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SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEFNHL 12/9/2013

Anaheim Ducks729026 Cogliano finds comfort zone with Ducks729027 Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry providing spark for Ducks

Boston Bruins729028 Report: Chris Kelly has broken ankle729029 Bruins call up Ryan Spooner and Matt Fraser, place two on

IR729030 Chris Kelly of Bruins to miss 4-6 weeks with broken right

fibula729031 Bruins’ power play comes alive in win over Leafs729032 Bruins topple Maple Leafs 5-2729033 Bruins' Chris Kelly to miss 4-6 weeks with broken fibula729034 Report: Chris Kelly suffers broken ankle729035 More pain, gain for B’s729036 Julien takes issue with Orpik hit729037 Hamilton hurt in Bruins win729038 Bruins battle past Leafs

Buffalo Sabres729039 Sabres stumble against Canadiens

Calgary Flames729040 Unpredictable Flames best Oilers 2-1 in overtime729041 Flames turn into shot-blocking demons as they shut down

Edmonton’s offence729042 Johnson: Returning Jarome Iginla deserves his due as the

best player in Flames franchise history729043 Iginla says time was right for trade from Calgary Flames729044 Tuesday's game may represent a handing off of Flames

baton729045 Oilers say return to Calgary will take emotional toll of Jarome

Iginla729046 Calgary Flames square off against Edmonton Oilers in

Pacific Division basement battle729047 Calgary Flames draft pick eager to watch Iggy's return729048 Five Burning Questions facing Calgary Flames729049 Iggy's family & friends await his return to Edmonton

Chicago Blackhawks729050 Shaw set to bring 'tons of energy' in Blackhawks return729051 Blackhawks Game Day: Shaw in lineup vs. Panthers729052 Versteeg gets crack to prove Panthers wrong729053 Andrew Shaw gets back in the swing of things729054 Hayes, Olsen back in familiar haunts729055 Crawford exits Blackhawks’ 6-2 win early with injury729056 Bollig visits Elk Grove Village729057 Shaw ready to get back at it729058 Crawford injured in Blackhawks' victory729059 Kruger weighs in on Blackhawks' penalty-kill woes729060 Ex-Blackhawks Olsen, Hayes fitting in nicely with Panthers729061 Blackhawks recall, activate defenseman Mike Kostka729062 Five things to watch as Blackhawks host Panthers729063 Blackhawks win game but lose Crawford in defeat of

Panthers729064 Blackhawks' Corey Crawford injured against Panthers

Colorado Avalanche729065 Pregame at Vancouver: Patrick Roy going back to J.S.

Giguere net729066 Avalanche defenseman Jan Hejda should return faster than

first thought729067 Avalanche finish Canadian road trip with tough loss at

Vancouver729068 Tortorella on Avs: “Quickest team we’ve played”

Columbus Blue Jackets729069 Blue Jackets: Nick Foligno persevering, prospering729070 Blue Jackets: Johansen line producing729071 Blue Jackets notebook: Hurting Penguins still dangerous

Dallas Stars729072 Heika: It's hard to describe Dallas Stars rookie Valeri

Nichushkin, but he could be very special

Detroit Red Wings729073 Jonas Gustavsson kept Detroit Red Wings in game despite

first regulation loss729074 Tomas Tatar making most of playing time with Red Wings729075 Red Wings' troubles at home continue during lethargic loss

to Florida Panthers729076 Red Wings lack energy, outskated and outplayed by Florida

Panthers in 2-1 loss

Edmonton Oilers729077 Remember: Edmonton Oilers’ acquisition of David Perron

came courtesy St. Louis Blues salary dump729078 Edmonton Oilers head coach: “Every night is a tough night”729079 Edmonton Oilers forward David Perron comes by his

shoot-first mentality via habit729080 Edmonton Oilers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov in recovery mode

after hit on the head729081 German ice show tries to woo Jason Strudwick following his

Battle of the Blades stint

Florida Panthers729082 Florida Panthers overpowered in loss to Chicago

Blackhawks729083 SNOWED UNDER: Panthers Battle but Get Crushed 6-2 by

Blackhawks729084 Panthers snowed under 6-2 by Blackhawks729085 Panthers holding their own against dominant Western

Conference teams

Los Angeles Kings729086 Kings' Matt Greene, Trevor Lewis could return during trip729087 Waking up with the Kings: December 8729088 Jonathan Quick talks recovery729089 Greene, Lewis will travel; Schultz to Manchester729090 December 8 practice quotes: Darryl Sutter

Minnesota Wild729091 Wild notes: Struggling second line seeks success729092 Recap: Wild 3, San Jose 1729093 Postgame: Wild outshot 38-13 but Harding was great729094 Harding backstops Wild to 3-1 victory over San Jose729095 Minnesota Wild need just 13 shots, and Josh Harding, to

beat Sharks729096 Wild penalty killing helped spark win over Sharks729097 Wild coach still not satisfied with second line's play729098 Minnesota Wild: Mitchell no longer thinks like a Shark729099 Wild 3, Sharks 1: Josh Harding leads way for Minnesota

Montreal Canadiens729100 “Intense” fourth line makes the difference for Canadiens729101 Habs enjoy a break in busy schedule

Nashville Predators729102 Nashville Predators' slump puts season on brink of trouble

New Jersey Devils729103 Devils' Martin Brodeur, his future undecided, isn't interested

in a farewell tour729104 Devils' Cam Janssen didn't know if his goal would stand after

video review729105 Eric Gelinas' power play goal gives Devils 4-3 overtime win

over Rangers729106 Devils vs. Rangers: Live game analysis and fan discussion

New York Islanders729107 Garth Snow mulls changes as Islanders try to right ship

New York Rangers729108 With Second Loss, Rangers’ 9-Game Homestand Is Off to a

Shaky Start729109 Rangers sit Marc Staal with concussion-like symptoms after

hit from Reid Boucher729110 Rangers' Marc Staal suffering from 'neck issues,'

experiencing 'symptoms,' team unsure whether they're related

729111 Rangers disappoint yet again, fall 4-1 at home to Capitals729112 Vigneault: Unclear if Staal concussed729113 Rangers sink to Washington, hold meeting729114 Staal dealing with symptoms729115 Capitals 4, Rangers 1: Wrapping up729116 Rangers are lifeless in 4-1 loss to Capitals729117 It’s Go Time! … Capitals at Rangers729118 Capitals at Rangers tonight (7 p.m.) … pre-game notes729119 Rangers-Capitals in review729120 Capitals 4, Rangers 1 … post-game notes and quotes

NHL729121 Iginla returns to city where he once was king729122 Union in Position to Defend Indefensible

Ottawa Senators729123 The Senators this week / A look at Ottawa Senators games

coming up over the next seven days.729124 Senators prediction panel: Game 31729125 Ottawa Senators playoff hopes dwindling729126 Ottawa Senators firing blanks in shootouts

Philadelphia Flyers729127 Lecavalier out 3-4 weeks729128 Flyers will be on HBO's 24/7729129 Flyers' Lecavalier out 3 to 4 more weeks729130 Lecavalier out 3-4 weeks with back injury729131 Lecavalier out 3 to 4 weeks729132 Character test for Lecavalier-less Flyers729133 STARS 5, FLYERS 1 Seguin has 3-goal second, Stars beat

Flyers 5-1729134 Lecavalier to miss a month due to back fracture729135 Flyers lose Lecavalier with fracture in back729136 Postgame Plus: Lack of consistency hurt Flyers729137 Lecavalier leaves trip for evaluation on back729138 Is extension headed Mason's way? Looks like it729139 Lecavalier to miss 3-4 weeks with back injury

Phoenix Coyotes729140 Schedule offers Phoenix Coyotes chance to toughen up

Pittsburgh Penguins729141 Penguins' Orpik out, Neal to have phone hearing729142 Penguins players are not out looking for fights729143 Penguins' Metropolitan Division less than impressive729144 Penguins notebook: Cross-state replacements fill their roles

so far

San Jose Sharks729145 San Jose Sharks shuffling lines for Minnesota Wild729146 San Jose Sharks power play comes up empty in loss to

Minnesota Wild729147 Sharks' Brown has lower body injury729148 Sharks make lineup changes for game vs. Wild729149 Power play, controversial goal lead to another Sharks loss729150 Instant Replay: Frustration in Minnesota

St Louis Blues729151 Hockey Guy: Western Conference powers hit lull729152 Blues' 'buy-in' comes into question again

Tampa Bay Lightning729153 Bolts notes: Lack of shots still a concern

Toronto Maple Leafs729154 Failure on the penalty kill dooms Leafs in ugly loss to Bruins729155 LIVE: Leafs face big bad Bruins in rare Sunday home game729156 Maple Leafs: Jonathan Bernier gets call tonight against

Bruins729157 Maple Leafs: James van Riemsdyk In the penthouse,

penalty killing in the doghouse729158 Another incomplete game costs Leafs against Bruins:

Feschuk729159 Are Bruins vulnerable for Maple Leafs?729160 Maple Leafs host Bruins in rare Sunday home game729161 Maple Leafs' Dion Phaneuf could face discipline for hit729162 It's all about two points for Maple Leafs729163 Maple Leafs penalty kill struggles in loss to Bruins729164 Toronto Maple Leafs can’t overcome their own mistakes in

loss to Boston Bruins

Vancouver Canucks729171 Gameday: Canucks to face vastly improved Avalanche in

hunt for fourth straight win729172 Goalie J.S. Giguere enjoying Avs' turnaround729173 Good as gold: Canucks continue to dominate Avs729174 Despite themselves, Canucks down Avs, 3-1729175 Hat trick: Talking Canuck D-men ice time, Avalanche playing

with lead and Colorado goalie issues729176 Willes: Canucks learning to close the deal729177 Gallagher: Santorelli gives comatose Canucks a lift729178 Vancouver 3 Colorado 1: Santo comes early for Canucks729179 Van Provies: Luongo vs. Roy, Higgins’ hearing good,

Canucks’ start bad, Liam support great729180 Raptors send Rudy Gay to Sacramento in blockbuster trade:

Report

Washington Capitals729165 Philipp Grubauer to start against Rangers729166 Capitals and Rangers face off for second place in

Metropolitan Division729167 Five thoughts on the Capitals’ 5-2 win against Nashville729168 Philipp Grubauer earns first NHL win in Capitals’ victory

Websites729181 ESPN / Much to talk about for the BoG729182 USA TODAY / Vincent Lecavalier out 3-to-4 weeks with back

injury729183 USA TODAY / Is John Tortorella making the Canucks a

better team?729184 USA TODAY /Shawn Thornton, James Neal face hearings

after fracas729185 USA TODAY / Blackhawks' Corey Crawford leaves early

with injury729186 YAHOO SPORTS / Shawn Thornton's attack on Brooks

Orpik is the kind of garbage the NHL needs to clean up – quic

Winnipeg Jets729169 Montoya solid backup for Jets729170 Jets can't be complacent

SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129

729026 Anaheim Ducks

Cogliano finds comfort zone with Ducks

Published: Dec. 8, 2013 Updated: 10:22 p.m.

By ERIC STEPHENS / ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

ANAHEIM – There are no more illusions for Andrew Cogliano and a level of contentment comes with that.

Visions of becoming a big-time scorer or point producer in the NHL have faded into old dreams. The passage of time also allows for maturation and an acceptance of one’s place in the league.

Cogliano is at that place with the Ducks. Exactly how much the team values the potential unrestricted free agent going forward is something it will have to figure out.

“When I first came into the league, you think you’re going to be a scorer,” Cogliano said recently. “Not a big scorer but a guy that’s going to put up 60 or 70 points. It’s tough to do in this league. There’s guys that are just so skilled.

“To make a long career for yourself, you have to find different things to do. You have to have a complete game. I think in the last two years, that’s what I’ve done.”

The chances that Cogliano ever puts up big numbers are slim and none but the versatile forward has found his niche at age 26 and seven years in. Speed is and has always been his greatest asset but there is much more to his game.

Cogliano is an essential part of the Ducks’ penalty killing and has become an effective defensive player on the club’s shutdown line with Saku Koivu and Daniel Winnik. Comfort has been found on the wing where he’s no longer saddled with his struggle to win faceoffs.

The defensive side of the game is where Cogliano has made the most advances since coming out of Michigan as an offensive-minded player.

“Considering my first year, where I thought he was really …,” said Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau, who finished the thought by making a frown. “But he’s done a great job since then. He’s a really good defensive forward now that’s still going to get you 15 goals.”

Boudreau sees a more mature player that knows his role and is good at it.

“If I had a goal and was a minus-3, I’d just still had that goal and it wouldn’t matter,” Cogliano said. “I really genuinely hate being out there for goals against now.”

His first season in Anaheim was a period of adjustment after being acquired in a trade and then signing a three-year contract worth nearly $7.2 million. Cogliano then a found a connection with Winnik and Koivu and produced his best season.

And now the winger is being used more in end-game situations and his breakaway speed is particularly effective in closing out wins when the opposing team has emptied its net to gain an extra attacker.

“I think as the years have gone on, it’s gotten me more time and gotten the trust of the coach,” Cogliano said. “It’s really helped me out. Definitely, the last two years have been instrumental in finding that.”

Cogliano further helped his case for a new contract by scoring the game’s first goal Saturday and assisting on Mark Fistric’s empty-net tally in the Ducks’ 5-2 win over St. Louis. His eight goals and seven assists show he can provide offense.

“I think I’ve found a very comfortable thing where I feel like I can create offense but also play good defense at the same time and just play the right way,” Cogliano said.

Talks on contract extension with the Ducks are apparently not active, at least according to him. Cogliano is making $2.67 million this season and made it clear where his preference lies.

“I really love playing here,” he said. “I think the first year was a learning experience for me, coming from a different team (Edmonton). Different coaching. And now these last two years, I really feel like I’m comfortable.

“I feel like my game has come a long ways. I think I’ve gained the trust of Bruce to play in key situations. This is where I want to be. I think it’s a great team so hopefully those (talks) will pick up in the next little bit.”

Orange County Register: LOADED: 12.09.2013

729027 Anaheim Ducks

Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry providing spark for Ducks

Elliott Teaford

Posted: 12/08/13, 4:27 PM PST

DUCKS vs. N.Y. ISLANDERS

Faceoff: 7 p.m., today, Honda Center

TV/Radio: FSW, KLAA 830-AM

Update: “The Twins,” as Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are known, continued to wreak havoc for the Ducks during a difficult four-game stretch in which the team went 2-0-2 against the San Jose Sharks, the Kings, the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues. Those four opponents were a combined 76-24-17 at the start of business Sunday. Getzlaf recorded a goal and an assist during a 5-2 victory Saturday over the Blues, extending his points streak to 13 consecutive games (10 goals, 10 assists). Getzlaf has a team-leading 36 points overall (16 goals, 20 assists). Perry, who scored his team-leading 18th goal Saturday, has a seven-game points streak (six goals, three assists). The Ducks are 10-0-2 at the Honda Center, the last team in the NHL without a regulation defeat, and 20-7-5 for 45 points overall. The Islanders are 8-17-5 after a 3-0 loss Saturday to the Kings and have lost nine consecutive.

–Elliott Teaford

LA Daily News: LOADED: 12.09.2013

729028 Boston Bruins

Report: Chris Kelly has broken ankle

Posted by Amalie Benjamin

December 8, 2013 11:48 AM

TORONTO – Bruins center Chris Kelly, who will not play in Sunday's game against the Maple Leafs, apparently suffered a broken ankle in the game against the Penguins on Saturday night.

Kelly is one of three Bruins forwards who will not play in Toronto due to the goings on against Pittsburgh. Shawn Thornton has been suspended pending a hearing with NHL player safety and Loui Eriksson sustained a concussion.

The news of Kelly's ankle injury, which happened on a slash by Pascal Dupuis, was first reported by TSN's Darren Dreger.

Dreger tweeted, "Bruins forward Chris Kelly suffered broken ankle from Dupuis slash last night. Quite a game."

This is the second leg injury for Kelly this calendar year. Back in March, during last year's lockout shortened season, Kelly broke his left tibia, an injury that kept him out for a month and kept him ineffective until late in the postseason.

Boston Globe LOADED: 12.09.2013


Bruins call up Ryan Spooner and Matt Fraser, place two on IR

Posted by Amalie Benjamin

December 8, 2013 03:41 PM

TORONTO – The Bruins have officially called up Ryan Spooner and Matt Fraser to fill the holes left by Saturday night's game against Pittsburgh.

The Bruins were down three forwards (Loui Eriksson, Chris Kelly, Shawn Thornton) because of injuries and a suspension. Jordan Caron will fill one of the spots, with Spooner and Fraser taking over the other two.

The Bruins also announced the the injury to Kelly is, in fact, a fractured right fibula. He is expected to miss four to six weeks, and has been placed on long-term injured reserve. His spot should be filled by Spooner, the dynamic center whom the Bruins did not have room for until now.

Adam McQuaid, who was scheduled to make the trip with the Bruins to Toronto, has been placed on injured reserve because of of a lower body injury.

The Bruins are also without Johnny Boychuk, who suffered a back injury on Thursday, meaning they will face the Maple Leafs Sunday without five of their normal starters



Chris Kelly of Bruins to miss 4-6 weeks with broken right fibula

By Amalie Benjamin

December 09, 2013

TORONTO — While Chris Kelly’s injury got a bit lost in all that happened in Saturday night’s 3-2 win over the Penguins, its implications will impact the Bruins for an extended period. They announced on Sunday afternoon that Kelly will be out 4-6 weeks with a fractured right fibula, sustained when he was slashed in the second period by Pittsburgh’s Pascal Dupuis.

Kelly was placed on long-term injured reserve, meaning he can’t return until the beginning of January at the earliest.

“I think we’ve got enough players that can step up here,” coach Claude Julien said before his team beat the Maple Leafs, 5-2, at the Air Canada Centre. “Those are parts of the game that you face every year, every team. So, I know we have mentioned that a lot of times, but it kind of challenges the depth of your team, and hopefully in a good way.

“It’s an unfortunate loss because he’s a pretty important player for us, but we’ve been through this before.”

It’s the second fracture in less than a year for Kelly, who broke his left tibia in March. That injury kept him out a month, and made him less than effective until late in the postseason.

“Every time we’ve been through that before it’s about everyone stepping up, and obviously Kells is a big part of our team,” Patrice Bergeron said. “He plays both sides of the rink, takes a lot of faceoffs as well. It’s about us centermen trying to take the load and make sure we help each other out. It’s about everyone; it’s not just one guy. We all need to step up and try to fill the void.”

Ryan Spooner replaced Kelly as the third-line center, between Carl Soderberg and Matt Fraser. Kelly, Soderberg, and Reilly Smith had developed excellent chemistry on the third line, and had played especially well in November. Kelly has three goals and four assists this season.

Coaches disagree

After a night to reflect, Julien had more of an opinion to offer on the hit by the Penguins’ Brooks Orpik that left Loui Eriksson with a concussion, responding to comments from Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma Saturday night.

Byslma had called the play “a good hockey hit. Eriksson touches the puck, the puck’s coming around the wall there. It does take a strange bounce. He does touch the puck, and it’s a good hit.”

Said Julien, “I respectfully disagree that it was a legal hit. He didn’t have the puck. In watching the replays, I thought that Brooks was just kind of lining him up, and no matter what, he was going to line up to hit more than even attempt to play the puck. Maybe people will argue that it touched his blade, but it certainly wasn’t from him trying to get a pass. It took a weird bounce off the boards.

“So in saying that, I think we both have different opinions. We’re going to have to respect what the league is going to do. They’re the ones that are going to look at it closely and make a decision. Whatever they decide on that, I’m happy to move on. I just personally thought that it wasn’t, if you look at the rules, when a player is in a vulnerable position if the player doesn’t really have the puck — which I didn’t think he had, it was coming off the boards — so it’s a borderline decision or discussion to have.”

Julien did reiterate that Shawn Thornton would have to face the music after his later beating on Orpik left the Penguins defenseman with concussion. Thornton’s in-person hearing with the league’s Department of Safety has yet to be scheduled.

“Thorny’s man enough, and I agree, he did cross the line,” Julien said. “He got caught up in the emotions. There’s nobody that’s proud of what happened [Saturday] night, absolutely not. So, he’s going to suffer the consequences, and so will we.

“But the one thing about Thorny is anybody that knows him personally knows that he’s a pretty honest player and a pretty honest person. And if he said that he really regretted it and felt bad, he really did. I support his comment because I know he’s being truthful to that.

“That’s more than we can say about players that pretend it wasn’t done on purpose or it really didn’t mean it. Pretty obvious when you look at it, Thorny did cross the line, and some others did, too. But sometimes you have to man up to those things.”

That last comment appears to be a reference to James Neal’s denial of having kneed Brad Marchand in the head just prior to Thornton attacking Orpik.

Spooner, Fraser recalled

The wake-up call came at 4:30 a.m. for Fraser and Spooner. They were on the road by 5:30, after gathering their gear at the rink, and even arrived early for their flight here.

Then they got a much-needed nap.

The Providence forwards were alerted after their game in Worcester Saturday night that they would be joining the big club, with the team down three forwards to injury and suspension. That made for a quick turnaround after playing Friday and Saturday.

“It’s been pretty hectic,” Fraser said. “Third game in three nights. It’s obviously not the most ideal circumstances, but I will also be the last guy in the world to be complaining about it. I’m excited to be here, I’m excited to make an impact and kind of show them what I can do.”

Both players had previous NHL experience, though Fraser, who was acquired in the Tyler Seguin trade, had not yet played for the Bruins. Fraser had 13 games of experience with the Dallas Stars, with a goal and two assists.

“He’s a guy that shoots the puck extremely well,” Julien said. “Him and Spoons, I’m told, have played together lately and seem to have decent chemistry. They were two of the better players, so those were the guys that were called up.”

Spooner had already been in the NHL once this season, called up to bring speed and playmaking to the offense. He had two assists in two games.

Spooner is likely up for an extended stay, as a replacement for Kelly. The team judged him nearly ready for the NHL at the end of training camp, but he lost out because of a lack of available spots at center. That’s no longer the case.

“We don’t need an extended look,” Julien said. “I think he needs an extended experience.’’

McQuaid on IR

The Bruins also placed defenseman Adam McQuaid (lower body) on injured reserve, meaning they were without five regulars against the Leafs, including Kelly, Eriksson, Thornton, and Johnny Boychuk (back) . . . The Bruins had a rare night in which their opponents outperformed them in the faceoff circle. The Maple Leafs won 54 percent, with the Bruins hampered by Spooner going 0 for 4 and David Krejci 7 for 18. Soderberg won just 4 of 10 (taking some in instead of Spooner), but one of those led to Kevan Miller’s winning goal . . . Bergeron, who has dealt with his own concussion issues during his career, said he texted Eriksson on Saturday night, and heard back Sunday morning. He said that Eriksson had “mentioned some stuff about not feeling great,” which is not surprising, given he sustained his second concussion in the last 45 days. “But it’s still early, so hopefully he takes the time and it’s going to go away soon,” Bergeron continued. “It’s unfortunate. He’s obviously a great player for us, huge addition. It’s another situation where we all need to step up.” Julien said there was no update on Eriksson’s condition.



Bruins’ power play comes alive in win over Leafs

By Amalie Benjamin

December 09, 2013

TORONTO — It’s almost a routine these days. The first period comes, the Bruins lose a defenseman. On Sunday night, it was Dougie Hamilton, gone down the tunnel near the end of the period, done for the night.

And perhaps longer. After the game, a 5-2 win for the Bruins over the Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre, coach Claude Julien said Hamilton was headed back to Boston to be evaluated for a lower-body injury. Julien said Hamilton was unlikely to play for “at least a week,” putting yet another blue liner on the shelf.

“It seems to be normal now,” Torey Krug said. “We’ve played so many games where we’ve dropped a guy, especially early on in a game.”

The Bruins lost another defenseman when Kevan Miller was sent into the boards by Dion Phaneuf in the waning moments of the game. The hit went unpenalized, despite looking as if it was worthy of sending Phaneuf to the box. As Julien said, “It was a close call. It’s headfirst into the boards.”

Julien seemed optimistic about the undrafted rookie’s condition, calling his injury “very minor.” Miller has proved worthy of a spot after being called up on an emergency basis for the second time this season. And Julien said he was “more optimistic than pessimistic” about the potential return of Johnny Boychuk, who was injured on a boarding play by Montreal’s Max Pacioretty on Thursday. The Bruins will wait until Monday morning in Calgary to determine whether they need to recall another defenseman from Providence.

Miller did more than provide his usual steady work against Toronto. He scored his first NHL goal, which turned out to be the winner, off a faceoff win from Carl Soderberg at 15:58 of the second period.

“Very happy that old guy finally scored,” the 22-year-old Krug quipped of the 26-year-old Miller. “It was great. You see the excitement on his face. I remember when I scored my first goal — it’s just such a great feeling.”

Said Julien of Miller, “He’s been pretty solid. We’ve said that from the beginning. He’s been thrown into the fire. You get some young players coming up sometimes. You spot them here and there, put them against maybe third, fourth lines. He doesn’t have that luxury here right now. We’ve got so many injuries, he’s got to play against some top lines. It doesn’t seem to be bothering him.”

Miller’s goal was the Bruins’ third of the second, a period that had doomed them against the Canadiens in Montreal, but which provided the winning margin on Sunday.

“We pushed a lot, I think,” said goaltender Chad Johnson, who made 30 saves to record his fifth win in six starts. “We talked about it in the past, that we wanted to have better second periods. Tonight, we had a really good second period. It carried us through the whole game, I think. We got the lead back and it was key for us.”

Johnson had allowed a goal to Peter Holland at 12:20 of the first period, but the Bruins came back in the second, starting with two consecutive power-play goals.

The first came on a nice feed from Reilly Smith to Soderberg at 5:14.

“We have pretty good chemistry,” said Smith, who was playing for the first time in his hometown of Toronto. “If I get the puck down low, I know [Soderberg is] going to go backdoor, and the other way around. He’s able to find some open space, and that worked out today.”

The Bruins took the lead as Krug scored his eighth of the season at 6:47, again on the power play, to tie Ottawa’s Erik Karlsson for the league lead in goals by defensemen.

Trailing, 3-1, the Maple Leafs came back in the third period, with Jay McClement scoring just 37 seconds in. But they couldn’t get any closer. The Bruins added an insurance goal on Jarome Iginla’s sixth of the season —

and only his second in the last 13 games — and an empty-netter by Patrice Bergeron.

For the Bruins, it was a crucial win in the wake of Saturday’s difficult and emotional game against the Penguins, one that left the Bruins down five regulars (Chris Kelly, Loui Eriksson, Shawn Thornton, Adam McQuaid, and Boychuk).

That put the onus on the younger Bruins — on Krug and Matt Bartkowski and Miller, on Ryan Spooner and Matt Fraser. For the most part, they proved equal to the task.

“You’ve got to believe in your system, what you want to accomplish as a team,” Julien said. “The way we play is a very demanding way of play, but we feel our scouts and our upper management have done a good job of giving us the types of players that can play that game. So, even with the guys that are being called up, they played a very similar style back in Providence, so we’re asking them to do the same thing here.

“It’s about believing in what your team is all about, going out there and doing it whether you’re a young player or an older player. Our game can never change.”



Bruins topple Maple Leafs 5-2

AP / December 8, 2013

TORONTO (AP) — Carl Soderberg and Torey Krug scored second-period power-play goals and the Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 on Sunday.

The Bruins were coming off a Saturday night win over Pittsburgh where Shawn Thornton had a takedown of Brooks Orpik. The Bruins were without the suspended Thornton as well as Loui Eriksson and Chris Kelly, who were both injured in the game.

The Leafs controlled the play early on and led 1-0 after the first on a goal by Peter Holland.

But the Bruins had a three-goal outburst in the second period, including a pair of power-play goals in a 93-second stretch.

Toronto, which also gave up two power-play goals in a win against the Senators on Saturday, went 0 for 4 on the power play Sunday.

The Bruins outshot the Leafs 40-32.

Jay McClement also scored for Toronto.

Kevan Miller, Jarome Iginla and Patrice Bergeron also scored for Boston.

Thornton, the Bruins’ enforcer, is suspended pending a league hearing into an incident that sent Orpik to a hospital.

‘‘I agree, he did cross the line,’’ Boston coach Claude Julien said of Thornton prior to Sunday’s game. ‘‘He got caught in the emotions. There’s nobody that’s proud of what happened (Saturday) night. Absolutely not. So he’s going to suffer the consequences and so will we.’’

‘‘Thorny did cross the line and some others did too,’’ Julien added. ‘‘But sometimes you have to man up to those things and I think he did.’’

Defensemen Adam McQuaid and Johnny Boychuk were sidelined with earlier injuries. The Bruins’ defensive issues were intensified Sunday when Dougie Hamilton exited after the first period after a collision with Leafs defenseman Carl Gunnarsson.

The Leafs also missed Tuukka Rask, given the night off in favor of Chad Johnson. Jonathan Bernier started for Toronto, after James Reimer’s 47-save performance in Ottawa.

It took the Leafs almost five minutes to get a shot on the Boston goal, but they still showed jump and went ahead at 12:20 when Holland jammed a David Clarkson redirect of a Jake Gardiner shot into a gaping net for his third of the season.

Boston pulled even on the power play at 5:14 of the second period after Reilly Smith found Soderberg alone on the edge of the crease. Toronto’s Carter Ashton was in the penalty box for delay of game.

Shortly after the goal, the Leafs went a man-down again with Gunnarsson sent to the box. And Krug made the Leafs pay with his eighth goal of the season at 6:47, beating Bernier with the hulking Zdeno Chara blocking the goalie in front.

Ten of the Bruins’ 15 power-play goals this season have come from their defensemen.

Boston outshot Toronto 8-0 in the second period before the Leafs put a shot on Johnson at 9:57. Defenseman Cody Franson had a good chance from in close with seven minutes remaining, but the Bruins goalie made the save.

Toronto captain Dion Phaneuf and forward Phil Kessel ran into each other on a line change, flooring Kessel. It was that kind of period for the Leafs.

Smith hit the Toronto crossbar late in the period. Seconds later, Miller’s wrist shot from the blue line slipped through Bernier at 15:58. It was his first NHL goal.

Boston outshot Toronto 17-9 in the second period.

McClement closed the gap to 3-2 just 37 seconds into the third, winning a faceoff in the Bruins’ end and then driving the Boston goal, slapping in his own rebound for his first of the season.

The Bruins had to kill off consecutive penalties to maintain their lead. The Leafs needed a save from Bernier on Jordan Caron to stay within one as the clock wound down.

But Bernier couldn’t stop Iginla after Milan Lucic accelerated past Phaneuf and passed to Iginla in the crease for his sixth goal at the 16:00 mark.

Miller left the game with 2:17 remaining after being hit in the boards by Phaneuf. And Boston closed out the game killing off the Bergeron penalty while the Leafs pulled their goalie for a sixth attacker.

In the wake of Saturday night’s injuries, the Bruins summoned forwards Ryan Spooner and Matt Fraser from the AHL’s Providence Bruins on an emergency basis.

Mark Fraser and Morgan Rielly sat out Sunday’s game, opening spots on the blue line for Paul Ranger and John-Michel Liles.

