to play the Kings. Up next is a Saturday game in San Jose before Ryan returns to Honda Center to play his former team on Sunday.

"You know, I don't know what kind of reaction I'll get," he said.

To that end, Ryan has not spent a great deal of time thinking about how he will be treated when he comes back. He is happy in Ottawa and made a point in an interview of thanking Ducks General Manager Bob Murray for sending him to a team where he could be a "good part of the core."

Senators Coach Paul MacLean said they were going after a certain type of player when Ryan became available.

"We needed this type of player that can score 30 goals and be a threat to score," MacLean said. "As it turned out, he ended up being the guy that became available and they were able to work something out. We didn't specifically target him, but we wanted a guy just like him."

Ryan, 26, was moved to right wing, where he said he had not played consistently in six years. He had been playing on a line with Milan Michalek and Jason Spezza, who is out because of a sore groin and did not play against the Kings.

Ryan was hit — well, perhaps singed — with his first bit of media/social media heat when he did not score in Ottawa's first two games, although he recorded an assist. His teammates warned him about the potential of such

early scrutiny but Ryan still was surprised. Failing to score in two games hardly sparked the masses at South Coast Plaza in Orange County.

"Some of the questions you are going to get, you're just going to have to roll your eyes and bear with it," he said.

Given Ryan's history, the goals will come. At least now he is free from having to listen to trade rumors, as had been the case the last few years in Anaheim.

"I've been really excited about that," he said. "It's been really nice coming to the rink and not having to deal with the pressures that come with it. It's just the annoying questions that come with it, the ones you get every day.

"For a while there it didn't feel like there was any sense of security. It's tough to play every day with that looming, I guess, in the back of your mind."



New terrace provides grand entrance to Honda Center

By ART MARROQUIN / ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

ANAHEIM – Ducks fans walking into the Honda Center’s main entrance for Thursday’s home opener against the New York Rangers will be treated to 15,000 square feet of new restaurant, shopping and bar space.

The amenities are part of the new $20 million Grand Terrace, marking the Honda Center’s single largest improvement project since opening in 1993.

“I think the fans will see that it’s going to be a completely different experience when they walk in here,” said Tim Ryan, CEO of the Honda Center. “It’s going to be one of those things that matches the tastes of Orange County. It will change the way people feel the minute they walk into the facility.”

Outside the entrance, visitors will be greeted by high-definition graphics and team highlights flashing on a pair of 15-by-25-foot screens. An arched breezeway leads to the arena, flanked on the left with a 220-seat, full-service restaurant by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck set to open in November.

To the right, a new Anaheim Ducks Team Store Powered by Reebok will sell T-shirts, ball caps and other souvenirs. Jade-green- and eggplant-colored throwback jerseys line the walls alongside the team’s contemporary black, orange and gold gear.

Hockey sticks line the store’s roof, pointing to a giant Stanley Cup – three times the size of the original – engraved with the names of the 2007 championship team. Three interactive display units provide highlights of the winning season, including the team’s locker room celebration after beating the Ottawa Senators to clinch the cup.

“I hope it can be a destination point where people will come to eat at the restaurant, shop at the team store and go on to watch the game,” said Kevin Starkey, chief operations officer for the Honda Center.

Just above the store and restaurant, the Grand Terrace becomes an exclusive haven that will be open during Ducks games only to season ticket holders.

Cherry veneer tables and chairs complement a series of bars with Ming Valley stone facades topped with Santa Cecilia granite counters. Patrons can choose from more than 40 types of beer on tap, then lounge at one of the two Italian-marble fire pits on a balcony facing Angel Stadium.

The bar opens two hours before the puck drops and remains open at least 30 minutes after the third period ends. A section of the space will be set aside for where TV hosts anchor post-game broadcasts.

Construction of the Grand Terrace was funded by Henry and Susan Samueli, who own the Ducks and Anaheim Arena Management, the operating company for the city-owned Honda Center.

“Clearly, the Honda Center wants to make sure they can capture as many pregame dollars as possible, even if it means siphoning business from nearby restaurants that did well prior to the games and other events held there,” said David Carter, a professor of sports business at USC Marshall School of Business.

Ron Leuang, general manager for Prime Cut Café in Orange, east of the Honda Center, said he was unsure whether the Grand Terrace's new restaurant and bar would influence his business and others surrounding the arena. Prime Cut often gets a 40 percent boost of business on Ducks game days.

"It's hard to say what our impact will be,” Leuang said. “But we're hoping that loyal regulars will stay with us and keep supporting us.”

Staff writer Sarah Tully contributed to this report.

Orange County Register: LOADED: 10.10.2013


Ducks celebrate 20 years in the NHL

By Elliott Teaford, Daily Breeze Posted: 10/09/13

Jack Ferreira was already a hockey lifer when he landed a new management job in 1993.

The Providence, R.I., native had been, among other things, an All-American goaltender at Boston University, assistant general manager of the Hartford Whalers, director of player development for the New York Rangers and general manager of the expansion San Jose Sharks.

When he was hired as the GM of a new team in Anaheim, the club asked him to drive to Burbank for a television interview. The instructions from the studio gates to the front of the cameras were something he had never heard in all his years in hockey, and words he’ll never forget.

“Go right at Mickey then left at Goofy,” the man at the studio told Ferreira.

He might as well have said, “Congratulations, Jack, you’re a Mighty Duck.”

Twenty years ago, the Ducks were a creation of the Walt Disney Company, named for a kids’ movie, dressed in family-friendly colors and playing in an arena known as the Pond. They had zero history, zero credibility and zero reason to think anything would change.

“I think the biggest thing I learned from San Jose was that as an expansion team you get absolutely no respect,” said Ferreira, 69, who now is a special assistant to Kings general manager Dean Lombardi. “You don’t get top referees. You never see them.

“You win a game and the other team had a poor night. They never give you credit. So, I knew we had to have an identity. So that’s why I got (heavyweight enforcers) Stu Grimson and Todd Ewen. At least we were going to be respected on the ice, no matter what building we went into.

“When I put the team together, I said, ‘You’re all here because nobody wants you.’”

Twenty years later, the Ducks might very well be the most successful of the nine post-1991 expansion teams. The franchise will celebrate its 20th anniversary throughout the 2013-14 season, starting with Thursday’s home-opening game against the Rangers.

The Ducks weren’t the first to make it to the Stanley Cup Final. The Florida Panthers, another 1993 entry, did that in 1996. But the Ducks were the first to actually win a game in a Final, extending the eventual champion New Jersey Devils to Game 7 in 2003.

They also weren’t the first to win a Stanley Cup championship. The Tampa Bay Lightning, who entered the NHL in 1992, did that in 2004. But the Ducks were the first to advance to a second Stanley Cup Final, thumping the Ottawa Senators (born in ‘92) in 2007 in five games.

Make no mistake, the Ducks who face the Rangers tonight, bear only passing resemblance to the Mighty Ducks of 20 years ago. Henry and Susan Samueli purchased the team from Disney in 2005, and dropped the ‘Mighty’ and changed the eggplant and teal uniforms to black and orange in ‘06.

Today, the Ducks have achieved respect and credibility. All any Ducks fan has to do to win an argument about hockey relevance with any Kings fan is to simply ask why it took the Ducks only 14 years to win the Stanley Cup championship when the Kings needed 45.

An us-against-the-world attitude of Ferreira’s making and fostered by coach Ron Wilson suited the new franchise. The Ducks drafted well, taking left wing Paul Kariya with their first pick in ‘93, and they traded well, nabbing right wing Teemu Selanne from the Winnipeg Jets in ‘96.

The Ducks skated at what seemed to be 100 mph once Kariya and Selanne were teamed with center Steve Rucchin. Or as longtime assistant general manager David McNab recalled, “We had a line that every team in the league knew could beat you on any given night.”

The Ducks also had remarkable consistency with their goaltenders.

Hebert emerged as the team’s No. 1 in 1993-94 and kept the job for the first eight seasons. Hebert passed the torch to Jean-Sebastien Giguere, who led the club to two Stanley Cup finals, before handing it to Jonas Hiller, the starter since 2009-10.

“The amount of success of the franchise is pretty incredible,” said Hebert, who retired after the 2000-01 season. “You’re talking about three goalies in 20 years. That kind of stability in net is not common, even among a lot of established teams.”

Even the Ducks’ missteps seemed to work out in their favor. For instance, their Wild Wing mascot got himself into trouble now and then in the early years, with his stumble into a wall of flames during one failed stunt playing on a seemingly endless loop on late-night blooper-reel shows.

The thing was, it was free publicity for the club.

After all, could anyone name the Panthers’ mascot?

It might have been easy to label the Ducks as a Mickey Mouse organization in their first few seasons, and plenty of headline writers from coast-to-coast did, but it was increasingly difficult to make fun of the team’s play after Selanne’s arrival Feb. 7, 1996.

Ferreira dealt defenseman Oleg Tverdovsky and forward Chad Kilger, the team’s first-round draft picks in 1994 and ‘95 to Winnipeg to get “The Finnish Flash,” a stunning move that hit the NHL like a lightning bolt.

“I happened to be in the training room at the Pond,” Hebert recalled. “I can remember Jack coming in and telling everyone. Most of us couldn’t believe it. Oleg was throwing stuff around and Chad was crying and saying, ‘I just got traded for Teemu Selanne.’

“It was something that instantly put the Mighty Ducks on the map. All of a sudden, we added 80 to 100 points to our lineup. You put him out there and he made everyone better. We were a real team. No one could make fun of us with Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya out there.”

The Ducks reached the playoffs for the first time in Selanne’s first full season in Anaheim, in 1996-97, and again in 1998-99. They slipped dramatically, as often happens with expansion teams, in the following years, and they eventually traded Selanne to the rival Sharks late in 2000-01.

Players and coaches came and went and so did general managers.

Ferreira departed in 2000. Selanne returned in 2005, signing as a free agent after stops in San Jose and Colorado. His uniform number is sure to be the first retired by the club, probably followed shortly thereafter by Kariya, Giguere and Scott Niedermayer.

Niedermayer is already enshrined in the Hall of Fame and the other three are likely to follow.

“It has been fun to see both sides,” said the 43-year-old Selanne, who plans to retire at season’s end. “When I got here, hockey was fairly new here and Disney was still the owner. I don’t know how much they really tried to win, and whether they put in all the effort that was needed.

“But it was still a great place and I really enjoyed it. Obviously, having a chance to play with Paul and Rucchin and those guys, it was really, really special. My second trip here, the whole approach about winning had changed (under the ownership of the Samuelis).

“They really started taking more pride about winning and doing things right on the ice. They were ready to pay the price. This has been a happy place for me. To build a team and win the Stanley Cup, it was really unbelievable.

“It has been a really fun road here.”

LA Daily News: LOADED: 10.10.2013

720426 Boston Bruins

Bruins poised to welcome some Western foes

By Amalie Benjamin | October 10, 2013

WILMINGTON — After a season in which the Bruins didn’t face any Western Conference opponents because of the lockout, they will welcome some unfamiliar foes to the schedule in 2013-14. That starts Thursday with the Colorado Avalanche, a team the Bruins haven’t seen in exactly two years.

But that doesn’t mean Boston will change its preparation, even with the influx of new players to scout and new systems to learn.

“Your knowledge isn’t probably as good as it is with teams that you’ve played against last year and in the past,” coach Claude Julien said. “But those are teams you don’t play often. So the knowledge isn’t as great, but it doesn’t matter.

“I say it all the time. You go out there and play your game and you should feel confident that your game is good enough to beat any team. And if there’s minor adjustments to make, you make them along the way, but you don’t change your game.

“That’s basically what we’re going to end up doing against Colorado.”

The Avalanche come to town with a 3-0-0 record after beating Toronto Tuesday night.

“You know what kind of team they are because you watch them on TV and stuff like that,” David Krejci said. “But it’s one thing to watch them and one thing to play them. It’s kind of exciting. I like the new system of the NHL, so it’s good.”

With Colorado, comes new coach Patrick Roy, who got into a heated exchange with Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau — nearly toppling the glass between the teams’ benches — in his first game.

Of course, it’s not just Roy.

“They’re the real deal as far as some young guys really turning the corner there,” Julien said. “I think they’re a real good skating team. When you look at them, their forecheck was real aggressive and they’re a quick team. They went after Toronto pretty good.

“I think it’s going to be important that we’re sharp in our puck movement and sharp also in moving our feet if we want to play well against these guys.”

Solo skate for Soderberg

Carl Soderberg again skated by himself before practice Wednesday, as he continues to come back from an ankle injury sustained Sept. 27 in the team’s final preseason game. Asked about sending Soderberg to the AHL for conditioning, Julien said, “We’re not there yet, to be honest with you.” . . . With the Bruins losing one of their key penalty killers in Andrew Ference, Julien has turned to others to play a bigger role. That includes Adam McQuaid, of whom Julien said, “He’s been around long enough, he has to step up and give us a little more and this is an opportunity to give us a little more. We’ve always relied on him to do a good job there. So it’s up to him now to step up to the plate.”

Credit report

Julien turned to Game 4 of the Red Sox-Rays series after he watched the Avalanche beat Toronto. The coach is appreciative of the changes the Sox have made over the last year. “My personal thought on that is the new manager has done a great job,’’ Julien said. “He’s changed the whole chemistry of that team. We talk about chemistry, you can tell there’s good chemistry right now, and I don’t think you saw that same chemistry last year. I think that’s made a big difference. His players want to play. They want to put themselves out there. And when players want to do that, it’s because something’s changed in that room that makes them excited to go out there and play hard. I think John [Farrell] deserves a lot of credit for that.”

Boston Globe LOADED: 10.10.2013


Torey Krug helps crank up power play

By Amalie Benjamin | October 10, 2013

WILMINGTON — For so long, the Bruins have had to answer questions about their lackluster power play. They’ve explained it and won despite it. But now, with the addition of a skilled, quick quarterback, the Bruins seem to have the makings of a power play that won’t require apologies.

It starts with having defenseman Torey Krug at the point. His addition allowed the team to shift other players to spots where they might be more effective.

“I think the whole dynamic of our power play — even though maybe people see some of the same faces — is much different,” coach Claude Julien said.

There’s Zdeno Chara in front of the net. There’s newcomer Jarome Iginla positioned for his effective one-timer. Then there’s Krug.

“He looks like he’s been in the league a long time,” David Krejci said. “It’s his first season, you know, so he looks pretty good. Every decision is the right decision. He shoots the puck when he has to. He passes the puck when he has to. So it’s just fun to play with him.”

It’s even more fun for the Bruins when Krug does what he did against Detroit last Saturday night, scoring once and assisting on a goal by Chara.

It’s what the team believes he can do on a regular basis. With his combination of quickness and vision, Krug changes the game on the power play. He has the ability to put the puck on net, to get opportunities for Chara and Iginla on the first unit, to make it a force where it once was a joke.

“You could see he had good vision and he was moving the puck well,” Julien said, of his initial impressions of Krug. “You didn’t see him intimidated by that jump from coming out of school to the NHL. You could see he had the poise and the confidence to be a good player.”

The Bruins knew Krug needed some time in the minors to fine-tune his game and to learn to play the way the team demands. He had to adjust to the size and strength of the players in the NHL. He did that, and he showed at the end of last season that he’d learned enough to become the weapon that Julien saw in those first few glimpses.

“I like everything about him,” Krejci said. “He’s a great player, and not only on the power play, but on five on five, he’s doing a great job. He’s great on breakouts. He’s just so shifty. He’s quick. So you know I love everything about him.”

While it’s early yet, the Bruins have gone 2 for 7 on the power play, good for eighth in the league. Not that Krejci is getting too excited.

“Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t,” said Krejci. “We had a good game last week against Detroit, but you don’t want to get too high when you have one good game. So you’ve just got to stay at an even level and try to be better next game.”

That’s the position Krug is taking. He was asked about the Calder Trophy — for NHL Rookie of the Year — and he instantly deflected the suggestion.

“I don’t think about it at all,” he said. “I still have a spot here that I’ve got to secure, and every day I come to the rink trying to prove myself and prove to the coaching staff and management and even my teammates that I’m a guy that [should] be on the ice regularly. I want to be a big part of the team.”

So far, he is. And his skill on the power play will make it difficult to take him off the ice, especially if the results keep coming.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “We have a lot of different skill sets on the power play. Whether it’s Krech and his vision and his skill, Iggy’s one-timer, Looch’s ability to shoot the puck and battle down low, and then obviously Z can do all of that.

“There’s a lot of different players on the power play, but we’re having a lot of fun with it, moving the puck around, and always trying to get better. We’re asking each other questions, seeing what we like to do for each other.”

With all the transitions the Bruins have made this season — including new right wings on three of the four lines — the transition of the power play seems to be one of the most seamless. And though the Bruins have proven in years past that they can win without a stellar power play, they know that it’ll be significantly easier to win with one.

“We take pride in our five-on-five game, so we felt pretty comfortable,” Krejci said. “But when the power play is clicking and putting some goals in the net it always helps the team. So we’re going to try to do that this year, and if we can be successful on the power play we’re going to be an even better team.”



Bruins prepare for undefeated Avalanche

By Amalie Benjamin, Globe Staf

WILMINGTON – The new schedule brings not only the Red Wings to the Atlantic Division, but it also brings the West to the TD Garden. With every team visiting every arena at least once, the Bruins will have to prepare for teams they haven't faced in multiple seasons.

On Thursday, after four days off between games, the undefeated Avalanche and coach Patrick Roy come to town.

"Obviously you know what kind of teams they are because you watch them on TV and stuff like that," David Krejci said. "But it’s one thing to watch them and one thing to play them. It’s kind of exciting. I like the new system of the NHL, so it’s good."

It will have been exactly two years since the Bruins played the Avalanche. Colorado won, 1-0, on Oct. 10, 2011.

"They're the real deal as far as some young guys really turning the corner there," coach Claude Julien said. "I think they're a real good skating team. When you look at them yesterday, their forecheck was real aggressive and they're a quick team.

"They went after Toronto pretty good. I think it's going to be important that we're sharp in our puck movement and sharp also in moving our feet if we want to play well against these guys."

In other news, Carl Soderberg skated again by himself before Bruins practice at Ristuccia Arena. The winger is still not yet ready to practice with the team. Asked about sending him to the AHL to get ready to return to the NHL, Julien said, "We’re not there yet, to be honest with you."

The lines were the same as they have been in the first two games.



Power boost a lift to Bruins

Thursday, October 10, 2013 By:Stephen Harris, Bruins Notebook

WILMINGTON — Considering that just two games have been played and 80 remain, it’s a trifle premature to conclude that the Bruins have finally solved their long-running power-play woes.

But the early indications are good, with changes in both personnel and scheme seeming to have given the formerly stagnant power-play unit a rebirth.

The Bruins scored twice with the man advantage in their 4-1 win against Detroit Saturday, are 2-for-7 thus far and have shown improved puck movement and scoring chances. They face a pretty good penalty-killing team in the Colorado Avalanche tonight at the Garden, and it will be very interesting to see if the upgrade persists.

“I think the whole dynamic of our power play, even though people see some of the same faces, is much different,” B’s coach Claude Julien said. “You’ve got Zdeno (Chara) still on the power play, but in a different position. (Jarome) Iginla can take a good one-timer, which we thought we struggled with last year on that left elbow. You add (Torey) Krug and bring (Loui) Eriksson in, and we feel that we’ve got two good power plays that can do the job.”

As Bruins fans know, the team has defied conventional wisdom in recent seasons, achieving great success despite being weighed down with a below-average power play. Over the past four seasons, the B’s have placed no higher than 15th in the league, and last season ranked 26th (14.8 percent).

But with the emergence of the diminutive Krug, the transfer of Chara from the point to in front of the net and the acquisitions of Iginla and Eriksson, it looks as though the years of man-up mediocrity may be over.

Said Krug: “We have a lot of different skill-sets on the power play. There’s (David) Krejci and his vision and skill; Iggy’s one-timer; (Milan Lucic’s) ability to shoot the puck and battle down low; and then obviously Z can do all of that. There’s a lot of different players on the power play, but we’re having a lot of fun with it, moving the puck around and always trying to get better.”

As for Krug, he creates movement with his skating and passing, and is never shy about sending a shot on net.

Test welcome

The Bruins are excited to see the Avs, whom they haven’t faced since a 1-0 loss Oct. 10, 2011, at the Garden. The Avs are led by ex-Islander PA Parenteau (3-1-4 totals), winger Jamie McGinn (2-2-4) and No. 1 overall pick Nathan MacKinnon (0-4-4), who turned 18 Sept. 1.

The Avs are coached by Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy, who also holds the title of vice president of hockey operations, reportedly making him the de facto general manager. In his first game as head coach, Roy earned a $10,000 league fine for his antics on the bench in a game against Anaheim.

“It’s guys we don’t see very often,” Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid said of the Avalanche. “You’ve got to be on your toes, because you don’t know guys’ tendencies the way you do with teams we play more regularly.”

Soxcess duly noted

Like most sports-minded people in Boston, Julien has kept tabs on the Red Sox this year, and yesterday he weighed in on the success of the ALCS-bound team.

“My personal thought on that is that the manager (John Farrell) has done a great job. He’s changed the whole chemistry of that team,” Julien said. “We talk about good chemistry here; you can tell there’s good chemistry now (with the Red Sox). I don’t think you saw that same chemistry last year. That’s made a big difference.

“His players want to play and put themselves out there and play hard. When players want to do that it’s because something has changed in that room. I think John deserves a lot of credit for that.” . . .

Accordingly, Julien talked about what he expects from players who are with his team but not playing.

“(Spare players) have got to be part of the team and accept what’s being dealt to them,” he said. “They don’t have to like it. I don’t expect them to like it. They just have to accept it, move on and keep working hard, so when their time comes they’re ready to play.”

Facing off

Asked to name a flaw in Krejci’s game, Julien cited faceoffs.

“He struggles. He’s either hot or cold. I want him to keep working on those. They’re easy things to work on, but they can have major consequences.”

Krejci had his best year in the circle last season, winning 55.2 percent of his draws. Going back through the five preceding seasons, Krejci was at 52.1 percent, 48.7, 50.7, 50.3 and 48.1. For his career, he stands at 50.6. By comparison, Patrice Bergeron is at 55.8.

Boston Herald LOADED: 10.10.2013


New "dynamic" with Bruins power play

By:Stephen Harris

WILMINGTON — Much of the Bruins practice today at Ristuccia — and the conversation afterwards — focused on the team's improved power play.

"I think the whole dynamic of our power play, even though people see some of the same faces, is much different," said B's coach Claude Julien. "You've got Zdeno (Chara) still on the power play, but in a different position. (Jarome) Iginla can take a good one-timer, which we thought we struggled with last year on that left elbow. You add (Torey) Krug and bring (Loui) Eriksson in, and we feel that we've got two good power plays that can do the job."

The Boston power play is 2-for-7 in two games, which is too small a sample to draw firm conclusions. But the unit has looked good, with improved puck movement and ability to get pucks to the net.

"A few new faces here and there can change your whole dynamic of the power play," said Julien.

The Bruins face the Colorado Avalanche tomorrow night at the Garden. The Avs are off to a 3-0-0 start and boast some talented and quick young players. The B's have little first-hand knowledge of the Avalanche.

"Your knowledge probably isn't as good as it is with teams you played a lot last year and in the past," said Julien. "These are teams you don't play often. But I've said it all the time: You go out there and play your game. You should feel confident your game is good enough to beat any team. You don't change your game. That's what we're going to do against Colorado."

Boston Herald LOADED: 10.10.2013

720431 Buffalo Sabres

Sabres waiting for Grigorenko to show competitive fire

By John Vogl | October 9, 2013 - 11:45 PM

Tomas Hertl became a highlight-show sensation Wednesday after putting an exclamation point on his four-goal performance. While moving right on a breakaway, the San Jose rookie put the puck and his stick between his legs, then roofed a laser into the top left corner. The video became must-see TV that was witnessed by millions.

Meanwhile, with about five people watching in Buffalo, Mikhail Grigorenko made the same exact play.

A few Sabres remained on the ice following practice, and they worked on close-range shots and rebounds. Grigorenko went up Hertl’s avenue with the trick shot, beating Jhonas Enroth and earning a big cheer from Marcus Foligno.

Displays of Grigorenko’s skill are never far away. The difference is Hertl is making an impact during games and Grigorenko only shows morning glory.

Grigorenko’s tenuous hold on a lineup spot may slip away tonight when the Sabres host Columbus in First Niagara Center. Rookie Johan Larsson practiced in Grigorenko’s spot between wingers Zemgus Girgensons and Brian Flynn. Grigorenko filled in for absent center Cody Hodgson alongside Steve Ott and Thomas Vanek. Hodgson will play after taking his maintenance day, which would leave Grigorenko out of the lineup if the forward groups stay the same.

“You have to find a way to be an impact in a game,” coach Ron Rolston said. “It’s his ability to put himself in positions where he can use those skills. That means you’ve got to go to the puck, you’ve got to get the puck, you’ve got to support the puck, you’ve got to be around the puck, you’ve got to battle for the puck. You can stickhandle in a phone booth and that doesn’t really translate unless you can be an impact on the game.

“He’s a young player. He’s still learning those things and how to do that, be impactful at this level, and how that’s changed from junior hockey to pro hockey. It’s a learning process.”

Grigorenko’s ice time has steadily dwindled through the opening four games, bottoming out at 8:07 during a 3-2 overtime loss to Tampa Bay on Tuesday. He has no points and only five shots, including none against the Lightning.

“Obviously, I didn’t have as much time as the first couple games, but it’s up to coach,” Grigorenko said. “At this time of the game, he probably would rather put out other guys. We almost won the game, so I’ll just keep working and hopefully I’ll get back my ice time.”

Rolston has not been enamored with the Russian, who was selected 12th overall in the 2012 NHL draft. The coach has repeatedly knocked Grigorenko’s lack of competitiveness.

“It’s getting there, but it needs to continue to improve,” Rolston said. “That’s that last hurdle for him. That’s something that he’s going to work on.”

Grigorenko is in a unique position regarding his age and contract status. He showed enough flashes at the beginning of last season that General Manager Darcy Regier decided to keep Grigorenko past the nine-game tryout limit for teenagers. The decision started the clock on Grigorenko’s entry-level contract, and once it starts it doesn’t stop.

Though the center is eligible to return to his Quebec junior team, the second year of his three-year contract would go by the wayside, multiple sources said Wednesday. The nine-game tryout (and resulting contract slide) doesn’t apply in the second year if a player goes past the cutoff during the first year.

“We have really good vets on this team, so every day I could learn a lot of good things from them on the ice and off the ice,” said Grigorenko, who added his NHL lessons have helped. “Last year, I just remember I was working a lot on those around-the-net rebounds, and I scored exactly the same goal in the world juniors in the semifinals against Sweden. It for sure helps with the reflexes.

“I’m pretty sure I’m going to have these chances around the net and I’m going to score.”

In order to score, Grigorenko will first have to prove that his practice prowess can show up when it matters most.

“We see it every day in practice, and he’s just got to bring it to the game,” Sabres center Kevin Porter said. “He’s got great hands. He’s got great vision. He makes guys miss. He’s good one-on-one. When he gets those chances he’s got to start shooting more and make the plays when they’re available.

“Everyone in the NHL has skill. All the guys can make plays and score goals. It comes down to who wants to work the hardest.”

Buffalo News LOADED: 10.10.2013


Sabres notebook: Southern Ontario’s TV blackout lifted

Ryan Miller, who was the backup on Tuesday, will be available tonight against Columbus.

By John Vogl | October 9, 2013 - 11:42 PM

Ted Darling’s play-by-play call used to echo in homes throughout Southern Ontario. The original “Voice of the Sabres” wasn’t stymied by cable regulations, so folks in Fort Erie and St. Catharines could see and hear Buffalo’s games on over-the-air channels.

That changed once the Sabres moved from Channels 2, 7 and 29. The cable stations that began carrying the team couldn’t go north of the border, and the Sabres lost connection with a loyal segment of their fan base.

The sides are finally plugged in once again. The Sabres and Bell TV announced Wednesday that 50 games will be carried this season on Bell Fibe and Satellite TV services in homes from Fort Erie and Niagara Falls to Stoney Creek just south of Hamilton.

“This is a momentous day for our organization and, more importantly, the thousands of Sabres fans in Southern Ontario,” Sabres President Ted Black said. “We have been aware of the very large number of Sabres fans in Southern Ontario for quite some time, and until now they have been able to see only a very small percentage of Sabres television broadcasts despite being geographically closer to us than Rochester.

“We are very proud of getting this done for our fans, and we’re thankful to Bell TV and MSG for all the hard work that went into the negotiations.”

The Sabres have been trying for years to get back on Canadian television. Though Black said he’s not privy to Bell’s subscription numbers, he hopes to grow its base to “a couple hundred thousand” through a yearlong marketing initiative aimed at improving viewership and subscriber numbers.

The game broadcasts and commercials will be identical on both sides of the border, with the pre- and postgame shows also available for everyone.

“Without going into specifics, there were a number of regulatory nuances that the legal folks from MSG, Bell TV and the Sabres had to navigate in this process,” Black said via email.

...

Ryan Miller made it through another full workout without feeling the effects of a recent groin strain, so the goaltender will be available for the Sabres tonight when they host Columbus.

“We’re in a case where I really only missed one game in the schedule, and hopefully I get back in the rhythm where I was and we’ll go again,” said Miller, who didn’t dress on his scheduled night off Saturday in Pittsburgh and served as the backup Tuesday.

Henrik Tallinder (upper body) worked out with skating coach Dawn Braid, and coach Ron Rolston said he should be available Saturday in Chicago.

Nikita Zadorov, one of the Sabres’ two first-round draft picks, practiced for the first time since suffering a finger injury during training camp. The 18-year-old defenseman is still likely to be returned to his junior team in London, Ont.

“He would be available if we wanted to keep him here,” Rolston said. “We have to make that decision.”

Rookie center Johan Larsson is in line to play his third game of the season tonight, possibly in place of Mikhail Grigorenko. The appearance nearly was short-circuited.

A deflected puck caught Larsson in the face, forcing him to leave practice with a bloody mouth. He returned a short while later with a swollen lip.

Said Larsson: “I’ve got to work on my reaction time.”



Sabres' Miller available for next game, Tallinder back this weekend; Grigorenko may sit

October 9, 2013 - 1:46 PM | By John Vogl

Ryan Miller made it through another full workout today without feeling the effects of a recent groin strain, so the goaltender will be available for the Sabres when they host Columbus on Thursday.

"We’re in a case where I really only missed one game in the schedule, and hopefully I get back in the rhythm where I was and we’ll go again," said Miller, who didn't dress on his scheduled night off Saturday in Pittsburgh and served as the backup Tuesday.

Miller could soon be joined by another Buffalo regular. Henrik Tallinder (upper body) worked out with skating coach Dawn Braid this morning, and coach Ron Rolston said the defenseman should be available Saturday when the Sabres visit Chicago.

Nikita Zadorov, one of the Sabres' two first-round draft picks, practiced for the first time since suffering a finger injury during training camp. The 18-year-old defenseman is still likely to be returned to his junior team in London, Ont.

"He would be available if we wanted to keep him here," Rolston said. "We have to make that decision."

The coach also has a decision to make regarding center Mikhail Grigorenko. The 19-year-old started on the third line during Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss but soon was benched and skated just 8:07.

Rookie Johan Larsson took Grigorenko's spot today in the middle of wingers Zemgus Girgensons and Brian Flynn. Grigorenko filled in for absent center Cody Hodgson alongside Steve Ott and Thomas Vanek, but Hodgson (maintenance day) will play Thursday, which would leave Grigorenko out of the lineup if the forwards stay the same.

"We’re in a tough situation where we go back to just putting people in the right situations, and the matchup wasn’t good," Rolston said of the benching before moving on to Grigorenko's competitiveness. "It’s getting there, but it needs to continue to improve. That’s that last hurdle for him. That’s something that he’s going to work on."



Sabres strike deal to appear on Canadian television

October 9, 2013 - 9:27 AM | By John Vogl

The Sabres are finally a winner -- off the ice, anyway.

The organization has been trying for years to get its games carried in Canada. This morning, the Sabres and Bell TV announced 50 games this season will be carried on Bell Fibe and Satellite TV services in homes from Fort Erie/Niagara Falls to Stoney Creek in Southern Ontario.

“This is a momentous day for our organization and, more importantly, the thousands of Sabres fans in Southern Ontario,” Sabres President Ted Black said. “We have been aware of the very large number of Sabres fans in Southern Ontario for quite some time and, until now, they have been able to see only a very small percentage of Sabres television broadcasts despite being geographically closer to us than Rochester.

"We are very proud of getting this done for our fans and we’re thankful to Bell TV and MSG for all the hard work that went into the negotiations.”

Sabres games used to be available over the air in Canada when the team's television partners were Channels 2, 7 and 29, but cable network MSG doesn't go into the country.

“Many people don’t think of the Southern Ontario region as being ‘Sabres Territory’ because it’s in a different country,” Black said. “But, in reality, some of our most passionate fans come from right over the Peace Bridge. They’ve been crossing the border to come to games at the arena for years and now they’ll be able to watch a majority of Sabres games from the comfort of their homes.”


720435 Calgary Flames

Monahan scores again — strengthening bid to remain in NHL — as Flames shade Habs 3-2

By KRISTEN ODLAND, Calgary Herald October 9, 2013 10:43 PM

Monahan scores again — strengthening bid to remain in NHL — as Flames shade Habs 3-2

Calgary Flames rookie Sean Monahan celebrates his first period goal — his third of the season in just four games — against the Montreal Canadiens at the Saddledome on Wednesday. The Flames won 3-2 to improved to 2-0-2 on the season. They will soon have to make a decision on whether or not to keep the rookie phenom past the nine-game mark.

Go ahead and try ignoring the countdown.

It’ll be impossible, though, especially after Wednesday — otherwise known as Game 4 of Calgary Flames rookie Sean Monahan’s nine-game rookie minimum National Hockey League stay.

In front of a Scotiabank Saddledome crowd littered with Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge jerseys — O-lay, O-lay, O-lay, O-lay-ing their way to the finish line — he, again, made the decision difficult after netting a goal, an assist, and finished a plus-two in a 3-2 Flames victory over the Montreal Canadiens. That makes it three goals and two assists in four games for the former Ottawa 67’s captain.

A minus-three heading in but without questions about his offensive abilities, Monahan hit the scoresheet early when he and wingers Sven Baertschi and Lee Stempniak capitalized on a Travis Moen turnover at the blueline in the first period.

The 18-year-old (who turns 19 on Saturday) carried the puck in, spun around to his backhand, and offered the puck to Stempniak. The wise veteran passed it back to the savvy rookie who tapped it in past a confused Carey Price.

The play also confused Stempniak — in a good way.

“I was pretty surprised by it, I was trying to get open,” Stempniak said. “Playing with someone like that, you try and keep your stick on the ice and you try to be ready for (the puck). But when he spun around and gave me the pass, I was surprised a little bit.

“The big thing for him, he’s learning. He’s going to the net and staying there. The coaches preach to us every day at practice: ‘just get to the front of the net and stop and put in the rebounds.’ He’s poised. Most guys would just slap it and put it in. It’s a good sign.”

Hartley also used Monahan for 1:03 of power play time in the third period as he saw 15:41 minutes of ice-time — which, again, raises the question of should or shouldn’t they send him back to junior?

The team brass can play him only five more games before his entry-level contract kicks in.

“The way he’s playing right now, I don’t see why we’d (send him back),” Hartley had said earlier in the day. “We have to put the 20 best players on the ice right now. I feel with my decision that he deserves to be out there and no one has indicated to me otherwise. So, everyone must agree with me.

“I’m sure everyone tells him (the nine game-mark is almost up). His agent is telling him, his parents are telling him, his friends are telling him . . . but overall the future of Sean Monahan, that’s not up to me.”

As for his team, however, the Flames had troubles putting the finishing touches on this one, much like their previous three outings — a 5-4 shootout loss to Washington, a 4-3 win over Columbus, and a 5-4 overtime loss to Vancouver.

After establishing a 3-1 lead after two periods, they were caught on their heels as the Canadiens started pressing. At the midway point of the third-frame, the red-hot Lars Eller finished off a P.K. Subban point blast that caromed off the end boards and onto his stick, pulling Montreal within one with his fourth marker in three games.

But the Flames managed to hang on.

“It was huge,” Stempniak said. “Not to say there weren’t some scary moments in this game. But to hang on, it’s big. We play so hard right now and for us to lose two of the first three games when we were in control is tough. But (Wednesday) was a good step for us.”

Meanwhile, making his third consecutive start for the Flames, Joey MacDonald came up big in the second period when T.J. Galiardi was caught for tripping (a weak one) on Daniel Briere in the Flames’ zone 4:35 into the second period.

Stopping Subban’s point shot, he tried to poke check the rebound away but Andrei Markov was waiting in his crease.

MacDonald, the veteran of 124 NHL games, pulled out an old-school stacked-pad save and stayed in place to stop Markov again when he had spun around to make another attempt on his backhand.

His team helped him out, taking a 3-0 lead on a power play with 3:38 remaining in the second frame. A screening Curtis Glencross, who’d just been smoked into the boards by defenceman Francis Bouillon, tipped a Dennis Wideman point shot right through Carey Price’s legs.

But finally, the Habs put themselves on the board with 2:14 left in the second thanks to a Subban stick-side blast from the point that MacDonald had no hope in stopping. Mark Giordano had just taken a tripping penalty which was 52 seconds away from expiring.

The Flames had made it 2-0 with 1:27 remaining in the opening frame when Jiri Hudler bumped Jarred Tinordi off the puck behind Price’s net and fed Monahan who offered it to an awaiting Baertschi for the easy tap-in.

After Wednesday, MacDonald is 2-0-1, the Flames are 2-0-2 and yet to lose a game in regulation and host Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils on Friday.

And, as usual, Monahan — who’ll be tested mightily on the team’s five-game roadie through California (Game 10, technically, would be in Dallas on Oct. 24) — shrugged off the post-game attention.

“Yeah, obviously everyone is talking about the nine-games, but that’s not something I think about,” he said. “I just come to the rink every day like I want to be on this team. I just want to work hard and do whatever I can to stay here for the season.”

Calgary Herald: LOADED: 10.10.2013


Johnson: Behind spectacular game by Joey Mac, young Flames finally hold a lead

By GEORGE JOHNSON, Calgary Herald October 9, 2013 11:00 PM

Johnson: Behind spectacular game by Joey Mac, young Flames finally hold a lead

Once again, they found themselves lost at sea as darkness gathered, lashed to the mast as a squall raged relentlessly around them.

Lightning flashed. The floorboards heaved and groaned. The hull took a battering. This time, though, they didn’t disappear into the briny depths.

This time, stubbornly, they held fast and brought the ship safely to port.

“It’s a learning experience, seeing games out,” explained goaltender Joey MacDonald, towel draped around his neck and Calgary Flames ball cap perched on his head mere minutes after rebuffing the Montreal Canadiens’ tempest. “To win games like this against great teams like that, to win those close ones when you’ve got to hang and gut it out, to find a way, means a lot. That’s how you develop. How you get better.

“When you’ve got a lot of young guys in our lineup, they came pretty hard and hemmed us in our zone in the third period a few times for a couple minutes. That’s when the young guys kind of panic a little bit. You’ve just got to settle down, keep the pressure to the outside and don’t get yourself running around.

“When we get the puck it’s got to go 200 feet and not just outside the zone.”

After squandered leads in Washington and Sunday at home to Vancouver, these on-the-job-training kids had every right to start feeling slightly squeamish after the uber-hot Lars Eller whittled the homesteaders’ lead to 3-2 and nearly half the third period to be squabbled over. Visions of recent capitulations in identical circumstances, their general lack of experience in such hothouse circumstances at this level, had to be replaying on a loop in their minds.

But on this night, the Romper Room Flames would not buckle under the strain; they gathered themselves to hold on.

“I like that word ‘hold’,” said coach Bob Hartley. “Trust me, behind the bench those seconds were not ticking quick enough. But what another gutsy performance from our boys. These guys show up to work. They slide in front of P.K. Subban’s shots. Joey Mac gave us a great game. Monahan.

“It seems like every game we’re changing actors, but we’re racking up points.”

It was MacDonald’s turn to take the Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt role Wednesday. The leading man in the drama that, on this occasion, had a happy ending.

He is, after all, well acquainted in the art of holding leads. For years, the pride of Pictou, N.S. had an orchestra seat watching the masters of the finish. During his winters backing up in Motown, the Detroit Red Wings knew better than virtually any team how to nurture advantages, nail down wins. They were closers, every bit as dominating as, say, Mariano Rivera.

“Such a veteran group,” said MacDonald nostalgically. “So composed. They never, ever hit the panic button. If they got hemmed in, they just kept it simple, boxed everything out. They had great veterans like Lidstrom, Zetterberg and Datsyuk just to kinda calm things down, by how they handled pressure situations they were saying ‘It’s gonna be OK, boys.’

“And it usually was.

“That’s the kind of thing we aspire to here.”

Wednesday is a start. In refusing to relinquish the extra point, or two, doggedly clinging to what they had, they climbed another step on the ladder. Positive reinforcement is the best way to buy in, after all.

“It’s one of those things,” agreed captain Mark Giordano. “You get one and suddenly you start to feel confident (in those situations). Until you do get that one, it’s a little bit nerve wracking. I thought we continued to make

plays and created some chances. They took it to us for a little bit, but I thought we did a good job clogging up the last five (minutes).”

Luckily, they had Joey MacDonald as a backstop. Among his 33 stops were a handful of doozies. His second period pad-stack stop against Andrei Markov one-on-one the one everyone in the building left talking about.

“It’s just battling,” he reasoned. “You never give up on the puck. It might not be the nicest style, but you’ve just gotta stop the puck. I think when your team sees those saves, it gives them a little momentum. I think we kind of built off that.”

The 33-year-old, making a third consecutive start, said it was no surprise that Wednesday was his sharpest performance yet.

“It all,” he shrugged, “goes with playing. The more you play the more comfortable you get. The more comfortable around your team you get and the more comfortable they get with you.

“Playing the third game . . . my first game I didn’t play for a couple weeks. The second game you’re just kind of battling. In the third game you’re getting the routine, seeing the shots, feeling the puck. You never get better sitting on the bench.

“You want to be in there. You want to make a difference.”

No one needed remind Giordano the difference his goaltender had made.

“He played unbelievable tonight. Big saves at the right time. Really since Mac got here last year he’s been a consistent guy. I can’t remember a game we weren’t in when he was in the net. Some tips in the third there that you might not be able to see from up top but he made some really good saves on deflections.”

So far, these Flames have nimbly deflected all the doubt and the outside predictions of doom. At 2-0-2, they have yet to lose in regulation, with the New Jersey Devils in town Friday and then a litmus-test, gut-check California road swing opening up next week.

“Tonight was good step,” said MacDonald. “Washington and Vancouver were obviously disappointing. We felt we could’ve had two points out of both those games. But tonight the guys stuck with it. When they came hard at us we kept the pedal down.

“We’ve still got work to do. But we’re going in the right direction. It’s going pretty well right now.”

Better than they themselves could’ve imagined. Better, to be honest — at least for the moment — than even their most optimistic backers could’ve dreamed.

Calgary Herald: LOADED: 10.10.2013


Calgary Flames rookie Sean Monahan hits another level in his quest to stay in NHL

By Eric Francis,October 09, 2013 10:33 PM MDT

Well now, this is starting to get interesting.

Not only is this rag-tag bunch of Calgary Flames demonstrating a shocking ability to hang with the big boys, the group is doing so with a surprising mish-mash of heroes.

Last night, it was Sean Monahan’s turn.

Not that the 18-year-old first-rounder hasn’t made his mark in any of his previous three games, but Wednesday night’s brilliance seemed yet another step up.

If it wasn’t the tap-in rebound he banged in midway through the first period to extend his point streak to four, surely his slick setup of Sven Baertschi’s first goal of the year later that frame had many in the crowd convinced there’s no way the Flames’s sixth pick overall this summer can possibly be sent back to the minors.

Forget the crowd, anyone in Canada watching on TSN could see the kid is the real deal, including Canadian golfer/Flames fan Graham DeLaet, who tweeted last night about how “special” Monahan is. Less than two weeks in, scoring seems par for the course for the youngster who now has three goals and five points in four outings to lead the team.

“I don’t learn very much about him anymore, I just pinch myself wondering if I need to check his birth certificate,” head coach Bob Hartley said with a smile after his crew survived a late surge by the Montreal Canadiens to hold on to a 3-2 win.

“The poise he’s showing for an 18-year-old. He’s having fun and bringing passion and excitement. He’s a pretty special kid. It seems every game we’re changing actors but racking up points. It’s a long season — no sense being cocky. But this is huge.”

Nothing seems to faze this club or the former Ottawa 67’s captain, who routinely faced off against Tomas Plekanec and played perhaps his best game so far against the storied Canadiens in a building ramped up with energy.

And when the final horn sounded, the overwhelming feeling of relief overshadowed the shock of having a team picked by many for last place that has now claimed six of eight points. This time, Monahan and company gained huge confidence by finally holding on in the third instead of squandering leads late, as they did against the Washington Capitals and the Vancouver Canucks.

“Third time is a charm — we didn’t want that to happen again,” said Monahan’s linemate Sven Baertschi as blood dripped from his chin

“We didn’t panic.”

A true picture of poise came in the first period when Monahan stole the puck deep in Montreal’s zone and sent a no-look pass to a crease-side Baertschi, who smacked in a gimme.

“I yelled at him so hard, and I knew he was going to make that pass,” Baertschi said.

“He read the play well, got right behind the man and it was a nice pass — he’s such a talented player.”

Now second only to San Jose Sharks hotshot Tomas Hertl amongst NHL rookies — yes, one point ahead of Nathan MacKinnon — Monahan is also being given meaningful defensive assignments, including playing in the final three minutes of last night’s win. Incidentally, for those keeping score at home, the last time the Flames lost to the Canadiens at the Dome was 2002, when Monahan was seven. Yep, seven.

Just as his goal and solid showing Sunday against the Canucks was tainted by a minus-3 rating, his effort last night was also not without hiccups, as he went a lowly 4-of-13 in the faceoff dot — a place he prides himself on succeeding in.

Not exactly the type of growing pains people were expecting from Monahan or his team this year.

“A dream start? Well, it has been a lot of fun not losing in regulation … because I hate losing,” said Monahan, whose parents and sister have been watching him live all week, leading up to his 19th birthday Saturday.

“I’m just trying to do the little things right on the ice and continue to be a good pro.”

So far so “good.”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 10.10.2013


Calgary Flames Snapshots: Following his Hart to Calgary … Monahan making strong case to stay with big club … With Stajan out, Ben on not-so-easy Street

By WES GILBERTSON, October 09, 2013 10:44 PM

If Bob Hartley had boarded his return flight without a contract, maybe he would have been standing on the visitors’ bench for Wednesday’s clash at the Saddledome.

It’s no secret Hartley was among the leading candidates last summer for the head coaching job in Montreal before instead accepting an offer from the Calgary Flames.

His close friend, Michel Therrien, was named the Canadiens’ skipper about a week later.

“The process was going on,” Hartley said prior to Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over the Habs. “Jay Feaster called me on a Sunday night during the Memorial Cup final and said, ‘The ownership wants to meet you, absolutely, tomorrow. You’re on the first plane to Calgary.’

“When I sat with the owners and Jay and Ken King, they told me ‘You’re our guy. There’s no way you get back on the plane before we have a deal.’ The next morning, I think at seven o’clock, we had a deal.”

In fact, on the same day Hartley boarded the flight to Calgary to meet with his longtime friend, Feaster, and the rest of the Flames brass, there was a report that he had been hired by the Habs.

The 53-year-old Francophone had a second sit-down scheduled with Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin, but cancelled after accepting the job in Calgary.

After Wednesday’s morning skate at the Saddledome, Hartley recalled a late-night conversation at the 2012 Memorial Cup with Eric Veilleux, one of his former players and then coach of the Shawinigan Cataractes.

“It was maybe one or two in the morning, and Eric asked me, ‘What are you going to do?’ ” Hartley said. “I said, ‘You know what? Today, I thought about it, and the first team that is going to offer me with something that I feel I can be the right guy at the right place, I’ll take it.’ ”

As it turns out, the Flames made the first move.

Around the boards

Not a bad plan by Flames C Sean Monahan — just lead the team in scoring and there’s no way they can send you back to junior, right? With five points in four games, the talented teen is doing exactly that ... Flames LW Sven Baertschi had his best performance of the season so far, and you might want to give a bit of credit to Canadiens D P.K. Subban. “He got me there pretty good, I think, on my first shift. He told me that ‘It’s going to be a tough night,’ and I don’t want that to happen to me,” Baertschi said. “Sometimes, it’s good when you’re a little angry. You play a little better. You play a little harder. That’s how it worked out” ... Canadiens LW Rene Bourque celebrated his 500th game — including 249 as a member of the Flames — by doing, well, almost nothing against his former team.

Off the glass

Flames C Matt Stajan, officially listed as week-to-week with a ‘deep leg contusion’ has been moved to injured reserve ... With Stajan out, Flames C Ben Street is currently the middle-man on Calgary’s top line with LW Curtis Glencross and RW David Jones. Who saw that coming? Not even Street. “In my wildest dreams, you kind of imagine it,” the 26-year-old said after Wednesday’s morning skate. “I would have taken it, but I wouldn’t have believed you” ... Alright, raise your hand if you figured the Flames would collect at least one point in their first four games. You’re a liar.

Sweet tweet

“After the game Monahan is going to go and finish up the ring road. With his bare hands. #kidcandoitall”



Calgary Flames vs. Montreal Canadiens preview

By WES GILBERTSON,First posted: Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Canadiens (1-1-0-0) at Flames (1-0-1-1)

TIME: 6 p.m.

TV: TSN

RADIO: Sportsnet Fan 960

THE MAIN STORYLINE: The Flames have collected at least a point in all three regular-season outings so far — a shootout loss in Washington, a win in Columbus and an overtime setback in Sunday's home-opener against the Vancouver Canucks. In fact, they're one of just five Western Conference squads that has yet to lose a game in regulation.

LINEUP NOTES: The Flames will stick with the same lineup from Sunday's home-opener, when they blew a two-goal en route to a 5-4 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks. That means Ben Street is still the centre on Calgary's top unit, and right-winger Lee Stempniak continues to work with youngsters Sven Baertschi and Sean Monahan. It also means Joey MacDonald will be in net and gritty winger Tim Jackman and defenceman Derek Smith are expected to be the healthy scratches. For the Canadiens, winger Max Pacioretty will be back in the lineup after missing one game with a wrist injury and Brian Gionta is also a go despite a delayed arrival in Calgary due to a family emergency. Goalie Carey Price gets the start for the Habs.

BURNING QUESTION: Has netminder Joey MacDonald won the starting job at the Saddledome? Karri Ramo was between the pipes on opening night, but the 33-year-old MacDonald will make his third straight start in Wednesday's meeting with the Habs.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Canadiens centre Alex Galchenyuk isn't showing any signs of the dreaded sophomore slump. The 19-year-old Galchenyuk — the middle man between Lars Eller and Brendan Gallagher on Montreal's explosive top line — has collected four assists in two skates so far.

FAST FACT: Jiri Hudler's next goal will be No. 100 of his big-league career. The Flames right-winger has two goals and two assists in three outings so far this season. The crew from Calgary would be thrilled if he could better his career-best 25 tallies for the Detroit Red Wings in 2011-12.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “Our first three games have been really up-tempo, and that's the way that we want to play. Tonight, we're facing a team that can really skate well ... We will have to be at our best. We need the perfect game tonight — from our goaltending, from our defencemen, from our forwards, from special teams. Tonight, it's a great test for us.” — Flames head coach Bob Hartley

FLAMES PROJECTED LINEUP

FORWARD LINES

Glencross-Street-Jones

Galiardi-Backlund-Hudler

Baertschi-Monahan-Jones

Bouma-Colborne-McGrattan

DEFENCE PAIRINGS

Giordano-Brodie

Russell-Wideman

Butler-O'Brien

GOALTENDERS

MacDonald

Ramo


720440 Carolina Hurricanes

Canes' Murphy closer permanent NHL spot

By Chip Alexander

WASHINGTON — Much has happened since Ryan Murphy was last at the Verizon Center.

In February, the defenseman was in the Carolina Hurricanes’ lineup for a road game against the Washington Capitals because of injuries. As an emergency call-up, Murphy knew he would be sent back to his junior team as soon as a defenseman was healthy and available for the Canes.

Sure enough, two days later, he was on his way to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. His fourth NHL game, at the Verizon Center, was his last of the season for the Hurricanes – a quick taste of hockey at the highest level.

“It wasn’t much of a downer because I knew I was headed back,” Murphy said this week. “I knew it was a matter of time.

“It definitely was bittersweet. I got to go back to Kitchener and see all my buddies and try to make a run there in the (OHL) playoffs. That was fun. But obviously I would have liked to stay up here.”

Nearly eight months later, Murphy is closer to being a full-time NHL player. The game Thursday against the Caps at the Verizon Center will be his fourth of the season as Murphy won a roster spot out of preseason camp.

“You could tell he really wanted to make the team,” Canes coach Kirk Muller said. “It wasn’t like he was nonchalant about it or ‘Will it be given to me?’ He earned it.

“I think he’s matured from last year. He feels comfortable. He feels like he’s an NHL player.”

Murphy, 20, has been paired defensively for much of the first four games with Jay Harrison, who is 10 years older and said he enjoys mentoring the younger guys. Harrison is a believer in constant communication, on and off the ice, and sits next to Murphy in the Canes’ dressing room at PNC Arena.

“Being an older veteran friend probably is the best way to sum up how I provide a little support for Ryan,” Harrison said. “I enjoy having a good time, which can keep him relaxed. At the same time I approach this with a great seriousness and respect, because I have taken such a long road to get here and know how special it is to be here.

“His road has been a little different than mine, but it doesn’t mean he can’t pick up on some of the lessons I might have learned the long way around.”

Harrison played his way up through the American Hockey League and also spent some time in Europe. Murphy was the Canes’ first-round draft pick in 2011, a puck-moving defenseman who offsets a lack of size – he’s 5 feet 11 inches, 185 pounds – with exceptional speed and offensive skills.

Murphy stepped in last season and held his own in his four NHL games. After Kitchener’s season ended, he went to Charlotte and competed for the Checkers in the AHL playoffs.

Harrison, like Muller, said he has noticed a difference in Murphy’s demeanor and game this season.

“I think that experience from last year is paying a little bit of dividends for him,” Harrison said. “He’s calmer in the defensive zone. He’s become more patient and reliable. Offensively, he’s become a little more assertive in taking the puck and knowing his skills and when to apply his offense.

“It’s a natural progression. And he’s still a young man and there are still leaps and bounds to go.”

During the Canes’ 5-2 loss Tuesday to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Murphy made a few defensive mistakes and was on the ice in the third period when the Pens’ Tanner Glass scored for a 4-2 lead. But he also showed off his offensive flair during the second period when he skated through traffic and carried the puck nearly the length of the rink before getting off a shot.

Murphy said he appreciates the help and advice given to him by Harrison, whom he jokingly called a “chatterbox.”

“He’s vocal and it helps a lot on the ice,” he said. “He lets me know where to be, who’s on me, or where the opening is. That help is huge. I never knew how much it could help until I was playing with the Hurricanes this year.”

Asked if Harrison was brutally honest with him, Murphy smiled.

“He hasn’t been too tough on me yet,” he said. “Maybe if I make a costly mistake he’ll give me the gears. As of now he’s been kind of like a big brother.”

Will their pairing continue? Time will tell. When defenseman Tim Gleason returns from a concussion, the Canes likely will send a defenseman to the Checkers. But it may not be Murphy.

“He’s a special player,” Muller said. “He knows the game well for his age. He’s got the skill level. He can run a power play. It’s just him getting more comfortable.”

News Observer LOADED: 10.10.2013

720441 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks, Toews ready for 'first playoff game'

By Chris Kuc \ October 9, 2013

ST. LOUIS -- The excitement level in St. Louis is high in anticipation of the Cardinals facing the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 5 of the National League division series Wednesday night.

Not far from that postseason contest, the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues will drop the puck in what figures to a hard-hitting contest between Central Division rivals at the Scottrade Center.

"We know exactly what to expect against this team, especially in their building," Hawks captain Jonathan Toews said following the Hawks' morning skate. "We’ve kind of been joking that it’s going to be the first playoff game of the year. It’s not really a joke. It’s going to be a tough game, a pretty physical game. They play with a lot of energy, especially early in the game so we’ll be ready to counter that and bring our best of the season so far.

"Early in the season there are some small details here and there you can keep improving on every single day," Toews added. "We’ve had lots of time to practice and rest up for this one. We should have our skating legs and lots of energy."

It will be the first meeting of the season between the teams that figure to clash at some point in the postseason due to NHL realignment. The Blues play a physical style with a flash of offense while the Hawks are all about puck possession and using their speed.

"We have a problem when we play (the Hawks)" Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. "They just don’t give us the puck. It’s an issue. They’re the best team in the league and they stretch out your defense. Our style of play only works when we can hem them in. If we don’t hem them in then our style doesn’t work.

"When we’re chasing them they can make us look silly and when they have to defend against us we can make them look silly," Hitchcock added. "We have very good games against them but each team is built differently. They play a different game than we do. They’re really good at what they do and we’re trying to get good at what we do. I don’t think they can play the way we play and I know we can’t play the way they play. There’s a good variance in what these two teams have to offer."

Here are the likely lines and pairings for Wednesday's game:

Blackhawks

FORWARDS: Bickell--Toews--Kane; Sharp--Handzus--Hossa; Saad--Shaw--Hayes; Bollig--Kruger--Nordstrom.

DEFENSEMEN: Keith--Seabrook; Oduya--Hjalmarsson; Leddy--Brookbank.

GOALTENDER: Crawford.

Blues

FORWARDS: Steen--Backes--Oshie; Morrow--Roy--Stewart; Schwartz--Berglund--Tarasenko; Sobotka--Lapierre--Reaves.

DEFENSEMEN: Bouwmeester--Pietrangelo; Leopold--Shattenkirk; Jackman--Polak.

GOALTENDER: Halak.

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 10.10.2013


Blues top Hawks 3-2 with 21 seconds left

By Chris Kuc, October 9, 2013

ST. LOUIS — Deadlocked in the waning seconds of regulation play in a hard-fought, highly entertaining battle against a division rival, the Blackhawks made one mistake — and it was fatal.

With three forwards deep in the Blues zone, defenseman Brent Seabrook pinched in and mere moments later the puck was in the back of the Hawks' net after the Alexander Steen had scored on a three-on-one break with 21.1 seconds remaining. The result was a 3-2 victory for the Blues Wednesday night at the Scottrade Center in the first of five meetings between the Central Division rivals.

"Brutal loss," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "We have to get that game to overtime. I don't know what we were thinking about. It was one of those plays, last minute of the period you want to be out there and we'll take one (point) and maybe two. Getting none was unacceptable."

The Blues remained unbeaten at 3-0-0 as Vladimir Tarasenko and David Backes also had goals and net-minder Jaroslav Halak continued his strong start with the victory. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews each had a goal and an assist and Patrick Sharp added two helpers for the Hawks but it wasn't enough as Corey Crawford suffered the tough-luck loss in goal. It was the Hawks' second consecutive defeat after coughing up a two-goal lead in the third period in the shootout loss to the Lightning on Saturday night.

"It's frustrating," Toews said. "I feel like (Wednesday night) we got robbed of two points. Last game we got robbed of one point. Just from making some small mistakes late in the game. Normally that would be when we feel like we take over and get even better."

The Hawks twice rallied from deficits as the power play continued its strong play in the early going of the season with scores on both opportunities. Kane scored seven seconds into the first man advantage and Toews just 15 into the second.

It was all for naught after Steen took advantage of Seabrook's miscue, raced into the Hawks zone with only Duncan Keith back and blew the puck past Crawford.

"I had to look around at first and I heard from the bench we had a rush, but I wanted to know how much time and space we had," Steen said. "Once I get in over the blue line, the 'D' kind of pushed over to (T.J.) Oshie and it was a shot."

Said Crawford, who finished with 31 saves: "It's a tough way to lose a game. It's probably one I stop a bunch of times if that's replayed. I just have to be better."

Quenneville had no issues with Crawford's play, instead focusing on the defensive mistake at the end.

"You can't make a mistake like that," Quenneville said. "Getting nothing was a huge four-point swing. (There were) a lot of positives but one shift is what we're all upset about."

[email protected]



Hawks' Olympic hopefuls under watchful eyes

In last 2 games, respectively, they were being evaluated by Team Canada honchos Yzerman and Hitchcock

By Chris Kuc, 10:17 p.m. CDT, October 9, 2013

ST. LOUIS — Olympic hopefuls on the Blackhawks continue to get their chances to showcase their talents for members of Hockey Canada's management group.

In their second game of the season Saturday night, the Hawks' Patrick Sharp, Jonathan Toews, Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith and Corey Crawford — among the attendees at Canada's Olympic orientation camp in Calgary in late August — played under the gaze of Lightning general manager and Team Canada executive director Steve Yzerman.

During their 3-2 loss to the Blues on Wednesday night at the Scottrade Center, it was Blues coach and management-group member Ken Hitchcock keeping tabs.

"Oh yeah, you're watching," Hitchcock said. "You have to grab yourself sometimes because you're trying to scout the opponent. Especially when you see Tampa play Chicago you're running big comparisons. You're looking and watching very closely on how a guy like Jonathan plays against a guy like Steven (Stamkos). The coaching staff (is) watching when two teams have potential players playing against each other. We want to see the comparisons and we're doing a lot of that right now."

Group lesson: With the Cardinals facing the Pirates in Game 5 of the National League Division Series at nearby Busch Stadium, there were plenty of empty seats in the arena. During intermissions, many in the announced crowd of 16,565 flooded to the concourse to watch baseball on TV.

Playing a factor in the diminished crowd was the Blues' decision to avoid selling tickets to fans in the Chicago area to keep Hawks supporters at a minimum.

One-timers: The Hawks' AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, will honor senior adviser Scotty Bowman during a Jan. 3 game against the Iowa Wild at BMO Harris Bank Center. … Former Hawks center John Madden, a member of the 2010 Stanley Cup champions, attended the game as a scout for the Panthers.



To top Blues, Blackhawks’ style must prevail

BY MARK LAZERUS Staff Reporter October 9, 2013 10:39PM

ST. LOUIS — The Blackhawks and Blues are both legitimate Stanley Cup contenders this season.

The similarities largely end there.

The Hawks are built on speed and skill, their puck-moving defensemen sparking their transition offense with quick, aggressive stretch passes. They stifle opponents by controlling the puck and playing keep-away.

The Blues are built on size and toughness, using their physical play to grind teams down and goad them into getting away from their style. They stifle opponents by clogging shooting and passing lanes and controlling the boards.

Considering how important their five regular-season meetings will be in the divisional standings, and how often they’ll surely see each other in the new divisional playoffs, whichever team can impose its will — and its style — will be the one that comes out on top.

“They’re really good at what they do, and we’re trying to get good at what we do,” Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said before Wednesday’s game at Scottrade Center. “I don’t think they can play the way we play, and I know we can’t play the way they play. For them to be effective, they’ve got to control the play in the O-zone. And for us to be effective, we’ve got to control the boards in the O-zone.”

The Hawks avoided getting sucked into the Blues’ style last season. Not counting the season finale, in which the Hawks played nearly half their AHL roster to rest their top guys, the Hawks were 3-0-1 against the Blues, including two shutout victories.