NOTES: Sunday’s game was the 326th regular-season game meeting between the Bruins and Leafs in Toronto but just the third on a Sunday. ... The Bruins continue their four-game road trip in Canada against Calgary on Tuesday, Edmonton on Thursday and Vancouver on Saturday before returning home to host the Flames on Dec. 17.



Bruins' Chris Kelly to miss 4-6 weeks with broken fibula

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Steve Conroy

TORONTO -- The hits keep coming for the Bruins in the fallout of their 3-2 win over the Penguins on Saturday night.

General manager Peter Chiarelli announced that Chris Kelly suffered a broken right fibula, apparently on a slash from the Pittsuburgh's Pascal Dupuis. He was placed on long-term injured reserve and is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks, the usual prognosis for a broken bone. Also Adam McQuaid (lower body) was placed on injured reserve.

With the B's missing Kelly, Loui Eriksson (concussion from a Brooks Orpik hit) and Shawn Thornton (looming suspension for jumping and punching Orpik), the team also officially announced the recall of forwards Ryan Spooner and and Matt Fraser on an emergency basis. The 23-year-old Fraser, who leads the Providence Bruins with 16 goals, will be making his Bruins debut in a few hours when the B's take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Fraser, who came to the B's in the Tyler Seguin deal that also brought Eriksson and Reilly Smith, played 13 games over two seasons with the Dallas Stars with 1-2-3 totals. Fraser is not fleet of foot, but he's got excellent hands. He has scored 86 goals in two-plus AHL seasons.

For Kelly, one of the B's strong leaders in the dressing room, this is the second broken bone in as many years. Last season, he suffered a broken left tibia in March.

The loss of Kelly provides an opportunity for Spooner, believed by some to be NHL-ready, to get a long look. In 80 AHL games over last year and this season, he's got 22-59-81 totals. The B's will lose some size and defensive smarts with Spooner, but gain some speed.

With the B's down two regular defensemen (McQuaid and Johnny Boychuk) and three regular forwards, here's a guess at what the lineup will look like tonight:

Milan Lucic-David Krejic-Jarome Iginla

Brad Marchand-Patrice Brgeron-Reilly Smith

Carl Soderberg-Ryan Spooner-Matt Fraser

Daniel Paille-Gregory Campbell-Jordan Caron

Zdeno Chara-Dougie Hamilton

Dennis Seidenberg-Torey Krug

Matt Bartkowski-Kevan Miller

Boston Herald LOADED: 12.09.2013


Report: Chris Kelly suffers broken ankle


Mark J Murphy

Bruins forward Chris Kelly suffered a broken right ankle late in last night's 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Garden, according to a report on tsn.ca.

Kelly suffered the injury on a slash by Pittsburgh's Pascal Dupuis. He will not be with the team tonight in Toronto when the B's play the Leafs.

The Bruins will also be without Loui Eriksson and Shawn Thornton. Eriksson suffered a concussion on a hit by Brooks Orpik. Thornton awaits a disciplinary hearing with the NHL after jumping Orpik.



More pain, gain for B’s

Monday, December 9, 2013

Steve Conroy

TORONTO — In the last three games, the Bruins have now lost at least five players — including one more last night — to various injuries and an imminent suspension.

But not only have the B’s avoided slipping too far backward, they have continued to trudge ahead. And after coming from behind to beat the Penguins on Saturday, they leap-frogged both Pittsburgh and Montreal to jump back into first place in the Eastern Conference with a 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre.

Carl Soderberg, Torey Krug and Kevan Miller (his first NHL goal and the game-winner, to boot) scored second-period goals for the B’s. Then, after the Leafs pulled to within a goal 37 seconds into the third after Jay McClement scored, Jarome Iginla sealed it with 4:00 left. Patrice Bergeron added an empty-netter to finish off the scoring only moments after his teammates had killed off his penalty.

But this win, too, may be costly. Dougie Hamilton was lost in the first period with a lower-body injury. With 2:17 left, the B’s looked like they’d lost another defenseman when Dion Phaneuf drilled Miller into the end boards headfirst. Phaneuf was not penalized on the play, but Miller was dazed and had to leave the game.

Though Miller was not available to reporters after the game, coach Claude Julien was optimistic that the rugged defenseman would be available for tomorrow’s game in Calgary. Not so for Hamilton, who hobbled off the ice after playing just 5:58. He’s headed back to Boston today for evaluation.

“We’ll see what the outcome is there, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be playing with us for this coming week,” Julien said. “Based on the original diagnosis is that he’s probably done for at least a week.”

Julien said that Johnny Boychuk, carted off on a stretcher Thursday in Montreal, could practice with the team in Calgary today and be ready to play against the Flames. If not, a call-up from Providence would have to be made.

The B’s had started the game with Loui Eriksson (concussion), Chris Kelly (broken leg), Shawn Thornton (pending suspension), Boychuk (back) and Adam McQuaid (lower body) on the shelf.

But whoever is in the lineup, the B’s showed last night that they are ready to grind their way through this rough patch.

Last night’s game should go into the “character win” column despite the fact that Toronto is banged up, too. The B’s got good minutes from their horses, Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg, who both played just under 27 minutes. But they also got 22-plus good minutes from Miller (plus-2). With call-up Ryan Spooner struggling in the faceoff dot (0-for-4), Soderberg was thrust into draw duty, and Miller’s deflected game-winner was scored off a Soderberg faceoff win.

And with the B’s nursing a 3-2 lead for much of the third period, Iginla scored the most timely goal of his Bruins career, giving the team some much needed breathing room.

On top of that, backup goalie Chad Johnson stopped 30-of-32 shots to nail down his fifth win in six tries.

“It was great,” said Krug, who gave the B’s the lead for good with a power-play goal. “It showed the confidence the coaching staff has in young guys to play big minutes. I know on the back end, we lose a guy in Dougie and everyone else has to step up and play a little bit more. It was a good team win.”

Julien was pleased with the victory and, despite his team being shorthanded, feels it’s capable of still playing winning hockey.

“You’ve got to believe in your system and what you want to accomplish,” Julien said. “The way we play is a very demanding way of playing. But we feel that our scouts and upper management have done a good job of giving

us the types of players that can play that game. So even the guys that are being called up (from the AHL), they play a similar style in Providence. It’s about believing in what your team is all about and going out there and doing it, whether you’re a young player or an older player.”

And last night, the B’s got contributions throughout the lineup.



Julien takes issue with Orpik hit

Monday, December 9, 2013

Steve Conroy, Bruins Notebook

TORONTO — In the immediate aftermath of the violent 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, coach Claude Julien declined to offer his opinion of Brooks Orpik’s hit on Loui Eriksson that left the Bruins winger with his second concussion in 45 days.

But before last night’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre, Julien let his feelings known — and he didn’t think the hit was a good one.

Julien also defended the character of Shawn Thornton, who will soon be suspended for hitting Orpik after tossing the Penguins defenseman to the ice later in the first period.

Just seconds into the game, Orpik stepped into Eriksson and blasted him when he was reaching back for a puck off the boards.

“I heard (Pittsburgh coach) Dan Bylsma’s comments after the game and I respectfully disagree that it was a legal hit,” Julien said. “He didn’t have the puck. Watching the replays, I thought Brooks was just kind of lining him up. No matter what, he was going line him up to hit him rather (than) even attempt to play the puck. People are arguing that it touched (Eriksson’s) blade, but it certainly wasn’t from him trying to get a pass. It took a weird bounce off the boards.

“In saying that, I think we both have different opinions and we’re going to have to respect what the league does. They’re the ones who have to look at it closely and make a decision. Whatever they decide, I’m happy to move on. It’s just that, personally, I just think if you look at the rules, you’ve got a player in a vulnerable position and if the player doesn’t have the puck, which I don’t think he did, it was coming off the boards . . . so it’s a borderline discussion you have to have.”

Julien didn’t defend Thornton’s actions in the game, but rather his apology after the game. And the coach also seemed to take a veiled shot at the Penguins’ James Neal, who seemed less contrite for kneeing Brad Marchand in the head. Neal is scheduled to have a telephone hearing today.

“Thorny’s man enough and, I agree, (to say) he did cross the line. He got caught up in the emotions and there’s nobody that’s proud of what happened last night. He’s going to suffer the consequences and so are we,” Julien said. “The one thing about Thorny, anybody who knows him personally, knows he’s a pretty honest player and a pretty honest person, and if he said he really regretted it and felt bad, he really did. I support him in his comments, because I know he’s being truthful. That’s more than we can say about players who (say) it wasn’t done on purpose or they really didn’t mean it. It’s pretty obvious when you look at it, Thorny crossed the line — and some others did, too.”

There is no hearing scheduled for Orpik, who also suffered a concussion in the Thornton altercation and had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher. As of early last night, the league had not scheduled Thornton’s in-person hearing. With such hearings, he could be suspended for more than six games.

Kelly breaks leg

After a subpar, injury-marred season in 2013, Chris Kelly was looking for a fresh start. Unfortunately for Kelly, his rotten luck continued. General manager Peter Chiarelli announced yesterday that Kelly suffered a broken right fibula, which came on a slash from Pascal Dupuis late in the second period Saturday. He was placed on long-term injured reserve and will miss 4-6 weeks.

“Every time we’ve been through that before, it’s about everyone stepping up,” Patrice Bergeron said. “Obviously Kells is a big part of our team. He plays both sides of the rink, takes a lot of faceoffs as well. It’s about us centermen taking the load and making sure we help out each other. It’s not just one guy. We all need to step up and fill the void.”

Last year, Kelly suffered a broken left tibia.

Checking in

Bergeron said he communicated with Eriksson via text yesterday morning.

“He obviously mentioned some stuff about not feeling great, but it’s still early, so hopefully he’ll take some time and it will go away soon,” Bergeron said. “It’s unfortunate. He’s obviously a great player for us and a huge addition. It’s another situation for us where we all need to step up.”

Help arrives

With the absence of Thornton, Kelly and Eriksson, the B’s brought up Ryan Spooner and Matt Fraser from Providence (AHL) and put Jordan Caron into the lineup.

Last night was Fraser’s Bruins debut. He played 13 NHL games with Dallas.

“It’s been pretty hectic,” said Fraser, who was up at 4:30 a.m. to begin his trek to Toronto. “It’s the third game in three nights and obviously it’s not the most ideal circumstances, but I will also be the last guy in the world to be complaining about it. I’m excited to . . . show them what I can do.”

Meanwhile, it appears that Spooner will get an extended look.

“Obviously, there are a couple of guys who are going to be out for a bit longer, so that makes it different,” Spooner said. “But . . . I’m just trying to take it day-by-day.”



Hamilton hurt in Bruins win


Steve Conroy

TORONTO--The injury-riddled Bruins got goals from Carl Soderberg, Torey Krug, Kevan Miller (his first NHL goal and the game-winner), Jarome Iginla and Patrice Bergeron (empty-netter) to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs, 5-2, at the Air Canada Centre, and jump back into first place in the Eastern Conference last night.

But the news wasn't all good.

Dougie Hamilton left the game with a lower body injury in the first period and is headed back to back Boston in the morning for evaluation.

“We'll see what the outcome is there, but it doesn't look like he'll be playing with us for this coming week,” said Julien. “Based on the original diagnosis is that he's probably done for at least a week.”

Julien said that there's a chance that Johnny Boychuk, carted off on a stretcher just last Thursday in Montreal, could practice with the team in Calgary today and be ready to play against the Flames on Tuesday. If not, a call-up from Providence would have to be made. That decision will be made in the morning.

It appeared as though they wold also be losing Miller, too, after Dion Phaneuf drilled him, head first into the end boards on a delayed panelty call against the B's with 2:17 left in the game. But though Miller was unavailable for comment, Julien called it "minor" and he expected him to be ready for Tuesday's game in Calgary.

But Julien, like many watching the game, was perplexed as to why there was no penalty.

“I just asked the question,” said Julien. “Sometimes they have better angles than we do, but from my bench view I thought it was one of those (hits from behind) and they didn't call it. It's tough because you have to call it right on the spot and I can stand here and say I thought it was a penalty. They may look at it and say 'Maybe I should have called it.' But it was another one where Millsy had to leave. It's very minor and it shouldn't impact him from playing with us the next game. But it's a close call. He went head first int the boards.”...

Chad Johnson stopped 30 of 32 shots for his fifth win in six starts.



Bruins battle past Leafs


Steve Conroy

TORONTO—In the last three games, the Bruins have now lost six players – including two more tonight — through various injuries and an imminent suspension.

But not only did the B’s avoid slipping too far backward, they continued to trudge ahead. And after coming from behind to beat the Penguins on Saturday, they leapfrogged both Pittsburgh and Montreal to jump back into first place in the Eastern Conference with a 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre.

The B’s got second period goals from Carl Soderberg, Torey Krug and Kevan Miller and then, after the Leafs got to within a goal 37 seconds into the third, Jarome Iginla sealed it with 4:00 left. Patrice Bergeron added an empty netter to finish off the scoring.

This win, too, may be costly. Dougie Hamilton was lost in the first period with an apparent lower body injury and then, with 2:29, Dion Phaneuf drilled Miller into the end boards head first. Phaneuf was not penalized on the play, but Miller was dazed and had to leave the game.


729039 Buffalo Sabres

Sabres stumble against Canadiens

Associated Press

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens got a big offensive boost from their fourth line.

Brandon Prust, Travis Moen and Ryan White were the difference in Montreal’s 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.

“It’s good for us to chip in,” said Prust, whose third goal of the season put the Canadiens in front 1-0 early in the second period.

“Those top guys have been carrying a heavy load lately, and have been doing a great job. We want to contribute when we can. We were happy to do it tonight.”

With the win, Montreal extended its win streak to five games and retained top spot in the Atlantic division. The Canadiens have only lost once in regulation time in the past 14 games and have not allowed more than three goals in any game during that time.

“Before playing this stretch, I won’t lie to you, it scared us,” Canadiens coach Michel Therrien said. “We should be very satisfied.”

Prior to the game, Prust, Moen and White had a combined nine points on the season.

On Saturday, they had five points, and finished with eight hits, two blocked shots and no giveaways.

“We know what we’re going to do out there the three of us,” Prust said. “We’re going to keep it simple, chip in pucks and support each other. We’re good at protecting pucks. That’s the key to our success.”

After an uneventful first period in which neither team generated much offense, Therrien rewarded the fourth line by starting them in the second period.

“There was a message. We liked their intensity in the first period,” Therrien said. “I don’t think we had the right attitude to start the game. Those guys were intense.”

Their line responded, scoring 19 seconds into the period.

Prust started the play when he stole the puck from Matt D’Agostini at the Buffalo blue line before passing it off to Moen. Moen quickly passed it to White, who completed the tic-tac-toe play by passing to Prust in the slot.

After Tyler Ennis evened the score later in the period, Moen drew two Sabres’ players toward him, leaving Prust all alone behind the net. Moen slid the puck to Prust, who waited patiently for Tomas Plekanec to walk into the slot. Plekanec’s shot off the post and in at 17:44 put the Canadiens ahead for good.

“We get our success from putting pucks on net, playing that gritty type of game, getting to the net,” Moen said. “It’s always nice to pitch in offensively, get some points, and feel good about yourself. Tonight was that night.”

Prust had a goal and an assist, Moen had two assists and White finished with one assist.

“They were practically our best trio,” Therrien said. “They played a huge part in our team’s victory. They created some scoring chances with their intensity. They spent a lot of time in the offensive zone. They certainly were true leaders tonight those three guys.”

Therrien also complimented White’s effort, suggesting he played his best game of the season. White has been in and out of the lineup for the Canadiens recently, sitting out six games as a healthy scratch since the start of the season.

“The biggest battle for me right now is for me to keep my confidence, not second-guess myself,” White said. “I’m champing at the bit every time I can get in there.

“I felt good. My line played well, made it easy for me. I just felt like I was really into the game, ready to go every time I got a chance to go out there.”

The only goal the fourth line wasn’t involved in was Alex Galchenyuk’s game-winner, which he scored at 18:07 of the second period, only 23 seconds after Plekanec’s.

The Sabres responded with pressure in the third, and rookie forward Zemgus Girgensons reduced the deficit at 4:04 after a great individual effort saw him control a bouncing puck, go around Canadiens’ defender P.K. Subban, and beat Carey Price by poking the puck into the net.

The goal was a positive for coach Ted Nolan’s Sabres, who have lost six straight road games and are last in the NHL with 14 points and a 6-22-2 record.

“He played well,” Nolan said of the 19-year-old Girgensons. “I’ve known the kid now for three years and have watched him play, he does this all the time. It’s one of those things that comes with maturity, he’ll get better and better.

“Those are the building blocks with which we’re going to turn this organization around. It’s through people like that, with some strong character and will to get better.”

Jhonas Enroth, who got the start in net in place of Ryan Miller, made 16 saves for the Sabres.

Price stopped 23 shots for Montreal. He is second in the league with a .938 save percentage and hasn’t allowed more than two goals in his past nine starts.

Democrat and Chronicle LOADED: 12.09.2013

729040 Calgary Flames

Unpredictable Flames best Oilers 2-1 in overtime

By Kristen Odland,

Calgary Herald December 8, 2013

EDMONTON - As a precaution, a pale and sick Jiri Hudler had to fly to Edmonton by himself on Saturday afternoon as to not spread the flu which has infected the Calgary Flames locker room.

In fact, there was almost a chance the Czech winger was going to sit this one out considering how awful he felt in Friday’s 3-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche (he’d left the game midway through and went home to rest) and was sick all night.

However, sucking it up and playing anyway, he wound up being the author of the overtime winning goal to seal a 2-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place.

“They didn’t want me on the plane because it’s going around ... but I got up this morning and I talked to the trainers,” Hudler said, sporting the Flames’ fire hat for their hardest working player. “We booked a flight after lunch. We weren’t sure. But if I’m travelling that far, I want to play.

“We’ve been in the (overtime) situation before. It wasn’t a good feeling. But I thought we played a hard game and we played well. (Flames goalie Reto) Berra, especially. I thought we deserved the two points.”

With both teams wildly unpredictable at this stage of the 2013-14 National Hockey League season, the Flames looked to have sealed a 1-0 win in regulation having scored the lone goal --- a glove-side blast from Lee Stempniak --- with four minutes left in the first period.

But, after a poor clearing attempt from defenceman Chris Butler, Oilers star Taylor Hall capitalized with 10.1 seconds left in the late performance on Hockey Night in Canada. Ales Hemsky had kept the puck in the zone, sending it to the reborn David Perron who sent the puck behind Flames goalie Reto Berra for Hall to finish on the opposite side.

However the Oilers shot themselves in the foot in overtime. Justin Schultz turned over the puck to Flames defenceman Kris Russell who smoothly handled the puck from point to point and threw a shot on net.

The puck, deflecting off Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ stick, wound up in Hudler’s capable hands and he finished with 1:46 remaining.

“Russ had the puck on the blueline and I thought he was going to pass to me and they hit a couple of their sticks and I got lucky enough,” Hudler said. “I didn’t hit it as well as I wanted to. It hit the top of my stick and went in. I thought he was there right in front of it. I wasn’t sure it was going to go in but a lucky bounce.”

So, with the lucky bounce, the Flames shook off Friday’s 3-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche and improved to 11-14-4. Meanwhile, the Oilers are 10-18-3 and, after whipping the Avs 8-2 Thursday, they are still seemingly unable to string more than one win together.

As for the previous 59 minutes and 50 seconds on Saturday night? A complete defensive tone set by the Flames who had just as many blocked shots (24) as they did actual attempts (25 before overtime).

“That was our plan,” said head coach Bob Hartley. “Basically, a carbon copy of the game we played in L.A. We didn’t want to open up against all that offensive talent they have. Just making sure we were playing good in our zone and hopefully some chances would come.

“Stempy gave us a big goal in the first and I felt we were very close to playing a perfect game.”

Berra, taking over for Karri Ramo who had started the previous three games, also deserved credit for turning aside 30 Oilers shots. He had a controlled effort and was solid in overtime, stopping Schultz who joined the rush early in overtime.

Calgary, leading the league in short-handed tallies with six, was also tagged for six infractions on the night. However, their penalty kill unit came through on both ends.

While Matt Stajan was off for hooking in the first period, Sam Gagner tried to swing a pass across to the opposite point but it was cut off by Stempniak. He flew in with Paul Byron for a two-on-one but they couldn’t convert.

The Flames’ opportunistic PK saw another scoring chance early in Giordano’s second period holding penalty. Stajan and Lance Bouma also played aggressive and wound up with another odd-man rush. Stajan hit Bouma who sent a hard one-timer Dubnyk’s way but was denied.

“We’re on a real good wave with our penalty killing,” Hartley said. “We apply good pressure. Smart decisions. We get the key saves at the right times. It helps us win some hockey games.”

Berra’s his blueliners kept threats like Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, and David Perron to the outside with Russell leading the way with six blocked shots. Captain Mark Giordano, shouldering 26:20 in ice time, had four.

Ladislav Smid, playing in Edmonton for the first time since the trade to Calgary on Nov. 8, for one did his part and absorbed a Philip Larsen shot in the throat area which left him winded and on his knees. Luckily, he wasn’t seriously hurt and skated to the bench, flipping the puck out of his jersey. He trotted back out and played 18 minutes of ice time, blocking three shots in the end.

Another scary moment occurred in the second period when Sven Baertschi and David Jones wound up sandwiching Jeff Petry near the Flames bench. But the location and timing of the impact couldn’t have been worse as Petry hit his head on the edge of the glass and immediately went to the dressing room. He did not return.

The third installment of the Battle of Alberta is on Dec. 27 in Calgary.

For the Flames, it was their second overtime win of the season --- coincidentally their first was a 3-2 overtime decision at Chicago and Berra’s first NHL win.

“You have a choice to roll up your sleeves and keep going and go after the win,” Hartley said. “Or just basically sit back and watch them take an extra point from you. Our guys deserve lots of credit. They battled back, showed lots of character. It’s a good win for us.”

ICE CHIPS: The Flames scratched D Derek Smith, D Chris Breen, and LW Lane Macdermid ... The Oilers scratched LW Jesse Joensuu, D Corey Potter, and D Anton Belov.

Calgary Herald: LOADED: 12.09.2013


Flames turn into shot-blocking demons as they shut down Edmonton’s offence

By Kristen Odland,

December 8, 2013

EDMONTON — The impact was enough to draw Reto Berra out of his crease to check on his fallen teammate, doubling over in pain in front of him.

For good reason, too. Calgary Flames blueliner Ladislav Smid had just absorbed a fluttering puck in the face delivered unintentionally by Edmonton Oilers defenceman Philip Larsen which hit Smid’s chin then throat near the end of the first period on Saturday.

“It was pretty scary, but I didn’t have any time to move or get out of the way,” Smid said, shrugging. “But it happens. It’s part of the game. He was kind of bobbling the puck . . . not a big deal.”

Moments later — drawing cheers from his former home crowd — Smid was up on his feet. He flipped the puck out of his jersey and was out on the next shift, waiting to be sewn up with stitches between periods.

Not a big deal?

It’s actually the kind of thing that made Smid so popular in Edmonton and is one of the reasons why Calgary was so interested in acquiring him a month ago: the Czech defender’s second-nature ability of putting himself in harm’s way to block a shot.

But it’s also something that has been catching on in the Flames dressing room and has been a part of their identity since the start of the 2013-14 season.

As of Saturday night’s National Hockey League action, Calgary was No. 2 in the league with 544 blocked shots and have been pacing the 30-team loop through the majority of their 29 games played.

Defenders Kris Russell (85) and Chris Butler (76) are No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, in league leaders. Smid, tied for No. 3 with Tampa’s Matt Carle, has 64.

“It’s more instinct than everyone is trying to jump (in front of) the puck,” Smid said. “It just happens. It’s part of the game. You don’t want to go down too early because especially against Edmonton, they can deke you. They can use it against you.

“But we blocked tons of shots (on Saturday) and it was great to see. It’s great to see guys were doing whatever it takes to get those two points.”

Continuing to put the stat into context, the Flames got in the way of 24 shots to Edmonton’s eight on Saturday. Which means that against an offensively creative team like the Oilers, who still managed to throw 31 shots Berra’s way through three periods and overtime, that was the difference in the game.

“When you can block a shot, guys feed off that,” said Russell who added another six to his count on Saturday. “They see guys commit, laying down and sacrificing their body for the good of the team. It rallies the troops and gets other guys buying in.

“We’ve got guys like Boums (Lance Bouma) and those guys who do it consistently every night . . . but, as defencemen, we focus on it. We try blocking as many as we can without interrupting the goaltender. But when you have 24 blocked shots against a team like that, it’s obviously going to help.”

When it comes to shot-blocking, timing is everything.

“And I think you just have to do it, get in the way,” added Flames defenceman Shane O’Brien. “You know it’s going to sting for a little bit. But there’s definitely skill. There’s an art to it. Sliding and protecting yourself so you won’t get hit in the face or something like that.

“Obviously (Saturday) with Laddy, you never know. Pucks are flying all over the place, but it’s part of the game.”

Following Smid’s brief encounter, Lee Stempniak wound up scoring with four minutes left in the first period — a 1-0 lead which Calgary, purposely emphasizing defence-first on this night, held until the final 10.1 seconds of the game.

Russell said communication between goaltender and shot-blocker is also important.

“Berra talks to us a lot if he wants to see. (Karri) Ramo, too,” he said. “If they want that puck, he’s going to let us know. It’s been good communication so far.

“There’s always going to be those ones that you block that go off you and may unfortunately go in. But if you get your body in front of a lot of shots, you’re going to do more good than damage.”

Smid said staying physical is something the group takes pride in.

“It’s a big part of it,” he said. “We need to help out our goalie. None of the guys in the locker-room are scared to do that. It’s great to see everyone takes a lot of pride in that.”

ICE CHIPS . . . According to TSN’s Bob MacKenzie, the Flames put D Derek Smith on waivers Sunday.



Johnson: Returning Jarome Iginla deserves his due as the best player in Flames franchise history

By GEORGE JOHNSON,

December 8, 2013

Johnson: Returning Jarome Iginla deserves his due as the best player in Flames franchise history

Jarome Iginla scored 525 goals and 1,095 points in 1,219 games with the Calgary Flames.

Others may have left us more breathless with the sheer, gasp-inducing audacity of their skill sets. The precocious Kent (The Magic Man) Nilsson springs automatically to mind. The dour Sergei Makarov, too.

No one gave more of himself in the community, enjoyed as dramatically satisfying an exit or was (is) more beloved in this town than Lanny McDonald.

The tiny terror with the kick-ass mentality, Theo Fleury, certainly cut a more compelling figure.

Joe Nieuwendyk had softer hands, Hakan Loob better wheels.

No one was tougher, in his way, than the unbreakable Joey Mullen.

In his brief time here, Doug Gilmour proved to be a championship difference-maker.

Yet taking everything into account, Jarome Iginla returns to the Scotiabank Saddledome as a Boston Bruin on Tuesday as the greatest Flame of them all.

Over the years, there have been individual seasons arguably as good, or even better, than his touchstone 52-goal, 98-point, Art Ross and Rocket Richard trophy campaign of 2001-2002. Nilsson’s never-to-be-duplicated 131 points the year the franchise backed up to the moving vans at the Omni loading dock and shifted north from Atlanta, for example. Or McDonald’s 66 goals of ’82-83, still a Calgary Flames’ standard three decades later. The astonishing 103 points Al MacInnis pinballed from the defence position in ’91-92. Nieuwendyk’s 51 snipes his Calder Trophy-winning rookie turn.

And as consistently productive as Iginla was — 11 consecutive seasons of 30 or more goals is pretty impressive — you could argue that he wasn’t even the most decisive individual entity on his team over the past decade. That distinction belonged to the brilliant, silent-movie/subtitles-go-here goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff.

But when the entire body of work is analyzed, it’s clear Jarome Iginla is the greatest Flame of them all.

Choosing a ‘greatest’ anything is, naturally, a precarious exercise. Everyone who follows the big team in this town has a favourite player from over the years, places differing weights on criteria determining impact and influence, idealizes whatever era he or she was most emotionally invested in the fate of the Flames.

But as someone who has chronicled his rise from the beginning, Iginla, more than anyone else, stands up to scrutiny in every meaningful department: Longevity. Durability. Star shine. Production. Image.

No one has played more games (1,219), scored more goals (525) or piled up more points (1,095) in the livery than he did. But it goes beyond that. No one better represented the organization on the international stage — at three Olympic Games, two of them gold-medal experiences — or the city itself in the public way he carried himself.

On the ice, of course, he scored goals, bundles of goals, oodles of goals. Hit. Fought when needed (climbing an invisible ladder to tango with 6-foot-5-inch Derian Hatcher of Detroit during that improbable ’04 run to the final remains forever etched in memory). Wore the captain’s C. Became not only the symbol of the franchise but — at least until the last few years, when he grew sporadically weary of the daily Charlie McCarthy chores — its spokesperson, too.

No, he never did lift the Stanley Cup here. But championships in themselves aren’t a guarantee of ‘greatest’ status. Bob Griese piloted Miami to an unbeaten 17-0 season and the Super Bowl in ’72, but the ringless Dan Marino is still, by consensus, the greatest quarterback in Dolphins’ history.

Too many variable are in play in assessing that sort of legacy. And too often during too many seasons here, Iginla’s supporting cast was found wanting. They never did find him that Adam Oates-type centre to set the puck up on a tee, yet he still managed to uncork more than 500 goals. Iginla teams missed the playoffs more often than not here, but to dump that distinction at his doorstep would be height of irresponsibility.

His reign here wasn’t all daisies and buttercups. In retrospect, his aura, his stature as an icon, began to overshadow almost everything else. Maybe he got too comfortable, held too much sway for the good of the whole the last few seasons. If a measure of the hunger, the competitive immediacy, had ebbed, well, that was only inevitable given how much of the burden of the franchise’s fortunes he’d taken upon himself for so many winters.

Surprisingly, as we approach Jarome Iginla’s first-time return in enemy attire on Tuesday, you hear the word “betrayed” used by huffy, indignant Calgarians from time to time.

Hey, get over it.

As if 16 years propping up a mostly-modest product wasn’t a long enough penance. If anything, the man held too tight, too long to this franchise, to his exalted place in it, to the idea that next year would finally be THE year, for his good and the good of an organization looking for maximum return on its most marketable asset.

The Flames have been in desperate need of reshaping, of throwing open the windows, for a while now, and to do that, they had to cut ties with the past — even the best of that past. And they needed his consent.

Iginla, too, is better off elsewhere, as the years fly irretrievably past and the chances for the one major prize that’s eluded him grow ever dimmer. Pittsburgh didn’t work out. Maybe Boston can.

Regardless of your take on his departure in the spring, it’d be shocking, not to mention immensely saddening, if that saddle-shaped ceiling covering those 19,289 seats didn’t shake with the din on Tuesday night when Jarome Iginla appears to say an overdue goodbye.

Yes, he’s a Bruin now. An outsider. One of the enemy.

He’s also the greatest Flame of them all.

Today, of all days, that bears repeating.



Iginla says time was right for trade from Calgary Flames

By Eric Francis

First posted: Saturday, December 07, 2013 08:28 PM MST

Updated: Saturday, December 07, 2013 08:44 PM MST

CALGARY - Ask almost anyone in Calgary or around the NHL and they’ll tell you the Calgary Flames waited at least a year too long before trading Jarome Iginla.

Ask Iginla and he has a radically different take.

“I don’t think I waited too long at all,” Iginla told the Calgary Sun days ahead of his emotional return to the Dome Tuesday.

“I look back and I honestly try not to live and wonder ‘what if I did this or that?’ I don’t think to myself, ‘wow, I waited too long and things are great now.’ The last couple years were probably tough but it was the right time from my point of view.”

After years of insisting he wanted to finish his career in Calgary and win a Cup here, Iginla said the first discussion he had with management about the possibility of being traded came at the beginning of last season with GM Jay Feaster.

“He had discussed with me at the beginning of the year — the lockout year — that if it was a tough start around trade deadline we may have to go down that (trade) road,” said Iginla, 36, who was entering the fifth and final year of a contract paying him US$7 million annually.

“But I was well aware of that. My head wasn’t in the sand.

“It was a hard year, same as the year before. I wanted us to be successful, ultimately win and not have to move on. But the whole time, I’m like, ‘if we are in the playoffs, maybe I’m not moving.’ We’d win a few games and I’d think, ‘I might stay.’ There were a lot of ups and downs and fear of the unknown because I felt fortunate to have played there as long as I had.”

Flames fans also felt fortunate their captain had lived out the first 17 years of his Hall of Fame career in front of them, but given how bad the team had been since its last playoff appearance in 2009, the overwhelming majority of locals wanted a massive rebuild to start.

They were sick of management being intellectually dishonest by suggesting the team was a perennial playoff contender.

They wanted progress,

and that undoubtedly meant taking a step backwards at first by moving the team’s

biggest asset before the deadline.

Fact was, by then Iginla’s stock had fallen by virtue of his age, productivity and contract status.

Late on the evening of March 27 the Iginla era ended abruptly and awkwardly when Feaster announced shortly before midnight No. 12 had been traded to Pittsburgh for little-known collegians Ben Hanowski and Kenny Agostino as well as the Penguins first-round draft pick, who wound up being Morgan Klimchuk.

Not nearly enough, in most people’s eyes, in exchange for the greatest, most popular and most prolific player in Flames lore.

“With my contract expiring, if they were rebuilding I didn’t want to go through that,” said Iginla, pointing towards the notion he likely wouldn’t have re-signed in Calgary had he not been traded, which would have left the organization with nothing to show for the unrestricted free agent.

“I also feel like I left everything on the table. I wanted to win in Calgary and we were so close and I wanted to give it every shot I had. It was a goal and a dream to win here and I did my best. We just weren’t able to get it done.”

Iginla wasn’t able to get it done last spring in Pittsburgh either, prompting his unlikely relocation to Boston — the team he spurned on trade night to join the Sid and his sidekicks.

“Now I wish the Flames the best, and I’m also enjoying my experience in Boston,” said Iginla, whose first trip back to the Saddledome Tuesday night will feature a lengthy standing ovation during a first-period video montage.

“My family is happy with the changes — we’re settling down, and in terms of the future, it still all depends. I’ll take it as it comes. We don’t now how it’s all going to unfold.”

Neither did anyone in Calgary last year.

One thing is clear: No one blames Iginla or the organization for parting ways.

Both are better off without one another now.

That doesn’t take away from the brilliant memories Iginla or the fans have of a special 17-year relationship few players and cities have shared in NHL history.

Or the special moment both will share Tuesday.

There’s no sense in debating anymore whether the reunion of sorts is a year too late.

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 12.09.2013


Tuesday's game may represent a handing off of Flames baton

By Eric Francis ,Calgary Sun



Although Tuesday may mark the first time Jarome Iginla faces Sean Monahan in action, the two have previously met.

At the time, neither one of them could have envisioned it being anything other than a chance meeting between two hockey players.

However, unbeknownst to either one, the handshake may end up being an unofficial passing of the torch from one franchise player to the next.

“I met him in Calgary before the draft when they were bringing him in (for interviews),” said Iginla, 36, the Calgary Flames all-time leader in goals, assists, points and loyal fans.

“I’ve obviously read about him and his early success. It’s great for him. I remember as a young guy how exciting it is.”

Drafted sixth overall this summer as part of the Flames rebuild, the 19-year-old Monahan is amongst NHL rookie leaders with nine goals and six assists in 24 games.

He’s a long way off from the 1,121 points Iginla has accrued since being the 11th pick overall in 1995 but the parallels are being drawn given Monahan appears to be the biggest pillar the Flames have moving forward.

“Being a younger team, it’s great to have guys like him and Baertschi and Brods (T.J. Brodie),” Iginla said.

“I wish them all the best.”

Monahan has missed the last few weeks of action due to a hairline fracture in his foot but may be cleared to play as early as Tuesday when Iginla’s Boston ruins come to town for his emotional homecoming.



Oilers say return to Calgary will take emotional toll of Jarome Iginla

By RANDY SPORTAK



EDMONTON — Ryan Smyth broke down in tears when he was traded from the Edmonton Oilers in the spring of 2007.

Fans may not have noticed, but he did the same his first game back next season when he was welcomed and given a tribute while a member of the Colorado Avalanche.

“Everybody knows there’s a business side to hockey, but players have feelings, too,” Smyth said Saturday.

“You spend all those years on one team, and all the blood, sweat and tears come into your mind. You try to put it on the back-burner and worry about the game, and that’s a tough thing to do.

“As the game gets going, they go to the back, but those emotions are there the first few shifts.”

Smyth, who’s as much a part of Oilers lore as any player not from their magical championship years of the ’80s, has been toiling in Edmonton for the past few seasons, but experienced all the feelings of being a returning player.

Therefore, he knows what to expect when Jarome Iginla makes his return to the Stampede City on Tuesday as a member of the Boston Bruins and faces the Flames for the first time as a member of the opposition at the Saddledome.

“It’s hard. You’ve got mixed emotions,” Smyth said. “He embedded himself for many, many years there, all-time Flame, and that’s something you just can’t take away. I’m assuming it will be an emotional night for him, but it’ll be one he’ll want to win, for sure.”

Iginla, the Flames all-time leader in most every offensive category — games played, goals, points — kept his composure in check when he left Calgary last spring, upon having been traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Iginla said he doesn’t think he’ll be overwhelmed with emotions when he takes to the ice in the city he called home and had his best seasons, but his close friend, Andrew Ference, isn’t so sure.

“He’ll try not to be, but it’ll be hard not to be emotional,” said Ference, Iginla’s former Flames teammate and off-season neighbour.

“I don’t want to say he’s overly emotional — he’s pretty contained — but if he allows himself to experience it, he’ll probably be emotional. He’s pretty intent on not letting him get the best of him, but it’ll be pretty odd to suppress all that emotion. That’s a long time he spent there.”

Rest assured, everybody knows the Sea of Red will embrace Iginla with the biggest ovation seen in the Saddledome for a couple of seasons.

After all, he never did receive a sendoff having been scratched that March evening when word came out a deal was in the works — rumoured to be to Boston but eventually to Pittsburgh — so there will be some extra pent-up emotion.

Ference, whose team plays Tuesday but said he’ll be checking the highlights to see how things go for Iginla that night, believes the reception will blow Iginla away.

“He’s the kind of guy that, in spite of all he’s done in the city and what he represented, will appreciate recognition, but he won’t want a big to-do and pat on the back,” Ference said. “That’s not going to put a stamp on what he did in Calgary. He knows what he did and understands his role in the city and how important he was, but he didn’t do it for a pat on the back.

“He did it for his core beliefs, to represent something good.

“He’ll like a good thank-you, but I’m sure he’s not going to want it too much.”

Still, Ference believes Iginla deserves a big night, and not only because of his on-ice exploits.

“He was there long enough for people to get to know him,” Ference said. “With the way he carried himself and the way he interacted with people outside of the rink — he’s so bloody polite to everybody — he was genuine to everybody, that’s special.

“I think more than the hockey stuff — the wins and losses and goals — being a good person means more to fans in Canada. People will talk about how personable he is and how he was to meet, and I’m sure there are more stories from fans about that than great goals.”

By the way, Ference — who was part of the Bruins team Iginla spurned to go to Pittsburgh last season — has made his peace with his friend over that turn of events.

The Bruins emphatically swept the Penguins in the Eastern Conference final before falling to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Cup final.

“We had a bunch of talks about it,” Ference said with a laugh. “He felt really bad, but I’m 100% on his side. To be put in a tough situation to make a call, a decision like that, how can you not go to the hot team? I told him from the start, ‘We have better goaltending, a better defence, and you know what wins,’ but he went for the glitz and I can’t blame him.

“But he felt bad, like he’d disappointed me.

“It would have been huge to have him in (last year’s playoffs) and everything he could have brought. I think he would have put us over the top.”



Calgary Flames square off against Edmonton Oilers in Pacific Division basement battle

By RANDY SPORTAK


Updated: Sunday, December 08, 2013 12:01 AM MST

EDMONTON -

Jiri Hudler awoke Saturday morning at home thinking he’d be too sick to lace ‘em up.

He went to bed Saturday night the overtime hero.

Hudler, who left Friday’s clash with the Colorado Avalanche due to the flu bug that’s going through the Calgary Flames dressing room, decided he could give it a shot, jumped on a flight for the quick trip north and ended up scoring the game-winner in a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

“They didn’t want me on the plane (Friday) because (the flu is) going around and we don’t want too many guys involved,” Hudler said.

“I got up this morning and talked to the trainers and booked a ticket after lunch.

“We weren’t sure (I could play), but if I’m traveling that far, I want to play.”

The Flames are sure thankful their leading point-producer this season made the trip.

His goal washed away the disappointment of seeing a 1-0 lead disappear with 10.1 seconds remaining in regulation.

“Very, very impressed with our team,” said head coach Bob Hartley. “We battled for 60-plus minutes. Even when they got that tying goal, I could feel the disappointment on the bench, but I told them we played so good and just keep going.

“I’m very proud of our boys.”

The win won’t go down as a masterpiece. The Battle of Alberta may exist in name, but this affair was a battle to stay out of the Western Conference basement.

That didn’t matter to the Flames, who were as strong defensively as they’ve been all season, and goalie Reto Berra played quite possibly his most solid game of the year while making 30 saves.

Berra has been prone to being too active at times, therefore putting himself out of position and surrendering glaring goals, but was much calmer.

“It’s pretty cold here, so there was no place to swim,” Hartley quipped. “He was on his skates, he was solid, he saw every puck and he used his size. He put on quite a performance.”

Berra agreed.

“Last game, there was two or three times I overplayed it,” he said. “We worked on that. I was under control the whole time and I felt really good.”

The fact it went to overtime was a shame.

Just when it appeared Lee Stempniak’s first-period tally would hold up and the Oilers would be handed their fourth shutout loss of the season, all on home ice, Taylor Hall’s goal with the net empty for the extra attacker forced overtime before the sold out Rexall Place crowd of 16,839.

“I was pretty p--sed. I think everybody was p--ssed,” said Flames defenceman Ladislav Smid, who was traded to Calgary from the Oilers a month ago. “We don’t want to give them any points, but it happens and I liked how we bounced back.

“It’s kinda weird being on the other side, but I gotta get used to it. Now, I’m just so excited.”

Berra may be in his first NHL season, but he recovered like a veteran after the tying goal beat him.

“Right after the goal, it’s frustrating, but as the goalie, you have no time to think about that or be frustrated. The next shot is the most important (thing),” he said. “I’m happy because I did really good, they had two or three chances after.”

Helping his cause was the Flames did a strong job in two key areas, penalty killing and blocking shots.

The Flames, who went into the night having surrendered just one powerplay goal against in their previous seven games — a 24-of-25 run — were perfect against six Oilers advantages. They also recorded 24 blocked shots.

“That was our plan,” Hartley said. “It was basically a carbon copy of our game in L.A. We didn’t want to open up against all that offensive talent they have.

“I felt we were very close to playing a perfect game.”

With the win, the Flames (11-14-4) now have a three-point edge on the Oilers (10-18-3) and have two games in hand.

Oilers netminder Devan Dubnyk made 25 saves.

The Flames return home to face Jarome Iginla and the Boston Bruins Tuesday at the Saddledome.



Calgary Flames draft pick eager to watch Iggy's return

By RANDY SPORTAK

First posted: Sunday, December 08, 2013 04:14 PM MST

Updated: Sunday, December 08, 2013 04:49 PM MST

Morgan Klimchuk’s numbers tell a happy tale.

The Calgary Flames 28th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft — the first-round selection acquired in the trade that sent Jarome Iginla to the Pittsburgh Penguins last season — has collected 12 goals and 29 points in 26 games this season for the Regina Pats.

However, the Calgary kid believes his game has improved immensely in aspects that can’t be so easily quantified.

“I’ve been getting credit from my coaching staff and even teammates with how I’ve evolved into being a pretty good two-way player, being able to play shut-down minutes as well as offensive minutes,” Klimchuk said when reached in Regina. “I’m not just starting the draws in the offensive zone, but also playing against the other teams’ top lines consistency in my own end.”

Plus-minus isn’t a true indication of a player’s defensive game, but the 18-year-old winger does have a plus-9 rating for a Pats team that’s surrendered six more goals than it’s allowed.

The biggest negative for Klimchuk’s season is his current health status.

The 6-foot, 185-lb. winger who missed Calgary’s main training camp due to an abdominal strain is currently on the shelf with a hip flexor injury expected to keep him out a couple of weeks, which could mean missing a game in Calgary Dec. 17. However, he may be kept out of action through the Christmas break, which ends on Boxing Day, to give him more healing time.

“I’m pretty happy with how my first half of the season went. In regards to the world juniors and the Super Series (in which he played both games for the WHL Selects against Russia), I don’t have a lot of regrets. I thought I played pretty well and put up pretty good numbers,” Klimchuk.

“It’s tough to be dealing with an issue, it’s the first time I’ve missed a game due to injury in two-and-a-half years here, so that’s difficult to deal with, but I’m looking to come back even better.”

The draft choice used to select Klimchuk is one of three players the Flames acquired for Iginla. The others are forward Ken Agostino, who is currently in his senior year at Yale University, and right winger Ben Hanowski, who is playing for the AHL Abbotsford Heat.

Tuesday will mark Iginla’s return to Calgary for the first time as an opposing player, and Klimchuk plans to tune in.

“I grew up a Flames fan and loved watching Jarome play,” he said. “The things he did for the city and the team were pretty special. When you look a guy like Daniel Alfredsson and how, when he returned to Ottawa and got a great ovation there, I think it’ll pretty much be the same thing with Jarome.”

Then again, Klimchuk has closely followed the Flames fortunes.

“I do my best, looking at scores and talking to Sean Monahan — we got to be pretty good friends from development camp and main camp,” he said. “I’m trying to keep tabs as much as I can, watch games when I have the chance. It’s tough to watch every game.”

Monahan’s success — nine goals and 15 points in 24 games prior to a fractured bone in his foot sidelined him less than two weeks ago — is no surprise to Klimchuk.

“When I first saw Sean play, I was impressed with how smart he was and how well he played the game,” Klimchuk said. “When I saw him do as well as he did at main camp, I was pretty sure he would have a pretty successful year this year and a successful career to come.”



Five Burning Questions facing Calgary Flames

By RANDY SPORTAK



To the Calgary Flames and their faithful, a win any time over the Edmonton Oilers makes it a good week.

Does having a Battle of Alberta victory which keeps the Oilers in last place cap off a stretch in which the team also beat the Phoenix Coyotes and lost to the Colorado Avalanche, yet played a solid game, make it a great week?

If the first-and-foremost goal is to get as high a draft choice as possible, probably not, but otherwise, the sun was shining in the Stampede City Sunday morning after the under-manned and illness-battling Flames beat the Oilers 2-1 in overtime the night before.

Will the city, having finally dug out of the snow and cold be happy a week from now?

Only time will tell.

Here are some other questions we have for the next spell.

What will Iggy’s return be like?

A massive ovation in the Saddledome is expected when former face of the franchise Jarome Iginla returns as an opponent for the first time Tuesday with the Boston Bruins.

It may even be the most thunderous applause we’ll have seen since the 2004 run to the Stanley Cup Final.

For all Iginla did while donning the Flaming C before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins late last season and then moving on to the Bruins, it’s warranted.

Will Iginla become emotional? He kept it all in check when he left.

Will he have a dominating game? Father Time can’t be beat, but you know he may muster something from deep within himself.

Will he drop the mitts with somebody? Wouldn’t a Gordie Howe hat trick be rather poetic?

Iginla’s return to Calgary is one of the most anticipated games of the season, so let’s hope it’s worth it.

What will happen with the sick and injured?

The Flames placed defenceman Derek Smith on waivers Sunday, which may clear up space needed for a skater to return from injury. Or, maybe the club wants to carry two extra forwards. Or maybe a trade is in the works.

Either way, with a flu bug working its way in the dressing room, the Flames were unsure who all could play Sunday in Edmonton, and those things can linger, so roster flexibility is important.

On the injury front, LW TJ Galiardi (back), LW Curtis Glencross (knee) and C Sean Monahan (foot) are getting closer to a return, but there has been no word whether that could happen this week.

The Flames have won three of four games, and four of their last seven, while missing some key pieces.

Can the Flames penalty-killers keep it up?

Remember a few weeks into the season when the Flames PK wasn’t just bad, it was horrible?

It appeared the Flames would be near the bottom in the league for the season when their PK was actually below 70%.

After a perfect six-for-six night in Edmonton, the Flames have pulled themselves in the middle of the pack.

Calgary has surrendered only one opposition powerplay goal in its last eight games, and killed 30 of 31 situations in that span.

The team has also pulled into the league lead with six shorthanded goals.

And don’t forget, this recent run has been done without Glencross in the lineup.

Give credit where it’s due, that’s a solid stretch and play which can be the difference between winning and losing night after night.

What’s next in the goalie battle?

Karri Ramo finally saw some consecutive games, and was solid in three straight starts, other than one mishandled puck.

Reto Berra returned to the net Saturday after watching three games and was so much more composed and in position.

Berra’s athleticism and quickness, combined with his size and how he uses it, give so much upside. If he can keep improving on his positioning and limit putting himself out of the play, the Flames may have unearthed a real gem.

Ramo will likely have more consistency to his game right now, because he’s much more polished.

It will be fun watching how the goaltending situation plays out over the season and better for the team if they both keep elevating their play.

Can that Eastern Conference dominance continue?

The Flames sit No.-13 in the Western Conference, but have a very good 5-2-2 mark against their Eastern Conference brethren.

(The Oilers and Nashville Predators are the only teams from the west who have lost more games than they’ve won against eastern foes.)

Starting with Tuesday’s clash against Boston, the Flames have seven consecutive tilts against Eastern Conference foes, a stretch in which they also play host to the Carolina Hurricanes before heading on a road trip in which they face the Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, Bruins, Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins before coming home.

A positive record amidst those games would add more ammunition for those who refer to the east as the Junior Varsity Conference.



Iggy's family & friends await his return to Edmonton

By Eric Francis



As pricey as it will be for Jarome Iginla to supply friends and family members with tickets to his Calgary homecoming Tuesday, he expects his VISA to take an even bigger hit in Edmonton two nights later.

“It’s going to be more expensive but not more special,” laughed the Edmonton native of his Thursday return as a member of the Boston Bruins.

“In Calgary, most people can find a way to get tickets but in Edmonton there are more tickets I’m on the line for because my wife’s family is from there. I have lots of relatives and cousins and aunts and uncles that are not all going to drive down to Calgary. I talked to (Bruins legend) Johnny Bucyk, who does all our tickets, and he’s set aside a few but it’s going to be interesting.”

Iginla’s wife and children will remain in Boston for the emotional Calgary homecoming of the former Flames captain that will include a video tribute to him early in the evening.

On hand for what should be a lengthy standing ovation will be his mother, who still lives here, as well as his father, who will travel in from Edmonton.

“I’ll have some friends and I’d imagine brothers and sisters — they always give me the last-minute stuff,” Iginla said with a chuckle.

“It will be special for them. Just from them seeing my first couple games in Calgary and over the years (Tuesday) will probably bring back a lot of memories.”

Unsure exactly what to expect, the 36-year-old Iginla insists he won’t cry. But he couldn’t say the same for others in his clan.

“My mom is pretty sentimental, so she’ll possibly be emotional,” he said.

“Everyone seems to be looking forward to it.”


729050 Chicago Blackhawks

Shaw set to bring 'tons of energy' in Blackhawks return

By Chris Kuc

12:53 PM CST, December 8, 2013

Forward Andrew Shaw said "just aggravating pain through my upper body" caused him to miss the Chicago Blackhawks' last two games.

With his agitating style of play, Shaw is looking to provide some aggravation to the Florida Panthers when he returns to the lineup Sunday night at the United Center.

"I'm pretty excited," Shaw said following the Hawks' optional morning skate. "(I'm ready to bring) tons of energy. I felt great out on the ice so I’m excited for (Sunday night's) game to start."

During the Hawks' 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night, Shaw was crunched into the boards late and missed the next two contests--both losses.

"They thought they’d just give me a few nights off with this busy schedule coming up," said Shaw, who has eight goals and nine assists in 29 games this season. "I’m excited to get (Sunday's) game on the go."

Corey Crawford will start in goal for the Hawks.

Bryan Bickell will miss his 11th game in a row with what a source said is a left knee injury. The winger skated for the first time since suffering the injury against the Colorado Avalanche on Nov. 9.

"(Bickell's) first time on the ice," coach Joel Quenneville said. "It was good to see him out there but we’ll get a better indication (of a return) when he gets out there with everybody."

Still sidelined for the Hawks is backup goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin. The veteran is not yet skating after suffering a lower-body injury against the Nashville Predators on Nov. 16 but Quenneville said, "He’s working out like crazy. He wants to get healthy. I’m sure he’s progressing but I don’t think there’s a clear sign of exactly when he’ll be on the ice."

The Hawks also recalled defenseman Michael Kostka from Rockford of the American Hockey League and activated him from injured reserve.

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 12.09.2013


Blackhawks Game Day: Shaw in lineup vs. Panthers

By Chris Kuc


The Chicago Blackhawks' lineup received a needed boost with the return of forward Andrew Shaw when the defending Stanley Cup champions looked to snap a season-high three-game losing skid.

Shaw missed the Hawks' two previous games with an injury he described as "just aggravating pain through my upper body" but returned to face Florida Panthers on Sunday night at the United Center. Shaw vowed to bring "tons of energy" in his return.

The Panthers were playing the second of back-to-back games after defeating the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 on Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena.

"Florida is coming off a real good game last night in Detroit," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said prior to puck drop. "Dangerous team. They’ll be excited about playing us. We just have to make sure we play a hard game, a simple game. (We've played) three close games in a row. Look at all the games we’ve played this year, every game was tight and close. Finding ways of being successful, particularly when games are on the line, we have to come up with the right answers."

Corey Crawford started in goal for the Hawks and was opposed by Scott Clemmensen for the Panthers.

Scratches for the Hawks were Bryan Bickell (left knee), Michael Kostka (healthy) and Sheldon Brookbank (healthy). Sitting for the Panthers were Mike Mottau, Brad Boyes and Scott Gomez.



Versteeg gets crack to prove Panthers wrong

By Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune reporter


Kris Versteeg still isn't quite sure the reason Panthers general manager Dale Tallon traded him to the Blackhawks last month.

The forward and GM spoke briefly the night of the Nov. 14 deal but there was no detailed explanation of why Versteeg was headed from South Florida to Chicago to rejoin many of the teammates with whom he won the 2010 Stanley Cup.

"(Tallon) said he had to do it and pretty much that was it," Versteeg said. "In the end, it doesn't really matter what the real reasons are, and for myself to even guess at them would be a bad thing. I know when I was healthy there and was playing good hockey I helped their team do some good things."

Things did not end in Florida the way Versteeg envisioned. At times he was a scratch near the end of his tenure despite playing while still recovering from serious knee surgery he had in March. The desire to prove Tallon and the Panthers wrong in his first appearance against his former team Sunday was a motivator but didn't consume Versteeg.

"You always want to play well and prove the other guy wrong," he said. "But in the end, I don't really need to look at it that way. I know when I'm healthy and playing well I can be an effective player in this league. I'm still trying to get where I need to be health-wise.

"I know when I was in Florida I wasn't even close to where I should have been or wanted to be. It's a process in this rehab. I know I can contribute regardless with where I'm at in my health state, though."

Fighting words: Andrew Shaw returned to the Hawks' lineup after missing two games with what the winger described as "aggravating pain through my upper body."

It was Shaw's first action since the Hawks' Dec. 3 loss to the Stars. In that game, Shaw dropped the gloves with Antoine Roussel in the season's most spirited fight. During the bout, Shaw had his sweater pulled over his head but continued to land blows.

"I could see," Shaw said. "Jerseys aren't thick (so) you can see through them and I had one eye out the top of the neck hole there and I could still see him so I just kept throwing.

"He's just one of those players that gets under the skin of opponents and I am too. By that time, I think everyone was fed up with me and him so we thought we'd square it out."

Health check: Bryan Bickell missed his 11th consecutive game with what a source said was a left knee injury. The winger did participate in the Hawks' optional morning skate.

"(Bickell's) first time on the ice," coach Joel Quenneville said. "It was good to see him out there but we'll get a better indication when he gets out there with everybody."

Backup goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin is still sidelined with a lower-body injury.

"He's working out like crazy," Quenneville said. "He wants to get healthy. I'm sure he's progressing but I don't think there's a clear sign of exactly when he'll be on the ice."

Card sharks: Following a five-hour bus ride to Grand Rapids, Mich., Dylan Olsen and Jimmy Hayes were playing cards with some Rockford IceHogs teammates when they got the call to report to Mark Bernard, the AHL team's general manager.

"We thought we were getting called up to the Hawks and they sat us down and told us we were traded to Florida," said Olsen, a defenseman who along with Hayes was dealt to the Panthers for Versteeg. "It came as a bit of a shock, didn't see that coming. We looked at it as an opportunity and it's been going well so far."

Olsen and Hayes were among the Hawks' top prospects but ran into numbers games and were seen as expendable.

"It's an opportunity for me to continue to develop my game and try to become a full-time NHLer," forward Hayes said. "It was difficult (in Chicago) to stick but this is an opportunity … and I'm hoping to make the best of it."

Added Olsen: "That was the first time I had been traded. You look at what the Hawks have with the depth they have and the players they have, it's a tough lineup to crack. Going to Florida was a great opportunity to get my foot in the door and start establishing myself in the NHL."

In the two games before Sunday, Hayes had two goals and Olsen had a goal and two assists.

He's back: The Hawks recalled defenseman Michael Kostka from Rockford and activate him from injured reserve.



Andrew Shaw gets back in the swing of things

By Mark Lazerus Staff Reporter

December 8, 2013 9:40PM

Updated: December 9, 2013 2:20AM

With his jersey pulled over his head and the linesmen trying to break up the fight, Andrew Shaw just kept punching in his memorable scrap with Dallas’ Antoine Roussel on Tuesday night.

“I could see,” Shaw said. “Jerseys aren’t thick. You can see through them. [I had] one eye at the top of the neck hole there. I could still see him, so I kept throwing.”

The blistering pace of the fight continued until Shaw literally was tackled to the ice by an official.

“Both of us weren’t giving up, so we kept throwing,” Shaw said. “They probably should have gotten out of there and let us go a little more.”

That fight was something of a metaphor for Shaw’s career — the unlikely irritant, always pushing and pushing to prove he belongs. That seemingly limitless energy was sorely needed in the Hawks’ last two games, both losses that Shaw sat out after suffering an upper-body injury on a hit along the boards late in the Dallas game.

“We need to create our own energy, just feed off one another, compete and work for each other, and those chances are going to come,” he said Sunday morning before making his return against the Florida Panthers. “And when they do, we’ve got to put them in the back of the net.”

Shaw made an immediate impact, screening Panthers goaltender Scott Clemmensen on Patrick Sharp’s power-play goal 70 seconds into the game, then scoring by deflecting another shot by Sharp in the third period.

Shaw might get another crack at Roussel on Tuesday, as the Hawks visit the Stars. It’ll be the fourth meeting between the teams in a month, which is inevitably creating a little spark for the new Central Division rivalry. And as he usually is, Shaw is right in the middle of it.

“[Roussel is] just one of the players that gets under the skin of opponents,” Shaw said. “I am, too. By that time, I think everyone was fed up with me and him, so I thought we’d square it out.”

Meanwhile, Bryan Bickell, who hasn’t played since suffering a leg injury in Colorado on Nov. 19, skated Sunday morning with a handful of teammates for the first time since he was hurt.

“It was good to see him out there,” coach Joel Quenne-ville said. “But we’ll get a better indication when he gets out there with everybody.”

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 12.09.2013


Hayes, Olsen back in familiar haunts

BY MARK LAZERUS Staff Reporter


Updated: December 9, 2013 2:20AM

Jimmy Hayes and Dylan Olsen had just checked into their hotel on Nov. 14 and had started a card game after a five-hour bus ride to Grand Rapids for the Rockford IceHogs’ next game when they got a call from Blackhawks minor-league general manager Mark Bernard, summoning them to his room.

“We thought we were getting called up to the Hawks,” Olsen said.

Not quite. The two learned they had been traded to the Florida Panthers for Kris Versteeg.

“It came as a bit of a shock,” Olsen said. “Didn’t see that coming. But we looked at it as an opportunity. Obviously, it’s been going well so far.”

Indeed, the two prospects who couldn’t crack the Hawks roster — Hayes had seen 43 NHL games over three seasons, while Olsen got 28 games two years ago — have found seemingly permanent roster spots with the struggling Panthers, who visited the United Center on Sunday night. Hayes, a 6-6 forward, has three goals and an assist in 10 games with Florida. Olsen, a defenseman, has a goal and three assists in six games, averaging about 17 minutes a night.

“It’s a tough lineup to crack,” Olsen said of the Hawks. “So going to Florida, I thought it was a great opportunity to get my foot in the door and start establishing myself in the NHL.”

Olsen responded by scoring the Panthers’ first goal.

Roster report

The Hawks recalled defenseman Michael Kostka from his conditioning assignment in Rockford and activated him off injured reserve. He was a scratch for Sunday’s game. It was the 24th game in a row he has missed since taking a puck off his foot at the morning skate at Florida on Oct. 22.



Crawford exits Blackhawks’ 6-2 win early with injury

BY MARK LAZERUS Staff reporter


Updated: December 8, 2013 9:56PM

So far this season, the Blackhawks have had little more than first-world problems. Sure, the penalty kill has been, in Joel Quenneville’s words, “a disaster.” The schedule has been brutal of late, and has taken its toll. And yes, they’ve had a few injuries.

That said, they’re still leading the entire NHL in points.

But the sight of goaltender Corey Crawford being helped off the ice by Brent Seabrook and athletic trainer Mike Gapski surely sent a cold chill down the Hawks’ spines, and at the very least tempered the relief of Sunday night’s 6-2 rout of the Florida Panthers, a win that snapped a three-game losing streak.

A source said it’s a groin injury for Crawford, though the severity isn’t yet known. He was hurt making a pad save with 6:15 left in the first period. He tried to stand up but was unable to do so, appearing to favor his left leg.

“I don’t think it’s too serious,” Quenneville said after the game. “But when it’s a goalie, it’s a little more serious than other players, because of how important he is to our team.”