“We did a good job of that last year, especially in this building,” said Hawks captain Jonathan Toews, who spent most of last season’s games dealing with Barrett Jackman and David Backes trying to goad him into taking a foolish penalty, or even a fight. “It’s something I’ve kind of grown used to.”

Bryan Bickell, Toews’ left wing, knows it’s up to him to clear room for Toews and Patrick Kane to play the game they need to play against the Blues.

“I’ve got to get those guys the puck and get the pucks in the corner, finish my hits to open ice for them and make it harder on their defense or forwards,” Bickell said.

“Our speed, our transition game are our strengths. We don’t fall into the other team’s hands. We just play our game.”

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 10.10.2013


Hitchcock, Toews: Current opponents, future cohorts


Blues coach Ken Hitchcock was supposed to be watching Saturday night’s Blackhawks-Lightning game to get the scouting report on the Hawks, his team’s next opponent. Instead, he found himself watching Jonathan Toews and Steven Stamkos, and letting his mind wander to Sochi, where he’ll have both those guys on his team as an assistant coach for Team Canada.

“Oh, yeah, you’re watching,” Hitchcock said. “You have to grab yourself sometimes, because your’e trying to scout the opponent.”

Hitchcock, who’ll be on Mike Babcock’s staff at the Olympics, said he’s constantly evaluating potential Olympians while preparing for Blues games. The Hawks have a handful of candidates — Toews, Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Corey Crawford — that Hitchcock will be keeping an eye on. He said he’s particularly intrigued when potential Team Canada players go up against players from other nations.

“You’re watching that all the time,” he said. “We’re watching when two teams have potential players playing against each other. We want to see the comparisons, and we’re doing a lot of that right now.”

Kane can

One of those players Hitchcock has to worry about is Patrick Kane, the star of the American squad. Hitchcock raved about how far Kane has come — in terms of ability and maturity — since the 2008 World Championships, in which Hitchcock coached.

“I don’t get how he plays,” Hitchcock marveled. “How you can go around the ice for 60 minutes and nobody touches you, I don’t understand that. But he does it.”

Of course, Kane knew the physical Blues would do everything to prevent that.

“You know they’re going to be running around, so I don’t expect to go 60 minutes tonight without getting hit,” he said before the game.

Kill switch

Joel Quenneville had Michal Handzus taking most of the short-handed shifts alongside Marcus Kruger on Wednesday, with rookie Joakim Nordstrom getting only five seconds of PK time — the time it took for T.J. Oshie to win a faceoff against Kruger, Alex Pietrangelo to fire from the point and David Backes to deflect it in.

The Hawks were 1-for-2 on the penalty kill and have now allowed five power-play goals in three games.

“Want to get it stabilized a little bit,” Quenneville said of the personnel switch. “Got scored on again, but at least we got through that one in the third.”

Roster report

Sheldon Brookbank made his debut Wednesday night, skating with Nick Leddy on the Hawks’ third defensive pairing.

Backup goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin will make his season debut either Friday against the Islanders or Saturday against the Sabres.

Neither Hitchcock nor Hawks coach Joel Quenneville — a pair of old-school coaches — seemed too fond of the much-discussed between-the-legs goal by Sharks rookie Tomas Hertl on Tuesday night, his fourth of the game. Hitchcock said, “Not commenting.” Quenneville hesitated, then said, “I guess you could try it if you already had three.”



Last-minute goal gives Blackhawks first regulation loss of season


ST. LOUIS — There’s no way of knowing what the Central Division standings will look like 79 games from now. No way to tell if the Blackhawks will look back on the two points they gave up in Wednesday night’s gut-wrenching, last-minute loss to the St. Louis Blues as the ones that got away. They very well might mean nothing in the long run — after all, the Hawks finished 17 points ahead of St. Louis last season in a mere 48 games.

But right now? In the short term?

“It’s frustrating,” Hawks captain Jonathan Toews said after Alexander Steen scored on a three-on-one with 21.1 seconds left to give the Blues a 3-2 victory in a rollicking affair at Scottrade Center. “That’s two games in a row. I feel like tonight we got robbed of two points. And last game [against Tampa Bay], we got robbed of one point, just from making some small mistakes late in the game. Normally, that would be when we feel like we take over and we get even better.”

Instead, after squandering a 2-0 third-period lead and settling for a shootout loss against the Lightning on Saturday, the Hawks squandered a stellar Corey Crawford performance (31 saves) and two power-play goals, coming up empty against the Blues.

It was the manner in which the Hawks gave up the game-winner that had Joel Quenneville upset. As the clock wound down, the Hawks had the puck deep in the Blues’ zone. And instead of playing it safe, they went for the jugular. With three forwards already down low, defenseman Brent Seabrook pinched in, too. So when Toews’ soft shot toward the goalmouth was taken by St. Louis’ Alex Pietrangelo, it left only Duncan Keith back to defend against a sudden three-on-one. Crawford was kicking himself for not making a save he said he makes “a bunch of times,” but Quenneville blamed the over-aggressive play of his team.

“Brutal loss,” he said. “Look back at the last three points we left on the table. We’ve got to get that game to overtime. I don’t know what we were thinking about. We’ll take one [point] and then maybe two. Getting none is unacceptable.”

The loss soured what had been a tremendous back-and-forth game, and a strong effort from the Hawks, who twice answered St. Louis goals almost immediately. Despite a sparse (albeit boisterous) crowd affected by the Blues’ “Keep the Red Out” effort and the Cardinals playoff game down the street, the game lived up to the made-for-TV “Rivalry Night” billing as the two powerhouses matched punch for punch, hit for hit, and big Crawford save for big Jaroslav Halak save.

“It was a great hockey game,” Quenneville said. “To come up with nothing, it hurts right now.”

Vladimir Tarasenko gave the Blues a 1-0 lead late in the first period — on another odd-man rush, this one precipitated by a rare Marian Hossa giveaway in the neutral zone — but Patrick Kane tied it up 77 seconds later, just seven seconds into a power play.

After David Backes deflected Pietrangelo’s shot past Crawford on a power play midway through the second, Toews scored 39 seconds later, swatting in a Kane rebound just 15 seconds into another power play.

So the Hawks’ penalty-killing unit — so strong last season — gave up a fifth power play goal in its eighth kill (it later killed off a penalty in the third). And the Hawks’ power-play unit — so weak last season — scored two power play goals in 22 seconds, upping its total to four in three games.

Quenneville had Michal Handzus taking most of the shorthanded shifts alongside Marcus Kruger, with rookie Joakim Nordstrom getting only five seconds of PK time — the time it took for T.J. Oshie to win a faceoff against Kruger, and for Pietrangelo to fire and Backes to score.

“Want to get it stabilized a little bit,” Quenneville said of the personnel switch. “[The power play] was very encouraging. And it was all shots. After the shots, [good] things happened.”

But in the end, “one play, as Quenneville put it, cost the Hawks a chance to at least get a point, and gave them their first regulation loss of the year — preseason included. So there’ll be no 24-game point streak this time around, and more importantly, no huge early cushion in the Central Division. The Blues are considered Stanley Cup contenders for a reason, and this game was only the opening salvo in what could be a season-long battle — one in which every point counts.

“We paid the price, we’ve given away a potential three points from some of those mistakes,” Toews said. “It’s not one or two guys, it’s everyone that has to learn from it. We’ll move forward. We’re not going to sit around and make excuses and dwell on it, but we have to be better.”



Blues hand Blackhawks 'brutal loss'

By Tim Sassone

St. Louis Blues coach Ken Hitchcock figured he couldn't lose Wednesday night.

Playing the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks at Scottrade Center was going to provide Hitchcock with answers he needed about his team, which came in with a record of 2-0.

Blues coach praises Kane’s hockey intelligence

"I like it any time we play top teams," Hitchcock said. "You get a real good read on your team. We can't lose in this game. We're going to get information that we need. Whether it's good or bad, we're going to get it.

"We need that information. We think we're improving, but we need to get to another level. We need to not just talk what's needed, but we actually have to play in that atmosphere and see it."

In a playoff-like setting, the Blues got a goal from Alex Steen with 21.1 seconds to play for a 3-2 victory.

"Brutal loss," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville told reporters. "We've got to get that game to overtime. I don't know what we were thinking about.

"It was one of those plays, last minute of the period, you want to be out there and we'll take 1 (point) and maybe 2. Getting none was unacceptable. You can't make a mistake like that.

"Getting nothing was a huge 4-point swing. It was one play. We have to be smarter, that's all."

Defenseman Brent Seabrook got caught in the offensive zone while the Blues headed the other way on a 3-on-1. Steen hammered a slap shot through Corey Crawford from the left circle as the seconds ticked down.

"They came out strong, but we got better as the game went along," Steen said. "Jaro was probably the difference for us tonight."

Jaro would be goalie Jaroslav Halak, who came up big time after time to best Crawford. Halak finished with 26 saves. "Everybody was ready for this game and pumped up," he said.

Last season the Hawks didn't lose for the first time until the 25th game. They're now 1-1-1.

The Blues took a 1-0 lead at 15:44 of the first period when Vladimir Tarasenko beat Crawford with a high snap shot following a Marian Hossa turnover in the neutral zone.

But a little more than a minute after the goal, the Blues' Maxim Lapierre took a poor penalty when he creamed Andrew Shaw from behind into the boards.

The Hawks cashed in immediately on the power play when Patrick Kane got his third goal of the season. Patrick Sharp partially fanned on a shot from the slot and the puck went right to Kane to the left of the net.

The goalies took the spotlight early in the second period, particularly Halak, who stopped Sharp on a clean breakaway just past the five-minute mark.

The Blues went back ahead 2-1 with a power-play goal of their own from David Backes, but Jonathan Toews' first goal of the season on a power play at 9:16 tied it at 2-2.

Toews pounced on a loose puck to the right of the net after Kane fanned on an attempt from the left side with Halak down and out.

The Hawks had two 2-on-1s in the first five minutes but couldn't cash in against Halak.

Michal Handzus kept the puck on the left side as he broke in with Hossa, but Halak gloved his shot. Minutes later Hossa kept the puck as he broke free with Sharp, but Halak stopped him.

"That's two games in a row I feel we got robbed of 2 points," Toews told reporters.

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 10.10.2013


Blues beat Hawks in closing seconds

By Associated Press

ST. LOUIS — Alexander Steen got just enough on a slap shot in the closing seconds to get the puck past Corey Crawford and give the St. Louis Blues a win over the rival Blackhawks.

Steen's drive with 21.1 seconds left trickled through Crawford and lifted the Blues to a 3-2 victory against the defending Stanley Cup champions on Wednesday night.

Steen broke down the left side as part of a 3-on-1 rush. Instead of passing, he let go a shot from just inside the left circle.

"You pick a spot," Steen said. "I don't know that it's really how hard it is. It's more where you put it."

The Blackhawks (1-1-1) lost for the first time in regulation. Chicago coach Joel Quenneville was particularly upset that his team gave up an odd-man break so late in a tie game.

"You've got to get that game to overtime," Quenneville said. "You take one (point) maybe two. You don't get none. That's unacceptable.

"There was not a lot of mistakes. We played a good game. But you can't make a mistake like that."

The Blues (3-0) matched their best start to a season, also done in the 1969-70 and 1993-94 campaigns.

"Playing Chicago is always a big game," Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak said. "I think our guys came up big. We stuck to the game plan and didn't give up."

Halak, who made 26 saves, has been in net for all three wins.

"You just have to focus on every shot and try not to give up rebounds," Halak said.

Vladimir Tarasenko and David Backes also scored for St. Louis.

Patrick Kane scored for the third straight game for the Blackhawks, and Jonathan Toews had the other Chicago goal. Crawford made 31 saves.

Tarasenko gave the Blues a 1-0 lead when he beat Crawford with a wrist shot from the slot with 4:16 left in the first period.

Kane tied it with a power-play goal 1:17 later. Patrick Sharp's shot from the right circle trickled through to Kane at the left post, and he swatted the puck in.

In the second period, Backes put the Blues back in front at 8:37 when he redirected Alex Pietrangelo's shot from the right point into the net. But after Jaden Schwartz went off for hooking, Toews tied it 39 seconds later when he shoved a rebound past Halak.

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 10.10.2013


Blues tally late goal to drop Blackhawks

October 9, 2013, 9:45 pm | Staff

ST. LOUIS – The Chicago Blackhawks were playing well, from goaltending on out. They were challenging Jaroslav Halak on one end, with Corey Crawford keeping things at bay on the other.

But all it takes is one mistake at a critical time against a team that’s likely to capitalize on it. And with just about 20 seconds remaining on Wednesday night, that’s exactly what befell the Blackhawks.

[WATCH: Blackhawks know they have to finish stronger]

The Blackhawks got caught with too many players down low, and Alex Steen turned a Blues 3-on-1 into a game-winning goal with 21.1 seconds remaining as they beat the Blackhawks, 3-2, at Scottrade Center. It was the Blackhawks’ first regulation loss of this season, but it was one that left a bitter taste in their mouths.

“Brutal loss,” coach Joel Quenneville said afterward. “You look back (at the last two games), three points left on the table. We’ve got to get that game to overtime. I don’t now what we were thinking about. We’ll take one, maybe two (points). Getting none is unacceptable.”

It certainly looked headed to overtime as the seconds ticked away. A late Jonathan Toews shot (or pass) went to Alex Pietrangelo, as four Blackhawks (Toews, Bryan Bickell, Patrick Kane and Brent Seabrook) descended toward the goal. That left the Blues with a lot of room, a lot of open guys and a 3-on-1 going the other way. Steen fired past Crawford, who looked like he got part of the shot before it trickled past him.

“Once you let it go, you can kind of see this one has a chance,” Steen told local reporters. “I had to look around at first and I heard from the bench we had a rush, but I wanted to know how much time and space we had. Once I get in over the blue line, the 'D' kind of pushed over to (T.J. Oshie) and it was a shot.”

Crawford was frustrated at the result.

“As a goalie, you want to come with a save. That’s one I stop a bunch of times if that’s replayed,” said Crawford, who stopped 31 of 34. “Yeah, we were pressing late, had a couple of chances. It’s a tough way to lose the game. We’re definitely frustrated with that. We just have to be better.”

Quenneville said, “we played a good game but you can’t make a mistake like that. We played well last game, too ... We got one point; it was something. But tonight getting nothing, it’s a huge four-point swing.”

The Blackhawks did have positives. They had a lot of them, actually. They were once again getting a lot of time in their opponents’ zone, as well as plenty of shots to go with that time. The power play scored twice, and in a matter of seconds both times. Kane got the first one seven seconds into their first advantage, with Toews capitalizing 15 seconds into the second. But it all came down to the end, and in the end, the Blackhawks didn’t come up with that last big play or big stop.

“It’s frustrating,” Toews said. “That’s two games in a row. Tonight we got robbed of two points. Last game we got robbed of one point. It’s just from making some small mistakes late in the game, which is normally when we feel we take over and get better. We have to finish stronger regardless of the score. We talk about getting points early, and we’re letting points slip away. We have to remind ourselves of that.”

It’s certainly not the end of the world, not with so many games left. Nobody expected the Blackhawks to go on another 21-0-3 run to start the season. But they also don’t want to make mistakes that give their opponents another goal on the scoreboard and costs them one or two points in the standings.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 10.10.2013


Blackhawks look to play more keep-away against the Blues

Staff

St. Louis Blues coach Ken Hitchcock recognizes an issue his team always has against the Chicago Blackhawks.

“We have a problem when we play them: they just don’t give us the puck,” he said.

No, the Blackhawks are a stingy group that way, considering how well they play with the puck and how much they dictate that style of game. So when the Blues and Blackhawks convene tonight at Scottrade Center, the Blues will once again be trying to get that puck away from their Chicago rival.

The Blackhawks and Blues each have their own style of play. Where the Blackhawks are slick and stylish the Blues are abrasive and physical. Both teams have good defense, both good goaltending. So each side will be concentrating on what works for them, although the Blackhawks say they’ll match the Blues’ physical with physical when necessary.

“Our strength is our speed, but they have skill guys who have speed. Parts of the game are more physical and we step to the occasion and accept the game tempo,” Bryan Bickell said. “We need to stick to our game, and hopefully we can do that.”

The Blues’ biggest problem last year was getting offense to go with that great goaltending (2.62 goals/game). They’re not having that problem in the early going. In two games the Blues have recorded 11 goals, and they’ve spread the scoring wealth around the roster (10 players have combined for those 11 goals).

But again, it comes down to a team playing its game, not falling into the trap of the opponent’s. The Blackhawks did that masterfully last season, dictating so much against the Blues. They’ll need to do the same to continue that success rate.

“I think the best way to play against these guys is to keep it simple, get pucks to the net and crash that net,” Patrick Kane said. “They’ve always played good team defense and have had good goaltending here. It’s not the easiest team to score on, but if you work hard and get them running around a little bit your chances should open up. Hopefully that’s what we can do.”


720451 Colorado Avalanche

Cory Sarich enjoying rebirth of NHL career with Avalanche

By Adrian Dater Posted: 10/10/2013 12:01:00 AM MDT

BOSTON — Too old. Too slow. The game passed him by. Throw-in. Had to take him.

Those were some of the unflattering things said about Cory Sarich when a trade sending him from the Calgary Flames to the Avalanche was announced this summer, right before the NHL draft. He was a 35-year-old defenseman who often was a healthy scratch with one of the worst teams in the league last season. Expectations were low for the native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Could he even stick with the Avs?

The answer: a resounding yes. Nobody is ready to hand him a Norris Trophy just yet, but Sarich has been the Avs' best defenseman in their 3-0 start. After Tuesday's game at Toronto — where he scored his first goal in 65 games and only

his 21st in 918 games overall — Sarich has a plus-5 rating.

He is averaging 18:44 of ice time for coach Patrick Roy, paired with a fellow newcomer to the Avs, Andre Benoit. He is sticking it to the Flames, whom Sarich said didn't have faith in him.

"It was just the opinion of a coach. Or coaches," said Sarich, whose Flames were coached last season and still are by former Avs bench boss Bob Hartley. "The last two years, they didn't play me for a bit and then I come back and I was — not to toot my own horn or anything — but I was a really solid defenseman for our team. It just seems that the start of every season, it gets overlooked a little bit. So it's nice to have some people putting some faith in me again."

Sarich has had a good NHL career since being drafted 27th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1996. He won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004 and was a favorite of the coach of that team, John Tortorella. He was the NHL's reigning ironman at one time, playing 419 consecutive games, a streak that ended in 2007 because of an injury. He went on to sign a big free-agent contract with Calgary in 2007 and had some good years there, including two trips to the playoffs.

But

Sarich missed 40 games the past two seasons because of injuries or coach's decisions. He has quickly become a favorite of his new coach.

"Very solid, very good," Roy said. "He's always been a very solid defenseman in this league. He's also a very good leader, a guy the younger guys in my dressing room can go to."

Sarich, whose brother-in-law is Nick Schultz of the Edmonton Oilers, said he took it personally when some pundits wrote him off this summer.

"I've never thought that 35 was old," he said. "Maybe other people were convinced it is, but I still feel good and still feel like I can contribute. I feel like I can help us be solid in our end and get us out of our end.

"When I get a goal like (Tuesday against the Maple Leafs), it's just a little bonus. I just have to keep continuing to work hard and keep getting used to our systems. The key for us so far has been our work ethic. That's really what's been carrying us right now, and it has to continue if we want to get to where we want to go."

Denver Post: LOADED: 10.10.2013

720452 Dallas Stars

Salary-cap parity aids Stars; club absorbed payroll after lockout mandated other teams shed salary

MIKE HEIKA

Staff Writer

[email protected]

Published: 09 October 2013 10:49 PM

Updated: 10 October 2013 01:10 AM

In just one summer, the Stars added $8.2 million to their payroll and climbed to within $2.2 million of the NHL’s $64.3 million salary cap.

And yet they sit 19th among 30 teams in salary cap ranking.

Welcome to the 2013-14 season, where a lockout-induced reign of parity could help determine everything from final standings to the level of activity on the trade market. And nobody is really sure how it all will play out.

“It’s a different world, for sure, and you have to really do your planning,” said Stars general manager Jim Nill. “There are a lot of details that could end up being very important at the end of the season.”

The NHL was expected to have a salary cap of $70.2 million last season, but decided to lock out the players and negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. As part of the process, teams that were functioning near $70 million had to get down to $64 million this season. That meant when the Stars decided to open up the checkbook of owner Tom Gaglardi and acquire several large contracts in the summer, they almost doubled the value of the money invested.

Now teams like Boston that were spending $16 million more last season are just one reasonably-priced player ahead of teams like the Stars in terms of competitive balance.

“For the sake of parity, it’s great,” said Stars forward Rich Peverley. “You really can look out there and see that everyone is spending very close to the same amount of money. That’s a huge change.”

To accomplish that task, teams had to shed salary. Peverley was a member of the Boston Bruins, who traded him and Tyler Seguin to be cap compliant. In addition, Edmonton decided to part ways with captain Shawn Horcoff, who has a cap hit of $5.5 million. The Stars were able to pick up Horcoff, who will make an average of $3.5 million the next two seasons, because they had plenty of cap space.

“I think that’s one of the things that has helped us,” Nill said. “We’re near $62 million on the cap, but we’re only spending $58 million.”

The problem is the cap still matters. The top 24 teams in the league are within $4 million of the cap. That means trades have to be salary for salary, and teams have to get creative if they want to make deals.

“It’s a concern, but teams will have to find a way around it,” Nill said.

Nill is watching every penny he spends, and said he has daily meetings with the front office to see where savings can be made. If that means operating with less than 23 players, he’ll do it. If it means sending a player to the AHL instead of keeping an extra body, he’ll do that too.

Nill is comfortable with those decisions, because he spent time in Detroit with a team that was always pressed against the cap. There, he learned to save even a couple of thousand whenever he could, because you never knew when you needed that money at the end of the season.

He’s also comfortable because he knows he has a pretty solid plan for the future. While many teams have committed to players who make more than $7 million a season on cap hit, Dallas’ top three long-term deals are for $6 million or less. Kari Lehtonen has five years remaining at $5.9 million, Seguin has six years at $5.75 million, and Jamie Benn has four years at $5.25 million.

That’s a manageable group. Add to the fact the Stars are expected in the next two seasons to replace big contracts like Sergei Gonchar ($5 million), Horcoff ($5.5 million), Erik Cole ($4.5 million) and Ray Whitney ($4.5

million) with younger players like Jamie Oleksiak, John Klingberg and Brett Ritchie, and the future that seems bright — at least in terms of cap space.

“You always want flexibility, and that’s something that helped us in the summer,” Nill said. “We don’t have a ton now, but I really think we’re headed in the right direction. I think we’re set up to be competitive now, and down the road, and that’s what you want.”

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 10.10.2013

720453 Detroit Red Wings

Report: Sergei Fedorov coming out of retirement to play for his KHL team

3:48 PM, October 9, 2013 |

Posted by Brian Manzullo

Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

So does this mean Sergei Fedorov will be in good enough hockey shape to play in the NHL Winter Classic alumni game?

The 43-year-old general manager of the KHL’s CSKA Moscow, best known for winning three Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings, is apparently coming out of retirement to play for his struggling team, according to Pavel Lysenkov of Russia’s Sovietsky Sport. Lysenkov says Fedorov will play Friday, though no contract has been signed (as a player).

CSKA Moscow is 5-3-0-7 thus far, seventh in the KHL West, so perhaps Fedorov is looking to give his team a boost.

Fedorov, a center, retired last year after playing for the KHL’s Metallurg Magnitogorsk from 2009-12. His last season in the NHL was 2008-09 with the Washington Capitals. He played for the Red Wings from 1990-03.

Fedorov has since become GM of CSKA Moscow following his retirement. Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk played for CSKA Moscow during last year’s NHL lockout, scoring 36 points in 31 games.

The Red Wings are hoping Fedorov will be available for the NHL Winter Classic Alumni Showdown on Dec. 31 at Comerica Park; he was set to play in it last year before the lockout forced the festivities to be rescheduled to this coming winter.

Whether he plays in it is still up in the air, but it’s worth noting that CSKA Moscow has a break in between games on Christmas Day and Jan. 3.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 10.10.2013


Baseball, birthdays and pink: Detroit Red Wings in sunny mood as they prepare for Coyotes

1:44 PM, October 9, 2013 |

By Helene St. James


Baseball, birthdays, the color pink. The Detroit Red Wings were in a mood matching the sunny day as they returned to work today.

It was captain Henrik Zetterberg's 33rd birthday, and while former teammate Kris Draper, he of the patented shaving cream-surprise towel hijinks — is now a dignified member of the front office, Zetterberg was still on alert. He would only talk with his back against a stall.

The Wings have had an unusually leisurely week, thanks to a schedule that has the next game Thursday against the Phoenix Coyotes, a seeming lifetime since Saturday's game in Boston.

The only changes coming for the game are on the fourth line, where coach Mike Babcock will reinsert Mikael Samuelsson after scratching him in the Bruins game to make room Tomas Tatar. Jordin Tootoo, who has been on injured reserve with a bruised shoulder, said he's cleared to play.

On Saturday, the Wings host the Philadelphia Flyers, which is where the color pink comes in. Goalie Jimmy Howard used today’s practice to debut the helmet he will wear, which will be auctioned off later to benefit local cancer organizations. Howard's helmet is highlight by a giant pink ribbon, symbol of breast cancer awareness. Howard also will wear a pink glove and blocker, but isn't sure whether he'll have time to break in pads.



Detroit Catholic Central hockey star Matt Sorisho hospitalized with broken back

2:12 PM, October 9, 2013 |

By Perry A. Farrell


Novi Detroit Catholic Central athletic director Aaron Babicz said senior hockey player Matt Sorisho is in good spirits at Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills after the team’s leading scorer last season severely injured his spinal cord while playing for a Michigan Development Hockey League all-star team Friday.

Sorisho hit the boards back-first during a game at the Farmington Hills Ice Arena. Sorisho’s team was facing a travel squad out of Chicago. Published reports said Sorisho was skating at full speed toward the goal when he was hit by defenseman, lost his balance, and spun around backward before hitting the wall.

Shamrocks coach Doug Itami wasn’t at the game but said the collision shattered a lumbar vertebra (between the rib cage and the pelvis) in Sorisho’s back. He also suffered a concussion.

But Babicz said Sorisho, 17, is in good spirits.

“He asked me to get one of his teachers to change his grade to an A,” Babicz said. “I said I’ll ask him, and I said what (grade) do you have right now? He told me, and I told him he wasn’t giving me much to work with.

“We had a good laugh with that. I will say this: He’s a tough, high-quality-character young man. I know he’s going to fight his rear end off.”

Sorisho went through a seven-hour surgery Friday to remove the shattered disk. Pins and rods were inserted to stabilize his spine. The family hoped to move him to the Ann Arbor Spine Center today or Thursday.

“He’ll probably spend four to six weeks at the spine center doing rehab and physical therapy,” Itami said. “Right now, they’re in the mode of seeing if he’s capable of being moved. There are good and bad times. There are times when his spirits are great. He looks good. He’s fully functional from the waist up. His attitude is good, but there are always going to be some down times where he really starts to think about the situation he’s in. It gets to him.

“He’s scared. It has been a tough go. He’s strong, and his dreams are changing now. We’re lucky that he can still breathe on his own and fortunate he does have mobility in his arms and hands and his mind is good.”

Itami said Sorisho’s short-term goals are to get better and get back to school as soon as possible. He had hoped to play hockey at Michigan State.

“He wants to go to Michigan State,” Itami said. “We’re hoping he can be self-sufficient and live on his own at some point. He can sit at a desk and still work and drive because he has mobility from the waist up.”

While Itami rehabs, contractors are at the Sorisho home, making it accessible for Matt’s return home.

Itami said the family has heard from Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock and the NHL.

“Mike Babcock has been awesome,” Itami said. “They’ve been very supportive, and the hockey community always wraps their arms around you when something like this happens.”



Red Wings' Daniel Alfredsson remains plenty sharp at 40 for run at Stanley Cup

Staff Writer

Jakub Kindl’s good idea was to rush the net with about 2 minutes, 30 seconds remaining in overtime against the Hurricanes last Friday.

The change of pace in the Red Wings attack and Kindl’s take-it-to-the net approach nearly worked. When no goal resulted, the Hurricanes were quickly on the rush with the Red Wings defenseman chasing.

But, Daniel Alfredsson was waiting with keen anticipation at the blue line, at about the spot from which Kindl had begun his drive.

Quickly, Alfredsson skated backward. He kept pace in reverse with the Hurricanes’ attacking left wing through the neutral zone.

At the Red Wings blue line, Alfredsson veered sharply to his right and toward the boards. There, he took the puck.

He then started forward, beginning another foray. Alfredsson also provided the climactic thrust moments later, stalking within feet of Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward.

His shot would have won the game had it not struck the shaft of Ward’s stick.

On the next shift, Stephen Weiss scored, giving the Red Wings their second victory of the budding season.

Alfredsson is an essential ingredient, long sought by the franchise to complement the offense of Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Even at age 40, his skills remain considerable.

It is the importance of being “Alfie.”

Healthy for a substantial portion of an 82-game schedule and the playoffs, Alfredsson’s ability could well contribute to enough scoring from the second line and power play to render the offensive falterings of the Red Wings the past couple seasons a dead issue.

“He is a great all-around player,” Zetterberg said. “He plays both sides of the ice. Obviously, he is good on the power play; he’s got a good shot.

“And he’s going to be a big part of our team.”

Reminiscent of Federov

One shift does not make a game, let alone a season. But it was a shift like something unseen for some time in Detroit: a defenseman’s skill, a defensive forward’s attention to detail, an offensive forward’s instincts and an accomplished scorer’s aptitude in the slot.

Datsyuk and Zetterberg are top-of-the-charts two-way forwards.

But that skating in reverse item, added to finishing both the defensive and offensive parts of the play? Sergei Fedorov.

Check that continually updating highlight video that got installed in your brain when you were made a Red Wings fan before birth. Who else since the man some like to boo has done that in a Detroit uniform?

Will it happen for Alfredsson every shift all year? No, if only because 40 is 40.

But the skill is already on display. And, while some question his years in Ottawa because he never won a Stanley Cup and because, like Steve Yzerman, his leadership is quiet and mostly by example, his character is, nonetheless, formidable.

Of his defenseman’s tool box, Alfredsson chuckled and said, “It’s a simple explanation.”

“I did play defense until I was 14, 15. Not that I’m great at it, but I am comfortable skating backwards,” he said, referencing his development in the hockey clubs in Sweden.

“The coach decided to put me up at center, because I was never in my own end anyway!” he said, flashing a mischievous smile of self-deprecation.

Asked to assess his skills, as he begins play in Detroit, Alfredsson was similarly unassuming.

“You know, as I consider myself as a player, I’m not really great at anything,” he said. “But I’m not bad at anything. I can shoot. I can stick-handle. I can skate.

“But I’m not the fastest. I don’t have the best shot. I’m not the best stick-handler.

“But, all around, I think my biggest asset is reading the game, anticipating what’s going to happen and, you know, being in the right place at the right time.”

Drive alive

Meanwhile, there is nothing like a player with something to prove.

In an Olympic season, united on the Red Wings roster with several future teammates for the Swedish national team, it is the Stanley Cup that gives Alfredsson incomparable motivation.

Mike Modano arrived two seasons ago, slated for the third line, looking for a second Stanley Cup and talking about how much harder the Red Wings skated during practice than the Stars.

Alfredsson plays on the second line, seeks to realize every hockey player’s lifelong dream for the first time and, save for a sore groin during camp, is up and down the ice with considerable skill and vigorous intent from the get-go.

Recall Yzerman in October 1996. Always a contender, never a champion and well-skilled even as the seasons began to ebb.

It is precisely where Alfredsson stands, except he is later to his first Cup, in his 18th year in the NHL.

“You know, I’ve been on a few teams fortunately that have been in the playoffs a lot of times,” he said of his years in Ottawa. “And I’ve been in the league a long time now, and still haven’t won.

“So, that’s what drives you. That’s what makes you come to the rink every day and push yourself and try to get better and improve.

“When you come up to this age, you’ve got to still have the drive. Otherwise, it’s a long year.”

Time will tell if Alfredsson picked the best team, for the end of his drive.

But his performance may well be noteworthy, regardless.

Detroit News LOADED: 10.10.2013


Red Wings cheering on Tigers, too

Ted Kulfan

The Detroit News

Detroit — For Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard it was one of the more memorable sports events he's ever attended.

Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg had a great time, too.

Being at Comerica Park for Game 4 of the Tigers’ American League Divison Series against the Oakland A's on Tuesday left everyone excited and spent.

"It was a blast," said Howard of the epic baseball game. "It's fun being just a fan and sitting there and cheering, and not being in that situation.

"That game was awesome to be part of. It was amazing to watch (Max) Scherzer pitch out of that (bases loaded) jam in the eighth."

Zetterberg didn't understand baseball when he first came to North America but now considers himself a fan.

"I enjoy it a lot, especially this time of year it's fun to watch," said Zetterberg, who attended both Games 3 and 4. "It took me a few years, but now I'm really getting it. I really like going to the park and watching the games and spending time with friends.

"Anything can happen. You can be up five or six runs and suddenly it can be tied. The playoffs are so tight."

Everyone agreed it's a lot more difficult watching these types of games than participating.

"Way more nervous to watch them than to coach us," coach Mike Babcock said. "It was exciting stuff. Attitude is contagious, work ethic is contagious, hitting is contagious and scoring is contagious.

"Once they got a couple of hits and the guys got confidence, it's exactly the same as our game. It's the same thing. You get going and you get the feeling and you have some swagger back.

"That's what I'm watching. They're all the same, a bunch of guys competing and the other team is competing, too."

It was a lot easier, said Howard, goaltending Game 7 against Chicago last spring in the playoffs.

"When you're out there, not much is going through your mind," he said. "Speaking for myself, when I'm out there I just play and whatever happens, happens.

"I don't know what mindframe they took into the game, but I'm sure they weren't thinking anything other than going out and playing baseball."

Tootoo cleared

Forward Jordin Tootoo has been cleared to play, but when he actually enters the lineup remains to be seen.

Tootoo suffered a bruised shoulder Sept. 19 in an exhibition game in Boston.

"Right now it's just about maintaining my strength and making sure every day I come ready, both mentally and physically," Tootoo said.

Tootoo adds a dimension of physical play the Red Wings could need at some point of the season.

With forwards Darren Helm (back) and Patrick Eaves (knee, ankle sprain) on the long-term injured list — both practiced Wednesday — the Red Wings don't need to make a roster move to activate Tootoo.

"My job is to play hockey when I'm called upon," Tootoo said. "For me, it's one day at a time. This is the greatest league to be in. I’m just glad to be part of this organization and for me, I'll be ready to go when called upon."

Ice chips

Babcock said Mikael Samuelsson will return to the lineup Thursday against Phoenix, with Tomas Tatar likely being the odd man out.

… Zetterberg celebrated his 33rd birthday Wednesday.

… Phoenix has lost its last two games by a combined score of 10-2 after winning its regular season opener.

"Every game we play Phoenix is a very hard-fought game," Howard said. "They're well coached and they play their systems so well. If you're going to beat them, you have to beat them with all of the aspects of your game."

Detroit News LOADED: 10.10.2013


Red Wings: It's more nerve-wracking watching Detroit Tigers in playoffs than playing in a Game 7

Ansar Khan | [email protected] By Ansar Khan | [email protected]

on October 09, 2013 at 6:01 PM, updated October 09, 2013 at 6:21 PM

DETROIT -- They watched, they cheered, they sweated it out with every pitch.

For a team that has experienced countless pressure situations, particularly during the Stanley Cup playoffs, watching the Detroit Tigers stave off elimination Tuesday was a tense ride for the Detroit Red Wings who follow baseball.

“It’s way more nerve-wracking to watch them play than to coach us, I can tell you that,’’ coach Mike Babcock said.

Jimmy Howard and Henrik Zetterberg, two of the Red Wings’ bigger baseball fans, were among the players who attended the Tigers’ 8-6 victory over the Oakland Athletics Tuesday in Game 4 of the ALDS.

“It was a blast,’’ Howard said. “Let me tell you, in those situations, it’s fun being a fan, just sitting there cheering and not the one being in that situation. That game was awesome to be a part of. It was amazing to watch (Max) Scherzer pitch out of that jam (in the eighth inning).’’

Howard was more nervous watching the Tigers try to keep their season alive than he was during Game 7 of the playoffs against the Chicago Blackhawks last May.

“For me, being in Game 7s and in overtimes, I just don’t get nervous,’’ Howard said. “It’s a lot tougher to watch, just sitting in the stands I think it’s more nerve-wracking watching than it is playing.’’

Howard is lamenting that the decisive Game 5 in Oakland is Thursday, starting 30 minutes later than the Red Wings game against Phoenix at Joe Louis Arena. He hopes to watch the last few innings after his team’s game.

Zetterberg went to Games 3 and 4.

“I enjoy it a lot, especially this time of year,’’ he said.

Did Zetterberg understand baseball when he came to North America from Sweden in 2002?

“No, not a clue,’’ he said. “Same with football. It took me a few years, now I’m really enjoying it.

“I like to go to the park and watch games and spend time with friends. Anything can happen. They can be down five, six runs and all of a sudden it can be tied. Especially in the playoffs, it’s so tight and real exciting.”

Babcock was thinking like a coach as he watched.

“I thought it was awesome bringing (Scherzer) off the bench because if you don’t win Game 4 forget about saving a starter for Game 5; then you have (Justin) Verlander,’’ Babcock said. “It was exciting stuff.’’

He added: “Attitude is contagious, work ethic is contagious, hitting’s contagious, scoring is contagious, and once they got a couple of hits the guys got confidence. It’s exactly the same in our game. Then you get feeling it, you get some swagger back and you get up there and the ball looks big again.’’

Babcock shared what he called one of his best stories about Tigers manager Jim Leyland.

“I was asking him about walking out (to the mound) and saying (to the pitcher), “You’re done,’ and he said, ‘I’ve pulled better pitchers than that,’ ’’ Babcock said. “The reality of what he’s telling you is it’s not about the guy, he’s making decisions for the team.

“What I like is he does what’s right. He doesn’t let the fans coach the team, he doesn’t let the media coach the team, he does what he’s supposed to do. To me, that’s what it’s all about, you make these decisions based on experience and you go with your gut and your gut is based on a track record of being steady on the rudder and winning. You don’t become a

serial winner like he is by accident, so you do the right things and good things happen.’’

Michigan Live LOADED: 10.10.2013


Red Wings' Jimmy Howard to don special mask, equipment for breast cancer awareness



DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard will have a slightly different look for Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Howard will don a mask that features large pink ribbons in recognition of breast cancer awareness month. His blocker and glove also will be accented in pink. His new pink and white pads haven’t arrived yet, however, so he doubts he’ll be able to break them in in time for the game against the Flyers at Joe Louis Arena.

“My way to try and help out,’’ Howard said. “There have been women I’ve known that have been (affected by the disease), so it means a lot to be able to do something like this.’’

Howard said he is planning to wear the pink equipment in two games this month, though not in Thursday against the Phoenix Coyotes at the Joe (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

The Red Wings host their seventh annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night on Saturday.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., a variety of activities will take place on the concourse, including a silent auction, mystery puck draw, 50/50 raffle and a special sale of Red Wings fleece blankets with all proceeds benefiting the Karmanos Cancer Institute (Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in Farmington Hills) and St. John Providence Health System (Liggett Breast Center in Grosse Pointe).

The funds raised will help alleviate the costs of breast cancer screening and treatment for uninsured and underinsured women in the metro Detroit area.

Fans who wear pink to the game will be entered to win a 2013-14 team-signed jersey by picking up a raffle ticket on the concourse behind Section 126.

Players will wrap their sticks with pink hockey tape for use during the pre-game warmups on Saturday. These items will then be autographed as the players exit the ice and auctioned off on the concourse.

This the 15th anniversary of "Hockey Fights Cancer,'' the NHL and NHL Players Association joint charitable initiative dedicated to raising awareness for national and local organizations involved in cancer care and research.

Over the course of 31 days this month, the NHL and NHLPA will distribute more than $200,000 in grants to national and local cancer organizations in all 30 NHL markets, bringing the total amount Hockey Fights Cancer has donated to this cause to approximately $13 million since its inception in 1998.



Red Wings' Jordin Tootoo cleared to play, but must wait for an opportunity to crack the lineup



DETROIT –Jordin Tootoo has been cleared to play, but with a couple of extra healthy forwards, there is no telling when the scrappy Detroit Red Wings forward will be back in the lineup.

Tootoo had been out since Sept. 19, when he suffered a bruised bone in his shoulder during a preseason game in Boston.

“I feel I’m in the right state to get back at ‘er,’’ Tootoo said. “Right now it’s just about maintaining my strength and making sure every day I come to the rink I’m ready, both mentally and physically.’’

Coach Mike Babcock said the only lineup change for Thursday’s game against Phoenix (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit) will be on the fourth line, where Mikael Samuelsson replaced Tomas Tatar.

Tootoo brings a different dimension with his physical game and willingness to fight.

“My job is to play hockey when I’m called upon,’’ Tootoo said. “For me it’s one day at a time. Just enjoying every bit of it. This is the greatest league to be in and when you’re around the greatest hockey players in the world, life is good.

“I’m just glad to be part of this whole organization.’’

The Red Wings don’t need to make a roster move or clear salary-cap space to activate Tootoo because forwards Darren Helm and Patrick Eaves are on lone-term injured reserve.

Eaves (sprained MCL and ankle) skated with the team on Wednesday for the first time since he was injured in practice on Sept. 19. But he was on the ice for only half the practice. Players on LTIR must sit out a minimum of 10 games.

Here are the lines and defense pairings they skated with today:

Henrik Zetterberg-Pavel Datsyuk-Justin Abdelkader

Johan Franzen-Stephen Weiss-Daniel Alfredsson

Daniel Cleary-Joakim Andersson-Todd Bertuzzi

Drew Miller-Cory Emmerton-Mikael Samuelsson

Tomas Tatar, Jordin Tootoo (extras)

Darren Helm (skated but on injured reserve).

Niklas Kronwall-Jonathan Ericsson

Danny DeKeyser-Jakub Kindl

Kyle Quincey-Brendan Smith

Brian Lashoff

Jimmy Howard

Petr Mrazek

Jonas Gustavsson (on IR)



Red Wings admire Detroit Tigers' playoff win

By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily

Posted: 10/09/13, 2:00 PM EDT |

DETROIT – Big pressure moments are nothing new to the Detroit Red Wings, which made watching the Detroit Tigers’ Game 4 Tuesday night against the Oakland Athletics that much more exciting.

“It’s way more nerve wracking to watch them play than to coach us I can tell you that,” Wings coach Mike Babcock said. “(Anibal) Sanchez started the night before and then I had to laugh when they asked (Jim) Leyland and it’s, ‘well he’s my guy.’ When Howie’s getting bombed 6-1 in the playoffs what do you do? He’s our guy. And I thought it was awesome bringing (Max Scherzer) off the bench yesterday because if you don’t win Game 4 forget about saving a starter for Game 5 then you have (Justin) Verlander. To me it was exciting stuff.”

The Tigers forced a Game 5 after beating Oakland in Game 4, 8-6.

“The other thing, attitude is contagious, work ethic is contagious, hitting’s contagious, scoring is contagious and once they got a couple of hits the guys got confidence, it’s exactly the same thing in our game,” Babcock said. “Then you get feeling it, you get some swagger back and you get up there and the ball looks big again. That’s what I watch when I’m watching the game. It’s the same thing, it’s a bunch of guys competing. The other team’s competing too.

“Last year in the playoffs when Howie had Corey Perry’s number,” Babcock continued. “It’s not like Corey Perry didn’t have 100 chances, Howie had him. It’s like a pitcher that’s got you. Yesterday when they got to the bullpen to me that’s a sign of good things to come. Go Tigers.”

Babcock also is a big fan of Tigers manager Jim Leyland.

“One of the best stories I have of Jim Leyland, I was asking him about walking out there and saying you’re done (to a pitcher and how it felt) and he said, ‘I’ve pulled better pitchers than that,’” Babcock recalled. “The reality of what he’s telling you it’s not about the guy, but he’s making decisions for the team. What I like is he does what’s right. He doesn’t let the fans coach the team, he doesn’t let the media coach the team, he does what he’s supposed to do. To me that’s what it’s all about you make these decisions based on experience and you go with your gut and your gut is based on a track record of being steady on the rudder and winning. You don’t win over and over again, you don’t become a serial winner like he is by accident so you do the right things and good things happen.”

Jimmy Howard was at Game 4.

“It was a blast,” Howard said. “Let me tell you, in those situations, it’s fun being a fan. Just sitting there cheering and now the one being in that situation. It was just fun cheering them on. That game was awesome to be a part of last night. It was amazing to watch Scherzer pitch out of that jam.”

Howard faced the same situation in Game 7 last season against the Chicago Blackhawks that the Wings eventually lost in overtime.

“Usually when I’m out there I just play and whatever happens happens,” Howard said. “I wasn’t nervous (in Game 7 last year). Just one of those things you go out there and you play. You play hard and leave it all out there on the ice. For me, being in Game 7s and in overtimes, I just don’t get nervous. It’s a lot tougher to watch, just being in the stands and sitting in the stands I think it’s more nerve wracking watching than it is playing.”

Macomb Daily LOADED: 10.10.2013


Tootoo cleared to return; Samuelsson back in for Tatar

By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily

Posted: 10/09/13, 2:06 PM EDT |

DETROIT – Quick update from Detroit Red Wings practice Wednesday at Joe Louis Arena.

Forward Jordin Tootoo said he’s been cleared from a shoulder injury he suffered in the preseason.

“Cleared to play, as far as medically wise, I feel I’m in the right state to get back at ‘er,” Tootoo said. “Right now it’s just about maintaining my strength and making sure every day I come to be ready, both mentally and physically.”

Tootoo will have an uphill battle to get in the lineup with the number of forwards in the Wings locker room.

“Like I said before, my job is to play hockey when I’m called upon,” Tootoo said. “For me it’s one day at a time. Just enjoying every bit of it. This is the greatest league to be in and when you’re around the greatest hockey players in the world, life is good. I’m just glad to be part of this whole organization and for me I’m ready to go when called upon.”

Wings coach Mike Babcock said Mikael Samuelsson will return to the lineup Thursday at home against the Phoenix Coyotes after sitting out Saturday’s 4-1 loss at Boston.

Tomas Tatar will be a healthy scratch.

The Coyotes have lost two straight coming in after winning their opener. They’ve been outscored 10-2 over the last two games.

“Well I watched them these last two games and they didn’t play as good as they can,” Babcock said. “Well we just lost too. We’ve had a few days off, we should be refreshed and ready to go. They’re a good hockey team and a proud team and they’re going to respond and we’re going to respond as well. It should be a good game.”

The Coyotes are the first team from the Western Conference they’ll face this season.

“Every time we play Phoenix it’s a very hard-fought game,” Jimmy Howard said. “They’re so well-coached, they play their systems so well. If you’re going to beat them you have to beat them with all aspects of your game.”

Macomb Daily LOADED: 10.10.2013

720463 Edmonton Oilers

Firecracker Yakupov still waiting to ignite

By Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal October 9, 2013

EDMONTON - Nobody’s yakking about Nail right now.

We’re three games and 10 regulation goals into the Edmonton Oilers’ 2013-14 season and the quietest guy is last year’s flashiest forward Nail Yakupov.

Admittedly, we’re talking about a very small sampling, three out of 82 games, but Yakupov doesn’t have a goal or an assist.

“Yeah, three games, no points. That is interesting,” says Yakupov.

Yakupov had two goals in his first three games during his freshman NHL season and four in the initial six. He finished the season with 17 goals after scoring on six of 13 shots over the Oilers’ final three games — the most on the team or any NHL rookie. He admittedly had a dry spell from Feb. 28 through March 30.

“Fourteen games, but there were some apples in there, some assists,” he says.

While, Yakupov was one of head coach Dallas Eakins’ go-to guys in the last period of the Oilers’ comeback win over the New Jersey Devils, something has pulled the plug on Yakupov’s offence.

Eakins has a unit of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall, and another of David Perron, Ales Hemsky and Mark Arcobello. Yakupov is on a line with centre Boyd Gordon, and Ryan Smyth.

Yakupov is disappointed by his lack of scoring but remains focused.

“I’m still working on my shots every practice and I have some thoughts and I’m watching some video, but I’m not going that crazy,” he said Wednesday.

“I’m trying to not put my head down. First you have to play for the team; the goals will come.”

Currently, Eberle and Hemsky are Eakins’ top two right-wingers. Hall and Perron are the first two left-wingers. Yakupov is getting second power play time and is playing a minute, 21 seconds more than he did last season.

Yakupov isn’t looking for any favours, he knows there’s a raft of offensive options for Eakins.

“Doesn’t matter if I play two … or 20 (minutes), you have to push 100 per cent … If you are young or old, you can’t swear at the coach and ask why you’re not playing. If you play five minutes that’s your time (to produce) … ” he said.

Eakins says it’s been a struggle for Yakupov, 20.

“He’s shown some flashes of excellence. He’s had a couple of dark periods, as well,” said Eakins.

“That’s not uncommon though for a player of his age. The more experienced a player the more level, even-keel they play every night. The more inexperienced the player, the more ups and downs, from game to game and from shift to shift. He’s trying to find himself.”

“We’ve got a lot of work to do with Yak, but he’s got so much upside. Boy, when he grabs that puck, everyone leans forward on their seat. He got a fair bit of ice-time in the third period against the Devils, about nine minutes, almost half the period.”

“He’s OK.”

“I am frustrated. I’m always thinking about it, at home and here (in the dressing room),” said Yakupov.

“I’m trying to do the same things as last year. I hit the post in the third (against New Jersey) but we won the game, we got the great comeback. If we had lost three in a row, there would be more pressure, the coach would be hard, we would be watching more video, bad feeling for fans,” he said.

Alex Ovechkin couldn’t score for a long stretch last year, then everything went in and he finished with 32 in 48 games.

“Yeah, but I’m not like Ovechkin. He has a stronger shot, he shoots from everywhere. I don’t want to shoot from the blue-line (to score), but if I’m around the net for three or four minutes, I’m shooting. I can make plays too,” he said.

Trouble is, he hasn’t been in enough of the danger zones from the goalies.

Still, Yakupov is like a firecracker, he’s quiet at first, then boom.

“The danger of Yak is he doesn’t need five chances to score one goal. If he gets five chances, it might be five goals. He’s clearly a guy the other team should be nervous about. We just have to get him to a level where he’s dangerous offensively every shift and making the right decisions when we don’t have it,” said Eakins.

Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 10.10.2013


Just wind Ryan Nugent-Hopkins up and send him over the boards

October 9, 2013. 4:10 pm • Section: Oil Spills

Jim Matheson

What was Dallas Eakins’ first impression of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins? That the 20-year-old Edmonton Oilers centre, who returned to the lineup from a shoulder injury on Monday, is absolutely zero maintenance.

“The thing I like about Nuge is he’s a bobblehead,” said Eakins, the first-year Oilers head coach. “I ask him to do something, and he nods his head. Not only does he nod his head, he goes and does it. That’s a good thing in my books.”

Nugent-Hopkins played 28 of the 65 minutes against the New Jersey Devils Tuesday, his first game in almost six months. He scored a goal, he won 11 of 22 faceoffs. No exhibitions to get the rust off, just throw on the jersey and tighten up the helmet. He was playing on adrenalin, for sure, but he had plenty of oxygen, too.

“The notion of any player to go through the summer and the training camp, coming off an injury and to go ‘oh well, I’ll take a couple of games to get back in it,’ we don’t have that time. One point could cost you a playoff spot. We don’t have time to ease a player into games,” Eakins said Wednesday after team practice. “He didn’t ease himself into the game, and his play merited the minutes.”

Nugent-Hopkins’s time on the ice includes more than just the usual regular shift and the power play; it includes killing penalties, too. Eakins is using top-six forwards Ales Hemsky, Jordan Eberle and Nugent-Hopkins to skate 4-on-5, not just role players

“He’s a smart kid,” Eakins said.

“It takes some intelligence on the penalty-kill. We’ll try him there, and I think he’ll be successful at it. He reads the game well. He’s got a lot of Boyd Gordon in him. He’s always underneath the puck (defensively). He understands, at this young age, how the game should be played. Usually, that takes awhile to gather that information.”



Devan Dubnyk returns to Edmonton Oilers net to face Montreal Canadiens

October 10, 2013. 2:00 am • Section: Oil Spills

Jim Matheson

Goalie Devan Dubnyk will be back in the Edmonton Oilers’ net after taking a night off to watch backup Jason LaBarbera play in Monday’s 5-4 shootout win over the New Jersey Devils.

Dubnyk has given up 10 goals and has an .831 save percentage after quietly being one of the four best Oilers players last season along with Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Nail Yakupov.

“He has to settle down a little bit,” Eakins said.

“He takes his performances to heart so deeply. He takes it personally, but that can also be your nemesis. Your goal might be to have 82 great nights; it’s probably not going to happen.”

Dubnyk certainly knows he has to be better. “This early everybody gets real excited about different things. Everybody seems to like to question what I’m doing right now and that comes with the territory,” he said. “But I know what I can do. I’ve played lots in the past. It’s two games, really a game and a half that I’ve played. I’m excited to get in there and turn it around.”

MORE BENCH TIME FOR BUCKY

Edmonton Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins has his associate coach Keith Acton and both assistants Steve Smith and Kelly Buchberger behind the bench this year.

Buchberger was usually the eye in the sky before.

“At home games where (senior director of player development) Billy Moores is here, he’ll have a head-set on upstairs. If we’re on the road, Kelly will go up for the first period,” Eakins said.

“I’ve never got any mind-blowing information from the guy upstairs. You get little tidbits. Having Kelly down is an extra set of eyes, kind of like the rover (Acton handles the forwards, Smith changes the defence), also an extra guy to talk to the players.

“I’ve got an awful lot going on in my head. Kelly picked the shooters (shootout) the other night. he handed me the list and he was right (Eberle and David Perron scoring the first two goals).”

ON THE BENCH

- Eakins received the game puck for his first NHL win on Monday as a coach

- Forward Jesse Joensuu (back) took a skate after practice Wednesday, after missing the New Jersey game and the last period of the loss in Vancouver. He won’t play against the Montreal Canadiens, but might suit up for next week’s road game against the Washington Capitals (Monday, Oct. 14) if there are no setbacks Washington

- Denis Grebeshkov (groin) went through a full practice and is close to playing after being hurt early in pre-season. He still has to be cleared by doctors

- Ryan Hamilton (knee) didn’t skate. “I don’t think it’s terrible,” said Eakins

- So far, there are no plans to recall a forward for the game against the Canadiens Thursday night, but they will likely add one for the six-game road trip with Tyler Pitlick the most logical, off his strong training camp. He’s also a cheaper recall ($888,000) than, say Ryan Jones ($1.5 million) or Ben Eager ($1.1 mil) with the team more conscious of the salary cap this season. Pitlick played centre in OKC in their second league game with Anton Lander (lower-body) out

- The Oilers have been shorthanded 13 times in three games, following a trend the last few years. Last year, they were shorthanded 175 times. Only Colorado, Philadelphia, Buffalo and Dallas had to kill off more. “The puck over the glass or too many men on the ice,” Eakins said. “That’s one thing but the reaching, tripping. I don’t know why you would ever do it. To me, you take penalties to score goals. That’s it.”



Oilers blueliner Corey Potter is back on skates, continues to recover from back problems


Jim Matheson

Defenceman Corey Potter, hurt before Edmonton Oilers training camp camp opened in mid-September, has skated three days in a row now — but not in a full practice — as he recovers from facet-joint problems in his back.

Winger Craig Simpson had the same problem when he was with the Buffalo Sabres after leaving the Oilers in the early 1990s.

The facet joints are located between and behind the adjacent vertebra and they’re found in every spinal level except the top. They control 20 percent of the twisting stablility with the neck and lower back.

Potter has had a cortisone shot and is on the mend, but it’s been agonizing for him.

“It was like they were sticking a knife in my back when I would do an extension. Hopefully that’s gone away,” said Potter, who was in a dogfight for a blueline spot before the back acted up on him.

“Last workout back in Michigan before coming here. Perfect timing. Sleeping? That’s been terrible, too,” he said.



Boyd Gordon’s been the best Edmonton Oilers forward thus far in 2013-14, just ask his coach


Jim Matheson

Centre Boyd Gordon is the hockey equivalent of the carpenter who comes to your house to build some shelves and make some baseboards, then nods yes when you ask if he wouldn’t mind hanging a couple of light fixtures and maybe check on the wonky doorbell.

He does a bit of everything, and he’s been the Edmonton Oilers’ best forward through three games.

Two goals, three points, 61.8 percent on face-offs. Only winger Ales Hemsky has been as solid an Oiler in the first week of the season.

“Every shift seems like it might be Boyd’s last because of his compete level,” Eakins said.

“He’s a selfless, courageous guy, even in the exhibition season, sticking his foot out to block shots … you don’t see a lot of vets do that. He’s doing everything right for me; that was a real good (free-agent) pick-up by Craig (GM MacTavish).”

The Oilers signed Gordon to a four-year deal worth $11 million in the summer.

“When we have the puck, he always gives such great support, and when he does get the puck, he clearly recognizes danger,” Eakins said.

“He knows when there’s a play to make or put it in behind the defenders and try to get it back,” he said. “He’s firmly in front of the opposing net when we have the puck, he back-checks hard.



Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins making use of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins can-do atttitude

By Terry Jones ,Edmonton Sun

First posted: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 05:22 PM MDT | Updated: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 05:46 PM MDT

EDMONTON - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a bobblehead.

It’s not bad enough that he has a couple of cartoon-type nicknames in Hoppy and The Nuge, now his coach has gone and called him a bobblehead.

Quote-unquote.

“The thing I like about Nuge is that he’s a bobblehead,” said Dallas Eakins after practice Wednesday to prepare for tonight’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

“I ask him to do something and he nods his head,” explained Eakins.

“And not only does he nod his head but he goes out and does it.”

In Nugent-Hopkins’s first game back for shoulder surgery, Eakins asked him to play 28 minutes and 12 seconds. It was more than any player on either team.

“I don’t think I ever played 28 minutes before. I don’t remember that many minutes in junior. Maybe 25. But I have no idea. They never showed us our ice-time numbers,” he said of the Red Deer Rebels.

Eakins asked Nugent-Hopkins to play extra shifts.

“He double-shifted and triple-shifted me,” marveled the returning centre.

“The notion of any player to go through his summer and the training camp coming off an injury to go ‘Oh, I’ll take a couple games and ease back in it …’ We don’t have that time. One point could cost you a playoff spot,” said Eakins.

“He certainly didn’t ease himself into that game with his play. And his play merited his minutes.”

His coach asked him to kill penalties.

“I didn’t kill penalties in junior. I haven’t done it since midget. But I enjoyed it.” said The Nuge.

“I have to work at it to get better at it, positionally. It’s a different role for me but I’d go back out and embrace it.”

Eakins plans to give him further tastes of it.

“He’s a smart kid. It takes some intelligence in the penalty kill and he’s somebody that we’re definitely going to try there. I think he can be real successful at it.

“He reads the game well. As much offence as I think he can provide, I think he’s got a lot of Boyd Gordon in him, too. He’s always underneath the puck. He understands, at his age, how the game needs to be played. And usually that takes a while to gather in your brain. He’s getting to it quite early in his career.

“He’s done everything we asked of him. During training camp there was only certain things he could do. We asked him to do certain things off the ice. To skate on the ice. And everything was geared for when he was healed and healed by the doctors that we could put him right in.”

Will Nugent-Hopkins, who scored the goal to get the comeback started against New Jersey, be looking at those kind of minutes again against the Canadiens?

“It depends on the game. Boy, you get down 3-0 and you gotta do something. So I took the players that I deemed could even the game for us and I ran the crap out of them,” said Eakins.

“I would rather be in games where we were up 3-0 that we could even up the ice time and no run people into the ground, but that’s the challenge of

the player, though. That’s where players, in the summer, have to think about how they train, how they fuel their body and how they recover, because you never know when that ice time is coming.

“My question to some of our players after the game was, ‘You played so many minutes. What if we played the next night? Could you play that many minutes again? And could you play at that same level?’ Sometimes you have to do it in three games over five days. You have to do it over an 82-game schedule. Or get into the playoffs.”

“If I had to do it again every night for 82 games I might be a little bit tired,” said Nugent-Hopkins.

“But I’d be happy to do it again.

“I feel good. And it’s nice to have a coach who trusts you to be out there that much. He’s a really smart coach. He knows what he’s talking about. So I just go out and do it.”

He’s Dallas Eakins’s one and only, flying, talking, sleeping, walking, living bobblehead doll.

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 10.10.2013


Oilers forward David Perron enjoys playing Canadiens … all hands on deck for coaches

By Derek Van Diest ,Edmonton Sun


EDMONTON - Edmonton Oilers winger, David Perron, grew up cheering for the Montreal Canadiens.

So getting an opportunity to face them is always special.

“It’s almost like a dream come true every time you play against them,” said Perron. “It’s special when they come to your building, and it’s even more special going there. It’s nice with the new schedule that we can play them twice in the same year.”

As is the case whenever the Canadiens come to Edmonton, there will as many Habs jerseys in the stands as there will be Oilers. The Original Six team still has a large following throughout the country.

“It’ll be interesting. What’s special about it, even though some of them are Oilers fans, they are also Canadiens fans,” Perron said. “I think once Montreal moves on, they come back to being Oilers fans again. That’s why we have to try and instill that winning culture here, so they can jump on that Oilers bandwagon for good. But the Canadiens have a lot of history and it’s normal they’re going to have fans everywhere.”

Crowded house

The Oilers have all hands on deck when it comes to coaches on the bench.

All four coaches have been situated on the bench during games so far this season, giving Eakins an extra set of eyes at ice level.

“Any game that Billy Moores is available to attend, we have him on a headset upstairs, that allows Kelly (Buchberger) to be down on the bench the whole game, which I like,” said Oiler head coach Dallas Eakins. “On the road, then Kelly will go up for the first period. But I’ve never got any mind-blowing information from the guy upstairs. You get little tidbits, so I don’t think it’s important to have someone up there the whole game.”

Traditionally, teams will use three coaches behind the bench, with one assistant running the defence and the other, the forwards.

“Kelly is kind of like the rover a little bit,” Eakins said. “He’s watching the defence, he’s watching the forwards. For me, it’s an extra guy on the bench to talk to the players. I think it’s advantageous to have another guy to talk to the guys individually.”



Oilers goaltender Devan Dubnyk certain he can turn bad start around, beginning with Canadiens

By Derek Van Diest ,Edmonton Sun


EDMONTON - Devan Dubnyk is getting a chance to totally redeem himself.

The Edmonton Oilers goaltender will get the call against the Montreal Canadiens Thursday (7:30 p.m.) at Rexall Place.

Dubnyk sat out Monday’s victory over the New Jersey Devils after struggling in his first two games of the season.

“I think he just has to settle down a little bit,” said Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins. “I don’t want anyone to sluff off a questionable performance. But I think he takes it to heart so deeply and he takes it personally — which is a good thing — but it can also be your nemesis. You have to let it go.

“Even though your goal is to have 82 great nights during the season, it’s probably not going to happen. You have to understand that.”

Dubnyk has allowed 10 goals in his first two starts of the season and currently posts a 6.52 goals against average and a .831 save percentage. Only Martin Biron of the New York Rangers, who was lit up in a relief appearance Tuesday in San Jose, has a worse numbers.

“He’s had a couple of goals that he would like to have back, but he’s made some huge saves, too, along the way,” Eakins said. “Like anything, if the goalie makes save, then he’s supposed to do that. Then he lets in a goal and that’s the highlight, and that’s what everybody points the finger at.