Antti Raanta came in and made 29 saves on 31 shots.

With their top goalie out, the Hawks’ top skaters did the heavy lifting. Patrick Sharp had a goal and two assists, Patrick Kane had three assists, Marian Hossa, Brandon Saad and Brent Seabrook each had a goal and an assist, and Jonathan Toews had two assists.

The Hawks scored three power-play goals and killed off all five power plays against the Panthers, the third-worst team in the league.

Sharp said the Hawks didn’t lose focus after Crawford went down.

“You try not to think about it; injuries are part of the game,” he said. “It’s not often you see the goalie leave the game, so you know it’s got to be something serious. [But] you’re not going to waste any energy. We all care about Crow, no question. But in the middle of the game, we’ve got to focus on our jobs.”

That’s what Raanta had to do, too. It was the rookie’s fifth career appearance, and his second in relief — he made his NHL debut when Crawford was pulled in the first period at Colorado last month.

Quenneville said the Hawks won’t know how long Crawford will be out until Monday — and the Hawks surely will at least sniff around for a goalie through either free agency or a trade — but Raanta said he’s ready to take the reins if need be.

He admitted he has some work to do, particularly with his puck-handling — his giveaway led directly to Marcel Goc’s second-period goal that cut the Hawks’ lead to 3-2 — but the Hawks expressed confidence in him.

“That’s the job I came here to do,” he said. “If the coaches [want me] going to the net, I’m going to the net. I’ll try to be as good as possible.”

The Hawks got another scare in the third period when former Hawks forward Jimmy Hayes plowed over Raanta, sending his mask flying. He was fine, but it briefly sent the Hawks “scrambling,” according to Sharp, to figure out who might play goalie. Sharp joked that he’d be “the last guy to go in there; don’t want to mess up my stats,” but said Shaw quickly volunteered.

It’s the fourth time since the start of last season that the Hawks’ starting goalie was knocked out of the game with an injury. There doesn’t appear to be a contingency plan in place, and Rockford’s Kent Simpson surely couldn’t have made the drive down a snow-covered I-90 in time to get to the United Center.

“Hopefully, you’ve never got to go there,” Quenneville said. “There’d be some volunteers, for sure. Probably a lot of guys would try to jump in there . It probably would be fun. A little bit too much fun for me.”



Bollig visits Elk Grove Village

By Daily Herald report

Brandon Bollig of the Chicago Blackhawks is coming to Coach's Corner, 152 W. Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village, from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. He'll hold a question and answer session and an autograph signing. The apperance is sponsored by Bud Light and the Score, 670-AM. For information, call Sue Remien at 847-956-1818.

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 12.09.2013


Shaw ready to get back at it

Posted by TimS

on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 12:59

Andrew Shaw was itching to get back in the Blackhawks' lineup after missing two games with an upper body injury.

Shaw will play Sunday night when the Hawks host Florida at the United Center.

"I'm pretty excited and have tons of energy," Shaw said following Sunday’s morning skate. "I felt great on the ice."

Shaw was hurt late in the Dallas game last Tuesday when he was crunched into the end boards behind the net by defenseman Brenden Dillon.

"It was just aggravating pain throughout my body," Shaw said.

The Hawks had lost three games in a row and could use Shaw's energy.

"I think we need to get out there and create our own energy and just feed off one another," Shaw said. "Go out there and compete and work for each other."

Meanwhile, injured left wing Bryan Bickell skated Sunday morning for the first time since Nov. 18, when he hurt his left knee at Colorado.

Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin is working out in the gym hard every day, according to coach Joel Quenneville, but isn't close to returning.

"He's working out like crazy," Quenneville said. "He wants to get healthy. I'm sure he's progressing, but I don't think there's a clear sign of exactly when he'll be on the ice."

Corey Crawford was to start in goal against the Panthers.



Crawford injured in Blackhawks' victory

By Tim Sassone

The Blackhawks might be struggling on the penalty kill, but there was nothing wrong with the power play Sunday night.

Scoring 2 power-play goals in the first 10 minutes and 3 for the game, the Hawks rode the quick start to a 6-2 win over the Florida Panthers at the United Center to end a three-game losing streak.

Kruger weighs in on Blackhawks’ penalty-kill woes

The victory was tempered, however, by an injury to goalie Corey Crawford in the first period.

Crawford suffered what appeared to be a right-leg injury at 13:28 of the opening period while kicking away a shot by Marcel Goc from in the slot. The game wasn't stopped until Crawford asked for time himself at 13:45 because he couldn't get up.

"I don't think it's too serious," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "But when it's a goalie it's a little more serious than other players because of how important he is to our team.

"You're concerned, but we'll have a better assessment (Monday)."

Antti Raanta came on in relief and made 29 saves to earn his third win. The Hawks got a scare midway through the third period when Raanta was run over by Jimmy Hayes and shaken up. Raanta was able to continue, however.

So what would the Hawks have done if Raanta couldn't stay in the game?

"We were scrambling on the bench," Patrick Sharp said. "You didn't want to laugh because you didn't know how serious Antti was. I quickly turned around and asked Jamie Kompon, our assistant coach, who's going to put the pads on, and (Andrew) Shawzie volunteered, obviously.

"I'm not going to go in there. I'd be the last guy to go in there."

Raanta was solid the rest of the way, although his giveaway did lead to a goal by Goc in the second period that brought the Panthers within 3-2.

"Usually if a goalie is down it's something really, really bad wrong," Raanta said. "Of course it's a bad feeling, but I just tried to get my mind in the game and tried to focus to do the right things."

If Crawford is out for any length of time, Raanta is ready to assume the No. 1 workload. "That's the job I came here to do," he said.

Not only did the Hawks score 3 power-play goals in three opportunities, the penalty killers had a perfect night as well, going 5-for-5 in kills.

"It was a good night," Quenneville said. "Let's talk about the positives and the PK. It was one of those zero nights, and hopefully we can start trending in the other direction."

Shaw made his presence felt immediately in his return to the lineup with a goal and a well-placed screen on Sharp's power-play goal that opened the scoring at 1:10 of the first period.

"He does a great job at that," Sharp said. "The first one there, it wasn't really a hard shot, but Shawzie does a great job of taking away the goalie's eyes."

Patrick Kane got the secondary assist on Sharp's goal, giving him points in 18 of the last 19 games. Kane finished with 3 assists.

Brent Seabrook made it 2-0 at 9:11 on another power play when he blew a slap shot past goalie Scott Clemmensen from inside the right circle.

It was 3-0 when the Panthers began a comeback against Raanta on goals by Dylan Olsen and Goc, but the Hawks regained total control on goals by Michal Handzus late in the second period and Shaw early in the third. Brandon Saad finished the scoring with a goal in the final minute.



Kruger weighs in on Blackhawks' penalty-kill woes

By Tim Sassone

Marcus Kruger has been the Blackhawks' best penalty killer over the past two seasons, and Sunday he weighed in on a problem that continues to be a sore spot in an otherwise stellar season.

The Hawks started the action Sunday still ranked 29th in the NHL in penalty killing.

"I thought there for a while (we had it figured out) and then we've been struggling again," Kruger said. "We have to figure it out and look forward. That's what is most important now. I think everyone knows what we want to do out there, but we need to get some confidence."

The Hawks just aren't executing as well as they were last year when they allowed only 18 power-play goals in 48 games. They had surrendered 24 in their first 31 games this season.

"We have pretty much the same system as last year," said Kruger, who was paired with Michael Frolik in 2013 when the Hawks ranked third in the league. "We need to execute better. It's up to us here in the locker room to do a better job."

It starts with the inability to block shots like they were doing a year ago.

"We haven't been good enough in that area," Kruger said. "We've been talking about it and everyone knows it, but we still can't seem to get it to work. We've been looking at what we did last year and why it worked, and it seems like we had a little more confidence out there. We seem to be on our heels a little more now and don't want to get scored on."

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville knows the penalty kill has been a big problem that needs to get fixed.

"It's obviously a concern," he said. "When you're not having success there's maybe a little bit of hesitation. When you're going good and have that confidence, it seems to be seamless. You read and go, go, go. We'd like to have a little more pressure and hopefully that can take away the hesitation."

Shaw returns:

Andrew Shaw was itching to get back in the lineup after missing two games with an upper-body injury.

He returned Sunday against Florida at the United Center.

"I'm pretty excited and have tons of energy," Shaw said. "I felt great on the ice."

Shaw was hurt late in the Dallas game last Tuesday when he was crunched into the end boards by defenseman Brenden Dillon.

"It was just aggravating pain throughout my body," Shaw said.

The Hawks had lost three games in a row and could have used Shaw's energy in 2 of those losses.

"I think we need to get out there and create our own energy and just feed off one another," Shaw said. "Go out there and compete and work for each other."

Familiar faces:

Winger Jimmy Hayes and defenseman Dylan Olsen returned to the UC for the first time since they were traded to Florida for Kris Versteeg. Both Hayes and Olsen are getting a chance to play for the Panthers.

"It's an opportunity (for Hayes)," Joel Quenneville said. "He probably gets more quality and more quantity ice time there. It's a good chance for him to show he can play regularly in our league."

Olsen got a chance to play in 28 games two years ago, but the Hawks were mostly healthy on defense last season, and he spent the whole season at Rockford.

"We had a tough stretch with defensemen being out that one year, but last year we were healthy the whole year and our defense played well,"

Quenneville said. "For a while there the depth on our back end was limited, and I think now we feel it has improved quite a bit. He gets a great chance there and I'm sure he'll develop and he'll play."

Medical report:

Left wing Bryan Bickell skated Sunday morning for the first time since Nov. 18, when he hurt his left knee at Colorado. But Nikolai Khabibulin is not close to returning, according to Joel Quenneville.

"He's working out like crazy," Quenneville said. "He wants to get healthy. I'm sure he's progressing, but I don't think there's a clear sign of exactly when he'll be on the ice."



Ex-Blackhawks Olsen, Hayes fitting in nicely with Panthers

December 8, 2013, 5:15 pm

Staff report

Dylan Olsen and Jimmy Hayes were playing cards with Rockford teammates in Grand Rapids on Nov. 14, the day before an IceHogs game there, when they got the call.

They figured the call from Rockford general manager was to head back to the Chicago Blackhawks. Nope. They were being traded to the Florida Panthers.

“It came as a bit of a shock; we didn’t see it coming,” Olsen said. “But then we started to realize the opportunity we had.”

Olsen and Hayes have been capitalizing on that opportunity with the Panthers. Both are starting, both are playing solid minutes and both are doing good things in those minutes. The two have wanted a chance to play — and stay — with an NHL team since coming through the Blackhawks’ system. It didn’t happen here, so they’re happy they got a chance elsewhere.

“You always want to be able to stick. It was difficult here to stick. But this is an opportunity for me (with Florida),” Hayes said. “Leadership’s been awesome. There are a bunch of great guys in the room who have taken me in and made it a lot easier for me to make the transition.”

On the ice, all seems to be progressing well for each player. Olsen has played in the last five games, averaging about 17 minutes a night. He scored his first NHL goal against the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 5 and assisted on Hayes’ goal last night in Detroit. Olsen has gotten comfortable quick with the Panthers and his defensive mate Erik Gudbranson; the two were Team Canada teammates in the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship.

“We know each other, so that made it easier. And the systems didn’t take long to learn,” Olsen said. “They want to play a fast-paced game, everything up quick and generate offense. I think it’s been pretty smooth.”

Hayes’ minutes have fluctuated in his brief time with the Panthers — less than nine against Winnipeg to nearly 12 against Detroit — but he’s picked his spots for points. Hayes as goal in each of his last two games and has four points overall in his last seven contests.

The two are getting comfortable in Florida, both with their team and the weather — “shorts and T-shirts every day. Can’t complain,” Olsen said. As for the Blackhawks, they don’t begrudge them over the trade.

“They gave me a great chance to play,” Hayes said. “It’s a business. No matter what, you have to be ready to play whenever, for whomever. They’re a great organization that gave me a chance.”

Olsen, whose chances to come and stay with Chicago diminished with the Blackhawks carrying seven healthy defensemen last season, agreed.

“Obviously it’s tough getting traded. But you look at what the Hawks have and the depth, it’s a tough lineup to crack,” Olsen said. “Going to Florida, I thought it was a good opportunity to get my foot in the door and start establishing myself in the NHL. It’s been good ever since I played my first game here.”

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 12.09.2013


Blackhawks recall, activate defenseman Mike Kostka


Nina Falcone

On Sunday the Blackhawks recalled defenseman Mike Kostka from the AHL's Rockford IceHogs and activated him from Injured Reserve.

Kostka — who was in Rockford rehabbing a lower-body injury — hasn't played a game with the Blackhawks since tallying his first-career NHL goal in Chicago's Oct. 18 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Kostka's appeared in just two games with the Blackhawks this season.



Five things to watch as Blackhawks host Panthers


Staff report

The snow has finally hit Chicago, the flurries flying outside our window on this wintry December Sunday afternoon.

The Chicago Blackhawks were taking it easy at the United Center this morning, with only a handful of players taking part in an optional skate. All the better to rest up to try and snap a three-game winless streak, we suspect.

Of this morning’s skaters, Andrew Shaw will play after missing two games with an upper-body injury. Bryan Bickell skated, albeit not heavily, but it was just his first on-ice time since getting hurt in mid-November, so we already knew he was out for tonight. Corey Crawford will be back in net.

Now that the formalities are out of the way, the gist: the Blackhawks want to reverse some recent trends and they’ll be facing a Florida Panthers team that’s very happy and confident after a victory in Detroit on Saturday night. So while we turn our cheeks to the chill outside and sing “Imagine” to ourselves on a very sad anniversary, let’s look at the Five Things to watch for in tonight’s Panthers-Blackhawks games.

1. Beware of an extra-motivated Panthers team. First, Florida got a regulation victory against the Red Wings in Detroit for the first time since God was a child (aka since Dec. 1, 1996, if you prefer specific dates). That will have them pumped to pull off another road victory tonight in Chicago. Then there are a few new motivated Panthers, namely Dylan Olsen and Jimmy Hayes. The two have fared well in Florida; Olsen has points in back to back games and Hayes has three goals in his last seven contests with the Panthers.

2. Feed off Andrew Shaw. No, Shaw’s absence these past two games aren’t the reasons the Blackhawks lost. But there’s no doubt they miss his energy. His mere presence is a jolt to the Blackhawks and a headache for the opposition. There were no line rushes at this morning’s optional skate, but we’re guessing that third line will be Kris Versteeg, Shaw and Jeremy Morin. Shaw said he’s ready to get back into the lineup. That should be evident immediately tonight.

3. Start rebuilding that penalty kill. Did the Blackhawks hit their rock-bottom moment on the kill on Friday, when they allowed the Ducks a goal with one second remaining on their lone advantage? Coach Joel Quenneville said as much after the game. As we wrote yesterday, we have to stop thinking this is just Michael Frolik’s absence. The personnel hasn’t changed that much; the Blackhawks need to be more aggressive on the kill. “We’d like to have more pressure. Hopefully that can take away the hesitation. Get in lanes quicker,” Quenneville said.

4. Put that home ice to good use. Two of the Blackhawks’ recent winless outings have come at home. They need to get back to actually having an advantage on their home ice. They need to pounce on that opportunity tonight, with their top players getting some rest the past day and a half and Florida having an abysmal road record (4-9-2).

5. Our pick to click (drumroll, please) is Kris Versteeg. Yes, it’s an easy selection, given his close ties to his most recent former team. Versteeg said Friday he has nothing to prove against the Panthers. But he said he also enjoys playing against former teams. We think he’ll really enjoy this one.



Blackhawks win game but lose Crawford in defeat of Panthers


Tracey Myers

The Chicago Blackhawks special teams did their job, on both sides of the puck. And an injury to Corey Crawford, which looked very bad at first, might not be that after all.

Patrick Sharp scored one of the team’s three power-play goals, and Antti Raanta stopped 29-of-31 in place of an injured Crawford as the Blackhawks beat the Florida Panthers, 6-2, at the United Center on Sunday night. The victory snapped a three-game winless streak for the Blackhawks, who got great things out of their power play and penalty kill.

But the main concern was for Crawford, who was injured with just more than six minutes remaining in the first period. He struggled to move laterally after a right-pad save on Marcel Goc’s shot, and play was halted. Crawford, with the help of a trainer, headed to the locker room. As bad as Crawford’s injury looked originally, coach Joel Quenneville sounded optimistic about the goaltender.

“I haven’t talked to the docs yet, but I don’t think it’s too serious,” he said. “But when it’s a goalie, it’s a little more serious than other players because of how important he is to the team. We’ll have a better assessment tomorrow, but we’re thinking along those lines (of prognosis).”

The goaltending situation almost got really interesting, as Raanta took a hit to the head late in the third period. But Raanta shook it off and continued.

“I knew it was not so bad, even though my head was a little hurt,” he said. “I knew I had to play to the end. I didn’t even want to act like I was hurt. I had a good talk with (Blackhawks head trainer) Mike Gapski on the ice.”

Still, it had the Blackhawks wondering who would suit up at goaltender in just such an emergency.

“I asked (assistant coach Jamie Kompon) who was going to go, I think (Andrew Shaw) volunteered. If Antti couldn’t finish, that would’ve been a sight to see,” said Sharp, who also had two assists on the night. “(Shaw) keeps getting hit with pucks, so might as well put him in our net.”

Shaw, indeed, got hit with another puck, for a power-play goal in the third period. Patrick Kane had three assists and is currently on a five-game point streak. Brent Seabrook had a power-play goal and assist, and Marian Hossa also had a goal and an assist.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks cleaned things up on their penalty kill, scored seemingly at will on their power play and got a great relief performance from Raanta, who go the decision.

“Of course, it’s not a nice thing to see a teammate down,” he said. “I just tried to get my mind on the game and focus on the right things. I had a couple saves late in the first to get my mind in the game.”

The Blackhawks did the rest. After three games’ worth of frustration, mistakes and a bad penalty kill, the Blackhawks were improved in all areas on Sunday. The penalty kill’s performance was most welcomed, as they nullified all five of the Panthers’ power plays.

“Good night. It was a good night,” Quenneville said about the kill. “We’re almost to the point where we can talk about the positives about it. Hopefully we can start trending in the right direction.”

The Blackhawks got plenty of offense, but they were as happy about the special-teams goals they kept out of their net as they were about the ones they put in their opponent’s. Quenneville said the penalty kill could go nowhere but up after Friday. It went up on Sunday.

“Six different goal-scorers tonight, every line contributing and we had jump from the start,” Sharp said. “It’s nice to rebound with a win after a couple tough losses. Hopefully we can build off this.”

Tracey Myers



Blackhawks' Corey Crawford injured against Panthers

Tracey Myers


Corey Crawford suffered an injury late in the first period of the Blackhawks' Sunday-night game against the Panthers at the United Center.

Crawford made a stop on a Marcel Goc shot with 6:38 remaining in the first period. But when he went to push off his left leg to move right, he couldn't. Officials stopped the clock with 6:15 remaining, and Crawford was helped off by a trainer.

Antti Raanta came in to relieve. Crawford's status wasn't immediately known.

Tracey Myers


729065 Colorado Avalanche

Pregame at Vancouver: Patrick Roy going back to J.S. Giguere net

By Mike Chambers

VANCOUVER — Avalanche goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere will look to improve to 8-0 Sunday night as he and the Avs play the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Semyon Varlamov, who allowed all eight goals in Thursday’s 8-2 disaster at Edmonton, was originally scheduled to start against the Canucks, but coach Patrick Roy has changed his mind. Jiggy spearheaded Friday’s 3-2 victory at Calgary.

Jiggy, the only Avalanche goalie to begin a season 8-0, won consecutive starts Oct. 21 and Oct. 25 at Buffalo and Pittsburgh, respectively, in the only back-to-back games he has played this season.

Denver Post: LOADED: 12.09.2013


Avalanche defenseman Jan Hejda should return faster than first thought

By Mike Chambers

Posted: 12/09/2013 12:01:00 AM MST

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Avalanche defenseman Jan Hejda missed his second consecutive game Sunday but is poised to return to the lineup much quicker than most had thought when he went down with a knee injury Thursday at Edmonton.

"It didn't look too good when we watched it live, that's for sure," Avs coach Patrick Roy said Sunday.

Hejda flew back to Denver on Friday to be evaluated by team doctors, who determined he suffered only a strain. Hejda might return skating this week and possibly play Saturday against the visiting Minnesota Wild, or next Monday against Dallas.

Roy has just six available defensemen, the minimum for a complete lineup, but does not intend to call for reinforcements — partly because Ryan Wilson is on the brink of returning from a back injury. Wilson hasn't played since Nov. 6 but might be cleared as early as Thursday at Winnipeg.

"No reason for us to make a move. We have our six D and we're very happy with them," Roy said.

Footnotes. Colorado's 10-3 road record entering Sunday was the best record in franchise history to begin a season outside Denver. ... Forward Brad Malone was the only healthy scratch for the Avs. ... The Avs will take Monday off and reconvene Tuesday morning at the Pepsi Center, where they host Phoenix that night.



Avalanche finish Canadian road trip with tough loss at Vancouver

By Mike Chambers

Posted: 12/08/2013 08:46:39 PM MST

Updated: 12/09/2013 12:06:11 AM MST

VANCOUVER, B.C. — A road trip that began way up north, suddenly turned south, and finished in the far west wasn't the adventure the Avalanche had planned.

Three games, two losses and a bunch of bruises for the Burgundy and Blue.

In the rubber game of the Canadian trip Sunday, the Canucks got a three-point night from center Mike Santorelli to beat the Avs 3-1 at Rogers Arena. Colorado, which scored with 7.1 seconds remaining to avoid its first shutout loss of the season, had previously split games in Alberta, losing to Edmonton and beating Calgary.

The Avs got little production from their top lines on the trip, with centers Matt Duchene and Paul Stastny combining for just one point, a Duchene assist. Ryan O'Reilly was held pointless and Gabe Landeskog (two assists), P.A. Parenteau (two goals) and Nathan MacKinnon (goal) were blanked against the Canucks.

"Our top two lines have not performed as good as they normally do," Avs coach Patrick Roy said.

Nevertheless, the Avs (20-8) remain ahead of all three of their recent Canadian foes in the Western Conference standings and are among seven teams in the conference to reach 40 points, despite playing a conference-low 28 games.

"Going 1-2 on this trip isn't good enough," Parenteau said. "But right back at it Tuesday night (against Phoenix in Denver) and try to forget about this one."

Santorelli sandwiched an assist between his two goals as Vancouver built a 1-0 lead after two periods and a 3-0 lead early in the third. Santorelli took advantage of an errant D-to-D pass by Nate Guenin to make it 1-0.

The Avs appeared to tie the score late in the second period, but a big slap shot from defenseman Nick Holden didn't count. He clanged the puck off two pipes before it popped out, never crossing the line, and Vancouver had preserved its 1-0 lead going into the third.

Ryan Kesler doubled the advantage 1:32 into the final period, tapping in a rebound from Santorelli's shot. Soon thereafter, when Colorado was pressing in the offensive end, Santorelli beat goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere with a wrist shot on a 2-on-1 rush for a three-goal lead.

Colorado Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon, left, and Vancouver Canucks' Chris Higgins collide during first period NHL hockey game in Vancouver, British Columbia on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013. (Darryl Dyck, The Canadian Press)

"Not a great game from both teams," said Giguere, who couldn't get the offensive support he was looking for in just his second back-to-back start of the season. "I thought it was kind of flat, no momentum to the game. We did a pretty good job overall, playing defensively and putting some pucks on net. But they hung in there and scored the two goals in the third and that was the end of it."

Jamie McGinn scored Colorado's goal to ruin goalie Roberto Luongo's shutout.

The Avs had just one power play, and might have been denied a two-man advantage because a referee sent the wrong player to the penalty box midway through the first period. Colorado's John Mitchell had his stick slashed out of his hands during Kevin Bieksa's tripping minor but Mitchell was called for slashing, ending the Avs' power play and turning it into 4-on-4.

Canucks coach John Tortorella called the Avs the "quickest team we've played."

Mike Chambers:

Avs Recap

THE POST'S THREE STARS

1. Mike Santorelli. C

Canucks center scored twice and assisted on a goal.

2. Roberto Luongo. Vancouver goalie lost shutout in final seconds.

3. Chris Higgins. Two assists for the Canucks' left wing.

WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

Avs defenseman Nick Holden made a stick save just in front of the goal line late in the first period on a play that nearly gave the Canucks a 2-0 lead.

UP NEXT

Phoenix, Tuesday at the Pepsi Center, 7 p.m.

Mike Chambers, The Denver Post



Tortorella on Avs: “Quickest team we’ve played”

By Mike Chambers

VANCOUVER — Strange game. Avalanche loses 3-1 to Canucks, who are led by center Mike Santorelli’s two goals and assist, in a Sunday afternoon/early evening game that bordered on dull.

Avs goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere and teammates such as P.A. Parenteau and Patrick Bordeleau used “weird” or “strange” to sum up what happened at Rogers Arena.

“There wasn’t much going on for either side. Bottom line we didn’t get any offense going,” Parenteau said. “We just didn’t score goals. Right back it Tuesday night and try to forget about this one.”

Canucks coach John Tortorella, whose team was outplayed in the first period, said this about the Avs (after saying he wasn’t going to talk about the opponent): “Quickest team we’ve played … if we played that way (in the second and third periods) we get spanked.”

We think Colorado should have gotten a 5-on-3 power play midway through the first period, shortly after the Canucks went ahead 1-0. The Avs’ John Mitchell, while trying to set up the power play, had his stick slashed out of his hands but he was the one who went to the box for slashing. I didn’t see replays but the Avs and others in the media were talking about it after. It turned out to be a huge call, right or wrong, because Mitchell’s penalty limited the Avs’ only power play to 17 seconds. If the guy who slashes Mitchell goes to the box, the Avs have a two-man advantage for 1:43.

Next up: Phoenix in Denver on Tuesday.


729069 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets: Nick Foligno persevering, prospering

By Shawn Mitchell

Sunday December 8, 2013 9:38 AM

Forward Nick Foligno scored only six goals in 45 games last season, his first with the Blue Jackets since he was traded from the Ottawa Senators for longtime Jackets defenseman Marc Methot.

“Great season, huh?” a sarcastic Foligno said this week.

But Foligno, who scored his eighth goal of this season on Friday, had far more to offer. He is on pace for a career season, despite dealing with the life-changing medical struggles of a newborn daughter.

“He’s got all the tools in the toolbox,” coach Todd Richards said, unsurprised by Foligno’s resurgence. “He’s got some grit and toughness. He can play physical and is a good skater.”

Foligno, finally, has some peace of mind as well. He and his wife, Janelle, brought 8-week-old Milana, their first child, home from Boston after a Jackets game there last weekend. Milana, born with a congenital heart defect, has spent the bulk of her life in the hospital, including several weeks at Boston Children’s, where she underwent corrective surgery on Nov. 8.

Foligno, who missed six games in the days before and after the surgery, returned to the Blue Jackets lineup on Nov. 14 and has remained with the team. His wife, meanwhile, remained in Boston.

“Being around the guys helped a lot because we talked hockey, that took my mind off things,” Foligno said. “But it was hard. You’re finding out things from afar, constantly wondering how she’s doing. Thank God for FaceTime and things like that so I could see (Milana).”

Now, he can hold her — not to mention feeding and changing diapers — well ahead of schedule.

“It was a pretty new surgery that she had, and they really wanted to monitor her and make sure she was doing all the regular things that babies do: eating, sleeping, pooping,” he said. “She recovered pretty well and everyone was surprised at how fast she came back.

“We were shocked. They told us it could be a month to two months of recovery. We planned to be there till after Christmas. What a great present to be able to bring her home early.”

The Folignos chartered a flight for Sunday. Commercial air travel was not an option given Milana’s condition, and a drive of 14 hours or so was neither appealing nor practical. The family, finally back home together, settled in on Monday.

The next night, Foligno scored a jaw-dropping, between-the-legs goal at Nationwide Arena to beat the Tampa Bay Lightning. He scored again and had an assist on Friday in a 4-0 win over the Minnesota Wild.

Richards, who has two sons, said Foligno’s ordeal has been “monumental.” But the rink can be a sanctuary.

“Sometimes, personal issues can be a big distraction,” Richards said. “But you can spend time with your second family and go out and work and do something that you really love. It can be a release.”

Foligno has six points in his previous six games. Despite his absence from the lineup, he is tied for the team lead in winning goals (three) and ranks second in goals (eight). He is tied for second in plus-minus rating (plus-4), penalty minutes (38) and is the most-accurate shooter among the Blue Jackets’ everyday forwards (21.1 percent).

Foligno is on pace for a career-high 23 goals and 46 points, one fewer than his career high in 2011-12 with the Senators.

“It seems odd to say but I feel like hockey is my release,” Foligno said. “I’m able to come to the rink and play the game and work hard. Then I go home and worry about (Milana).

“I think it’s helped me be a better player. I’m not taking things home with me and worrying about them. It’s helped me focus and put things in

perspective. This is something we’ll have to monitor for a long time and we’re not out of the woods. But she’s a normal baby doing normal things.”

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 12.09.2013


Blue Jackets: Johansen line producing

By Aaron Portzline

Monday December 9, 2013 5:06 AM

Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards has “default” lines he turns to when he doesn’t like what he sees from his forwards.

For two years, the line he falls back to most easily has center Ryan Johansen flanked by Nick Foligno and R.J. Umberger.

“I went back to that group two games ago,” Richards said. “Let’s see if they can stick together longer this time.”

The trio has been brilliant the past two games — a 1-0 victory over Tampa Bay and a 4-0 victory over Minnesota. In those games, the line combined for three goals, five assists, a plus-5 rating and 16 shots.

“Right now, all three guys are playing good hockey,” Umberger said. “Ryan is just breaking in to what all he can do in this league. His confidence is building every night.

“That’s a big part of it, the way he’s been playing. He’s been great. But we’ve all started to jell. And we’ve played so many games together the last two seasons that it doesn’t take long to jell.”

Foligno’s speed, Johansen’s reach and frame and Umberger’s ruggedness have proved a fine mix in forcing turnovers and being a disruptive defensive club the past two games.

But lately, the line has gone to a different level — creating scoring chances and points when it also is being asked to shut down the opponent’s top line.

On Friday, Richards gave Johansen’s line the task of shutting down the Wild’s No. 1 line of Zach Parise, Mikki Koivu and Jason Pominville.

It was a masterful performance.

“We didn’t allow them to play in the offensive zone,” Richards said. “You’re not going to entirely shut them down, but we didn’t give them. And then to be so productive on the other end was an added bonus.”

Foligno, with eight goals, has exceeded last season’s total (six), and is on pace for a career high.

Umberger, with seven goals and nine assists, in one short of tying last season’s output in both categories.

Johansen, with 10 goals and 12 assists, is on pace for 28 goals and 34 assists.



Blue Jackets notebook: Hurting Penguins still dangerous

By Shawn Mitchell

Monday December 9, 2013 5:05 AM

The gap between the young and unpredictable Blue Jackets and the skilled and seasoned Pittsburgh Penguins is 14-points wide.

It might seem a bit narrower heading into their third meeting of the season tonight at CONSOL Energy Center.