“I think he just needs to settle down and understand the process. He’s excited to go back in the net (Thursday), which is a good thing, he’s not shying away from it. We’ll see how he is, I expect him to play well.”

Since being selected by the organization 14th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Dubnyk has been touted as the Oilers future starter. The future is here and he’s now the club’s top goaltender, yet Dubnyk still has his detractors.

His first two starts didn’t help matters, bringing up the question whether the changes to goaltending equipment has affected him.

“Thanks for the excuse, but it’s not true,” Dubnyk smiled. “I’m in the same boat as everybody else, I feel fine and it’s not the equipment. It’s two games and I felt good for the majority of the first period in the last game. I’ll just build off that. I know what I have to do to play well, I’ve done it lots before and I’m excited to get out there and do it again tomorrow (Thursday).”

A year ago, Dubnyk was the least of the Oilers’ problems. He finished the season with a .920 save percentage on a team that struggled in front of him.

While he admits he hasn’t been great early on this year, there is still a lot of hockey to be played.

“It’s funny how this early, everyone gets excited about different things and everybody seems to like to question what I’m doing,” Dubnyk said. “That comes with the territory and I know that I can play, I’ve played lots in the past. It’s only been a game and-a-half, so there is a lot of hockey left to play and I’m excited to go in there and turn it around. That’s going to be up to me and I’m going to do it for sure.”

A good game against the Canadiens would do wonders for Dubnyk’s confidence and that of the Oilers in general.

Unfortunately for the club, there are not a lot of options in goal if he can’t find his game quickly.

“It’s been two games, I don’t think I’m going to let in five every night,” Dubnyk said. “I still have to go out there and prove that, but I think the four seasons before have shown that. It’s a funny sport that way, but you have to embrace it and be excited to get out and try to give the home fans a show here.”


720471 Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers goalie Tim Thomas recovering from groin injury

BY GEORGE RICHARDS

[email protected]

Panthers goalie Tim Thomas said he immediately began “aggressive treatment” on his strained groin and the injury felt better Wednesday morning than it did when he was hurt Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

Neither Thomas nor the Panthers think Thomas’ injury is anything long term and he wasn’t put on the injured list — at least not yet. The Panthers can always place Thomas on the IR retroactively if he has any setbacks. Thomas said he hasn’t had a groin injury since the 2006-07 season.

“It’s already feeling better. I’m happy with the way things it’s progressing,” Thomas said after sitting out Wednesday’s practice. “You don’t want to go too far in projecting [a return] with these kind of injuries.

“I’m very happy with the progress in less than 24 hours. But you don’t want to speculate for one game then miss the cut off. But I don’t think it will be very long if that helps.”

Florida called up Scott Clemmensen from its AHL affiliate in San Antonio as Thomas is expected to miss at least the next few days.

Jacob Markstrom, who stopped all 25 pucks he faced in the 2-1 loss to the Flyers on Tuesday, is expected to start Thursday against the host Lightning. Markstrom likely would have played Thursday anyway with Florida playing back-to-back contests.

“He did a good job,” coach Kevin Dineen said.

Thomas said he felt a twinge when he awkwardly moved across the crease and instantly knew he would be coming out of the game at the next stoppage of play.

Unfortunately for Thomas and the Panthers, the next whistle came after the Flyers scored their second goal.

A long shot from Sean Couturier had Thomas make a similar move – and he felt the groin go again. Thomas struggled to pick himself off the ice and was late to dive for Braydon Coburn’s 50-foot shot from the side board that slid into the net.

“I put all my weight on the left leg; so I went one way and had to go really fast the other way,” Thomas said. “I tried testing it, although you can’t tell until you get into an awkward position. It’s been so long since I’ve had any muscle strain, I just couldn’t believe it. I didn’t know how to respond to it quickly.”

Thomas said he knew criticism of him coming back to the NHL at 39 would start as soon as he got hurt.

Social media was abuzz when Thomas left Tuesday’s game with many tweeting jokes about Thomas’ age — as well as plenty regarding Obamacare. Thomas famously skipped the Bruins’ trip to the White House in 2012.

“I thought about that when it happened, but I can’t control what people say,” Thomas said. “My job is to get better as soon as possible to be available to the team for their use.”

Clemmensen had minor knee surgery in September after having some swelling after an informal practice in Coral Springs. Clemmensen didn’t play during Florida’s preseason but made 24 saves off 25 shots in leading San Antonio to a 3-1 win last Saturday.

“The most important thing is my knee feels great,” Clemmensen said. “That’s the reason why I had the surgery in the first place. I didn’t want to be battling this all year. I feel great physically. I had a late start to the season but I’m getting caught up.”

This and that

• Sean Bergenheim is getting closer to return after having two abdominal surgeries after working with Florida’s top-six forwards for the first time Wednesday.

Dineen said Bergenheim will travel with the team to Nashville where he will meet with the surgeon who did one of the surgeries. If all looks good, Bergenheim could be back in the lineup next week.

“We’re still waiting for him to be cleared on the medical side,” Dineen said.

• To make room for Clemmensen, the Panthers sent forward Drew Shore to San Antonio. Florida had been carrying two extra forwards and said Shore needs to go to the minors and get in some playing time — especially at center.

With Florida’s glut of centers, Shore played on the wing in two of the opening three games.

“My feeling is he can be a top nine forward and play at the center spot,” Dineen said. “I didn’t see that here in the near future. As much as we make decisions on play, this was to keep furthering his development. He’ll log some major minutes in San Antonio. He needs to play some hockey.”

Miami Herald LOADED: 10.10.2013


PANTHERS IN TAMPA: Tim Thomas Feeling Better ... Scott Clemmensen Up, Drew Shore Down ... Sean Bergenheim Out Through Weekend

Posted by George Richards

TAMPA -- Panthers goalie Tim Thomas said he immediately began "aggressive treatment" on his strained groin and the injury felt better Wednesday morning than it did when he was hurt Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

Neither Thomas nor the Panthers think Thomas' injury is anything long term and he wasn't put on the injured list -- at least not yet. The Panthers can always place Thomas on the IR retroactively if he has any setbacks. Thomas said he hasn't had a groin injury since the 2006-07 season.

"It's already feeling better. I'm happy with the way things it's progressing,'' Thomas said after he didn't participate in Wednesday's practice. "You don't want to go too far in projecting [a return] with these kind of injuries.

"I'm very happy with the progress in less than 24 hours. But you don't want to speculate for one game then miss the cut off. But I don't think it will be very long if that helps.''

Florida called up Scott Clemmensen from its AHL affiliate in San Antonio as Thomas is expected to miss at least the next few days.

Jacob Markstrom, who stopped all 25 pucks he faced in the 2-1 loss to the Flyers on Tuesday, is expected to start Thursday against the host Lightning. Markstrom likely would have played Thursday anyway with Florida playing back-to-back contests.

"He did a good job,'' coach Kevin Dineen said.

Thomas said he felt a twinge when he awkwardly moved across the crease and instantly knew he would be coming out of the game at the next stoppage of play.

Unfortunately for Thomas and the Panthers, the next whistle came after the Flyers scored their second goal.

A long shot from Sean Couturier had Thomas make a similar move -- and he felt the groin go again. Thomas struggled to pick himself off the ice and was late to dive for Braydon Coburn's 50-foot shot from the side board that slid into the net.

"I put all my weight on the left leg; so I went one way and had to go really fast the other way,'' Thomas said. "I tried testing it, although you can't tell until you get into an awkward position. It's been so long since I've had any muscle strain, I just couldn't believe it. I didn't know how to respond to it quickly.''

Thomas said he knew criticism of him coming back to the NHL at 39 would start as soon as he got hurt.

Social media was abuzz when Thomas left Tuesday's game with many tweeting jokes about Thomas' age -- as well as plenty regarding 'Obamacare.' Thomas famously skipped the Bruins' trip to the White House in 2012.

"I thought about that when it happened, but I can't control what people say,'' Thomas said. "My job is to get better as soon as possible to be available to the team for their use.''

Clemmensen had minor knee surgery in September after having some swelling after an informal practice in Coral Springs. Clemmensen didn't play during Florida's preseason but made 24 saves off 25 shots in leading San Antonio to a 3-1 win last Saturday.

"The most important thing is my knee feels great,'' Clemmensen said. "That's the reason why I had the surgery in the first place. I didn't want to be battling this all year. I feel great physically. I had a late start to the season but I'm getting caught up.''

OUT FOR THE WEEKEND

Sean Bergenheim is getting closer to return after having two abdominal surgeries after working with Florida's top-six forwards for the first time on Wednesday.

Dineen said Bergenheim will travel with the team to Nashville where he will meet with the surgeon who did one of the surgeries. If all looks good, Bergenheim could be back in the lineup next week.

"We're still waiting for him to be cleared on the medical side,'' Dineen said.

-- To make room for Clemmensen, the Panthers sent forward Drew Shore to San Antonio. Florida had been carrying two extra forwards and said Shore needs to go to the minors and get in some playing time -- especially at center.

With Florida's glut of centers, Shore played on the wing in two of the opening three games.

"My feeling is he can be a top nine forward and play at the center spot,'' Dineen said. "I didn't see that here in the near future. As much as we make decisions on play, this was to keep furthering his development. He'll log some major minutes in San Antonio. He needs to play some hockey.''

THURSDAY: PANTHERS AT LIGHTNING

When, Where: 7:30 p.m.; Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa

TV/Radio: FSNF; WQAM-560

The series: Florida leads 57-42-10

The game: This is Tampa Bay's home opener after going 2-1-0 on its season-opening road trip. The Panthers are 1-2-0 on their four-game roadtrip -- which concludes Thursday. Florida lost three of five to the Lightning last season, but won the final two.

Miami Herald LOADED: 10.10.2013


Preview: Panthers at Lightning, Thursday at 7:30

By Harvey Fialkov, Sun Sentinel

7:00 PM EDT, October 9, 2013

When/Where: 7:30 p.m., Tampa Bay Times Forum

TV: FSF; Radio: 560-WQAM

Scouting report: The Panthers spoiled the Stars' home opener but have scored just one goal in two straight losses to the Blues and Flyers. They're 0-for-16 on the power play and will have Jacob Markstrom in net for his first start of season. Florida went 2-2-1 against its intra-state rivals, including the last two meetings, both in Tampa. Lightning iconic F Vincent Lecavalier now plays for the Flyers, but superstars Martin St Louis and Steven Stamkos remain. It's the Lightning's home opener after completing a 2-1 road trip with a 3-2 victory over the Sabres on Tuesday in which Alex Killorn scored in OT. Panthers F Sean Bergenheim (groin), D Ed Jovanovski (hip) and G Tim Thomas (groin) are out. Lightning D-men Mattias Ohlund and Brian Lee are on IR (knees) and F Tom Pyatt (collarbone) is out.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 10.10.2013


Panthers goalie Thomas' groin injury not believed to be serious

By Harvey Fialkov, Sun Sentinel


TAMPA

As soon as Panthers goalie Tim Thomas felt a shooting pain in his left groin in the first period of Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Flyers, he knew that his critics would have a field day about his age and comeback after taking a year off.

Although Thomas, 39, had to leave the game at 7:31 of the first, he said the groin, "certainly wasn't worse this morning than before I went to bed,'' and he doesn't believe the injury should sideline him for "too long.''

"I thought of that, actually when it happened,'' Thomas said Wednesday afternoon after he watched his teammates practice at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in preparation for Thursday's final leg of this season-opening, four-game, nine-day road trip.

"But I can't control what people are going to say. My job is to get better as soon as possible and be available to the team for their use.''

Thomas, who underwent hip surgery in the 2010 offseason before guiding the Bruins to a Stanley Cup title in 2011 in which he was named the Vezina and Conn Smythe trophy winner, thought the last time he had a groin injury was 2006 or '07.

"It's been so long since I had any muscle strain whatsoever that I couldn't believe it,'' said Thomas, who showed no signs of a limp. "I guess I started to think I wasn't human. I guess I'm human; having said that it's not too bad.''

Thomas, who's 1-2 with a 5.05 goals-against-average after giving up two fluke goals Tuesday that were helped by crazy bounces off the extra-springy end boards in Wells Fargo Center, didn't want to speculate how long he'd be out. But he's certainly a long shot for Friday's home opener against the Penguins.

The Panthers decided not to place Thomas on injured reserve, which would force him to sit out a week while opening up a roster spot. Instead they recalled veteran goalie Scott Clemmensen from their AHL affiliate in San Antonio, and sent down second-year forward Drew Shore for more seasoning.

Clemmensen, 36, who underwent minor knee surgery before training camp opened, made it to Tampa in time to practice. He had one rehabilitation start in San Antonio in which he made 24 of 25 saves in a 3-1 Rampage victory Saturday.

"The issue was with the knee and how it feels, but also just the overall game, coming off the summer, your conditioning level. I really feel I'm in a good place,'' Clemmensen said. "It felt good to get the competitive juices flowing again; that's what you work for, but most importantly the knee feels great.''

Panthers coach Kevin Dineen admitted that goalie Jacob Markstrom, who was sterling in relief of Thomas with 25 saves to keep the Panthers close, was always scheduled to start against the Lightning because of the back-to-back situation.

"You can't have too much of a good thing,'' Dineen said of his three goalies. "I have trust and belief in Clemmensen that he could give us a good solid performance at an NHL level. … The situation is fluid.''

Shore up skills

Dineen said that even if they decide to place Thomas on IR, that Shore, 23, would remain in San Antonio until he felt just as comfortable at right wing than he does at center, his natural position.

"I feel that Drew can become a top-nine forward who can also play the center spot,'' Dineen said. "We made decisions based on play but also to keep furthering his development and right now, the best place is for him to go down and get some major minutes in San Antonio.''

Shore finished with 13 points in 43 games in his rookie season, but a wrist injury that required offseason surgery limited his production. …

Dineen said that forward Sean Bergenheim, who hasn't played since the 2011-12 season due to multiple surgeries on his core, will consult with his surgeon in Nashville on Monday, and if given the green light, could possibly play against the Predators on Tuesday.



Violas bring family, swagger to Panthers

By Craig Davis, Sun Sentinel


John Viola has been intently reading all of the news reports about his father's purchase of the Florida Panthers.

What interests him most is found at the bottom of the articles online, where fans express their views and concerns about what this latest ownership change will mean to their team.

The oldest of new owner Vinnie Viola's three sons understands fans' emotional investment from how hard his grandfather took the move of his beloved Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles.

"My grandfather stopped watching baseball in 1957 and didn't watch again until I got the job with the Yankees in 2000 because the Dodgers left," said John Viola, who like younger brother Travis is a former Yankees batboy. "That's real feeling."

The irony is that the Violas intend to shape the Panthers in the mold of the old-style family-run teams, such as the O'Malleys, who uprooted the Dodgers. But rather than move the team, these Brooklynites are moving in and plan on sinking deep roots into South Florida.

Before his introductory news conference, Viola told his sons: "You know, I think your kids are going to one day have this franchise."

Viola, who will preside over his first home game Friday night, and wife Teresa are relocating as soon as they find a home. Travis Viola, 25, has already begun working as a Panthers executive and will be involved in the hockey and business sides. He recalls being inspired to learn to skate when he was 4 after seeing Wayne Gretzky play.

Doug Cifu, Vinnie Viola's longtime business partner and part owner of the Panthers, cited the New England Patriots (Krafts) and New York Giants (Maras) as models of family-run teams to emulate. John Viola spoke with admiration of the Rooneys in Pittsburgh, the Steinbrenners in New York.

"I think that's us," said John Viola, adding that his family will put their stamp on the Panthers, indicative of their Italian-American heritage.

"You'll be in our house, and it will be your house," he said of the BB&T Center. "That's how we treat everything. Everybody who wants to get to know us should try to get a ticket to Christmas Eve in our house. It's an all-day affair. We've got people from all over."

In other words, expect joyous gathering of extended family for a traditional feast of the seven fishes.

Vinnie Viola grew up in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, before it went hipster. Bamonte's Italian restaurant, an institution there for a century, was like a second family home. His closest friends he's known since preschool.

"I think that says a lot about a guy whose best friends 50 years later are still his best friends," Cifu said.

"Vinnie is a real guy, what you see is what you get. There's really zero pretense. He's a fiercely loyal friend, a fiercely loyal family member, fiercely loyal to his country and the U.S. military. And very, very successful in business."

All of which paints a colorful and readily identifiable family portrait of the new ownership — by the way, Vinnie makes a terrific pizza, Cifu attests. What will matter to Panthers fans is what he serves on ice.

Terry Finley, president of West Point Thoroughbreds, has no doubt his fellow graduate of the U.S. Military Academy will succeed with the Panthers as in his other businesses, notably the high-frequency electronic trading firm Virtu Financial.

"At West Point we have a saying, 'You always do the harder right over the easier wrong.' He'll do everything that he can and he'll do the hard things that will give the Panthers every shot to be successful," Finley said.

Horse racing is another Viola family passion, with Teresa heavily involved in the couple dozen thoroughbreds they campaign, some in partnership with Finley's firm. Viola had a one-third stake in Freedom Child, who won the Peter Pan Stakes and was the No. 3 choice at this year's Belmont before running a disappointing 13th.

Viola told Finley about his bid for the Panthers when they were together at Saratoga this summer, framing it as an opportunity to build a legacy for himself and his family.

"One of the things that I can guarantee is he will make that staff better, from coaching to the GM to marketing to finance, everybody — they'll all get better by being around Vinnie," Finley said.

Michael Yormark, Panthers president and CEO, said that is already happening inside the organization in the first two weeks of the new regime.

"A lot of it is confidence, a lot of it is knowing you've got an owner that has got resources and is willing to do whatever it takes to help you win, both on and off the ice," Yormark said. "What it does is enable you to kind of walk with a swagger now, with a bit of an attitude knowing that we can compete."

Viola's message to Panthers fans is that turning around a long-struggling franchise will be a process, one that he is committed to. As it begins Friday, he will be sitting with Cifu near the red line a few rows up from the glass.

"There is not going to be an owners suite," Cifu said. "We are fans first, Vinnie and me. We took the best seats that were still left. And we paid for them, I want you to know."



Panthers G Tim Thomas' groin injury not serious

By Harvey Fialkov

Sun Sentinel


The Panthers held a 2 p.m. practice at the Tampa Bay Times Forum Wednesday and surprisingly, goalie Tim Thomas was walking without a limp after sustaining a pulled left groin in the first period of Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the Flyers.

Thomas said the pain came when he made a quick side-to-side move on a shot during a Flyers’ rush that preceded their second goal at 7:31 of the first. Thomas tried to test it as the Panthers went up ice. However, he realized he was done on the ensuing Flyers’ rush when a long rebound off another crazy carom off the rubber-ball like end boards ended up on Braydon Coburn’s stick. Thomas was unable to get up quickly and shift over to cover the short side because of the pain.

However, he said after receiving treatment 24/7 the groin felt much better on Wednesday morning, so the Panthers will not put him on injured reserve to open up a roster spot. Instead, they recalled goalie Scott Clemmensen from San Antonio and sent second-year forward Drew Shore back to the Rampage.

Panthers coach Kevin Dineen said that backup Jacob Markstrom, who turned away all 25 shots he faced in relief of Thomas (although the incorrect stat sheets handed out to the media had him for 13 saves), was always scheduled to start Thursday against the Lightning because of the back-to-back set.

The Panthers host the 3-0 Penguins in their long-awaited home opener which will also be the unveiling of their new $4.2 million state-of-the-art scoreboard and lots of festivities to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the franchise, including a new logo designed by Guy Harvey.

Forward Sean Bergenheim, who hasn’t played for the Panthers since the 2011-12 season because of various core surgeries, practiced with a rotating four-man, top-six line today (Aleksander Barkov, Shawn Matthias and Brad Boyes). Dineen said that Bergenheim will visit his surgeon in Nashville on Monday for further evaluation. If the doctor gives him the green light, then Bergenheim could be in the lineup on Tuesday against the Predators.

After scoring just one goal in the last two games Dineen mixed up the lines and had Jonathan Huberdeau playing with center Marcel Goc and Kris Versteeg.


720477 Los Angeles Kings

Jeff Carter deflects winner for Kings in OT

By Lisa Dillman

10:43 PM PDT, October 9, 2013

This was the definition of a bounce-back game for a long list of Kings players.

But before they could quite get to that destination, they had to survive a wobble and a bad bounce or two at the end of regulation, needing forward Jeff Carter's power-play goal just 28 seconds into overtime to secure a 4-3 victory over the persistent Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night at Staples Center.

Mike Richards' shot deflected off Carter's stick past Senators goalie Craig Anderson. Richards had told his longtime linemate to be ready in front, and Carter, who scored twice and added an assist, didn't need to be told twice.

BOX SCORE: Kings 4, Ottawa 3 (OT)

"It wasn't pretty, but we stuck with it and got the point," Carter said in his postgame TV interview. "He [Richards] made a great shot and got it through."

Kings defenseman Matt Greene was the first player to congratulate goalie Jonathan Quick after the win. Quick had denied Cory Conacher with a tough blocker save and seconds later stopped Stephane Da Costa late in regulation.

He stopped that one-two punch with about five minutes remaining. But it was the next blow that followed that sent the game into overtime. With 4:27 left, the Senators tied it at 3-3 on Milan Michalek's shot through traffic.

Former Ducks forward Bobby Ryan had pulled the Senators within one with his power-play goal at 5:58 of the third. It was his first goal as a Senator and he added an assist on the third Ottawa goal.

Quick, who gave up a baffling own goal from long range in Monday's 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers, played a controlled game against the Senators, but he didn't have a massive amount of work until the tense third period.

Carter noted that the Kings' top players need to step up and they did against the Senators. The key contributors were Anze Kopitar, captain Dustin Brown and several members of the defense corps. Brown scored twice and Kopitar had two assists. Richards also had two assists.

The Kings took a 3-0 lead in the first period on a mere nine shots — scoring twice on the power play — and held on tight as the Senators scored once in the second period and early in the third to inject doubt into the proceedings.

Brown, pointless in the first three games of the season, did a skillful job of agitating, drawing two penalties helping lead to the Kings' power-play goals. His first goal came just after he got out of the penalty box with a surge of speed down the right-wing side, beating Anderson on the far side.

It's almost a tradition for Ottawa to struggle in games at Staples Center; the only time the Senators have won here was 13 years ago.

Kings Coach Darryl Sutter made a couple of lineup adjustments, taking out center Colin Fraser and inserting a dose of energy in the form of left wing Daniel Carcillo. Carcillo, making his Kings debut, played on a line with former Philadelphia Flyers teammates Richards and Carter.

The other tweak to the roster involved a swap of defensemen. Second-year defenseman Jake Muzzin was taken out in favor of Alec Martinez, who got into his first game of the season. Muzzin was a minus-five in the first three games and Sutter was blunt about his woes after practice on Tuesday, saying: "He's struggling a lot."



Carter's redirection lifts Kings in OT

Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES— Dustin Brown could tell the Los Angeles Kings were back in good form by the long list of Ottawa Senators heading to the penalty box.

The captain and his Kings specialize in agitating and outworking the opposition — and even after they blew a three-goal lead, they drew one more penalty to set up the winner.

Jeff Carter scored his second power-play goal on a deflection of Mike Richards' shot 28 seconds into overtime, and the Kings outlasted the Senators 4-3 on Wednesday night.

Brown scored twice during the Kings' three-goal first period, and Carter had three points in Los Angeles' sixth straight home victory over Ottawa in the past decade. After scoring just six goals in their first three games of the season, the Kings were on their game again.

"We just wanted to establish that mentality we had last year," Brown said of last season's Western Conference finalists. "Obviously, it wasn't as clean as we wanted it, but we got the job done. That's what we need from our power play, to step up at big times. The important thing is to continue to build on that."

Milan Michalek scored the tying goal with 4:27 left in regulation for the Senators. Jean-Gabriel Pageau netted his third career goal in the second period, and Bobby Ryan scored his first goal with Ottawa early in the third.

Jonathan Quick made 22 saves for the Kings. Richards and Anze Kopitar had two assists apiece.

Carter scored the winner during 4-on-3 play in the final second of Clarke MacArthur's hooking penalty from late in regulation. Richards teed up a shot that might have banked off an Ottawa stick before it was redirected by Carter in front.

"He made a great play," Carter said of his longtime teammate and roommate. "All I did was go to the net and stand there. You go to the net, put your stick on the ice, and guys in this league are going to find it. It's pretty simple. I don't do anything pretty out there."

Craig Anderson stopped 28 shots as the Senators opened a four-game Western road swing that is part of their season-opening six-game trip.

Ryan, the longtime Anaheim Ducks forward, scored during a power play early in the third period of his first game back in Southern California since he was traded north. Kings fans booed him loudly out of habit.

"I'm pretty proud of the way the guys reacted to come back and get a point on the road," Ryan said. "This is a tough building. ... My first two games, I felt like there were opportunities where I didn't capitalize. I'm glad it's over with, and now hopefully I can go get a bunch more."

Ottawa captain Jason Spezza sat out to rest a persistent groin injury, leaving his team without its top-line center. He should return for back-to-back games in San Jose and Anaheim this weekend.

Stephane Da Costa replaced Spezza on the Sens' first line between Michalek and Ryan.

Brown got the Kings' first goal moments after he stepped out of the box from serving a penalty for interfering with Anderson, his fellow U.S. Olympic team hopeful and former teammate with the OHL's Guelph Storm.

The Senators then committed a string of penalties, and Carter scored his third goal of the season off a scramble at the moment Los Angeles' first 5-on-3 advantage ended.

Los Angeles went up 3-0 on another goal by Brown, who deflected a pass from Carter in Anderson's crease right after another two-man advantage ended.

"We can't just sit there and say, 'The officials don't like us,' or whatever," Ottawa coach Paul MacLean said. "We've got to quit taking penalties and putting our team in a bad spot out there."

Ottawa answered early in the second period when Erik Condra controlled a loose puck and fed the 20-year-old Pageau for a one-timer that trickled past Quick. Pageau, who had a memorable postseason hat trick against Montreal last May, was playing in just his 12th regular-season game.

Ryan trimmed the Kings' lead to one goal with a power-play score. Moments after Quick made a phenomenal blocker stop on a point-blank chance for Da Costa, Michalek found a loose puck amid a tangle of legs in the high slot and fired it past Quick for his first goal of the season.

NOTES: Ottawa RW Chris Neil went to the dressing room in the second period after Kings defenseman Alec Martinez accidentally chipped the puck into his face. Neil returned later in the period. … The Kings scratched D Jake Muzzin after a poor game against the Rangers on Monday night, activating Martinez for the first time this season. LW Daniel Carcillo made his Kings debut on a line with Carter and Richards. Colin Fraser was scratched. … Los Angeles will begin a four-game trip at Carolina on Friday night. Ottawa doesn't have its home opener until Oct. 17.

Orange County Register: LOADED: 10.10.2013


October 9 postgame notes, highlights

Posted by JonRosen on October 10, 2013

-Anze Kopitar recorded two assists for 480 career points, which surpasses Jim Fox (479 points) as the eighth highest scorer in Kings history.

-The Kings improved to 17-7-2 all-time against the Senators and 12-1-1 against the Senators in Los Angeles.

-All four Kings who registered points contributed multi-point efforts: Mike Richards: 0-2=2; Anze Kopitar: 0-2=2; Dustin Brown: 2-0=2; Jeff Carter: 2-1=3.

-The Kings won 43-of-71 faceoffs (61%).

-Los Angeles’ 25 shots allowed is the lowest shot total against the Kings this season, and the plus-7 shot differential is the widest discrepancy in the Kings’ favor through four games.

-Amongst the Kings’ regular faceoff performers, Mike Richards was 6-for-10, Anze Kopitar was 12-for-22, Trevor Lewis was 6-for-9, Jarret Stoll was 11-for-20, and Jeff Carter was 8-for-10.

-Ottawa outhit Los Angeles, 41-37. Daniel Carcillo was credited with a game-high five hits, tying Jared Cowen and Colin Greening of the Senators.

-Jeff Carter recorded two goals and an assist to give him five points (4-1=5) in four games.

-Los Angeles will visit Ottawa on Saturday, December, 14.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 10.10.2013


October 9 postgame quotes: Darryl Sutter


On whether there was a “natural letdown” after the first period:

No, not really. I thought we had a really good second period, too.

On the team’s five-on-five play:

We drew penalties that allowed us to score goals five on five, so I’m not too caught up in that. We’ve scored enough goals to win every game, quite honest.

On whether the team was successful in moving it’s feet:

Yeah, that’s how you’ve got to play the game. You’ve got to move your feet.

On Alec Martinez’s game:

I thought he had a good game for us. As we said before when he plays well, hopefully he can find the little bit of that confidence where he can sustain that.

On how the team improved from the previous three games:

Not much difference. I mean, score four goals, you should win. That’s the way it is.

On whether he was satisfied with the changes to “the bottom three lines”:

We tried to just get a little bit more balance in there. I won’t really think about that until we watch the game tomorrow on the plane.

On what positives he took from the game:

Jeez, we won. [Reporter: Besides the two points, obviously.] I think Dustin Brown scored two goals, Jeff scored two goals. Jeez, isn’t that good? I mean, you’ve got to find something positive. You’ve got to write about us. You’ve got to start saying something good.

On a previous assessment about Dustin Brown that points weren’t as important as his physical play:

Well, the first goal he scored, isn’t that being physical? You come out of the penalty box… [Reporter: I’m not saying he wasn’t.] Because you could get drilled. So that is being physical? It isn’t always hitting guys. [Reporter: I wasn’t saying that, either.] So I am. When he’s driving the net, then that’s the physical part of it. You want guys cutting to the net. How does Jeff Carter score his goals? Standing in front…I’d say he competes like hell to score.

On whether there’s such a thing as an “ugly two points”:

There were seven goals scored tonight. Generally, you’d call that ‘wow.’ You might call that sexy, even. [Reporter: I’ve got to think about that one.] You wouldn’t call it ‘ugly.’ Good lookin’.

On being up 3-0 and “letting it get away”:

We didn’t let it ‘get away.’ We made mistakes below the goal line, and they scored on the power play. We scored two out of three goals on the power play, and you knew the referee at some point was going to come back. We killed one, Brownie comes out of the box and scores. There wasn’t much difference in the game. Now you’re getting into stats. You guys have got to listen to what you’re told. If you’re not watching instead of reading, listen better.

On whether he’s “concerned about Frattin”:

No, I think he played strong again tonight. We moved him back to the right side, and that line was pretty good. They got scored on that one time – we’d like to have that play back down low there. Clifford and Frattin were both fine.

On the upcoming road games:

Tough travel tomorrow. Nine o’clock flight, which is actually 12:00, which gets you in there at 4:30, and it’s a long ways to fly and play in the National Hockey League.

On what stands out in the upcoming road trip:

No, I think…it’s interesting we play all those teams in the first month that we never played at all last year. We played Winnipeg, Rangers, Ottawa, Carolina, Tampa, Florida, all teams we haven’t seen for two years. I think we’re looking forward to this, just getting through how hard it is. [Reporter: How about playing teams you haven’t played in a long time? Does that make it a little more difficult to prepare for?] No, I don’t think so. I think that with the access to everything that we have now in terms of video and pre-scout and familiarity with players, not really.



October 9 postgame quotes: Ottawa


Paul MacLean, on the overtime loss:

Penalties, penalties, penalties, if you’re going to take penalties in this league, especially consecutive penalties and give teams the opposition five-on-three and four-on-three, it’s pretty reasonable to expect in the National Hockey League that you’re going to get goals scored against you. We got to stop taking penalties, for whatever reason, we can’t just sit there and say the officials don’t like us or anything like that, we have to stop taking penalties. We got to get our feet moving, we got to play harder, and stop putting ourselves and putting our team in a bad spot.”

MacLean, on coming back from a three-goal deficit:

I thought Andy came in and really shut door for us in the second and third. We got one back in the second and in the third we came back and got a couple more to get to being tied up, but at the end of the day, it’s a heck of point on the road. It might be a little bit sour how it ended by taking another penalty and losing in overtime. Heck of an effort by the goaltender and the team to come back and get a point in a tough building against a tough team. We take the positive of it and try to do something about the penalties.

MacLean, on being on the penalty kill:

We do it too often. If we do it less we get better at it.

MacLean, on getting a point in the standings:

I think it’s good. Anytime you come on the road in this league and get a point I think that’s good. On the road in this league is hard to do and we are half way through a six-game road trip and have four points. I think we should be pretty pleased with what we did. Are we totally happy with how we are doing it, how we are playing and going about having it happen? No, but that’s what we have practice for. That’s why we have video. That’s why we have coaches to get it sorted out and get ourselves our identity as soon as we can. We’re not there yet. We’re there in a lot of ways. The discipline part of it has to be better, and if we are more disciplined we get way better.

MacLean, on Bobby Ryan:

I thought Bobby’s been fine. Good to see him score and [Michalek] scored as well. Important players for us to get on the mark.

MacLean, on what changed after the first period:

We stopped taking penalties, first of all. Second of all, we were able to put some consistent shifts together. One, two, three, four. One right after another and playing in their end of the rink. I think the goal helped us and settled us down when [Pageau] scored to make it three-to-one. From that point forward, I thought we got a little better identity.

Craig Anderson, on the overtime loss:

We found a way to get a point. You’ve got to take some of the positives out of the game and at least give yourself some credit for sticking in there and battling back. Obviously not the finish or the start that we wanted but you know we found a way to get a point and that can be huge for us.

Anderson, on the penalty kill:

We’ve got to get better at it. That’s the bottom line. Last year we had a great penalty kill and obviously we have many of the same guys that are on that same penalty kill. It’s just a matter of baring down and maybe getting some puck luck on our side.

Anderson, on the end result:

No, there’s no satisfaction. We can be happy with the point but we can’t be satisfied. There’s no room for being satisfied with playing .500 hockey. You have to go out and you have to try and win every game.

Chris Phillips, on the overtime loss:

We showed a lot of composure on not getting down and battling back. Obviously disappointing to not get the win after that but at the same time we’ll take the point after the way we started.

Phillips, on the first period:

You can look at penalties. A couple five on threes and you want to try and kill those off but it’s a tough task. They’ve got some really talented guys over there. It just kind of turned in to a downhill slide getting down.”

Phillips, on how to improve the penalty kill:

We’ve got to look at it and see where we can improve and go from there. We need to look at the video and break it down to see where we’re going wrong. If you’re in your right spots and trying to do the right things and be in the right places sometimes you have to tip your hat and not get too down.



October 9 postgame quotes: Jeff Carter


On playing with Daniel Carcillo, compared to playing with Matt Frattin:

Fratty and Car Bomb are I think really similar players. They’re both hard-nosed guys that are going to get in on the forecheck and create turnovers and whatnot. I think Dan stepped in real well and got in on the forecheck for us, just banging some bodies and creating some turnovers and stuff like that. I thought it was good.

On whether he was happy with the team’s skating after having drawn six power plays:

I don’t know. I thought we had a better effort. When you’re on the puck and banging bodies and working to win battles, you draw penalties. They have to haul you down, whatever – holding, slashing, whatever it is, I thought we did a better job of just getting on ‘em.

On his deflection on the game-winning goal:

They just left me all alone. We talked about [it]. We saw it in the power play before. Brownie was sitting at the net for 30 seconds all by himself. Rick gets a shot through, I’ve got to get a stick on it because I got a lot of time.

On creating screens and getting to the net:

You’re not going to score too many goals in this league unless you have a guy standing in front of the net. Goalies are too big, too good, too quick. It’s something that we’ve talked a lot about. You look at probably 90 percent of our goals this year, there’s a guy standing right in front of him. That’s what you’ve got to do.

On whether there can be improvement in the team’s five-on-five play:

I mean, there’s always room to improve. I thought we took a step in the right direction tonight. We’ve still got some work to do.

On the team finding success:

I think when this team, we play a fast game, that’s when we are really successful. Big and fast. When we are not moving our feet, we’re big and slow.

On the game-winning goal:

[Richards] made a great play. All I did was go to the net.

On the upcoming road trip:

I think it will be good for us to get away a bit here. It’s teams we haven’t seen in a long time. A lot of these guys we can’t remember the last time we played to be honest. It will be fun. A little change. See some new faces on the other side. These teams we are playing are tough teams and we haven’t played them in quite a bit. They got some pretty skilled players I respect.

On Dustin Brown’s play:

It was good. He’s been right on the door step a few times the last few games here. Posts and crossbar. It was just a matter of time until he got a couple. It was nice to see him get rewarded.

On Ottawa’s comeback:

We can’t be giving up leads. That’s a given.…Another day playing these Eastern Conference teams and two points is two points. We obviously don’t want to give up a point but it doesn’t really make much sense because they are in the East. So, two points.



October 9 postgame quotes: Dustin Brown


On drawing six power plays, and whether it was the result of better team speed:

I think with this team, when we play a fast game, that’s when we’re really successful, when we’re big and fast. When we’re not moving our feet, we’re big and slow. Tonight I thought we were better about moving our feet, and as a result we’re a hard team to handle and teams take penalties. But there’s a lot still that we’ve got to improve on to be where we want to be.

On whether he liked the team’s response after Ottawa’s comeback:

You never obviously want to blow a three-goal lead, but at the end of the day this team has been through a lot harder situations. I think as a group of guys we’re at that point where I don’t think a lot of things faze us. Obviously that’s not where we want [to be], or how to play the game, but we responded the right way.

On where the team can improve in five-on-five play:

Our game’s all about possession and using our big forwards down low. Today was a step in the right direction, but there’s still improvements. We’ve just got to continue to move our feet. I think that’s the key for this team, is when we move our feet, we’re a really good team. [When] we get stagnant and don’t work for each other, it becomes a really hard for us.

On where improvement can be made in moving feet “in all three zones”:

It’s a combination. It’s wingers working back for D so they can make an easier play. It’s D getting their feet moving out of the zone so we have another option as wingers, and center supporting everyone. I mean, you look – when we play really well, when we move the puck really well and we’re giving it to players that have opportunities to make plays, that’s the result of skating.

On surrendering the lead:

It’s been a trend this year. We got to regroup and come out with more energy. The same thing happened in Winnipeg and even New York. Our first home game against New York we came out and our first period was good then we sat back. That’s the responsibility of the players to prepare and be willing to bring awareness to it and being able to go out there and perform.

On Jeff Carter:

He’s one of those guys [where] you don’t really notice him and then it’s on his stick and it’s in the net. When we traded for him, that’s what we were hoping we were getting. He has only been here for not a full two years. It’s on his stick and it’s in the net. He’s a game breaker for us.

On the upcoming road trip:

It’s part of the travel now. Everyone has to deal with it. The teams that are able to manage it the best will not have a problem with travel.

On coming back to win:

I think it’s a double edged sword really.…Over the long haul to be successful we got to lock games down. This team over the last three or four years has been one of the best teams at doing that and we got get back to that.

On scoring goals and drawing penalties:

I just try to play my game. Tonight was, for me personally, I felt that my legs were the best and that allows me to get a little more physical early on and ruffle some feathers. Again, the two power plays ended up being 5-on-3 and at the power play at the end of the game was the difference in the game for me, that and Quickie’s save in the third.



October 9 postgame quotes: Matt Greene


On the team’s response to Ottawa’s comeback in earning the win:

I mean, you don’t want to squander that lead that we had there, but we got the two points. We were looking for that, but still a lot of things we’ve got to clean up.

On what in particular can be cleaned up:

Just playing the game plan. That’s it. I don’t think we’ve played up to where we can yet, and also the system we want to be playing yet. I think there are still some holes. There’s still some getting used to that. So once we get that going, we’re going to have a lot more success.

On whether Matt Frattin makes the team faster:

Yeah, he’s really moving up and down the wing. He’s got a good north-south game going right now. It helps us. You get speed down the wings, it’s harder to defend against. You can never have too much speed, and also, with the size, too I think he gets in on the forecheck, creates some physicalness and it’s good for us. He’s been really good for us.



Game 4 Preview: Ottawa at Los Angeles


Los Angeles Kings (1-2-0) vs Ottawa Senators (1-0-1)

Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 7:30 p.m. PT

Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

Referees: #8 Dave Jackson, #38 Francois St. Laurent

Linesmen: #98 John Grandt, #56 Mark Wheler

Los Angeles Projected Starting Goaltender – Jonathan Quick

2013-14 Season: 3 GP (3 GS) / 1-2-0 record / 3.18 GAA / .893 Sv% / 0 SHO

Career vs Ottawa: 4 (4) / 3-1-0 / 1.76 / .934 / 1

Last Game vs Ottawa: 1/23/12 / 59 MP / 27-28 shots / 4-1 W

2013-14, Home: 1 (1) / 0-1-0 / 3.03 / .893 / 0

Ottawa Projected Starting Goaltender – Craig Anderson

2013-14 Season: 2 GP (2 GS) / 1-0-1 record / 1.92 GAA / .948 Sv% / 1 SHO

Career vs Los Angeles: 11 (10) / 1-6-3 / 3.61 / .867 / 0

Last Game vs Los Angeles: 1/23/12 / 40 MP / 22-26 shots / 1-4 L

2013-14, Away: 2 (2) / 1-0-1 / 1.92 / .948 / 1

2013-14 Los Angeles Leaders

Total Points: Carter (2-0=2), Muzzin (1-1=2), Kopitar (0-2=2), Frattin (0-2=2)

Goals: Jeff Carter (2-0=2)

Assists: Anze Kopitar (0-2=2), Matt Frattin (0-2=2)

Plus/Minus: Greene, Ellerby, Williams, Carcillo, Martinez, Mitchell, Regehr, King tied (0)

Penalty Minutes: Kyle Clifford (14; 0-0=0)

2013-14 Ottawa Leaders

Total Points: Kyle Turris (1-3=4)

Goals: Cowen, Turris, Spezza, Karlsson, Conacher tied (1)

Assists: Kyle Turris (1-3=4)

Plus/Minus: Kyle Turris (+4; 1-3=4), Clarke MacArthur (+4; 0-2=2)

Penalty Minutes: Cowen (4; 1-1=2), Ryan (4; 0-1=1), Smith (4; 0-0=0), Spezza (4; 1-0=1)

Los Angeles Projected Lines

Dustin Brown – Anze Kopitar – Justin Williams

Daniel Carcillo – Mike Richards – Jeff Carter

Kyle Clifford – Trevor Lewis – Matt Frattin

Colin Fraser – Jarret Stoll – Jordan Nolan

Robyn Regehr – Drew Doughty

Willie Mitchell – Slava Voynov

Alec Martinez – Matt Greene

Jonathan Quick

Ben Scrivens

Level of confidence in projected lines: C. Today’s morning skate was optional. While most of tonight’s skaters participated, no line rushes took

place, so yesterday’s realignment could not be confirmed. Dwight King was the last forward off the ice, and Jake Muzzin and Keaton Ellerby stayed on for extra work, so it appears as though Daniel Carcillo will make his Kings debut and Alec Martinez will make his first appearance of the season. Here’s your frequent reminder that lines are always in flux throughout the game and will be adjusted as the game develops. The above projection is a reflection of Tuesday’s practice lines.

Notes and milestones: The Kings are 11-1-1 all-time at home and 16-7-2 overall against Ottawa. The Kings have won five straight home games in the series, dating back to January 30, 2003. … Drew Doughty is one game-winning goal behind Steve Duchesne for the second most amongst defensemen in franchise history. … Anze Kopitar is one point behind Jim Fox for the eighth most points in franchise history and one shorthanded goal behind Ziggy Palffy for the fifth most SHG in franchise history. … Justin Williams has 499 career points (191-308=499) and is the current team leader in consecutive games played with 133. … The Kings have sold out 51 consecutive regular season games, dating back to December 3, 2011. Including playoffs, the Kings have sold out 69 straight games.

Andrew D. Bernstein / National Hockey League

-The home opener didn’t exactly bring out the most alluring form of Kings hockey, and according to assistant captain Matt Greene, some self-assessment is in order as a response to Monday’s 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers.

“Guys know they’ve got to be better. That’s it,” Greene said. “Guys have got to look at themselves right now and make sure that [they’re] going. Before you can really start giving anybody else the business, you’ve got to make sure that you’re on top of your game, and I think everybody would agree that they can perform better, and so worry about getting that going. Worry about getting yourself going before you start pointing fingers.”

-From the press box, it appeared as though Alec Martinez put together a useful preseason, though Darryl Sutter characterized his play as “in and out.”

Martinez, who had two assists and a minus-two rating in six preseason games, “didn’t step up and…seize the opportunity,” according to Sutter.

He appears ready to get his first action of the season against the Senators tonight.

“It’s no different than it was three weeks ago,” Sutter said. “I’m not trying to force square pegs into round holes. Muzzin, Martinez, Ellerby, Voynov, Doughty, Regehr, Mitchell, Greener. Of them all, Greener, in terms of his role, is probably the one guy that’s fulfilled the expectations after three games.”

-Dustin Brown, on what must be paid attention to when Erik Karlsson is on the ice:

-Like Brown, Trevor Lewis and Jonathan Quick, Senators starting goaltender Craig Anderson will be among those competing for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team this winter. Like Brown (and Drew Doughty), he’s also a veteran of the OHL’s Guelph Storm. Brown and Anderson played together during the 2000-01 season, when Anderson was 19 years old and Brown turned 16 that November.

“Going back to last year, he was probably a Vezina finalist if he doesn’t get hurt,” Brown said of the goaltender who missed time due to a sprained ankle a year ago.

“He’s a big guy, for one, so he covers a lot of net. He’s a big guy that’s always in position, but when he gets out of position, he’s capable of making those saves that he’s not supposed to. He never gives up on the puck. That’s the one thing I think you can say about him, is he’s always battling to see through traffic, and with his size he takes up a lot of his net.”

-Brown, on the strong shift he had with Kopitar and Williams shortly before New York opened the scoring in the first period Monday night:

“O-zone time is a key to our game. As a line, that one shift was really good, and we’ve got to be able to build off a shift like that. That’s the one thing we need to kind of improve on – when we have one shift, we need to have a second, and a third. But if you look at the two things are shots on net and support for each other. We were moving the puck well,but we were also supporting each other well. Sometimes you get a little too spread out in the offensive zone, and that’s when the possession game breaks down.”

Ottawa Projected Lines

Milan Michalek – Stephane Da Costa – Bobby Ryan

Clarke MacArthur – Kyle Turris – Cory Conacher

Colin Greening – Zack Smith – Chris Neil

Matt Kassian – Jean-Gabriel Pageau – Erik Condra

Marc Methot – Erik Karlsson

Jared Cowen – Patrick Wiercioch

Chris Phillips – Joe Corvo

Craig Anderson

Robin Lehner

Notes: Lines via Curtis Zupke of NHL.com. … Jason Spezza is nursing a sore groin and will not play tonight. Stephane Da Costa will replace the veteran center on Ottawa’s top line. Spezza was named the team’s captain in Septenber. Daniel Alfredsson, who had worn the “C” since the 1999-2000 season, departed for Detroit via free agency in the summer. Ottawa’s last three captains have been Alexei Yashin, Alfredsson and Spezza. … Bobby Ryan is an alumni of the L.A. Junior Kings program. … Joe Corvo, a fourth round pick by Los Angeles in 1997, appeared in 203 games with the Kings from 2002-06. … The Senators open the season on a six-game road trip. Having already visited Toronto and Buffalo, they’ll also visit San Jose (Saturday), Anaheim (Sunday) and Phoenix (Tuesday).

Juan Ocampo / National Hockey League



October 9 morning skate quotes: Darryl Sutter


On the key to beating larger goaltenders:

I think know their tendencies. A lot of pucks hit the bigger guys, so if smaller guy’s not sharp, then you can score a few more goals.

On the team’s ability to score goals off screens:

Every goal we’ve scored has been on that. So, still, it’s the simplicity of the game – the traffic and getting inside and getting between the goalie and the defensemen – all those things are critical to scoring goals, not just highlight goals.

On what what he would describe as the “ideal” shift from Brown, Kopitar and Williams:

More help for Kopi. I mean, he’s pretty much been a dominant player for us in the first three games, but his wingers have to give him a lot more help.

On what he liked about the zone time shortly prior to New York’s first goal on Monday:

Probably that. But obviously the third goal was the difference in the hockey game. It was 2-1, we’re on the power play. It’s not the shift leading into that.

On where there has been a “timing issue” in breakouts and in transition:

Loose pucks, clearly. Nobody’s got the puck. I think our defensemen have to do a way better job of recognizing how much more time they have, and then making the play. I think we’re in a really good position to do it. We just need those guys to make better plays.


720487 Minnesota Wild

With Wild still winless, Yeo makes some changes

Article by: RACHEL BLOUNT , Star Tribune

Updated: October 10, 2013 - 12:10 AM

The coach got good news on goalie Niklas Backstrom’s knee injury. And he’s trying to fix what ails his team.

Mike Yeo was relieved to hear Wednesday that goaltender Niklas Backstrom, who strained his right knee in Tuesday’s loss at Nashville, is not expected to be sidelined for long. Still, the Wild coach confirmed that Josh Harding will start in goal Thursday against Winnipeg — and the rest of the lineup will look different as well.

With the Wild still searching for its first victory of the season, Yeo spent Wednesday’s practice tinkering with his line combinations and defensive pairs. The team also made a roster change, sending forwards Jason Zucker and Carson McMillan back to the Wild’s AHL affiliate in Iowa and recalling Stephane Veilleux. While Yeo and his players do not think major changes are necessary, they agreed that the details still need refining in order to escape an 0-1-2 start.

Even as Yeo praised his team’s overall play, he pointed out shortcomings, such as failing to go to the net or defensive lapses that hand an opponent a premium scoring chance. Closer attention to those particulars, he said, will make all the difference against the Jets at Xcel Energy Center.

“The urgency has been there,’’ Yeo said of his team. “But the focus and how to direct it, we’ve been a little off there.

“We don’t have a win yet in three games. That has to be on our minds. But there also have been some positives. So let’s learn from the things that haven’t been good enough, let’s focus on the things that have been really good, and take that into the next game and figure out how to make sure we get rid of that goose egg.’’

Backstrom was hurt when Nashville forward Eric Nystrom barreled into him in the first period of Tuesday’s 3-2 loss, pushing the goalie’s right leg into the goalpost. He did not practice Wednesday and is listed as day to day. Yeo said Backstrom will be reexamined Thursday morning and could be healthy enough to serve as Harding’s backup against Winnipeg.

The Wild is averaging 2.33 goals over its first three games, ranking it 18th in the NHL. To stimulate more scoring, Yeo moved first-line winger Jason Pominville to the second line with center Mikael Granlund and winger Dany Heatley. Winger Nino Niederreiter was elevated to the top line with Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise.

Justin Fontaine will team with Kyle Brodziak and Matt Cooke on the third line, with the trio of Veilleux, Zenon Konopka and Torrey Mitchell handling fourth-line duties. Zucker, who was recalled Sunday to fill the roster spot vacated by the injured Charlie Coyle, was sent to Iowa.

“He wasn’t going to factor in on the third line,’’ Yeo said of Zucker, “and we weren’t going to play him on the fourth.’’

The new look, Yeo said, gives speed and balance to the fourth line and puts Pominville in position to jump-start a sputtering second line.

“Looking at [Tuesday’s loss], our top line had probably 90 percent of our scoring chances,’’ Yeo said. “Certainly, they should lead the way, but we need something from somebody else.

“Nino has played very well through three games. He’s a guy that should be able to factor in on that top line and have a positive impact. [The new second line] should have the potential to create offense for us, too.’’

Yeo also switched some defensive pairings Wednesday. He teamed Matt Dumba with Clayton Stoner, reprising a tandem that played effectively against Winnipeg in the preseason, and Keith Ballard will play with Jared Spurgeon.

Harding performed well under challenging circumstances Tuesday. He surrendered a goal on the penalty shot awarded to Nystrom after his collision with Backstrom, then shut out Nashville through the rest of the game.

Thursday’s game marks Harding’s first start of the season after he recorded an 0.83 goals-against average and .962 save percentage in preseason play.

“I came in here knowing I’m going to have to play some big games and find a way to win,’’ Harding said. “There are still things I have to clean up in my game. Winning a couple of games in the preseason doesn’t mean anything if you don’t do it in the regular season.’’

His teammates can identify with that sentiment.

“I think we’re still playing good hockey,’’ Parise said. “We just need to be a little sharper in different areas. We’re still in a good mood. Everyone is in good spirits. It’s just frustrating that we haven’t won.’’

Star Tribune LOADED: 10.10.2013


Gameday preview: Winnipeg at Wild

RACHEL BLOUNT

Updated: October 9, 2013 - 9:20 PM

wild gameday

7 P.M. vs. Winnipeg • XCEL Center• FSN, 100.3-FM

Preview: Expect to see plenty of Jets fans in town for the first regular-season game between these teams since they became rivals in the NHL’s new Central Division. Though the Jets are 2-1, they have been outshot in every game and are looking to tidy up their defensive play. The Wild has outshot its opponent in all three of its games but is 0-1-2, scoring only two five-on-five goals.

Players to watch: Jets D Dustin Byfuglien, a Minneapolis native, has a team-high four assists this season. RW Devin Setoguchi, who played for the Wild from 2011 to ’13, leads the team with two goals and also has an assist. Wild LW Zach Parise has 18 shots on goal, twice as many as any of his teammates, and has scored a team-high three goals; no other player has more than one.

Numbers: With 391 miles separating St. Paul from Winnipeg, the Jets are the Wild’s closest rival in geographic terms. … Parise has 23 points in 24 games against the Winnipeg/Atlanta franchise, including 12 goals. … The Wild is ranked third in the NHL in power-play percentage with five goals on 13 chances.

Injuries: Wild G Niklas Backstrom (knee strain) is day to day; forwards Charlie Coyle (knee) and Mike Rupp (knee) are out. Jets winger Chris Thorburn (lower body) is questionable.



Backstrom day-to-day, and line changes galore

Posted by: Rachel Blount under Wild practice Updated: October 9, 2013 - 4:25 PM

Lots going on in Wild-world Wednesday, which is unsurprising after Tuesday's loss at Nashville dropped its record to 0-1-2. Rachel B here, filling in for Russo, who traveled this morning from the Music City,

Coach Mike Yeo said with great relief in his voice that Niklas Backstrom's injury does not appear serious, and the goalie is listed as day-to-day. Backstrom strained his right knee when Eric Nystrom barreled into him in the first period of Tuesday's game, causing Backstrom's right leg to strike the goal post. Yeo said Josh Harding will start Thursday's game against Winnipeg at Xcel Energy Center, but Backstrom might be healthy enough to dress as the backup. Backstrom will be evaluated again later Wednesday, when the team would make a decision on whether to recall Darcy Kuemper from Iowa.

That wasn't the only shuffle. Yeo tried several new line combinations in Wednesday's practice, even breaking up the top trio of Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu and Jason Pominville. Pominville was moved to the second line with center Mikael Granlund and winger Dany Heatley, while Nino Niederreiter took Pominville's spot with the top group. The third line will be Matt Cooke, Kyle Brodziak and Justin Fontaine, and the fourth features newly recalled Stephane Veilleux with Zenon Konopka and Torrey Mitchell. Yeo said he plans to move Mitchell up the chart as situations warrant.

Jason Zucker, unimpressive in Tuesday's 3-2 loss, was sent back to Iowa on Wednesday morning. Veilleux was recalled to fill the roster spot vacated by the injured Charlie Coyle. In explaining that decision, Yeo said, "(Zucker) wasn't going to factor in on the third line, and we weren't going to play him on the fourth.''

Yeo said the line-switching was not simply a knee-jerk reaction to the winless streak. He and his assistants laid out a plan last summer to freely move players around in the lineup, because they want players to be adaptable, and the coaches want to be able to experiment with different combinations. "There's no guarantee that if we were 3-0, that we wouldn't be switching up our lines as well,'' he said.

As for the rationale behind his new combinations, Yeo said that Niederreiter has played well enough to justify moving up to the top line, while he hopes Pominville can get another line going. The top line, Yeo said, has generated "probably 90 percent'' of the Wild's scoring chances. That won't do, and he lauded Pominville's play and leadership. "If we put (Pominville) with (Granlund and Heatley), then that's a line that should have the potential to create offense for us, too,'' Yeo said.

Yeo wants the third line to bring a spark and to be hard to play against, and he believes Fontaine complements Cooke and Brodziak. He said he wanted to "give an identity'' to the fourth line; Veilleux and Mitchell provide speed on the wings.

The defensive pairings changed, too. Keith Ballard will team with Jared Spurgeon, and Matt Dumba will pair with Clayton Stoner. The Dumba-Stoner duo was very effective in a preseason game at Winnipeg. That leaves Marco Scandella as the odd man out, but Yeo wasn't critical of his play. "Marco had a good game last game,'' he said. "But in game 2, (Stoner) had a good game, and we took him out. We've got a lot of guys, and I don't want Dumba sitting out too long.''

Yeo said the details will make the difference for the Wild as it seeks its first victory, and he wants players to focus on refinements. Parise echoed that thinking.

"I think we're still playing good hockey,'' he said. "It would be one thing if we came to the rink and had no chance to win any of those games. But that's not the case. We just need to be a little sharper in different areas. We're still in a good mood; everyone is still in good spirits. We're just frustrated that we haven't won.''



Veilleux called up from Iowa, Zucker sent back

Posted by: Michael Russo under Wild news Updated: October 9, 2013 - 10:17 AM

The Wild is bringing Stephane Veilleux up from Iowa today, and sending Jason Zucker back to its American Hockey League team. A third forward, Carson McMillan, was also reassigned to Iowa.

McMillan and Zucker were called up for last night's game. Zucker struggled a bit in a 3-2 loss at Nashville, and McMillan didn't play.

Veilleux is a 31-year-old feisty veteran who could give the winless team some spark in Thursday's game against Winnipeg.



Minnesota Wild: Winless start brings new lines, sense of urgency

By Chad Graff

[email protected]

Posted: 10/09/2013 12:01:00 AM CDT

Updated: 10/09/2013 11:37:01 PM CDT

Last season, the Wild were one of 16 playoff teams in the NHL. This season, they are one of three winless teams.

They're going in the wrong direction, and coach Mike Yeo is trying fix it quickly, shuffling every line for Thursday night's home game against Winnipeg.

"There should be a really big sense of urgency," Yeo said. "I really think it was there the first game, and it's been there the second and third game, but we think there should be another level."

After losing the opening games in a shootout and overtime at home, the Wild promoted forward Jason Zucker to a second-line role in Game 3. The result? Previously winless Nashville took that game in regulation.

Now Zucker is gone, and Stephane Veilleux -- a professional checker on some of the Wild's best teams -- is back. Top line winger Jason Pominville will move to the second line, and Nino Niederreiter will take his spot with Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise.

"In looking at that game (on Tuesday), our top line probably had 90 percent of our scoring chances," Yeo said. "Certainly they should lead the way, but we need something somewhere else."

Minnesota also finds itself without second-line center Charlie Coyle (knee) for up to a month, and No. 1 goalie Niklas Backstrom (knee) for, well, they're not yet sure -- they don't think it's for long.

Josh Harding, who filled in for Backstrom midway through the first period of Tuesday's 3-2 loss at Nashville, will get his first start of the season Thursday against the Jets.

New Jersey and Buffalo are the only other teams without a win, though they've both played four games. Still, the point remains. Despite the Wild feeling that they outplayed their opponent in each game, they've got three losses and two points.

"It's obviously a big game for us," Niederreiter said. "We have to be very hard to play against at home, and obviously it's a divisional game again. We have to do everything it takes to get our first win."

The shakeup extended back to the blue line, where Marco Scandella is in line for a healthy scratch for the first time this season. Keith Ballard will skate with Jared Spurgeon, and Mathew Dumba and Clayton Stoner will play together.

Yeo said coming into the season that he wanted to be more willing to mix up lines and tried to downplay the moves.

"There's no guarantee that if we were 3-0 we might not be switching up our lines as well right now," he said.

But there is no downplaying the 0-1-2 record, and it was hard to hide that on a day when the only pairing that remained intact was blue line duo Jonas Brodin and Ryan Suter.

Backstrom was evaluated in Minnesota on Wednesday and deterimined to have sprained knee. Yeo called the results "good news," adding that Backstrom could serve as the backup goalie Thursdaya.

"We'll just have to see how he feels," Yeo said. "We'll determine whether Backstrom will be backing up or not. We'll see how that is, but it's good news that it's nothing serious."

The team continues to point to the bright spots from the first three games -- and there were some. But in each game, the Wild were dominated for what turned out to be a decisive stretch. On Tuesday, Nashville scored three goals in just over six minutes of the first period.

"We don't have a win yet in three games, and that has to be on our mind," Yeo said. "But there's also been some positives as far as the past three games. "So let's learn from the things that haven't been good enough, focus on the things that have been really good and take that into the next game and figure out how we get rid of that goose egg."

Pioneer Press LOADED: 10.10.2013


Minnesota Wild: John Curry glad to be on-call goalie

By Chad Graff

[email protected]

Posted: 10/09/2013 12:01:00 AM CDT

Updated: 10/09/2013 09:49:05 PM CDT

Late Tuesday night, John Curry got a call from his agent. The message? Get your pads ready. The Wild need you.

Curry, a 29-year-old minor-league veteran from Shorewood, Minn., is on a list of Minnesota goalies the Wild can call in a pinch if they need an immediate goalie to suit up for practice, which they did Wednesday as Niklas Backstrom was evaluated by doctors.

So Curry, who appeared in three NHL games with Pittsburgh during the 2008-09 season and spent last season playing in the East Coast Hockey League, practiced with the Wild opposite Josh Harding.

"It was fun to skate with these guys," Curry said. "It re-ignites the flame that you want to be here for real."



Minnesota Wild: Jason Zucker not the right fit for fourth line

By Chad Graff

[email protected]

Posted: 10/09/2013 12:01:00 AM CDT

Updated: 10/09/2013 09:45:29 PM CDT

After just one game with the Wild, Jason Zucker was sent back to Iowa and the American Hockey League.

Coach Mike Yeo removed him from the second line and power-play unit during Tuesday's game in Nashville, and as he was re-shuffling the lineup for Thursday's game, Yeo said there wasn't a spot for Zucker other than on the fourth line.

"And we're not going to play him on the fourth line," Yeo said.

Instead, the Wild called up high-energy Stephane Veilleux, an attempt from Yeo to build a fourth line with an identity. Veilleux will be joined by center Zenon Konopka and winger Torrey Mitchell on the unit.

"We're giving it speed on the wings with Mitchell and Veilleux," Yeo said. "We've seen in all three games that Mitchell has the ability to move up, and we'll move him up from time to time through the course of the game. But it gives us a left and right shot on each side which I like."



Wild: Josh Harding preps for first start amid 'good news' on Nik Backstrom's injury

By Chad Graff

[email protected]

Posted: 10/09/2013 12:01:00 AM CDT

Updated: 10/09/2013 07:00:19 PM CDT

Josh Harding isn't interested in his numbers.

He didn't want to talk about his preseason numbers -- 0.83 goals-against average and .962 save percentage -- on Wednesday, the day before his first regular-season start this season.

And he didn't want to talk about coming on in relief of Niklas Backstrom on Tuesday night, stopping 19 of 20 shots, the lone goal allowed on a penalty shot immediately after he entered the 3-2 loss at Nashville.

"We didn't win, so it obviously wasn't good enough," Harding said. "We've got to find a way to win here. That's the most important thing."

Backstrom's status is day to day after spraining his knee when Eric Nystrom fell into him on a breakaway Tuesday. His injury opens the door for Harding to build on his strong play in the final 48 minutes against the Predators. He will start against Winnipeg on Thursday night at Xcel Energy Center.