The high-speed Penguins are hobbled, yet a rash of injuries and discipline — the latest of which were suffered during a brutal, ugly and crushing 3-2 loss at Boston on Saturday — won’t faze the Metropolitan Division leaders, Blue Jackets center Mark Letestu said.

“They’ve dealt with as much injury and adversity as probably about any team has in the last four or five years, with (Sidney) Crosby and (Jordan) Staal and (Evgeni) Malkin,” said Letestu, a former Penguin.

“They’re going to be talking about their depth being tested. But if any team is going to handle that adversity well, it’s going to be that team.”

The Penguins, who will be without three of their top four defensemen, had six players on injured reserve before Saturday’s game.

That does not include Malkin, who has missed the past two games and is questionable for tonight because of a lower-body injury, or defenseman Brooks Orpik, who was thrown to the ice and beaten unconscious by Boston forward Sean Thornton during a stoppage on Saturday.

Penguins forward James Neal is expected to miss the game because of suspension. He will be disciplined by the league today for kneeing Boston forward Brad Marchand in the head moments before Thornton’s attack on Orpik.

Both incidents were preceded by an open-ice hit by Orpik on Boston’s Loui Eriksson, who suffered his second concussion of the season. It was a nasty, adrenaline-filled affair. But Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards said the Penguins won’t be in a vulnerable state.

“They know what it takes to win,” Richards said. “They’re a professional organization in every way.”

Slap shots

Richards said an upper-body injury suffered by defenseman James Wisniewski on Friday would keep him out “about a week.” Wisniewski had been ruled out of games tonight and against New Jersey on Tuesday. … Richards said the Jackets would recall a defenseman from minor-league Springfield before tonight’s game. … Center Brandon Dubinsky and his wife, Brenna, welcomed their first child, son Brady Charles, on Wednesday.


729072 Dallas Stars

Heika: It's hard to describe Dallas Stars rookie Valeri Nichushkin, but he could be very special

By MIKE HEIKA

Published: 08 December 2013 08:12 PM

Updated: 08 December 2013 08:14 PM

The fact Valeri Nichushkin is the first 18-year-old to play for the Stars since the franchise moved to Dallas in 1993 tells you he’s different.

The fact he’s the first Stars rookie to score four points in a game since Jere Lehtinen did it in 1996 tells you he’s gifted.

The fact teammates believe he’s only scratching the surface of his potential tells you he’s special. Maybe very special.

“Val’s play continues to grow. For me that’s really important,” Stars coach Lindy Ruff said after Nichushkin had a goal and three assists in a 5-1 win over Philadelphia on Saturday. “He made a couple of really good plays on those goals, and physically, he’s been dominating some battles.”

Nichushkin learned the game on Russia’s bigger rinks and only started playing in North America this season. That might have been a factor in his being held to two points and a minus-3 in his first 12 games. Since then, he has 13 points and is plus-12 in the past 15 games.

That’s a tremendous rate of improvement.

“When you look at the first few games in this league and the last nine or 10, he’s definitely transitioned well,” said center Tyler Seguin, who was the goal-scoring beneficiary of Nichushkin’s three assists Saturday and also set up his goal. “Now, as a whole, we want to stay consistent.”

The irony is it’s difficult to define what consistency is for Nichushkin.

He is a big body at 6-4, 205. He’s a speedy skater when he hits his stride in open ice. He’s powerful in carrying and protecting the puck.

So is he a dynamic puck carrier who sill sets up his linemates? Is he a strong two-way player who can cause some physical damage? Is he a sniper who can pick corners and cash in on chances?

He might be a little of all three.

He has been compared to Rick Nash for his mix of size and skill and to Eric Lindros for his head-down style of bulling forward. He has been compared to Evgeni Malkin, who has twice led the NHL in scoring and three times has ranked in the top two in MVP voting.

“Sometimes when he’s carrying the puck up the ice, it’s almost like Malkin,” Stars captain Jamie Benn said. “The kid’s 6-5, or whatever, and skates like the wind. I don’t think teams actually realize how fast he’s going until he skates by them.”

Nichushkin is learning English by taking lessons and living with a Texas family, but his progress has been slow. Benn was asked what his communication is like with Nichushkin on the ice, and he laughed.

“Absolutely none,” Benn said. “We try to keep it as simple as possible for him. When he gets the puck, we just let him do his thing. He’s a smart hockey player. He knows how to create stuff.”

On Saturday, Nichsuhkin made a pass out of the defensive zone that created an odd-man rush for Benn and Seguin. He then made a slick exchange with Alex Goligoski at the blueline that helped create an opening for a Seguin shot from the slot.

Later, he won a puck battle and tipped it to Seguin for a shot from the point that was his third goal of the game. And then, Nichushkin finished off a rush by crossing from the right wing to the left to take a pass from Seguin and snap in his fourth goal of the season.

Nichushkin struggled to get points early in the season because he couldn’t finish some of the great chances he created. He also struggled because he really did look like he didn’t know what to do on some shifts.

But what might be most amazing about his progress is he’s making it by proving himself in every situation he’s in. He played recently on the fourth line, with Shawn Horcoff and Erik Cole and was only promoted Saturday to the Seguin-Benn line because it was a home game in which Ruff could control the matchups.

What’s more, he has played just 1:14 per game on the power play (ninth among Stars forwards) and might really get heated up when he becomes a regular with a man advantage.

In other words, his scoring upside could be prodigious.

“He really is a prize when it comes to an 18-year-old who can physically dominate some games,” Ruff said. “If he was able to finish on some of his Grade-A scoring chances earlier, I think his numbers would be near the top of the league right now for any rookie.”

They may get there soon enough.

Follow Mike Heika on Twitter at @MikeHeika

Rookie rankings

Stars winger Valeri Nichushkin is climbing in the rookie scoring race with 13 points in the last 15 games. The top seven rookie scorers in the NHL:

Player

Team

G

A

Pts.

Rat.

Tomas Hertl

San Jose

14

9

23

+10

Chris Kreider

NY Rangers

7

10

17

+7

Nathan MacKinnon

Colorado

6

11

17

+5

Torey Krug

Boston

7

9

16

+6

Sean Monahan

Calgary

9

6

15

-7

Alex Chiasson

Dallas

8

7

15

-7

Valeri Nichushkin

Dallas

4

11

15

+9

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 12.09.2013

729073 Detroit Red Wings

Jonas Gustavsson kept Detroit Red Wings in game despite first regulation loss

3:20 PM, December 8, 2013

By Anthony Fenech

Jonas Gustavsson lost on Saturday night.

He lost for the first time in regulation this season and the loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the backup netminder.

But it was his play in the second period of the Wings’ 2-1 loss to the Panthers that kept them a bounce or two away from a win.

“We got real good goaltending,” head coach Mike Babcock said. “I thought we got through the second period with goaltending.”

It was in the second when the Wings, playing in the second game of a back-to-back, started slowing down.

They allowed 17 shots in the middle frame, but thanks to some “real good saves” from Gustavsson in Babcock’s mind, and thanks twice to the goal post, he kept them in the game.

“He came up big for us,” defenseman Niklas Kronwall said.

Gustavsson, playing in back to back games for the first time this season, allowed two goals on 37 shots.

He started the season 8-0-1 and has allowed two or fewer goals in seven of his 10 starts this season.

“It’s always a little bit tougher to play that back-to-back,” he said. “You have to be smart to save your legs and all that but we played a team that played good tonight. They made it tough for us.”

Gustavsson faced his third-highest workload of the season and most likely will get Tuesday’s game against Florida off as starter Jimmy Howard gets back between the pipes.

But even with his solid outing on Saturday and his 2.03 goals-against average this season, Gustavsson didn’t put a smile on for the HBO cameras that were rolling postgame.

“We lost the game,” he said. “So we’re not happy with that. We just have to bounce back for the next game.”

Contact Anthony Fenech: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @anthonyfenech.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 12.09.2013


Tomas Tatar making most of playing time with Red Wings

Ted Kulfan

Detroit — Tomas Tatar was thrilled to make the Red Wings roster out of training camp and the exhibition season.

Tatar’s dream finally came through. And, then, Tatar sat.

And sat some more.

In fact, Tatar was a healthy scratch for eight of his first nine games — and played only nine minutes the game he did play.

But since that slow start, Tatar hasn’t come out of the lineup. Over the last eight games, the young forward has four goals and four assists.

“That’s probably the thing,” Tatar said of getting a chance to play. “After camp I was out of the lineup, it was a boost down, and I didn’t feel as good as I feel now.

“I’m not saying I’ll be in the lineup every game, but get in there, I know what I need to do and I get used to it. I know what (coach) Mike (Babcock) wants from me.”

When the Grand Rapids Griffins won the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup, it was Tatar who led the way, being named the playoffs most valuable player with 16 goals and 21 points.

That largely earned him the chance this season, the Red Wings liking Tatar’s ability to find scoring spots on the ice and his tenacious play.

This eight-game stretch is the best Tatar has looked on the NHL level.

“I feel good on the ice, I feel confident,” Tatar said. “I’m trying more stuff than at the start, just feeling better. Maybe it’s because the whole team is starting to play well, and your teammates give you confidence.”

Tough loss

In goalie Jonas

Gustavsson’s first loss in regulation time this season, he might have played his best game.

Gustavsson stopped 35 shots in Saturday’s 2-1 loss but was arguably the Wings’ best player.

“We got real good goaltending, got a lot of good saves,” Babcock said.

Gustavsson is 8-1-1 with a .930 saves percentage (11th in the league) and 2.03 goals-against average (10th).

It’s likely Babcock will start Jimmy Howard Tuesday in Florida, but Gustavsson continues to push for playing time.

“He’s been real good for us,” Babcock said.

Injury update

Forward Pavel Datsyuk (concussion) is expected to rejoin the Red Wings Tuesday against the Panthers.

Datsyuk has missed the last seven games because of concussion symptoms since getting hit in the jaw Nov. 23.

The Red Wings are expected to get more information on forward Darren Helm (shoulder) today. Helm missed the last two games.

Griffins surging

The minor league Griffins are matching last season’s success.

Grand Rapids defeated Rochester 3-1 Saturday at Van Andel Arena, the Griffins’ seventh consecutive victory.

The Griffins are 17-4-2, best in the AHL), the best 23-game start in the 18-year history of the organization.

Goalie Petr Mrazek earned his ninth consecutive victory in Saturday’s win over Rochester.

Detroit News LOADED: 12.09.2013


Red Wings' troubles at home continue during lethargic loss to Florida Panthers

By Ansar Khan

on December 08, 2013 at 10:02 AM,

updated December 08, 2013 at 10:04 AM

DETROIT – Joe Louis Arena has been such a tough place to play for visiting clubs over the years.

This season, it’s mostly the Detroit Red Wings who are having a tough time there.

Saturday’s 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers dropped Detroit’s home record to 5-6-6. The Red Wings are fortunate to have played well on the road, where they are 10-3-1.

“It’s terrible,” Daniel Cleary said of his team’s home record. “We play a lot more patient, simple game on the road.”

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said this loss had little to do with playing at home; it was more about having to play 24 hours after a game in New Jersey – while the Panthers were off and already in town waiting for the Red Wings.

"I thought it was lack of energy, for sure,‘‘ Babcock said. "We had a game last night, they sat in our building, hung out and waited for us.

"There’s no excuse for anything; you got to find ways to win games. But also the way we have to play right now is grinding for 60 minutes. They skated better in the second and third, we didn’t make many plays. That’s from not being there quick enough and not executing good enough. So the bottom line is the schedule-maker wasn’t friendly to us on this one."

The Panthers outshot the Red Wings 37-23, getting goals from Jimmy Hayes to tie the game at 2:59 of the second period and Jonathan Huberdeau to snap the tie at 3:29 of the third.

Jonas Gustavsson, starting on back-to-back nights, gave his team a chance to win but suffered his first loss in regulation (8-1-1). Cleary’s goal at 4:06 of the first period – he put in the rebound of a shot by Justin Abdelkader – was the only offense the Red Wings mustered against Flint native Tim Thomas.

Opinions were divided on just how much this performance could be blamed on fatigue.

“I don’t think it has anything to do with energy,” defenseman Niklas Kronwall said. “We have to be a lot more desperate and determined than that. We stopped skating and started watching hockey instead of playing.”

Gustavsson, who faced only 11 shots in a 3-1 victory at New Jersey on Friday, said, “It’s always a little bit tougher to play that back-to-back; you got to be smart, save your legs and all that.‘‘

It’s not like they don’t play several sets of back-to-back games every season.

“Mentally you just have to get through it,’’ Cleary said. “We didn’t have our legs early, but we were still in the game, and that’s the frustrating part about it. We were right there. Just got to execute a little bit better, and we got a couple of power plays (in the third period) that were just not Red Wing-like. We were just missing passes and it didn’t look like we had a sense of urgency.”

They should have been urgent, considering how shorthanded they are, missing their top three centers with injuries (Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Darren Helm).

“With the lineup that we have right now, we have to play more simple than we did tonight,” Kronwall said. “We made way too many mistakes. We were watching the other guys play hockey; way too much room out there. We didn’t execute coming out of our own zone; that’s where everything starts.”

Michigan Live LOADED: 12.09.2013


Red Wings lack energy, outskated and outplayed by Florida Panthers in 2-1 loss

Ansar Khan

on December 07, 2013 at 9:20 PM,

updated December 08, 2013 at 2:19 AM

DETROIT – One night after holding the New Jersey Devils to a franchise-low 11 shots on goal, the Detroit Red Wings had no zip on Saturday.

The Red Wings spent much of the night watching the Florida Panthers, who outskated and outworked them.

The Panthers prevailed 2-1 at Joe Louis Arena, where the Red Wings continue to struggle. It would have been much worse if not for the strong play of goaltender Jonas Gustavsson. It would have been more one-sided if they were playing a better team than the Panthers.

Florida (9-16-5) outshot the Red Wings 37-23.

“We just didn’t skate like we had no energy,’’ Red Wings forward Daniel Cleary said. “They certainly took the play to us quite a bit, but we were in the game, right to the middle of the third. Just got to execute in the defensive zone and obviously it’s a game that we want to get points out of.”

Niklas Kronwall, however, refused to pin this loss on a lack of energy.

“No excuse,’’ Kronwall said. “We have to be a lot better hockey team than we showed tonight. We need to play with a lot more desperation and execute in all situations. We made more mistakes tonight than we have in a quite a few weeks now. It’s not good enough.’’

Jonathan Huberdeau snapped a 1-1 tie at 3:29 of the third period. Flint native Tim Thomas made 22 saves in his 14th consecutive start for Florida.

The Red Wings (15-9-7) could not capitalize on two power plays in the third period, going 0 for 3 in the game.

"There’s no question our power play hasn’t been as good since some of those key guys left,'' coach Mike Babcock said. "I think that’s to be expected. But I still think we can execute coming in on the breakout a little bit better. That to me is where we could have been better; not so much in the zone but in our entry.''

Cleary’s first-period goal was the only offense mustered by Detroit, which again played without its top three centers – Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Darren Helm.

Gustavsson (8-1-1) suffered his first regulation loss. His strong play this season, coupled with Jimmy Howard’s slump, earned him starts on back-to-back nights.

Stephen Weiss played against his former team for the first time, but could not snap out of an awful slump. He had no points and has gone 19 games without a goal, a stretch in which he has just two assists.

The teams, who play five times this season as Atlantic Division rivals, meet again Tuesday in Florida.

The Red Wings are 5-6-6 at home.

"It’s always a little bit tougher to play that back-to-back, you got to be smart, save your legs and all that,'' Gustavsson said. "We played a team that played good tonight, made it tough for us.''

Huberdeau scored his seventh goal on a backhand shot from the slot, after the Panthers took control of the game in the second period.

The Red Wings were fortunate to allow only one goal and escape an atrocious second period tied 1-1. They had no energy, did not skate well and were frequently on their heels, getting outshot 17-5.

Some good saves by Gustavsson and some fortuitous bounces limited the damage.

Jimmy Hayes tied it at 1-1 at 2:59. Gustavsson appeared to have the puck smothered but Hayes swooped in and poked it into the net.

Cleary scored the only goal in the first period. Driving to the net, he fired in a big rebound off a shot from Justin Abdelkader.

He ended a 23-game goal-scoring drought with just his second goal of the season.

The Red Wings are 14-3-5-2 (W-L-T-OTL) all-time against the Panthers.

Michigan Live LOADED: 12.09.2013

729077 Edmonton Oilers

Remember: Edmonton Oilers’ acquisition of David Perron came courtesy St. Louis Blues salary dump

December 8, 2013. 2:45 pm

Staff report

While it appears the Edmonton Oilers high-jacked David Perron from the St. Louis Blues when they traded for him this summer, offering up a much-lesser Magnus Paajarvi and a second-round pick, the Blues only moved Perron because they needed lots of money to sign Pietrangelo and have the dough to also pursue centres Val Filppula, Stephen Weiss or Derek Roy as free-agents.

The move was absolutely a salary dump by the Blues.

Perron has been outstanding here — his yappiness and greasiness reminds me of Esa Tikkanen, although you can understand Perron’s verbiage better.

But Paajarvi, according to Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock “over time he has the chance to be a top six forward” on his team.

Hitchcock is a fan, with only an extremely painful upper-body injury (not a shoulder) after a wallop into the boards Oct. 26 against Nashville setting Paajarvi back. He’s got two goals in 12 games.

“The surprising thing for us is his offensive instincts. He’s bought into the hunt of the puck and he and (Patrik) Berglund are good together,” said Hitchcock.

“He does more things off the rush right now than a lot of our players. It would be really interesting to see his numbers if he hadn’t got hurt.”

Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 12.09.2013


Edmonton Oilers head coach: “Every night is a tough night”

By Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal


EDMONTON - The Edmonton Oilers have alternated wins and losses over the last eight games. They can’t get on a roll to dig out from their huge early-season hole, but head coach Dallas Eakins says the win-loss, win-loss situation is more a by-product of the how difficult the league is than his club’s inconsistency.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s Chicago or it’s Buffalo, every night is a tough night,” Eakins said. “I think you could easily go through an entire season of win, loss, win, loss or you win every game by a goal or you lose every game by a goal.

“We’d like to get to a spot where we’re competitive every night and I thought we let one get away against Calgary. We out-chanced them, had more shots directed at their net, and everything seemed in our favour, but we let them off the hook.”

Eakins wanted no part of the theory that the Oilers should have had their way with the Calgary Flames because they had played Friday night, however.

“The whole crap that they played last night is such a joke in this league, it’s the built-in excuse,” he said.

“These are professional athletes and they’re tired after playing the night before? Give me a break. If it was us, I’d expect a great effort and I’m sure (Flames coach) Bob Hartley expected a big night from his team.

“I think our team felt frustration three quarters of the way through the first period (down 1-0) and then thought ‘OK, let’s try something else.’ That never works.”

The Oilers have a habit of getting away from a game-plan and going solo. They made a whack of turnovers against Calgary (19).

“I want an individual to take on a game but it has to be every individual doing their job. Then the team game takes care of itself,” said Eakins.

“Skill players turn over pucks, though. If they never turned over one, you’d probably have a big problem because they’d just want to dump it in. Wouldn’t that be great if our skilled players got to the red-line and always dumped it in? No turnovers, but no offence.”

“We made at least a dozen bad decisions against Calgary where we tried to force the puck in at the middle, just over their blue-line, trying to make chicken soup out of you know what. Last night we couldn’t help ourselves (turnovers). It was like somebody telling you you can’t eat chocolate and every time you walk by you want a piece of it. You’re going to grab that piece of chocolate.”



Edmonton Oilers forward David Perron comes by his shoot-first mentality via habit

By Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal


EDMONTON - David Perron is selfish. And that’s a good thing.

He’s a shoot-first, think-pass second guy, which is what more of his Edmonton Oilers teammates should do rather than rack up style points with their stickhandling skills, which are admirable.

The shoot-first mentality was hammered home by his first NHL coach, Andy Murray, in St. Louis, and with 98 Oilers’ shots, Perron has nine more than Taylor Hall and is 16 up on Jordan Eberle.

Perron is also an aggravating piece of work around the net, a close facsimile to Esa Tikkanen with that “what did I do wrong?” look on his face after he accidentally, on purpose, guides the puck at a goalie after the whistle as he did Saturday (Calgary’s Reto Berra) or bumping a goalie after a close-in shot, as he also did Saturday, drawing a posse of Flames.

“Yeah, I’ve seen film of Tikkanen. I like him,” said Perron, a broad smile creasing his face.

Maybe the other Oilers forwards can’t step out of their comfort zone to be a big a pain in the butt as Tikkanen used to be, but they can cut back on the swashbuckling stickhandling, especially on the power play. As Wayne Gretzky famously said, “you’ll never score on 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take.”

Oilers coach Dallas Eakins knows his players are a democratic lot — they would often rather set somebody up than shoot, even if they poured 65 shots in the direction of Berra Saturday. It’s especially evident on the power play.

“Players have to make quick decisions, but when there’s a lane and you can see the net and you don’t have to put the puck through somebody, then we should be shooting,” Eakins said.

“We have a number of players who have shooting as their second option.

“We’re still a group that likes to find a seam or tries to pass pucks over sticks rather than pound it at the net, not just getting one chance but possibly two or three on rebounds.”



Edmonton Oilers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov in recovery mode after hit on the head

By Jim Matheson, Edmonton

Journal December 9, 2013 1:23 AM

EDMONTON - Dallas Stars’ winger Ryan Garbutt bowled over Edmonton Oilers’ goalie Ilya Bryzgalov a week ago, knocking him out with a concussion, but Bryzgalov has been hit much harder.

“When I was 12 years old, I got hit by a motorcycle when I got off a bus. I was crossing the street,” said the Russian-born netminder. “I got a concussion … it was really bad. I spent time in the hospital, put me down for two weeks or so.”

He was lucky the concussion was his only problem. He could have died.

“Yeah, God saved me,” said Bryzgalov.

On Sunday, Bryzgalov was stopping shots before some players had fitness testing on the ice so he’s on the road back after suffering a concussion a week ago when Garbutt drilled him on a rush to the net.

“I had some headaches and had some trouble sleeping but now I’m much better,” said Bryzgalov, who has been well enough to be up in the press box watching games and spent some time with his former Anaheim goalie coach Francois Allaire when Allaire’s Colorado Avalanche were here.

Did he stop all the shots before the fitness exam for a handful of players Sunday at noon?

“I don’t remember,” joked Bryzgalov.

The Garbutt hit on Bryzgalov didn’t elicit a penalty, maybe because the feisty forward was off-balance as he busted by defenceman Denis Grebeshkov. He says he didn’t care that Garbutt got nothing for his trouble.

“I wasn’t thinking about the execution of the other guy,” he said.

“All I felt was a pain in my head,” said Bryzgalov.

He doesn’t know when he’ll be able to play, but the Oilers have Carolina Hurricanes here Tuesday and the Boston Bruins Thursday. They then head on the road Friday to play Vancouver, with later stops in Anaheim, Los Angeles and Colorado. Maybe he plays an away game on that trip.

“When it’s your head or neck, you don’t want to fool with it. When it’s your leg, you can say a guy will be back in four days but anything above the shoulder, that’s open-ended (return-date),” said Oilers’ coach Dallas Eakins.

He’s just excited to be in the net, anywhere.

“I’m very happy to be playing,” said Bryzgalov, who’s stopped 92 of his 98 shots over four games.

While the goalie is on the mend, defenceman Jeff Petry didn’t talk to the media Sunday after his head bounced off a glass partition close to the Calgary Flames bench Saturday. He was checked by David Jones and may also be suffering from concussion-type symptoms. “Jeff’s doing better this morning, we’re cautiously optimistic that he dodged a bullet,” said Eakins.

ON THE BENCH: Centre Boyd Gordon, who has missed the last three games with a grocery list of injuries (shoulder, hand, leg) and is on injured reserve, might play this week. “He’s participating in the morning skates and that’s usually a sign a player is getting closer,” said Eakins … Call-up defenceman Martin Marincin played 15:41 in his first NHL game against Colorado and 15:58 against Calgary Saturday. “I thought he was better in the first game. He struggled at times Saturday,” said Eakins, who will throw the 22-year-old out against Carolina and likely add Corey Potter in place of Petry unless Petry makes a rapid recovery … Eakins has liked the work of centre Anton Lander, even if he only got 10 shifts against Calgary. “He hasn’t made any mistakes, we’re going to rely on him for the penalty kill and on faceoffs he’s helped us being a left-handed shot,” said the coach … Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had the best night of the season on draws Saturday, winning 17 of 25 (Gordon-type numbers) … Ryan Smyth won six of seven

faceoffs, too … Training camp walk-on goalie Ty Rimmer won his first AHL game Saturday for the OKCity Barons, beating Chicago on the road 5-2. He came back Sunday but lost 5-4 in a shootout to the same Wolves. Barons centre Roman Horak, who came to the Oilers in the Ladislav Smid trade, had two goals Saturday and a goal and an assist Sunday.



German ice show tries to woo Jason Strudwick following his Battle of the Blades stint

December 8, 2013. 6:30 pm

Jim Matheson

Former Edmonton Oilers defenceman Jason Strudwick. fresh from his runner-up finish in CBC’s Battle of the Blades, received an offer to go to Europe a short time ago.

To do the double axel, not clear the front of the net.

“Something like a Stars on Ice show in Germany,” said Strudwick, gob-smacked that they liked his dance footwork so much with partner Violetta Afanasieva.

“I don’t know if I was in this kind of shape when I was a player. Trying to get into some of those costumes was tough, they were so tight.”


729082 Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers overpowered in loss to Chicago Blackhawks

By George Richards

CHICAGO -- In a bit of role reversal, the Panthers came into United Center winners of two in a row while the defending Stanley Cup champions had dropped their previous three games.

Well, order has been restored.

The Blackhawks scored twice in the opening 10 minutes and rolled to a 6-2 win over the Panthers. Florida hasn't won three straight games all season.

“We put a lot of energy into coming back, but you can't give up goals so early,” Florida’s Brian Campbell said. “They have skilled players, but if you're going to give them shots up the middle, they're going to score.”

Chicago grabbed a 3-0 lead just 37 seconds into the second period when Marian Hossa scored, but the Panthers showed life and a bit of fight in battling back.

Defenseman Dylan Olsen, who came to the Panthers in the Kris Versteeg deal with the Hawks, scored Florida's first goal 4:05 into the second period by sending a puck into the right corner past backup goalie Antti Raanta.

Raanta was pressed into service when two-time Cup champ Cory Crawford went down with an injury in the first.

Florida picked up its second goal and made the score 3-2 when Marcel Goc picked off Raanta’s weak clearing pass, charged in and whipped a shot home.

The Panthers couldn't find the equalizer, however, and didn't do much with a power-play chance not long after Goc pulled Florida within a goal.

Chicago, however, would cash in late in the second when Michal Handzus knocked a lost puck into the net. Scott Clemmensen, finally filling in for Tim Thomas, dropped the puck onto the ice and both he and Olsen couldn't locate it. Handzus did, depositing it into the back of the net.

Andrew Shaw made it 5-2 with Chicago’s season-high third power-play goal of the night after Drew Sharp’s shot clipped him on the way past Clemmensen. Brandon Saad scored Chicago's final goal late in the period, one the Panthers outshot their hosts 18-10 yet were outscored 2-0.

“I don't think we were very good to start the game,” Panthers coach Peter Horachek said. “To come back in this building against that team is difficult. Playing back-to-back isn't an excuse.”

Thomas had been the only goalie to play for Horachek, who took over for the fired Kevin Dineen on Nov. 8. Thomas had made 14 consecutive starts in net for the Panthers, but Clemmensen stepped in Sunday and made his first start since Nov. 7 in Boston — Dineen's final game behind the bench.

Clemmensen, who is 0-2-1 in five games, made 26 saves.

“We had to give him a break along the way,” Horachek said of Thomas. “He deserves that. Tim has done a good job for us, won a big game for us [Saturday]. He needed a breather.”

This and that

As was the case Saturday in Stephen Weiss’ first game against Florida since leaving the Panthers, Versteeg wasn't much of a factor against his former mates.

Versteeg did find the scoresheet, however, assisting on Chicago’s final goal. Versteeg spent parts of three seasons with the Panthers and was traded back to the Blackhawks a week after Horachek took over.

“It was weird,” Versteeg said afterward. “I have a lot of friends there on and off the ice. It was tough for me to leave. Obviously I came back to a great situation, but in the end, it's a business. I had a great run.”

• Saturday's win was Florida's first within the revamped Atlantic Division. The Panthers competed in the Atlantic from 1993-98, with their previous Atlantic win coming near the end of their final season at Miami Arena.

• Florida was the last team in the NHL to claim a divisional victory.

Miami Herald LOADED: 12.09.2013


SNOWED UNDER: Panthers Battle but Get Crushed 6-2 by Blackhawks

George Richards

CHICAGO -- In a bit of role reversal, the Panthers came into United Center winners of two straight all while the defending Stanley Cup champs had dropped its previous three games.

Order has been restored.

The Blackhawks scored twice in the opening 10 minutes and rolled to a 6-2 win over the Panthers. Florida hasn't won three straight games all season.

"We put a lot of energy into coming back, but you can't give up goals so early,'' Brian Campbell said. "They have skilled players, but if you're going to give them shots up the middle, they're going to score.''

Chicago grabbed a 3-0 lead just 37 seconds into the second period when Marian Hossa scored, but the Panthers showed life and a bit of fight in battling back.

Defenseman Dylan Olsen, who came to the Panthers in the Kris Versteeg deal with the Hawks, scored Florida's first goal 4:05 into the second period by sending a puck into the right corner past backup goalie Antti Raanta.

Raanta was pressed into service when two-time Cup champ Cory Crawford went down with injury in the first. Folks aren't going to forget about Crawford anytime soon.

Florida picked up its second goal and made the score 3-2 when Marcel Goc picked off Raanta's weak clearing pass, charged in and whipped a shot home.

The Panthers couldn't find the equalizer, however, and didn't do much with a power play chance not long after Goc pulled Florida within a goal.

Chicago, however, would cash in late in the second when Michal Handzus knocked a lost puck into the net. Scott Clemmensen, finally filling in for Tim Thomas, dropped the puck onto the ice and both he and Olsen couldn't locate it. Handzus did, depositing it into the back of the net.

Andrew Shaw made it 5-2 with Chicago's third power play goal of the night after Drew Sharp's shot clipped him on the way past Clemmensen. Brandon Saad scored Chicago's final goal late in the period, one the Panthers outshot their hosts 18-10 yet were outscored 2-0.

"I don't think we very good to start the game,'' coach Peter Horachek said. "To come back in this building against that team is difficult. Playing back-to-back isn't an excuse.''

Thomas had been the only goalie to play for Horachek who took over for the fired Kevin Dineen on Nov. 8. Thomas had made 14 straight starts in net for the Panthers although Clemmensen stepped in Sunday and made his first start since Nov. 7 in Boston -- Dineen's final game behind the bench.

Clemmensen is 0-2-1 in five games and made 26 saves.

"We had to give him a break along the way,'' Horachek said of Thomas. "He deserves that. Tim has done a good job for us, won a big game for us [Saturday]. He needed a breather.''

HELLO KRIS

As was the case Saturday in Stephen Weiss' first game against Florida since leaving the Panthers, Versteeg wasn't much of a factor against his former mates.

Versteeg did find the scoresheet, however, assisting on Chicago's final goals. Versteeg spent parts of three seasons with the Panthers and was traded back to the Hawks a week after Horachek took over.

"It was weird,'' Versteeg said afterward. "I have a lot of friends there on and off the ice. It was tough for me to leave. Obviously I came back to a great situation, but in the end, it's a business. I had a great run.''

-- Florida, which won at Detroit for just the third time in franchise history on Saturday, has lost three straight in Chicago and has been outscored 13-3 in those losses.

-- Saturday's win was Florida's first within the revamped Atlantic Division. The Panthers competed in the Atlantic from 1993-98, with their previous Atlantic win coming near the end of their final season at Miami Arena.

Florida was the last team in the NHL to claim a divisional victory.

George Richards

Miami Herald LOADED: 12.09.2013


Panthers snowed under 6-2 by Blackhawks

By Harvey Fialkov, Sun Sentinel

10:55 p.m. EST, December 8, 2013

CHICAGO—

— The last time the Panthers came to Chicago the game was delayed 30 minutes because the team bus was held up in a blizzard.

Well, with another snowstorm raging outside the Madhouse on Madison, the Panthers were buried under an avalanche of power-play goals as the reigning Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks piled it on in a 6-2 victory Sunday night to snap Florida's modest two-game winning streak.

In a battle of special teams, it was no contest as to which team was more special. The NHL-leading Blackhawks added to their top-ranked offense with three (of 3) power-play goals, while the Panthers' 28th-ranked extra-man units were a dismal 0-for-5.

Just as the Panthers took advantage of the Red Wings' tired legs in the second game of a back-to-back Saturday, the rested, ticked-off Blackhawks — who were riding a rare three-game winless streak — flew out of the gates with two PPGs in the first 9:11.

"I don't think we were very good to start the game,'' Panthers coach Peter Horachek said. "Obviously, to come back on this team in this building, giving them that lead in the first period is going to be very difficult.

"Back to back's not an excuses. Detroit was in the same situation last night. You have to be mentally tougher and smarter in that situation, but you've got to have some energy to make sure you're doing the right things.''

Top 20 plays in Miami Dolphins history

Still, despite trailing 3-0 after Marian Hossa caught rarely used goalie Scott Clemmensen on a flicker just 37 seconds into the second period, the resilient Panthers clawed to within one. Clemmensen, who gave up six goals on 32 shots, made his first start under Horachek and first since Nov. 7, a 4-1 loss to Boston, to end Tim Thomas' string of 14 consecutive starts.

"We got to give him a break somewhere along the way,'' Horachek said. "Nobody's going to be able to play 70 games.''

Former Blackhawks defenseman Dylan Olsen continued to show that the Panthers may not have gotten bamboozled in the recent Kris Versteeg trade when his wicked wrist shot from the faceoff circle became his second NHL goal in the last three games at 4:05.

"It was weird. I have a lot of good friends there on and off the ice,'' said Versteeg, who had an assist. "It was tough for me to leave there. Obviously, I came back to a great situation. In the end, it's a business.''

Then five minutes later Panthers center Marcel Goc — who 6:15 into the first period knocked goalie Corey Crawford from the game when his slot-shot caught him flush on the right leg — rifled another wrister from between the dots that beat backup rookie goalie Antti Raanta up high.

Raanta, 24, made 29 saves and is now 3-0-1 in four NHL appearances.

However, with 2:44 left in the second, defenseman Brent Seabrook's long slapper was momentarily stopped by Clemmensen, but the loose puck was swatted in by Michal Handzus for a two-goal cushion heading into the third.

"We can't give up that fourth goal,'' said former Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell. "It's happened all season. We put a lot of energy in getting back. Can't give up early goals in the second and go down 3-0.''

The Blackhawks have defeated the Panthers five straight, including the aforementioned snowy night of Jan. 20, 2012.

With Tomas Kopecky off for interference, Clemmensen surrendered a goal on the first shot he faced when Patrick Sharp's riser from the center-ice blue line tickled the cords at 1:10.

And Saad put the capper on the rout with a slick breakaway goal with 56 ticks left.

Boyes benched

The Panthers scratched defenseman Mike Mottau, forward Scott Gomez, and surprisingly Brad Boyes, who leads the team with eight goals. Boyes was scratched on Nov. 7 in coach Kevin Dineen's last game.

"I didn't think he competed hard enough away from the puck [against Detroit], when he didn't have the puck on his stick to get the puck back,'' Horachek said. "There has to be accountability everywhere.''

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 12.09.2013


Panthers holding their own against dominant Western Conference teams

By Harvey Fialkov, Sun Sentinel

8:04 p.m. EST, December 8, 2013

CHICAGO —

Don't tell the Panthers that the Western Conference is the dominant one.

While the revamped Western Conference holds a lopsided 107-49-19 mark over their weaker Eastern Conference sisters, the 9-16-5 Panthers are 6-6-3 against the mighty west. They improved to 9-16-5 overall and a dismal 3-10-2 againt their eastern brethren after Saturday's stunning 2-1 victory over the Red Wings.

Prior to Saturday's games, Florida's 15 points vs. the west was tied for the most among eastern teams, along with Tampa Bay (7-3-1) and Toronto (7-5-1), but the Lightning moved ahead with an overtime loss to the Jets and the Capitals (7-6-1) picked up a pair with a victory over Nashville.

The Panthers have road wins in Dallas, Minnesota, Colorado and Vancouver, while downing the mighty Ducks in Sunrise.

Of course, the win against the Red Wings, formerly a Western Conference powerhouse who have reached the playoffs in 22 consecutive seasons, didn't count since Detroit joined the Panthers in the newly formed Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference this season.

"I look at the St. Louis's, Detroits, Chicagos, LAs, San Joses,'' said Panthers coach Peter Horachek, whose roots are in the Western Conference where he was on the Predators' coaching staff for the last nine years. "I know they're all very well coached and very well structured. I don't really know the reason why this is happening. They're very well prepared and we have to be at our best.''

Top 20 plays in Miami Dolphins history

One of the Panthers' losses to a Western Conference team was to the reigning Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks, Sunday night's opponent, who downed Florida 3-2 in a shootout at the BB&T Center on Oct. 22.

The Blackhawks have beaten the Panthers four straight, and they'll be angry after a shootout loss to Anaheim – who's tied with Chicago with an NHL-leading 45 points – which gave them their first three-game winless streak of the season.

"Detroit is always good even without their top two players,'' said Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau, who potted the second game-winning goal of his career at 3:29 of the third. "It's a tough building to play and my first game here. It's always good to get the two points.''

The Panthers were at their best in Joe Louis Arena as they clearly outplayed the Red Wings over the last 40 minutes with a 28-14 shot advantage ( 37-23 overall). It certainly helped that the Red Wings were without two of their superstars, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg.

It was the second regulation victory for the Panthers in their 12 visits to Hockeytown and their first since winning 4-2 on Dec. 1, 1996.

It also didn't hurt that the Red Wings were 24 hours removed from a grinding 3-1 victory over the host Devils where they held New Jersey to three shots in the third period and a franchise-low 11 overall.

"I thought it was lack of energy for sure. You try to fight through it the best you possibly can," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "There's no excuse for anything, you got to find ways to win games." …

Goalie Tim Thomas, who hails from nearby Flint, was his usual stingy self in net, however his string of 14 consecutive starts was snapped Sunday when backup Scott Clemmensen made his first start under Horachek, and first since a 4-1 loss in Boston on Nov. 7.

Versteeg trade working out

When the Panthers dumped forward Kris Versteeg for a couple of unknown Blackhawks farmhands on Nov. 14, and still paid half of his remaining

salary (saving Chicago $4.4 million on its salary cap), it didn't seem like a fair deal.

However, Panthers forward Jimmy Hayes, who scored the tying goal Saturday, and defenseman Dylan Olsen have combined eight points. Versteeg, who has a goal in each of his last two games, has seven points in 12 games.

"I'm looking forward to it," Versteeg told the Blackhawks Insider about playing the Panthers. "I don't believe I have anything to prove against them. You look forward to playing against old teams." …

Panthers' leading goal scorer Brad Boyes was a surprise scratch Sunday.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 12.09.2013

729086 Los Angeles Kings

Kings' Matt Greene, Trevor Lewis could return during trip

By Lisa Dillman

December 8, 2013, 6:57 p.m.

Gradually, the Kings' injury ward is becoming less crowded, a welcome development heading into a four-game trip that starts Tuesday in Montreal.

Right wing Trevor Lewis and defenseman Matt Greene will accompany the team on the road, and Greene, who has been out because of an undisclosed upper-body injury, could return first.

"Trevor is still a ways away and Greener could be available," Coach Darryl Sutter said Sunday.

Greene has not played since Nov. 2 and Lewis (lower-body injury) last played against New Jersey on Nov. 21.

In anticipation of Greene's return, defenseman Jeff Schultz was reassigned to Manchester (N.H) of the American Hockey League. Schultz was with the Kings as insurance.

Sutter shed some light into his thinking about coming back with rookie goalie Martin Jones on Saturday against the New York Islanders. Jones has won his first two starts.

"[Ben] Scrivens was a little dinged up and he just didn't feel right in warmup, so I told Marty to make sure he was ready," Sutter said. "And he was.

"It's still competition. It doesn't matter to me. You play well, you play. If you don't, you don't. It's not that hard to figure out."

Said Scrivens, who practiced Sunday: "Whoever plays, that's the coach's decision. So I'll leave it at that. The important thing is Jonesy played and he played extremely well. That should be a bigger story."

LA Times: LOADED: 12.09.2013


Waking up with the Kings: December 8

Staff report

-Though it took the Kings perhaps a period and a half to develop their legs, last night’s 3-0 victory over the New York Islanders was another example of the way the team uses composure, patience and quality goaltending to churn out wins in roughly 63% of their games. Martin Jones made key saves in the first period – including one on a Travis Hamonic slapshot from the top of the right circle after a slick drop pass by John Tavares – affording the team enough time to eventually take advantage of the limited chances they generated through the first 35 minutes. Until Alec Martinez fed Anze Kopitar with a tape-to-tape stretch pass that caught the center in stride while breaking into the New York end, the Islanders had won a good share of the puck battles and were effective in forcing the Kings to dump the puck in at the blue line. There was always composure and patience in Los Angeles’ game, but once they were able to establish a lead, they worked with a much heavier share of offensive zone time than they had in earlier stretches of the game.

-John Tavares was held without a point in back-to-back games for the first time this season, and in the two games against Los Angeles he finished with one assist and a minus-two rating. Looking to avoid putting Tavares in situations in which he is most comfortable, the Islanders still earned eight power plays against the Kings in the two games, with Tavares spending a total of 11:23 on the man advantage. He did not generate one power play point. One of the lasting and representative Images of the Kings becoming more comfortable in Saturday’s game as it progressed was Linden Vey showing patience and poise with the puck in the offensive zone and eventually drawing a hooking penalty on Tavares late in the second period. Though L.A. didn’t score on the ensuing power play – they’re now scoreless in their last 33 attempts – it helped to stack the momentum back in the team’s favor. In the two games against the Kings, Casey Cizikas was the most effective New York forward, and that’s a good thing. That’s not at all a knock on the hustling forechecker in Cizikas, but more of an indication that Los Angeles was effective in limiting New York’s top players in Tavares, Okposo, Nielsen and Vanek. Those four players combined for one point against the Kings in two games.

-So, Ben Scrivens led the team onto the ice for warm-ups, and Martin Jones received the start. This came following a morning skate in which Jones and Scrivens left the ice at roughly the same time and the team didn’t take any line rushes, which could indicate that last night’s episode was likely an instance of Darryl Sutter not wanting to tip his hand on the team’s lineup rather than any minor, nagging injury on Scrivens’ part. He didn’t explain his decision after the game, nor was he required to. More to come on the team’s goaltending following today’s practice…

Posted by JonRosen on December 8, 2013

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 12.09.2013


Jonathan Quick talks recovery

Staff report

Following the Los Angeles Kings’ 3-0 victory over the New York Islanders on Saturday, December 7 at STAPLES Center, goaltender Jonathan Quick provided a rehabilitation update on his Grade 2 groin strain and noted that he hopes to “get on the ice and see how it feels” within the next week.

Quick, on the recovery process:

It’s good. I’m working out. I haven’t started skating yet, but that’s the next step. Hopefully within the next few days or a week or so I could try to get on the ice and see how it feels out there. Obviously you want to get back. You want to play, but you want to do it in the right way, and you don’t want to push it to the point where you end up re-injuring it or doing something that sets you back a little bit. I think so far everything’s gone well. You’ve just got to continue. As tough as it is to watch the team and not be able to play, you’ve just got to keep doing that until you’re ready to go.

Quick hasn’t played since suffering the injury during overtime of a 3-2 shootout loss in Buffalo on November 12. Not including that game – Ben Scrivens entered in overtime that night before Los Angeles in a shootout – the Kings have gone 8-1-3 since his injury. In the first year of a 10-year, 58-million dollar contract, the 27-year-old is 10-5-0 on the season with a 2.35 goals against average and a .905 save percentage.



Greene, Lewis will travel; Schultz to Manchester

Posted by JonRosen

on December 8, 2013

Matt Greene (upper-body) and Trevor Lewis (lower-body) will both travel to Montreal with the team Monday morning, Darryl Sutter confirmed on Sunday.

“Trevor’s still a ways away, and Greener could be available,” Sutter said.

In a roster move that corresponded partially with Greene nearing a return, Jeff Schultz was assigned to the Manchester Monarchs. Schultz, who did not appear in a game with the Kings, was recalled earlier in the week as an insurance measure because the team had been relying on six healthy defensemen, and a concern arose over Robyn Regehr’s health after he became tangled up along the boards while engaged in a puck battle and suffered what appeared to be an arm injury late in the first period of Monday’s win over St. Louis. Though Regehr went straight to the dressing room after the play, he returned for the second period and played in the wins over Anaheim and the New York Islanders.

Greene and Lewis both took part in the Kings’ practice – which involved a considerable amount of special teams work – on Sunday at Toyota Sports Center.

Matt Greene, on whether he has been “making good progress”:

Yeah, I feel like I’m making progress, getting in shape, getting back to normal. [Reporter: Do you feel like you are on the verge of returning?] I feel like I’m getting ready. Just getting ready to get in there, and see what happens. But, just keep working, that’s all that matters.

Greene, on the team’s play in spite of “significant injuries”:

It’s awesome. It’s awesome. It’s the sign of a good team. I think everyone is extremely happy just knowing that when you watch guys come in and get a chance that work extremely hard, like Marty. You watch him, he just goes about his business the last two years and keeping himself ready. Then when he comes in and plays as well as he has, it’s really good and really rewarding to watch, and everybody’s really happy for him. Then other guys getting a chance – in terms of Trevor going down and the PK still staying just as solid, it’s awesome. It’s awesome to see that happen. And with Scrivvy and Jonesy getting in there and getting a chance and really putting up big numbers it’s great to see. And it shows that you have a lot of confidence in the core of your team to be able to band together when a few guys go down.

Greene, on Martin Jones being “unflappable”:

He’s a really good goaltender. That’s what we heard coming in and it’s tough to see it in practice all the time, but we heard a lot about his numbers in the AHL when he’s playing in Manchester. Then for him to come up to and play here – again I’m watching the game just like you guys are – but he looks pretty comfortable in there and real calm. That’s all you could ask from a young goaltender.

Trevor Lewis, on whether he plans on coming on the road trip:

Yeah, I am. No timetable, just see how it goes. See how it feels and I’ll be there. I’m ready.

Lewis, on whether he’d be available for the road trip opener:

I don’t know yet. We’ll see how it feels after flying and everything. But, I’ve been feeling better out there and a lot more confident and that’s what you need.

Lewis, on how he has progressed in his recovery:

I think a lot of progress [has been made.] From when I first started skating to now, it’s a whole different feeling. I feel pretty much back to normal.

Greene has two goals, three points and a plus-5 rating in 15 games this season, while Lewis has been held without a point while recording a minus-4 rating in 23 games. Both are unrestricted free agents after the season.




December 8 practice quotes: Darryl Sutter

Posted by JonRosen

on December 8, 2013

On Matt Greene and Trevor Lewis’ status for the upcoming road trip:

They’ll both travel….Trevor’s still a ways away, and Greener could be available.

On Alec Martinez’s “opportunity”:

Opportunity to play. Simple. He’s a teen-minute player. If you start pushing him more into that, then it doesn’t benefit our team. He’s playing on the right side right now, so he plays behind Drew, who plays 25 minutes, and he plays behind Slava, who plays 20-plus. So if you add it up and if you’re doing 60, then he’s a 12-to-15 minute guy, and you need quality in there.

On whether defensemen are easier to move from left-to-right or right-to-left than forwards:

I think you see more left-handed defensemen can play their off-side. Not many right-handed defensemen, for whatever reason.

On teams coming west and learning about the challenges of the schedule:

Yep. I learnt a lot about that in San Jose, so it’s not something I’m picking up here. I think that you have to be able to manage your bench different, manage your team different, recognize your schedule, make sure you’re looking ahead, make sure with this group here – because they’re such a young group – make sure that they’ve got a handle on not just the next game, but the night before, and what they do to prepare. It’s a big adjustment.

On what has been impressive in Martin Jones’ game, other than the two wins:

Well, it’s obviously two different approaches. First, back to back games, you need your goalie to come in and do a good job for you, because you’re not always sure how your team’s going to respond for the whole game. He did a really good job in Anaheim, and then last night he was really solid. He didn’t have to be great, but he was solid coming in, especially in the first period.



729091 Minnesota Wild

Wild notes: Struggling second line seeks success

by: Michael Russo

December 8, 2013 - 10:24 PM

Before practice Saturday, coach Mike Yeo met with the Wild’s second line of Nino Niederreiter, Charlie Coyle and Dany Heatley about getting back to what makes them successful, and that’s getting pucks deep and going to work in the offensive zone.

Friday in Columbus, the line was not only on the ice for a handful of goals, but it continually turned pucks over the cause waves and waves of Columbus attacks as the Wild ran through its other lines.

In Sunday’s 3-1 victory over San Jose, Yeo said the line had some good shifts, “but not enough still.”

The trio actually spent a good part of the first period in the offensive zone and Niederreiter and Heatley drew a power play late in the second. But Coyle took two penalties and Heatley again turned pucks over routinely to make life difficult on the Wild. One caused Coyle’s penalty and a golden chance by Logan Couture, another turnover led to an icing, then a Clayton Stoner penalty.

Yeo agreed that Heatley’s turnovers are becoming troublesome, but said, “I’m not going to sit here and point to Heater and say he was the reason. But at the same time, we have to look at everything with that line and figure out why. That’s an important line for us.”

Yeo went on to praise the first and third lines, but he said the second line, “we need not only to contribute but just to not bring momentum to the other team, not give the other team chances. Execution is going to be a huge part of that.”

Working on draws

One day after doing some remedial faceoff work with center Zenon Konopka and assistant coach Darby Hendrickson, Coyle won 7 of 12 faceoffs. In the previous seven games, Coyle won 23 percent.

Konopka has the NHL’s top faceoff winning percentage since he has been in the NHL (65 percent).

“Repetition is, I think, the best thing for him,” Konopka said. “You see it all the time with young players in this league, it takes awhile to adapt to the faceoff circle,”

Konopka said he talks with Kyle Brodziak and Mikko Koivu all the time about faceoffs and “we have to get Charlie more involved with those discussions.”

Scoring, limping

Zach Parise scored twice Sunday and is now tied with Jason Pominville for the team lead with 14 goals. He has played six games since he was supposed to miss two to three weeks with a foot injury. He is still limping noticeably.

“It’s OK,” Parise said. “[Thursday] against Chicago was probably was the first time I really felt comfortable pushing off it and turning. It’s getting better. Some days it gets a little swollen, but all in all, it’s getting better than it was.”

Homecoming

Brent Burns, traded in 2011 to San Jose, feels more comfortable returning to play the Wild.

“It’s still different,” Burns said. “It was such a big part of our lives there. It’s a special place for us. I planned on making that our home for my family even when we were done. I love the city there. I love the atmosphere. We fit in well. We planned on living there our whole lives.”

Etc.

• Konopka, scratched in the previous two games, returned Sunday. Mike Rupp was the lone healthy-scratch forward.

• Former Wild winger Martin Havlat was scratched by San Jose.

• Yeo said there’s no change with concussed center Mikael Granlund, who has been temporarily shut down. He has missed six consecutive games and eight of the past nine. …

• Defenseman Matt Dumba is expected to be loaned to Team Canada for the world junior championships Monday.

Star Tribune LOADED: 12.09.2013


Recap: Wild 3, San Jose 1

December 8, 2013 - 10:21 PM

MICHAEL RUSSO

GAME RECAP

STAR TRIBUNE’S THREE STARS

1. Josh Harding, Wild: Improved to 13-1 at home by stopping 37 of 38 shots.

2. Mikko Koivu, Wild: Captain scored his 20th career winning goal, was plus-2 and won 16 of 25 faceoffs.

3. Matt Cooke, Wild: Three hits, three blocks shots and outstanding on the penalty kill

By the NUMBERS

14 Goals for Zach Parise (two Sunday), tied for the team lead.

13-3-2 Wild’s home record, tied with Boston for most home wins and points (28).

21 Shots allowed in the second period.



Postgame: Wild outshot 38-13 but Harding was great

Blog Post by: Michael Russo

December 8, 2013 - 10:20 PM

As somebody said to me on Twitter a little bit ago, “this is the opposite of former Wild clubs. Used to outshoot teams and lose 4-1.”

I just found it humorous because it’s pretty true.

Tonight, the Wild somehow managed to be outshot 38 (most at home this year)-13 (fewest home or away this year) and take a 3-1 victory from the San Jose Sharks. Wild's actually 6-0 in its past six at home against San Jose.

Good evening from the X, where the Wild bounced back kinda sorta from Friday’s 4-0 loss at Columbus. I say kinda sorta because I’m not sure we can say the Wild’s game returned to form, but a win’s a win in this conference and against a great Sharks team.

I wouldn’t say the Wild got dominated tonight, but the team certainly spent the night mostly defending. Josh Harding made 37 saves, including all 21 in the second period.

Yet, after that period, Harding was outsaving (ripped that off from a Twitter follower too) counterpart Antti Niemi 32-9.

Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu gave the Wild a 2-0 lead, and after Patrick Marleau scored with an extra attacker with 1:41 left, Parise scored an empty-netter for his 14th goal, tying Jason Pominville.

The big story of the night is just how difficult a time the Wild had getting to the offensive zone. The top line spent a good portion of the night there, but Parise said it was hard generating any chances because of the unique Larry Robinson defensive-zone coverage overload the Sharks use.

Robinson coached this in New Jersey when Parise was there and now the Hall of Fame defenseman is associate coach in San Jose. I’d diagram the overload to you, but you should have come to the Star Tribune Chalk Talk before the game to watch Wes Walz actually diagram it.

“It felt like we were defending an awful lot,” coach Mike Yeo said. “Our execution wasn’t good enough. Too many broken plays in the neutral zone, too many turnovers in the neutral zone allowing them just to counter right back.”

Still, everybody from Harding on out to Yeo felt the Wild defended real well and were sharp in its zone, making proper reads on rushes and keeping pucks to the outside. The D also did a great job keeping San Jose’s talented, big forwards at bay when Harding did leave rebounds.

Harding improved to 16-4-3 and was 1:41 away from his second shutout in three starts. His goals-against average is now a league-best 1.50 and his save percentage of .938 is tied for second. His 16 wins are tied for second. Apparently the top guy, Corey Crawford with 17, got hurt tonight for Chicago. That’s huge because Nikolai Khabibulin is also hurt.

Harding is now 13-1 with a 1.25 goals-against average and .945 save percentage at home.

“He made all the saves, played great,” Joe Pavelski said. “But we didn’t do a good enough job getting to him. Shots just hit him. But he was in all the right places.”

Harding really got into a groove though in the second and made some beauties, including two gloves on Pavelski and Tomas Hertl. He was seeing deflections. He was so confident, he twice himself cleared the zone up the gut, one a PK clear actually, one a pass on the Wild’s yucky power play.

But the penalty kill tonight was great and built momentum. Matt Cooke was a stud on it, at one point eating 15 seconds in the offensive-zone corner by outworking three Sharks the way Charlie Coyle did against Philadelphia last week.

The next shift, Parise scored after Marco Scandella, who played well alongside Jared Spurgeon (also was great), saved the zone and shot a

puck that deflected off Pominville. Parise, who earlier in the shift slashed the stick out of Justin Braun’s hands, scored on the rebound.

The four refs did huddle to discuss if Pominville inhibited Niemi’s ability to make the save. They decided he didn’t.

“Yeah I think I was bumped. I’m not sure where it happened or if they did it on purpose or not, but it affected the play, for sure,” said Niemi, who said the ref told him he was outside the crease at the time.

A few minutes later, Dany Heatley forced a turnover and Spurgeon set up Koivu.

Heatley was in the middle of a lot of good and bad and Yeo is clearly getting frustrated with the turnovers. He had one turnover that resulted in a near Logan Couture goal then Coyle turnover. He had another turnover that led to an icing. After winning that draw, he put the puck in the Sharks bench. A second after that draw, Clayton Stoner high-sticked Couture.

Yeo met with the entire second line and especially Heatley on Saturday to talk to them about getting pucks deep and not creating momentum for the other team. Heatley needs to start simplifying the game and just dump pucks at this point.

That line actually had some good offensive-zone shifts tonight and Heatley some chances. He also drew a power play after Nino Niederreiter drove the net and Niemi turned him away.

That’s it for now. Matt Dumba, who is away from the team today because of family reasons, will be loaned to Team Canada for the world juniors.

The Wild has the day off Monday before heading to Anaheim on Tuesday for practice. I will be in studio at KFAN on Monday from 10:20-11 a.m.

I’ll next talk to you on here after practice in Anaheim on Tuesday – barring news. Big road trip coming up to Anaheim, San Jose and Denver.



Harding backstops Wild to 3-1 victory over San Jose

Article by: Michael Russo

December 9, 2013 - 1:27 AM

At one point Sunday night, one of the referees asked Wild defenseman Ryan Suter if the shot clock was right.

“Sometimes you’re in the heat of the moment, you don’t notice,” Suter said. “I was shocked.”

The San Jose Sharks peppered Wild goaltender Josh Harding with 38 shots, the most shots the Wild has allowed at home this season.

Conversely, the Wild sprayed 13 shots on Harding’s San Jose counterpart, the fewest the Wild has registered home or away this season.

Yet at the end of the night, the scoreboard read Wild 3, Sharks 1, and the Wild wasn’t apologizing.

“I thought we did a good job,” Suter said. “They didn’t have a lot of quality shots.”

“We kept them to the outside,” concurred captain Mikko Koivu. “To be honest, I didn’t feel like we had 13 shots. I thought we had more.”

The Wild made the most of them with Zach Parise and Koivu scoring second-period goals and Parise potting an empty-netter on one of the Wild’s two third-period shots.

Harding actually seemed to be fighting the puck early, but if so, he certainly recovered and got into a confident groove. Through two periods, the Wild was being outshot 32-11, allowing 21 shots in the second period.

Yet, Harding stopped them all and wasn’t beaten until Patrick Marleau scored with 1 minute, 41 seconds left.

“And it had to be 6-on-5 to get it. He looked sharp,” Sharks veteran Joe Thornton said.

Harding improved to 16-4-3 with a league-best 1.50 goals-against average and .938 save percentage. In Harding’s previous 15 wins, the Wild allowed an average of 22.7 shots per game.

“They make it tough on a goalie,” Harding said of San Jose. “You get to feel the puck, you know it’s going to come from everywhere. I’d almost rather those games sometimes than the 10-shot ones with three spread out here and there.”

As little as the Wild generated offensively, coach Mike Yeo was happy with the way it defended. “We were sharp in our own zone,” Yeo said. “Against the rush, we were clear and decisive sorting things out.”

The Wild did a terrific job keeping Sharks forwards from rebounds by boxing out bodies. Joe Pavelski said the Sharks just couldn’t get to Harding.

“We stressed before the game we have to be harder in front of our net,” said Suter, who made a goal-saving block late. “We’ve been getting kind of soft there.”

The Wild had a tough time getting to the offensive zone, partly because of neutral-zone turnovers. After a scoreless first, Parise got things started one shift after a tremendous momentum-building penalty kill with the first of his two goals. He has 14, tied with Jason Pominville for the team lead.

Matt Cooke drew applause on the penalty kill when he ate 15 seconds of clock by outbattling three San Jose players in one corner. “If you can go out and have a good kill, your team can get a spark out of it,” Cooke said.

Less than five minutes later, Dany Heatley forced a turnover, and Jared Spurgeon set up Koivu, who skated between the circles and ripped his seventh goal.

The Wild was glad to bounce back after Friday’s 4-0 loss at Columbus and before hitting the road for three consecutive games and seven of its next eight.

But it wasn’t an easy game.

“They do that overload in the D zone,” Parise said, a defensive-zone coverage taught by his former Devils coach Larry Robinson, now San Jose’s associate coach. “It makes it really, really hard to get anything going on the cycle. … That puck gets stuck in the corner, they put four guys in there and we’ve got two. You can’t do anything.

“We did it in New Jersey, so trust me, I’m familiar with it.”



Minnesota Wild need just 13 shots, and Josh Harding, to beat Sharks

By Chad Graff

Posted: 12/08/2013 12:01:00 AM CST

Updated: 12/09/2013 12:00:18 AM CST

During the third period Sunday night, a referee skated over to Wild defenseman Ryan Suter and pointed to the Jumbotron at Xcel Energy Center.

"Is the shot clock right?" he asked.

Suter looked up dumbfounded. The Sharks were outshooting the Wild at a 3-to-1 clip and yet the Wild were leading 2-0 at that point.

"I was shocked," Suter said. "When you're in the heat of the moment, you don't really notice that."

The Wild allowed the most shots they have at home (38) all season. They managed their lowest shot total of the season (13). They went a stretch of more than 20 minutes with just one shot on goal spanning the late second period through most of the third.

And yet the Wild pulled out a 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks in a game where most leading statistics would indicate a loss.

Josh Harding, with 37 saves, was excellent again in goal, an opportunistic offense scored twice in a five-minute span and the defense played well, forcing the Sharks to take low-percentage shots.

"I feel like we got a lot of good practice in our defensive zone tonight," coach Mike Yeo joked. "We have to execute better, but there's a lot of parts that were good, too."

Those positives started with the penalty kill and the way the Wild played in front of Harding, despite allowing so many shots.

They blocked 18 shots and, against one of the league's best offenses, held the Sharks without a goal until 1 minute, 49 seconds remained.

The Sharks scored with an empty net late, but managed few Grade-A chances otherwise, peppering Harding with quantity but not much quality.

"You can kind of take it as a positive," Harding said. "You get a feel for the puck when you know it's going to be coming from everywhere. I'd rather have those games sometimes than the 10-shot game with them spread out. Whenever you can keep a team like that at bay, you're going to be happy."

The Wild have placed an emphasis on clearing loose rebounds and preventing opponents from getting in front of the net.

Sunday night, they did that as well as they have in awhile.

"We stressed it before that game that we had to be a little harder in front of the net," Suter said. "We had been getting a little soft there letting guys in, so we made an extra emphasis to be there."