"I came in here knowing I'm going to have to play some games -- and some big games -- and find a way to win," Harding said. "This is one of those times that I'm called upon, and I'm going to be ready whenever they call my number, and whenever I'm in there I'm going to try to give the team a chance to win."

Coach Mike Yeo said the Wild got "good news" about Backstrom's injury Wednesday. There's a chance he will be able to back up Harding on Thursday, Yeo said.

Regardless, Harding will spend time between the pipes. The Wild said in the offseason they wanted to give Harding a fair amount of starts this season, making it clear his play would dictate just how many. After playing the bulk of Tuesday's game in Nashville, the early reviews are positive.

"I thought that was a very difficult situation to come into, and I thought he played a very strong game after that (penalty shot)," Yeo said. "He looked good positionally. One thing not talked about enough is the goaltender's ability to help the defensemen in the transition game, and I thought he was coming out of the net well, setting pucks up. Especially in that second period, he helped us get to our game."



Minnesota Wild recall Stephane Veilleux

Staff Writer

Pioneer Press

Posted: 10/09/2013 12:01:00 AM CDT

Updated: 10/09/2013 02:55:41 PM CDT

The Minnesota Wild have recalled forward Stephane Veilleux and sent forwards Jason Zucker and Carson McMillan to Iowa of the American Hockey League, general manager Chuck Fletcher announced Wednesday morning.

The Wild are winless in three games this season. They lost 3-2 at Nashville on Tuesday night after opening with shootout and overtime losses.

Minnesota has been shuffling its forwards since second-line center Charlie Coyle injured his knee Saturday.

Veilleux, 31, spent last regular season in the AHL before playing in two playoff games with the Wild.

The Wild had recalled Zucker from Iowa on Sunday, and he played 13 minutes in Tuesday's game. McMillan was recalled Tuesday but didn't play.


720496 Montreal Canadiens

Flames extend points streak to four games with win over Habs

Laurence Heinen

CALGARY — The Canadian Press

Published Wednesday, Oct. 09 2013, 11:10 PM EDT

Last updated Thursday, Oct. 10 2013, 1:41 AM EDT

Led by a rookie forward and a journeyman goaltender, the Calgary Flames continued their strong start to the season.

Sean Monahan had a goal and an assist and Joey MacDonald made 33 saves to lead the Calgary Flames to a 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday.

“Obviously it’s a great start,” said Monahan, who has scored in three straight games and is tied at five points for the team scoring lead with Jiri Hudler. “We haven’t lost a game in regulation. Losing’s something I don’t like to do, so it’s been a lot of fun. I’m getting more comfortable every day.”

Calgary coach Bob Hartley praised the effort of his rookie centre, who turns 19 on Saturday.

“I sometimes pinch myself and wonder if I need to check his birth certificate, the poise he is showing for an 18-year-old kid,” Hartley said. “He is having fun, he is bringing passion, he is bringing excitement and he’s learning. He is a pretty special kid.”

Sven Baertschi and Curtis Glencross also scored for Calgary (2-0-2). The last time the Flames recorded points in the first four games of a season was back in 2009-10 when they went 4-0-0 before going 0-2-1 in their next three games.

MacDonald started his third straight game after backstopping Calgary to a 4-3 road win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday, before helping the Flames salvage a point in a 5-4 overtime loss at home to the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday.

“Tonight we stuck with it,” said MacDonald, who previously played for the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings before the Flames claimed him off of waivers part way through last season. “It’s a learning experience for the young guys to show them how important it is. They came out hard.”

P.K. Subban had a goal and an assist for the Canadiens (1-2-0), who hadn’t played since skating to a 4-1 win at home over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.

“We weren’t ready to play right from the start, including myself,” Subban said. “We can continue to say it’s the beginning of the season and we’re just getting things going, but we’ve got to come out better than that.

“We knew this was a hungry team, we knew they were a young team. They had some young players in the lineup and we’ve got to take advantage of that. I don’t think we did a good enough job.”

Lars Eller, with his fourth goal and sixth point, also scored for Montreal, while Carey Price made 22 saves.

Both Calgary and Montreal finished 1 for 3 on the power play.

Despite being outshot 12-4 in the opening frame, the Flames took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.

Monahan opened the scoring at 9:09 of the first period when he tapped a rebound into the net behind Price.

Monahan started the play with a behind-the-back pass to Lee Stempniak, who fired a shot on goal that Price stopped with his right pad. The puck bounced right to Monahan, who drove straight to the net after making the pass.

“That’s always a good feeling,” Monahan said. “There’s nowhere else to put it than in the back of the net. I jumped all over that and I was pretty excited.”

Baertschi then scored his first of the season with 1:27 remaining in the first when he tapped a cross-crease pass from Monahan behind a sprawling

Price. Hudler helped set up the play by jarring the puck loose from Montreal defenceman Jarred Tinordi by virtue of a big hit behind the net.

During a Montreal man advantage in the second period, MacDonald stopped a Subban point blast before stacking his pads to prevent back-to-back shots off the stick of Andrei Markov from getting into the net behind him.

“It’s just battling,” MacDonald said. “You never give up on the puck. It might not be the nicest style, but you’ve got to stop the puck. When your team sees those saves, it kind of gives them a little momentum. I think we kind of built off that.”

Then on a Calgary power play, Glencross tipped a point shot by Dennis Wideman past Price at 16:22 of the second.

Just 84 seconds later with the Calgary captain Mark Giordano in the penalty box for tripping, Subban fired a point shot into the top corner to end MacDonald’s shut-out bid.

At 10:40 of the third, Eller pulled Montreal within a goal. Subban let go a shot from the point that went wide, but bounced off the boards and right onto the stick of Eller, who swatted the puck into a wide-open net.

The Canadiens pressed hard to tie up the game until Subban took a cross-checking penalty with 1:49 remaining in regulation.

“We worked so hard in the third and in the second to bring ourselves into striking distance of tying the game up,” Subban said. “Right when we were about to turn the corner, you take that penalty so it really sucks.”

Notes: Montreal forward Rene Bourque played in his 500th NHL game. Bourque started his career in Chicago with the Blackhawks, with whom he played 183 games before suiting up for 249 contests with the Flames and the last 68 with the Canadiens. a Hudler’s next goal will be the 100th of his NHL career. a Monahan, Stempniak and Hudler have all recorded at least one point all four games the Flames have played this season.

Globe And Mail LOADED: 10.10.2013


Dallas Stars on the rise

DAVID EBNER

FRISCO, TEX. — The Globe and Mail


Last updated Wednesday, Oct. 09 2013, 8:41 PM EDT

In the sprawled suburbs north of Dallas, several dozen women and men in their 20s work the phones, selling hockey tickets in Texas. The headquarters of the Dallas Stars buzzes, voices making pitches, trying to fill seats that in recent years often went empty.

This used to be easier work. The Stars, a dozen years ago, were a big-time team in the city, winning a Stanley Cup and selling out 238 consecutive games. It’s not easy work any more – but there is renewed vigour.

The Stars are reaching for a renaissance – under Canadian guidance. The worst stretch of the NHL club’s history came two years ago, in the final months of bankruptcy, when attendance guttered at 6,306, the American Airlines Center two-thirds empty. Through the fiscal ordeal, the team bled, and booked losses of more than $100-million (U.S.).

The man who saw value in the financial wreckage is Tom Gaglardi.

Based in Vancouver, the billionaire Gaglardi family has deep roots in British Columbia, where Tom’s grandfather was a provincial government minister and his father started the family’s Northland Properties Corp., hotels (Sandman) and restaurants (Moxie’s, Denny’s) business.

Tom Gaglardi has led the expansion of the company and, a decade ago, tried but failed to buy the Vancouver Canucks. When the Stars deal emerged, it was a fit. Gaglardi’s mother grew up in small city east of Dallas.

The overhaul is under way, even as results arrive in staccato fashion. The NHL team last winter let a shot at the playoffs slip away, missing the postseason for the fifth consecutive year. The pace of remaking and reviving then intensified.

In the off-season – putting in pillars Gaglardi believes can form a Detroit Red Wings-like foundation – the team hired Jim Nill as general manager. Nill hired former Buffalo Sabres stalwart Lindy Ruff as head coach, and traded for young star Tyler Seguin. The Stars also enjoy a shift to the time-zone appropriate Central Division from their last ill-fitting home in the Pacific.

“I like where we sit,” Gaglardi said this week. “The business of the Dallas Stars dug quite a hole. We’re well on our way to getting it fixed.”

Fans have responded. Attendance jumped 20 per cent last year from the terrible 2011-12 season. The team has the equivalent of 7,000 season-ticket holders, up from 6,000 in early 2013. There were fewer than 5,000 season-ticket holders when Gaglardi arrived.

The Stars’ first two home games did not sell out but merchandise sales each night, buoyed by new jerseys, were $100,000-plus. Much of the rest of October will be on the road, starting Friday in Winnipeg.

The skeleton and innards of the franchise are rehabilitated. Results on the ice are what propels the enterprise now.

“Dallas loves winners,” said Mark Masinter, a major commercial real estate broker who is among a group of locals advising Gaglardi. “Losing does not sit well in Dallas.”

Bellwether for NHL

On a wall in the team’s practice facility is written: “Details build empires.” This is precisely the thinking of a key non-hockey guy in the office, Jason Farris, the team’s chief operating officer.

Obsessed by hockey as a hobby, Farris had previously worked as an executive in banking and technology, until Gaglardi, a long-time friend from high school, called.

Farris has helped pilot the post-bankruptcy Stars. He negotiated a new debt deal, buying out three dozen old lenders and bringing in Bank of America to lead a new group of four banks. Other changes include new systems to make sure the club is making all the money it can, right down to where to most profitably position the children’s merchandise kiosks at the arena.

A richer television deal is near-ready, and would kick in next season. The Stars make some $12-million a year from their current Fox Sports contract, a figure that is set eclipse $20-million, similar to an increase the network handed the Los Angeles Kings.

The success of such efforts will be a bellwether for the business of the NHL in the southern United States. After bailing out of Atlanta, and finally finding new owners for clubs in Florida and Phoenix, the league needs success in a city such as Dallas, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country and, early last decade, one of the NHL’s best markets.

The economy in Dallas is there. The city did not suffer a housing crash – prices fell less than 10 per cent – and employment has climbed, as people and businesses, lured by low taxes, flock here.

“The market’s phenomenal,” Farris said. “The market didn’t go away. The Stars kind of went away. Just weren’t relevant. That was our doing, not the market. The community is there, and waiting, and ever bigger.”

Gaglardi, before the changes last summer, initially reached into the past. He hired several people who made the team what it was in its best days. The first gambit was to reinstall Jim Lites as club president and other hires included Mike Modano, the long-time Stars captain/local hero, as a face of the franchise.

Gaglardi extended welcome to big business names in Dallas, creating an ownership-advisory group of some of the city’s prominent business people to help spread the word, such as Masinter, as well as the chief executive officer of 7-Eleven Inc., Joe DePinto. That connection has helped the Stars sell some discount tickets to families to repopulate the stands and stoke long-term interest.

Money flows, too. The front office, emaciated through bankruptcy, has been restaffed, and on the ice the Stars are spending close to the salary cap.

The first time Lites arrived in Dallas to run the Stars he came from the Red Wings after the North Stars moved south from Minnesota in 1993. He departed in 2007, before the team began to flounder. The bankruptcy was part of a bigger bust for previous owner Tom Hicks, a leveraged-buyout investor who also owned baseball’s Texas Rangers and carried too much debt into the global financial crisis.

In Lites’s office, adjacent to the several dozen salespeople marketing hockey tickets, and overlooking the Stars’ practice rink, there are framed pictures from the team’s first game in Dallas. Back then, Lites saw a buoyant, affluent market but he didn’t know whether the sport would sell in a city and a state that knew football and nothing of ice. When Lites returned, convinced to take the helm again by Gaglardi, he wasn’t sure at first it would work, with the sparse crowds, terrible TV ratings, indifferent advertisers.

“I was really nervous when I came back,” Lites said . “But if you ask me now, what do I think? I think we’re going to be good. I really do.”

The Stars missed the postseason in each of the first two years under Gaglardi and Lites – so Lites has brought more change, and more Detroit. The hiring of Nill – who replaced Joe Nieuwendyk as GM – adds a deep Detroit vein, as Nill, 55, was assistant GM of the Wings for 15 years. Nill then brought in Joe McDonnell, the long-time chief of amateur scouting in Detroit, a position he now holds in Dallas.

As Gaglardi hired Lites, Lites has marketed Gaglardi. Lites pushed the reluctant owner into the spotlight in a city where sports owners are typically iconoclasts, like Jerry Jones and his Dallas Cowboys, or Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks.

“If you’re owned by banks and creditors, nobody gives a crap,” Lites said. “People invest their money and their time and their emotion in teams they believe in.”

‘Somewhat fearless’

Suite 1104 at the American Airlines Center is the domain of the ownership-advisory group. At a game last winter, Lites was there, intently watching his team on the ice. Don Carty, former chairman of American Airlines Inc., was also dropped by. Brett Hull, a star of the Stanley Cup-winning Stars, was visiting.

The real-estate broker Masinter came to the arena from the airport after returning from a business trip. Among the clients of Masinter’s Open Realty Advisors is Apple Inc., for which Masinter helped the tech company open its retail stores. Gaglardi has attracted blue-chip people.

Making money comes down to winning. Five years ago, when the Rangers weren’t winning, their ballpark was half-empty. Now the team has the fifth-highest attendance in baseball. Cuban produced an NBA winner in the Mavericks and the basketball team has been a top draw for a decade.

“Tom is a can-do guy,” Masinter said of Gaglardi. “You have to be somewhat fearless to come in and make a significant investment in the NHL.”

In the throes of bankruptcy, Gaglardi paid $267-million for the Stars and half of the American Airlines Center. A bargain, perhaps, but the losses were enormous.

“A guy said, ‘You got a deal,’” Gaglardi said. “I was like, ‘No, I just paid too much, that’s why I got it.’ But did I pay too much? Ask me in five or 10 years.

“Frankly, if we get this thing fixed, you’re going to look back and say, ‘Wow, you bought that franchise and half of that building for that, that’s a hell of a deal.’”



Stubbs: Habs’ Parros ‘almost symptom-free’ after concussion

By Dave Stubbs, THE GAZETTE October 9, 2013

CALGARY — George Parros was being hoisted onto a gurney, the Bell Centre no longer in its rowdy, joyful spirit of opening night but now deafeningly quiet, everyone in the building drawing their breath almost as one, in shallow gulps.

The Canadiens’ summer-acquired heavyweight already had fought early in the second period with Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Colton Orr, Parros pounding out a win by decision. He had nodded respectfully in Orr’s direction as they skated toward the penalty box, as if to recognize that both men had done their raw-knuckled jobs for their teams and done them well, the arena in an uproar and players on both benches standing, thumping their sticks appreciatively on the boards.

Now it was early in the third and the Bell Centre was thundering again, Canadiens defenceman Jarred Tinordi having seconds earlier scored a technical knockout of Toronto’s Carter Ashton, breaking his nose with an overhand right.

And then, in an instant, the noise was vacuumed from the arena; the second bout between Parros and Orr, their eighth throwdown in pro hockey, had ended horribly when the Habs forward fell awkwardly after a missed punch, falling like a redwood face-first to the ice, unprotected, blood soon forming on the rink at his chin.

Orr immediately waved that his sparring partner needed help and within seconds the Canadiens medical, athletic-therapy and equipment staff, joined by two Leafs therapists, eight in all, swarmed over Parros, whose game attempt to rise to his feet had been overruled by his scrambled faculties.

Finally secured to a spine board, Parros was lifted gingerly to the gurney, strapped down to be rolled to a waiting ambulance.

It was during the triage that we caught the first glimpse of Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin, exiting his team’s loge high above the rink to hustle downstairs.

In July, Bergevin had traded for Parros, importing the 6-foot-5, 225-pounder from Florida to give his club some muscle and take some of that responsibility off the back of Brandon Prust.

“If you look at the situation in our conference, I thought George brought something we needed,” Bergevin said upon the acquisition. “We’re bringing in a guy with a lot of character and we know what he can bring to the team.

“He brings an aspect of respect, not only on the ice but also with his teammates. He’s a high character guy who’s well-liked by his teammates and he protects his teammates.

“We all know what Brandon Prust does for us. Brandon has the heart of a lion. He’s a warrior and he stands up for his teammates and now he’s going to have help.”

Moments after Bergevin had left the team loge, he was briefly seen again, the colour of chalk, deep in the corridor outside the Canadiens dressing room, injured defenceman Alexei Emelin nearby, awaiting the gurney’s arrival from the ice.

Parros, 33, continues to recover steadily from the concussion he suffered — incredibly, the first of his career that has included 162 documented fights over eight NHL seasons. On Wednesday morning, Bergevin told me in a quiet talk in the team’s hotel lobby here that Parros “is doing good, feeling a lot better. He’s almost symptom-free.”

Bergevin, who had communicated with Parros by text message 10 minutes earlier, cautioned that there’s still a good road to travel before the player will return to the team.

“A concussion is a hard thing to gauge,” Bergevin said. “You could have a guy out a week or 10 days — (Brendan) Gallagher last year was quick, but (Rene) Bourque and Raffi (Raphael Diaz) went longer. You never know with concussions. Overall, we’re pretty happy with where George is at today, looking at everything that happened.

“Every day is just a checklist. It’s to check the symptoms, a whole bunch of them — headaches, (sensitivity to) lights … He’s almost symptom-free as we speak. Every day is an evaluation because the next day could be worse, but so far, it’s been going up every day.

“I’m pretty confident that George will be back sooner than later.”

Parros was discharged from hospital by 9 a.m. on Oct. 2, after having been kept overnight for observation. He was on the phone to team management that morning and later the same day dropped by the Canadiens’ practice facility in Brossard.

“I was going to stop by the hospital at 9 o’clock, but the doctor said George had already been released,” Bergevin said. “I thought: ‘That’s early, I figured he’d be out in the afternoon,’ but he was already on his way home by then.”

An active member of the social-media community, Parros went on his Twitter account from hospital just several hours after the incident to say: “Thanks for all the well wishes everyone,” with the hash tag #classyfollowers.

He has tweeted maybe a half-dozen times since, though one on Oct. 5 from his wife, Tiffany, caused a pleasant stir:

"Dont worry ... @georgeparros has around the clock care," she tweeted, attaching an Instagram photo of one of the couple's 2-year-old twins planting a tender kiss on the chin of her bare-chested father.

It had been just four Bell Centre games earlier that Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien had seen Lars Eller rolled off the ice last May, the centreman bloodied and concussed by an open-ice hit during Game 1 of the Canadiens playoff series vs. Ottawa.

Now, with Parros, he paced behind the bench and held his breath with everyone else.

"It hurt," Therrien said before Wednesday's game against the Flames. "For sure, first of all, you never want to see a player get hurt on the ice. George's injury was an accident, like Lars got hurt on the ice last year with a hit, a different type of accident.

"But when guys have character, they respond to that. Lars proved that last year. And one thing that I know is that George has a lot of character. He's a team guy, the guys love him in the room even though he's been here just a short period of time.

"For me, he's not going to change when he comes back. I talked to him on the phone the next day and saw him in Brossard. He looked really good, considering what had happened," Therrien added, echoing his own words spoken the first time he saw the battered Eller.

"We want to take our time (with Parros's recovery). It's a long season, but when he's going to be back, he'll be an important player."

Bergevin says he still can't bear to watch replays of Parros falling to the ice, his face taking the full impact.

"I still can't look at it," the GM said. "When I know it's coming, I look away."

He remembered rushing down to ice level last May when Eller was injured, standing at the end of the team bench when the gurney came off.

"I didn't want to make this about me," Bergevin said of waiting deep in the corridor for Parros's arrival. "This time I waited back in the hallway. I was talking to Dr. Martineau (Paul Martineau, the Canadiens' chief orthopedic surgeon). I had my opinion what I think might have happened — I thought George had broken his cheekbone."

Parros's gurney moved swiftly past Bergevin in the corridor and into the team clinic.

"I looked at George coming off and the first thing I did was look at his face," Bergevin said. "I know what somebody looks like with a broken cheekbone, I've seen it before. I didn't see it here. I kind of was relieved, thinking it wasn't that, but still I wasn't sure. Once I went in (the clinic) I asked briefly again and they said, 'We don't think it is.' I know it wasn't good, but at least I knew that.

"I grabbed George's hand. When I did, he looked at me and went like this," Bergevin said, thrusting his thumb up.

In his 20-season, 1,191-game NHL career, Bergevin saw more than his share of gruesome injuries. There are two, "the most frightening things," that stand out in his memory:

He witnessed Joey Kocur’s 1989 fight with Brad Delgarno, the latter concussed and left with a broken orbital bone, cheekbone and jaw.

And the same year he saw Rich Pilon suffer a shattered orbital bone and nearly lose an eye when struck by a puck.

Now, Bergevin says he’s in touch with Parros by text message nearly every day.

“When I talk to him it’s about how he feels and not anything else,” the GM said. “I’m worried about him as a person, not one bit as a hockey player. That’s the last of my worries and the last worry of the Montreal Canadiens. George has a wife and two young children. That’s the most important thing. The rest will take care of itself.”

Parros and the role he enthusiastically plays is embraced by both Therrien, who demands character from his players, and by Bergevin, who admires the frayed-edge game that the newcomer has played every stride of his career.

Bergevin wasn’t necessarily a fighter during his NHL days; 245 of his 1,090 penalty minutes earned between 1984-2004 would have come from the 49 scraps credited to him by hockeyfights.com.

(Asked whether he knew his total, Bergevin guessed 15. He was shocked it was 49, then joked that he was sorry he hadn’t had one more for an even 50. He added that a couple fights in the American League surely gave him that sum.)

But Bergevin understands that a modern NHL team needs many different parts to build its engine. If the likes of Eller and Max Pacioretty and Brian Gionta are the well-lubricated pistons, Parros is the exhaust manifold.

The role of a Parros on any team is fodder for those who support or oppose fighting, a lively debate that’s again heating up.

“George’s injury was purely accidental,” Bergevin said. “You hate anybody getting hurt, on any team. These guys make a living out of this game. You could argue about fighting or other things.

“This is a contact sport and those flying elbows and hits from behind to me are more dangerous than a hockey fight. But that debate will come at some point.”

What has been gratifying to Bergevin is how his NHL management colleagues have been in constant touch to check on Parros’s condition, hockey men who have had the player on their teams and others who wouldn’t know him beyond his bushy, trademark moustache.

“I can’t speak for other sports,” Bergevin said. “But I could put our people against those in any other sport. They’re the best in the business.”

Parros, everyone expects, will step back on the ice to resume the role for which he was signed, one he’s comfortable with, the role that has kept him gainfully employed in the NHL, whether you agree with it or not.

More than anyone, Bergevin knows what ticks inside his gigantic healing forward, and that gives him pause to recall a painful moment that quickly brings his emotions to his eyes.

“I fought for my teammates most of the time. I always looked at the guys who couldn’t defend themselves,” Bergevin said. “I fought for Pavol Demitra, who I played with for five years in St. Louis.”

On Sept. 7, Demitra perished with the entire Lokomotiv Yaroslavl club of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League when its plane crashed in flames shortly after takeoff.

“This is the first thing I thought when Pavol’s plane crashed,” Bergevin said. “I remember fighting for him and that day, I couldn’t. I couldn’t fight for him. I couldn’t help him and he died.”

Bergevin, Therrien and everyone with the Canadiens will welcome George Parros back when it’s time for him to return. No one is in a hurry now.

What you saw Oct. 1, in the corridor outside the dressing room in a stunned-silent Bell Centre, was the general manager of a hockey team who was gravely concerned for a human being first and a player second.

He’ll be delighted to have both back in the Canadiens family when the time is right.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 10.10.2013


Habs’ losing streak in Calgary extends to seven


CALGARY — The Cowtown Crater got a little deeper still for the Canadiens Wednesday night, the Habs falling 3-2 to the Calgary Flames before 19,289 at the Scotiabank Saddledome. It marked the seventh consecutive game Montreal has lost in this town, their most recent victory having come back on Jan. 5, 2002.

Almost a comeback: The Canadiens were down 2-0 after the first period, despite outshooting the Flames 12-5, a turnover and weak defensive coverage putting the home team out front on goals by Sean Monahan and Sven Baertschi. A power-play goal on Habs goalie Carey Price deep in the third by Curtis Glencross made it 3-0 before P.K. Subban rifled a one-timer on a Habs power play to end the shutout bid of Flames goalie Joey MacDonald. Lars Eller, with his fourth of the young season, made it 3-2 midway through the third, converting a crafty Subban bank shot off the back boards. But Subban took an awful cross-checking penalty with 2:09 to play, effectively killing the visitors’ late drive.

Hole dug early: “We got behind the 8-ball early,” Price said simply. “A better start is what we’ll be looking for.” Added forward Brendan Gallagher: “They jumped out to a 2-0 lead and kinda picked it up from there. We had a good push, but it’s tough to come back in this league. We’ll learn from it, it’s early in the season, but we just can’t let it happen too much.”

Encouraging Parros news: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin said earlier in the day that forward George Parros, concussed in the season opener Oct. 1 when he fell face-first to Bell Centre ice, is “nearly symptom-free” in his continuing recovery. “He is feeling good, doing a lot better,” Bergevin said, adding that concussion rehab is unpredictable while cautioning that Parros shouldn’t be expected back on the ice imminently. “Every day is an evaluation because the next day could be worse but so far, it’s been going up every day. I’m pretty confident that George will be back sooner than later.”

Gorges hurting?: Josh Gorges played just 20 seconds in the third period. Coach Michel Therrien would only say he was not playing at 100 per cent.

Old school: Flames goalie MacDonald robbed Andrei Markov not once but twice during a second-period Habs power play, giving the pinching defenceman the old, seldom-seen two-pad stack to steal a certain goal, then smother Markov’s rebound. The Russian veteran would earn his 400th NHL point with 2:14 left in the period, however, setting up Subban’s power-play laser. “There are no bad goalies in this league, every goalie makes great saves,” Markov said of being robbed.

What’s next: The Canadiens chartered out of Calgary immediately after Wednesday’s game and Thursday take on the Oilers in Edmonton (9:30 p.m., TSN-Habs, RDS, TSN 690 Radio). They’ll leave right after that one for the West Coast, facing John Tortorella’s Canucks in Vancouver on Saturday before wrapping up this four-game road trip Tuesday in Winnipeg.



Bibaud living dream as Habs organist

By Brenda Branswell, THE GAZETTE October 9, 2013

MONTREAL - When she was 8 years old and learning to play the piano, Diane Bibaud told her parents that one day she would be the Canadiens’ organist.

Lots of kids make predictions about their future jobs, but Bibaud was bang on.

She’s now in her third stint as the organist at Canadiens games. She started her first one in 1987 at the Forum — a gig that lasted until 1992 when the team opted to just use a deejay for music.

She’s been asked back twice since then, most recently for the past few seasons.

Bibaud started playing the organ at 11 and studied classical piano at McGill University, where she obtained her degree. She worked as an organist in the 1980s for a junior hockey team in LaSalle and at Alouettes football games from 1985 to 1987.

But the goal of working at Canadiens games was still in her mind. She went to see then Canadiens general manager Serge Savard, who told her who to call for an audition.

“And that’s how it started,” said Bibaud, who owns a music store in Sainte-Catherine on the South Shore.

She sits high up in the press gallery at the Bell Centre in a workspace that juts out a bit overlooking the ice and one of the nets. The equipment is all hers: an organ, three keyboards and a sound module and mixer.

She plays easy-listening music on the keyboards and hockey chants on the organ, such as “Go Habs Go!” The module, which is hooked into her keyboards, is for church organ sound for the anthems.

She watches the game closely, wearing a headset so she can hear cues from her boss about when to play. When kids skate on the ice for a brief scrimmage in between periods, Bibaud plays Walt Disney music, like It’s a Small World.

“I have all these sounds on my keyboards for that,” she said.

During last Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Bibaud mainly played hockey chants during the game as well as the signature chords — “downer music” with descending chords — that she came up with to signal a Habs penalty.

But in other games there can be more time to play parts of songs on the organ, such as When the Saints Go Marching In, depending on what’s happening on the ice and the number of commercials. She estimates she plays about 25 to 35 per cent of the time during breaks in the game with rock music playing the rest of the time. She can’t play when the puck drops or when an injury occurs.

Bibaud starts playing easy-listening music 90 minutes before a game at the Bell Centre, first with slow songs and then more uptempo as people arrive. Every time the Canadiens skate onto the ice for their warm-up, she plays Les Canadiens sont là.

Her repertoire runs the gamut from In the Mood to Abba’s Dancing Queen and Adele’s Skyfall. When the Carolina Hurricanes are the visiting team, Bibaud said: “I’m going to play Sweet Caroline. New York, I’ll play New York, New York. All these kind of things. Boston, I can play a song from Boston, the group.”

If the Florida Panthers are in town, she might play The Pink Panther theme song during a game.

Bibaud once played Three Blind Mice years ago at the Forum when there were three officials on the ice because she was mad at the referee over a call against the Canadiens.

“I got a call right upstairs, (saying): ‘Don’t play that,’” Bibaud recounted.

She doesn’t poke fun at the opposing team through her music.

“We need to respect them,” she said.

But if the Canadiens are leading by a wide margin, she’ll occasionally get the cue to play the Na, na, na na, goodbye song.

Bibaud calls it a privilege each game to play for the Canadiens. She does it, she said, “for the love of the team, for the love of the crowd.”



The man behind the voice at Bell Centre

By Brenda Branswell, THE GAZETTE October 9, 2013

MONTREAL — When the Canadiens hit the ice for their warm-up at the Bell Centre, Charles Prévost Linton is also preparing for the start of the game.

Except in his case, it’s for one shift.

Prévost Linton starts warming up his baritone voice as he drives to the Bell Centre, and continues the vocal exercises in his small loge at the arena.

Singing O Canada and the Star-Spangled Banner to 21,273 people at the Bell Centre might seem like old hat if you’ve performed them as often as Prévost Linton has as the Canadiens’ anthem singer.

But Prévost Linton says it’s fun because in many ways it’s a challenge.

“Once you’ve sung a song 3, 400 times it’s always a challenge to sing it again and make it live, and make it real, and try to get it across,” he said last Saturday after singing both anthems before the Canadiens’ game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

But it’s great material — they’re great songs, he added.

“And it’s an incredibly privileged position to be a Montrealer and to be singing the national anthem for the Canadiens de Montréal at the Bell Centre. It’s like a unique job. Every big city with a hockey team has one guy who does that thing and it’s great to have those peers. It’s surreal, but it is great fun.”

Prévost Linton is in his fourth season as the regular anthem singer for Canadiens home games, although he has performed at games on and off for seven or eight years.

“We used to be several singers and we’d sort of rotate,” he said. “They’d have young singers come on and do a promotion thing.

“At one point, I got a call saying that the powers-that-be like the way I do it, because I do it in this traditional, old-fashioned, solid, classical way and I’m good every time and I never mess up,” Prévost Linton recounted.

Some anthem singers have a signature style like Boston Bruins legend Rene Rancourt, who salutes the crowd at TD Garden and pumps his fist at the end of the U.S. anthem.

Prévost Linton opted for a reserved style, trying not to be showy.

The Star-Spangled Banner is more fun to sing “because it’s more demanding,” he said.

“I love to sing it because it’s just a little more demanding vocally because it has a wide range,” he said. “It goes high and it goes low. Most people are stuck in the middle and they don’t quite know how to go to the extremes.”

His work as an anthem singer has made him known to a wider audience in Quebec, including many anglophones who probably don’t know that Prévost Linton once performed with a Québécois rock group in the 1960s called Les Sinners. Their biggest hit was a French version of The Beatles’ single Penny Lane.

Prévost Linton was 15 when the group formed and spent three years in the band from 1965 to 1968.

His real name is Charles Prévost. But with Les Sinners, he became Charles Linton.

“Linton is a total invention,” he said.

“At one point, we all took English names to sound like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, because this is what we were doing. We were sort of like a meld of the Stones, the Beatles and The Who and Jimi Hendrix and whatever.”

He went on to become a classically trained singer, studying at the Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique in Montréal.

When he started singing the anthem at Canadiens games, “Linton” got tacked on to his name.

“I thought maybe it’s good because a lot of people know me under Charles Linton … I had this classical career as Charles Prévost and this pop career as Charles Linton. So I said, let’s do Charles Prévost Linton. And it stuck,” he said.

“I feel like taking the ‘Linton’ away, but then the people are going to say why did he do that? So let’s not rock the boat.”

Prévost Linton’s face now graces campaign posters in Outremont, where he’s running in the upcoming municipal election for a borough councillor position with Équipe Conservons Outremont. He’s lived in the borough since his early teens and raised his family there.

He’s often recognized in public, but that isn’t always the case campaigning.

“Some people don’t make the connection,” he said. “They look at me and they say: ‘That guy looks familiar.’ ”

Prévost Linton has done many different things in his music career that has spanned several decades, including perform with the Opéra de Montréal. He also does translation and editing work — from English to French and French to English.

He was raised in both languages. His father was francophone and his mother was English from Saskatchewan.

“I was raised totally biculturally, also,” he said. “We used to read Tintin, Spirou. And we used to listen to the Lone Ranger and Howdy Doody.”

He was always a Habs fan growing up.

“I’m just old enough to remember the first slew of Stanley Cups,” he said of the Canadiens’ consecutive wins from 1955 to 1960.

The first time they lost after that, “I said: ‘What happened?’ I never conceived that they might lose.”

Snow and traffic once prevented Prévost Linton from getting to the Bell Centre for a game when he was stuck in gridlock. The microphone didn’t work on another occasion. (There’s always a backup one now.)

“When the mic didn’t work I didn’t know what to do with it, so I turned around and (Washington Capitals forward Alex) Ovechkin was there and he handed me his stick,” said Prévost Linton, who jokingly played along.

And then there was the time in 2003 when the phone rang at 5:30 p.m. when he was at home with a last-minute request for him to replace the scheduled anthem singer.

It was during a period when Prévost Linton used to be asked to sing the anthems when an American team was playing the Canadiens.

He arrived at the Bell Centre just in time, got the microphone and started singing a cappella — the American anthem first, and, after the applause, O Canada.

“And when I came off they told me, ‘You didn’t notice we were playing against Ottawa tonight?’”

“So ever since then, every time I walked in the door, the guard downstairs, the doorman, the barman, everybody (says) ‘Charles, just one anthem tonight.’”

“It’s a running gag now.”



Expect Pacioretty to play against Flames


CALGARY — Max Pacioretty looked excellent in white Tuesday, even with his jersey illegally tucked in the back, roaring around Scotiabank Saddledome ice like a beast freshly uncaged in a practice sweater that indicated he was no longer hands-off.

So expect Pacioretty back in the Canadiens lineup Wednesday when the Habs take on the Flames to begin their four-game western swing (8 p.m., TSN, RDS, TSN Radio 690).

Reunited will be the line of David Desharnais centring wingers Pacioretty and Daniel Brière.

Pacioretty, the Canadiens’ leading point-scorer the past two seasons, injured his left forearm/wrist in a first-period collision with Toronto’s Colton Orr in the season opener last Tuesday. He saw spotty duty the rest of the night and was scratched Saturday.

But Pacioretty showed no sign of the injury during a brisk noon-hour practice and will be a welcome addition against the Flames.

“He looked really good today,” said head coach Michel Therrien, Pacioretty not among the players to speak in the dressing room after the workout.

“I had a talk with him before practice and the way he was able to practice, definitely he’s going to be there (Wednesday).”

Also in the lineup will be captain Brian Gionta, who arrived here late in the afternoon. Gionta didn’t charter west with his team, remaining home Monday for a family matter, before flying in commercially Tuesday.

Back with the team is defenceman Nathan Beaulieu, who was imported from Hamilton Tuesday afternoon. It was a planned recall, the team wanting the insurance of a seventh defenceman on this trip.

Habs forward Rene Bourque will hit his milestone 500th NHL game when he plays against his old club for just the second time since he was dealt to Montreal in the mid-game trade for Michael Cammalleri on Jan. 12, 2012.

“It’s kind of fitting to (reach 500) here,” Bourque said, having played 249 games for Calgary and 183 before that with Chicago.

“One thousand (games) is where you’d like to get and, obviously, that will be tough to get to at my age (31). It’s just nice to be back here. I spent three years here and it’s nice to see some familiar faces again.”

The game will be played in a building that was devastated by Calgary’s horrific, fatal floods of late June. From ice level, up to 10 rows of the Saddledome were immersed, water pounding down the doors of the arena at one end and flowing like rapids out the other.

“It was pretty unbelievable,” goalie Carey Price said of how the Saddledome was ravaged. “I was concerned for the safety of the people in Calgary. Water is a very strong force and when you have it ripping through downtown it can get pretty dangerous. They did a great job of getting this building set up again.”

The Flames promise to be a formidable opponent, a club sniffed at by the alleged experts even 10 days ago but one that hasn’t lost in regulation and has earned four of six points in three games.

They bring a six-game home-ice win streak vs. the Canadiens into Wednesday’s tilt, dating to 2003-04.

Of course, that’s something the Habs shrug off.

“Hopefully, all the bad luck got washed out of here (with the flood),” said Price, the starting goaltender who’ll face Calgary’s Joey MacDonald.

It would make sense for backup Peter Budaj to start Thursday in Edmonton, with Price returning Saturday for his “hometown” game in Vancouver.

“I don’t know how to explain (the losing streak),” added Price, who used to call Calgary home during his off-season training.

“You don’t play here very often, for one. If you go on a five-game losing streak, it covers five years. I enjoy playing here, it’s a really good crowd.”

And a great many raucous, jersey-clad Canadiens fans are always in the house.

Therrien chuckled about his team’s run of defeats here, saying, “It’s tough for me to comment on that because I wasn’t here then. There’s nothing you can do about it anyway. Even if our team didn’t have the success in the past we were looking for, all we can do is change tomorrow.”

This is Therrien’s first coaching trip to Calgary since Dec. 6, 2007, when his Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Flames 3-2 in a shootout.

Behind the other bench will be Flames coach Bob Hartley, who on Wednesday was given 2/1 odds by an online sports betting site of being the next NHL coach to follow the Philadelphia Flyers’ Peter Laviolette to the unemployment line.

A curious thing, seeing how Hartley’s rebuilding team is overachieving early. The players have bought into his system and the fans seem truly engaged.

“The feeling is great, but we have mixed emotions if we read the media because there were bricks flying and now flowers are coming,” Hartley said lightly. “You can’t get too far ahead of yourself in this business.”

In an 82-game marathon, three games — two, in the Canadiens’ case — is barely getting snow on your blades.

Therrien hopes to use this western swing to build on a few things he liked in the club’s first two at home.

“Offensively, we’re capable of creating,” he said. “I didn’t like our defensive game in our first game (a 4-3 loss to Toronto) but we addressed that and played really solid defensively (in a 4-1 win vs. Philadelphia).

“It’s a long season and this is just Game No. 3. But I like the intensity we’ve shown, the tempo, our work ethic and our compete level. This is going to be a big moment for us.”

Notes: Habs’ George Parros continues to make good progress from the concussion he suffered Oct. 1 vs. Toronto. He did not make the trip and no time frame has been given for his return. … Price, a candidate for Canada’s Sochi Olympic squad, said he likes the Team Canada jerseys unveiled Tuesday. He particularly likes the black model because, he noted with a straight face, “Black is slimming.” … The Canadiens will not hold a usual game-day morning skate Wednesday with the 6 p.m. MT start. … Calgary will be without Cammalleri (wrist), fellow forward Matt Stajan (leg contusion) and defenceman Chris Breen (shoulder).



About last night …

by Mike Boone

And with a bit more than 24 hours to recover – the Thursday game starts at 9:30 p.m. Montreal time – the Canadiens weill have to figure out how to play a 60-minute hockey game or they will go 0-for-Alberta.

And they may have to rebound without Josh Gorges. The veteran defenceman played one shift in the third period at the Saddledome. Gorges has some kind of knack, which means we could see Nathan Beaulieu on the CH blueline in Edmonton.

With all due respect to the 2011 first-round draft choice (Beaulieu was picked 17th overall), this is not a good situation. He would joining a defence corps that took its lumps in Calgary.

Andrei Markov played 27:23 against the Flames. How much will he have left one night later in Edmonton?

Raphael Diaz played almost 20 minutes and did not take a single shot toward Flames’ goaltender Joey MacDonald. If Diaz isn’t shooting, what the heck does he bring to the Canadiens’ lineup? Rugged physicality?

Aged Francis Bouillon had to play 21:34. Hey, we love Frankie and he’s a gamer. But against young, fast and aggressive forwards, such as the ones we saw in Calgary and more of the same in Edmonton, Bouillon just can’t keep up.

Jarred Tinordi looked bad on the second Calgary goal. But he’s a rookie, and there should have been more effective communication with Gorges on the play.

That leaves the reigning Norris Trophy winner, who spent the end of the game in the penalty box watching his teammates desperately scramble for a tying goal.

P.K. Subban is carrying the team from the back end. He’s capable, but I thought Subban was trying too hard against Calgary.

At least P.K. showed up for the game. That’s more than can be said for Rene Bourque. After two solid, hard-working efforts against the Leafs and Flyers, Bourque disappeared against his old team … and his MIA performance reduced the effectiveness of linemates Tomas Plekanec and Brian Gionta.

Michel Therrien dropped Bourque to the fourth line for a shift or two in the third period. The coach also flipped Brendan Gallagher and Daniel Brière in an effort to get the Lars Eller and David Desharnais lines going.

DD went 7-1 on faceoffs and about 1-77 in puck battles. He had more even-strength ice time than either Plekanec or Eller.

The ever-improving Great Dane was 8-4 on draws. And Eller continued his streak of scoring in every game the Canadiens have played this season. He’s on pace for 109 goals.

Alex Galchenyuk had five shots on goal – some from ridiculous angles. Max Pacioretty had four.

But until the late-game flurry, MacDonald was rarely troubled by white jerseys blocking his sight lines or crashing his crease. Wee Gallagher seems to be the only Canadiens forward who rushes in where too many of his teammates fear to tread. The physicality Bourque brought against Toronto and Philly was missed in Calgary. There are nights when you wish the Canadiens still had Erik Cole.

Ryan White had ZERO hits in the game … unless you want to count the check he laid on Travis Moen to create the turnover that led to Calgary’s first goal.

Brandon Prust played 10 largely ineffective minutes. I suspect Prust is hurt, because we’re not seeing the player who was a revelation last season.

It’s early, but we aren’t seeing the team that won its division and finished second in the Eastern Conference last season.

On L’Antichambre, Guy Carbonneau suggested the Canadiens were able to surprise teams during the truncated 2013 season. That isn’t happening this fall, and the Canadiens have been back on their heels early in the games against Toronto and Calgary.

Carey Price had no chance on the first two Flames’ goals, both of which were tap-ins to open sides of the net. He might have done better on Curtis Glencross’s power-play tip from close in.

Will Peter Budaj get the call to salvage some Alberta points on Thursday night?



Concussed Parros “nearly symptom-free”

Dave Stubbs

Canadiens’ George Parros dances with Toronto’s Colton Orr during the Habs season-opener at the Bell Centre before he toppled over the Maple Leafs enforcer, suffering a concussion when his face struck the ice.

Canadiens forward George Parros is “almost symptom-free”, general manager Marc Bergevin told me at the Habs Calgary hotel this morning, a great sign that the 6-foot-5 newcomer to the club is healing from his concussion.

“He is feeling good, doing a lot better,” Bergevin said, while cautioning that Parros shouldn’t be expected back on the ice imminently.

“A concussion is a hard thing to gauge,” Bergevin said. “You could have a guy out a week or 10 days – (Brendan) Gallagher last year was quick but (Rene) Bourque and Raffi (Raphael Diaz) went longer. You never know with concussions. Overall we’re pretty happy with where George is at today, looking at everything that happened.

“Every day is just a checklist. It’s to check the symptoms, a whole bunch of them – headaches, (sensitivity to) lights… He’s almost symptom-free as we speak. Every day is an evaluation because the next day could be worse but so far, it’s been going up every day.

“I’m pretty confident that George will be back sooner than later.”


720505 Nashville Predators

Predators help Metro break ground on new practice facility

— Staff reports

Oct. 9, 2013 11:51 PM |

New hockey facility in Antioch

New hockey facility in Antioch: The Nashville Predators and Metro held a groundbreaking on the new ice rink project in Antioch at The Global Mall. Nashville Predators forward David Legwand and defenseman Seth Jones were on hand as well as Predator officials and Mayor Dean.

Predators defenseman Seth Jones and forward David Legwand attended the groundbreaking of the new Nashville Predators/Metro Nashville rink project at The Global Mall at the Crossings in Antioch on Wednesday.

Mayor Karl Dean and Predators CEO Jeff Cogen were among the speakers at the event.

Metro will build the $14 million project and own the land and building, which will be leased to the Predators for an annual rent payment that will go toward servicing the debt on the facility.

The hockey center will be the first new professional sports facility under the Metro Sports Authority since LP Field and Bridgestone Arena were built.

The center is expected to open in mid-August 2014.

Tennessean LOADED: 10.10.2013


Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at Nashville Predators

Oct. 9, 2013 |

Josh Cooper

The Tennessean

Maple Leafs at Predators

Maple Leafs at Predators

• When: 7 p.m. Thursday

• Where: Bridgestone Arena

• TV/radio: Fox TN/102.5-FM

• Predators keys: 1) Contain forward Phil Kessel. One of the most dynamic players in the game, he helps Toronto’s offense generate chances. 2) Fire more rubber at the net. Nashville has the 24th-most shots on goal in the league through Tuesday’s games. 3) Use home ice advantage. Coach Barry Trotz is good at matching up lines, and the players feed off the home crowd.

• Injuries: Predators D Roman Josi (concussion) and F Viktor Stalberg (shoulder) are out. Maple Leafs F Nikolai Kulemin (ankle), D Mark Fraser (kidney) and F Frazer McLaren (finger) are out; F Joffrey Lupul (leg) and F Jay McClement (personal) are questionable.

• Next for Predators: 7 p.m. Saturday vs. Islanders.



Nashville Predators get first taste of Eastern Conference

Oct. 9, 2013 |

Josh Cooper

The Tennessean

NHL: Colorado Avalanche at Toronto Maple Leafs

Zoom

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle (right) talks to his players during a break in the action against the Colorado Avalanche. / John E. Sokolowski / USA Today Sports

The Predators will see a benefit of the NHL’s realignment schedule on Thursday, when the Toronto Maple Leafs visit Bridgestone Arena.

All the Eastern Conference teams will play in Nashville once this season, and many of those teams will bring free-flowing systems and offensive stars. The Maple Leafs are such a team.

“They’re high-paced and create a lot of speed through the neutral zone. A lot of (East) teams are really high skilled,” Predators defenseman Kevin Klein said. “A team like Toronto likes to move the puck quickly, they like to delay coming into the zone and hit late guys. They use all four or five guys on the offense.”

Toronto is the first of three Eastern Conference teams to visit Nashville in the next six days, with the New York Islanders coming in on Saturday and the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.

The last Eastern Conference team to visit was the Winnipeg Jets on March 24, 2012. The Jets are now in the Western Conference Central Division with the Predators.

Stalberg skates: The Predators could get an offensive boost soon.

Forward Viktor Stalberg skated with the full team Wednesday for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury on Sept. 24.

Stalberg, a speedster signed in the offseason, said he has not been cleared for contact.

“We’re taking it day by day here,” he said. “It feels like we’re ahead of schedule than where we were anticipating at the start of it, so we’re excited about that.”

Josi not cleared: Defenseman Roman Josi (concussion) has not been cleared for physical activity. He suffered the injury last Friday at Colorado.



Nashville Predators seeing progress on power play

Oct. 9, 2013 |

Josh Cooper

The Tennessean

TODAY’S GAME

MAPLE LEAFS (3-1-0) at PREDATORS (1-2-0)

• When: 7 p.m.

• TV/radio: Fox TN/102.5-FM

For the Predators on the power play there are three keys: breakouts, zone entry and shots.

This isn’t exactly a new philosophy. The goal is to possess the puck and score goals, and you can’t do either without those three components.

But new assistant coach Phil Housley, who is now in charge of Nashville’s power play, has tried to further ingrain those keys into his players.

Through three games the results have been there at times (two power-play goals Tuesday against Minnesota in a 3-2 victory) and absent at others (none in the first two games, both losses). The power play has clicked at an 18.2 percent rate so far, which ranked 16th in the NHL going into Wednesday’s games.

The Predators believe they’re making progress under Housley in all three areas, however, and are on the way to re-establishing their man-advantage prowess of two seasons ago.

“Before, we had our one breakout and we would make our adjustments in-game. Now we’re practicing different breakouts so we can throw off other teams and change in-game, which can definitely help surprise the PK,” forward Colin Wilson said. “In zone, (Housley) is making it easy and saying ‘here’s where you’re going to be’ and read and react. We basically have our setup and he’s telling us to read and react. Having that setup will help us go off it.”

Three years ago, coach Barry Trotz took over the power play from then-assistant Peter Horachek. It took about a year for the concepts to come together, but the Predators eventually developed a dynamic power-play unit.

In 2011-12, they rode a read-and-react system to the top power play in the NHL at 21.7 percent. A lot of it had to do with point men Shea Weber and Ryan Suter, who had a symbiotic blueliner relationship.

With Suter gone last season, Nashville’s man advantage dropped to 17.1 percent, good for 17th in the NHL. Personnel and injuries were factors in the decline.

Enter Housley, who had 609 power-play points in his career. He has simplified the breakouts and reinstituted what he calls a shoot-first mentality.

“We’ve added some more options and I think it kind of makes our power play more of a dual threat. We have two different things or three different things we can do and can really keep teams off guard and not be able to prepare for it,” Weber said.

“Obviously when you shoot pucks it’s going to create problems for the other team, whether it’s rebounds, goals, second chances — you want to create that problem and create second opportunities off of that.”

Housley’s NHL power play experience has helped him connect with the players on a unique level when teaching, especially young defensemen.

Said Trotz: “I can run a power play, but those little nuances, those reps Phil had all those years, he can help players like Seth Jones and Roman Josi.”

It’s still early. So it’s difficult to tell how effective Housley’s message will be over the long haul. But it’s clear he has his convictions and has at least brought a different voice to the man-advantage.

“Timing on the breakout (is important). Nobody can be ahead of the puck carrier,” Housley said. “So timing, possession on entry and we’re looking for shots.”


720509 New Jersey Devils

Devils winless start: Are you alarmed at their play so far and their blown leads?

Charles Curtis/NJ.com By Charles Curtis/NJ.com


The Devils are just four games into the 2013-14 season and already have three overtime games that resulted in a loss. Die-hards might be thankful those losses result in a point each.

But are there alarming trends that are concerning you about the way New Jersey has opened up the year?

It starts with their last two games -- the Devils opened up their contest in Edmonton with a 3-0 lead that eventually fell apart with four Oilers goals in the third frame. That was followed up with a 2-0 lead on Tuesday night that eventually led to three unanswered Canucks scores. "We had the lead again. We've got to start playing better with the lead. It's not easy to get a lead in this league and we had it the last two games -- 3-0 and 2-0 -- and we still only got two points. We should get more points than that," Jaromir Jagr said, via The Star-Ledger's Rich Chere.

There are also concerns about former fourth overall pick Adam Larsson, who was supposed to take another step forward this season, but was instead benched against the Canucks. Pete DeBoer said his start hasn't been a good one despite his strong training camp. Add in the fact that the Devils play their next three on the road, including a tough one against the Senators and it's possible the slow start could last longer.

Maybe you're listening to Bryce Salvador, who told Chere, "It's a long schedule. If, at this point you really start squeezing your stick...Obviously we want to win and we need points, but you can't overdo the pressure on it."

Tell us how you're feeling. Are you panicking about the Devils' play thus far? Or do you think it's a rough patch with problems that will be corrected in the coming days? What can the Devils do to stop giving up leads? Discuss your thoughts in the comments section.

Star Ledger LOADED: 10.10.2013


Devils: What has gone wrong and what has gone right in poor start?

Rich Chere/The Star-Ledger By Rich Chere/The Star-Ledger


CALGARY, Alberta — The Devils bemoaned the fact that so many prognosticators picked them to miss the playoffs this season. To some players and coaches it was amusing, to others an insult.

Nevertheless, they are one loss away from opening the season without a victory in their first five games, which would be the longest winless start in Devils history.

While their 0-1-3 record isn’t reason for panic at this early stage, they cannot afford to dig themselves a deep hole. The positive side is they are getting points, but the worrisome aspect is they are leaving too many on the table.

"We’re close," Patrik Elias said. "We’re doing some good things, but the pace and everything changes during the game. We were up by two (in Tuesday night’s 3-2 loss in Vancouver), they started coming in the second period and we had a hard time.

"So we have to keep it simple. We have to learn to play with a lead, just get it out of the zone and play in the neutral zone maybe."

The Devils had a mandatory (under the new collective bargaining agreement) day off Wednesday. They will face the Calgary Flames Friday night at Scotiabank Saddledome as their five-game road trip continues.

WHAT'S GONE RIGHT SO FAR

There seems to be chemistry in the Dainius Zubrus-Elias-Jaromir Jagr line. Jagr and Elias each have two goals and an assist in four games and appear to be getting better. They were the team’s best line in Vancouver.

Damien Brunner has given the Devils some much-needed speed. The Swiss winger has four points (three goals, one assist) and could turn out to be an important signing.

The goaltending hasn’t been great, but it’s certainly not an issue.

WHAT'S GONE WRONG

They cannot hold onto leads. Blowing a 3-0 lead in the third period Monday night in Edmonton was bad enough. Letting a 2-0 lead disappear in Vancouver wouldn’t have been as alarming had it not come a day after the Edmonton fiasco.

The energy line of Ryan Carter, Stephen Gionta and Steve Bernier didn’t get off to a good start, which is why DeBoer inserted Rostislav Olesz in Carter’s spot for the fourth game. Carter, Gionta and Bernier are a combined minus-10 with no points.

Too many mistakes from the defense corps. Veterans like Anton Volchenkov, Marek Zidlicky and Bryce Salvador have had their bad moments. So has young Adam Larsson. He’s minus-4 in three games, but the coaching staff has to make sure his confidence isn’t shattered by removing him from the lineup yet again.

The Devils are due for a complete-game effort. It cannot come soon enough.

"We had a couple lines playing well and a couple of lines were off, which is okay," Elias said. "That’s going to happen. We have to start getting more and more guys playing on the same page."

Very soon.



Devils (0-1-3) off to their slowest start since 2001-02


on October 09, 2013 at 2:10 AM, updated October 09, 2013 at 2:15 AM

VANCOUVER—The Devils are off to their slowest start since 2001-02, when they opened that season with an 0-3-1 record.

After Tuesday night’s overtime loss to the Canucks, they are 0-1-3 this season. That is not reason to panic, but blowing leads in two straight games is reason for concern.

“We had the lead again. We’ve got to start playing better with the lead,” Jaromir Jagr said. “It’s not easy to get a lead in this league and we had it the last two games—3-0 and 2-0—and we still only got two points. We should get more points than that.”

What can they do better?

“A million people have a million ideas,” Jagr said. “We just have to be a little smarter, I guess.”

Coach Pete DeBoer said it’s too early to be frustrated.

“It’s a waste of energy to get frustrated. It’s four games,” DeBoer pointed out. “We have 78 to go. We’re doing a lot of good things. We’re on the road here. We’ve played only one game at home. These are some tough buildings.”

He prefers to look on the positive side.

“Obviously you look at them as character-building losses,” DeBoer said. “I think there is a lot of good that we’re doing here. You just have to trust in the fact that it’s going to result in wins. We’re playing good teams nose to nose and unfortunately leaving some points on the table. You hope over 82 games that evens out.”

As for goalie Cory Schneider’s performance against his former club, DeBoer said: “I thought he was fantastic.”

The Devils haven’t been

“It’s tough to judge anything after four games,” Jagr said. “In some areas we are very good. In some areas we are bad.”

* * *

The Devils were on a power play at 7:05 of the third period when Patrik Elias was tripped. There was no penalty call on what would have given the Devils a two-man advantage in what was a 2-2 game at that point.

Elias thought it was a penalty.

“I thought so. I got by the D and I was flying in for the puck,” he said. “From behind he poked my calf a little bit. You don’t that so you lose balance. I was kind of upset about it.”

At 9:12 he was called for hooking.

“He should haved called that. I was just frustrated because he didn’t call the one before. That’s all,” Elias said.



Devils: Cory Schneider impressive in Vancouver, but club's winless streak reaches four



VANCOUVER— Devils goalie Cory Schneider did not get caught up in all the hoopla surrounding his return to Vancouver and a start against former Canucks teammate Roberto Luongo. He kept his focus.

But he couldn’t prevent the Devils’ winless streak from reaching four games as they fell to the Canucks, 3-2, on a goal from defenseman Jason Garrison at 2:18 of overtime Tuesday night at Rogers Arena.

The Devils, who got a goal and an assist each from Patrik Elias and Jaromir Jagr, are 0-1-3.

“It’s frustrating. We’re getting ones and we need twos,” Schneider said of the Devils’ start to the season. “We’ve been in pretty much every game and controlled parts of them but we just haven’t been able to put a strong 60 or 65 minutes together.

“You see glimpses of it. Then you see glimpses of us struggling and trying to work the system out. We’ve got to start putting W’s up on the board.”

Although the Devils blew another lead—this time 2-0—Schneider kept them in the game by stopping 30 of 32 shots. However, he never saw Garrison’s long shot in OT.

“Not really. I saw Garrison walk to the middle,” Schneider said. “I kind of looked one way and the next thing I knew it was in the net. There was some traffic there and I didn’t work hard enough to find it.”

Mike Santorelli, standing in front of the crease, said the puck hit him in the side, so the scoring could be changed at some point.

The Devils almost won it near the end of the third period, when Elias tipped a Marek Zidlicky shot over the crossbar.

“I just tipped it. Right over (the crossbar) again,” Elias said.

Jagr and Elias, along with Dainius Zubrus, were the team’s most reliable line and they saw lots of ice time.

Elias played 18:20, Jagr 17:59 and Zubrus 16:37, including crucial moments in the game.

“I have no problem (with it). I used to play like that all the time,” Jagr said with a smile. “My memory is coming back. I'm a machine. I'm not human.

“We had some chances. We had the lead again. We’ve got to start playing better when we have the lead.”

As the game began, the Canucks posted a message on the video screen which read: "Welcome Back Cory. Thanks For Five Great Years."

“It was fun. It was a great environment, a great atmosphere,” Schneider said. “Real nice of them to show that on the screen at the start. It was a pretty nice touch by them. But once the puck dropped we had our hands full. They played hard. They’re tough to play against.”

Schneider conducted a morning press conference before a large group of cameras, microphones and reporters.

“Obviously it’s the first time back since the trade. I’m just hoping to move on once this is done and just play hockey again. I don’t want to be a distraction to my teammates,” Schneider said. “I know Vancouver is coming in (to New Jersey) at the end of October. Who knows if we’ll still be talking about it by then?

“Hopefully Roberto and I are in this league for a long time and we play each other a lot more than just this one time. Hopefully it will die down a little bit.”

Jagr's second goal in two nights gave the Devils a 1-0 lead at 18:52 of the first period. Elias delivered a cross-slot feed from the right circle and Jagr wasted no time beating Luongo from the left circle.

After an early Schneider save in the second period, one fan yelled during a quiet spell: "Come on Cory, let one in."

He did, but not before Elias gave the Devils a 2-0 lead.

The veteran forward centered a pass from the bottom of the right circle. The puck deflected off the skate of Canucks defenseman Dale Weise and into the net at 7:25. It was the second goal of the season for Elias and 377th of his career.

The Devils gave one back at 8:51 when Daniel Sedin's shot from the right point deflected off Anton Volchenkov's stick and eluded Schneider on his stick side.

Devils winger Ryane Clowe was hit in the foot by a shot from Alexander Edler at 13:28 of the second. With Clowe struggling to get up, the Canucks tied the game at 13:47 when Edler controlled a cross-slot pass from Daniel Sedin with his skates near the left hash marks and then beat Schneider.

The night started with Schneider and Luongo (21 saves) stretching on each side of the red line during the pregame warmups. They chatted and then headed towards their respective goals.

“I don’t remember,” Schneider said when asked what was said. “I think we were just joking around about something. I can’t remember, to be honest.”

But, in the end, it was Luongo who got the two points.

“It was fun playing against him. I’ve always said that,” Schneider said. “He’s a guy that I’ve watched and fortunately played with and been next to for the last three years. So I’ve learned a lot from him.

“He’s been through a lot, but with his resiliency and how hard he’s worked through all of it, I think he’s deserved everything he gets. It was fun to see him at the other end for the first time.”



Devils fall to Canucks, 3-2, in overtime as winless streak reaches four after another blown lead



VANCOUVER—The matchup between Devils goalie Cory Schneider and former Canucks teammate Roberto Luongo was the topic of conversation tuesday night at Rogers Arena, but it was little more than an afterthought for the Devils.

After blowing another lead — this time a two-goal advantage — the Devils saw their winless streak reach four games as they fell to the Canucks, 3-2, on a goal from Jason Garrison at 2:18 of overtime.

The Devils, who got two a goal and an assist each from Patrik Elias and Jaromir Jagr, are 0-1-3.

Garrison’s shot eluded Schneider as Mike Santorelli stood in front.

As the game began, the Canucks posted a message on the video screen which read: "Welcome Back Cory. Thanks For Five Great Years."

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Schneider conducted a morning press conference before a large group of cameras, microphones and reporters.

"Obviously it’s the first time back since the trade. I’m just hoping to move on once this is done and just play hockey again. I don’t want to be a distraction to my teammates," Schneider said. "I know Vancouver is coming in (to New Jersey) at the end of October. Who knows if we’ll still be talking about it by then?

"Hopefully Roberto and I are in this league for a long time and we play each other a lot more than just this one time. Hopefully it will die down a little bit."

Jagr’s second goal in two nights gave the Devils a 1-0 lead at 18:52. Elias delivered a cross-slot feed from the right circle and Jagr wasted no time beating Luongo from the left circle.

After an early Schneider save in the second period, one fan yelled during a quiet spell: "Come on Cory, let one in."

He did, but not before Elias gave the Devils a 2-0 lead.

The veteran forward centered a pass from the bottom of the right circle. The puck deflected off the skate of Canucks defenseman Dale Weise and into the net at 7:25. It was the second goal of the season for Elias and 377th of his career.

The Devils gave one back at 8:51 when Daniel Sedin’s shot from the right point deflected off Anton Volchenkov’s stick and eluded Schneider on his stick side.

Devils winger Ryane Clowe was hit in the foot by a shot from Alexander Edler at 13:28 of the second. With Clowe struggling to get up, the Canucks tied the game at 13:47 when Edler controlled a cross-slot pass from Daniel Sedin with his skates near the left hash marks and then beat Schneider.

Clowe was back before the period ended.

Mock chants of "Schneider ... Schneider"’ went up at 15:25 of the second. Seventeen seconds later the Devils goalie answered by stopping Jannik Hansen as he walked in alone.

While stretching along the red line in the pregame warmup, Luongo and Schneider chatted. They were close as Canucks teammates despite the battle for playing time.

"I like to be friends with my backup," Luongo said. "You know right away the guys that are a bit more selfish and root almost for you to fail so they can take your job. But Cory wasn’t like that. That’s why it’s so easy to become friends with somebody like that. Instead of going against each other, we’d push each other to be better and help this team win games."

Schneider confirmed that they were closer than outsiders might have thought.