Against an "overload" defense -- as Zach Parise called it -- or "shrink" -- to use Yeo's word -- the Wild had little sustained offense and generated few scoring chances.

Parise stopped short of calling the system bad for hockey, but admitted that it yields a less-than-exciting offense. Defensemen in the system are positioned in a way to consistently bottle up an offense in the corners, which Parise said often leads to four defenders in the corner to two offensive players.

Parise knows plenty about it. After all, he was a part of a similar system in New Jersey, where assistant coach Larry Robinson helped install it. Now Robinson is with the Sharks.

"It makes it hard to get anything going on the cycle," Parise said.

The top line of Jason Pominville, Mikko Koivu and Parise was the only Wild line to consistently create offensive chances and scored all three of their goals.

Parise scored early in the second and Koivu followed it up less than five minutes later. After that, the Wild didn't generate much, but they didn't need to. The defense, led by Harding, did the rest.

"It felt like we were defending an awful lot tonight, that's for sure," Yeo said. "Our execution wasn't good enough. There were too many broken plays in the neutral zone, too many turnovers in the neutral zone allowing them to counter right back.

"But we did a great job defending tonight and were really sharp in our own zone."

Pioneer Press LOADED: 12.09.2013


Wild penalty killing helped spark win over Sharks

By Chad Graff

Posted: 12/08/2013 12:01:00 AM CST

Updated: 12/08/2013 09:27:57 PM CST

There were a lot of moments Sunday night, coach Mike Yeo said, that helped shape the Wild's 3-1 victory.

But the most important came off a successful shift from the penalty kill early in the second period.

Following an excellent kill of a Charlie Coyle penalty, Zach Parise scored the game's first goal and Mikko Koivu followed up with the second goal not long after that.

Yeo attributed part of those goals to the spark the penalty kill provided.

"That was the game right there," Yeo said. "Certainly that's the big swing right there. They're feeling it's an opportunity to get up and take a lead and next thing you know you're not successful on the power play and all the sudden you're down. That's a huge moment in the game."

The PK successfully killed off all four Wild penalties and only allowed four shots on those four power plays.

"You want to think that those odd-man situations are momentum swingers," said Matt Cooke, who spent 4 minutes, 43 seconds on the ice killing penalties. "If you can go out and have a good kill and limit the opportunists, your team can get a spark out of it."



Wild coach still not satisfied with second line's play

By Chad Graff

Posted: 12/08/2013 12:01:00 AM CST

Updated: 12/08/2013 09:26:40 PM CST

Wild coach Mike Yeo met with all three forwards on the team's second line Saturday with an emphasis on improving their play.

After the Wild's 3-1 win Sunday, though, Yeo still wasn't overly pleased with their game.

"They had a few (good shifts), but not enough still," Yeo said. "There were still a lot of turnovers."

He praised second line center Charlie Coyle's improved effort in the faceoff circle (7 for 12) and liked part of winger Nino Niederreiter's game. The only one on the second line he didn't praise was Dany Heatley.

Heatley recorded an assist, but turned the puck over a few times and didn't play a complete game.

"I'm not going to disagree with you," Yeo said.

Heatley seemed to play his best this season on the fourth line and the Wild may consider moving him back there and off the second line.

"That's something that we'll talk about and look at for sure," Yeo said. "This is a line that we need not only to contribute, but just to not bring momentum to the other team and give the other team chances. Their execution is going to be a huge part of that."



Minnesota Wild: Mitchell no longer thinks like a Shark

By Chad Graff

Posted: 12/08/2013 12:01:00 AM CST

Updated: 12/08/2013 09:25:19 PM CST

The awkward feeling of playing against his old teammates has about worn off for Torrey Mitchell.

There are still a few moments when Mitchell thinks back to his time with the Sharks where he spent his first four seasons in the NHL.

But now he's in his second season with the Wild and was a big part of the penalty kill that sparked the Wild in a 3-1 win Sunday over the Sharks.

About a third of the way through the season, Mitchell seems to have found a spot that works especially well for the Wild on the third line against Matt Cooke and Kyle Brodziak.

It's a line the Wild rely on for shutting down an opposing team's best players and they did that again Sunday against the NHL's second best offense.

"Well he brings speed, he brings work ethic and he's a responsible player," coach Mike Yeo said of what Mitchell brings. "Those guys are going out against top lines and we need guys that are going to be responsible with and without the puck."

The third line hasn't been together much this season. They built chemistry in training camp, but when Nino Niederreiter, Justin Fontaine and Mikael Granlund made the team out of camp, Mitchell was relegated to the fourth line to allow the younger players time on more skilled lines. Mitchell bounced around a little, including a few shifts on the top line.

"But it took 25 games to get back with those guys (on the third line)," he joked.

Since being put back with Brodziak and Cooke at the beginning of the month, they've sustained offensive pressure and have limited chances against, which is their priority.

"He's been helping that line on offense by getting in on the forecheck and using his speed," Yeo said. "He can play a two-way game and those guys are playing against top lines so we need that."

In the shortened season last season, Mitchell recorded four goals and four assists in 45 games.

Through 32 this season, he's already at a goal and five assists.

Sunday, he continued to play well on the power play and help the third line in the offensive zone.

He saved his greetings with former teammates for after the game outside the locker room. It won't be long until he meets his former team again -- the Wild play there Thursday.



Wild 3, Sharks 1: Josh Harding leads way for Minnesota

By Chad Graff

Posted: 12/08/2013 12:01:00 AM CST

Updated: 12/08/2013 08:17:08 PM CST

Josh Harding led the way for the Wild, stopping 37 shots in a brilliant effort against one of the league's best offenses.

Patrick Marleau scored with 1:41 to play to cut the Wild's lead to 2-1, but Harding did the rest.

The Wild's top line scored two second-period goals to vault the team to the win.

Mikko Koivu netted a wrister from the slot on a late-developing 3-on-2 to put the Wild up 2-0 midway through the second. Earlier in the period, Zach Parise got the scoring started by firing home a loose rebound in front of Sharks goalie Antti Niemi, who had fallen to the ice on the play.

Parise later added an empty-netter.

MEANING: In their first game since a dismal showing in Columbus, the Wild earned a much-needed victory before heading out on a tough road trip.

Their next three games are all on the road against Western Conference teams ahead of the Wild in the standings.

With the win, the Wild improved to 13-3-2 in St. Paul and have won three of their last four.

ETC.: Defenseman Jared Spurgeon has four assists in his last four games and defensive partner Marco Scandella has a goal and two assists in his last three. ... The Wild recorded just one second-period shot on goal.

UP NEXT: at Ducks, 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, FSN, KFXN-FM 100.3


729100 Montreal Canadiens

“Intense” fourth line makes the difference for Canadiens

By Pat Hickey, THE GAZETTE December 8, 2013 3:01 PM

MONTREAL — When things weren’t going well for the Canadiens Saturday night, coach Michel Therrien unleashed his secret weapon.

Therrien put his fourth line on the ice to start the second period of the game against the Buffalo Sabres and it took only 19 seconds for Brandon Prust to score the game’s first goal.

“Of course, there was a message,” Therrien said when asked about his decision. “I didn’t like our intensity in the first period. I don’t think we had the right attitude to start the game.We discussed it after the first period and those guys (on the fourth line) were intense. We decided to start them and they give us a big goal.”

The fourth line of Prust, Ryan White and Travis Moen also had a hand in the team’s second goal as the Canadiens escaped with a 3-2 victory for their fifth consecutive win.

White started the play by chipping the puck out of the Canadiens’ zone and went to the bench. Tomas Plekanec took his spot and received a pass from Prust to snap a 1-1 tie at 17:44 of the third period.

“It was an ugly win for us but the fourth line played a hell of a game and they gave us a chance to win,” said Plekanec. “Buffalo had five guys in the neutral zone and they played tough defensively. It was a great play from Prust to find me.

“They were a big reason we won the game,” Therrien said of the fourth line. “They created scoring chances with their intensity. They spent a lot of time in the offensive zone. This is leadership for me. And they certainly were true leaders tonight, those three guys.”

White returned to the lineup after being a healthy scratch for three of the past four games. Therrien waited to see Ted Nolan’s lineup and, when the Buffalo coach elected not to dress John Scott, he replaced George Parros with White.

“Whitey probably played his best game of the year,” said Therrien. “This is a kid that, when he’s not dressed it’s not because of a lack of effort or a lack of intensity. He’s a heart-and-soul guy. We talk to him and he understands why we go with different lineups. He has a good attitude.”

“Coming back into the lineup, I wanted to bring some fresh legs and some energy,” said White. “This is where it’s good to have some extra guys.”

Prust and Plekanec each had a goal and an assist while Moen had a pair of assists.

“It’s good for us to chip in,” said Prust. “The big guys have been carrying the load lately. We were skating well and getting pucks in deep. The energy was there in the first period. .They play a trap game and we just concentrated on getting pucks behind them and avoiding mistakes.”

Prust was a fighting major away from getting a Gordie Howe hat trick — a goal, an assist and fight.

“I thought about it but it was a tight game,” said Prust. While the Sabres outhit the Canadiens 46-26 in a physical contest, it was a clean affair with each side collecting one minor penalty.

Prust was named the first star and said the last time he had that experience was “in peewee probably. It’s been a while, that’s for sure.”

The fourth line wasn’t alone in getting a vote of confidence from Therrien.

After the first period, he moved Alex Galchenyuk up to one of the top lines with Plekanec and Brian Gionta. Galchenyuk returned the favour by scoring what proved to be the winning goal a mere 23 seconds after Plekanec gave Montreal the lead.

“I liked the way he was playing,” Therrien said of the promotion. “When we see a player is on his game, we make some changes and it worked out for us.

“It was a weird game, kind of a passive game and he was trying to mix things up,” said Galchenyuk. “It worked out pretty good.”

Galchenyuk has been up and down lately. He has two game-winning goals in the last four games but he was benched for the third period of last week’s game against Toronto and played only 8:13 Thursday against Boston.

“I’m a young player,” said the 19-year-old Galchenyuk. “I can’t be down, I can’t let the ice time get in my head. I have to keep pushing forward to get better whether I’m playing two minutes or 18 minutes.”

Galchenyuk led the Canadiens with five hits.

“I wanted to go out there and compete,” he said. “I got into the game real quick when I started throwing my body around. I had a couple of hits and it got me into the game.”

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 12.09.2013

729101 Montreal Canadiens

Habs enjoy a break in busy schedule

Posted by Stu Cowan

After playing four games in six days last week – all victories – the Canadiens get to enjoy a bit of a break in the schedule.

The team was given the day off Sunday and will return to the ice for a practice at 11 a.m. Monday in Brossard before facing the Los Angeles Kings Tuesday night at the Bell Centre (7 p.m., TSN, RDS, TSN Radio 690). After that, the Habs travel to Philadelphia on Thursday to face the Flyers, will be in Long Island, N.Y., to take on the Islanders Saturday, then return home for a rare Sunday night game against the Florida Panthers with a 6 p.m. start.

Carey Price stopped 23 shots in Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres, giving the goalie his seventh consecutive win. During that stretch, Price has allowed only 12 goals, improving his record to 14-8-2 with one shutout, a 1.95 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage. The Canadiens have now played 10 consecutive games without a regulation loss (9-0-1).

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 12.09.2013

729102 Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators' slump puts season on brink of trouble

Dec. 8, 2013 11:03 PM

Josh Cooper

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Predators are in the midst of their worst streak of the season — five straight defeats after a 5-2 loss to the Capitals here on Saturday.

Before their recent four-game homestand, which started on Thanksgiving, the Predators sounded hopeful — even confident — that they could pick up some extra points and climb in the standings.

Then they went 0-4-1 and as of Sunday were 11 points out of the final divisional postseason spot.

The season has yet to reach the midway point, however, so there is still hope Nashville can figure out a way to climb back in the race. We can’t expect the entire Western Conference to continue at such a torrid pace.

But it’s going to be difficult for the Predators. This season that held a lot of promise is teetering on the brink — Nashville could miss the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2001-02 and 2002-03.

Some pressing issues as the Predators prepare for Tuesday’s game against the Rangers in New York:

Is coach Barry Trotz's job in danger?

It’s tough to believe that at this very moment Trotz is in danger of losing his job. He has been Nashville’s coach for 15 years and has seen worse slides than the current one.

But coming off a disastrous 2012-13 season, Trotz’s Teflon is probably wearing thinner, and there is indeed pressure to win — especially considering the franchise’s free agent spending splurge in the offseason.

The problems can’t all be attributed to coaching. Remember, this losing streak has coincided with the absence of goaltender Pekka Rinne and defenseman Shea Weber. It’s hard for any team to win without its money players.

That said, it’s hard for a coach to withstand consecutive nonplayoff seasons, and you have to wonder what will happen at the end of the year if the Predators finish far out of the postseason.

The problem is simple: offense

Nashville ranks 26th in the NHL in goals per game, but it’s an almost annual problem except for the 2011-12 season.

It feels like the Predators need a shot in the arm offensively. It’s not going to happen from within the organization. They need to make a trade, but there aren’t a lot of attractive options out there at the moment.

Maybe Nashville could explore a rent-a-player situation with Sabres winger Matt Moulson, a player who could provide some kind of weapon up front. He has been a point-per-game pro in the past.

At the very least, he could give the Predators some feeling of hope at such a hopeless time.

The Predators should explore other options with Filip Forsberg, for his sake

Asked about the 19-year-old rookie on Saturday, Trotz was candid in his assessment.

“He’s a tremendous young kid. He has a lot of ability. He has a long way to go to play in the National Hockey League on a regular basis. I shouldn’t say play in the National Hockey League — to produce in the National Hockey League,” Trotz said. “I think he has a lot of great tools, exceptional hands and is a quality young man, but there’s still a long way for him to go.”

When Forsberg heals from his upper-body injury, the Predators probably need to send him down to Milwaukee to finish out the season there.

If the coach doesn’t think Forsberg’s ready to produce in the NHL, then the American Hockey League is the place to develop his offensive skills and boost his confidence. And he’s already had some success in the AHL.

The Predators have a reputation for being unable to develop offensive forwards. Failure to do so with Forsberg would only enhance it.

Tennessean LOADED: 12.09.2013

729103 New Jersey Devils

Devils' Martin Brodeur, his future undecided, isn't interested in a farewell tour

Rich Chere/The Star-Ledger

on December 08, 2013 at 10:24 AM, updated December 08, 2013 at 10:36 AM

During his farewell tour last season, Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera was showered with gifts from opposing major league teams.

In ceremonies across the country, Rivera received a bronzed broken bat and ball (Orioles), bullpen pitching rubber and stadium seat (Red Sox), cowboy hat and boots (Rangers), fire hose nozzle and call box (Mets), surfboard and wine (A’s), guitar signed by Willie Mays (Giants), fishing pole (Dodgers) and numerous paintings.

So far, no NHL team has offered to give Devils goalie Martin Brodeur a red goal light, bronzed blocker or an item from one of the historic old arenas in which he played.

As Brodeur is quick to point out, he hasn’t made up his mind whether this will be his last season and he isn’t interested in a farewell tour.

“Not really. One thing I hated was disturbing everything for my teammates when I was chasing records and stuff,” Brodeur told The Star-Ledger. “Hockey is a lot different than other sports, like baseball, which tends to do that. They’ve done it in hockeym but especially for a goalie concentration is so important.

“Concentration and preparation are probably more important for me now than ever before now that I’m getting older. So if I had to deal with those type of things over and over it would be tiring for no reason. And it would disturb what we’re here to do. That’s not me.”

At this point the only reminders Brodeur gets in each city about possibly playing his last game there come from the media and some opposing players. Not from opposing teams looking to recognize him.

“No. I’ve never had that conversation,” Brodeur said. “Some guys ask me for my sticks. They feel it’s probably one of the last times they’ll play against me. Nothing out of the ordinary. They’ve been asking me for the last three years.”

He laughed.

“Maybe I’ll play another year. You never know,” the 41-year-old goalie said.

That wouldn’t surprise many. Nights like Saturday night, in which he assisted on the Devils’ first goal and stopped 21 shots in a 4-3 overtime win over the Rangers, are the reason why some feel he’ll play beyond this season.

“Hey, don’t count him out. Trust me. He can play another three or four years,” said teammate Jaromir Jagr, who has stated he’ll keep playing in the NHL as long as he’s wanted. “Dominik Hasek came back when he was 47. (Brodeur) can play however long he wants to play. It’s up to him. He still loves the game, so it’s up to him.”

Rest assured that the Devils will honor Brodeur at some point, although probably after he retires.

In any case, he is not playing this season like it is a farewell tour.

“Right now it doesn’t change the way I approach or feel about anything. I don’t feel like it’s going to be the last time I’ll be in certain places,” he said. “I’m enjoying playing the game and coming to the rink. A lot. So it’s not in my mind that I might not come back.

“Guys like us (Brodeur and Jagr) don’t play this long without having that fire about playing the game and thriving on trying to be the best all the time. That’s the only reason we’re able to play for so long.”

Jagr said he stills sees the fire and the love for the game in his teammate.

“He’s proven again this year he can play as long as he wants,” Jagr said. “If he decides to retire, it will be up to him. I don’t think anybody would force him to do it.

“You can see it during the practices that he loves the game. When you start hating practices it’s time to go, but he loves practice. I can see it. He enjoys catching my pucks for sure. I don’t really like it, but he’s always happy about it.”

In 17 appearances this season, Brodeur is 8-7-2 with a 2.29 goals-against average and .905 save percentage.

The goal which started the Devils’ comeback against the Rangers Saturday night almost didn’t happen. It could have been whistled dead as a Rangers icing.

But Brodeur played the puck and sent a long pass to Tim Sestito. That resulted in a goal deflecting in off Cam Janssen’s left skate.

“Being down, 2-0, it was almost a mistake on my part playing that. It was an icing. I didn’t recognize it,” Brodeur explained. “That’s why I think all the Rangers guys went for a change and that kind of opened up that chance. That definitely got us going a little bit.”

The Devils are now 3-0 against the Rangers this season.

“They’re fun games to play,” Brodeur said. “We’ve been going through a tough stretch of games and not scoring many goals. It looked like it was going to be the same. After that goal guys felt better about getting the puck to the net and some scoring chances. The puck went in for us.”

The next time the two teams meet will be at Yankee Stadium in an outdoor game on Jan. 26.

“It will be great. We’re looking forward to that day, especially me. I’ve never played in an outdoor game before,” Brodeur said. “It will be fun. It’s still a Rangers-Devils game on top of it, so it will be exciting.”

The winning overtime goal from Eric Gelinas was created by three factors: A poised setup by Patrik Elias, a powerful one-timer from Gelinas and a screen in front of Henrik Lundqvist by Steve Bernier.

“Bernie did a great job in front of the net,” Elias said. “And with his (Gelinas) shot, you never know every time he puts it on net.”

The Devils drew it up that way, although Gelinas hadn’t been used as the point man on the first power play much before that game.

“It was real simple,” coach Pete DeBoer said of the goal. “We wanted Gelinas to shoot and we wanted Bernier in front of the net. It’s not rocket science.”

But there was a rocket involved—Gelinas’s shot. He’s given the Devils another dimension.

“His threat. Offensively he doesn’t play like he’s played 20 games,” Elias said. “He challenges the play, he jumps up, he creates extra offense for us. And obviously his shooting, wrist shots, any kind of shot is a threat from him.”

New York Times LOADED: 12.09.2013


Devils' Cam Janssen didn't know if his goal would stand after video review


on December 08, 2013 at 12:09 AM, updated December 08, 2013 at 10:34 AM

NEW YORK – In his first 312 NHL games before this season, Cam Janssen scored three goals.

So far, in 16 games since his Nov. 6 call-up from Albany (AHL), the Devils’ right winger has scored another three goals. But the biggest may have been the goal he scored at 6:02 of the second period against the Rangers Saturday night, which ignited the Devils’ comeback.

Tim Sestito’s shot was stopped by goalie Henrik Lundqvist. Janssen tried to put the brakes on as he headed to the net for the rebound. He kicked the puck in with his left skate, but a goal was signaled on the ice.

A video review showed that the goal was not scored with a distinct kicking motion (Rule 49.2), but Janssen held his breath.

“I didn’t know. I blacked out again,” Janssen said. “That’s why I didn’t sell it too hard afterwards. I remember getting over the boards and after that, really nothing.

“No, Marty made a launched (pass) which was absolutely ridiculous. I don’t know how he does it. Then Timmy blasted a shot. I wanted to honestly make sure I didn’t have too much of a kicking motion because I knew I couldn’t get my stick down there.”

Brodeur was given the secondary assist on the play.

Jaromir Jagr said of Janssen: “We didn’t play well the first 10 games. They call him up, put him in the lineup and he made a difference. He grabbed the chance. Most nights he plays very well. The best thing about it is you don’t have to give him 15 minutes of ice time. He gets five minutes, seven minutes. In four minutes he might do more than some guys in 20.”

Facing shots from Janssen in the morning, Brodeur was struck in the right knee. He’d been hit in the same area by a Ryan Carter shot in Carolina, as well as others, and decided to play last night’s game with new knee pads that weren’t even broken in.

“I changed my pads. I’ve been getting hit in the same spot over and over,” Brodeur said. “I’d worn these in the warmup against Montreal, that’s all.”

Andy Greene had two cuts on his lower lip from Ryan Callahan’s high-stick in overtime.

Marek Zidlicky was unable to play because of an upper body injury. Peter Harrold stepped in.

“I’m going to put a cage on pretty soon,” Greene said.

Rookie Reid Boucher started the game at left wing with Travis Zajac and Jagr. But coach Pete DeBoer switched back to Dainius Zubrus in Boucher’s spot.

“He was making plays,” Jagr said of Boucher. “First period I thought we had a lot of chances. Second period I had something with my stomach. Maybe our line didn’t play well because I didn’t play very well. So the coaches made the changes.

“You can see he’s a talented guy. He’s a skilled guy. He can makes plays.”

What happened to Jagr’s stomach?

“I had to massage it. Something happened,” he said.

Janssen said he was willing to fight Justin Falk at 4:50 of the second period, but the Rangers defenseman wouldn't bite.

"He was all over Patty (Elias)," Janssen explained. "Patty brings on some stuff, don't get me wrong. But Patty's a superstar on our team."

Janssen gave Falk the benefit of the doubt for not wanting to fight because he was at the end of his shift.

Janssen on Martin Brodeur's long pass for an assist on his goal: "He's freakish, that guy. (He makes) those passes all the way down the rink."

Star Ledger LOADED: 12.09.2013


Eric Gelinas' power play goal gives Devils 4-3 overtime win over Rangers


on December 07, 2013 at 11:15 PM, updated December 08, 2013 at 12:03 AM

NEW YORK – It may very well be the moment Devils rookie defenseman Eric Gelinas went from being an impressive young prospect to a dynamic NHL star.

That’s what an overtime goal against the Rangers can do.

“The way he plays, he might be a superstar in this league if he keeps working,” winger Jaromir Jagr said.

Gelinas, 22, was modest about the booming one-timer which went past goalie Henrik Lundqvist at 1:15 of overtime, giving the Devils a 4-3 victory over the Rangers Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.

But the triumph was big in several ways.

* The Devils have won all three games against the Rangers this season, with their next showdown coming outdoors in Yankee Stadium on Jan. 26.

* A team running on fumes, playing its sixth game in nine days, refused to pack it in after falling behind, 2-0, and pulled off a memorable comeback.

* And in Gelinas, called up from Albany (AHL) on Oct. 23, the Devils have found a dangerous power play point man.

“That’s an asset we have that we really never had before,” goalie Martin Brodeur said.

After battling back to tie the game on goals from Cam Janssen and Travis Zajac, the Devils took a 3-2 lead when Michael Ryder scored at 15:56 of the third period.

Ryder skated past Rangers defenseman John Moore and his shot from th right circle went through Lundqvist. It was Ryder’s third goal in four games after failing to score in 11 straight.

With a victory within the Devils’ grasp, Zajac shot the puck over the glass with 1:11 left in regulation time to give the Rangers a power play. When Lundqvist left for an extra skater, it gave the Rangers a two-man advantage.

“It would’ve been nice to show a little composure there,” Zajac said of the penalty. “It happens.”

The Rangers kept the pressure on and Chris Kreider chopped at a loose puck in front that went over Brodeur with 21.3 seconds remaining on the clock to tie the score, 3-3.

“It hit (Ryan) Callahan in a spot that I can’t really say because there are TV (cameras) here,” Brodeur said. “After that I think three sticks just kind of hit at the samed time and just kind of chipped right over. If the puck had come directly I think I could’ve gotten a shoulder or blocker on it, but it popped up too high and I didn’t pick it up in time.”

Oddly enough, it was Callahan’s double minor for high-sticking Andy Greene that put the Devils on a 4-on-3 power play 1:02 into OT.

Jagr and Elias showed composure, with the latter setting up Gelinas for a shot from the right point that ended it.

“I wasn’t really sure to shoot it right away,” Gelinas said. “I saw a guy coming up and I tried to take advantage of that and try to use him as a screen. Lundqvist didn’t really see it. I got lucky and it went in.

“It was a great pass. Right in my wheel house. It was a perfect pass.”

The Devils’ veterans recognize what Gelinas has brought the team. In 22 games he has 12 points, including three goals.

“He’s not scared of shooting it,” Brodeur said. “That was probably not the best percentage shot that he took from there on a 4-on-3. It was kind of wide. But if you’re able to screen the goalie, they’re hard to handle if it hits the net. It was a big goal for us.”

And a very big moment for Gelinas.

“I said it from the first game. He was in the minors, he got the opportunity to play and he grabbed it 100 percent,” Jagr said.“It’s a perfect example for young kids. Just be ready when you have a chance. He took the chance he got. Some guys fail, but he grabbed it.”

The Rangers renmain one point ahead of the Devils, but the victory was important.

“Really big,” Gelinas said. “We’ve been working hard lately and not getting the results. I think we deserved that one.”



Devils vs. Rangers: Live game analysis and fan discussion


on December 07, 2013 at 7:02 PM, updated December 07, 2013 at 10:06 PM

NEW YORK -- Rookie Reid Boucher was promoted to the Devils' first line Saturday night as they faced the Rangers at the Garden.

Boucher, playing his third NHL game, was at left wing with Travis Zajac and Jaromir Jagr. Zajac was playing in his 500th NHL game.

Defenseman Marek Zidlicky was sidelined with what the Devils called an upper body injury.

Martin Brodeur was in goal against Henrik Lundqvist.

Devils' lines:

Reid Boucher-Travis Zajac-Jaromir Jagr

Dainius Zubrus-Patrik Elias-Damien Brunner

Steve Bernier-Adam Henrique-Michael Ryder

Tim Sestito-Andrei Loktionov-Cam Janssen

Devils' defense pairings:

Andy Greene-Mark Fayne

Anton Volchenkov-Peter Harrold

Eric Gelinas-Jon Merrill

THIRD PERIOD

The Rangers had a shorthanded scoring chance at 1:02. Stepan led a 2-on-1 with Harrold back. Brodeur made the save and Harrold crashed into the net.

Harrold was in obvious pain when he returned to the bench.

Zubrus back on top line with Zajac and Jagr.

Gelinas took a slashing penalty on Callahan at 3:03.

Nash chopped at the puck in front during the Rangers' power play, but couldn't find the net at 3:43.

Zajac tied the score at 5:58. Jagr carried the puck behind the net, emerged from the left side and backhanded a shot on goal. Zajac lifted the rebound over Lundqvist's glove for his fifth goal.

Boucher with Henrique and Ryder.

Brunner was called for hooking John Moore at 9:24.

The Rangers called timeout with 7:21 left.

Brunner had a semi-breakaway with 6:01 left. Falk came diving across to break up the play, which was whistled dead for a questionable high stick by Brunner.

Miller controlled a bouncing puck behind Volchenkov with 4:15 to go. Volchenkov upended Miller but escaped a tripping penalty.

Ryder scores from right circle through Lundqvist after getting by Moore at 15:56.

Zajac shot the puck over the glass with 1:11 left to give the Rangers a power play. With Lundqvist out it was a two-man advantage.

Kreider lifted a rebound in front over Brodeur with 21.3 seconds left to tie the score, 3-3.

SECOND PERIOD

Lundqvist started the period with a save on Zajac's shot from the top of the slot. Brodeur answered with a save on Derek Stepan's shot from the right circle.

But the Rangers took a 2-0 lead at the 57-second mark on Mats Zuccarello's sixth goal. Brodeur made the save on Callahan's slapper from above the right circle, but gave up a long rebound. Zuccarello quickly fired it in from the left circle with Brodeur scrambling across the crease.

Rick Nash was unable to bury the puck at 3:40 with the right side of the net open. Six seconds later, Brodeur made a glove save on Girardi's shot.

Janssen was in Justin Falk's face at 4:50, but the Rangers defenseman wouldn't fight.

Lundqvist made the initial save on a Sestito shot at 6:02. Janssen tried to put the brakes on as he headed to the net and the rebound. He kicked the puck in with his left skate, but a goal was signaled on the ice.

A video review showed that the puck was not intentionally kicked in, which brought boos from the crowd.

The official review by the NHL: At 6:02 of the second period in the Devils/Rangers game, video review confirmed the referee's call on the ice that the puck redirected off Cam Janssen's skate and entered the net in a legal fashion. According to Rule 49.2 "A puck that deflects into the net off an attacking player's skate who does not use a distinct kicking motion is a legitimate goal." Good goal New Jersey.

It was Janssen's third goal of the season and Brodeur was given the second assist on the play. The three goals in 16 games for Janssen matches his entire career total in 312 games prior to this season.

Janssen backhanded a shot that across the slot at 9:48.

Stephan Matteau, who scored the big goal in the 1994 conference finals against the Devils, was introduced to the crowd during a break and shown on the scoreboard. Brodeur kept his head down and did not look up during the announcement of Matteau's presence.

Matteau, whose son is Devils prospect Stefan Matteau, mouthed: "Let's go Rangers."

Jagr gave the puck to Zajac for a shot that was blocked. Given a second try, Zajac fired a shot that Lundqvist kicked out with 2:16 left.

Brian Boyle was called for boarding Volchenkov with 40.1 seconds remaining.

The Devils were outshooting the Rangers, 20-16.

End of period: Rangers 2, Devils 1

FIRST PERIOD

Boucher fed Jagr from the end boards but the veteran's shot was deflected wide at the 59-second mark.

Gelinas skated in deep and fired a shot at 1:50 that Lundqvist sticked away.

Janssen fell and Derek Brassard fell onto him in the corner at 2:49. Both slid hard into the boards and got up slowly.

Brad Richards led a three-on-one break for the Rangers with Greene back alone. Richards snapped a shot from the left circle over Brodeur's right shoulder for a 1-0 lead at 3:32. It was his ninth goal of the season.

Richards reached out a flipped a shot that was deflected towards the net at 6:24. Brodeur gloved the puck before it came down in the crease.

Ryan McDonagh's shot at 11:15 was stopped by Brodeur. Then, ay 11:35, J.T. Miller skated in alone for a shot from deep in the left circle that the Devils goalie stopped and held.

Brunner skated past Anton Stralman and headed for the net, where Marc Staal came sliding into the play on his knees to break it up. Seconds later, Brunner was called for hooking Staal at 14:03.