"I think we respected each other and had a good friendship. I think we leaned on one another," he said. "Whoever was playing I think we were pretty comfortable with that. It made it easy to rally around the guy. We kind of had to deal with a lot last year. I thought he did a tremendous job. He never wavered in his support for me, which was pretty impressive."



Devils' Bryce Salvador excels in captain's role

Thursday, October 10, 2013

BY TOM GULITTI

STAFF WRITER

The Record

CALGARY, Alberta – Bryce Salvador never felt the responsibility of being the Devils’ captain more than when he was unable to play at the end of last season.

After being hit in the right wrist with a slap shot by Boston’s Zdeno Chara on April 10, Salvador sat out the final eight games while impatiently waiting for the swelling and the pain in his wrist to subside. He was helpless to do anything to stop the team from being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

"You never like to be hurt and you never like to miss games, but I think there was a sense of that different type of responsibility and pressure from that standpoint where you don’t want to be out when you’re the captain," Salvador said.

That was part of Salvador’s learning experience in his first season as captain. With the Devils off to a 0-1-3 start – the first time they’ve lost their first four games since they opened the 2001-02 season 0-3-1 – the second one is promising to hold more challenges.

Two games into a five-game road trip through Canada, the Devils dedicated their CBA-mandated off day Wednesday toward some off-ice team-building. They’re hoping this trip will help them come together as a team on and off the ice.

It hasn’t gone well on the ice so far. After blowing a 3-0 third-period lead in a 5-4 shootout loss Monday in Edmonton, the Devils let a 2-0 second-period lead slip away in Tuesday’s 3-2 overtime loss in Vancouver.

The Devils flew to Calgary after Tuesday’s game still searching for answers in a lot of areas, and perhaps, the day away from the rink will help them find some before Friday’s game against the Flames.

One area, however, where Devils coach Pete DeBoer is completely comfortable with is leadership. That begins with Salvador.

"I think he’s exceptional in the leadership capacity," said DeBoer, who relied heavily on the 37-year-old defenseman Tuesday night, playing him a team-high 26:52. "He has a real calming influence. He’s a calm guy, but at the same time he’s as competitive a person when the puck drops as any athlete I’ve worked with.

"That’s a nice combination to have because you’re not overreacting to situations because of your personality, and at the same time you’re the first guy into the war, so to speak, when the puck drops."

The less visible part of Salvador’s captaincy is seen by his teammates every day. Leading by example is a vague term those outside the locker room can have a difficult time grasping. It’s the little things that add up in the eyes of those who are around him every day.

"It’s just everything from top to bottom – his preparation, the way he practices, the way he gets ready for a game," defenseman Andy Greene said. "If you’re a young guy, that’s the guy you want to look at. He just does everything right and does it well. When something needs to be said, he says it, but he’s not a big rah-rah type of guy. He’s just a real, solid pro."

As much as Salvador has tried not to change who he was or the way he played, he understands the significance of that C on his left shoulder.

"What comes with it is more of a sense of pride and sense of responsibility on representing the team," he said. "You definitely feel you want to lead by the right example. I’m not sure that for me that necessarily changes anything about the way I was before being a captain. I think you’re just more visible, more looked upon. I think more people take more of a visual [notice] of what you’re doing and how you’re carrying yourself as opposed to before."

Bergen Record LOADED: 10.10.2013

720515 New York Islanders

Islanders’ depth on D sends Reinhart, 19, back to juniors

By Brett Cyrgalis

October 9, 2013 | 12:33pm

The Islanders saw it as a good thing that on Wednesday they were able to send 19-year-old defenseman Griffin Reinhart back to his junior team of the WHL, less a result of his play and more an aftereffect of organizational depth.

“At 19, Griff came into training camp and made the team,” general manager Garth Snow told The Post. “Our D has just stayed healthy and played well. We want him to go back and play games, learn to dominate the game and continue to be a leader on his team.”

Reinhart was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2012 draft, and with skating ability, poise and vision all built into his 6-foot-4 frame, he impressed during the exhibition schedule and practices. But the Islanders have taken five out of a possible six points to open the season, all while Reinhart was a healthy scratch.

Now, as they prepare to travel to Chicago to take on the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks on Friday night, they thought Reinhart would be best served back with the Edmonton Oil Kings. He could not go to AHL Bridgeport because of his age, though he could have played up to nine games with the Islanders before returning to juniors.

“It was a tough decision because he played so well,” Snow said. “One of our strengths as an organization is our depth at D, and he is a big part of that.”

Coach Jack Capuano has had the luxury of that depth, which includes rookie Matt Donovan, who played in all three games and scored his first career goal in Tuesday’s 6-1 win over the Coyotes. Yet the difference is Donovan, 23, played the past two years in the AHL, last season leading the league in scoring for defensemen.

“It’s just a situation for him where if [Reinhart] is not going to get the minutes here and not going to get in the lineup as frequently as we’d like him to, for his development, it’s best that he goes back to junior,” Capuano said after Wednesday’s practice. “Right now, our D is playing pretty good, and I think Griff would be the first to tell you that. We have a solid D. We still have guys that aren’t in the lineup that we want to get in the lineup. The way it is right now, and the way our schedule is, we just thought it’d be best for him.”

On Tuesday, Reinhart told The Post he didn’t think he could learn too much more from juniors, but that tune must have been toned down a bit. Snow and Capuano sat down with Reinhart on Wednesday morning to tell him the news, and it went amicably.

“He took it like a professional,” Snow said. “Griff is going to come back and be a good player for us down the road.”

The move opens a necessary roster spot for forward Cal Clutterbuck, who has practiced with the team for a week and is ready to return from a leg laceration suffered in the first preseason game. Clutterbuck was taken off injured reserve on Wednesday, and is expected to make his Islanders debut on Friday.

The question now for Capuano will be whom Clutterbuck replaces in the lineup. For two practices in a row, he skated as an extra on the third line with Brock Nelson, Peter Regin and Pierre-Marc Bouchard. That line played its best game of the season on Tuesday, with Regin scoring his first goal as an Islander and the rookie Nelson getting his career first point by assisting on Regin’s goal.

When asked whether Clutterbuck could replace someone on that line, Capuano said, “There’s a good chance it will be on that line, but we just don’t know right now who will come out.

“I have some thoughts about it,” he continued. “I haven’t made a final decision yet. It’s tough decision. We have some guys that are playing real well, we have other guys that need to pick it up. That’s a decision that we’ll ponder over the next 24 hours.”

When asked whether he considers any locker-room repercussion that might come with sitting a veteran – specifically Bouchard – Capuano gawked.

“No, no,” he said. “I wouldn’t necessarily say Bouchard, but we’ve sat other guys in the past. As coaches, we have to hold guys accountable. It doesn’t matter who you are, if we have this conversation as coaches to players and things don’t change, you might have to watch a game.

“It’s always a difficult decision, making lineup changes, because guys want to play. But again, we’ll see over the next day what we decide.”

***

It seems decided that backup goalie Kevin Poulin will play one of the back-to-back games over the weekend, probably Saturday night in Nashville. Starter Evgeni Nabokov has been outstanding in playing the first three games, the first two of which were back-to-back.

***

Forward Frans Nielsen was fined $5,000 for a third-period slash to the Coyotes’ Martin Hanzal.

New York Post LOADED: 10.10.2013

720516 New York Islanders

Rookie defenseman Matt Donovan, from Oklahoma, proves he can play in NHL

Originally published: October 9, 2013 7:13 PM

Updated: October 9, 2013 7:35 PM

By JOHN JEANSONNE [email protected]

New York Islanders' Colin McDonald (13) hugs goalie Islanders: True or false? 1983: PAT LAFONTAINE (3rd overall) Center Career Islanders Islanders 100-point club Arthur Staple Isles Files

Don't jump to conclusions. Islanders rookie Matt Donovan may have spent his formative years on the hot, wind-swept plains of Oklahoma, where football is king and ice is mostly found in beverages.

But he was on skates before he can remember -- "2 or 3," he guessed -- and driving a Zamboni by the time he was a teen -- "a rink rat my whole life."

His father, a Boston native and former high school hockey player, ran an ice rink in Edmond, Okla., near Oklahoma City. Donovan played football and golf through middle school, but his real passion was hockey. From those unlikely geographical roots, Donovan on Tuesday night arrived at his first NHL goal.

Don't assume it was accidental just because Donovan's power-play slap shot, apparently smothered by Phoenix goalie Mike Smith, crawled weakly through Smith's legs and crept slowly over the goal line. "I was headed to the bench because I thought he saved it," Donovan said, "then I heard the crowd cheer and I turned around and everyone was coming to me, so I figured it went in."

The fact is, the Islanders like Donovan, a defenseman, for his offensive proclivities. In the past two seasons with the team's Bridgeport affiliate, he totaled 24 goals and 93 assists.

"The thing about Matt," Islanders coach Jack Capuano said, "is that we've talked about losing Mark [Streit, gone to Philadelphia as a free agent], losing some offensive production and a guy on our power play, a guy that jumps up in the play as our fourth offensive guy. Matt's got that vision and creativity that I like, the way he pursues on the offensive side."

After getting an NHL glimpse at the end of the 2011-12 season, appearing in three Islanders games, Donovan, now 23, is feeling he knows "a little better what it takes to stick here, and hopefully I can do that."

So, while there were attempts in the Oklahoma culture of his childhood to keep Donovan in football, "but my parents liked me playing hockey" and, at 16, he spent a year of Midget Triple-A in Dallas, then two with Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the USHL.

"I didn't expect to get drafted [in the fourth round by the Islanders in 2008]," he said. "And then I had a good first year in college [University of Denver] and saw people my age signing [to play professionally.] That's when I thought I had a chance at the NHL."

Now better than later for this Sooner.

Notes & quotes: Frans Nielsen was fined $5,000 by the NHL Wednesday for slashing Coyotes forward Martin Hanzal on Tuesday night . . . Defenseman Griffin Reinhart, 19, was returned to his junior club in Edmonton . . . Capuano said wing Cal Clutterbuck, recovered from a deep skate cut, "is looking good" for tomorrow night's game in Chicago.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 10.10.2013

720517 New York Rangers

NY Rangers at loss of words, still adjusting to Alain Vigneault after 9-2 loss to Sharks

By Pat Leonard / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Thursday, October 10, 2013, 1:04 AM

ANAHEIM — Three games into an 82-game season is too early to panic, but the Rangers aren’t pretending Tuesday’s 9-2 blowout loss at San Jose’s Shark Tank didn’t rattle them.

“I mean, let’s face facts: That was not the right way to go about things,” Brian Boyle said in a monotone Tuesday night. “Lucky for us it’s game three, and we can change it. But I’m sort of at a loss for words.”

The Blueshirts (1-2-0) were at a loss for everything. Tuesday’s takeaway wasn’t about pinpointing which players had struggled. Everyone was to blame. The question was how this team will respond and, above all, defend, under first-year coach Alain Vigneault.

The Rangers are used to taskmaster John Tortorella, his no-room-for-error, one-shift-and-you’re-benched discipline, the defensive shell and strategy formed around goalie Henrik Lundqvist. Now, they are learning a new, up-tempo style on the fly and getting to know Vigneault, with an incomplete roster and several prominent players rusty due to preseason absences.

The unfamiliarity and transition can help explain why the Rangers played so well in Monday’s 3-1 win in L.A. and then regressed so drastically Tuesday. But those won’t be good enough excuses if the Blueshirts slide further Thursday in Anaheim and Saturday in St. Louis, continuing to drift without direction or confidence. The players need to pick up on Vigneault’s expectations, and their new boss needs to figure out whether he must adjust his philosophy, and if so, how.

Vigneault’s coaching style and encouragement of offense may feel foreign, even almost lenient, compared to Tortorella’s emphases; he didn’t react much on the bench Tuesday as his team hemorrhaged goals. But the players should not confuse Vigneault’s approachable personality or occasional silence as a sign he is any less demanding. That is not the case.

After Tuesday’s game, Vigneault scowled as he turned right down the hallway, prepared to speak his mind in a closed-door, locker-room meeting that left players admitting a lack of effort. Then he said the only reason the Rangers weren’t practicing on Wednesday in Anaheim was because NHL rules say so, due to this week’s heavy travel that includes back-to-back games and three games in four nights.

Undoubtedly, evaluating individual talent in split-squad preseason games, rather than having a set roster from day one, also has prevented the Rangers from developing early consistency. However, nothing excuses a team with two All-Stars and three first-round picks on its blue line, and a Vezina winner in goal, from failing to defend its own net.

NO NEWS ON NASH: The Rangers had no update on the status of RW Rick Nash , who did not play in Tuesday’s final two periods due to a “headache” from a first-period shoulder to the head from Sharks D Brad Stuart . The Blueshirts did not call up any players from the AHL, so Nash could be in the lineup Thursday, or rookie Jesper Fast could take his place.

The NHL department of player safety suspended Stuart for three games without pay Wednesday for the “illegal check to the head.”

New York Daily News LOADED: 10.10.2013


Alain Vigneault & Rangers talk it out behind closed doors after blowout loss to Sharks; Rick Nash 'concerned,' has 'headache'

BY Pat Leonard

SAN JOSE –The Rangers spent a long, long time with their locker room door closed after Tuesday’s 9-2 blowout loss to the San Jose Sharks. Eventually, GM Glen Sather emerged from a side door, and later, coach Alain Vigneault met the media, dutifully answering the questions but undoubtedly red-hot over the night’s events.

“Well, definitely San Jose was on top of their game, they were on top of their execution,” Vigneault began. “The score could have been three or four to one after the first period. (It’s) tough to understand at this point how we can play so well (Monday) night and play like this tonight. We’ve got 48 hours before the next game, and we’ll come up with some answers.”

NASH EXITS WITH "HEADACHE" AS SHARKS EMBARRASS RANGERS, 9-2

The Rangers have off on Wednesday, but Vigneault indicated that if he had a choice, he would throw his team right back on the practice ice.

“We’ve got a day off tomorrow because the rules dictate that we have to have a day off,” Vigneault said. “So we’ll regroup and get ready for Anaheim.”

STEWING OVER STUART

The Blueshirts were incensed by Brad Stuart’s elbow to the head of Rick Nash, beginning with Brian Boyle, who told the Daily News he went after Stuart in the third period, taking roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, going after Stuart in retaliation for the Nash hit.

VIDEO: ROOKIE HERTL DAZZLES FOR SHARKS IN BLOWOUT WIN OVER RANGERS

Vigneault was direct in his assessment of the hit, which happened just down the boards from the Rangers’ bench.

“The replay I saw, his shoulder clearly hit his head, and his feet seemed to leave the ice surface. So that’s up to the league to decide,” the coach said.

Nash said after the game that he had a “headache” from the hit. Here are the remainder of his quotes:

Nash on how he felt as night went on: “It got worse as it went on.”

Nash saying he didn’t stay out for precautionary reasons: “It just didn’t feel right.”

Nash on the hit: “I haven’t seen a replay, but he caught me right across the head, so, I guess it’s a headshot. I felt it right across here (points to the right side of his head/cheek).”

Nash on why he played the rest of the first period: “I didn’t feel it yet. Then it came later.”

Nash on whether he felt the way he did last year after the Milan Lucic hit on Feb. 12 that concussed him: “No.”

Nash on whether he’s concerned: “Anytime you get a headshot you’re concerned, to feel the way it feels. It’s not a good feeling.”



NY Rangers right wing Rick Nash leaves game in San Jose due to elbow to head from Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart

BY Pat Leonard

SAN JOSE – The Rangers’ result Tuesday night was insignificant compared to the potential huge loss they suffered in the first period against the Sharks.

Power forward Rick Nash, who had been dominant in Monday’s 3-1 win in Los Angeles, took an elbow to the back of the head from Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart on just his second shift of the game. He played the remainder of the first period, but during the first intermission, the Rangers announced Nash would not return to the game due to Stuart’s elbow to Nash’s head.

NASH MUSCLES WAY TO TWO ASSISTS IN MONDAY'S 3-1 WIN OVER KINGS

Nash missed four games last season from Feb. 19 to Feb. 26 due to a concussion after getting smeared into the glass by Bruins forward Milan Lucic. Though Tuesday’s specific injury was not disclosed, the Rangers’ specification of when the injury occurred, combined with Nash’s being visibly shaken up on the play and his absence for the final two periods, were all symptoms of the same injury.

Nash entered Tuesday leading the Rangers with three points, all assists, through two games.



Rangers’ Nash on shelf after getting hit in head

By Larry Brooks

October 9, 2013 | 8:06pm

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Eight months ago, Rick Nash played a couple of games through symptoms associated with a concussion he sustained, but did not immediately recognize, after a hit from Milan Lucic in Boston on Feb. 12.

It was only after playing those two matches that Nash left the lineup for what became a 10-day, four-game absence.

Rest assured, neither Nash nor the Rangers will ignore the ramifications of the head shot he took from Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart two-and-a-half minutes into the Rangers’ 9-2 defeat in San Jose on Tuesday.

There was no medical update provided on Wednesday, but Nash, who left the game following the first period with what he later described as a “headache” surely will not play Thursday against the Ducks.

Indeed, it will be a surprise if No. 61 plays before either next Wednesday’s game in Washington or the match against the Devils in Newark on Oct. 19.

That means the Rangers would also play without Nash on Saturday in St. Louis.

The winger, who had one of his most dominating games as a Ranger on Monday night in Los Angeles, took a blow across the right side of the face by a Stuart elbow/shoulder while he was against the defensive-zone boards after moving the puck.

Nash bent over and then skated slowly to the bench, as Stuart was assessed a two-minute minor for elbowing at 2:32.

“It got worse as it went on; it just didn’t feel right,” Nash said after the game. “Any time you get a head shot you’re concerned, to feel the way it feels.

“It doesn’t feel good.”

Stuart received a three-game suspension following a disciplinary hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Wednesday for an illegal check to the head as defined by Rule 48.

“Stuart, who is two inches shorter than Nash, unnecessarily extended the left side of his body upward, specifically his left shoulder, in a way that makes Nash’s head the main point of contact,” vice president of player safety Brendan Shanahan said on the video accompanying the league announcement of the suspension.

“This is a violation of the illegal check to the head rule.”

The Blueshirts, who have dropped two of their first three games and have been out-scored 14-6 overall, were off on Wednesday due to work rules covered in Article 16.5 of the collective bargaining agreement.

Ryan Callahan likely will fill Nash’s spot on the right side of the first line with Derek Stepan and Brad Richards, while Jesper Fast will return to the lineup after a pair of healthy scratches.

The Blueshirts have been carrying just one spare forward since J.T. Miller’s assignment to the AHL Wolf Pack on Saturday.



Rangers season at crossroads — already

By Larry Brooks

October 9, 2013 | 7:52pm

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Three games. A minute sample size. A counter-productive training camp schedule. An unorthodox schedule to open the season. A pair of key players not yet in game shape.

We get it.

And yet, the 9-2 humiliation in San Jose on Tuesday that represented one of the worst beatdowns in recent franchise history means the clock is ticking on this team and this season.

Already.

The Rangers waved the white flag before the second period was 10 minutes old. They were spectators to their own grisly demise, passengers on a sinking ship and surely a disgrace to the sweater.

They were the Washington Generals to the Sharks’ Tomas “Meadowlark” Hertl.

It was one game, one out of 82, but what that one game — that one disgraceful game — unmistakably means is the next few weeks will become a referendum on this team’s ability to respond to the freedoms it has been granted by this coach.

Similarly, even as the Rangers have six more on the road — beginning Thursday night against the Ducks — before they get home to the Garden, this month will also serve as a referendum on Alain Vigneault’s ability to get his points and his system across before the season descends into chaos.

Again, we know. It was one game. But no Rangers team has been so casual, so careless, so utterly miserable, since that 10-2 loss in Dallas on Jan. 6, 2009 that was the beginning of the end for Tom Renney, fired 17 days later.

“The closest thing to this that I’ve been a part of was Dallas, and I think this was much worse,” Marc Staal said following Tuesday’s debacle. “We were so far behind all night long, it wasn’t even close.”

Would-be defenders were gliding all over the ice. The Rangers picked and chose their battles, and almost always opted not to engage.

You know what it was like? It was like the 9-1 loss in Ottawa on Feb. 24, 2004 — that’s right, 2004 — in Jaromir Jagr’s first game as a Ranger, after which Bobby Holik said, “I think, fundamentally, we are the worst team in the National Hockey League.”

That’s what it was like.

The elephant in the room, of course, is actually in Vancouver. The Rangers fired John Tortorella because the players and organization believed his style on the ice had become too restrictive and his style off the ice too domineering.

Well, after a lousy training camp, a lousy opening game in Phoenix and this monstrosity in San Jose, the burden of proof is on the Rangers to prove they can respond to Vigneault’s alternate approach.

It is up to them to prove they can handle the responsibilities that accompany freedom.

You want to say they’re neither big enough nor fast enough to contend for a Stanley Cup? Fair enough. They aren’t. But that’s no excuse for a deficient work ethic.

Dan Girardi has been miserable and so has Michael Del Zotto. Ryan McDonagh was almost unbelievably bad in San Jose. John Moore’s start explains why the Blue Jackets were willing to trade him. The Derick Brassard-Mats Zuccarello-Benoit Pouliot line is way too cute for its own good. Dominic Moore has been dreadful at times. Derek Stepan doesn’t appear ready.

And Henrik Lundqvist hasn’t been himself, pretty much since the beginning of training camp. Is it fair to wonder whether the inability to complete negotiations on a contract has had an effect on him? Sure it is.

Management is essentially worrying about how effective their franchise player is going to be in 2020-21. Are you kidding me? The Rangers have won once going on 74 years and they’re concerned about Lundqvist’s cap hit seven years down the road?

We’re told by an individual who knows Vigneault very well the coach will address the Rangers’ issues with a stern hand behind closed doors; that he will take an unemotional, tactical approach to correcting the Rangers’ problems.

If the team fails to respond, well, they’re not firing another coach, that’s for sure.

When Tortorella left — when, as he said a couple of weeks ago, he was told to leave — he took almost all of the Rangers’ identity with him.

Rangers: shot-blocking. Rangers: the maniac behind the bench whose interaction with the media devolved into spectacle.

Now, there is a vacuum. Nothingness. Now, there is San Jose on Tuesday night.



NHL benches tough guy for three games

Thursday, October 10, 2013

BY ANDREW GROSS

STAFF WRITER

The Record

The Rangers play again tonight, though what they did their last time on ice hardly could be called competing. Whether Rick Nash will be available after suffering a head injury as the team continues its nine-game road trip in Anaheim is certainly in question.

But Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart will miss the next three games after the NHL suspended and fined him $55,384.62 for hitting Nash high with his left shoulder in the Rangers' embarrassing 9-2 loss at San Jose on Tuesday night.

Nash sat out the last two periods and complained of a headache despite remaining in the game for the remainder of the first period after Stuart received a two-minute minor for elbowing at 2:32.

The Rangers did not practice Wednesday, so there was no update on Nash's status. He did miss four games last season due to a concussion.

Stuart had a disciplinary hearing Wednesday via teleconference with NHL director of player safety Brendan Shanahan.

"I just stepped up and hit the guy," Stuart told the San Jose Mercury News after practice Wednesday. "I've seen the replay. I didn't leave my feet. I didn't target the head. So it depends on how they want to look at it, I guess. Apparently he has a concussion, so we'll see."

But Shanahan, in a video explaining the suspension, said Stuart, who is 2 inches shorter than the 6-foot-4 Nash, unnecessarily extended the left side of his body to create the high contact point with Nash.

The veteran defenseman certainly has a reputation as a hard hitter, having caught the Avalanche's Gabriel Landeskog with one of last season's more memorable checks and having been suspended in 2001 after cross-checking the Panthers' Len Barrie in the head.

Meanwhile, the Rangers opted not to call up an extra forward from Hartford (AHL), so if Nash is unable to play, rookie Jesper Fast will reenter the lineup after being a healthy scratch the past two games.

Bergen Record LOADED: 10.10.2013


Tomas Hertl scores fourth goal through legs against Rangers

Wednesday October 9, 2013 9:30 PM By Casey Musarra

Hat trick? Please.

Tomas Hertl already had three goals with the San Jose Sharks leading the Rangers 7-2 with about eight minutes left in the third period Tuesday, but he was just getting started.

The 19-year-old center, playing in just his third NHL game, capped his night off with a through-the-legs goal that went top-shelf over Martin Biron's stick hand. With the score, he became the youngest player to net four goals in a game since Jimmy Carson on March 30, 1988.



Brad Stuart suspended three games after high hit on Rick Nash

Originally published: October 9, 2013 12:56 PM

Updated: October 9, 2013 9:29 PM

By STEVE ZIPAY [email protected]

ANAHEIM, Calif. - A day after being humiliated in a 9-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks, the Rangers used Wednesday to regroup before playing their fourth game on a long, season-opening road trip against the Ducks, probably without star Rick Nash, who likely suffered a concussion on a high hit from defenseman Brad Stuart.

After a disciplinary phone hearing Wednesday with Brendan Shanahan, senior vice president of the NHL's Department of Public Safety, Stuart was suspended three games. But for the Rangers, who have fumbled through two of their first three games of a season that begins with nine road games, the problems may be mounting.

Several players, including captain Ryan Callahan and Henrik Lundqvist, said the team was "embarrassed" by Tuesday's effort in San Jose. Derick Brassard called the performance "ugly." The starkest postgame assessment came from defenseman Marc Staal, who referenced a 10-2 loss in Dallas on Jan. 6, 2009: "I think this was much worse."

Lundqvist, who was left out to dry by a defense that could not keep up with Sharks and lacked any battle level as San Jose pulled away, said: "They did exactly what they wanted to do out there. The difference between the two teams -- the way they played, the way we played -- was just too big . . . We talked about things after the game. They had a lot of desperation and we have to match that. We had some time to think about what happened and now it's time to forget about it, but you definitely have to learn from what happened and what do we need to correct and do better, then move on, and do it fast."

Judging by his postgame comments, coach Alain Vigneault would have preferred to practice Wednesday, but could not because of the league's collective bargaining agreement, which restricts practices on the road and when three games are played in four days. Instead, Vigneault may change lines and defensive pairings against the Ducks.

The Rangers did not update Nash's condition or summon anyone from the minors. The only spare forward is rookie Jesper Fast, who played in the opener, a 4-1 loss to Phoenix.

Nash, who played seven more shifts after Stuart's hit at 2:32 of the first period, said afterward that he had a "headache," but didn't feel it at first. "It got worse as it went on. It just didn't feel right. I haven't seen a replay, but he caught me right across the head, so, I guess it's a head shot. I felt it right across here," pointing to the right side of his face and jaw.

"Anytime you get a headshot you're concerned, to feel the way it feels. It's not a good feeling."

Nash previously suffered a concussion in February 2012 on a hit from behind by Boston's Milan Lucic and was on injured reserve for four games.



Rangers at Mighty Ducks tonight … pre-game notes

10 October 2013, 4:55 am by Carp in Hockey New York Rangers NHL Rangers Report - 2 Comments

Pre-game notes courtesy of the NYR:

NEW YORK RANGERS at ANAHEIM DUCKS

Thursday, Oct. 10, 10 p.m. ET

Honda Center – Anaheim, CA

Rangers: 1-2-0 (2 pts)

Ducks: 2-1-0 (4 pts)

TONIGHT’S GAME:

The Rangers will face-off against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center (10:00 p.m. — TV: MSG Network; Radio: ESPN 98.7), in their third game in four nights. The Blueshirts enter the contest having been defeated by the Sharks, 9-2, on Tuesday at San Jose, and are now 1-2-0 (2 pts) this season. The Ducks enter the contest with a 2-1-0 (4 pts) record, following a 3-2 win on Sunday at Winnipeg. Following the contest, the Rangers will return to action when they face-off against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Scottrade Center (8:00 p.m.), as they complete a stretch of four games in six days.

RANGERS vs. DUCKS:

All-Time: 10-13-1-1 overall (6-6-1-0 at home; 4-7-0-1 on the road)

2013-14: Tomorrow is the first of two meetings this season, and the only meeting at Honda Center.

Last Season: Did not play. In 2011-12, New York was 1-0-1 overall (1-0-0 mark at home; 0-0-1 mark on the road), with both contests decided in the shootout and ending in a 2-1 score. The Rangers’ penalty kill was 8-8 (100.0%) in the series. Brad Richards (goal) and Ryan McDonagh (assist) were among the point scorers for the Rangers, while Henrik Lundqvist was 1-0-1 with a 0.93 GAA and .964 Sv%.

The Rangers have registered at least a point in eight of the last 11 contests against the Ducks (7-3-1 over the span) dating back to Nov. 19, 2002

New York tied for 19th in the NHL with a 10-12-2 (22 pts) record on the road last season; Anaheim ranked seventh with a 16-7-1 (33 pts) mark at home last season

INDIVIDUAL CAREER LEADERS vs. DUCKS: Henrik Lundqvist – 6 GP, 3-2-1, 2.28 GAA; Martin Biron – 9 GP, 8-0-0-1, 1.76 GAA, 3 SO; Rick Nash – 34 GP, 18-16-34; Brad Richards – 24 GP, 11-11-22; Derick Brassard – 16 GP, 9-3-12; Anton Stralman – 8 GP, 0-3-3.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

The Rangers’ power play was 9-48 (18.5%) in the final 13 games of the season in 2012-13, compared to 14.3% with the man advantage prior to the trade deadline

New York registered a point in 19 of 23 games (17-4-2) when not allowing a power play goal last season

Power Play: The Rangers were 1-3 (4:31) on Tuesday at San Jose, and are now 2-10 (20.0%) overall. Last season, the Rangers ranked 23rd overall (24-153, 15.7%) and 28th on the road (8-70, 11.4%). The Rangers were 3-12 (10:36) in five-on-three situations (last –4/27 vs. NJD), and 2-2 (1:20) when four-on-three (last –4/13 at NYI). Shorthanded goals allowed (4): 2/21 at OTT (Silfverberg); 3/3 vs. BUF (Gerbe); 3/21 vs. FLA (Kopecky, EN); 4/23 at FLA (Shore, EN).

Penalty Killing: The Blueshirts surrendered two goals to the Sharks in three attempts (2:51), and are now 5-8 (62.5%) overall. Last season, New York tied for 15th overall (120-148, 81.1%) and ranked 26th on the road (51-68, 75.0%). The Rangers were 8-8 (8:24) in three-on-five situations (last –4/1 vs. WPG), and 4-4 (4:24) when three-on-four (last –3/18 vs. CAR).

Shorthanded goals for (5): 1/20 vs. PIT (Nash); 3/12 at BUF (Stepan); 3/19 at NJD (Del Zotto); 4/1 vs. WPG (Callahan); 4/27 vs. NJD (Callahan).

Four-on-Four: New York did not skate in a four-on-four situation on Tuesday at San Jose, and are now -2 in two four-on-four situations (4:00) this season. Last season, the Blueshirts were plus-one in 33 four-on-four situations (66:39). Four-on-four goals for (3): 1/23 vs. BOS (Gaborik); 4/13 at NYI (Girardi); 4/25 at CAR (Callahan). Four-on-four goals allowed (2): 1/20 vs. PIT (Letang); 1/23 vs. BOS (Horton).

GETTING STARTED: The Rangers have posted a record of 286-275-94 all-time in the month of October, including a 177-118-49 mark at home and a 109-157-45 record on the road. New York (1-2-0) is scheduled to play 12 games during the season’s opening month in 2013-14.

Legendary Rangers’ defenseman Brian Leetch holds the franchise record for most points in the month of October, having registered 43 goals and 130 assists for 173 career points in the season’s opening month. The Blueshirts’ all-time leader for most career wins in the month of October is Mike Richter, who registered 40 career wins during the season’s opening month. Henrik Lundqvist has recorded 36 career wins during the month of October.

New York has posted two, seven-game winning streaks in the month of October, winning seven consecutive games during the season’s opening month in 2009-10 (Oct. 3 vs. Ottawa to Oct. 17 at Toronto) and 1988-89 (Oct. 16 vs. Vancouver to Oct. 30 vs. Pittsburgh).

ROAD WARRIORS: The Rangers are in the midst of a nine-game road trip to begin their 2013-14 regular season campaign. The trip will establish a franchise record for longest road trip to start the season, breaking the old record of seven games set in 2011-12. It will also tie the franchise mark for longest road trip overall, established during the 1955-56 season. The Blueshirts are slated to open their home schedule on Oct. 28 against Montreal, their latest home opener in a non-lockout shortened season since the 1947-48 season (Oct. 29).

NEW (AND FAMILIAR) FACES: Benoit Pouliot and Jesper Fast (NHL debut) made their Rangers’ debut in the season opener on Oct. 3 at Phoenix. In addition, Dominic Moore returned to the Rangers lineup after skating with the Blueshirts from 2003-04 to 2005-06, and Derek Dorsett made his regular season debut after skating in 11 playoff contests with the Rangers last season. Defenseman Justin Falk is still looking to make his Rangers debut.

COUNTDOWN TO 6K: The Rangers have played in 5,945 regular season games throughout the franchise’s 88 seasons, just 55 games shy of 6,000 all-time. The Blueshirts are scheduled to play their 6,000th game all-time on February 6 against the Edmonton Oilers at Madison Square Garden.

FINISHING THE JOB: The Blueshirts have registered a point in 93 consecutive regular season games when leading after the second period, dating back to the 2009-10 season, posting a record of 87-0-6 over the span. The Rangers’ last regulation loss in a game when entering the third with the lead was Feb. 4, 2010 (6-5 loss vs. WSH). New York posted a 16-0-0 record when leading after the second period last season.

BACK-TO-BACKS: The Rangers split their first of 13 back-to-back sets this season, with a 3-1 win on Monday at Los Angeles and a 9-2 loss on Tuesday at San Jose. New York posted a combined record of 7-4-1 in back-to-back games last season, including a 4-1-1 (3-0-0 at home; 1-1-1 on the road) record in the first game and a 3-3-0 (0-2-0 at home; 3-1-0 on the road) mark in the second. Henrik Lundqvist has started on consecutive days 66 times in his career, posting a record of 41-18-7 with a 2.03 GAA, .931 Sv% and six shutouts in the second game.

QUICK HITS:

The Blueshirts were the least penalized team in the NHL last season with 183 penalties and 9.2 penalty minutes per game

New York ranked third in the NHL with 1,413 hits, and sixth in the league with 773 blocked shots last season

The Rangers held opponents to 2.25 GA/game last season, which ranked third in the East and fourth in the NHL overall

Last season, the Blueshirts led the NHL in goal scoring after the trade deadline on Apr. 3, averaging 3.6 goals per contest. Prior to the trade deadline, the Rangers averaged 2.4 goals per game.

THE KING’S REIGN: Henrik Lundqvist is one of four active NHL goalies to reach the 20-win mark in eight consecutive seasons (Brodeur, 12; Luongo,

9; Vokoun, 9), and is the only goaltender with an active streak of eight straight 20-win seasons

Was a Vezina Trophy finalist last season, the fifth time in his eight-year career he has been voted a finalist for the award which he won in 2012

Finished last season tied for the league lead with 24 wins, becoming the first Rangers goaltender to lead the league in wins since Mike Richter in 1993-94 (42)

Passed Ed Giacomin as the franchise leader in career total shutouts (regular season + playoffs) with a 20-save shutout in last season’s finale against New Jersey, the 51st total shutout of his career

The Blueshirts’ netminder has captured Rangers’ MVP honors for a franchise record, seven consecutive years. His seven Rangers’ MVP awards are also a franchise record, passing Brian Leetch (six) for the most in franchise history.

NINE STRAIGHT FOR NASH: Rick Nash is the only player in the NHL with an active streak of nine consecutive 20-goal seasons.

RANGERS RECORD WHEN… (last season):

Scoring First – 18-2-1 (2nd in NHL)

Leading After 1st Period – 13-0-1 (2nd in NHL)

Leading After 2nd Period – 16-0-0 (1st in NHL)

In Overtime – 4-0-0

Out-Shooting Opponents – 15-9-3 (T-13th in NHL)

Out-Scoring Opponents On Special Teams – 12-1-1

In 1-Goal Games – 12-5-4 (9th in NHL)

Scoring 4+ Goals – 17-0-0

Holding Opponents to 2-or-fewer Goals – 22-1-1

Holding Opponents to 1-or-fewer Goals – 14-0-0

MILESTONES IN SIGHT:

Arron Asham – 3 penalty minutes from 1,000th NHL career

Marc Staal – 2 points from 100th NHL career

MILESTONES RECENTLY ACHIEVED:

Jesper Fast – 1st career NHL game (10/3 at PHX)

John Moore – 100th career NHL game (10/3 at PHX)

Anton Stralman – 100th career NHL point (10/8 at SJS)

INJURIES: Carl Hagelin (IR – 9/30; shoulder, out indefinitely) – 3

Total Man-Games Lost: 4

RECENT TRANSACTIONS:

Oct. 5 – Assigned forward J.T. Miller to Hartford (AHL)

Rockland Journal News: LOADED: 10.10.2013


NHL suspends Sharks’ Stuart three games for head shot against Rick Nash

09 October 2013, 9:10 pm by Carp in Hockey New York Rangers NHL Rangers Report - 33 Comments

From the NHL:

SHARKS’ STUART SUSPENDED THREE GAMES

FOR ILLEGAL CHECK TO THE HEAD

NEW YORK (October 9, 2013)—San Jose Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart has been suspended for three games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of New York Rangers forward Rick Nash during NHL Game No. 44 in San Jose on Tuesday, October 8, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and based on his average annual salary, Stuart will forfeit $55,384.62. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

The incident occurred at 2:32 of the first period. Stuart was assessed a minor penalty for elbowing.

Rockland Journal News: LOADED: 10.10.2013

720527 NHL

Ruling on Coyotes bankruptcy could have ripple effect

DAVID SHOALTS | Published Wednesday, Oct. 09 2013, 8:43 PM EDT

Gary Bettman’s recent win streak in league business – finding owners for three of the NHL’s financial basket cases – was broken by Judge Redfield T. Baum. And it looks like there will some rough sailing for the NHL commissioner and the league as a result.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge ruled last week the NHL cannot recover most of the $145.9-million (U.S.) it was trying to get from former Phoenix Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes, including $6.5-million owed to former minority owner and head coach Wayne Gretzky.

The NHL went after Moyes for $112.7-million in operating losses the league incurred after buying the Coyotes out of bankruptcy four years ago (although the league told the court it would lower this number after recently selling the Coyotes to George Gosbee and Anthony LeBlanc), $15.1-million in lawyer fees, $11.6-million paid to unsecured creditors of the Coyotes and the $6.5-million owed to Gretzky.

Baum ruled in favour of the NHL in September of 2009, when Moyes tried to force a sale of the Coyotes through the bankruptcy court to Canadian businessman Jim Balsillie, who wanted to move the team to Hamilton. But this time, the judge balked, saying in his decision federal bankruptcy law does not allow the league to recover any of the $112.7-million in operating losses from the past four seasons, after it bought the club. He ruled Moyes was not responsible for paying Gretzky.

The NHL was not completely shut out, as Baum wrote in his decision he needs more information about the $15.1-million in lawyer fees and the $11.6-million paid to unsecured creditors before he decides if Moyes is responsible for paying part or all of those claims. But the judge’s wording indicated he is not inclined to rule in the NHL’s favour.

This was a nasty blow to Bettman, as he has long told the NHL’s 30 owners they would not lose money on the Coyotes debacle, in which the league was forced to buy the club for $128-million and then have to cough up well north of another $100-million for lawyers and covering losses from keeping the Coyotes in suburban Glendale. A big part of the recovery plan was the lawsuit against Moyes.

The Coyotes were finally sold in the summer for $170-million to a group led by Gosbee and LeBlanc, two Canadian businessmen, but – for reasons we will get to in a minute – the NHL is still a long way from recovering its money. This could mean some awkward questions for Bettman at the annual governors meetings Dec. 9 and 10.

The ruling on the Gretzky debt was interesting because Baum invoked the principle of judicial estoppel. This means someone cannot gain an advantage in court by taking one position and then changing it later to gain another advantage.

In the purchase agreement approved by the court, the NHL said it would pay all unsecured creditors except Moyes and Gretzky. The league claimed Gretzky was not a legitimate creditor, which led to an estrangement between the league and its greatest former player.

Baum ruled this precluded the league from then trying to claim Moyes should cover the $6.5-million, so it will be interesting to see if the NHL – which had promised to pay Gretzky once it sold the club – is willing to settle up.

But the worst long-term problem the commissioner faces comes from the ruling on Moyes. The judge said the consent agreement all NHL owners must sign, in which they promise to finance all costs of a franchise, does not apply in a bankruptcy proceeding.

This is a severe blow to Bettman, who has long used the consent agreement to force owners eager to escape the financial obligations of a money-losing franchise to keep paying the bills. Often, their only out is to hand over a large chunk of cash, such as the $25-million Ray Chambers

paid to get rid of his share of the New Jersey Devils, and then walk away with nothing because the new owner only assumes the franchise’s debts.

But thanks to the precedent set by Baum, an owner can now place his franchise into bankruptcy with the possibility of realizing something through an eventual sale. And he doesn’t have to worry about being sued by the NHL, as Moyes was.

However, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly disagrees. He wrote in an e-mail message: “We do not have any long-term concerns about the enforceability of the various contracts that govern the league.”

Recovering the money the NHL lost on the Coyotes is going to be tricky. The NHL lent $85-million to Gosbee and LeBlanc so they could buy the club. The pair also borrowed $120-million from Fortress Investment Group, which came at a stiff interest rate because the Coyotes are a distressed borrower.

While one financial source said the Fortress loan has priority over the NHL’s, Daly said that is not correct and, “we, obviously, are not concerned about our ability to be repaid.”

Given what is at stake, an appeal is expected by the NHL, which was acknowledged by Daly.


720528 NHL

Researchers Press for Broad Ban on Hockey Fights

By JEFF Z. KLEIN | Published: October 9, 2013

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Researchers at a Mayo Clinic conference on concussions in hockey called Wednesday for a ban on fighting at all levels of the sport, eight days after a Montreal Canadiens enforcer was hospitalized because of a fight on opening night of the N.H.L. season.

“Science has responded to the game on the ice,” said Ken Dryden, a Hall of Fame Canadiens goalie and a member of the Canadian Parliament, who spoke at the conference. “Now it’s time for the game to respond to the science.”

Although no direct link has been established between fighting in hockey and long-term brain trauma, pathological studies indicate that fighting could lead to serious brain damage, the conference organizers said.

Dr. Michael Stuart, a director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center and the chief medical officer for USA Hockey, cited the opening-night fight in calling for professional and junior hockey to replace five-minute fighting penalties with automatic ejections and suspensions.

In that fight, on Oct. 1, Montreal’s George Parros was knocked unconscious after falling face-first to the ice. On Sept. 22, Buffalo’s Corey Tropp sustained a concussion and a broken jaw in a fight during a preseason game.

“You have grown men, standing on skates, punching each other in the head,” Stuart said. “They frequently fall, their helmet may come off, maybe their arms are pinned and the opponent falls on top of them, then their head hits the ice. Those forces acting on the brain are alarmingly high.”

In 2009, Don Sanderson, a 21-year-old Canadian amateur player, died after striking his head on the ice during a fight. Medical researchers at the Mayo Clinic conference said they believed it was only a matter of time before another player died as a result of a fight. Other attendees said the N.H.L. and junior leagues should drop fighting for liability reasons, as well as health and safety reasons.

Fighting results in automatic ejections in the N.C.A.A. and in youth hockey in the United States and Canada. But in junior hockey, players as young as 16 can engage in a fight and return to the game. In professional hockey, a player can engage in two fights in each game without being ejected and can frequently fight without being suspended.

In recent years the N.H.L. has gradually legislated against particular circumstances around fights, and the rate of fighting has slowly dropped, from about one per game in 1991-92 to half that last season. This season, players who remove their helmets to fight will receive an additional two-minute penalty — a rule meant to reduce the danger of heads hitting the ice. The league also mandated visors for all incoming players, which could also help deter fights.

“Rule changes that impact and reduce the role of fighting in the game have been, and I expect will continue to be, made over time, as and when they are deemed appropriate,” Bill Daly, the N.H.L.’s deputy commissioner, said in an e-mail. “The mandatory visor rule and the rule prohibiting the removal of helmets during fights were two such rules that were implemented just this past summer. I do not expect that we will change our traditional approach to how rules are changed and implemented in the game at any time in the foreseeable future.”

Proponents of fighting argue that it acts as a safety valve preventing more dangerous acts. They say enforcers play a policing role, helping to deter opponents from putting star players and others at risk.

“As contorted as the N.H.L.’s arguments always are in terms of responding to concerns about fighting, I think they’re almost at the final point of contortion,” Dryden told the conference. He said the mounting evidence about the dangers of brain trauma that had led the N.H.L. to legislate against checks to the head could soon lead the league to move more meaningfully against fighting.

“How does one argue against the fact that a blow from the shoulder or a blow from the elbow to the head generates one result, and a blow from the fist doesn’t?” Dryden said.

The conference was attended by researchers and hockey officials from across North America and Europe. Among the speakers were Mark Aubry, the chief medical officer of the International Ice Hockey Federation and the Ottawa Senators’ team doctor, and Ann McKee, a Boston University neurologist whose studies of the brains of deceased football and hockey players have broadened knowledge about damage from chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

The meeting was the Mayo Clinic’s second conference dealing with hockey concussions. The first, in 2010, proved influential in establishing standards for concussion evaluation and treatment, persuading USA Hockey and Hockey Canada to raise the minimum age for body checking to 13 from 11, and broadening concussion education among players, coaches and parents.

The 2010 conference also called for a fighting ban in professional and junior hockey. That call went unheeded.

New York Times LOADED: 10.10.2013

720529 Ottawa Senators

Sens storm back before falling in OT

The Ottawa Senators delivered a surprise for all of you who turned off the TV early in the game, not interested in watching any more of what started out as a Late Late Night Horror Show.

by Ken Warren on October 10, 2013

LOS ANGELES – The Ottawa Senators delivered a surprise for all of you who turned off the TV early in the game, not interested in watching any more of what started out as a Late Night Horror Show.

It ended up as an Unlikely Early Morning Comeback Story.

The Los Angeles Kings went home with a 4-3 victory after Jeff Carter deflected a shot over the shoulder of Craig Anderson in overtime, but the Senators left Los Angeles with a point that didn’t appear to be within their grasp after an awful opening 20 minutes.

The Kings stormed out to an early 3-0 first period lead, as Los Angeles took full advantage of the Senators parade to the penalty box.

That should be money in the bank for a usual air-tight Kings defence, especially with goaltender Jonathan Quick in net to paint over any cracks.

The Senators didn’t give in to that thinking, however.

Milan Michalek sent the game to overtime, beating Quick high over his trapper to tie the game 3-3. It was the same spot where Bobby Ryan found the range on the power play early in the period to make it 3-2.

It was Ryan’s first goal in a Senators uniform. Ryan, acquired in the blockbuster summer deal, was already feeling considerable heat after failing to score in his opening two games in a Senators uniform.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau got the Senators comeback started, beating Quick between the legs early in the second period.

At that point, however, it seemed like the Kings were still in complete control.

The Kings stormed out to their big early lead on a pair of goals by Brown – one on a bad angle shot past Craig Anderson after he stepped out of the penalty box – and the other on the power play. Jeff Carter also cashed in with the man advantage. Both power play goals came only seconds after 5 on 3 advantages ended.

Brown did way more than simply score. He was his typical annoying self, setting off both Zack Smith and Chris Neil and sending both to the penalty box when they retaliated. The Kings took full advantage of those opportunities.

Clearly, discipline was missing from the Senators lineup in the early going.

So too was captain and No. 1 centre Jason Spezza, who is nursing a sore groin.

Stephane Da Costa began the game in Spezza’s spot on a top line with wingers Milan Michalek and Bobby Ryan, but there was no instant chemistry.

In the second period, Senators coach Paul MacLean endlessly juggled his units to find something.

Some of the units included Pageau centering Ryan and Erik Condra, Da Costa between Colin Greening and Michalek, and Smith as the pivot for Greening and Ryan.

The only line that stayed intact was the Clarke MacArthur-Kyle Turris-Cory Conacher trio.

The Senators are hoping that by missing Wednesday’s game, Spezza could be sufficiently healed to be ready for Saturday’s game against the San Jose Sharks and Sunday’s contest against the Anaheim Ducks.

CHEERS

Milan Michalek, Bobby Ryan, Senators

The Senators were down and out – way, way out – until the top line wingers found the net behind Jonathan Quick in the third period. Michalek and Ryan are supposed to be big line players and they delivered when they had to.

JEERS

Senators discipline

Quibble about the officiating if you want, but the Senators buried themselves with the steady parade to the penalty box. The Kings had a pair of 5-on-3 advantages in the first periods.

WHY THEY LOST

Clarke MacArthur’s penalty late in regulation paved the way for Jeff Carter’s overtime game winner. The Senators would have loved to get two points out of this one, but it still felt a bit like they stole one point.

Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 10.10.2013


Karlsson respects Doughty, but won’t make comparisons

Ottawa Senators star defenceman Erik Karlsson is full of compliments for Drew Doughty.

Ken Warren on October 9, 2013

Ottawa Senators star defenceman Erik Karlsson is full of compliments for Drew Doughty.

But he’s not overly keen on measuring himself against the Los Angeles Kings star defenceman.

“He’s a good player, he’s fun to watch,” Karlsson said before Wednesday’s game pitting the two former Norris Trophy-nominated (Karlsson won in 2011-12) blueliners against each other. “But I don’t really care about all that stuff, at all. I know what I do and everybody is different. Obviously, people like to compare me (to him), but it’s not really something I care about.”

Karlsson scored the game-winning goal in the Senators season opening 1-0 win over Buffalo last Friday, but he had some rough patches in the Saturday’s 5-4 shootout loss to Toronto. Like most players, he’s hoping for a more steady diet of action to get into a rhythm and to discover how his body is holding up following last season’s Achilles surgery.

“I just want to be able to play the way I used to and try to play day by day, trying to figure my body out and make sure I feel as good as possible,” he said. “We’ve only played two games, so it’s tough to say how everything feels.”



Senators update: Spezza won’t play against Kings

Ken Warren on October 9, 2013

LOS ANGELES — If the decision was left solely in Jason Spezza’s hands, he would likely have played Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings.

However, after consultations between Spezza, coach Paul MacLean and the team’s training staff, the consensus opinion was that the team would be best served long term by having the Senators’ captain and number one centre sit out, in order to not aggravate his groin problem.

Stephane Da Costa was expected to take Spezza’s spot in the lineup against the Kings, starting the game on a line with Milan Michalek and Bobby Ryan as his wingers.

“We’re going to err on the side of caution, just to make sure,” Spezza said after taking part in the club’s morning skate here. “By taking the extra day (off) today, that gives me a couple of extra days and hopefully we never have to talk about my groin again. It means less risk of me re-hurting it and being out for a longer period of time, which we feel is better for the team.”

Spezza acknowledges he needed to be convinced.

“I understand the logic of the coach,” he said. “Me, as a player, I want to play. I want to play every night. I want to play if I’m not 100 per cent. I want to play. I’m wired to play. We’ve had some good discussions (Wednesday) morning and just decided it’s the best move for the team. It’s the best move to hopefully make sure this goes away. It has gotten better. It has improved.”

MacLean says they want to make sure the groin injury doesn’t become chronic and lasts all season long.

“He has made some great progress since the game on (Saturday) and we want to continue that progress going ahead and we just felt that giving him three more days before we play in San Jose gives him a real good opportunity to work with Gerry (Townend, Senators head athletic therapist). We feel it will get stronger and stronger every day and we’ll be out of the woods Saturday.

“We’re doing it to manage the injury and to keep him in as many games as we can.”

Craig Anderson will start in goal against the Kings, who are coming off a disappointing 3-1 home opening loss to the New York Rangers Wednesday. Eric Gryba will once again sit out on defence.



Ottawa Senators look to get physical on West Coast trip

By Bruce Garrioch First posted: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 08:53 PM

LOS ANGELES - By the time this trip ends, the Senators will have a good idea where they stand.

They had success in the playoffs last spring by being a physical force against the Montreal Canadiens. There is no better place to put that kind of hockey to a test with games in Los Angeles, San Jose, Anaheim and Phoenix.

Not all of those teams are considered to be bruisers, but the Senators may have gotten their toughest physical test out of the way Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center to start this four-game tour.

The Senators knew they had to be ready for a hard challenge. That's why even if Jason Spezza was healthy, then rugged winger Matt Kassian would have been in the lineup.

"(The Kings) have guys who are going to go out and work you," said Kassian before the game. "(Los Angeles) is a pretty solid team. You want to test yourself against a team that's going to be a good team.

"You have to use your size against them because they have guys that are big and physical. You know it's a game where they have guys who are going to try to outskill you and guys that are going to try to run you over."

OFF THE GLASS

With an extra day in Los Angeles, the Senators did a little sightseeing Tuesday. With Erik Condra and Kyle Turris as tour guides, rookie Jean-Gabriel Pageau and winger Cory Conacher went to see the 'Hollywood' sign in the hills after practice. "Someone had to show them around a little bit," said Condra before the game. Pageau enjoyed the whole experience and was especially pleased to catch a glimpse of 47-year-old rapper Too Short, who makes his home here. "We had a nice tour," said Pageau. "We saw (Too Short) when we went for Sushi in Hollywood. It was fun to see a celebrity there," said Pageau. Conacher tweeted a picture from the Hollywood sign in the afternoon ... The Kings made two changes vs. the Senators: They inserted Daniel Carcillo and Alec Martinez in the lineup.

AROUND THE BOARDS

Senators D Erik Karlsson won't get caught up in the hype. He didn't consider Wednesday's visit to Los Angeles a chance to go head-to-head against Kings blueliner Drew Doughty. The two could certainly be facing off next February in Sochi at the Olympics, but Karlsson doesn't use games like this as a measuring stick. "He's a good player. I know who he is. I've seen him a lot and he's fun to watch," said Karlsson. "I don't really care about that stuff at all. I know what I do. Everybody is different. People like to compare people, but it's not something I really care about. If someone else does, I don't." ... D Marc Methot doesn't mind starting with six games on the road. "A lot of guys were looking forward to it because you've been home all summer," he said. "If there's ever a time you want to travel and get on the road, it would probably be sooner rather than at the end of the year when you're at home and bruised up. It's a great opportunity to get together and have some team bonding."

THIS N' THAT

The Senators didn't have any second thoughts about putting C Stephane Da Costa in the middle of RW Bobby Ryan and LW Milan Michalek. It was that way through much of camp and the trio did create chances. "Right now we're just going to put (Da Costa) in Jason's spot and let him play," said MacLean. "Stephane has been a very good player for us throughout the pre-season and in training camp. Our expectation is that he'll be good and if it's not we'll make adjustments as the game goes on." ... Los Angeles C Anze Kopitar is a big fan of Karlsson's. "He's one of the top, if not the best, defencemen in the league right now," said Kopitar. "He's going to need a little bit of special attention from us. The guys on the ice have to keep an eye on him when he's on the ice and get him off his game."

THE LAST WORD

There was a little star gazing going on while the Senators were in Hollywood. Some of the players did see 5-foot-8 boxing champion Floyd Mayweather riding the elevators at the LA Live hotel he calls home when he's here and apparently his Bentley was parked out front. "A couple of guys told me I could take him. He was my size," said Pageau, who is listed at 5-foot-9. Since this isn't Karlsson's first trip here, he didn't get quite as caught up in the whole Los Angeles thing as some of the younger players did. "I haven't seen anyone that I recognize," said Karlsson with a smile. "I've seen some people that seem important but I don't know to who."

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 10.10.2013


Sens captain Jason Spezza not suiting up for game against Los Angeles Kings

By Bruce Garrioch,First posted: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 04:24 PM

LOS ANGELES - As the short morning skate wrapped up Wednesday at the Staples Center, coach Paul MacLean and captain Jason Spezza stood near centre ice engrossed in a lengthy chat.

In the end, both agreed to do what was best for the team.

Spezza didn't have to like the fact he didn't suit up for the club's first game of this West Coast swing against the Los Angeles Kings Wednesday night, but he did have to live with it after the decision was made to rest his injured groin.

Trying to make sure it doesn't become a pain for the club for the remainder of the season, MacLean inserted Stephane Da Costa into Spezza's spot on the top line vs. the Kings while the club's biggest star played the role of spectator.

"We're going to err on the side of caution, just to make sure," Spezza said. "By taking the extra day (off Wednesday, that gives me a couple of extra days and hopefully we never have to talk about my groin again. It means less risk of me re-hurting it and being out for a longer period of time, which we feel is better for the team."

Spezza admitted it took some convincing.

"I understand the logic of the coach," said Spezza. "Me, as a player, I want to play. I want to play every night. I want to play if I'm not 100%. I want to play. I'm wired to play.

"We've had some good discussions (Wednesday) morning and just decided it's the best move for the team. It's the best move to hopefully make sure this goes away. It has gotten better. It has improved. We're just trying to make sure that it is a non-subject moving forward."

MacLean said he felt giving Spezza rest so that he's ready for back-to-back games on the weekend against the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks was important.

"The fact that we don't want this groin injury to become chronic and be something that with saddled with all year long," said MacLean before the game.

"He's made some great progress since the game on (Saturday) night and we want to continue that progress going ahead. We just felt that giving him three more days before we play in San Jose gives him a real good opportunity to work with (the training staff).

"We feel it gets stronger and stronger every day and then he'll be out of the woods come Saturday. We really are doing it to manage the injury and keep him in as many games as we can."

MacLean said he consulted with GM Bryan Murray, athletic therapist Gerry Townend, the coaching staff and Spezza before deciding that perhaps giving him a break was best for everybody involved to get the groin fully healed.

"It was difficult process for me," said MacLean. "Jason is the captain of the team, one of the best players in the league, and we want him to play. We want him to play for sure.

"But, at the end of the day, we have to sit down and have good discussion to see what's in the best interests of not only him but what's the best interests of the team moving forward. The best thing is to miss (Wednesday) and be ready to go on Saturday and move forward from there."

Spezza said after missing most of last season with back surgery, he doesn't want to be out of the lineup any more games.

"If it's up to me I'd play, but I also have a responsibility to make a decision for the team," he said. "I'm captain of this team and I wouldn't want to jeopardize ... me not playing for a long time just because I feel like I can play.

"You make the informed decision. It takes awhile to get to it sometimes but I've missed a lot of games. It's frustrating to miss games and that plays into to. I want to play every night. I hated the way the year went by missing all the games having (back) surgery. Because of it, I want to play every game.

"If I played 82 games last year, it'd probably be less of a big (deal) to miss this game. It comes to making the right decision."

[email protected]



Ottawa Senators not calling up Mika Zibanejad despite injury to Jason Spezza

By Bruce Garrioch,First posted: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 06:15 PM

LOS ANGELES - Mika Zibanejad will have to wait.

The Senators won't be calling to their AHL affiliate in Binghamton for reinforcements on this West Coast swing.

While captain Jason Spezza was scratched against the Los Angeles Kings Wednesday night because of a nagging groin injury, coach Paul MacLean told reporters the Senators will stick with what they've got because this injury isn't long-term.

"I don't think at this point (he's out long). This is an injury management type of thing," said MacLean. "It's not like he has a significant injury and he's out for a time frame of six weeks or a month.

"That's the only time we would consider (calling Zibanejad up). Let's face it, Jason could (have played Wednesday night) if he had too. The bottom line is we're managing the injury instead of the injury managing us."

The plan is for Spezza to skate with the team in San Jose for the next two days to make sure he's ready to suit up against the Sharks Saturday and the Anaheim Ducks Sunday.

"I've felt pretty good the last couple of days. I'm going to skate pretty hard the next couple of days just to try to show them I can skate full speed," said Spezza.

"I missed some days in camp and stuff. We skated a little bit after practice (Tuesday). I'll use the next couple of days to condition (himself). I'll probably work out (Wednesday) and skate (Thursday and Friday). Hopefully, it's 100% and a non-issue."

Spezza said this is being done so he can play this weekend.

"That's why I'm not playing. They feel if I wait until Saturday hopefully it's gone and I'm a normal player without a nagging injury where back-to-backs are fine just like everybody else. You're just a little tired," said Spezza.


720535 Philadelphia Flyers

Philadelphia Flyers prospect check: Scott Laughton, Anthony Stolarz stand out

Kurt R., SBNation Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 3:16 PM

With a few prospects here and there within the Flyers' organization worth watching, we're going to try and keep you all updated every once in a while on how their seasons have been going. All stats in this post up to date through Tuesday, October 8.

Canadian Major Junior (CHL)

Scott Laughton (F, Oshawa, OHL): 3 games played, 3 goals, 6 assists

Anthony Stolarz (G, London, OHL): 5 GP, 5-0, .934 save percentage (156 saves on 167 shots), 1 SO

Samuel Morin (D, Rimouski, QMJHL): 2 GP, 0 points, 6 shots on goal, 4 PIM

Taylor Leier (F, Portland, WHL): 7 GP, 4 goals, 5 assists, 6 PIM

Notes: Laughton seems to have taken his demotion back to the CHL in stride -- he spent his first weekend there scoring three points per game, which is, uh, impressive. Unsurprisingly, he was named the OHL Player of the Week for his return ... Stolarz's London Knights are 5-0 when he starts and 0-1 when he doesn't, and more importantly, the save percentage there is quite nice -- tops in the league through Tuesday's games ... Morin suffered a hand injury about two weeks ago and has been sidelined since. He should be back in action when Rimouski plays this weekend ... Leier is playing on an absolutely stacked Portland team, so much so that his 1.29 points per game is just third on his own team in scoring, but that doesn't detract from his performance so far. Good to see him succeeding.

Europe

Robert Hagg (D, MODO, SHL): 10 GP, 3 assists, 2 PIM, 14 shots on goal, 16:23 per game

Valeri Vasiliev (D, Spartak, KHL): 10 GP, 1 assist, 4 PIM, 3 shots on goal, 14:38 per game

Notes: From the looks of things, Hagg's ice time has dropped a little bit as the season's gone on, which isn't that surprising for an 18-year old in Sweden's top league, but it seems like he's getting some chances there. He's sixth among MODO defensemen in ice time per game ... Vasiliev suffered an injury in September that kept him out of play for four games. He's fifth among their defensemen in ice time per game, but based on how little he's shooting the puck, it looks like he's played more of a stay-at-home role there.

American junior

Frederic Larsson (D, Youngstown, USHL): 6 GP, 1 assist, 17 PIM, 4 shots on goal

Terrance Amorosa (D, Sioux City, USHL): 2 GP, 1 assist, 3 shots on goal

David Drake (D, Des Moines, USHL): 4 GP, 0 points, 2 shots on goal

Merrick Madsen (G, Minot, NAHL): 2 GP, 1-1-0, .904 save percentage (47 saves on 52 shots)

Notes: Amorosa missed the opening week of the USHL season with an injury, per Bill Meltzer ... Madsen is the backup on his NAHL team, and has started just two of Minot's eight games.

***

The AHL began its regular season this past weekend. The Phantoms won their season opener last Saturday, 4-3, in overtime. Goals were scored by Ben Holmstrom, Tye McGinn, Jason Akeson and Brandon Manning.

Defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere and Reece Willcox, both in the NCAA, will begin play in mid-October.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 10.10.2013


Flyers' Giroux needs to get going

Sam Carchidi, Posted: Thursday, October 10, 2013, 2:01 AM

Flyers captain Claude Giroux says the golfing injury that caused him to have finger surgery in August has nothing to do with his slow start.

Craig Berube, his new coach, agrees, and says Giroux, pointless in four games, is simply "trying too hard."

Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: The Flyers will not be a very good team this season unless Giroux - and some of his other talented teammates - get untracked.

In four games, the Flyers have scored a total of five goals.

Fourth-line forward Kris Newbury, who has played in one game, has more points than Giroux, Scott Hartnell, Matt Read, Wayne Simmonds, and Max Talbot - combined.

Newbury has one point in one game. The others have yet to score.

"Guys are squeezing their sticks," Berube said.

Especially Giroux.

"He's fine, he's healthy," Berube said after the Flyers' inartistic 2-1 win over visiting Florida on Tuesday night. "I think G's trying a little bit too hard. He gives everything he's got out there and sometimes it's too much. You try too hard and you can't accomplish the things you want to accomplish."

Playing on a line with Jaromir Jagr two seasons ago, Giroux (93 points) and Hartnell (37 goals) had career seasons.

Minus Jagr, Giroux had 48 points in 48 games last season, while Hartnell had eight goals and 12 points in an injury-plagued year.

"I'm not confident right now," said Giroux, adding that "you always have a stretch like that during the season."

Berube, in his first game as head coach, moved Wayne Simmonds onto Giroux's line Tuesday. He will give the trio a chance to develop some chemistry.

"It's been a struggle, especially for our line. We have to get things figured out," Hartnell said after Wednesday's practice in Voorhees. He credited goalie Steve Mason for the Flyers' escaping with Tuesday's win, "but we have to score more than two goals a game to have any success this season."

Hartnell said that when he's having success, "it's pretty simple. I score my goals right in front of the goalie, right in his face. Get tips and rebounds. Go to the net with the stick on the ice and good things happen. I've obviously gotten away from that a little bit. I talked about it yesterday with [Simmonds] . . . Just throw pucks at the net and me or him will be there.

"We just have to give G some space to make plays like he can," Hartnell added.

The Flyers had their first full practice under Berube on Wednesday. They are learning his defensive system, one that uses a three-man forecheck to help prevent odd-man rushes. Berube saw progress in the forecheck against Florida, but thought his team allowed too many quality scoring opportunities.

"We've got to have more awareness," Berube said. "We puck-watch too much."



Flyers Notes: Mason emerging as No. 1 goalie

Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer

New coach Craig Berube said the Flyers goaltending competition was ongoing, but the numbers strongly suggest that Steve Mason has become the front-runner.

Mason, 25, has started three of the four games and has a 2.02 goals-against average and .935 save percentage. He's looking like the goalie who excelled in a seven-game stint with the Flyers late last season.

Ray Emery, 31, gave up four goals and had an .882 save percentage in one start.

Berube said that the Flyers will "need both guys. There's lots of games, lots of back-to-back games."

Will the Flyers be a contender this season?

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The goalies figure to divide the next two games - Friday against visiting Phoenix, and Saturday at Detroit.

New digs

For the first time, the Flyers on Wednesday used their new state-of-the-art locker room, which includes an oversize puck (with Flyers logo) as a ceiling light, as part of a reported $4 million facelift to their Voorhees practice facility.

"It's awesome. You walk in and, just like a new house, you feel proud to be part of an organization that spends millions and millions of dollars to make you feel more comfortable," winger Scott Hartnell said. "It's nice we got a win last night and to come in here in a good mood, where everyone has a smile on their face rather than 0-4 and a lot of questions need to be answered."



FLYERS The new stuff just keeps on coming

October 9, 2013 5:05 pm | By Wayne Fish Staff writer

VOORHEES — New coach, new locker room facilities and, guess what, a new look to practice.

The Flyers hadn’t planned on doing things backwards but that’s how it’s playing out.

On Monday, the team learned it had a different coach, Craig Berube.

On Tuesday, before getting in a full practice, the Flyers had to play a game first, defeating Florida 2-1.

On Wednesday, the Flyers finally got a chance at a complete on-ice session, then for the first time entered their renovated dressing/training rooms at the Skate Zone.

Most importantly, the players are finding out what their coach wants. In fact, they will have had two full days to get ready for their next game, against Phoenix, on Friday at the Wells Fargo Center.

Scott Hartnell strided into the new change room and liked what he saw. For starters, the room features a four-foot wide illuminated puck complete with the Flyers logo, mounted to the ceiling.

“It’s awesome,’’ he said. “You walk in and, (it’s) just like a new house. You feel proud to be part of an organization that spends millions and millions of dollars to make you feel more comfortable.

“It’s nice that we got a win last night and to come in here in a good mood, where everyone has a smile on their face rather than 0-4 and a lot of questions need to be answered.

“Everything from the ceiling to the puck (light) in the locker room, it’s pretty sweet.”

That aside, the Flyers are working hard at trying to find answers for a slumping offense.

Hartnell and linemate Claude Giroux, for instance, have yet to score a goal. The team (1-3) has only five goals overall.

“I think any time you start badly, you’re asking, ‘What did we do wrong? Or what are we doing wrong? How do we create more offense?’ ’’ Hartnell said.

“It’s been a struggle for especially our line out there, and we have to get things figured out. ‘Mase’ (goalie Steve Mason) definitely won the game for us yesterday, but we have to score more than two goals a game to have any success this season.”

Berube is introducing a different forecheck system in an attempt to increase takeaways. It takes some getting used to.

“The next couple days are learning practices more than just up and down the ice and getting a sweat on,’’ Hartnell said. “You’re trying to learn a new system and get on the same page.

“There are still lots of questions on certain situations — neutral zone, forecheck, things like that — and it’ll take a few games definitely to get answers to those. But all in all ... we have to use our heads, too, to be an effective team.”

Berube mentioned after the game that the players might be gripping their sticks a bit too tightly (a sign of nervousness). Most likely, it’s going to take a four- or five-goal game to get rid of that anxiety.

“I think sometimes (it happens when) you press, press, press to score because you’re not scoring and losing games,’’ Berube said. “Again, I’ll revert back to it: Your play without the puck is the most important thing right now. When you do that, and we’ll do even a better job than we did last game, we’ll get more opportunities the other way.’’

Berube reiterated he was pleased with the effort. His forecheck system, basically creating a triangle with one or two chasers and one more hanging back to cut off passing lanes, was executed well for the most part.

There’s still some work to be done in the defensive zone.

“We’ve got to do more and we’ve got to do better,’’ Berube said. “We’ve got to have more awareness. We watch the puck too much.’’

Voracek improving

Both former coach Peter Laviolette and Berube have kept Jake Voracek off the top line for the most part as he recovers from a back injury suffered in a preseason game.

Voracek says he’s getting better.

“It’s tough when you miss two weeks and basically can’t skate or can’t work out,’’ he said. “But I am getting to that level where I was in training camp. When you think about it, I only played two games over six months. So that game shape is a little different than practice shape. But I am getting better and better every day. I’m excited for Friday.’’

Burlington County Times LOADED: 10.10.2013


Flyers Notes: Berube gets down to business

October 9, 2013, 2:45 pm | Staff

Craig Berube’s first full practice with his players came Wednesday at Skate Zone and he’ll get another shot Thursday to install new systems before the Flyers' next game, Friday against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Berube wants greater defensive responsibility from the forwards, closer gap space between the defense and forwards on the breakout, and more bodies and rotation in front of his net on the forecheck to prevent quick “rim out” passes from the opposition.

Essentially, the Flyers will want three men at all times moving as a triangle with the intent of getting numbers in front of the net.

It’s different from the aggressive forecheck that Peter Laviolette had with multiple forwards attacking and a left-wing lock at the point.

Berube said the emphasis on his scheme is hard work, forechecking and skating.

“It’s puck pressure, but it’s not two-man puck pressure,” he said. “You’ve got to read and react and better reloads. I thought it was really good last night [against Florida]. I thought we did a real good job there, and I thought the reloads were really good.”

"Reloads" refers to when one man moves, another rotates to cover his spot in the triangle.

“We’re looking for something, but I don’t know if I am able to tell you what we’re going to play,” said Jackub Voracek, one of 17 players still without a goal this season. “It’s obviously going to be different from before. We’re going to play smarter with the puck and everything will take care of itself.”

Added center Adam Hall, “It’s so easy for a million different scenarios to play themselves out on the ice.”

The consensus was the new systems will take a few days for everyone to get comfortable with.

“That’s an individual case by case basis,” Hall said. “How an individual receives it. Each person has a different mindset how they view things.”

This week’s practices are on-ice instruction sessions.

“The next couple days are learning practices more than just up and down the ice and getting a sweat on,” Scott Hartnell said. “You’re trying to learn a new system and get on the same page. There are still lots of questions on certain situations -- neutral zone, forcecheck, things like that -- and it’ll take a few games definitely to get answers to those. But all in all … we have to use our heads, too, to be an effective team.”

Wednesday’s practice had a lot of hard skating and cardio.

“It was intense, which was important,” Voracek said. “We don’t play for three days so the practice is a little harder. I think that is what we have to do. There was a lot of skating out there. We have to keep up.”

What Berube liked best from the 2-1 Panthers’ win is exactly what he said he wanted to see from his players going in – passion, emotion, commitment to the task.

“Effort, competitiveness, effort,” he said. “I just thought guys worked really hard. The forecheck was good. We had some looks in the offensive zone that we wanted.

“We had our triangle and stuff. We just didn’t do enough with the puck. There has to be more composure with the puck and more one-on-one competing.”

He wants them moving their feet on the ice, too. Some of the defensive breakdowns on Tuesday were the result of standing still and watching, not skating.

“Skating is one thing,” Berube said. “The other thing is the systems, trying to get out system tighter and some changes in there. We’ll try to work on that and get organized and get our D-zone coverage organized.”

Voracek, who worked on Vinny Lecavalier’s line with Brayden Schenn, is still attempting to get his cardio up. He feels he lost two weeks worth of training because of the lower back injury he suffered in preseason after being tripped into the goal post.

“It’s tough when you miss two weeks and basically can’t skate or can’t work out,” Voracek said. “But I am getting to that level where I was in training camp. When you think about it, I only played two games over six months.

“So that game shape is a little different than practice shape. But I am getting better and better every day. I’m excited for Friday.

So the cardio drills help you?

“Of course,” Voracek replied. “That is what it is about. You got to skate. If you don’t skate, you are useless. The game is getting faster and faster every year. You have to keep up.”

New digs

The Flyers finally were able to get set up in their new dressing room, which is much smaller than their older room -- perhaps to promote team bonding.

It’s modern, shaped like an olive (or football) with dark lighting. The Flyers' illuminated logo is overhead – not on the floor.

“It’s awesome,” Hartnell said. “You walk in and, just like a new house. You feel proud to be part of an organization that spends millions and millions of dollars to make you feel more comfortable ... Everything from the ceiling to the puck [light] in the locker room, it’s pretty sweet.”

The renovations to the entire facility which affects the training room, coaches offices, equipment area etc., cost $4 million.



Flyers Notes: Hartnell avoids serious injury

Hartnell on getting win: 'It's a big relief'

October 9, 2013, 9:00 amc | Staff

It could have been a lot worse for Scott Hartnell.

This was one time when his signature “#HartnellDown” battle cry on Twitter was far more serious and nothing to joke about.

With 10 minutes left to play in Tuesday’s 2-1 Flyers win over Florida (see story), Panthers’ defenseman Erik Gudbranson ran Hartnell along the right boards.

The Flyers’ left wing fell awkwardly before crumbling to the ice, where he remained motionless for a few moments.

Gudbranson received a five-minute boarding major for the hit, and Hartnell, somehow, got up on his own power and was able to return to the ice for the Flyers’ ensuing power play.

He’s OK, he said, but he’s definitely feeling the hit.

“I was more scared than anything -- I don’t know if ‘scared’ is the right word,” Hartnell said. “But you never want to see a guy go awkwardly into the boards like that. Hasn’t happened to me in a couple years, but yeah, my shoulder’s not feeling that great, more just a little dazed or whatever.”

Schenn’s year?

Brayden Schenn’s contract expires at the end of this season. If ever there were a season for the 22-year-old to prove that he can live up to his much-talked about potential, this is it.

And so far, it seems like Schenn’s received that memo.

Through four games, the young forward has three points -- two goals, one of which was scored in Tuesday’s win, and an assist.

Is he on his way to a breakout season?

“It’s still early,” Schenn said. “I just want to keep on contributing. Getting the opportunity to play with Vinny Lecavalier and Jake Voracek right now, you’ve got to make the most of those opportunities. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

At least by the numbers, Schenn is off to his best start. Last year, he had just two assists through his first four games and the year before, he had no points at all. In his first NHL experience in 2010-11 with the Kings, Schenn had just two assists in eight games total.

Berube’s choice

Craig Berube’s first game was a success -- a 2-1 win. It was a lot easier than Peter Laviolette’s first game as Flyers coach, which was a rather unforgettable 8-2 penalty-riddled loss to the Capitals.

Dan Carcillo took a penalty that resulted in a record nine-minute power play for the Caps, who torched the Flyers for three goals.

Now, Jay Rosehill took a four-minute double minor and received a 10-minute game misconduct in Berube’s debut that brought back memories of the Carcillo incident. The only difference is, the Flyers survived Rosehill’s.

Regarding Rosehill’s penalty, the officials gave the Flyers a choice of a four-minute, 5-on-4 penalty kill or a two-minute, 5-on-3 kill. Berube chose the 5-on-4.

“That’s kind of weird,” Berube said. “For me, I’ve never seen that before. For me, it was an obvious one -- 5-on-4. I didn’t want to kill a two-minute 5-on-3. It’s tough.”

In that situation, per the 2013-14 NHL rulebook, Table 17, Example 7, the Flyers were given the “choice to play one player short-handed for four minutes or two players short-handed for two minutes.”

The double minor for roughing was assessed as two separate minor penalties, and such results in two separate power-play opportunities. The Panthers’ power play was 0 for 5 on the game.

Machete man

That would be actor Danny Trejo, who was in attendance wearing a Flyers jersey. He’s done some films here -- “Machete” was not one of them.

Anyway, rumor was Trejo threatened to do some surgery on the Flyers if they didn’t win this one for Berube.

Trejo was accompanied by actress Alexa Vega. Both were promoting their next film, “Machete Kills,” which opens Oct. 11.

Guests

United States Army Staff SGT Paul D’Agostin, who currently serves as a Detachment SGT with the United States Army’s Striker Reserves Center in Trenton, N.J., escorted Lauren Hart on the national anthem.

Petty Officer Stanley Maculewicz is in his fifth year of service with the Navy, and just returned home from his first tour of deployment in Afghanistan.

Giroux’s Crew (Club Suite F) honored United States Army 462nd Transportation Battalion stationed out of Trenton, N.J.



Claude Giroux: My 'confidence is not there'

Lunch Break: Hail to the chief

October 9, 2013, 12:15 pm Staff

Claude Giroux was quoting Bernie Parent.

“It’s a beautiful game,” he reminded reporters Tuesday. “You need to enjoy it. It feels like I’m not enjoying it right now. You go back to the basics. Start playing a little more physical. I don’t know. I’m sure I will figure it out.”

There are numerous reasons why the Flyers have just one victory through four games so far. There are many reasons why Craig Berube replaced Peter Laviolette.

Among the most obvious is that the club’s best forwards aren’t scoring. Sean Couturier, Jakub Voracek, Scott Hartnell, Wayne Simmonds …

And the Flyers’ No. 1, franchise player -- Giroux, the team captain -- has zero points, as well.

It’s not like he’s out of shape or dogging it, either. Giroux has 10 shots, tied for second-most on the club.

The prevailing thought is that his right hand, which required surgery in August to repair severed tendons from a golfing accident, is still bothering him.

His faceoff percentage is below 50 percent (48.8) and Giroux doesn’t seem to have a lot of power on his shots. However, he says he’s fine.

“The confidence is not there,” Giroux said. “I don’t think it’s the hand -- the confidence is just not there. I will be fine. A few bad games, you always have a stretch like that during the season. Going day by day. We have a new system today and guys did a good job working it. It’s an ugly win, but we’ll take it.”

Berube says his entire team is pressing -- squeezing the stick, as they say -- for goals, and Giroux is foremost among them.

“I think he’s fine, he’s healthy,” Berube said. “I think G is trying a little bit too hard, personally. I think he gives everything he’s got out there. Sometimes it is too much. You try too hard and can’t accomplish the things you want to accomplish.”

Giroux had one shot in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over the Florida Panthers. He said teammates were emotional about playing their first game for Berube.

“Guys were excited,” Giroux said. “We’re trying not to think too much out there. Just play the game. We learned some details about the new system this morning.

“It’s going to be good. We have three days left to kind of regroup and be on the same page for Friday.”

It’s fairly obvious the entire team right now is pressing and needs to relax. The Flyers have five goals scored this season. Only Buffalo and Dallas have scored fewer, and they don’t have the kind of offensive players the Flyers do.

“The goals will come,” Giroux said emphatically. “When you play good defense, that’s your best offense. Our lines have to be better defensively. I have to be better defensively. And when you do that, you’re going to have more chances.”

Asked about invoking Parent’s famous quip, he replied, “It is a beautiful game, though. I don’t know if you think that sometimes.”

This was an ugly win, but you’ll take it?

“Exactly,” Giroux said with a smile.


720542 Phoenix Coyotes

Phoenix Coyotes already feel the need for adjustments after pair of bad games

By Sarah McLellan azcentral sports Wed Oct 9, 2013 9:49 PM

The Coyotes’ season is three games old and already there has been a closed-door, players-only meeting, line shuffling and a pair of roster moves.

Back-to-back losses don’t usually elicit this much attention but when these losses are a complete departure from the Coyotes’ disciplined style and defensive structure, there’s cause for concern.

“Obviously nobody’s happy about how the last couple games have gone, and we’re seeing if we can do some things to rectify it,” coach Dave Tippett said by phone on Wednesday.

After a 4-1 loss to the Sharks in San Jose on Saturday, Tippett tinkered with his forward lines. He promoted winger Lauri Korpikoski to the first line and put wing Mikkel Boedker with center Martin Hanzal and wing Radim Vrbata.

The change benefited Hanzal’s line, which found the only goal in a 6-1 loss Tuesday in New York to the Islanders, but it didn’t do much else. Center Mike Ribeiro, who was brought in over the summer to reignite the offense, has yet to register a point.

“He’s created some opportunities, but he hasn’t had the impact him or his line hasn’t had the impact on the game that they need to have,” Tippett said. “We’ll continue to work away at it. He’ll continue to work away at it. Hopefully we can find some solutions.”

Players are definitely searching for answers. They shut themselves in the locker room after the Islanders game to have a heart-to-heart.

Team brass also took action, recalling forwards Brandon Yip and Tim Kennedy from the American Hockey League and sending rookies Lucas Lessio and Chris Brown back in their place.

“Their time on the ice was dwindling, and they’re better off playing,” Tippett said. “So we brought up a couple guys that have some experience.”

Wednesday’s practice in Detroit in preparation for Thursday night’s game against the Red Wings mirrored the somber tone that’s swallowed the team since its near-perfect 4-1 win over the New York Rangers in its debut a week ago.

Tippett said practice was business-like as the Coyotes attempted to correct defensive mistakes that have led to 10 goals-against in two games.

“There are a lot of things we as a group can certainly clean up,” Tippett said. “Decisions with the puck, discipline to stay out of the penalty box, things like that that give you a much better chance to win.”

The Coyotes could be boosted by the return of defensemen Derek Morris and Rusty Klesla, especially on the penalty kill, which has allowed five power-play goals in 14 opportunities.

Morris sat out Tuesday’s game with an upper-body injury but practiced Wednesday, as did Klesla, who has recovered from a concussion and whiplash suffered from a preseason hit.

Wing Paul Bissonnette could also return after he finished serving a three-game suspension. All lineup decisions will be made after Thursday’s morning skate.

To remove Klesla from the injured reserve list, someone would have to be taken off the active roster.

“The penalty kill is certainly something that we’re concerned about,” Tippett said. “Hopefully if we can add Klesla and Morris back into the mix, those are guys that have done a lot of penalty killing in the past and can help our cause.”

It’s too early to panic, but this road trip could be a meaningful segment of the season. Thankfully for the Coyotes, there’s still time for it to help them rather than hurt them.

“Everyone knows the challenge in front of us,” Tippett said. “If we want to become a better road team, then we’re going to have to play a lot better and not just talk about it. We’re going to have to do it.”

Arizona Republic LOADED: 10.10.2013

720543 Pittsburgh Penguins

Defenseman Maatta, 19, making case to stay with Pens past trial period

By Josh Yohe

Is defenseman Olli Maatta here to stay?

His teammates wouldn't mind.

Maatta, the 19-year-old whose two-way play has impressed through three NHL games, will either be returned to London (Ontario Hockey League) in two weeks or will stay with the Penguins all season.

Recently, it was widely assumed Maatta was only in Pittsburgh for a nine-game trial, at which time he would return to the OHL.

His play through three games is making many believe he belongs in the NHL now.

“I'm very impressed,” said left wing Jussi Jokinen, a fellow Finn.

“You know, I wanted him to feel as comfortable as possible when camp started. But after the first week, I saw that I didn't have to say anything anymore.”

Maatta recorded two assists in Tuesday's 5-2 victory over Carolina and played a near-flawless defensive game.

Assistant coach Todd Reirden, who oversees the team's defensemen, believes Maatta is equipped to stay at the NHL level.

“The signals right now are that he can play at this level,” Reirden said. “At this point, it's easy to make the statement that he belongs.”

According to Reirden, the process is riding an upward swing.

“He was real solid in his first game,”Reirden said. “Very good in his second game, and even better in his last game. You could say he's headed in the right direction.”

Keeping Maatta in the NHL likely would require some roster tinkering.

When healthy, the Penguins have seven defensemen — Kris Letang, Rob Scuderi, Brooks Orpik, Paul Martin, Matt Niskanen, Robert Bortuzzo and Derek Engelland — along with Simon Despres, who is currently playing for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the AHL.

Shipping Maatta back to the OHL for one more season might seem sensible, given the Penguins would preserve a year of his entry-level contract and are already stacked with talent on the blue line.

But even the veterans agree that Maatta has exceeded expectations.

“You see little things he does well,” defenseman Brooks Orpik said. “It's stuff you see 10-year veterans do.”

Orpik and fellow veteran Rob Scuderi warned that Maatta can't be judged yet because he has only played three games. Both defensemen, along with coach Dan Bylsma and Reirden, agree that the upcoming road trip should be an interesting test for the rookie.

Without the luxury of making the last change, the Penguins could find themselves playing Maatta and fellow youngster Bortuzzo against the likes of Tampa Bay star Steven Stamkos on this trip.

“I think Olli has been unbelievable for a guy that young,” Scuderi said. “Just fantastic. But to me, it's too early to judge just yet. The big test will be when the adversity comes. And it comes for everyone.”

Scuderi, though, senses something special about Maatta.

“And when that adversity comes,” Scuderi said, “I think he's going to handle it very well.”

London, incidentally, acquired defenseman Brady Austin, a Sabres draft pick, from the Belleville Bulls on Wednesday.

Bylsma and general manager Ray Shero haven't shed any light on their plans for Maatta.

“I try not to pay attention to the situation,” Maatta said. “But it's always there.”

If Maatta has it his way, he'll always be in Pittsburgh.

“He defines a two-way defenseman,” Reirden said. “He creates offense, and he's been so good defensively.”

His teammates wouldn't mind if Maatta stays in Pittsburgh for good.

“He's making this a very hard decision for the team,” Jokinen said.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/4850803-74/maatta-reirden-game#ixzz2hJIFrVwd

Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

Tribune Review LOADED: 10.10.2013


Penguins notebook: Injured Letang, Neal progressing nicely

By Josh Yohe

A couple of star Penguins are inching closer to a return to the lineup.

Defenseman Kris Letang (knee) and forward James Neal (upper-body) skated at Southpointe before the Penguins' workout Wednesday.

Letang skated for about 50 minutes, and Neal, who was skating for the first time in almost a week, skated for a shorter period. Forward Matt D'Agostini, who was injured early in training camp, also skated Wednesday.

Neal will not accompany the Penguins to Florida, and coach Dan Bylsma is still listing him as “week-to-week,” though he did say Neal is “a little better.”

The all-star right wing suffered an injury two days before the Penguins opened the season against New Jersey. He attempted to play on that night but aggravated the injury.

At that point, the Penguins made it clear that he would not be rushed back into the lineup.

Letang is making the trip to Florida and appears the closest of any of the injured Penguins to playing.

Unless Letang practices Thursday, though, he won't play.

“Kris needs to progress back to practice before we'd think about putting him in a game at this point in time,” Bylsma said.

Letang was injured two weeks ago during a team workout at West Point. He is expected to skate with defenseman Rob Scuderi when he returns to the lineup.

Bylsma said he isn't sure if D'Agostini will make the trip to Florida.

• Wednesday's practice at Southpointe, which lasted about an hour, was the Penguins' first of six October workouts at the facility. Other than Letang, Neal and D'Agostini, the entire team was healthy.

• Goalie Jeff Zatkoff is expected to receive his first NHL work this weekend. Although Bylsma isn't saying if Zatkoff will play in Florida or Tampa Bay, it seems certain that Zatkoff and Marc-Andre Fleury will split the goaltending duties during the road trip. “This would be a perfect spot for Jeff to play one of the games,” Bylsma said. Given that Tampa Bay features a more potent offense with the likes of center Steven Stamkos and right wing Martin St. Louis, it appears most likely that Zatkoff will play against struggling Florida.

Tribune Review LOADED: 10.10.2013


Poor home ice conditions affecting Penguins

By Dave Molinari / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

There is much for the Penguins to like about Consol Energy Center.

The facilities and amenities are first-rate. Sellout crowds are a given. They are on an 18-2 regular-season roll there, including victories in their first three games this season.

Conspicuously absent from the list is the quality of its ice.

That continues to be an issue with players, as it has been since the arena opened in 2010. A group of players, offered anonymity in exchange for candor, left no doubt about that.

"I hate [complaining] about stuff, so it's not on the top of my concerns," Player B said. "But it's unfortunate."

Nearly every player interviewed -- and a few who declined to be -- agreed that the ice-maintenance staff and the front office are receptive when informed of complaints or problems with the playing surface.

"We try to treat our players better than any other team," said David Morehouse, the team's president and chief executive officer. "We're not 'capped' on how well we treat the players, so if the players have a problem with the ice, we'll do everything we can to fix it."

There's nothing new about that. Management has been responding to players' concerns about the ice since the building opened its doors just over three years ago and summoned NHL ice guru Dan Craig as recently as a few weeks ago after receiving negative feedback from players.

"When the ice guy from the NHL gets to town, it usually gets a little bit better," Player A said.

Although complaints about the ice don't seem to make it beyond the confines of the locker room very often, they are frequent fodder for conversations inside of it. Especially at times, like the Penguins' season-opening homestand, when at least some players are particularly unhappy with it.

"Right now, at the start of the season, I think they're still searching for the right ice," Player A said earlier this week. "Obviously, they haven't found it yet."

It is not, apparently, for a lack of trying. One thing on which all concerned agree is that having the best possible ice would benefit the Penguins, whose style puts a premium on skating and skill.

"When you look at the team we have -- the skating ability and the talent level we have -- you'd think there would be more of an [emphasis] on having really good ice," Player B said.

Morehouse, smiling, made that point even more succinctly, saying, "It's not a fullback-oriented team."

Northlands Coliseum (now Rexall Place) in Edmonton set the standard for NHL ice in recent history, and the Oilers' dynasty of the 1980s fully exploited the benefits of having a superb playing surface.

A perfect storm of factors -- very cold winters, low humidity and relatively few non-hockey events -- helped to make the ice at Northlands so good, and Consol Energy Center doesn't have any of that going for it.

"It's a pretty delicate thing," Player C said. "When you think about how many people are in the building, the weather changes, the [non-hockey events] that are in and out of the building, there are a lot of things to consider."

There is no consensus on where Consol Energy Center ranks among NHL buildings -- some Penguins regard it as middle-of-the-pack, others as clearly below average -- there seems to be agreement that its current slab of ice has more of an impact on puck-handling than skating.

"You can tell when the ice [cleaning] crew gets on [during stoppages in play] and there is a foot of snow and the little girls can barely push the snow

by the benches ??? it's kind of snowy and doesn't do well when you try to put a puck on it and keep it flat," Player A said.

Player B, who said Tuesday that the ice conditions for the first two home games "were some of the worst I've seen," acknowledged that multi-purpose venues such as Consol Energy Center face special challenges to making and maintaining good ice, but did not accept that those conditions make the task impossible.

"We joke around here that it shouldn't be hard, because when we skate at Southpointe and skate at town rinks that have zero budget and don't have the tools and technology that they have [at Consol Energy Center], and they all have great ice," he said. "If they can do it, there's no excuse to not have it here."

Morehouse said that, while there was much experimenting in the arena's first year to find the best possible formula and procedures for making ice, "I think we've adjusted and, for the most part, have had good ice."

Players don't share that assessment, although most appear to be confident that efforts to improve the ice will pay off eventually.

"I think they'll figure it out," Player C said. "They're very committed to making sure that they do everything they can to give us the best ice conditions.

"I think it's just a matter of time."

Post Gazette LOADED: 10.10.2013


Penguins Notebook: Letang makes some progress

But Bylsma says defenseman not quite ready to participate in a game yet

By Dave Molinari / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Injured defenseman Kris Letang took a major stride Wednesday toward returning to the Penguins' lineup.

About 50 minutes worth of them, actually.

Coach Dan Bylsma said that Letang, who missed the first three games of this season because of what is believed to be a knee injury, skated for roughly that long before the team practiced at Southpointe.

He added that Letang is scheduled to accompany the Penguins to Florida for a two-game trip that begins Friday night in Sunrise, but seemed to downplay the possibility that Letang will resume playing while the Penguins are there.

"Kris needs to progress back to practice before we'd think about putting him in a game at this point in time," Bylsma said. "I don't see him just stepping back into a game situation without a team practice."

Nonetheless, Bylsma said that Letang skated "at a pretty good clip, which is a progression for him from [Tuesday]."

Bylsma said two wingers with unspecified injuries -- James Neal and Matt D'Agostini -- also skated Wednesday, although Neal was just on the ice "briefly."

D'Agostini still is a candidate to go on the Florida trip, Bylsma said, but Neal is not and continues to be classified as "week-to-week."

Wrong time for Florida trip?

One of the perks of playing in the NHL is making an occasional business trip to a warm-weather spot while winter grips Western Pennsylvania.

Going to Florida before the middle of October doesn't have the same appeal, though, especially given the conditions the Penguins will leave behind when they fly south today.

"It's been such a nice fall here," left winger Tanner Glass said. "It's been a pleasure to be around Pittsburgh.

"Honestly, it's nice when you see [Florida trips] come up in December, January, February, but, right now, it's just the first road trip of the year."

The Penguins, it should be noted, will return to Florida in late November and are expected to spend at least one extra day there after completing another two-game swing through the state.

It's time for Zatkoff

Rookie goalie Jeff Zatkoff is penciled in to make his NHL debut this weekend, although Bylsma declined to specify whether he will start Friday against the Panthers in Sunrise or Saturday versus the Lightning in Tampa.

"This would be a perfect spot for Jeff to play one of the games," he said. "That will happen in one of these two games."

Zatkoff stepped into Tomas Vokoun's job as Marc-Andre Fleury's backup after Vokoun was ruled out indefinitely by problems with a blood clot and was solid enough in training camp that he's getting a chance to show whether he can handle the No. 2 job.

"He's embraced the opportunity, and he has to prove himself," Bylsma said. "He knows the situation, with Marc-Andre starting all the games to this point ??? but he knows the opportunity is coming."

New test for Maatta

Rookie defenseman Olli Maatta, who picked up his first two NHL points in a 5-2 victory Tuesday against Carolina, has been steady and impressive through his first three games at this level.

He is averaging 15 minutes, 27 seconds of ice time while playing primarily alongside Robert Bortuzzo, and has a plus-minus rating of plus-1 to go with two assists.

Maatta figures to face a new challenge on this trip, however, because the Penguins' opponents will have the last personnel change, which greatly enhances the chances Maatta will find himself matched against offensively accomplished forwards.

"To this point in time, he hasn't gotten in a situation on the ice where there's been a poor matchup for our team," Bylsma said.

"He's played some good minutes, but we have the ability, at home, to get the change with the [stoppage in play] that, on the road, we're not going to have."

Post Gazette LOADED: 10.10.2013

720547 San Jose Sharks

Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks rookie, has hockey world buzzing

By Daniel Brown and David Pollak

SAN JOSE -- A teenager without a car managed to travel across the hockey universe Wednesday.

Tomas Hertl, the Sharks' 19-year-old wunderkind, woke up as an Internet sensation after his breakout performance against the New York Rangers.

It wasn't just that Hertl scored four goals. It was that he capped off his night with a goal for the ages, a between-the-legs trick shot that looked like an optical illusion -- the miracle on eyes.

The shot cemented his recently coined nickname, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Hertl," and ignited a Twitter inferno. A video clip of the final goal promptly topped 300,000 hits on YouTube.

It was the shot Hertl'd 'round the world.

"I don't know anybody associated with the game who hasn't seen it yet," said Ray Ferraro, a longtime NHL center now broadcasting for TSN in Canada.

Hertl, a highly regarded 2012 first-round draft pick out of the Czech Republic, became the first NHL rookie to score four goals in a game since 1988, when Jimmy Carson did it for the Los Angeles Kings, also at age 19. Only one other Sharks player has scored four goals in a game: Owen Nolan, who did it Dec. 19, 1995.

By then, Nolan was an established All-Star in his seventh NHL season. Hertl? He still bums rides to practices with goalie Alex Stalock because he doesn't have his own wheels.

Hertl can't rent a car -- he fails to meet the minimum age requirement of 21 -- and he didn't want to buy one because he wasn't sure he'd make the team.

His spot looks secure now, both on the roster and in hockey lore. Hertl had already scored two goals in his first two NHL games entering play Tuesday night.

He added three more goals against the Rangers, and then, with about 12 minutes to go in the third period, he slid the puck behind him, placed his stick between his legs and flipped the puck over goalie Marty Biron and into the left-corner of the net.

The crowd at SAP Center went wild. Hertl had topped his

San Jose Sharks rookie Tomas Hertl set the ice on fire Tuesday evening in a four-goal barrage en route to a 9-2 victory over the New York Rangers. The 19-year-old from the Czech Republic poses at the team's practice facility, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013, in San Jose, Calif., before taking off on the first road trip of the season. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) (Karl Mondon)

hat trick with a parlor trick.

"With this type of game, all the guys in the league are texting each other," analyst Kevin Weekes said Tuesday night as the highlights rolled on the NHL Network. "It's 1:30 in the morning East Coast time, but it doesn't matter. Guys are texting each other."

Adding to the dramatic scene were the shots of Hertl's mother in the stands weeping as she watched her boy become a star. She was wearing a No. 12 jersey, not in honor of the Sharks' Patrick Marleau but because the number represents the year Hertl was drafted.

Hertl, meanwhile, charmed the crowd by giving his best shot during a postgame interview, despite his broken English. "This is dream," Hertl said. "No reality."

Hertl wasn't the only one struggling for the right words.

"I haven't seen a goal like that probably ever," said TV analyst Barry Melrose, who has been around the game as a player, coach and commentator for most of his 57 years.

"A pretty phenomenal moment," goalie turned broadcaster Darren Pang said.

Not everyone was enthralled, however. Because Hertl's goal came with the Sharks already leading 7-2, he left himself open to accusations of showboating. As Melrose noted in a phone interview: "Twenty years ago, he would have gotten the crap kicked out of him if he went back out on the ice again for embarrassing the Rangers. I'm pretty surprised something didn't happen."

Bob McKenzie, the esteemed hockey insider for TSN, said via email

that he suspected the Rangers were upset with the flashy score late in a blowout. He noted that Sharks coach Todd McLellan kept Hertl off the ice after the fourth goal, possibly to avoid any attempts at retaliation.

Pang, who hosts a radio show that airs from Edmonton to Vancouver, said the goal was a very hot topic Wednesday with an equally hot debate about whether Hertl got carried away.

Pang came to his defense.

"I don't think it was something he was trying to embarrass anybody with," Pang said by phone. "I just think it's age. Naivete. Youthful enthusiasm. If he had been in the league a few years and had a reputation for (doing it repeatedly), that's different. But he comes in with a fresh slate. ... There's no question I give him a break on that."

The debate, however, could not overshadow the goal itself. Melrose said he could think of only one goal in its class, a similar behind-the-back shot by Marek Malik in a 2006 shootout for the Rangers. But Melrose said Hertl's was more impressive, since the Sharks rookie did it with defensemen in hot pursuit.

Ferraro, who scored 408 career goals from 1984 to 2002, said the most incredible thing to him was that Hertl even tried it in the first place.

"If it doesn't work you probably a look a bit like a donkey," he said. "But somewhere in his mind's eye, he could see it happening. Heck, I played 19 years in the league, and I never even would have thought of it."

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 10.10.2013


Sharks' Brad Stuart suspended for three games by NHL

By Curtis Pashelka

Posted: 10/09/2013 12:05:14 PM PDT

SAN JOSE -- Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart was suspended for three games by the NHL on Wednesday for an illegal check to the head of Rick Nash in Tuesday's game against the New York Rangers.

If Stuart does not appeal the suspension, he will not be back for the Sharks until the Oct. 17 game at Dallas, missing Thursday's game at Vancouver, Saturday's home game against Ottawa and Tuesday's game at St. Louis.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Stuart, who had his hearing with the NHL on Wednesday after the Sharks practiced, loses $55,384.62 based on his annual average salary for the suspension. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Early in the first period shortly after Nash cleared the puck out of the Rangers' end, Stuart hit Nash from the side, with his left shoulder making contact with Nash's head and chest. In his video explanation, Brendan Shanahan, the NHL's senior vice president of player safety, said Stuart did not charge Nash and did not extend his elbow or forearm.

But Shanahan said Stuart "unnecessarily extends the left side of his body upward, specifically his left shoulder, in a way that makes Nash's head the main point of contact, causing an injury," a violation of Rule 48.

"I just stepped up and hit the guy," Stuart said Wednesday before the hearing. "I've seen the replay. I didn't leave my feet, I didn't target the head. So it depends on how they want to look at it, I guess. Apparently (Nash) has a concussion, so, we'll see."

Nash played a few more shifts in the first period but did not return for the second and third periods.

"I have a headache," Nash told reporters after Tuesday's game. "It got worse. It was a head shot. I'm concerned the way it feels."

Stuart was making his season debut after missing all six exhibition games and the Sharks' first two regular season games with an injury.

Stuart has been known as a physical defenseman, especially in the latter half of his 15-year NHL career. Early last season in one of the more memorable checks of the year, Stuart leveled Colorado's Gabriel Landeskog in the neutral zone. Landeskog said later he felt it was a clean hit.

Nash has a history with head injuries. Last season in a game against Boston, Nash was hit by Bruins forward Milan Lucic and was out of uniform for four games with a concussion.

Stuart has been suspended once before in his career, but it was in 2001 in his second season in the NHL. He was suspended for two games without pay for a cross checking incident against Florida, as he was penalized two minutes in the game for hitting the Panthers' Len Barrie in the head with his stick.

The Sharks assigned forward John McCarthy to Worcester but did not announce who would be recalled, although it appears now it would be a defenseman.

THURSDAY'S GAME

Sharks (3-0-0) at Vancouver (3-1-0), 7 p.m. CSNCA



Meet Tomas Hertl, the San Jose Sharks' red-hot rookie

By David Pollak Posted: 10/09/2013 09:28:20 AM PDT

SAN JOSE — Tomas Hertl, it turns out, is a smart guy willing to give a fairly straightforward answer to any question. As long as the language is Czech.

Monday, with the help of Roman Jedlicka -- @Jedli on Twitter, a Czech play-by-play announcer with NOVA TV sport — I spent 40 minutes talking with the Sharks first-round 2012 draft pick about his past, present and future. Jedlicka sensed the challenge of interviewing Hertl in English and offered to serve as translator. I took him up on it.

I'll rearrange a few things to try and give the Q&A that follows some structure rather than let it veer into one topic and then back to another as the interview did.

ON THE ICE

Q: On the ice, your adjustment to the NHL so far has looked very easy. Has it been?

That's how it it maybe looks. But everything is much quicker in the NHL. I give a pass to somebody and then suddenly I get hit.

Q: What would be the biggest difference between the NHL and playing in Europe?

It's really a big difference to play in the NHL because in the Czech league, I have much more time for everything. In NHL, there are very good systems. We are playing under a super-system. It's different from the Czech league and we are spending more time in front of TVs watching video.

Q: You mentioned the hitting aspect. It's only two games, but are teams playing physical against you because they see what you're doing out there?

I don't think that teams are paying some attention to me. I don't mind if somebody hits me because I like it, because I'm ready for it. I'm ready for getting hit and I'm ready to hit someone. No problem with that for me.

Q: So that hit on Vancouver defenseman Chris Tanev, when you drilled him into the boards, that's how you like to play the game then?

I think so. In the Czech Extraliga, I liked hitting. I was ready

San Jose Sharks rookie Tomas Hertl set the ice on fire Tuesday evening in a four-goal barrage en route to a 9-2 victory over the New York Rangers. The 19-year-old from the Czech Republic poses at the team's practice facility, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013, in San Jose, Calif., before taking off on the first road trip of the season. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) (Karl Mondon)

for it and I tried to hit anybody. I like to be a tough player as well.

Q: Is there a term for "power forward" in Czech?

No, we don't have anything like "power forward" in the Czech Republic. We don't call it that way.

OFF THE ICE

Q: Let's talk about things away from the rink. How has it been getting to know San Jose and learning about American culture. Has that been a challenge or easy to do?

I am getting used to San Jose. Some things are easy, some things are not.

What is not good for me is transportation to get myself to someplace because I don't have a car and I can't rent one because I am not 21 years old. I don't know if I can buy a car because I am still fighting for my spot. I don't if I have to buy a car and I am living in a hotel.

Q: Tomas, before we got on the phone, you told me you spent the off day Sunday in San Francisco with your girlfriend and your mother. Was that your first time there and have you gotten to see other parts of Northern California?

With my mom and girlfriend, we went by train. But it wasn't the first time in San Francisco for me. I have already been there one time in early

September with the guys from the team because we had a day off. I liked the Golden Gate Bridge and I have to say the city is really, really nice.

Q: Who on the team is helping you get adjusted to life here, maybe showing you

San Jose Sharks Tomas Hertl (48) skates on the ice against Vancouver Canucks in the third period at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013. (Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

around a little?

The guy who really helps me is Marty Havlat because he is the only one that understands me. We are both from the Czech Republic.

The other guys help me as well. Alex Stalock takes me with his car to practices so he's another guy who helped me.

Q: If the team says to move out of hotel, does he plan to move in with a family or get an apartment for himself?

In the beginning of summer, I spent two weeks with a family and we had an agreement that if I will make the team, I will live there. It would be really good for me because I will have in my head only hockey and nothing else.

The family was great to me. As far as buying my own apartment, maybe for next year.

Q: Any favorite restaurant or favorite American-style meal?

I don't have some favorite restaurant, but what I like is steak because I know it. I think in the future, guys on the team will help me and give me advice where to go. Marty Havlat, we went to have sushi and the guys from the team like a restaurant, Aldo's.

Q: Do you watch much television? Any favorite American TV show?

I don't have any favorite TV show. I'm just surfing the TV channels and what I really like are sports programs and all the sports games.

THE JAGR COMPARISON

Q: When you first started watching NHL hockey, who were the players you tried to pattern yourself after?

Definitely my childhood idol was Jaromir Jagr. I was a Pittsburgh Penguins supporter, that's why I like Evgeni Malkin. I try to play like Jagr and Malkin. I watched their videos.

You know, I am a little similar to Jaromir Jagr. Both of us have big bottoms and I just try to use my big bottom as Jagr does.

Q: Are you aware they are already making Jagr-Hertl comparison back in the Czech Republic? Are you comfortable with that?

I know they compare me and Jaromir Jagr. To be honest, it's really a nice feeling, but I think Jaromir Jagr is on another level. It's a long way for me to be like Jaromir Jagr. He is a Czech hockey legend.

I just would like to play my game and I don't know if some day in the future I would be like Jaromir Jagr. But I don't think so. He is a real legend.

Q: Do you look forward to playing against Jagr in the NHL?

Yes, I am looking forward to that game, but I have played against him in the Czech league. And I just want to say I am looking forward to every game in the NHL because I am really enjoying the NHL. It's like a dream for me to play in the league.

THE DECISION TO COME TO NORTH AMERICA

Q: Was is it a difficult decision to come to the NHL this season?

For many years I had a dream to play in NHL so there was no question. I wanted to go overseas even if I were to play in the AHL in the minors because I know the team wanted me to improve my English and I wanted to play overseas.

So that people from San Jose (the organization) could watch my game, I wanted to be closer to them. That was clear from me that I wanted to play in the NHL. I just knew that I would do anything that the people in San Jose tell me.

Q: Former NHL player Vladimir Ruzicka was your general manager and coach with Slavia Praha? Did he try to talk you out of coming to the NHL this season, and when he realized you were leaving, did he pass along any advice?

He told me to stay one more year in Slavia Praha. That was just his advice. It wasn't that he didn't want me to go there, that it would be better for me. But in the end, he wished me good luck in the NHL, he told me to practice hard, that that was the way it goes in the NHL.

Slavia Praha is my teammate from my childnood and I will come back every summer. I have to say I would like to thank Vladimir Ruzicka for the chance he gave me many years ago and what he has done for me.

Q: Because of the lockout last year, several NHL players from the Czech Republic went home and played in your league. Do you think that has helped your development?

That was really good for me. I had a chance to play against them. Especially Kladno, a Czech team, had a whole line of Czech players — Jagr, Thomas Plekanec and Jiri Tlusty. And the d was Marek Zidlicki and Tomas Kaberle.

Even in Slavia Praha, we had two players from NHL — Roman Cervenka and Vlaidimir Sobotka. I practiced with Vladimir Sobotka over the summer and he talked with me about NHL so that was really good.

ODDS, ENDS AND ENGLISH

Q: Why did you choose No. 48 when you played with No. 90 in the Czech league?

I didn't choose that number. They gave it to me so I'm playing with 48.

Q: Do you have a preference for another number at some point?

Yes, I thought about it, maybe in the future. But if I am successful with 48, I don't have reason to change it.

It's not important what number is on my jersey. For me, what's important is I have the jersey on myself.

Q: We've talked before about the constant smile. Does that just reflect your outlook as a player?

I've always tried to be as positive as I could.

We are winning games, so there is no reason to be sad so I have a smile on my face all the time. I was smiling in the Czech Republic and I'm smiling in San Jose -- no difference. I'm just a positive person.

Q: Finally, back to English: how hard is it to learn the language under these circumstances -- when coaches and teammates are trying to communicate?

You know, the Czech language is not easy because we have an incredible amount of words. This may be bad for me because I am thinking about every word, trying to translate from Czech to English and the delay grows because English is much easier than the Czech language.

I understand what people tell me, but it's hard for me to make a sentence to speak. I don't have too much of a problem as it may seem, but if I don't understand anything, I ask and the coaches show me.

I'm trying to improve my English definitely, but if I don't know, they will draw on the paper and I take that paper home and look at it again and again, not only the words, but the system and everything.



San Jose Sharks

Staff

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- With the eyes of New York on him Tuesday night, Sharks rookie Tomas Hertl put on a Broadway-worthy performance.

The 19-year-old native of the Czech Republic tied a franchise record with four goals to lead the Sharks to a 9-2 rout of the New York Rangers. And he capped his scoring outburst with a nifty between-the-legs drop pass to himself that left backup netminder Martin Biron flummoxed.

"He's a passionate young man, and I'm not even sure if he realizes where he is," Sharks coach Todd McLellan said. "He's innocent out there."

But what about the trick-shot nature of that fourth goal?

"Well, he scored, why not?" McLellan said. "Our game needs a little bit of that."

The only other Shark to score four goals was Owen Nolan against the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 19, 1995. And Hertl's accomplishment came in just his third NHL game.

"That was special," Sharks captain Joe Thornton said of his linemate's performance. "You don't see that very often."

Hertl was the star, but he had a strong supporting cast on a night that might prove costly to the Rangers for reasons that go beyond the two points as star New York forward Rick Nash left the game early after taking a Brad Stuart elbow.

Matt Nieto, San Jose's less-heralded rookie, also celebrated his first NHL tally and picked up two assists while veterans Logan Couture, Dan Boyle, Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Justin Braun also found the back of the net. Joe Pavelski and Jason Demers each had three assists.

San Jose goalie Antti Niemi gave up goals to Rangers forwards Brad Richards and Derek Dorsett while making 18 saves for his third straight win.

The Sharks were able to take advantage of the fact the Rangers are on an extended trip and had played the night before in Los Angeles.

"It's hard to play back-to-back games early in the year, and they've been on the road for a long time," McLellan said. "They have a new coach, they played against a heavy team last night in L.A. We had a game plan to go after them."

Actually, with the help of two San Jose penalties, New York was the first team on the scoreboard.

In his first game back after an offseason injury, Stuart was sent to the penalty box for elbowing Nash just 2:32 into the game, and 31 seconds later the Sharks were whistled for too many men on the ice, giving the Rangers a two-man advantage.

They only needed 24 seconds to take a 1-0 lead on Richards' goal, but that lead didn't last long.

While still on the power play, the Rangers got a little casual, and Vlasic capitalized with a short-handed goal at 4:23. Boyle then launched a shot that caromed off Rangers defenseman Marc Staal past New York starting goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

In the second period, the Sharks broke the game open with four goals over a 4:16 stretch.

Nieto scored at 8:16, then Hertl nailed his first of the night, redirecting a beautiful centering pass from Andrew Desjardins. Lundqvist, who gave up four goals on 26 shots, was finished for the night as new Ranger coach Alain Vigneault decided Biron was the better option.

Biron didn't have a chance 20 seconds later when a shot bounced off the glass and Couture sneaked in behind the goal and batted the puck into the open net. And at 12:32, the Sharks made it 6-1 on a Hertl breakaway that beat Biron through the five hole.

Dorsett's goal at 8:22 of the third period made it 6-2, but that only seemed to wake up the Sharks -- especially Hertl, who picked up the hat trick at 9:02 and then stunned the crowd with the kind of trick shot usually seen in shootouts at 12:05.

"That's something I don't have in my bag," Thornton said. "That was awfully pretty, eh?"



NHL results, Oct. 9

Staff

Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart has been suspended for three games without pay by the NHL for an illegal check to the head of New York Rangers forward Rick Nash.

Stuart was given a minor penalty for elbowing 2:32 into San Jose's 9-2 win on Tuesday night. The league's Department of Player Safety handed out a stiffer punishment Wednesday.

Stuart will lose $55,384.62 in salary that will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund, and he will sit out at Vancouver on Thursday, a home game against Ottawa on Saturday, and at St. Louis on Tuesday. He is eligible to return at Dallas next Thursday.

Nash played several shifts after the hit but was ruled out after the first period.

"It just didn't feel right," Nash said. "Anytime you get a head shot, you're concerned. It's not a good feeling."

Kings 4, Senators 3:

Jeff Carter scored his second power-play goal on a deflection of Mike Richards' shot 28 seconds into overtime, and host Los Angeles won despite blowing a three-goal lead. ... Dustin Brown scored twice during the Kings' three-goal first period, and Carter had three points for Los Angeles. ... Ex-Shark Milan Michalek scored the tying goal with 4:27 left in regulation for the Senators.

Blues 3, Blackhawks 2:

Alexander Steen's slap shot with 21.1 seconds remaining beat Chicago goalie Corey Crawford to give host St. Louis the win. ... Steen broke down the left side as part of a 3-on-1 rush. He kept the puck and let go a drive from just inside the circle that trickled through Crawford. ... The Blues matched their best start to a season, also done in the 1969-70 and 1993-94 campaigns. Jaroslav Halak made 26 saves in his third straight win. Vladimir Tarasenko and David Backes also scored for St. Louis. ... Patrick Kane scored for the third straight game for the Blackhawks.

Flames 3, Canadiens 2:

Rookie forward Sean Monahan had a goal and an assist, and Joey MacDonald made 33 saves in host Calgary's victory against Montreal. ... Sven Baertschi and Curtis Glencross also scored for Calgary. The last time the Flames earned at least one point in their first four games was in 2009 when they had a 4-0 start. ... P.K. Subban had a goal and an assist for the Canadiens, who hadn't played since beating Philadelphia on Saturday. ... Lars Ellar recorded his fourth goal and sixth point of the season. Carey Price made 22 saves.

Sharks Thursday

Who: Sharks (3-0-0) vs. Canucks (3-1-0)

Where: Vancouver

When: 7 p.m.

TV/Radio: CSNCA/98.5, 102.1

San Francisco Chronicle LOADED: 10.10.2013


Stuart slapped with multi-game suspension for hit on Nash

October 9, 2013, 5:45 pm— Brad Stuart

SAN JOSE – Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart was suspended for three games on Wednesday for what the NHL deemed an illegal check to the head of the Rangers’ Rick Nash on Tuesday night.

Stuart will miss the Sharks’ game in Vancouver on Thursday, a home game against Ottawa on Saturday, and the Sharks-Blues games in St. Louis next Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Stuart was assessed an elbowing penalty when he hit Nash along the boards at 2:32 of the first period. Nash stayed in the game for the remainder of the first period, but did not return to start the second. He missed four games with a suspected concussion last February after a hit from Boston’s Milan Lucic.

Stuart was making his season debut after not playing in a single preseason game with a lower body injury, and had a phone hearing with the league on Wednesday afternoon. Just prior to the hearing, he gave his perspective of the hit, in which he was assessed a minor for elbowing early in the first period of the Sharks’ 9-2 win.

[REWIND: Stuart could face punishment]

“I just stepped up and hit the guy. I saw the replay. I didn’t leave my feet, I didn’t target the head. It depends on how they look at it, I guess. Apparently he has a concussion, so we’ll see,” Stuart said.

“I got an elbowing penalty, and you can clearly see my elbow is down. In the videos it appears as though I hit his shoulder, and that was the main point of contact.”

Arguably the Sharks’ hardest hitter, Stuart said he was looking to have a quick impact in his first game. The penalty came on the 33-year-old’s second shift.

“I was just looking to get involved physically,” Stuart said. “Like I said, I didn’t charge, leave my feet, and I wasn’t running around or anything. But, yeah, you’re looking to get yourself involved in the game, for sure.”

Scott Hannan, who sat on Tuesday to make room for Stuart, will presumably be re-inserted back in to the lineup on Thursday night in Vancouver.



Rookie Nieto thrilled with first NHL points

October 9, 2013, 10:30 am | Staff

SAN JOSE – Sharks rookie Matt Nieto’s timing could have been better.

The Long Beach native’s performance on Tuesday was overshadowed by fellow rookie Tomas Hertl’s four-goal output, and after several family members attended the Sharks’ home opener last week, they have since left town.

Even so, that didn’t seem to diminish the 20-year-old’s excitement at recording his first points in the NHL in Tuesday’s 9-2 dismantling of the New York Rangers. Nieto assisted on Dan Boyle’s first period goal for his first-ever point, and scored a second period goal to give the Sharks a 3-1 lead. His first power play point came on the Sharks’ ninth goal, when he assisted on Justin Braun’s late marker.

“I’m really happy for Tomas, that’s a great accomplishment, but to get my first goal, I couldn’t be happier,” Nieto said after the game. “I thought the team played well again tonight.”

Nieto has played on the wing of the Sharks’ third line through the first three games, with center Joe Pavelski and right wing Tommy Wingels. Pavelski and Wingels earned assists on Nieto’s goal, which turned out to be the game-winner.

Pavelski started the play with a great cross-ice pass through two Rangers to Wingels, and Wingels managed to push the puck to the slot where Nieto slammed it home at 8:16 of the second period.

“[New York] turned the puck over in the neutral zone, and we were able to counter that. We had a good line rush,” Nieto said. “Tommy hit the puck into the slot, I crashed the net hard, and luckily no one was around me and I hit it in the back of the net.”

Todd McLellan said: “Obviously everyone is going to focus on Tomas, and they should, but Matty had a great game. He feels comfortable playing on that line, and he complements Pav and Tommy Wingels very well with his speed and his tenacity. He’s on top of pucks a lot and obviously has a bit of a nose for the net, too.”

Nieto, who took the place that would have been occupied by Raffi Torres before an ACL injury, was asked what he thinks is behind the Sharks’ impressive 3-0-0 start, in which they’ve outscored the opposition 17-4. All three wins have come at SAP Center.

“I think some of it has to do with the fans that we get,” Nieto said. “The fans have been great so far, and we’ve been able to play really well in our home building. We’re on the road for our first game in Vancouver, so hopefully we can carry that momentum.”



Stuart could face punishment for Nash hit

October 9, 2013, 8:30 am | Staff

At 2:32 of the first period Tuesday Brad Stuart was assessed a minor penalty for elbowing Rick Nash. (AP)

Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart will have a hearing with league's Department of Player Safety on Wednesday, and could face supplemental discipline for his hit of New York’s Rick Nash on Tuesday night.

At 2:32 of the first period, Stuart, who was making his season debut, was assessed a minor penalty for elbowing Nash. The Rangers’ winger stayed in the game through the remainder of the first period, but did not return for the start of the second.

[REWIND: Stuart set to make Sharks season debut]

“It was a head shot,” Nash told the New York Daily News. “Any time there’s a head shot you’re concerned when you feel the way it feels. It’s not a good feeling.”

Asked about the hit after the game, a 9-2 Sharks win, head coach Todd McLellan said: “Obviously Rick didn’t return for, I think, the third period. I haven’t had a chance to look at it again. With the coaches and management, nobody has told me that it was anything other than a normal hit.”

The NHL will determine on Wednesday if the hit was an illegal check to the head, and if Stuart deserves any further punishment. The hearing is by phone, per ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun.


720555 St Louis Blues

Blues fail to keep all of the red out

By Jeremy Rutherford [email protected] 314-444-7135

Steen's late goal lifts Blues in playoff atmosphere

Blues 3, Blackhawks 2 • Forward’s goal with 21 seconds left breaks 2-2 tie. Read more

In August, the Blues announced a new ticket policy that they hoped would help keep the red out — as in Chicago and Detroit red.

The club required fans who wanted to attend games against the Blackhawks and Red Wings to buy a multi-game package. The hope was that it would make some opponents’ fans reconsider buying tickets and taking over Scottrade Center, a scene that’s happened regularly in the past.

The first test came Wednesday.

“Won’t know until we go out and see the crowd,” Blues president of business operations Bruce Affleck said an hour before the game.

The crowd was announced at 16,565 — well below the 19,150 capacity — and there was a healthy but not overwhelming number of Chicago fans. The ones in attendance were noticeable by their red sweaters.

“Great crowd,” Affleck said during the game. “So glad so many wore red in support of the Cardinals!”

A reason for the undersized crowd Wednesday was undoubtedly the fact that the Cardinals were playing Game 5 of the NLDS at Busch Stadium. In fact, the Blues have failed to sell out any of their first three home games — two of which came on days the Cards played.

In the Blues’ home opener, when the Cards played Game 1 of their series, the announced attendance was 18,871. In the second game last Saturday, the attendance was 16,264.

“It’s the nature of the beast,” Affleck said. “We try and not get as many early October games, but the league didn’t see to it. But we can’t use that as an excuse. We’ve got to sell them. Early October and Cardinals, that’s part of the battle you’ve got to fight.”

Blues players, who have been supportive of the Cardinals, realize the situation.

“It’s tough,” Blues forward Chris Stewart said. “It’s that time of the year for them ... they’re in their playoffs and it’s totally understandable. We know they support us.”

But would the Blues have received more support from St. Louis fans had they been able to purchase an individual-game ticket for Wednesday night in advance?

The club did release those tickets a few weeks ago, according to Affleck, when it was obvious that it would not sell out based on fans buying multi-game packages.

Affleck said that he had heard only one complaint.

REAVES A SNIPER?

The Blues’ 3-2 victory Wednesday ran their winning streak to nine consecutive games at Scottrade Center, dating back to last season.

Entering the game, the Blues player with the most goals in the streak might be a bit of a surprise. Fourth-line forward Ryan Reaves, who is the team’s enforcer, had the most with four. He has only 10 goals in his career.

“If I’m going to be the leading goal scorer, then the boys are going to have to step up their game, I guess,” Reaves joked.

BLUENOTES

Chris Porter has played two games with the Chicago Wolves since being assigned to the American Hockey League. He has no points on four shots on goal in the two games.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 10.10.2013



4 hours ago • By Jeremy Rutherford [email protected]

It wasn’t a playoff game. That was down the street at Busch Stadium.

But for the Blues and Chicago Blackhawks and the 16,565 fans who opted for hockey over baseball, the early-season meeting felt like a postseason matchup.

“We’ve kind of been joking … it’s going to be the first playoff game of the year,” Chicago captain Jonathan Toews said before the game. “It’s not really a joke. It’s going to be a tough game, a physical game.”

The “Wednesday Night Rivalry” game lived up to its billing with a fight in the opening two minutes, the captains of the teams each scoring a goal, and a knotted affair going into the third period.

All that was left was a photo finish and forward Alexander Steen obliged, scoring with 21 seconds left in regulation to lift the Blues to a 3-2 victory.

The Blues reached 3-0 for the first time since 1993-94 and for only the third time in their history. They’ll have a chance to extend that to four games when they return to the ice Saturday against the New York Rangers.

“It did (feel like the playoffs) in the game, but it didn’t in the post-game,” Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. “I think in the postgame, the players are looking forward to the day off (Thursday) and then moving on, getting ready for New York. But it did in the actual competition, yes.

“I think everybody knows this is the third hockey game of the year, but I think the actual competition from the drop of the puck until the end of the game felt like a playoff game.”

Following his shutout Saturday, Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak made 26 saves, including one that set up the winning goal. After a stop, the puck quickly was on the stick on teammate Alex Pietrangelo, who with Chicago defenseman Brent Seabrook on him immediately backhanded the puck ahead to Steen.

“We know their ‘D’ like to come down and pinch on the puck, so as soon as I got it, I knew I had to get it up,” Pietrangelo said. “‘Steener’ gets the puck and he’s full steam ahead.”

What developed was a three-on-one situation, with Steen, David Backes and T.J. Oshie flying in on defenseman Duncan Keith.

Chicago’s Patrick Kane hustled back desperately, but he was denied by Backes to get anywhere near the play.

“I figured I might get in his way,” Backes said.

Steen skated just inside the left circle and teed up. Chicago goalie Corey Crawford got a piece of the puck, but it trickled past him for what ended up being the game-winner.

“I found a hole,” Steen said. “I don’t know if I got all of it. It’s not really how hard it is. It’s more where you put it.”

It put the Blues on top the Central Division standings and despite their being 79 games remaining for both teams, Chicago coach Joel Quenneville called it a “brutal loss.”

“We gotta get that game to overtime,” Quenneville said. “I don’t know what we were thinking about. We’ll take one, maybe two (points). Getting none is unacceptable.”

In the days leading up to the contest, Hitchcock warned about potential damage if the team began the night with another slow start.

In the early going Wednesday, Chicago held a 6-1 advantage in shots, had a pair of two-on-one rushes and a partial breakaway. But Halak kept the game scoreless.

The Blues opened the scoring on Vladimir Tarasenko’s second goal in as many games.

Chicago’s Marian Hossa skated through the neutral zone with the puck, but lost it to the Blues’ Patrik Berglund. He fed Tarasenko at the offensive

blueline and after a few steps, the Russian winger ripped a shot past Crawford.

“I just wanted to try to fake a shot and make a pass ... but the (defensemen) stayed in the middle,” Tarasenko said. “The coach tells me all the time, ‘Just shoot.’”

Tarasenko’s second goal of the season handed the Blues a 1-0 lead with 4:16 left in the first period. But the ’Hawks responded quickly. After a boarding penalty against the Blues’ Maxim Lapierre, Kane netted a power-play goal for a 1-1 score with 2:59 to play in the first period. It was the first power-play goal given up by the Blues this season, after halting the first 11.

But the Blues power play picked up the penalty-killing unit. Overcoming an inexplicable whistle after play was blown dead when the Blues had possession of the puck on the man advantage, Backes deflected a point shot from Pietrangelo past Crawford for a 2-1 lead with 11:23 left in the second period.

The Blues let Chicago back in the game with another penalty. Jaden Schwartz was nailed for hooking and Toews cleaned up a rebound in front of the net for a 2-2 tie with 10:44 left to play in the second period.

“They were fluky goals,” Hitchcock said. “They were under sticks, through legs, off elbows.”

There was nothing fluky about Steen’s game-winner.

Almost five minutes earlier, with 5:23 left in regulation, he ripped a shot that Crawford gloved for a save.

“He had a similar shot,” Pietrangelo said, “so I guess he put it in a different spot.”

The right spot.



Blues don't mind Cardinal Red, just not Chicago Red

By Jeremy Rutherford


Blues 3, Blackhawks 2 • Forward’s goal with 21 seconds left breaks 2-2 tie. Read more

The Blues don't have the option of backing up their game Wednesday night to avoid being head-to-head with the Cardinals.

In the club's season opener, club officials opted to push the puck-drop back 30 minutes so that fans of both teams could have time to finish watching the Cardinals' 4 p.m. game and tune into the Blues at 7:30.

But tonight, the Blues' much-anticipated matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks will start at 7 p.m., followed a few minutes later by the decisive Game 5 of the NLDS between the Cardinals and Pirates.

"It's tough," Blues forward Chris Stewart said. "It's that time of the year for them... they're in their playoffs and it's totally understandable. It's crunch-time for them. So if you're going to be a fan, we're not going to take it personal to go to the Cardinal game. We know they support us. I'm sure it'll still be a packed house tonight."

Interestingly, the Blues-Blackhawks tilt is not sold out, and if that holds true, the team will not have had a true sellout for any of its three home games.

A capacity crowd for Scottrade Center is 19,150. In the home opener, a Thursday night game against Nashville, the announced attendance was 18,871. In the second game, Saturday night versus Florida, the attendance was 16,264.

To what should the lack of sellouts be attributed?

• The Cardinals being in the playoffs

• October is historically a slow month at the gate for the Blues.

• Fans want the Blues to prove themselves for a long period before they'll buy tickets.

It could be any one of those answers, but another possible answer is the Blues' decision to require fans to purchase tickets to multiple games if they wanted to attend these four games — the season opener, two games against the Blackhawks and one game against Detroit.

The policy has been dubbed "Keep the Red Out" because the Blues, like the Nashville Predators, instituted the multi-game package for select games to prevent Chicago and Detroit fans from filling up Scottrade Center.

“Basically, we see too many red jerseys,” Blues president of business operations Bruce Affleck said in August when the policy was announced. “We’d like our fans to have an opportunity to buy them before the people in Chicago and Detroit, so that’s what we’re doing. It’s no secret.”

Brandon Bollig,who grew up in St. Charles and plays for Chicago, said the policy speaks volumes for the Blackhawks.

"It’s almost flattering to our fans," Bollig told Chicago reporters. "It’s kind of funny that would happen. It’s no secret we have a big fan base that follows us everywhere and they’re pretty crazy."

Tonight's game has not been sold out, however, and therefore the Blues put the remaining tickets on sale recently.

Would Blues fans' have bought a single-game ticket for tonight if they could have purchased them ahead of time? Did the Cardinals advancing to Game 5 of the NLDS make fans' decision easier not to buy Blues' tickets at the last minute? Or did the policy work, evidenced by the fact that Chicago fans apparently have not bought up the remaining tickets because it was too late to make plans?

Either way, the Blues will be welcoming Cardinal Red tonight and hoping not to see Chicago Red.



Blues-Blackhawks rivalry among the best

Published: October 10, 2013 By NORM SANDERS

ST. LOUIS — There's something special about hockey rivalries.

St. Louis Blues winger T.J. Oshie considers himself extremely fortunate to have been associated with great rivalries at the high school, collegiate and NHL level.

While playing high school hockey in Minnesota it was Warroad High vs. Roseau High for bragging rights and playoff supremacy. Once Oshie moved on to the University of North Dakota, the intense rivalry was always with the Golden Gophers of the University of Minnesota.

Now with the Blues, Oshie can't get enough of the Blues-Blackhawks feud. He enjoyed watching the Blues-Blackhawks "NHL Rivals" special that aired Tuesday night on the NBC Sports Network.

"Just being a part of it is great," Oshie said.

The show featured plenty of fights, some great playoff matchups from the old Norris Division, former Chicago star Jeremy Roenick losing a lot of teeth and goaltender Eddie Belfour famously breaking his stick over the crossbar in disgust over a goal that clinched a playoff series for the Blues.

"You see those old clips and it really fires you up," Oshie said. "You really get to see the intensity and the legacy of the players before you. It just makes you want to be a part of that and want your team to win even more."

Also adding fuel to the rivalry fire is the fact that the Blues and Blackhawks met eight times in the playoffs from 1980 to 1993. The team haven't met in the postseason since 2002 and Chicago has won seven of the 10 playoff series between the clubs.

What did Oshie notice the most about the old-school Blues-Blackhawks games on the documentary?

"Just the playoff series, the look on both teams faces when the other team won," he said. "Just how intense that was and how much it meant to them to beat those rivalry teams."

Don't think the Blues haven't noticed those two Stanley Cups won recently by their nearby NHL neighbors.

"I'm not certain on what the ingredient is or if it's anything magical you can put your finger on," Blues captain David Backes said. "But it's a group of guys that just binds together and says 'This is our time' in the playoffs and gets the job done.

"We've learned some tough lessons here in the last two years in the playoffs -- and from those lessons we've grown."

With many years of service in the Western Conference, Blues winger Brenden Morrow has watched the growth of the Blackhawks firsthand.

"They went through their growing pains, had a few years where not much was happening," Morrow said. "They did get those draft picks and they grew their talent, made some additions here and there and now they're right near the top every year.

"They're a competitive team and they've found something that's working for them right now."

They are the champions

Chicago is trying to become the first team to win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships since Detroit in 1997 and 1998.

Blues coach Ken Hitchcock says the Blackhawks present a lot of problems

"We have a problem when we play them, they just don't give us the puck," Hitchcock said. "It's an issue. They're the best team in the league, they stretch out your defense. Our style of play only works when we hem them in.

"If we don't hem them in, then our style doesn't work."

Belleville News-Democrat LOADED: 10.10.2013


Steen's late goal stuns the Blackhawks

By NORM SANDERS — News-Democrat

ST. LOUIS — Alexander Steen has a flair for the dramatic.

Steen's blast from the left wing with 21.1 seconds remaining Wednesday lifted the St. Louis Blues to a 3-2 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.

Steen was robbed earlier in the third period on a glove save by Corey Crawford and before that hit the goalpost in the second period. But with the game seemingly headed for overtime, he took a pass from Alex Pietrangelo and led a 3-on-1 rush before blasting a shot through Crawford for the game-winner.

"I kind of had to look around because I was almost a little surprised how alone we were on the rush," said Steen, who has the hardest shot on the team as well as a team-leading three goals in three games. "The defense pushed over to the other side. I don't know if I got all of it. When you let it go you kind of pick your spot and you kind of feel like this one has a chance. It's not really how hard it is, it's more where you put it."

Steen put it exactly where he needed to for the Blues to reach the 3-0 mark for the first time since 1993.

"He's a really competitive player with a high level of hockey IQ," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. "I quite frankly think this is just a continuation of the way he played in the playoffs to be honest with you."

Pietrangelo sent the play the other way extremely quickly.

"We know their defense likes to come down and pinch on the puck, so as soon as I got it I knew I had to get it up," Pietrangelo said. "Steener gets the puck and he's full steam ahead. He had a similar shot earlier in the game, so I guess he put it in a different spot."

The Blues had outscored their first two opponents 11-2. They twice took leads, only to watch the Blackhawks answer quickly with power-play goals both times. Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak was sharp throughout, kicking out 26 of 28 shots. Halak's big pad save on Duncan Keith with 2:08 remaining kept things tied.

"It's a big win, that's for sure," Steen said. "It's a rival team. I don't think these teams care for each other too much so these are always nice wins, but it's game three and there's a long way to go."

Using the same lineup for the third straight game, the Blues took a while to gain some traction as the Blackhawks (1-1-1) came out flying from the opening puck drop.

Halak was forced to make several crucial stops early, including a glove save on Johnny Oduya and another save to thwart Patrick Sharp.

It didn't take long for the emotions to boil over between the rivals as Blues winger Chris Stewart dropped the gloves to fight Chicago's Sheldon Brookbank just a minute and 59 seconds into the game.

After Patrik Berglund picked off a pass from Chicago's Marian Hossa, Vladimir Tarasenko let loose with a laser-like wrist shot from the top of the right circle to give the Blues a 1-0 lead with 4:16 remaining in the first period.

It was a different kind of goal than Tarasenko's first this season, when he muscled his way in front to score against Florida.

"I think the goal he scored (against Florida) is a perfect example of what's going to make him great," Hitchcock said. "There was a goalie and two defensemen and he knocked over all three and put it in an empty net. That's the strength he has for a 21-year-old, he's incredibly strong and those are the goals that over time, we think he's going to score. He can muscle one, two or three players off the puck and put it in the net."

The momentum didn't last long as Patrick Kane's power-play goal tied it with 2:59 left in the period. Kane scored just seven seconds into the power play after Maxim Lapierre drew a boarding penalty.

That goal ended the Blues' 11-for-11 streak on the penalty kill this season.

Crawford robbed Blues center Derek Roy early in the second period, then Halak turned away Patrick Sharp on a breakaway.

After nearly taking the lead when Steen hit the goalpost, the Blues did it for real when David Backes deflected in a shot from the blue line by Pietrangelo for a power-play goal.

Patrik Berglund won the faceoff and T.J. Oshie got the puck to Pietrangelo, who picked up two assists Wednesday and has five in three games.

Chicago followed the same pattern as it did following the Blues' first goal, quickly collecting the equalizer just 39 seconds later.

Jonathan Toews scored the Hawks' second power-play goal of the night just 15 seconds after a hooking call on Blues winger Jaden Schwartz.

On the two Chicago goals, they needed seven seconds of power-play time on one and 15 seconds on the other.

Belleville News-Democrat LOADED: 10.10.2013

720560 Tampa Bay Lightning

Bolts start long homestand, hope to keep momentum going

By Erik Erlendsson | Published: October 10, 2013

TAMPA — The buzz in the building returns, just as the Lightning come back home following a successful three-game road swing to start the season.

After a 2-1 trip, Tampa Bay will open the home schedule tonight as familiar foe Florida comes to town.

“It was good to get on the road early with the guys and then to come home with four out of six points, that’s a pretty good start for us,’’ right wing Teddy Purcell said. “We’ve always been a pretty good team at home, so hopefully that momentum will carry over.’’

The Lightning have spent a good portion of the past two-plus weeks away from home, having spent six days in Fort Myers to close out training camp before embarking on the three-game swing through Boston, Chicago and Buffalo. After the long period of time away from friendly confines, Tampa Bay will spend most of the remaining days of October at home, with the next seven games at the Forum.

“We have been on the road for quite a while if you count training camp, and it was good to start on the road,’’ Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “But it will be nice to be in front of some people that like us.’’

Generally, when the home team gets in front of the home fans for the first time, the juices start to flow a bit more and the adrenaline rush gets ratcheted above normal levels as the 19,000-plus fans expected provide an energy source for players to feed off of.

The players want to put on a good show and make a good first impression in front of a live audience.

But with three games already under their belts, perhaps the butterflies won’t be fluttering as much as if the first home game of the season was also the first game of the season.

“Just probably not as much nervousness,’’ center Steven Stamkos said. “You’re still anxious and excited to play in front of your home fans. The atmosphere is always unbelievable. The building is going to be jammed and excited and you see around town that buzz again.

“It’s just one of those things where you want to get your first shift out of the way. But I think guys are comfortable now, and it is easier having played three games already and for the young guys, knowing what to expect at this level at this time of year should be an exciting time.’’

But after the excitement of playing the home opener fades away, there are still six more games to be played on home ice, and among the opponents are the past five Stanley Cup champions — Chicago (2013, 2010), Los Angeles (2012), Boston (2011) and Pittsburgh (2009). It will make for a difficult stretch for a team with six rookies on the roster.

“There’s some pretty tough teams coming in, so we are glad we have them at home,’’ Stamkos said. “It’s going to be a challenge, and you just don’t want to get too comfortable. We know that we usually play well here and we have to have that mind-set that we have to win and try to win every game we can.’’

A near month-long stretch at home also presents its own set of challenges. Being in familiar surroundings for that length of time often has coaches worried about complacency or players getting into too much of a routine.

Under previous coaching regimes, some of that time would be broken up with team-building activities or a short trip out of town to break the monotony that could set in.

But over the next three weeks, the Lightning will play just about every other day, with the exception of a four-day gap from Oct. 20-23 when the Lightning have no games scheduled. As of now, there are no plans to throw in a curve ball.

“I think we will take this one as it goes,’’ Cooper said. “I’m not sure exactly how we are going to play this out during (the rest of the month), but seven straight ... you love to play at home, but seven straight is a lot of games at

home and we have to take care of those games. So it would be really nice to build some momentum here on this homestand.’’

Pyatt injury

Cooper said injured forward Tom Pyatt, who suffered a broken collarbone during the third period Tuesday in Buffalo, is expected to be out until at least Thanksgiving. In the meantime, Cooper said there was no immediate plan to bring anybody up from Syracuse of the American Hockey League to fill the roster spot.

Tampa Bay opened the season with the maximum of 23 players, which meant three were scratched each night as the Lightning carried two extra defensemen and one forward to start the season. Cooper said he is not inclined to dress seven defensemen and 11 forwards for the time being.

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 10.10.2013


Tonight’s Game: Florida at Lightning

Erik Erlendsson

WHERE/WHEN: The Forum; 7:30 p.m.

TV/RADIO: Sun Sports/970 AM

INJURIES: Panthers — G Tim Thomas (groin), D Ed Jovanovski (hip), C Nick Bjugstad (concussion), LW Sean Bergenheim (hip), out. Lightning — D Brian Lee (knee), C Tom Pyatt (broken collarbone), out.

NEED TO KNOW: Tampa Bay is 10-7-3 all-time in home openers. ... The Lightning have allowed the first goal in all three games this season. ... Tampa Bay is 24-21-11 all-time at home against Florida. ... C Steven Stamkos has 17 goals and 30 points in 28 career games agaisnt Florida. ... Players will walk the “blue’’ carpet into the building beginning at 4 p.m., signing autographs and taking pictures with fans as they enter. ... The first 10,000 fans will receive light-up thunder sticks. ... The Panthers have started the season 0-for-16 on the power play. ... Tampa Bay went 3-1-1 against the Panthers last season. ... G Jacob Markstrom is expected to start in net for Florida. ... Lightning coach Jon Cooper did not announce the starting goaltender. Ben Bishop has started the past two games after Anders Lindback played in the season opener.

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 10.10.2013


Lightning-Panthers preview

Damian Cristodero Wednesday, October 9, 2013 7:52pm

Lightning vs. Panthers

When/where: 7:30; Tampa Bay Times Forum

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 970-AM

Key stats: Lightning RW Marty St. Louis, with 915 career points, needs one to pass Bobby Orr for 94th all time. … The Lightning is 10-7-1 with two ties in home openers. … Florida has been outscored 9-1 in its past two games, both losses. … Tampa Bay has allowed the first goal in each of its three games but has outscored opponents 4-1 in the third period and overtime.

Blue carpet treatment: For the home opener, players will sign autographs and pose for pictures beginning at 4 p.m. outside the Times Forum.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 10.10.2013


Lightning's Stamkos continues work to improve his game

Damian Cristodero, Wednesday, October 9, 2013 5:50pm

Ask Steven Stamkos what it means to be a complete player and the Lightning center talks about someone "who can be trusted in all situations."

It was telling, then, that at the end of Tuesday's morning skate in Buffalo, Stamkos worked on faceoffs with fellow center Tyler Johnson. Monday it was with center Valtteri Filppula.

"It's about being willing to learn and pick up a few things," Stamkos said.

Tampa Bay Lightning takes tougher approach in developing Brett Connolly

With his bona fides as one of the league's top goal scorers well established, Stamkos, 23, has turned his attention to developing elements of his game that won't get nearly the acclaim but that he knows are just as important to taking the next step in his development.

It's still a big deal to score goals, and Stamkos' 185 since the start of the 2009-10 season are the league's most.

But winning more faceoffs, being more often in the right place defensively, taking better care of the puck have to be part of the equation.

"It's the (penalty kill) and being out there when you're up a goal late in the game, not being a liability defensively, playing solid at both ends of the rink," Stamkos said. "That's the player I want to be."

Those thoughts are not new to Stamkos. But winning his second goal-scoring title in 2011-12 and finishing second in points last season without making the playoffs in either season sharpened the process.

Add a disturbing 33.3 percent winning percentage on faceoffs in this season's first three games and coach Jon Cooper's demand everyone play better in the defensive zone, and you get this:

"It's nice to have scoring titles and goals and stuff," Stamkos said. "But you want to be in the playoffs. You want to win."

"He wants to be the best," said former NHL defenseman Brian Engblom, an analyst for NBC Sports Network. "And if you want to be the best, you have to work at all the things you're not quite up to par on."

Faceoffs are tricky. The obvious battle is one-on-one between the players at the circle. But more faceoffs are won by teammates gathering loose pucks than with clean wins off the draw. At worst, a faceoff man must create a puck battle so others can swoop in.

Stamkos acknowledges his faceoff numbers are rough. In five previous seasons he never has won 50 percent, a number considered acceptable but not great for a center. Last season's 49.6 percent was his best.

"As a centerman, you want to be a good faceoff guy," Stamkos said. "I'm going to stick with the things that worked for me last year and things you can learn from a guy like Filppula and hope they come to good use."

"The most important thing is to talk about it," Filppula said. "There are a lot of ways to take faceoffs, so it's tough to say one or two things you do. You need a little luck, too."

And experience. In Tampa Bay's first two games, Stamkos faced two of the league's best at faceoffs in Boston's Patrice Bergeron and Chicago's Jonathan Toews, and in three games this season he has won just 18 of 54 draws.

"Now he knows what he's up against and the guys he really has to be careful of," Engblom said. "It's the same thing defensively — if he's playing (Sidney) Crosby or (Ryan) Getzlaf, (knowing) what they do so well and where you have to be in order to prevent that."

Simply put, defense is will over skill: hustling to back check, battling for pucks, playing the body.

Stamkos, 6 feet 1, 194 pounds, has done more of each this season, and a couple of jarring open-ice hits during the preseason were, for Cooper, a good indication of a transition.

"He skates like a gazelle. He has a rocket for a shot. He's got exceptional stick skills. Usually that doesn't translate into a guy who can play a physical game," Cooper said. "So it was impressive to see a guy of his stature, how strong he was on his skates and that he really could win those physical battles."

"I feel I'm slowly getting there," said Stamkos, who was minus-4 last season despite 57 points, second in the league, and 29 goals. "It's not going to happen overnight, but I'm at a point where it's the best it's been in my career. It's mentally, too, coming into games not only thinking offense. You're not cheating as much because you want to be in the right position and be trusted."

Cooper has trusted Stamkos on the penalty kill this season, something previous coach Guy Boucher did not do, and Stamkos is grateful for the chance.

"You can say you want to be that player, but if you're not getting the opportunity to go out there and penalty kill or go out there in the last minute of games, you're never going to get there," he said. "It's nice having a coach who has that confidence in you."

"He's been accustomed to a certain way of playing for a lot of his career, and he's excelled at that," Cooper said. "It wasn't he was poor at the defensive aspects, he's just more aware now of the defensive zone. He's becoming more responsible. It's great to see at such a young age."

PYATT UPDATE: Expect wing Tom Pyatt, who broke a collarbone Tuesday at Buffalo, to be out until at least Thanksgiving, Cooper said.



The Lightning's newly decorated hallways

Damian Cristodero Wednesday, October 9, 2013 5:39pm

The Lightning has again redecorated the hallways inside its locker room and leading outside the locker room door to the ice.

The hallway inside the locker room is decorated with Images from the team's past as reminders of the tradition that has come before. The hallway leading from the locker room to the ice is decorated with Images of players from the team's current roster.

"The plan in our head was tohave the history of our team and the present of our team as we walked out onto the ice," coach Jon Cooper said. "Guys could get a feel what's gone on here, who's walked in these hallways before us and who is walking the hallway now. That was well thought out with the group."

Cooper said that every picture that went into the murals, where they were situated, was approved by the coaching and management staff. Cooper called it "trendy" and "modern."

"What I had in my mind I thought was going to be great, they made it way cooler," Cooper said.

"I think that puts a little onus on you," Cooper added. "This was done here in the past. This is becoming an expectation for us. This is what we want to do. We want to go in and expect to win games and anything you can do to help create that environment it helps."


720565 Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs leaning on youngsters as injuries hit

JAMES MIRTLE

TORONTO — They’ve been getting younger and younger as players have dropped out of the lineup, and now, as they head to Nashville for their fifth game of the season, it’s official.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are the youngest team in the NHL, with an average age of just 25.9 years.

The recall of 20-year-old forwards David Broll and Josh Leivo along with defenceman T.J. Brennan, 24, on Wednesday morning got them there, as did injuries to three veterans earlier in the year.

If 30-year-old alternate captain Joffrey Lupul – who is day-to-day with a bruised calf – can’t play against the Predators on Thursday, it will further drop the team’s average age another few months, meaning Toronto will ice one of the greenest groups the franchise has had in decades.

“I couldn’t really sleep last night when I got the call,” said Leivo, a 2011 third-round pick who has played only nine games as a pro in the minors after two 73-point seasons in the OHL. “Hopefully I can help the team and I can also learn some new things. It’s a learning step for me.”

Should Broll and Leivo both dress on Thursday, they will join Morgan Rielly in becoming the second and third players to make their NHL debut with the team this season.

The Leafs could then have as many as 10 players in the lineup who have less than 120 games NHL experience, including other youngsters like Carter Ashton, Nazem Kadri and Jake Gardiner.

Leafs coach Randy Carlyle said the team has to view having up to five regulars out of the lineup this early in the season as a challenge, one that other clubs have overcome in recent years.

“That’s adversity you have to deal with in the NHL,” Carlyle said after a lengthy practice that involved over an hour of video work. “We’re no different than any other team. I can remember the Ottawa Senators last year at the beginning of the season they just kept losing body after body after body, and there was a lot made out of it that they were continuing to find ways [to win]. That’s what we have to get out of our group. We have to find ways to have success.”

The reality is that the Leafs situation is nowhere near as dire as Ottawa’s a year ago, as the Sens lost Jason Spezza and Erik Karlsson for most of the season in the early going and racked up nearly 400 man games in the abbreviated 48-game campaign.

Toronto, meanwhile, isn’t yet missing any of its stars. The only losses of note have been David Clarkson (to a 10-game suspension that is looking more costly by the day), Nikolai Kulemin and Mark Fraser, but even those absences have tested the Leafs depth.

The last two games, Carlyle has opted to dramatically shortened his bench in the late going, indicating a lack of trust in anyone beyond his top two lines.

In Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to Colorado, for example, the Leafs bottom six forwards – which included three enforcer types – played a combined 13 minutes and 11 seconds in the third period.

And four minutes of that, or 30 per cent, went to Kadri.

The end result was that Toronto’s top line played basically every second shift, with centre Tyler Bozak now having played two of the five highest minute nights of his NHL career in the last two games (both were more than 23.5 minutes).

Carlyle appears to realize that kind of load will be hard to sustain over a prolonged period and indicated that he intends to use more of his roster in the games to come.

“I think we owe it to our players to be more consistent with our lineup,” Carlyle said.

“When people get hurt, there’s other opportunities open for somebody else. To say Morgan Rielly would be getting the ice time he’s getting if Mark Fraser wouldn’t have gotten hurt – it might have been challenging for him. But who knows? We can’t live in the ‘if’ world.”



Jake Gardiner tries to shut out trade talk

JAMES MIRTLE

TORONTO — It’s one of the difficult things about playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The news cycle often has a name or two off the roster in trade rumours, and right now it’s focused squarely on young defenceman Jake Gardiner.

He hasn’t been able to entirely avoid the talk.

“That’s part of the Leafs,” Gardiner said after practice on Wednesday. “Media’s going to speculate about things. It’s part of the business. If something happens then that’s the way it is. You just can’t worry about it.

“You always hear a little, but I try and stay out of that. I remember [Luke] Schenn a couple years ago, it seemed like he was talked about every single day. Then nothing happened for the longest time. It did end up happening, but that happens with every guy in here and you’ve just got to block it out.”

While the Gardiner rumours are coming from legitimate sources and, in my opinion, have some basis in reality, what has been overblown so far this season is the notion that the young blueliner has somehow been one of the Leafs main problems.

Gardiner has made a few notable turnovers and mistakes to be sure, but he played well in Tuesday’s loss to the Colorado Avalanche and logged more than 20 minutes in doing so.

On the season, meanwhile, Gardiner has the best possession numbers of any Leafs blueliner despite a 37.8 per cent zone start figure (percentage of offensive versus defensive zone faceoffs) that is one of the lowest on the team.

He still has an undeniably great skill set in terms of being able to skate the puck out of trouble, but what’s noticeable is just how much partner Paul Ranger has struggled to adapt to being back in the NHL for the first time in four years.

The organization plans on being patient with Ranger’s game, however, and he and Gardiner were again working out some of the kinks at Wednesday’s practice.

“He competes hard. He’s pretty vocal,” Gardiner said. “Good skater and he plays an aggressive style.

“You try to get used to [your partner] right away, but sometimes you don’t click, sometimes you do. You’ve just got to work with whoever you’re playing with. We can always work on things. We’re working in practice, trying to talk a little bit more and communicate better.”

As for the blame being placed on Toronto’s defence early on this year, Leafs coach Randy Carlyle was careful to say after practice that it’s on the entire team to improve, not just certain individuals.

The coach’s earlier statements about Gardiner in particular generated some attention in the media, and the organization appears sensitive about presenting too negative a message given the team’s 3-1-0 start.

“There’s always a lot made out of certain individuals,” Carlyle said. “It seems like one guy gets the x on his back… We’ve got a group of players who can improve and we don’t want to single individuals out at this point, four games into the season. We all know that we have to be better.”

“We win as a team and we lose as a team and that’s how it’s going to be all year,” Gardiner added. “We’ve got to work on some things. Everyone’s not at the top of their game right now.”



Mirtle: Lupul joins growing list of injured Leafs

JAMES MIRTLE

TORONTO — Like the rest of his teammates, Joffrey Lupul said all the right things about the Toronto Maple Leafs thin lineup after Tuesday’s loss, noting that every NHL team had to deal with injuries and have players step up from the minors.

What he didn’t reveal at the time was that he was hurting himself, the result of a collision with Colorado Avalanche forward PA Parenteau that left Lupul with a bruised calf that could keep him out of a game or two.

“There’s always going to be people in and out of the lineup,” Lupul said. “I’ve kind of bounced around each and every line early on, but that’s the way it goes. Obviously you don’t expect [Nik] Kulimen to break his ankle at practice and today [Jay] McClement’s out [after his wife] had a baby boy…

“Some of these things, this early in the season, you don’t expect to lose guys like that, but it’s going to happen sometimes. It’s a chance for other guys to step in and play well. You’ve got to be able to play with everyone.”

Like all of the injuries the Leafs have suffered so far, Lupul’s isn’t considered serious. Leafs coach Randy Carlyle said he was merely “day-to-day,” which makes him questionable for Thursday’s game in Nashville.

“He’s coming with us,” Carlyle said. “Hopefully the swelling will have subsided and he’ll be back to normal shortly.”

Added to the absences of Kulemin, Mark Fraser, Frazer McLaren and David Clarkson (whose preseason suspension has six games to go), Lupul’s loss could mean Toronto has to test its minor league depth even further, with another new set of recalls coming on Wednesday before a marathon video and practice session.

Going back to the Marlies were Trevor Smith and Jamie Devane.

Coming in as reinforcements are three players Carlyle said impressed at camp David Broll, Josh Leivo and T.J. Brennan, bringing the Leafs up to the 23-man roster limit.

Brennan, in particular, had a strong showing in his brief time in the AHL, scoring four goals and adding two assists in two games to earn the league’s player of the week honours.

From Willingboro, N.J., Brennan is a 24-year-old offensive defenceman who spent last season split between the Buffalo Sabres and the Florida Panthers and has a shot to draw into the Leafs lineup in the near future.

He has an interesting back story as he didn’t start playing hockey until 11 or 12 but made the QMJHL’s St. John’s Fog Devils at 17 and has had some good offensive seasons at the junior and minor league level.

Like every defenceman in the organization except for Cody Franson, Brennan is a lefthand shot, but he said Wednesday he prefers to play on the right side.

That’s where there may be an opening if Carlyle chooses to sit Paul Ranger, Jake Gardiner or Morgan Rielly against the Predators.

“I like it better to be honest,” Brennan said. “It’s just something I was taught early on. I started playing the right side my first year of junior and I liked it. Trying to be offensive and shoot, it’s easier to get them pucks through.”



Blair: Leafs sure to feel the wrath of Randy Carlyle after loss to Avs

JEFF BLAIR

Goaltending controversy? Trading Jake Gardiner? The Toronto Maple Leafs will hit the ice at Mastercard Centre Wednesday morning with much more pressing issues after a 2-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. They’ll face the wrath of Randy Carlyle knowing they’re not good enough to have a goaltending controversy. Not good enough to consider trading Gardiner. Not yet.

Giving up 33 shots is nothing new. In fact, it’s just below the Leafs average through four games, and as Carlyle posited before the loss to the Avalanche: if his team keeps winning while it gets out-shot, will it still be a topic of conversation? What ought to be a bigger concern is the manner in which the Leafs were out-shot 15-7 on their own ice in the second period by the Avalanche; the manner in which the Avalanche managed what Dion Phaneuf adroitly described as “too many chances within the good ice … in the critical area. Give up that many and your odds of winning go down.” The Leafs actually won the period in the faceoff circle after a slow start; but the Avalanche still forced them into mistakes. “They got to us in the second period,” Joffrey Lupul admitted.

Lupul thought the Leafs gave up 20 shots in the period. Phaneuf guessed 18. Officially, the NHL statistics sheet said 15, but you get the drift: winning while you give up an average of 34 or 35 shots per game is not a sustainable trend. This isn’t the Ron Wilson era any more; and as much as Carlyle will continue to be at his disarming best whenever it’s suggested that being out-shot is becoming “a thing” with his team, it is in the very least a reminder that despite that 3-0 start this team is as it was described by Lupul: a work in progress.

David Clarkson has six more games left on his suspension. Nikolai Kulemin is hurt and so is Mark Fraser. For whatever reason, Lupul and Nazem Kadri have yet to develop that intuitive sense of the other that Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel seem to possess. Kadri, in fact, played just 13 minutes on Tuesday because with all their injuries (Jay McClement’s absence was a one-night matter,) the Leafs are a two-line team and Dave Bolland offers them more than Kadri. Morgan Rielly looked much more comfortable compared to Saturday’s debut – it was Rielly who in fact energized the Leafs during one of their very best bursts in the third period, swooping in for a backhand, circling around the net and picking up his man and then lugging the puck back into the Avalanche zone, drawing a tripping penalty from Cory Sarich at 10:08 – but he is still a rookie. And Paul Ranger and Gardiner are no sure things, either.

It all means that it’s difficult to get a handle on who will be contributing and to what degree when the Leafs are whole. Until there is a better sense of that, fretting about whether Jonathan Bernier or James Reimer is the No. 1 guy – it’s a small sample size, but Bernier’s rebound control and glove hand seem better than the incumbents – or wondering whether Gardiner might be traded for a forward seems a little bit like a leap. And that’s before Phaneuf’s contract status or Rielly’s junior eligibility are put into the equation.

Cody Franson, who seems to have taken the initiative physically in recent games (he had four hits Tuesday) was asked about the second period shackling by the Avalanche – a team that is easy on the eyes and going to be very good very soon.

“They played a very patient game and pounced on us,” Franson said. “I just think it’s early season stuff. I mean, you’re just coming out of exhibition games, and you’re still making mistakes that you won’t be making at the end of the year. Maybe it’s a focus thing … but it’s something correctable.” Until it’s corrected, the Leafs don’t know what they are – let alone what they have to offer to another team.



Maple Leafs list Joffrey Lupul as day-to-day with bruised calf

By: Mark Zwolinski

Joffrey Lupul’s status for Thursday’s Maple Leafs road game in Nasvhille is “day-to-day,” although it’s likely the winger will play.

Lupul missed practice Wednesday with what the Leafs called a bruised calf muscle area. Lupul collided with Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau in Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to Colorado in what was dangerously close to a knee-on-knee hit.

Leafs coach Randy Carlyle, who is dealing with some roster decisions and a team that is struggling with some basic details of its defensive game, sounded confident Lupul will overcome the bruise in time for the Nashville game.

“He had a collision last night with Parenteau, and he has a bruised, I guess you’d call it lower calf area,” Carlyle said.

“It’s a bit sensitive (Wednesday), some swelling, but he’s received treatment, seen the doctors and it’s nothing but a bruise. So he’s day-to-day, he will make the trip (to Nashville). But we won’t have a decision on him, we will make that determination at game time. But we think it’s positive that he’s in the gym, riding the bike now and that he will be back to normal.”

The Leafs called up Marlies forwards Josh Leivo and David Broll, and defenceman T.J. Brennan, fresh off being named American Hockey League player of the week.

The club sent down forwards Jamie Devane and Trevor Smith. The Leafs also placed Nik Kulemin (foot) on long term injury reserve to make room on the roster for the moves.

The callups appear to be nothing more than moves to keep the roster above the bare minimum of 12 forwards, six defencemen and two goalies. Carlyle, though, has clear options, at least on defence, where the pair of Jake Gardiner and Paul Ranger have come under scrutiny while the club’s turnover rate keeps soaring at league-leading levels (66 through four games).

“It goes part and parcel to where you think team your team’s at,” Carlyle said about potential lineup changes on defence for the Nashville game, and in general.

“A lot is made of certain individuals, one guy gets a (bad) rap, but when the team makes mistakes, gives the puck up a lot like we have . . . then I won’t single individuals out. Four games into season, we all know we have to be better.”

While improvement within the defensive scheme is overdue, Carlyle was cautious about pushing anything that resembles a change button at this early juncture of the season. He seemed more intent on allowing the incumbent players an opportunity to turn around their turnover-happy play.

In addition, the current lineup has seen several Marlies stay in the NHL while the Leafs deal with injuries, David Clarkson’s suspension, and the birth of Jay McClement’s son (McClement and wife Lesley welcomed newborn Reid into the world Tuesday). But at this juncture in the season, all teams are focused on evaluating the rosters they made for the opening of the season — not disassembling them.

“We owe it to our players to be more consistent with our lineup,” Carlyle said. “Our lineup has been different, there’s been (injuries), the birth of a child . . . and we aren’t the only ones who have to deal with adversity. You have to find ways to have success.”

Meanwhile, McClement returned for practice and said the birth of his son was a “special experience.”

“The timing was tough, you definitely don’t want to miss any games, but I was there and it was a life experience. As much as we tried and planned not to miss any games, you can’t fight Mother Nature.”

Toronto Star LOADED: 10.10.2013


Maple Leafs: Joffrey Lupul misses practice amid lineup shuffle

By: Mark Zwolinski Sports reporter, Published on Wed Oct 09 2013

Maple Leafs forward Jeffrey Lupul missed practice Wednesday with a bruised calf and is listed as day to day.

In Tuesday night’s 2-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, Lupul collided with P.A. Parenteau.

“I would say that when you say a player’s day to day, it would be totally dependent upon how he feels,” Carlyle told reporters. “Hopefully the swelling (subsides) and it’ll be back to normal shortly.”

Lupul, who missed the start of training camp with back spasms, was replaced on the second line by AHL call-up Josh Leivo.

Meanwhile, speculation that either Jake Gardiner or Paul Ranger may be a healthy scratch for the Maple Leafs game in Nashville heated up again Wednesday morning at practice.

The morning after Tuesday night’s 2-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, Joffrey Lupul didn’t participate in practice. No reason was immediately given but Lupul took a knee-on-knee hit in the game.

The talk on Ranger and Gardiner was already rampant, with the Leafs blueline (and the entire team for that matter) committing far too many turnovers through the first four games of the season.

And while much of the talk is premature and partly unfair, the club did make a roster move Wednesday to push the speculation along a bit further.

The Leafs called up Marlie forwards David Broll and Leivo, and defenceman T.J. Brennan.

Forwards Trevor Smith and Jamie Devane were returned to the Marlies.

Forward Nik Kulemin (foot) was placed on long term injury reserve to make room on the roster for the moves.

Brennan is fresh off being named AHL player of the week, and may get a look when the Leafs visit Nashville on Thursday, and try to boost their 3-1 start to the season.

Gardiner’s name has been making the rounds in trade rumour mills, much of it based on talk that he doesn’t fit easily into coach Randy Carlyle’s system. Ranger was behind a turnover that led to a Colorado goal Tuesday in the Leafs loss to the Avalanche, but the veteran forward is just four games into a return from a four year absence from the NHL.

While the Leafs’ record has them off to a good start in the standings, the club leads the league in turnovers. Toronto committed 16 more Tuesday, and now has 66 through four games.

At the moment, the Leafs appear to be in dire need of tightening up the small details of the game — passing out of their own zone, coverage and adjusting their compete level.

But the club is also getting outplayed so far, with teams like Montreal, Ottawa, and Colorado, boasting teenaged talent with excellent skating and energy.

Toronto is now on a stretch where it is playing six games in 16 days, which will provide Carlyle with more time to work on systems in practice. Toronto’s early season schedule, and busy end to the pre-season, has left the coaching staff with less time than they wanted to prepare the team to the level they envisioned.



Maple Leafs need to remember what led to earlier success: Cox

Randy Carlyle knows it’s a lot easier to get the attention of players after a defeat than after a string of wins, Damien Cox writes.

By: Damien Cox Sports Columnist, Published on Wed Oct 09 2013

The Maple Leafs knew coming into this season that being a hard-hitting, gloves-dropping, grinding team is what ended a nine-year playoff drought last spring.

Yet, these things are so easy to forget.

So not that Randy Carlyle was looking for a loss, but as a coach, he knows it’s a lot easier to get the attention of players after a defeat than after a string of wins.

The Leafs got away with playing a wide-open, loosey-goosey style in their opening three games, sort of Ron Wilson hockey but with good penalty killing.

That, however, wasn’t good enough against a young, talented and spirited Colorado team on Tuesday, and it almost certainly won’t be a formula for success in Nashville on Thursday night. The Predators are just 1-2, having picked up their first win of the season Tuesday at home against Minnesota. But in their 15th season under head coach Barry Trotz, they are, not surprisingly, playing the same style of hardworking, close-checking, non-flashy hockey that produced a string of successful seasons before finishing 14th in the West last season.

They’ve got a couple of eye-catching freshmen in Filip Forsberg and Seth Jones — who played his second straight game of 25-plus minutes against the Wild — but otherwise it’s the same group with Pekka Rinne in net, Dave Legwand and Mike Fisher up the middle, Patric Hornqvist supplying some spurts of offence and big Shea Weber on the back end.

They lost Ryan Suter to the Wild before last season — he was booed every time he touched the puck at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday — and dealt Martin Erat to Washington for Forsberg last winter. Still, this isn’t a team looking to transform itself. They are one of the few NHL clubs that has been able to establish a consistent team personality, largely because it’s Trotz behind the bench every year.

So the Preds know who they are. The Leafs needed to remember who they are, or were. It was a tight 2-1 loss to the Avs that could have gone either way, but if the Leaf blueline wasn’t creating its own problems, it was having problems created for it by a group of forwards who are mostly thinking about attacking and not defending these days.

That’s what happens when you score 11 goals in three straight wins over Montreal, Philly and Ottawa. Jay McClement should be back for Thursday to help re-set the correct mindset, but the game against Nashville should be the perfect tonic for what ails the Leafs as only a cohesive, hardnosed approach is likely to work.

With Mark Fraser, Nik Kulemin, Frazer McClaren and McClement out against Colorado, the Leafs were without some of the players who tend to set the hit-first, ask-questions-later tone for Toronto. David Clarkson, still with six games to serve of his suspension, is likely going to be that kind of player as well.

It’s easy for other forwards to think that to compensate they have to create more offence, but Carlyle, you can bet, will be lecturing them today that actually the opposite is true, that more attention to defensive and being a consistently physical club is what is required.



Maple Leafs: Mistakes finally catch up to team in loss to Avs: Feschuk

By: Dave Feschuk Sports Columnist, Published on Wed Oct 09 2013

Trouble? What trouble? Heading into Tuesday night’s game against the Avalanche, the Maple Leafs were riding a 3-0 win-loss record. They’d outscored opponents by a combined 11-8 in their opening nine periods of regulation work. And as for all the talk that they’d been outplayed in the majority of those periods — well, they’d generated 105 shots on goal and absorbed 105 against.

But the naked eye and various stats told a different story. The Leafs, by a lot of measures not kept on arena scoreboards, hadn’t been as good as their record would indicate. Opponents were generating more offence as measured by shots taken and blocked and missed — which is a good hint that Toronto had been on the wrong end of the puck-possession battle. And perhaps one of the key reasons for Toronto’s troubles was the team’s penchant for turnovers. A season ago, the Leafs led the lockout-shortened campaign in giveaways, averaging 11.5 a game. In the opening three games of this season, they’d averaged 16.7 cough-ups a night.

All that looseness made Toronto’s early-season work look a lot more like shinny than head coach Randy Carlyle would probably appreciate — which is not to say Carlyle enjoyed the critiques of his team’s work in the wake of wins.

“If we got outshot every game and we won every game, would you be asking (a question about shots on goal)?” Carlyle queried a member of the media before Tuesday’s game.

When a reporter informed him that, indeed, that question might possibly be asked even in the unlikely event of an 82-0 campaign, Carlyle spoke with the woe-is-me exasperation of an undefeated coach in a nit-picky fishbowl.

“That’s what I deal with,” said the coach.

By late Tuesday night, Carlyle was dealing with the reality that 82-0 was a fleeting dream. And if the coach could certainly stomach that inevitable enough truth, perhaps it didn’t sit as well that Toronto’s 2-1 loss to a young and speedy Colorado squad saw the continuation of some worrisome early-season trends. On a night they were outshot 33-28, the Leafs added another 16 giveaways to their league-leading total. If not for some stellar goaltending from Jonathan Bernier, it mightn’t have been as close.

“We gave up too many chances in the critical areas,” said Dion Phaneuf, the Leafs captain. “Bernie kept us in it. And it was right there for us.”

Bernier, playing in front of his childhood idol and Colorado coach Patrick Roy, bailed out the Leafs more than once in the early going. When Toronto tough guy Colton Orr served up a puck at the blue line for Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado’s first-overall draft pick, there was Bernier calmly intercepting the threat with his catching mitt. When Gabriel Landeskog fired a first-period bullet from just above the hash marks, there was Bernier with a full-splits, glove-hand beauty to calm the waters. When Ryan O’Reilly fired off a quick backhander from close range — there was Bernier sliding across to softly corral the shot, no rebound given, no doubt about it.

When the Leafs netminder was finally beaten, late in the second period with the Leafs up 1-0 on a jammed-in rebound by Joffrey Lupul, he’d made 24 saves. And it was hard to blame the goalie. Avalanche defenceman Cory Sarich walked in from the point to little resistance from the home team. Tyler Bozak skated by him with little interest in helping out. Ditto Lupul. And Sarich’s top-corner shot was a pinpoint doozy that somehow found a way to pierce the tiny space between Bernier’s glove and left ear. Not to say it was a fluke, but it was Sarich’s 21st NHL goal in 918 career regular-season games.

It was a rare pretty play on a not-so-picturesque evening. After the video review of the net-front deflection by Colorado’s P.A. Parenteau that counted as the winner, referee Brad Meier called it a “good hockey goal” — you know, in case you thought you’d just seen a totally bogus water-polo goal.

Still, Bernier’s work impressed his hero — Roy said the Toronto goalie “made some great saves in the first and the second” — and if the Leafs are of the belief that a goaltender’s previous record against an opponent is a predictor of future success, the new guy in town should be the starter on

Thursday night against the Predators. In eight games against Nashville, Bernier has surrendered just 11 even-strength goals while compiling a 7-1 win-loss record and a .932 save percentage.

Also, he’s getting used to making timely saves to back up an occasionally overwhelmed defensive corps. At times on Tuesday night, Carlyle noted, “we were held in our own zone by their aggressiveness and didn’t seem to be able to handle it.”

Said Cody Franson, the Toronto defenceman: “It was a bit scrambly for our liking still. We did a better job at managing our turnovers and protecting the puck, but still not good enough.”

Still not good enough, but still 3-and-1. Trouble? What trouble?

“Just early-season stuff,” Franson assured reporters.



Leafs' Leivo and Broll 'excited' by call-up

By Lance Hornby

TORONTO - Josh Leivo and David Broll were thrilled just to be included on the plane trip to Nashville on Wednesday, but if they get that close to their first NHL regular season game, they’ll want in the starting lineup.

The two rookie pros will find out their playing status Thursday morning when Joffrey Lupul will know if his calf bruise is healing or whether coach Randy Carlyle decides to use one or both of the 2011 draft picks.

Few expected Leivo’s recall this early, but injuries and the David Clarkson suspension have changed matters.

“I couldn’t really sleep when I got the call up,” said Leivo through his gap-toothed grin. “This is a learning step for me. Hopefully, I can embrace this.”

The hard-hitting winger was in Lupul’s second line spot at practice, while Broll was on the fourth unit. The Leafs sent Jamie Devane and Trevor Smith back to the Marlies.

“It was short notice, but I packed my bag pretty quick,” said Broll. “I’m definitely excited for the opportunity and I want to make the most out of it.”

Carlyle said the callups were made partly for precautionary reasons.

“We felt those guys played well in training camp. I don’t know if both of them will play. We have decisions to make, but we’re going to carry an extra forward and an extra defenceman in case somebody has the flu or comes up lame in the morning skate.”

T.J. READY TO PLAY

The additional recall of veteran defenceman T.J. Brennan is interesting from the standpoint of his strong start with the Marlies and Carlyle’s obvious dissatisfaction with some areas of his blueline.

“There are decisions to ponder, things we want to address,” Carlyle said of his extra 40-minute video class before the Leafs went on the ice at the MasterCard Centre.

“We think it’s an easier fix than what it might seem for the players. But that’s up to them and we’re going to try and hold them accountable to take the steps we think are necessary to help curb some of the things happening out there.”

Brennan has 49 games of NHL experience under his belt and was a logical choice to be summoned for backup in such road game situations.

“It hurt for me to get sent down (he was one of the last cuts), but that doesn’t mean I’m going to quit,” said Brennan.

NO SYMPATHY FOR RANDY

Carlyle was missing four front line forwards on Wednesday, but wasn’t expecting anyone from around the NHL to feel sorry for him, especially in his own division.

“I can remember the Ottawa Senators early last year, they kept losing body after body after body. A lot was made out of it, that they were continuing to find ways (to stay in the playoff hunt). That’s what I expect from our team. We have to find ways to have success.

“We don’t have Mark Fraser (on defence) and you don’t realize (the trickle-down) until you don’t have the number of bodies you’re accustomed to. But when people get hurt, that door opens for somebody else. To say (rookie) Morgan Rielly would have got the ice time that Mark would if he hadn’t been hurt would’ve been challenging for us. But who knows? You can’t live in the ‘if’ world.”

FACE THE MUSIC

Part of the video lesson and the ensuing on ice drills Wednesday had to do with faceoffs, setting up for them, controlling them and so forth. Colorado enjoyed a 60-40 advantage in the dots in its 2-1 win over Toronto on Tuesday.

“If you’re not winning the defensive-zone faceoffs, you’re turning to puck recovery and the other team ends up controlling it,” Carlyle said. “That leads to scoring chances, us being drawn into penalties, all those things. Then where’s your team now?”

LOOSE LEAFS

During one drill on Wednesday, a puck squeezed past Carl Gunnarsson on the boards. “Bigger feet, Carl, get bigger feet,” Carlyle shouted at his perplexed defenceman ... Winger Frazer McLaren was out shooting pucks with strength coach Anthony Belza before the rest of the Leafs, working on his fractured pinky finger. Winger Nikolai Kulemin (chipped ankle bone) likely won’t be back until the end of the month ... Greg Miranda, a long-time special events supervisor of ushers and usherettes at MLG and the ACC, has passed away.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 10.10.2013


Maple Leafs search for answers as blue line struggles

By Lance Hornby,First posted: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 06:59 PM

Remember the old Magnificent Seven movies?

Meet the Deficient Seven, starring nightly on the Maple Leafs’ blue line for 50-plus games since last season. Whether it’s their own coach’s nit-picking, a critical media market, fickle fans or their own limitations, it seems none of the seven (sometimes eight) can please more than a few people at once.

The various knocks range from overrated (Dion Phaneuf) to unsteady (Paul Ranger), unready (Morgan Rielly) and incompatible (Jake Gardiner). If you say Carl Gunnarsson does some things that don’t show up the score sheet, someone else will snap, “That’s exactly the problem.”

Cody Franson might be the poster boy for all seven, for his annual autumn contract wrangle with a team that can’t put a fixed value on him, yet gives big minutes and trusts him to play with many youngsters.

Never mind the Leafs are 3-1, the topic du jour are rumours surrounding Gardiner, who went from the blue-chip untouchable to trade bait because he supposedly won’t conform to Carlyle’s wish to show more aggression.

The coach seemed to have brought some of this on himself for not restoring Franson and Mark Fraser as partners (before Fraser’s knee injury), which seemed to have upset the balance with the pairings behind Phaneuf and Gunnarsson. With Fraser out a few weeks, that challenge gets harder, although it’s unrealistic to think a team will find perfect health and harmony with six defencemen in an 82-game season.

That’s why the Leafs got creative with the signing of Ranger, still finding his way after three years out of the NHL, and veteran T.J. Brennan, who was aboard the plane to Nashville on Wednesday afternoon for insurance.

“There is always a lot made out of certain individuals,” Carlyle said at the MasterCard Centre. “One guy gets the ‘X’ on his back.”

When Ranger’s name came up (he was on the ice for Tuesday’s winning Colorado goal), Carlyle was succinct. “I’m not going to start singling players out,” he said. “We give Paul the benefit of the doubt, as we do our younger players. If it’s our older guys, they may get a little more brow-beating.”

Gardiner is not getting a free ride any more. After trying to get comfortable for most of the 48-game season from a concussion, he reached his stride in playoffs. But between May and September, there has been a disconnect with the coaching staff and the emergence of the steadier Rielly could make him expendable.

“The media is part of playing in Toronto,” Gardiner said of his name getting kicked around. “You are aware of it a bit. You remember Luke Schenn a couple of years ago? It seemed he was talked about every single day to be traded and nothing happened for the longest time.

“(Rumours) happen with every guy ... you try and block it out.”

Few teams pull off big deals until at least 10 games into the schedule as they figure out whether their training camp plans are going to stick. With Gardiner, it’s believed the Leafs are listening to offers, but not actively shopping the fleet-footed 23-year-old.

While some believe it’s just a matter of time when Gardiner is dealt, it’s a long season and circumstances can change. Certainly, Carlyle was not expecting his right side would be decimated by the David Clarkson suspension and the injury to Nikolai Kulemin just two games in.

Dominating the coach’s thoughts Wednesday were 66 turnovers, ominously leading the league again. That prompted a 40-minute review of the lowlights at the MasterCard Centre on Wednesday prior to the Leafs’ scheduled ice time, in which the visuals were put into intense practice.

“We have a group of players who can improve,” Carlyle said. “It’s attention to detail. We had a video session that showed areas where we were lax. We had people back in position, but they weren’t engaged (physically) inside at their position.

“We were too loose in our defensive zone and our defensive responsibility.”

BLUE-CHIP TRADE PIECES

With trade chatter starting up about Jake Gardiner, here are some first-round blue-liners the Leafs have dealt:

2012, Luke Schenn, Philadelphia

2008, Carlo Colaiacovo, St. Louis

2008, Bryan McCabe*, Florida

2004, Richard Jackman*, Pittsburgh

1996, Kenny Jonsson, N.Y. Islanders

1991, Al Iafrate, Washington

*Picked first by another team



Maple Leafs' Joffrey Lupul out day-to-day with bruised calf

By Lance Hornby,First posted: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 11:13 AM

TORONTO - The Maple Leafs leave for Nashville on Wednesday afternoon, with Joffrey Lupul already playing a hurting tune.

Lupul, already cursed by injuries, is listed day-to-day after missing morning practice with a bruised lower calf area. He collided with P.A. Parenteau during Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to Colorado and experienced some swelling.

“It’s a bit restrictive,” said coach Randy Carlyle as the team packed for Thursday night’s game against the Predators. “He’s had treatment, visited the doctor and it’s nothing other than a bruise.”

Toronto called up two rookie pro forwards from the Marlies as a precaution in case Lupul or someone else can’t play, Josh Leivo and David Broll, as well as defenceman T.J. Brennan.

It’s clear Carlyle is also upset at some coverage issues with his team, which led to a 40-minute video session on Wednesday when they were supposed to be on the ice. Paul Ranger has had some struggles in his return to the NHL in the course of the first four games, while Jake Gardiner has not played as physical as the coach wants. Gardiner has also been the subject of trade rumours with the emergence of rookie Morgan Rielly after two games.

“The media is part of playing in Toronto,” Gardiner said of his name getting kicked around. “You are aware a bit. You remember Luke Schenn a couple of years ago. It seemed he was talked about every single day (for a trade) and nothing happened for the longest time.

“(Rumours) happen with every guy ... you try and block it out.”

Both 2011 draft picks Leivo (who skated in Lupul’s spot Wednesday) and Broll would be playing in their first regular season game after good training camps and a hand in the Marlies’ two opening wins. Headed back to Ricoh are forwards Trevor Smith and Jamie Devane.

The Leafs lost for the first time on Tuesday, a slow-moving defeat after three straight wins. Though winger Frazer McLaren (fractured finger) is working out alone and is able to shoot pucks, the call-ups underline that Nikolai Kulemin (chipped ankle bone) is not near to returning until later this month.

Toronto is already without the suspended David Clarkson, whose 10-game suspension reaches the halfway point on Thursday, and defenceman Mark Fraser (knee). Jay McClement will re-join the team in Nashville after missing the Colorado game to attend his wife and the birth of his first child, a son.



Toronto Maple Leafs get down to dirty details on defence

Michael Traikos | Published: 09/10/13

The Maple Leafs spent the first hour of Wednesday’s scheduled practice reviewing video of the previous night’s 2-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche to gain a better understanding of their defensive breakdowns.

Toronto Maple Leafs’ unbeaten streak halted by Colorado Avalanche

The team, which ranks 26th in the league in shots-against (34.5 per game), is also committing the most turnovers (49) after four games.

“It’s attention to detail,” head coach Randy Carlyle said. “We did a video session before practice and we just showed the areas in that we were lax. We had people back and in good position, but we weren’t engaged in position and we weren’t inside and we were too loose in our defensive responsibilities in too many areas on the ice.

“We think it’s an easier fix than what it might seem … But again, it’s up to the players to curb some of the things that are happening.”

The New York Islanders returned 2012 fourth-overall pick Griffin Reinhart to his junior team on Wednesday. But the Leafs, who selected Morgan Rielly one spot later, have no intention of doing the same anytime soon as long as the defenceman is playing the way he has.

Rielly, who has no points and seven shots on net, has averaged 17 minutes in the two games he has played. He can play in seven more games before the Leafs must decide whether to keep him for the duration of the season or have the first season of his entry-level contract begin.

“From a coaching standpoint, it’s based upon: Is he making a contribution to our group?” Carlyle said. “It’s as simple as that. If he can make a contribution for the nine games, then he makes the decision all the more difficult.

Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press

Nathan Denette/The Canadian PressToronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner, right, is the latest Leafs name to be involved in trade rumours.

“We’re in agreement that if he’s not going to be playing the 12 to 15 quality minutes here, then there’s not a lot of chances for him to stay here.”

As far as examples go, Jake Gardiner could have picked a better one. Cody Franson would have been a good choice. Or even Nazem Kadri or Tyler Bozak.

But Gardiner, whose name has been mentioned this week in trade rumours, decided to go a different route to illustrate how the ongoing speculation is not worth paying attention to.

“I remember [Luke] Schenn a couple of years ago, it seemed like he was always talked about every single day and then nothing happened for the longest time,” Gardiner said.

He paused for a second.

“It did end up happening,” he said. Schenn was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for James van Riemsdyk last year.

Michael Traikos, National Post

National Post LOADED: 10.10.2013


Toronto Maple Leafs’ Joffrey Lupul day-to-day with leg injury

Michael Traikos | Published: 09/10/13 1:44 PM ET

The bodies keep dropping for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

No excuse for Maple Leafs' lack of depth

Already missing David Clarkson (suspension), Nikolai Kulemin (ankle), Mark Fraser (leg), and Frazer McLaren (finger), the team could be without injured forward Joffrey Lupul for Thursday night’s game against the Nashville Predators.

Lupul, who was not at practice on Wednesday, is day-to-day with a bruised calf muscle that he suffered in a collision with Colorado’s P-A Parenteau on Tuesday.

“He had treatment this morning, visited the doctor, nothing other than a bruise,” said head coach Randy Carlyle. “Even now he’s on a bike pedaling trying to get it going.”

Lupul is expected to make the trip to Nashville, but the Leafs recalled forwards Josh Leivo, David Broll and defenceman T.J. Brennan — and returned Jamie Devane and Trevor Smith to the minors — in case.

“That’s the adversity you have to deal with in the NHL,” Carlyle said of the amount of bodies that have gone down with injury. “We’re no different than anybody. I remember the Ottawa Senators last year at the beginning of the season they just kept losing body after body after body and there was a lot made out of it that they were continuing to find ways.

“That’s what I expect out of our group. You have to find ways to have success.”



Toronto Maple Leafs have no excuse for lack of depth

Michael Traikos | Published: 09/10/13

TORONTO – The season is barely a week old and the Toronto Maple Leafs have already dipped into their minor-league affiliate more than they did all of last season.

Maple Leafs' unbeaten streak halted by Avalanche

They have called up a journeyman veteran who has played for seven different minor-league teams and a rookie with fewer than 10 games experience at the professional level. They have called up two different fighters, as well as a defenceman who was one pick away from being selected in the first round and a forward who never got picked at all.

So far, six different players have been called up because of injuries and suspension. Of those, only one has lasted more than two games before going back. Which means the Leafs have not only had terrible luck when it comes to keeping bodies in the lineup, but also when it comes to finding replacements.

Their misfortune continued Wednesday, when Joffrey Lupul missed practice because of a bruised calf that he suffered in the previous night’s loss to the Colorado Avalanche. Lupul, who is listed as day-to-day, was expected to join the team on the road for Thursday night’s game against the Nashville Predators, although no one is sure if he will play.

If he cannot, the Leafs, who called up forwards Josh Leivo, David Broll and defenceman T.J. Brennan for the road trip, will throw another minor-leaguer into the fire and pray they don’t get burned.

“That’s the adversity you have to deal with in the NHL,” head coach Randy Carlyle said of the Leafs, who are already without suspended forward David Clarkson and injured players Nikolai Kulemin (ankle), Mark Fraser (leg) and Frazer McLaren (finger).

“We’re no different than anybody. I remember the Ottawa Senators last year at the beginning of the season, they just kept losing body after body after body and there was a lot made out of it that they were continuing to find ways [to win]. That’s what I expect out of our group. You have to find ways to have success.”

The Leafs, who are missing two of their top-six forwards and their only stay-at-home defenceman, are finding ways to survive. But the team’s 3-1-0 record is not exactly a nod towards the quality of depth in the minors. If anything, the opposite has occurred.

Players are being called up, but they are not staying for long or making an impact. Spencer Abbott was a minus-2 in the five minutes he played against the Senators. Trevor Smith recorded one hit and nothing else in his one-game audition against the Avalanche. And Jamie Devane, who hung around for two games before getting sent back, managed just one shot on net in his time here.

In other words, these are not one-way tickets that are being handed out.

“The first two games there were two different guys getting called up,” said Leivo, who has yet to play in the NHL. “Hopefully one of us can jump in and stick for a little bit because they have a lot of injuries right now.”

For now, Carlyle seems content to shorten his bench rather than rely upon minor-leaguers with little or no NHL experience. Against Colorado, five different forwards logged fewer than 10 minutes of ice time. Combined, the bottom-two lines played as much as Tyler Bozak and James van Riemsdyk did.

“We owe it to our players to be more consistent with our lineup,” Carlyle said. “But, again, when people get hurt there’s another opportunity, another door opens for somebody else.”

That was certainly the case last season, when Toronto missed 89 man-games to injury and had minor-leaguers like Matt Frattin, Joe Colborne and Korbinian Holzer, prospects who had been knocking at the door and were more than able to fill the void. This season is different. The Leafs are so tight against the salary cap that they had to practically give Colborne away

for nothing rather than keep him around as a 13th forward. They did not even have anyone in the press box as a healthy scratch.

And so now the call is going out for players like Leivo and Broll, not because they necessarily warrant the opportunity but, as Broll said, because they are “only a rink away from the NHL team.”


720579 Washington Capitals

Ted Leonsis and the Caps’ lack of weaknesses

By Lindsay Applebaum, Published: October 9 at 1:40 pm

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis took a page out of Davey Johnson’s book last week, saying in an interview on ESPN 980 that he didn’t “see any weaknesses” with the team.

It wasn’t quite “Stanley Cup or bust,” but as colleague Dan Steinberg noted, critics and unhappy fans will almost certainly harp on it if the Caps end up struggling at all this season.

Of course, we’re already harping on it. Only so much to talk about this early in the season, after all. Watch below as the “Post Sports Live” crew discusses the motivation behind the comment and Leonsis’s relationship with Caps fans.

Washington Post LOADED: 10.10.2013


Nicklas Backstrom excited for new chapter as a father

By Katie Carrera, Published: October 9 at 1:09 pm

As the Capitals made their trip to and from Dallas this weekend for a matchup against the Stars, Nicklas Backstrom couldn’t help but be a little bit nervous during the three-hour flights each way. He and his girlfriend, Liza Berg, were awaiting the birth of their first child and he wanted to make sure he was there to support her, not on a plane.

“Obviously you want to be part of it, when she’s going through labor and delivers,” Backstrom said. “That’s something you want to be here for. It worked out really good.”

Backstrom’s daughter, Haley, was born at approximately 4 a.m. Tuesday, with the Capitals top centerman waiting eagerly to meet her.

“It was probably the best moment in my life so far. It’s just a great feeling when it’s all over,” Backstrom, 25, said. “It’s just long, long wait. You get a combination between nervous and excited but after all, we’re all healthy, feeling good.

“Just staring at her the whole time,” added Backstrom, who joked that he hopes his daughter looks more like her mother as she grows up. “It’s hard to describe the feelings. If you’ve been there yourself you understand it better. It’s a great feeling and we’re just so happy.”

Both mother and baby are expected to head home from the hospital on Thursday. It’s the latest sign that the young guns certainly aren’t so young anymore, what with Backstrom now a dad and both Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green engaged.

“It’s going to be new chapter in my life, in our lives. It’s just great,” Backstrom said. “Instead of laying on the couch after practice I’m going to change a couple diapers. I’m happy to do that.”

>> Coach Adam Oates said Alex Urbom will make his Capitals debut Thursday against the Hurricanes, but his defensive partner is still to be determined.

>> In other news, CSKA acquired the KHL rights to Capitals defensive prospect Dmitry Orlov. Nothing to be alarmed about. It only means that should Orlov play in the KHL, CSKA owns his rights.



Road to Sochi: A ‘wakeup call’ for Jamie Benn

By Katie Carrera, Published: October 9 at 9:45 am

Leading up to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, I’ll be checking in with players from around the NHL to see where they fit into the grand scope of the games and how this Olympic year affects their season.

Jamie Benn was upset when he wasn’t one of the 25 forwards invited to Canada’s Olympic orientation camp this summer. The opportunity to represent his country is something the Dallas Stars left wing has long hoped for and Benn, 24, is determined to do everything he can to show Hockey Canada he’s ready for the Olympic stage.

“Not getting an invite was a bit of a wakeup call for me, gave me a little bit of fire for the year. I want to be on that team,” Benn said. “My focus is with the Dallas Stars but I want to have a good first three quarters of the season so I know I did everything to be a part of that team too.”

This was already going to be an important year for Benn, who was named the Stars’ captain in September ahead of his fifth NHL season.

Over the course of 265 career regular season games, Benn has recorded 82 goals and 112 assists. But the standout winger is more soft spoken than exuberant star and was able to come of age in the shadow of previous captain Brendan Morrow along with offensive talents like Mike Ribeiro and James Neal, who are now with Phoenix and Pittsburgh respectively.

“I learned a lot from Brendan Morrow, he was my captain here and the guy that I looked up to my first four years,” Benn said. “He definitely led by example. He wasn’t a big talker but he brought it every night. That’s what I want to be as a captain.”

Benn is now the face of the new-look Stars, who hired Lindy Ruff as coach and added veteran Sergei Gonchar and talented center Tyler Seguin in the offseason. But it will still be up to the British Columbia native to help keep Dallas on track as it looks to reach the postseason for the first time since 2007-08.

In Benn’s view, if he does all that he can to help the Stars succeed, he should be able to show Canada what they’d be missing if they left him off the roster for Sochi.

“I’m working harder and doing everything I can to help this team win,” Benn said. “If I do that, the rest should take care of itself.”


720582 Winnipeg Jets

Halischuk keen to contribute

By: Ed Tait

Posted: 10/9/2013 1:11 PM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 10/9/2013 1:22 PM | Updates

Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.

The Winnipeg Jets have got some significant contributions from some of their new faces already this season, whether it’s Jacob Trouba logging big minutes in the defensive corps, the goals scored by Devin Setoguchi and Michael Frolik or Mark Scheifele settling in on the second line.

And then there is Matt Halischuk, brought in this past summer after being cast adrift by the Nashville Predators, who has yet to even suit up for a regular-season game. That could change in the next few days, however, with the Jets playing three times in four nights, beginning Thursday in Minnesota against the Wild.

"That stuff is kind of out of your hands. You just try to come in and work hard, get some good practices in, some good training in and just be ready to go," said Halischuk after practice Wednesday and just prior to the team heading out to Minny. "There’s not much else you can do.

"Everybody is here with the same goal: to win games. So, whether I’m in or not I just try to work hard and do my best and do whatever I can to get some wins in here.

"I want to stay sharp and contribute right away but the main thing is, and I’ve been through this before, is to try and not do too much, to play a team game and just do the simple things."

Halischuk was working on a line with Jim Slater and Anthony Peluso on Wednesday, with James Wright also getting some turns with that unit. He’s coming off a decent training camp in which he showcased the tenacity and grit to his game that led to the Jets signing him.

"He’s a good, hard-working, honest player," said Jets coach Claude Noel of Halischuk. "He’s a very efficient player that gives you what he has every day. He’s very reliable, a good penalty killer. He’s played well.

"He might be in… so, let’s just wait and see."

Noel said winger Chris Thorburn remains day-to-day with his injury. There’s also a possibility Al Montoya could get his first start in net, what with the Jets facing the Wild Thursday before returning home to face the Dallas Stars Friday and the New Jersey Devils on Sunday.

"I’m not afraid of putting him in the game," Noel said of Montoya. "He’s a guy that is going to have to play here soon so that would probably be a good time."

Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 10.10.2013


Winnipeg Jets are Wild about potential new rivalry

By Ken Wiebe,Winnipeg Sun

First posted: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 08:40 PM CDT | Updated: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 09:11 PM CDT

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The appetizers have provided a little sizzle, so how spicy will the main course actually be?

It’s a question that many members of the media — and fans alike — are wondering as the Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild prepare for the first of five meetings this season as Central Division rivals.

It’s been nearly two years since the Jets faced the Wild at Xcel Energy Center in a regular-season game but if the pre-season was any indication, there should be plenty of vocal fans sporting red, white and blue in the stands on Thursday night showing their support for the visitors.

“We haven’t created a rivalry yet — there’s potential,” said Jets head coach Claude Noel. “Everybody talks about it and it will probably get created through the media a little bit. We need to establish ourselves as a team that wants to beat them, which is exactly what they’re going to want to do.

“The other thing too is that our fan base goes down there a fair bit and voices their opinion, that creates some anxiety in different parties and I think that’s healthy.”

Jets winger Blake Wheeler — himself a Minnesotan — figures it’s only a matter of time before the rivalry heats up but insists the Jets focus though is on playing divisional teams tough and banking points.

“The last two years we’ve learned that it’s never early enough to start putting emphasis on these games,” said Wheeler. “We’re going to put some emphasis on these games within our division because you can push yourself up in the standings and push the other team down. Anytime you can do that, it really helps your cause.”

MONTOYA TIME?: With three games in the next four days, chances are good that backup Al Montoya will get a start sometime this weekend — either on Friday against the Dallas Stars or Sunday against the New Jersey Devils.

Although Friday marks the first back-to-back games of the season for the Jets, because of the short travel and the fact the Stars are a divisional opponent, Sunday’s game against the Devils might be a more likely scenario for Montoya.

Noel wasn’t giving any hints though.

“We’ll take one game at a time,” said Noel. “I’m not afraid of putting him in the game. He’s a guy that’s going to have to play here soon. It would probably be a good time. We’ll just wait and see.”

Montoya didn’t seem overly concerned.

“For me, I just plan to be ready, whenever that time comes and I’m excited for it,” said Montoya. “I’ve been here before. I know what I’ve got to do to prepare and I’ll be doing that.”

LINEUP TINKERING: Although he wasn’t ready to make an official declaration, it looks like the Jets will insert winger Matt Halischuk for Anthony Peluso on the fourth line with Jim Slater and James Wright.

For the second consecutive day, Halischuk took turns on that line and his speed could be an asset against the Wild.

Noel liked what he saw from Halischuk during the pre-season.

“He was a good, hardworking, honest player. A very efficient player,” sid Noel. “He gives you what he has every day, he’s very reliable.”

Jets winger Chris Thorburn remains day-to-day with a lower-to-mid body injury and he didn’t make the trip with the team to Minnesota.

The Wild were doing some juggling of their own Wednesday.

After falling to 0-1-2 on the season after a 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators, the Wild shook up their lines and two of their three defence pairings.

The Wild also recalled forward Stephane Veilleux from Iowa and demoted Jason Zucker and Brandon product Carson McMillan to the American Hockey League.

Winnipeg Sun LOADED 10.10.2013


Devin Setoguchi fitting right in with Jets

By Ken Wiebe,Winnipeg Sun

First posted: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 08:33 PM CDT | Updated: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 09:10 PM CDT

ST. PAUL, Minn. — This is a business trip for Devin Setoguchi.

When the Winnipeg Jets skate onto the ice at Xcel Energy Center on Thursday night, Setoguchi will be making his first trip back since the Minnesota Wild traded him on July 5 for a second round draft pick in 2014.

If Setoguchi is bitter about the move or feeling a little extra motivation to show the Wild they made a mistake letting him go, he’s not expressing it outwardly.

“It’s a little weird at first, but there’s the whole unwritten rule, there’s no friends on the ice,” said Setoguchi, who has two goals and three points in three games this season. “It’s not playing against friends, it’s playing against another hockey club that I need to be focused on and prepared to play the way I can and not worry about any other distractions.”

Since June of 2011, Setoguchi has been traded twice, a not-so-subtle reminder about the business side of hockey.

“Obviously, you don’t want it to happen but it’s part of the game,” said Setoguchi. “At the end of the day, as much as you want to think that it’s just a sport, it’s a business. It happens, you can’t hold any grudges, it’s just the way it goes.”

Setoguchi, 26, was brought in by the Jets to help provide some scoring and possibly form a regular tandem with Evander Kane, who has seen a revolving door of linemates during his first four NHL seasons.

Should Setoguchi get back to being a 25 or 30-goal man, there will be no shortage of interest from teams — including the Jets — for a lucrative and likely long-term deal, should he hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career.

That’s a subject for another day, but how does Setoguchi feel things are going with his new club?

“There’s obviously a lot of room for improvement, but so far it’s been going okay,” said Setoguchi. “It’s early. It’s only three games in and sometimes it takes three months.”

Perhaps more importantly, Setoguchi has quickly become one of the guys.

“He’s fun around the room and he’s pretty outgoing and very vocal,” said Jets defenceman Zach Bogosian. “Easy to get along with. It’s good to see a new face fitting in and feeling comfortable.”

Being the new guy isn’t always easy, but in hockey circles, being accepted by the group doesn’t always feature as many challenges as in some walks of life.

“It’s a little bit tough at first, you’ve got to put names to faces and that’s the biggest hurdle.,” said Wheeler. “Once you’ve played a few games and been into it a month or two, it seems like you’ve been on the team forever. Hockey is pretty cool that way.”

Part of that hockey culture is being able to give as well as you can receive, which is probably why Wheeler responded this way when I asked him if Setoguchi is indeed one of those guys that has some personality.

“He does, for sure. The first couple of weeks, he was pretty quiet but now you can’t get him to shut up,” quipped Wheeler. “You almost miss those days.”

Wise cracks notwithstanding, you can be sure the Jets are happy to have Setoguchi around and would like him to extend his time here.



Matt Halischuk stays ready for Jets’ debut

By Ken Wiebe ,Winnipeg Sun

First posted: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 02:31 PM CDT

Following a strong pre-season, Matt Halischuk could be on the verge of making his regular-season debut with the Winnipeg Jets.

Halischuk, a healthy scratch in each of the first three games, split time on the fourth line with Anthony Peluso on a unit that included Jim Slater and James Wright on Wednesday before the Jets flew to Minnesota.

The Jets (2-1) face the Minnesota Wild (0-1-2) on Thursday night at Xcel Energy Center.

"It's out of your hands, as far as that stuff goes," said Halischuk. "Just work hard in practice, try to get better, push guys and push yourself. The main thing is you have to be ready to go when you get the call."

Noel wouldn't commit to when Halischuk would be getting his first shot, though he did like what he saw during the pre-season.

The Jets will be without winger Chris Thorburn, who remains day-to-day with a lower-body issue and didn't make the trip to Minnesota.

Speaking of staying ready, backup goalie Al Montoya figures to be a safe bet to see some action this weekend, with the Jets playing three games in a span of four days.

If Montoya knows which game he's slated to start, he wasn't revealing it.

"I just plan to be ready. I feel good," said Montoya. "Pavs has been doing a great job for us. For me, it's just being ready. I've been here before and know what I've got to do to prepare."

Noel wasn't providing any hints, either.

"We'll take one game at a time," said Noel. "I'm not afraid of putting him in the game. He's a guy that's going to have to play here soon. It would probably be a good time. We'll just wait and see."

The Wild made a few roster moves on Wednesday, recalling forward Stephane Veilleux and demoting forwards Jason Zucker and Brandon product Carson McMillan to the Iowa Stars of the American Hockey League.

Minnesota might also be without starting goalie Niklas Backstrom, as he is listed as day-to-day after suffering a knee strain during the first period of Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators.


720586 Vancouver Canucks

'Torts won't let us quit': The Tortorella effect is taking shape in Vancouver

By Jason Botchford, The Province October 9, 2013

If you were to map a successful John Tortorella launch, it might look a lot like the Canucks first week of the season.

A 3-1 record with an uptempo, high-event approach Tortorella summed up this way:

“I don’t believe in counter-punching. I believe in inflicting.”

Oh yes, that quote will resonate in Vancouver.

So will the pair of gut-check, come-from-behind wins, as long as you don’t spend too much time patting down the rosters the New Jersey Devils and Calgary Flames have been rolling out. (Hint, you’d feel a lot of cold garbage.)

Three early wins against bad teams aren’t going to help the Canucks brass, which hired Tortorella at some risk, sleep at night. But it’s better than the alternative.

“It’s better than 1-3, where I think people would second-guess a lot of things,” Chris Higgins said. “But there’s a long way to go.”

Sure is.

Lose to San Jose Thursday, and make it nine straight losses to the Sharks, and the Canucks will be seen as a team still spinning its tires.

But there is at least evidence now the Canucks have overcome their first obstacle to this season. That was always going to be embracing a new coach who is nothing like the old one.

That hasn’t been a problem. The Sedins have been gushing about everything Tortorella, including his shot-blocking demands and continuous line-changing.

Players seem to believe there is a “Torts effect” that can push them when they’re losing.

Roberto Luongo put it this way on TSN: “Torts won’t let us quit.”

Some may take comments like this, and ones on the line-changing and the aggressive forecheck, which have been coming from Vancouver’s leadership, as swipes at Alain Vigneault. But I’m unconvinced that’s what’s going on here.

This is an aging core, with a closing window of opportunity to win, in need of something to believe in. For now, they believe in Tortorella.

It seems the coach who reportedly lost the locker-room in New York has been making it easy on them here to start. The guy with the hard-ass, bully reputation has kept things positive more often than not to start his Canucks career.

“He really builds you up before games and in-between periods,” Jason Garrison said. “He’s a very good motivator.

“You get pumped up. He’s very good at it. It’s a lot of fun listening to him.”

Tortorella is Johnny Goodtimes? Players in the locker-room are having a lot of fun?

Yeah, didn’t see that coming.

What was predictable was Tortorella’s hands-on approach to in-game coaching. He has an incessant need to line-change.

“If you like playing together, you better show the coach,” Higgins said.

Tortorella will bury his fourth line, nightly. And he’ll ride his best players, hard.

He will use timeouts, and called one late in Tuesday’s win against the Devils during a power play to get the Sedins more ice time.

Tortorella has made good on his promise to promote players who are excelling. Mike Santorelli has worked his way from a bubble player to third-line centre, to where he is now, on the top line with the Sedins.

Alex Edler was having a good game Tuesday and ended up playing more than 11 minutes in the third.

The players seem convinced he’s had a significant role in both comeback wins.

“For sure he did,” Garrison said. “He’s come into the periods and told us what we’re doing wrong and told us what we need to do be better.

“It’s up to us to do that.

“He’s very easy to talk to and he gets his point across.

“Just don’t do anything to aggravate him.”

It wasn’t a given that a veteran team which has won a lot of regular games over the years would be accepting of the Tortorella way. But Kevin Bieksa said this team was hungry for it.

“You see a lot of times he’ll stop the practice and teach,” Bieksa said. “We’re taking it all in.

“There is pride in the room. But everyone has checked their egos. Everyone is willing to learn because everyone knows they can get better.

“When you have all of your top guys willing to be coached, it funnels down.”

Tortorella dismissed the notion he had any impact in the comeback wins against Calgary and New Jersey.

“I think coaches have too big a role in wins and in losses,” Tortorella said. “Coaches are just guidance counsellors.”

Sure. Tortorella is just a really expensive guidance counsellor.

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 10.10.2013


Torts: Booth a 'weird dude'

By Jim Jamieson, The Province October 9, 2013

John Tortorella had reporters in stitches on Wednesday, as he attempted to dig himself out of a hole after referring to Canucks winger David Booth as a “weird dude.”

In his post practice media conference Tortorella was asked about Booth’s game compared to the player he coached against in Florida.

“Each game he’s getting better,” said Tortorella. “Makes a couple of big plays late in the game. I consider him still in his training camp due to the time he missed, but each game is encouraging. You can see he’s feeling more and more comfortable.”

Booth suffered an ankle injury in mid-March that required surgery. He wasn’t ready until the Canucks’ final preseason game and, clearly, the team didn’t rush him back. The Canucks have some concern about Booth’s prodigious off-season workout regimen, one that includes hunting for wild game.

Booth was going to play earlier in the preseason but the team held him out when his groin was sore. Tortorella was asked if the team did that to protect the Booth from himself.

At that point, Tortorella started to dig.

“Yeah, he’s a weird dude,” the coach quipped.

He then added: “We just don’t want him to be in and out (of the lineup).

The coach then went on to point out how “weird” was a positive thing.

“It’s good to have weird dudes. I think sometimes we have locker rooms that are blasé. You need personality. As you go through a long year, you need things to happen. I’m sure he’ll find a few things along the way for us.”

Of course, Tortorella wasn’t going to get off the hook that easily.

A minute later, the coach was asked if he was using the word “weird” in reference to Booth’s interests off the ice.

Booth, of course, stirred up tremendous controversy amongst Canucks fans in May 2012 for tweeting a picture of his latest kill – a black bear he shot using a bear baiting trap. He’s since started a separate Twitter account for his hunting exploits. Meanwhile, Tortorella and his wife Christine are well known for their charitable foundation, which amongst other things, works for the humane treatment of animals. The couple also own four rescue dogs.

“No, no, no, no, I don’t want you to read too much into it,” said Tortorella. “I like his personality. I think he’s inquisitive. I think he sees the game in different ways. I’m not crazy about him… I’ll leave that one alone.

“Everybody has their own thoughts as far as all that stuff, but it has nothing to do with my calling him that.”

Tortorella carried on the theme of Booth’s working out to excess.

“I watched him a long time when he was in Florida,” said the coach. “I think he’s an absolute maniac when it comes to working out. I respect that about him. I think there’s always a common ground that we’re trying to get with him and maybe sometimes a little rest is good. That’s what I love about him. You have to try to slow him down. I’d rather it be that way than having to prod a guy all the time.

“I don’t know him that well. But I think we need more of it. Locker rooms need personality and I think he’s a different personality.”



Gallagher: Is Kesler just pacing himself?

By Tony Gallagher, The Province October 9, 2013

Gallagher: Is Kesler just pacing himself?

New Jersey Devils defenceman Bryce Salvador tries to clear Canucks centre Ryan Kesler from in front of Cory Schneider during Vancouver’s 3-2 overtime victory Tuesday at Rogers Arena.

It was our first little stroll down queer street this season with the Vancouver Canucks Wednesday when it was suggested by all principals concerned that black was really white.

It was stonewall city when it came to getting answers about the starts of both Chris Higgins and Ryan Kesler, other than the loud bull-bleep alarm, but this may not be altogether a bad thing.

Kesler has one goal in four games, and while he has 14 shots, nine of them came against Edmonton, a team that is never likely to gain any concept of defence no matter how many first-round picks they have. And Kes has just one shot in his last two games. Against the Devils, it was down to just one attempt and his speed was such that he was indistinguishable from any other player on the ice. But the Canucks won those two games and sit at 3-1.

Higgins has one assist despite his team-leading 16 shots, but real scoring opportunities are pretty much limited to the open net he missed in Calgary. Basically he’s doing everything he did when he played for John Tortorella in the past. And that’s play the system well but not score any goals.

As far as the coach is concerned, everything is hunky-dory. They’re both playing well, doing things properly, their positioning and effort levels are there and “the goals will come.” Evidently, the difficulty, and the reason you’re dying if you have RK17 in your hockey pool, is our eyes.

For his part, Kesler he didn’t hurt himself in that fight with Will Acton, and as always during the season says he’s completely healthy.

“Before I used to wind up a lot and be out of position and now they kind of want me playing more of a positional game,” said Kesler. “It’s a different way of playing and we’re still learning to play this style. It’s very aggressive.”

When it was suggested that this style should suit him he said: “Some would think so. I really don’t know yet; we’re still making the transition. Our line has been getting a lot of bad bounces. But no need to go burn down the city.”

Like you could with all this rain.

“He’s not counting in terms of goals and assists but he’s getting there,” said Tortorella of Kesler. “Offensively and defensively I think he’s playing in the areas. We really concentrated on him getting back to playing under the hash marks in front of the net. I think he’s he’s done that; he hasn’t been rewarded. He just needs to stay with it. He’s done some really good things defensively and understanding in how we defend.”

If you think about this a little more thoroughly, it may not be such a bad thing. Perhaps, and only perhaps because nobody would ever admit it, Kesler is finally figuring it out, learning how to pace himself a little bit so he lasts the season in one piece and is healthy enough to turn it on when it really matters. It’s not like the team is losing and fading from the playoff race. And if he is trying to back off a little, perhaps it’s not surprising that a person attempting this should occasionally get it wrong and back off too much in error in some cases — like Tuesday night. How else do you explain Kesler, evidently completely healthy, looking completely disinterested?

And then there’s Higgins.

“It’ll turn for me. I can only control how hard I’m working and what we need right now is for that one play to open up for us and it will change around. I’ve had a couple of great chances, that’s for sure, but I think we’re building on each game, I think we’re getting better in each game.”

The coached praised Higgins’ “wall play” and thinks the goals will come. And as far as the rest of the team is concerned, everything is great other than admitting “the fourth line is a concern.”

Concern is an understatement. Eyesore may be a better description but we really don’t know because they never get on the ice. Then again, perhaps that’s his concern, that at some point they do.

But at 3-1 and the Sedins playing great, perhaps we should stow the matches for that city burning just a little longer.



Hertl’s trick shot to cap rookie’s four-goal flurry has caught Canucks’ attention

October 9, 2013. 6:53 pm

Ben Kuzma

Daniel Sedin did it as a seasoned veteran to cap a memorable hat-trick performance in the 2009-2010 regular-season finale to help clinch the NHL scoring title for Henrik Sedin. Tomas Hertl did it as a wide-eyed rookie Tuesday to cap a four-goal outburst and become an instant YouTube trick-shot sensation with more than 100,000 views within hours of sparking the San Jose Sharks to a 9-2 rout of the New York Rangers.

Purposely placing the puck between the legs and snapping a shot over a stunned stopper is usually part of the shootout circus, not a regular rush. While Daniel Sedin and Hertl have demonstrated the manoeuvring and moxy required to execute the shot, what the 19-year-old Prague native has accomplished through three games will command the spotlight Thursday at Rogers Arena. He leads the NHL with six goals in three games and is the youngest player to score four goals in a game since Jimmy Carson had four for the Los Angeles Kins on March 30, 1988.

If that isn’t enough to contemplate for the Vancouver Canucks, they haven’t beaten the Sharks in 10-straight games — the last triumph a 4-1 win at Rogers Arena on Jan. 31, 2012 — and must be wondering how they’re going to solve the well-balanced Sharks.

And now there’s the impressionable Hertl complementing Joe Thornton and Brent Burns on the top line. Hertl doesn’t have a car and can’t rent one because he’s not 21. He idolizes countryman Jaromir Jagr and hopes to have more in common with the legendary winger than a big butt. The 17th overall selection in the 2012 draft speaks little English, but his play does the talking and the confidence he gained with Slavia Praha of the Czech Extraliga last season translated to the willingness to score that fourth goal Tuesday.

“That’s pretty amazing,” marvelled Daniel Sedin. “Such a young guy and you can see he has played with men back in Europe. He really skates well and has a bright future.”

Added Canucks winger Jannik Hansen: “You score three goals in that game already, you feel like you can walk on water. It’s still early. There’s a transition and those dark days of December, January and February will be the real test for him on long road trips. That’s where experience pays off.”

That said, Thornton pointed out what may set this Sharks team aside to finally produce a Stanley Cup championship. Despite Raffi Torres [knee surgery], Martin Havlat [shoulder surgery] and Adam Burish [lower boyd] being sidelined, the Sharks have experience, youth, speed and depth. They can confidently ice three rookie forwards and the 20-year-old Mattew Nieto also scored Tuesday. It’s why Hertl is playing with the big boys, even with a language barrier.

“He’s learning every day,” said Thornton. “He has a booklet of English sayings and he’s trying. And he’s going to teach us some Czech. “He’s big and strong and fits in well.”

The Canucks were strong in the first 10 minutes of their season opener in San Jose on Oct. 3. Chris Higgins drew a slashing minor and Jason Garrison wired a power-play slapshot from the high slot. The Canucks then turned the puck over, lost momentum and fell 4-1. And even though they’ve been impressive with back-to-back overtime comeback victories, playing catch-up against the 3-0-0 Sharks will be tough because they lead the league in goals with 17 and expectations. With Thornton, Joe Pavelski and Patrick Marleau down the middle and Logan Couture part of the evolving new leadership group, the re-set in San Jose is real.

“I don’t know if we’ve had this depth in my time here,” said Sharks coach Todd McLellan. “It can’t leave anybody comfortable and motivates our group early.”

Pushing the pace has pushed the Canucks to three-straight wins, but sustainability will be the test. Mike Santorelli has earned the right to skate with the Sedins but in their own zone there must be better cohesiveness. The steadiness of Jason Garrison should help Dan Hamhuis better

acclimate to a new system, while Kevin Bieksa plays with the improving Alex Edler.

“We have to be aggressive and eliminate the turnovers,” stressed Garrison. “You do that in the neutral zone and they come at you with a lot of speed and make you pay for it.”

Maybe John Tortorella put it best about what others would call a statement game or measuring stick.

“I don’t believe in the measuring stick,” said the Canucks coach. “It’s such a long year and so many things happen. It’s not measuring yourself up against another team — it’s what you’re doing as a club. I have not watched one other team. I don’t believe in counter-punching, I believe in inflicting and trying to play your style.”

OF NOTE — Sharks defenceman Brad Stuart has been suspended three games for an illegal check to the head of Rick Nash on Tuesday.



ere’s your big shot, Santorelli: skating with the Sedin twins against the Sharks

October 9, 2013. 5:40 pm

Jonathan McDonald

Jim Jamieson reports from Rogers Arena as the Canucks prepare to meet the San Jose Sharks Thursday night …

Mike Santorelli is the latest to win the Sedin sweepstakes — now it’s up to him to show he deserves to hang onto the jackpot.

Many have tried over the years and few have succeeded, of course.

Santorelli, 27, knows that, but all he wants to do is continue to show he belongs in the NHL after a couple of tough years on the fringe. He’s expected to line up with Daniel and Henrik on Thursday, when the Sharks visit Rogers Arena, and no one can say he hasn’t earned the opportunity. The Vancouver native, a free agent signing by the Canucks last summer, has scored back-to-back overtime game winners and his other goal was a third-period even-strength tally on Sunday in Calgary, when he was playing on a line with Henrik.

Head coach John Tortorella obviously liked what he saw most of the final two periods of Tuesday’s 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils, when he threw Santorelli out with the twins.

“They’re amazing,” said Santorelli following Wednesday’s practice. “They are so fun to watch and so fun to play with. I just ask questions and see where they want me to be, and try to learn from them. Anything I can do to help.”

Daniel said he likes what Santorelli brings.

“His whole game is good,” said Daniel. “He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes.”

Santorelli signed a two-way deal last summer, suggesting he was expected to be minor-league depth, but is looking like far more than that now. He’s already looking like a lock on the third line, but if his work with the twins continues to impress he could be the ideal swingman for Tortorella.

Santorelli scored 20 goals in his first full NHL season in Florida, in 2010-11, but a breakout year turned into a mirage. He injured his shoulder at training camp the next season and never really got back on track. He was waived by the Panthers last season and picked up by the Winnipeg Jets, who let him go.

“I came in (in 2011) and felt good in camp, but things happen, I got injured,” said Santorelli. “But there were holes in my game and I needed to get better at them. It was tough times the last couple of years, for sure, but I definitely learned a lot from it.”

Canucks defenceman Jason Garrison, also a Lower Mainlander from White Rock, got to be close friends with Santorelli when they were both with the Panthers. He says he sees a more complete player now. And definitely one who is motivated to succeed.

“He’s always had offensive skill, but he’s learned how to protect the puck better, he’s better with his stick defensively and loose puck battles,” said Garrison. “It’s those small things, like with the twins, that separate you from other players.”

Added Garrison: “He had a really good year in Florida and then over the last year or two it’s been a little different for him. He’s learned a lot. He’s always taken it seriously, but he took his training to another level this summer. You could tell he wanted it.”



Torts: Booth is a “weird dude” but that’s a good thing

Staff

October 9, 2013. 3:39 pm •

John Tortorella had reporters in stitches on Wednesday, as he attempted to dig himself out of a hole after referring to Canucks winger David Booth as a “weird dude.”

In his post practice media conference Tortorella was asked about Booth’s game compared to the player he coached against in Florida.

“Each game he’s getting better,” said Tortorella. “Makes a couple of big plays late in the game. I consider him still in his training camp due to the time he missed, but each game is encouraging. You can see he’s feeling more and more comfortable.”

Booth suffered an ankle injury in mid-March that required surgery. He wasn’t ready until the Canucks’ final preseason game and, clearly, the team didn’t rush him back. The Canucks have some concern about Booth’s prodigious off-season workout regimen, one that includes hunting for wild game.

Booth was going to play earlier in the preseason but the team held him out when his groin was sore. Tortorella was asked if the team did that to protect the Booth from himself.

At that point, Tortorella started to dig.

“Yeah, he’s a weird dude,” the coach quipped.

He then added: “We just don’t want him to be in and out (of the lineup).

The coach then went on to point out how “weird” was a positive thing.

“It’s good to have weird dudes. I think sometimes we have locker rooms that are blasé. You need personality. As you go through a long year, you need things to happen. I’m sure he’ll find a few things along the way for us.”

Of course, Tortorella wasn’t going to get off the hook that easily.

A minute later, the coach was asked if he was using the word “weird” in reference to Booth’s interests off the ice.

Booth, of course, stirred up tremendous controversy amongst Canucks fans in May 2012 for tweeting a picture of his latest kill – a black bear he shot using a bear baiting trap. He’s since started a separate Twitter account for his hunting exploits. Meanwhile, Tortorella and his wife Christine are well known for their charitable foundation, which amongst other things, works for the humane treatment of animals. The couple also own four rescue dogs.

“No, no, no, no, I don’t want you to read too much into it,” said Tortorella. “I like his personality. I think he’s inquisitive. I think he sees the game in different ways. I’m not crazy about him… I’ll leave that one alone.

“Everybody has their own thoughts as far as all that stuff, but it has nothing to do with my calling him that.”

Tortorella carried on the theme of Booth’s working out to excess.

“I watched him a long time when he was in Florida,” said the coach. “I think he’s an absolute maniac when it comes to working out. I respect that about him. I think there’s always a common ground that we’re trying to get with him and maybe sometimes a little rest is good. That’s what I love about him. You have to try to slow him down. I’d rather it be that way than having to prod a guy all the time.

“I don’t know him that well. But I think we need more of it. Locker rooms need personality and I think he’s a different personality.”



Santorelli's gamble paying off early for Canucks

DAVID EBNER

Published Wednesday, Oct. 09 2013, 11:58 AM EDT


Mike Santorelli was a castoff. Now he has delivered two back-to-back overtime winners.

But before his heroics of the past several days, he was an unwanted hockey player. This past summer, two years removed from a 20-goal season for the Florida Panthers, the 27-year-old centre faced bleak prospects in free agency. With the salary cap coming down, he had only two goals and four points in 34 games during the lockout-truncated 2013 to advertise.

So he gambled on himself, making a significant cash bet. After he had been paid $1.6-million a year the past two seasons, Santorelli didn’t wait around all summer for similar money. He signed quickly with the team of his boyhood and took a huge pay cut.

Santorelli grew up a Vancouver Canucks fan in the suburb of Burnaby and signed a deal with the team that pays him $550,000 this season – and it’s a two-way contract, meaning the team could easily have shuffled him to the minors, where he would be paid $250,000.

In an interview Wednesday, Santorelli said the money was no issue for him. He just wanted to keep living his childhood dream, a shot at playing in the National Hockey League.

"I knew I had to re-establish myself," said Santorelli after practice Wednesday.

He’s not headed to the minors any time soon. On Tuesday night – two days after scoring the overtime winner in Calgary, his second of that game – Santorelli was elevated to Vancouver’s first line, playing alongside the Sedins. That move helped spark two key second-period goals.

And, again in overtime, Santorelli was key, on the ice for the winner – and it looked like he was the man responsible. With the game tied at two against visiting New Jersey, midway through the extra period, Santorelli battled in the corner in the offensive end and then lodged himself in front of the net. His screen was effective and helped Jason Garrison’s wrist shot sail by former Canuck goaltender Cory Schneider. Garrison was credited with the goal but the puck did glance off Santorelli and the NHL made the scoring change Wednesday morning, giving Santorelli his third goal in four games – which has him tied for third in the league in goal scoring.

Vancouver head coach John Tortorella loved it.

“Right now, everything I do with him, he does great things for us,” said Tortorella of Santorelli after the game.

It extended a pulsing vein of praise from earlier in the day. Before the morning skate on Tuesday, Tortorella reflected on the past month, in which Santorelli has ascended from a guy that had something of an outside shot to make the team to an early central figure in the team’s early success, 3-1.

Santorelli, 6-foot and 189 pounds, impressed immediately at the start of training camp, arriving in stellar shape. On the first gruelling day of fitness in Tortorella’s boot camp, Santorelli was the team victor in a two-mile run , besting even the Sedin twins, fitness fanatics.

Needless to say, the coach who loves heart, grit, is enamoured.

“It’s a pretty good story, for a guy coming to a pretty good team, and simply saying I’m going to make this club. Just by his actions,” said Tortorella Tuesday morning. “He doesn’t say boo. I don’t think I’ve said one word to him. He just goes out and plays. Forget about the goals. There are a lot of other little things he does in the game. I’m looking up and down the bench in all situations for him, so it’s a really good story.”

Come Tuesday night, five minutes into the second period, with the Canucks losing and stalled, Tortorella did what’s he’s been doing of late and shuffled lines. With Alex Burrows hurt, and Zack Kassian suspended, the Sedins

have seen a rotating cast of characters. It wasn’t clicking with Jannik Hansen, so Tortorella put Santorelli out with the stars.

The results came fast. Santorelli was on the ice with the Sedins for two mid-period goals, evening the score, and then helped deliver the winner in overtime, finishing the night plus-three, the best of any player on the night in a 3-2 victory.

Santorelli has been beyond modest. He talks about just trying to get better every day and on Tuesday even apologized to reporters for repeating the same refrain.

He made a gamble. It’s paying off fast. He knows it’s a long season. He lets his play speak for him. And that play has a lot of people talking about him, among them one of his linemates on Tuesday night, Daniel Sedin.

“Mike has been tremendous so far.”



Vancouver braces for Sharknado

DAVID EBNER



The Vancouver Canucks’ latest bête noire arrives in town for a Thursday night showdown, an early season test as the rivalry intensifies.

The Canucks at 3-1, led by new head coach John Tortorella, have put together their best start in five years, but the San Jose Sharks ( 3-0) show up riding a long series of wins against Vancouver, including last spring’s first-round playoff sweep and a spanking last week in San Jose.

Vancouver Canucks' head coach John Tortorella laughs as he removes an earpiece after an interview following a news conference after he was hired by the NHL hockey team in Vancouver, B.C., on Tuesday June 25, 2013

And the Sharks, this time, are the highest-scoring team in the league, led by a 19-year-old sensation, Tomas Hertl, who wasn’t born when San Jose joined the NHL.

Even if it’s the fifth game of the season, it will be a considerable acid test for the Canucks, to judge whether the team’s aggressive play in recent games is for real or whether wins were only scored because of lower-tier opponents, the so-so Edmonton Oilers, and then two teams predicted to finish last in the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively: the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils.

It required comebacks and overtimes, both times, to defeat the Flames and Devils. The Sharks, without doubt, will be a more formidable challenge.

“The last couple games boosted our confidence,” defenceman Jason Garrison said Wednesday after practice. The Canucks in recent years have been strong in most situations, including playing when behind, but last year falling behind almost always meant losing. They won only one game when trailing after two periods, ranked 26th in the league.

Former coach Alain Vigneault was known for his hands-off approach, often not joining the team in the locker room in between periods. Tortorella is the opposite, a style made famous on HBO reality TV show 24/7. Tortorella is a preacher, a screamer – and it is resonating in Vancouver.

“You get pumped up,” Garrison, who leads all NHL defenceman in scoring with five points, said of Tortorella’s motivational techniques. . “It’s been motivating – that’s the best way I can explain it.”

One name to not yet register on the scoresheet is Ryan Kesler, several years removed from his 41-goal season and the Frank J. Selke Trophy, with injuries and surgeries and convalescence in between. He has one point (a goal) in four games, and is minus-three. He was somewhat testy Wednesday when asked about it, offering the rejoinder that there are 78 games left in the season.

Still, Kesler – and linemate Chris Higgins – are driving play. Looking at numbers from the NHL compiled by extraskater.com, Kesler and Higgins are among the very best in the league at pushing an offensive attack, behind only Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings (measured at even strength, with at least 30 minutes played, when the game score is within a goal).

Tortorella, who coached Higgins in New York and Kesler at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, is happy with their play so far, fighting on the boards, and near the net.

“He wants more on paper,” Tortorella said of Kesler’s push for goals and points. “He’s getting there. They need to stay with it and the goals will go in.”



Luongo one save better than Schneider as Canucks beat Devils in OT

DAVID EBNER

Published Wednesday, Oct. 09 2013, 1:00 AM EDT


It was not – despite the clamorous billing of this early-season tilt – a goaltending showcase. The men in net, on whom such a spotlight has shined, were relatively good but never reached amazing.

Before it began, there they were, the two by the boards and the penalty boxes, during warmups, stretching and chatting, old friends, brothers, lifelong member of the goaltenders fraternity. Each one loosened up, the centre red line dividing the two, Cory Schneider – it still seems strange – in a New Jersey Devils uniform and Roberto Luongo in the blue of the – it still seems improbable – Vancouver Canucks.

Vancouver Canucks' head coach John Tortorella laughs as he removes an earpiece after an interview following a news conference after he was hired by the NHL hockey team in Vancouver, B.C., on Tuesday June 25, 2013

Henrik Sedin Title: Captain Job: A heavier work load. Still counted on to produce goals and set up his brother Daniel, the twins will now also shoulder penalty-kill duties. On falling short of the Stanley Cup: “We haven’t won anything. We’ve won the regular season, we won the scoring titles, but if you look back at our careers [here], I don’t think you’d read anywhere that we’ve won anything.”

On Tuesday night in Vancouver, it was Schneider’s 100th game in the National Hockey League, and Luongo’s 750th. The teammates and friendly rivals faced each other for the first time as true rivals – and it was, at the end, Luongo who was the victor, as the Canucks came from behind to win 3-2, giving Luongo his 350th victory in the league, second among all active goalies.

It came down to overtime. Canucks defenceman Jason Garrison, halfway through the five-minute final frame, lobbed a shot at Schneider, with Mike Santorelli in front with a screen. The puck floated through, giving Garrison three goals in four games, and with the win sealed, the Canucks‘ record climbed to 3-1. The loss left the Devils still winless, falling to 0-1-3.

"We got the win, so that's what matters," said Luongo after the game, saluting the work of "Scheids" at the other end of the rink, crediting him for keeping New Jersey in the game.

And for all the chatter about goaltending, two older fellows made some of the most noticeable noise on the score sheet: the 33-year-old Sedin twins. Sure, it’s only four games in but for all the talk that the two – in the final year of their contract – are past their prime, and can no longer drum up a point per game, are no longer elite, the Sedins have announced themselves this October.

After another productive night – Daniel had a goal and an assist, and Henrik had an assist – the twins are in a four-way tie for second in the league in scoring, with six points, alongside Washington’s Alex Ovechkin and Michael Grabner. Well, well. (Who is No. 1? San Jose's Tomas Hertl, a 19-year-old who is the first Sharks to play for the team who was born after the franchise played its first game in 1991. Hertl had an incredible four goals on Tuesday night, to reach seven points, as the Sharks beat the New York Rangers 9-2.)

Daniel’s goal fit the mould of the mood of the evening. Midway through the second, the Canucks down 2-0, Daniel Sedin sent in a shot from a long way out, some 17 metres. The puck deflected off Anton Volchenkov along the way and floated in on Schneider’s glove side, the goaltender a little too far right in the crease for the redirected puck. It wasn’t one Schneider should have snagged exactly but there was no magic in the crease either.

"You've got to fight through that and make saves," said Schneider after the game.

The same thing, 90 seconds earlier. New Jersey sent a puck into the Vancouver corner and it bounced off the boards, hitting the skate of a referee. Canucks defenceman Dan Hamhuis, who was right there, could do

nothing to watch it slide away towards the net, right to Patrick Elias, who cracked it at the Luongo. The puck then banked off the skate of Vancouver’s Dale Weise in front and slipped through Luongo’s legs. Not exactly the goaltender’s fault, but no magic in the crease either.

Fact is, even for all the hype around Tuesday’s game for Schneider’s return, neither goaltender has been tremendous this season. Schneider had a crazy great preseason, giving up one goal on 80 shots, winning the opening-night job over legend Marty Brodeur, but then lost 3-0 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Luongo lost on opening night, too, in a game he played well, and won against Edmonton, when he played less well.

The finest goal of the night came as the second period rolled towards its end, as the Canucks kept pushing for a sustained increase in the pace, trying to pin back the Devils, who were playing for the second time in two nights.

The effort cracked through with about six minutes left, as New Jersey temporarily lost Ryan Clowe after he blocked an Alex Edler shot. As Clowe limped off, the Canucks swarmed again, with Henrik Sedin pushing the puck to his brother Daniel who, from the wing, whipped it to a charging Edler. The defenceman took the pass off his right skate, got the puck under control and – facing down Schneider one-on-one – deked right and then left before popping the puck up and in, cleanly beating the Devils netminder.

Earlier in the day, Schneider said it was “obviously bittersweet” to return to Vancouver, and he had kind words for his friend. “We had a deal with a lot last year,” said Schneider. “He [Luongo] never wavered in his support for me.”

The young 2013-14 season churns on. Vancouver will face New Jersey once more, on the road. The lives of the two men in net have now, mostly, diverged, but they will be entwined in minds for a long time yet. And, while odds are low, maybe the two men see each other next February in Sochi, Russia, at the Olympics, where Luongo is a primary candidate for Canada, and Schneider a long-shot for the United States.

Luongo, asked Tuesday morning whether all the drama is finally over, would not close the chapter on a saga that has constantly unfurled in unexpected ways.

“I wish it was,” said Luongo, smiling, “but I have a feeling it’s not.”


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ESPN / Can Blues measure up to Hawks?

By Scott Burnside

An 82-game schedule is a line that extends clear out of sight.

Taken in its entirety, it can be overwhelming, even if your team is playing well or, even worse, if it's not.

That's why most NHL coaches break the schedule into digestible chunks, a week at a time or segments of three or five games. It helps keep the goals in view and makes adjustments, at least in theory, easier to make.

Joel Quenneville's team remained mostly intact after last season's Stanley Cup run.

But within those smaller chunks, there will be moments that stand out, moments that make you say, "Oh, I wonder how that will go." And so it is now, just a week into the NHL's meandering path toward mid-April, with Wednesday's matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues generating great interest.

Trust us, the Blues and Hawks have perked up their ears at this early Central Division clash. Each team has yet to lose in regulation, and there is almost universal consensus that the two represent the cream of the revamped Central Division crop. The onus, of course, is on the Blackhawks to prove there is no Stanley Cup hangover and that they are worthy of the talk of them becoming the first team to repeat since the Detroit Red Wings in 1997-98.

Chicago general manager Stan Bowman has done a masterful job keeping the core of his team together after Cup wins in 2010 and 2013, needing only to fill things in around the edges of his lineup this offseason.

The changes have been subtle, with more opportunities presented to guys like Rookie of the Year nominee Brandon Saad -- who leads the team with two goals and two assists -- and Andrew Shaw, who is averaging 17:00 of ice time in the early going. Young Swede Joakim Nordstrom was a surprise addition to the roster and is working with Marcus Kruger on the team's penalty-killing unit, which lost key component Michael Frolik to Winnipeg in the offseason.

Bowman told us during training camp he felt it was important to lean on homegrown talent rather than searching the free-agent pool, and Wednesday will mark the team's most significant challenge of this young NHL season.

The Blues, meanwhile, are on a different journey of self-discovery after being bounced in the first round of the playoffs after taking a 2-0 lead against the Los Angeles Kings. Hosting Chicago will mark the first big stop on that journey.

"They have a lot of knowledge, and we're seeking that knowledge," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock told ESPN.com.

This is the first Blues team ever -- and the first in the NHL since 1991 -- to have 10 different goal scorers over the first two games of the season. That stat suggests the kind of depth the Blues feel they need to put a dent in Chicago's repeat hopes and suggests the kind of personnel most teams wish for but simply do not have the wherewithal to put on the ice.

The Blues' four forward lines "are as strong as anybody's in the NHL," national analyst Darren Pang told ESPN.com this week. "A lot of teams, quite frankly, don't have that kind of depth."

But it's not just about scoring goals. It's about how the goals happen, with Hitchcock challenging his players to become 200-foot players. The coaching staff has reinforced that last season's disappointment won't be washed away by one player stepping forward and taking the team to the next level, Hitchcock said. Instead, the coaching staff told the team everyone needed to be 10 percent better all over the ice.

"The players have bought into the sense of urgency to get it done," Hitchcock said.

The Blues' special teams are off to a good start, which bodes well for a team that has believed for a couple of years that it is poised to take the next step.

"We're getting a lot of momentum from our special teams right now," Hitchcock said, noting that a 7-0 blowout win over Florida was a one-goal game until the Blues killed off a few penalties and took over the game.

Alex Pietrangelo has keyed the Blues' improvement along the blue line.

The team added center Derek Roy and Brenden Morrow, who have been playing with Chris Stewart, and Pang has noticed the blue line has become more active, jumping into the play and making strong passes out of the zone.

Key defensive figure Alex Pietrangelo has started strong and has three assists in two games.

"He's all over the ice, really moving his feet. He's really involved," Pang said.

Pietrangelo signed a seven-year contract extension worth $45.5 million in the offseason, and he said the coaching staff's message that the team has to be better all over the ice has been constant and consistent.

"It was addressed in training camp. They addressed the 200-foot game over and over," Pietrangelo said.

While the Blues are built differently than Chicago, more like a hybrid between the Blackhawks and the physical Boston Bruins -- whom the Blackhawks defeated in six compelling games in the Stanley Cup finals in June -- Pang sees the Blues being able to take a page from the Chicago playbook by moving the puck more quickly from zone to zone, especially with players like Pietrangelo, Kevin Shattenkirk and Jay Bouwmeester on the back end.

Still, the Blackhawks are the gold standard in the art of transitioning from defense to offense.

"They're just not afraid to go north in a hurry," Pang said of the Blackhawks.

Pietrangelo said the contract hasn't changed his focus one iota, even if the security of not having to worry about where he'll be plying his trade the next seven years is comforting.

"I have to help this team win. I know it sounds cliché," said Pietrangelo, who is also vying to be part of the Canadian Olympic team in Sochi in 2014.

Pietrangelo acknowledged the Blues thought they were ready to make the leap last season, but it didn't work out. Now the challenge is to address those areas that separate the Blues from teams like Chicago as the season moves along.

No time like the present to see just how close the two teams might be. Most games against Chicago are close games, Pietrangelo noted.

"They're not easy games to play," he said, "but they're fun games to be a part of."

ESPN LOADED: 10.10.2013

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ESPN / Hertl's game translating to NHL with ease

By Pierre LeBrun

Imagine the view if Joe Thornton had been wearing a helmet cam Tuesday night.

The San Jose Sharks captain was at the net looking for a rebound when linemate Tomas Hertl beat New York Rangers goalie Martin Biron with a trick shot heard around the world.

"Who thinks of that?" said Thornton with a chuckle in a phone conversation with ESPN.com on Wednesday after practice.

Not many 19-year-old rookies playing their third NHL game, that’s for sure.

"Really, what a goal," Thornton said. "That just shows you how much confidence a young kid like that has right now. To pull off something like that, it’s pretty spectacular. We were just in awe at that point."

Hertl’s four-goal night was the talk of the league after Tuesday’s game, the Sharks’ PR staff flooded with media requests for the Czech native, who doesn’t speak a whole lot of English.

Which is why Thornton wasn’t sure if the kid was absorbing all the jokes in the dressing room after Tuesday night’s victory, with his older teammates absolutely taken by what they saw from the young product who has six goals and one assist in three games. But if you’ve been around the Sharks -- anyone ever meet Brent Burns? -- you know that’s a room where a sense of humor is a prerequisite.

"I’m not sure how much he understands of what we’re saying to him, but we were just all having fun and laughing," Thornton said. "It’s just nice to see that big smile of his. It’s contagious. We had some good laughs with him."

It’s just three games, folks, and maybe the kid hits a wall in a month and tails off. But you can’t ignore the talent that’s been on display from the 17th overall pick in the 2012 draft.

"He just loves to finish. That’s a goal scorer. He loves to score goals," Thornton said. "Right now, he’s finding the back of the net, and he’s excited to score goals. You just sit back and watch. It’s something else right now."

Of course, playing on a line with Thornton and Burns doesn’t hurt. That's a heck of a way to find oneself with scoring opportunities galore.

Sharks GM Doug Wilson was telling me a year ago to remember the name Tomas Hertl. For those who have spoken to Wilson over the years, he’s not one for hefty praise. He prefers his players’ actions to do the talking. But you could tell last season when the veteran GM would talk about the Czech forward that he was cautiously excited about what was coming down the pipe.

"He has smooth hands, good vision, and his hockey IQ is real good," NHL director of central scouting Dan Marr told ESPN.com on Wednesday. "He’s got some offensive hockey sense where he recognizes opportunity and he’s got the abilities to capitalize on it."

The 2012 draft was Marr’s first as NHL scouting director. He recalls central scouting having Hertl as the fifth-ranked European skater.

"The one little concern was whether his skating would pick up to transcend his game to the NHL level. And obviously it has," Marr said.

It’s not as if he slipped to 17th in 2012. That’s about where most people had him at the time.

"He should have been in that 15-to-20 range, and he was," Marr said. "Had he been an explosive skater, he probably would have been considered higher by a couple of teams, higher than where he was taken.

"When you’re drafting these kids at that age, you’re projecting improvements and physical maturity. They already knew he was strong. Their projection had to do with, 'Can we make him faster? Can we improve his skating?' You just weren’t sure in his draft year if his skating improvements would transcend to the NHL or how quickly they would. San Jose has a pretty good track record at developing young players and getting them to the NHL."

Former NHL GM Craig Button, now director of NHL scouting for Canadian sports TV network TSN, said two things stood out to him in Hertl’s draft year.

"One, excellent sense and feel for the game. Two, he threatened offensively both making plays and shooting," Button wrote in an email to ESPN.com on Wednesday. "He didn't possess what one would call 'blazing' speed, but he had a lightning quick mind and was always up to the pace of the game.

"When I watched him play in his draft year and last season, I saw similarities to Logan Couture, ironically, and it is another reminder that playing is not about style necessarily but about productivity. Tomas is productive and is the type of player who can adapt very well to different situations, playing different positions and playing with different players because he is so smart."

Like Couture, the Sharks weren’t simply drafting skill. They were drafting character.

"The other thing that I have always admired about Tomas is that he doesn't get deterred in his approach," Button said. "Whether it be his attitude or the challenges confronting him, he is always trying to be productive."

The question was how Hertl would make the transition coming across the pond to play in the top league in the world. It’s a big jump for anyone.

"He came here in the summertime. We were all working out and you saw him then," Thornton said. "I just think every couple of weeks you’ll see a big stride with him. It just seems with each game he keeps getting better and getting more confident. As a young player, it’s important to get that confidence early because you can really grow from that. And he is."


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ESPN / Report: Court throws out NHL lawsuit

By Pierre LeBrun

The NHL has lost a fight to reclaim money from former Phoenix Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes but says the battle is far from over.

As reported in the Arizona Republic, a federal bankruptcy court threw out most of the league's claims against Moyes last Friday. The NHL filed the lawsuit against Moyes in 2010 in the wake of his decision to have the team file for bankruptcy in 2009.

According to the Republic, the NHL had sought in the suit to recover $145.9 million from Moyes, which included $6.5 million on behalf of Wayne Gretzky, who was still owed unpaid salary from Moyes.

The setback, however, doesn't mean the league is done with Moyes.

"We are still evaluating our immediate options, but we have every intention of continuing to pursue our claims against Mr. Moyes for blatant breaches of his contractual obligations to the league," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN.com via email Wednesday.


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ESPN / Patrick Roy getting real in Denver

By John Buccigross | ESPN

Patrick Roy's temper cost him $10,000 in the Avs' season opener.

Nine years ago -- June 22, 2004 -- I wrote these sentences after observing Patrick Roy at Ray Bourque's charity golf tournament in leafy New England.

"Even when Patrick Roy is sitting down after a five-hour round of golf under sunny skies, he isn't relaxing. His eyes are always far away and fiery. … He is a serious person. … His competitive gene and his badger-like relentlessness will make him a huge success. When he told me how badly he wanted to win a Memorial Cup (owner and GM of the Quebec Remparts at the time), he practically burned a hole in my forehead. (He would win one two years later after making himself coach of the Remparts.) This man is a single-minded freak. I don't know how much fun he is to live with, but this man is a born leader. … (NBCSN NHL Analyst and former teammate) Keith Jones said how (Roy) was the greatest leader he ever saw. How he said very little, but when he did, it was perfectly timed and made you feel 10 feet tall and bulletproof. … I don't know whether (Roy and Bourque) have been offered a chance to run NHL teams, but if they haven't, it's one of those things on my 'Dude, what is up?' list. … These men are why we love the game. Why we care. Why we spend our hard-earned money playing it and supporting it. Because they care. Because they don't do it for the money. They always played for the prize. Roy still is."

I recall that sunny June day vividly, like I remember most things. It stayed with me as I, and others, waited for Roy to make his move to the NHL in some capacity. From that 2004 afternoon when Nathan MacKinnon was 8 years old, it was clear to me Roy was a man with more to do.

This lifelong fire Patrick Roy carries is a common hockey trait. It is one that keeps this fragile game moving forward. Without people who share Roy's fire, this game would melt away like early-March backyard ice.

I mean, think about it.

• The game is cold.

• The game smells. I mean, nostril-searing.

• The game is difficult.

• The game is dangerous.

• The game is expensive.

• The air inside your local rink is Beijing quality.

• The Zamboni driver must be wanted in four states.

How in 2014 does hockey survive? People are soft, seek warm climates, seek the easier way out, want pillows strewn down hallways for soft landings and incomes have not kept up with rising expenses.

My son, Jackson Ray Buccigross, began travel hockey at age six. He is now a 14-year-old, second-year bantam. This is the ninth year of his youth hockey career. The bill to play this year is $1,990.00, which we hockey folk can pay in installments. Of course, there is also equipment, gas, a couple of tournaments involving hotel rooms and endless, stiff pieces of rink pizza and 12-inch cinnamon sticks.

This season will be well more than $2,000 to practice and play hockey. But, let's use that as an average over the past nine years. (There is also power skating, camps and the purchase of 359 ministicks in 14 states and three provinces.)

You don't have to ask Barry Melrose to know that all of that comes to $18,000 so far, and I'm on the low end because my kid doesnt play on a high-cost, far-traveling "elite" team.

There are many high-quality state schools (like, say, Miami University in Oxford, Ohio) with "reasonable" tuition for in-state students. Miami's tuition is $13,200 a year for Ohio folk. Ohio State's tuition is $10,000 a year. So, what I'm saying is, my youth hockey fees so far could have almost bought me two years of tuition at the Ohio State University if I moved to Columbus,

established residency and become a Columbus Blue Jackets shoveling boy with the Blue Jackets Ice Crew.

Patrick Roy

Elsa/Allsport Ray Bourque, left, and Patrick Roy celebrate winning the Stanley Cup with the Avs in 2001.

What in the hell are we doing?

Well, one, we are nuts. We all know this and accept this. And, two, when the spark of hockey went off in our bellies, it lit a fire. That fire does go out for some in the beginning. They can't hack the sacrifice and obstacles. They can't see the benefits beyond the scoreboard and stat sheet. For us, we have no choice. The game's got us, and it's not letting go.

And that's what you and I have in common with Patrick Roy. How many of us haven't two-hand-slapped the glass at a rink in joy over a goal or raged over an obvious hit from behind, you jerk!

We just haven't done it with Bruce Boudreau on the other side looking through the moving glass like he's watching "Sons Of Anarchy" on a big, flatscreen TV.

This isn't a hero-worship piece. We've had far too many examples of athletes/coaches who we thought stood for one thing yet contradicted their beliefs in a moment of truth and lied. I think we all learned not to take things with not just a grain of salt, but a big, deer-licking block of salt. Plus, Roy is rich and flies charter. It's easier to "love" the game through that prism. (To be fair, if Roy was a welder in L'Ancienne-Lorette, I think he would still be involved at his local rink and slapping the glass with two hands and swearing in French with no consciousness of how his tie looks.)

No, this is to suggest that to see Roy is to see a lot of our own local rink: organic, human, hockey souls.

"The rage you feel -- it's a gift. Use it. But don't let anyone see it."

-- Enoch "Nucky" Thompson (Steve Buscemi's character on HBO's "Boardwalk Empire")

That might be good advice for a mobster, but in hockey, most of us let our rage out for the world to see and judge. Roy's glass-slapping, the look on Cam Neely's menacing face as he sits high above the rink after the Bruins score a big playoff goal, our own regrettable outbursts toward referees or our own goalie (What are you doing?), well, people see our rage.

That display of rage can later make us feel small. We feel terribly about it and vow to never to do it again. Yet we do. We rage. No game produces that r-a-g-e like hockey.

And that's why I'm glad Roy is back: his blue-collar rage and fire. We have too many "wine drinkers" in hockey these days. Everyone is always talking about drinking their "reds." Roy symbolizes the beer and whiskey "Boardwalk Empire" Prohibition patron, the community, union guy. He's complex, as we all are, but he hasn't sandpapered all of his rough edges, and I love that. (He signed a four-year, nonguaranteed contract!) He does hide his rage, for the most part, as Nucky Thompson advises, but, when it comes out behind the bench, we all win.

Shjon Podein (beer drinker) said Roy was the only player he saw who brought those Stanley Cup playoff-level competitive juices every night.

Stuff's about to get real in Denver.


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USA TODAY / Olympic tracker: Who's rising, falling?

Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports 9:53 p.m. EDT October 9, 2013

Every week, USA TODAY Sports hockey columnist Kevin Allen will analyze how candidates are helping or hurting their chances to make the U.S. Olympic hockey team, plus will take a brief look at the other countries. About 12 weeks remain before decisions will have to be made.

Ryan Miller's statistics are talking loudly about his intentions to play his way into the U.S. goaltending picture for the 2014 Games in Sochi.

Playing for the winless Buffalo Sabres, Miller has a 1.53 goals-against average and .963 save percentage.

Miller was the star of the 2010 U.S. team, but Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings) has blossomed into the American goaltending darling. Plus, Jimmy Howard (Detroit Red Wings) and Craig Anderson (Ottawa Senators) had better seasons than Miller in 2012-13.

Based on Quick's Stanley Cup win in 2012 and trip to the Western Conference finals last season, he is the undeniable favorite to be No. 1. That hasn't changed, even though Quick (3.18 goals-against average, .893 save percentage) has struggled early.

Howard (2.31, .915) and Anderson (1.92, .948) have played well.

Team USA general manager David Poile has said the goalies who play the best the first three months will make the team. Miller has made it clear with his play that he wants to be in Sochi.

The wild card is Tim Thomas (Florida Panthers). Coming back after a year off, he's still shaking the rust out of his game, and it's tough to know where he fits in this mix.

MORE: U.S. draft prospects to watch

Injuries: Thomas has a groin pull but isn't expected to be sidelined for very long. The team did call up goalie Scott Clemmensen.

Stock rising: Chicago Blackhawks wing Brandon Saad. He had two goals and two assists in the first two games. Saad, 20, has skill and poise and has demonstrated he can skate with premium players. He might be playing his way into contention to be a fourth-liner or the 13th forward.

Stock rising II: Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien. The questions are whether his offensive game will translate on the wider European ice surface and whether he is effective enough as a defender. But there is no denying his offensive skills, particularly his booming slap shot. He has four assists in his first three games.

Stock rising III: San Jose Sharks forward Joe Pavelski is a lock to make the team, but with five assists in three games he's playing like he might be America's No. 1 center. Team USA is short on high-quality centers, and he's competing against Derek Stepan, Ryan Kesler, Paul Stastny and David Backes. Backes could end up playing on the wing in Sochi. Right now, Pavelski and his playmaking skills might be the USA's best option for the top line.

Stock falling: Ottawa's Bobby Ryan has been one of the USA's most productive scorers in recent years, but the Americans are deep on the wing. He needs a good start and had no goals in his first two games. While that is hardly cause for concern, Olympic decisions will be made after about 35 games this season so every game matters.

Stock falling II: New Jersey Devils goaltender Cory Schneider likely won't play enough to grab a spot, because Martin Brodeur remains a major presence.

Keep an eye on: Defensemen Seth Jones of the Nashville Predators and Jacob Trouba of the Jets. At 19, they're considered unlikely to make the team. But Jones is playing 23 minutes a game and Trouba is at 22. They aren't behaving like young players.

Foreign market

If Sharks rookie Tomas Hertl is still leading the NHL in scoring in December, you can assume he'll make the Czech team. He might qualify

just based on scoring six goals in his first three NHL games, including a spectacular between-the-legs shot to cap off a four-goal night Tuesday. Can you imagine his magic on the wider ice? ... Who's Finland's best NHL goalie? That's not easy to answer. In the early going, Antti Niemi (San Jose) and Tuukka Rask (Boston Bruins) have spectacular numbers. But don't count out Pekka Rinne (Nashville).

USA TODAY LOADED: 10.10.2013

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USA TODAY / Stuart suspended three games, Nielsen fined

Mike Brehm, USA TODAY Sports 10:06 p.m. EDT October 9, 2013

Overshadowed by all the hoopla over Tomas Hertl's four-goal night was the fact that New York Rangers star Rick Nash had to leave the game.

The NHL announced Wednesday that San Jose Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart was being suspended for three games for the head hit early in the first period.

Stuart was called for elbowing on the play, though it was a shoulder-to-head hit. NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan said the hit was fine until Stuart "unnecessarily extended the left side of his body upward, specifically his left shoulder in a way that makes Nash's head the main point of contact, causing an injury."

Nash played several more shifts but did not return after the first period. He has a concussion history.

"I have a headache," he said after the game, according to MSG Network. "It got worse. It was a head shot. I'm concerned the way it feels."

There was no update on his condition on Wednesday.

Stuart had one previous suspension - for a stick infraction in 2000-01 - but Shanahan said that didn't factor into the equation.

The defenseman will forfeit $55,384.62 in pay.

Meanwhile the NHL said it was fining New York Islanders forward Frans Nielsen $5,000 for his slash on the Phoenix Coyotes' Martin Hanzal.

The incident occurred in the third period of the Islanders' 6-1 win against the Coyotes.

USA TODAY LOADED: 10.10.2013

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