With one minute left in the Rangers' power play, Chris Kreider missed the net with a shot from the top of the slot.

The Devils finished the period with two shots fewer than the entire game against Detroit Friday night.

The Devils outshot the Rangers, 9-8.

End of period: Rangers 1, Devils 0


729107 New York Islanders

Garth Snow mulls changes as Islanders try to right ship

Originally published: December 8, 2013 6:58 PM

Updated: December 8, 2013 9:01 PM

By ARTHUR STAPLE

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Garth Snow flew into Los Angeles on Saturday, along with Islanders owner Charles Wang, to watch the team extend its road losing streak to nine and go winless for the ninth straight game overall.

While Snow's players held a closed-door meeting for 10 minutes after the 3-0 loss to the Kings, Snow is pondering any number of changes to his roster and possibly his coaching staff.

"We're looking at all our options," he told Newsday on Sunday just before he and Wang flew to Northern California for the league's Board of Governors meeting at Pebble Beach. "The one thing we don't do, whether it's with the coaches or the players, is discuss conversations with anyone in the media. All the interactions I have with our team remain private.

"Obviously, we have some key players not performing at a high enough level. I understand the frustrations of our fans. We have those same frustrations in our locker room, in the coaches' room, for myself. We felt we had guys who were ready to take the next step. Now we're just trying to right the ship and win a few games."

True to his word, Snow declined to get into specifics about any changes he has in mind. Sources have said he has been trying to trade for a goaltender for weeks, but no deal has been satisfactory. Evgeni Nabokov, out since Nov. 16 with a groin injury, might return in the next few days, so that could put such a deal aside for now.

The Islanders also have Ryan Strome burning up the AHL with Bridgeport. Strome, 20, leads the league in scoring with nine goals and 24 assists, with 17 of those 33 points in the last eight games.

Snow would not comment on any possible promotion, but other Islanders sources indicated the team is trying to figure out a way to make room on the roster for Strome. The Islanders are at the 23-man limit right now, so Snow would have to trade or waive a forward to bring Strome up.

It's clear that Snow expects more from the current roster, which has gone 2-12-2 in the last 16 games.

"Times like these show people's true character," he said. "We're doing what we can to fix our problems and get some wins."

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 12.09.2013

729108 New York Rangers

With Second Loss, Rangers’ 9-Game Homestand Is Off to a Shaky Start

By ALLAN KREDA

Published: December 8, 2013

¶ The Rangers need wins in bunches during this month’s franchise-record nine-game homestand if they want to achieve any type of distinction in a congested Metropolitan Division.

¶ A dismal 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Sunday after a disheartening overtime defeat to the Devils on Saturday was clearly not the way to start. There has not been much to celebrate at Madison Square Garden, where the Rangers have gone 5-7-1 this season.

¶ The Capitals scored three times in the second period, and Philipp Grubauer made 30 saves for his first N.H.L. win. Grubauer, 22, was mobbed by teammates as the Rangers were booed off the ice.

¶ Rangers players held a closed-door meeting after the game before speaking with the news media. The move did not impress an irked Alain Vigneault, the Rangers’ first-year coach.

¶ “You can talk all you want; you have to have those words become actions on the ice,” Vigneault said. “We need to play a smart, high-percentage, good puck-movement game.”

¶ Virtually none of Vigneault’s vision was on display for the ineffective Rangers against the speedier and more attentive Capitals.

¶ Washington (16-12-2) completed a successful weekend, also recording a 5-2 home win over Nashville on Saturday. The Capitals are in second place, behind the Pittsburgh Penguins, in the eight-team Metropolitan Division.

¶ The Rangers fell to 15-15-1 as they continued to be a model of mediocrity.

¶ “Right now we are a .500 hockey team,” Vigneault said. “When the other team scores a goal, we don’t seem to have much of a push.”

¶ After a lethargic and scoreless first period, the Capitals broke through at 2 minutes 28 seconds of the second when Jason Chimera poked the puck past Henrik Lundqvist in a goal-mouth scramble for his sixth goal of the season.

¶ Steve Oleksy added to the margin 25 seconds later when his slap shot from the right point sailed over Lundqvist’s left shoulder. It was the first goal this season for Oleksy, who added an assist along with Martin Erat on Chimera’s goal.

¶ Mikhail Grabovski scored his ninth of the season at 18:26 on a penalty shot, called after defenseman Ryan McDonagh hooked the Capitals center. Grabovski skated and wove in slowly toward Lundqvist before winding up and blasting a slap shot from close range over Lundqvist’s shoulder.

¶ “The penalty shot was big, made it 3-0,” Capitals Coach Adam Oates said. “The place was kind of quiet, which is always a good feeling on the road.”

¶ A visibly irate Lundqvist, who last week signed a seven-year $59.5 million contract extension, slammed his stick on the crossbar as the second-period buzzer sounded.

¶ Lundqvist, who made 32 saves, lost for the second time in two days after beating Buffalo last Thursday. The soft-spoken but exceptionally intense goaltender is growing frustrated with his team’s inconsistent play.

¶ “I think we all just have to look at ourselves here and see what we can improve,” Lundqvist said. “There’s no point in looking over your shoulder for an answer. Coach yourself and try to be better.”

¶ Eric Fehr tipped in Nate Schmidt’s slap shot to make it 4-0 at 17:03 of the third before the Rangers’ Benoit Pouliot ruined Grubauer’s shutout bid with a tip-in at 18:07.

¶ Grubauer was otherwise solid in his first start of the season, and only the second of his career. He was recalled from Hershey of the American

Hockey League on Nov. 30 after the backup Michal Neuvirth was injured the day before.

¶ “It was great, a lot of fun,” Grubauer said. “The guys were great in front of me and we got the win, which is all that matters.”

¶ The Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin, who leads the league with 22 goals, engaged in a brief scuffle late in the second with Rick Nash. Both players were penalized two minutes for roughing.

¶ The Rangers played without defenseman Marc Staal, who sustained a hit to the jaw against the Devils. Vigneault said before Sunday’s game that Staal, who missed significant time the past two seasons with a concussion and serious eye injury, was dealing with neck problems.

¶ Staal collided with the Devils’ Reid Boucher in the third period Saturday. He played only 46 games because of a concussion during the 2011-12 season. He then sustained a frightening eye injury last March when he was hit in the face by a puck against Philadelphia. Staal played only 21 games and one playoff game last season.

¶ Michael Del Zotto, a frequent healthy scratch by Vigneault in recent weeks, replaced Staal in the lineup.

¶ The Rangers host Nashville on Tuesday.

¶ “I know how we want to play and I know how this group needs to play,” Vigneault said. “We are going to have to find a way, and it’s going to start on Tuesday.”

¶ Slap Shots

¶ Forward Dominic Moore was a healthy scratch for the Rangers, who also were without Derek Dorsett (wrist). Washington was without forward Brooks Laich (groin)

A version of this article appears in print on December 9, 2013, on page D8 of the New York edition with the headline: With Second Loss, Rangers’ 9-Game Homestand Is Off to a Shaky Start.



Rangers sit Marc Staal with concussion-like symptoms after hit from Reid Boucher

By Pat Leonard / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Sunday, December 8, 2013, 6:44 PM

Marc Staal shows signs of a possible concussion following Saturday's game against the Devils.

Being mentioned alongside Sidney Crosby normally is an honor for a hockey player, but in this case, Rangers alternate captain Marc Staal could be in unfortunate company with the Pittsburgh Penguins star.

Staal, 26, is being treated for "neck issues" and is experiencing "some symptoms," coach Alain Vigneault said Sunday, after Staal took a shoulder to the chin from Devils forward Reid Boucher 6:41 into Saturday night's third period at the Garden.

Vigneault said the Rangers are not sure yet whether the defenseman's symptoms are concussion-related, but even if they are not, that is not automatically good news. Pittsburgh's Crosby played only eight games between Jan. 5, 2011, and March 15, 2012, due not only to two likely concussions but also because of concussion-like symptoms caused by a soft-tissue neck injury that was not diagnosed until Jan. 2012.

Staal has a history of head injuries. He sat out the first 37 games of the 2011-12 season due to symptoms from a concussion sustained on Feb. 22, 2011, on a hit by his brother, Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal. Then last season, he played only 21 of 48 regular season games and one playoff game due to a career-threatening eye injury from a puck to the face on March 5 against the Flyers.

"Obviously with his history, we're taking every precaution," Vigneault said Sunday night before the Rangers (15-14-1) hosted the Washington Capitals (15-12-2) in the second game of a nine-game homestand. "We'll probably know more in the next day or two."

If the neck injury what's causing Staal's symptoms, the good news could be that an early diagnosis means immediate treatment. Still, he has had terrible luck recently with injuries. This latest incident could jeopardize his chances at playing for Team Canada at February's Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. It's too early to say, though, what Staal's timetable is for a return.

"I couldn't say what the plan is (for a follow-up evaluation)," Vigneault said. "I'm not sure if he's supposed to come in (Sunday) night, if they're supposed to check him out. I don't know."

Michael Del Zotto now should get every opportunity to prove he can be a top-four defenseman again, since John Moore proved to be severely overmatched in his spot duty Saturday once Staal left the game.

Sunday night, the Rangers also had to sit injured forward Derek Dorsett (sprained wrist) for the third straight game and the fifth time in the last seven. Vigneault, though, said he does not believe Dorsett's injury is a long-term issue.

"Should not be," Vigneault said. "He had an MRI done when we came back from Buffalo that same day Friday. It's supposed to be a bruise. It's a day-to-day thing."

In his continued effort to jar struggling forwards out of slumps, Vigneault replaced center Dominic Moore with left wing Benoit Pouliot against the Capitals. Moore was on the ice for three goals against in Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to New Jersey, failing to mark a man on Travis Zajac's game-tying goal in the third period and unable to block Eric Gelinas' point slap shot for the game-winning power play goal in overtime.

"We brought in Dom for obvious reasons: his leadership, the way he can play defensively and help us kill penalties," Vigneault said. "In the last three or four games, his play has slipped a little bit, and tonight we feel that we need to make a change."

New York Daily News LOADED: 12.09.2013


Rangers' Marc Staal suffering from 'neck issues,' experiencing 'symptoms,' team unsure whether they're related to a concussion

BY Pat Leonard

Being mentioned alongside Sidney Crosby normally is an honor for a hockey player, but in this case, Rangers alternate captain Marc Staal could be in unfortunate company with the Pittsburgh Penguins star.

Staal, 26, is being treated for “neck issues” and is experiencing “some symptoms,” coach Alain Vigneault said Sunday, after Staal took a shoulder to the chin from Devils forward Reid Boucher 6:41 into Saturday night’s third period at the Garden.

Vigneault said the Rangers are not sure yet whether the defenseman’s symptoms are concussion-related, but even if they are not, that is not automatically good news. Pittsburgh’s Crosby played only eight games between Jan. 5, 2011, and March 15, 2012, due not only to two likely concussions but also because of concussion-like symptoms caused by a soft-tissue neck injury that was not diagnosed until Jan. 2012.

Staal has a history of head injuries. He sat out the first 37 games of the 2011-12 season due to symptoms from a concussion sustained on Feb. 22, 2011, on a hit by his brother, Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal. Then last season, he played only 21 of 48 regular season games and one playoff game due to a career-threatening eye injury from a puck to the face on March 5 against the Flyers.

“Obviously with his history, we’re taking every precaution,” Vigneault said Sunday night before the Rangers (15-14-1) hosted the Washington Capitals (15-12-2) in the second game of a nine-game homestand. “We’ll probably know more in the next day or two.”

If the neck injury what’s causing Staal’s symptoms, the good news could be that an early diagnosis means immediate treatment. Still, he has had terrible luck recently with injuries. This latest incident could jeopardize his chances at playing for Team Canada at February’s Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. It’s too early to say, though, what Staal’s timetable is for a return.

“I couldn’t say what the plan is (for a follow-up evaluation),” Vigneault said. “I’m not sure if he’s supposed to come in (Sunday) night, if they’re supposed to check him out. I don’t know.”

Michael Del Zotto now should get every opportunity to prove he can be a top-four defenseman again, since John Moore proved to be severely overmatched in his spot duty Saturday once Staal left the game.

Sunday night, the Rangers also had to sit injured forward Derek Dorsett (sprained wrist) for the third straight game and the fifth time in the last seven. Vigneault, though, said he does not believe Dorsett’s injury is a long-term issue.

“Should not be,” Vigneault said. “He had an MRI done when we came back from Buffalo that same day Friday. It’s supposed to be a bruise. It’s a day-to-day thing.”

In his continued effort to jar struggling forwards out of slumps, Vigneault replaced center Dominic Moore with left wing Benoit Pouliot against the Capitals. Moore was on the ice for three goals against in Saturday’s 4-3 overtime loss to New Jersey, failing to mark a man on Travis Zajac’s game-tying goal in the third period and unable to block Eric Gelinas’ point slap shot for the game-winning power play goal in overtime.

“We brought in Dom for obvious reasons: his leadership, the way he can play defensively and help us kill penalties,” Vigneault said. “In the last three or four games, his play has slipped a little bit, and tonight we feel that we need to make a change.”



Rangers disappoint yet again, fall 4-1 at home to Capitals

By Pat Leonard / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Sunday, December 8, 2013, 9:56 PM

The Rangers have no answers against the Capitals Sunday night at the Garden.

The Rangers locker room remained closed 10 minutes longer than usual Sunday night for a players-only meeting following a listless 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals at the Garden.

Coach Alain Vigneault was not impressed.

“That’s just talking,” Vigneault said at the podium. “You can talk all you want. You need to have those words become actions on the ice, and the right type of actions. Right now, we’re a .500 hockey team. When the other team scores a goal, we don’t seem to have much of a push. I firmly believe that this group is much better than that, but we’re not showing it.”

Expect Vigneault wheel of healthy scratches to keep spinning until the Rangers (15-15-1) stop spiraling. Are major changes coming? How about Vigneault’s answer to whether his team has enough grit:

“With the personnel we have right now, we need to play a smart, high-percentage, good puck movement game,” Vigneault said. “If we do that, we can be very effective. That’s the type of personnel we have at this time.”

Paging Glen Sather.

Sunday night, veteran center Dominic Moore was the latest Blueshirt to watch from the luxury boxes, but Benoit Pouliot’s return was not designed to be the difference, and it wasn’t, even though he scored with 1:53 remaining to prevent a shutout.

Early in the second period, Pouliot’s failed clear resulted in defenseman Steve Oleksy’s goal and the second Caps tally in 25 seconds. Jason Chimera had scored 2:28 in after Rangers defenseman John Moore was shoved off the puck behind the net by Caps forward Martin Erat.

Asked if battles for the puck are about effort or fundamentals, Rangers veteran center Brad Richards pulled no punches about his disgust in his own play and that of his teammates.

“No, that’s ‘want,’” Richards said. “Half the game out there was hoping: Hope we win a battle, hope we get a puck, hope the other guy gets it to me, hope something just falls on my stick and I get an open net. I don’t know why we need to talk about that. If you watch any type of hockey in the last 10 years, that’s not how things are going to work.”

The Rangers fell to 5-7-1 at the Garden and dropped to 1-13-0 when their opponent scores first. They also have lost three times in the last 11 games when they themselves score first. They are just 5-4-1 against Metropolitan Division opponents following Saturday night’s 4-3 overtime defeat to the Devils and Sunday’s loss to Washington (16-12-2).

“We have to respond,” captain Ryan Callahan said. “It’s not good enough at home.”

Their franchise-record nine-game home stretch continues Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators, and it will get no easier with defenseman and alternate captain Marc Staal sidelined for an unknown period of time with “neck issues” and “symptoms” that could be related to a concussion.

The players sitting in the room Sunday, though, knew they need to correct this slide quickly.

“There’s no point in looking over your shoulder or trying to find an answer from different things,” said Henrik Lundqvist (32 saves), who also was beaten on a Mikhail Grabovski penalty shot and an Eric Fehr deflection. “Just go to yourself, and try to be better.”



Vigneault: Unclear if Staal concussed

By Larry Brooks

December 9, 2013 | 12:54am

Though incomplete, the news on Marc Staal sure could be worse.

Rangers’ coach Alain Vigneault said the defenseman, who left the ice after taking a Reid Boucher check to the jaw midway through the third period of Saturday night’s 4-3 overtime defeat to the Devils, is suffering from neck issues but it has not yet been determined whether he has been concussed.

“Marc at this time is being treated for neck issues which are causing him to have some symptoms, but we’re not sure yet whether the symptoms are caused [by a concussion],” Vigneault said before Sunday night’s 4-1 defeat to the Caps at the Garden. “Obviously with his history, we’re taking every precaution.

“We’ll probably know more here in the next day or two.”

Staal, who essentially missed the first half of the 2011-12 season because of the after-effects of a concussion he had suffered in February 2011, was replaced in the lineup by Michael Del Zotto.

In the last instance, Staal played through post-concussion symptoms for a couple of months. Saturday, obviously educated by experience, the 26-year-old alternate captain left the ice immediately, and angrily slammed his helmet down to the floor of the runway to the locker room.

The Rangers’ medical staff will monitor Staal over the next couple of days, though it is unclear whether he will undergo further testing and/or visit with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the Michigan-based concussion specialist who has become the club’s go-to physician regarding brain injuries.

It is therefore obviously unknown how long Staal — who was also throttled on a high hit by Michael Ryder (of all people) late in the first period of the New Jersey match — will be sidelined.

Staal, who last year missed the Rangers’ final 27 regular-season games and 11 of their 12 playoff matches after being struck around the right eye by a deflected shot on Mar. 5, has been erratic thus far. He has been, however, entrenched on the club’s second defense pairing with Anton Stralman.

Del Zotto, who’d been scratched in six of the previous 12 games, moved up to Staal’s spot while John Moore and Justin Falk formed the third tandem.

The unavoidable change on the back line was not only the only one effected by Vigneault against the Caps. In a surprising move, the coach scratched Dominic Moore in favor of Benoit Pouliot, who had been a scratch for the first time this season on Saturday.

“We brought in Dominic for obvious reasons; his leadership, the way he can kill penalties and his defense,” the coach said. “The last three or four games his game has slipped a little bit so we’re making a change.”

Moore was on the ice for two of the Devils’ three even-strength goals plus Eric Gelinas’ four-on-three power play winner on Saturday on which he inadvertently screened Henrik Lundqvist.

Pouliot, who played poorly, scored the Rangers’ lone goal with a deflection at 18:07 of the third.

Derek Dorsett was sidelined for the third straight game and fifth in the last seven with a sprained wrist. Vigneault said the winger had undergone an MRI on Friday that revealed no serious damage. “It’s supposed to be a bruise,” the coach said. “It’s a day-to-day thing.”

New York Post LOADED: 12.09.2013


Rangers sink to Washington, hold meeting

By Larry Brooks

December 9, 2013 | 12:47am

The phrase was invented in the mid ’70s after a number of Rangers scored huge contracts following the advent of the WHA and the Blueshirts grew stale under Emile Francis.

It was revived in the late ’90s when a flock of mercenaries landed in New York during the Dark Ages featuring seven straight failures to make the playoffs leading into the 2004-05 canceled season.

“Fat cats,” the Rangers were called. “Fat cats.”

No one has used the expression to describe these Rangers, but the Blueshirts’ players came pretty darn close to defining themselves in that damning manner after a desultory performance in their 4-1 defeat to the Capitals at the Garden that was immediately followed by a team meeting of approximately 15 minutes.

“This has got to change. We can’t just go through the motions, win a game, lose a game, and hope [other teams] do something for us, and life is good,” Brad Richards said after the Blueshirts pleaded Nolo Contendere against the Caps and neophyte netminder Philipp Grubauer.

“You dig yourself into these situations, sometimes it’s going to take some time or it’s going to take something to get you out of it,” the alternate captain said. “We’re going to have to get a little uncomfortable here and get out of our comfort zone.

“We are just floating along, and it’s getting old.”

Richards was not calling for a personnel shake-up, he made that clear when directly asked by The Post, but the onus is on general manager Glen Sather to do something to shake up the Blueshirts, and sooner rather than later.

“Personnel decisions are up to management, I’m not saying we need a change there, that’s not my department,” Richards said. “It’s up to the players to wake each other up.

“The coach can only do so much no matter who it is or what team it is. It comes from within the locker room,” he told The Post. “We’re obviously way too comfortable. There was no passion out there.”

Coach Alain Vigneault referred twice to “the personnel we have now.” The personnel could change by Monday afternoon, if not by Tuesday night when the Predators come to the Garden, for the Blueshirts clearly need an infusion of energy.

The Rangers’ held a little meeting following last Monday’s 5-2 home defeat to the Jets in which they affirmed that .500 hockey, in the words of many, “would not cut it.” In the three games since, they have gone 1-1-1 in a trio of lackluster efforts, with this defeat representing a baseline of lethargy.

They are soft as tissue paper and with definition to match. If they’re not the easiest team in the league against which to play, they are sure in the conversation. The Rangers, 6-7-1 in the last 14 and 15-15-1 overall, are relevant in the standings only because of the league’s cockamamie playoff structure that rewards mediocre outfits such as this one.

“Our effort was not acceptable and our work ethic is not good enough,” Rick Nash, no factor at all in either Saturday’s overtime defeat to the Devils or this debacle, told The Post.

“For a team that’s desperate for wins, we’re not playing with the desperation we should,” he said. “It’s on us, the guys in the room, but there needs to be urgency.

“We need to finish our body-checks. We need to outwork teams and we’re not doing that. It can’t go on this way.”

Sunday’s match was scoreless into the second period before the Caps scored twice in a 25-second span at 2:28 and 2:53. There was essentially no response from the Rangers, who were passive and careless in all three zones in falling behind 3-0 when Mikhail Grabovski beat Henrik Lundqvist

on a penalty-shot slap shot at 18:26, awarded on a call equally as deficient as the Rangers’ effort.

The Blueshirts resembled cadavers in a third-period during which the Caps toyed with the home team, adding a fourth goal before the Rangers spoiled the 22-year-old Grubauer’s bid for a shutout in his second NHL career start — and first this season — with under two minutes to go.

The buzzer sounded, the players convened to hold a meeting that did not impress Vigneault in the least.

“You can talk all you want; you have to have those words become actions on the ice and the right kind of actions,” he said. “You can talk all you want behind closed doors, but it’s the 200-by-85 that games are decided.”

New York Post LOADED: 12.09.2013


Staal dealing with symptoms

Posted by Andrew Gross on 12/08 at 06:11 PM

Marc Staal is dealing with concussion-like symptoms, though the Rangers are not sure whether the symptoms are being caused by new concussion to the former All-Star defenseman after he was hit in the chin by Reid Boucher in the Rangers’ 4-3 overtime loss to the Devils Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.

Staal will not play tonight as the Rangers host the Capitals in the second game of a franchise-record nine-game homestand.

“Marc, at this time, is being treated for neck issues which are causing him to have some symptoms,” coach Alain Vigneault said. “We’re not sure yet whether the symptoms are caused by the neck issues from the hit last night. Obviously, with his history, we’re taking every precaution. We’ll probably know more here in the next day or two.”

Vigneault added he is not sure whether the symptoms are caused by a concussion.

Staal missed 36 games at the start of the 2011-12 season - not returning until the Winter Classic at Philadelphia - due to concussion symptoms stemming from a check he took from his brother, Eric, in February of the previous season in Carolina.

Staal missed the final 27 regular-season games of last season’s lockout-shortened 48-game schedule after being hit in the right eye by a puck on March 5. He also missed all but one of the Rangers’ 12 postseason games.

Staal did not skate earlier today and Vigneault said he was not sure whether Staal would be undergoing further medical tests or just resting to see if the symptoms subside.

When Staal dealt with his last concussion, the Rangers took a long time to acknowledge it was a concussion. In fact, while the team opened in Europe, Staal skated with Hartford (AHL) and was also sent for treatment on his neck to see if that would alleviate his symptoms.

Bergen Record LOADED: 12.09.2013


Capitals 4, Rangers 1: Wrapping up

Posted by Andrew Gross on 12/09 at 12:47 AM

Not a very good day at Madison Square Garden, huh?

Several hours after the Knicks got bombed by 41 points by the Celtics, the Rangers lost 4-1 to the Capitals, a loss so frustrating that it prompted a post-game, players-only meeting.

“That’s just talk,” an unimpressed and frustrated coach Alain Vigneault said. “You can talk all you want. You need to have those words become actions on the ice. Right now, we’re a .500 hockey team. When the other team scores, we don’t seem to have any push. I firmly believe this group is much better than that but we’re not showing it. Our compete level is a .500 compete level.”

The Rangers get to respond to their continued mediocrity when they host the Predators, Tuesday at 7:30. The Rangers are now 5-7-1 at the Garden and have lost the first two games of this franchise-record nine-game homestand. As noted in previewing this stretch of games, this homestand could be a turning point, either good or bad, this season. So far, the Rangers have absolutely zero home-ice advantage.

“We have to respond,” captain Ryan Callahan said. “It’s not good enough at home. This is a long home stand and now it takes the guys in here to respond and be better. It starts Tuesday night and that’s how we are looking at this. We have a challenge in front of us and now we have to answer it.”

The doors remained closed to the Rangers’ post-game room an extra 10 minutes for a players-only meeting. Inside, the frustrated team laid out the reasons why it’s no more than a mediocre club.

“The main thing is playing for your teammates,” defenseman Ryan McDonagh said. “Showing up and playing for our teammates. We’re pretty frustrated. We may think we’re doing some good things out there but it’s not nearly at the consistent level it needs to be in order for us to be a hard team to play against and the team we know we’re capable of being.”

Their level of effort wasn’t satisfactory. The Rangers (15-15-1) wilted instead of responded once the Capitals (16-12-2) scored twice within 25 seconds in the second period.

“It’s urgency,” right wing Rick Nash said. “We’ve got to win now. Our effort at home hasn’t been good enough and I think the biggest thing is just being desperate and just being ready to go.”

In some respects, this was a key division game, even if it’s just 31 games into an 82-game season.

The loss dropped the Rangers into fourth place in the inanely-named Metropolitan Division, three points behind the second-place Capitals. The teams have now split two games this season.

The Hurricanes, having played one fewer game than the Rangers, slipped into third place, though also with 31 points.

Again, going over some old ground but, given the quality of teams in the Atlantic Division, namely, the Bruins, Red Wings, Canadiens, Lightning and Maple Leafs, with the Senators a potential sleeping contender, it’s quite likely that division will qualify five teams for the postseason, which would leave just three teams making it from the Metropolitan. And with the Penguins running away with the division right now, that means the Rangers quite possibly are contending with the Capitals, Hurricanes, Flyers, Devils and Blue Jackets (we’ll exclude the Islanders for now) for just two spots.

Thus, tonight’s players-only meeting to discuss the need for the Rangers to get off their collective butts and start playing better than .500 hockey.

“We understand we have these meetings and everybody has got to come forward,” Rick Nash said. “But the next step is on the ice. Everyone stepped up and decided what needed to be said and now we’ve got to show it by our actions.”

“It’s urgency,” Nash added. “We’ve got to win now. Our effort at home hasn’t been good enough and I think the biggest thing is just being desperate and just being ready to go.”

It’s almost unnecessary to pick this one apart player by player. Almost to a man, they all stunk tonight.

One thing that was interesting was Michael Del Zotto, back in the lineup out of necessity due to Marc Staal’s absence due to a potential concussion, played among the top four, paired with Anton Stralman, and logged 20:38. That’s the most ice time he’s seen since the season’s fifth game.

And Del Zotto, a minus-9 this season and a minus-3 in a 5-2 loss to the Jets last Monday, was even despite the Rangers often-inept, well, that’s not quite right, uninspired, play.

That detached play, that inability to respond when the other team scores twice in 25 seconds, as the Capitals did, simply cannot continue.

“I think we just have to look at ourselves and see what we can improve as one player to turn this team, turn this group around,” said goalie Henrik Lundqvist, just 1-1-1 since signing a seven-year extension worth 59.5 million as he started - and lost - back-to-back games under Vigneault for the first time since Oct. 7-8, the season’s second and third games. “There’s no point looking over your shoulder or find an answer for different things. Just coach yourself and try to be better and I’ll leave it at that.

“I don’t know, you have to ask the other guys,” Lundqvist said when asked whether the team’s battle level was an issue. “Right now I’m focusing on my game, it was a pretty tough game, a lot of chances right in front. They’re a skilled team. Every time we play them, if you put the puck in the wrong area, they’re going to come and make good plays to get in front of you. That second period obviously totally killed us. We have to talk about a few things. We know we’re a good team, just I think we just have to all be better.”

One other thing that obviously annoyed Lundqvist was the hooking call on Ryan McDonagh that led to Mikhail Grabovski’s penalty shot at 18:26 of the second period. Lundqvist had to make a pretty good pad save on Grabovski’s breakaway attempt with McDonagh trailing but Grabovski was awarded a penalty shot because it was ruled he did not have a clear path to the net.

“I asked the ref,” Lundqvist said. “Apparently, I asked the wrong ref because he said he didn’t make the call. I thought he had a clean chance to shoot the puck and he did. His explanation was he got pushed to the side and couldn’t come to the middle but it felt like he was right in the center. But that was just one goal. I’m not going to think too much about it. When things go against you, a lot of bad things happen at the same time and that second period was a tough one for us.”

Meanwhile, Capitals RW Alex Ovechkin, who has 22 goals in 30 games, was held scoreless for the second time against the Rangers. But he did nearly get into a fight with Nash at 16:40 of the second period after finishing a hard check against him along the boards.

During the ensuing stoppage, Nash sought out Ovechkin, subtly kicked his skate and then hit him with his stick as he went by. Each drew roughing penalties.

“It was just a hockey play,” Nash said. “He just finished his check and was trying to get a spark somehow.”

Prior to the Capitals scoring in the second period, the Rangers, and Lundqvist had a shutout streak against them of 202:28 dating to the start of Game 6 of the teams’ first-round playoff series last spring.

Speaking of shut out, both McDonagh and C Brad Richards had six-game point streaks snapped.

The Rangers do not have a practice scheduled for Monday so the earliest there may be an update on Marc Staal is likely on Tuesday.

Lastly, from the Rangers:

- Benoit Pouliot notched the Rangers’ lone goal and registered two shots in 9:15 of ice time, while making his return to the lineup after not dressing yesterday against New Jersey. He has now recorded two points (one goal, one assist) in his last three games.

- Michael Del Zotto tallied an assist, and was credited with two hits and two shots in 20:38 of ice time, while making his return to the lineup after not dressing yesterday against New Jersey. He has now registered two points (one goal, one assist) in his last three home games.

- Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves and is now 9-12-1 overall, including a 4-6-1 mark at home this season. His shutout streak against the Capitals ended at 202:28, dating back to the beginning of Game 6 of their 2013 Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup. Lundqvist is now 2-2-0 with a 3.50 goals against average and .906 save percentage when posting 30 or more saves in a game this season.

- Lundqvist has now started on consecutive days 67 times in his career, posting a record of 41-19-7 with a 2.06 goals against average, .930 save percentage, and six shutouts in the second game of the back-to-back set.

- Dan Girardi registered a game-high, six hits, and was credited with two blocked shots in 22:38 of ice time. He leads the Rangers with 75 hits and 53 blocked shots on the season.

- Ryan McDonagh tied for the game-high with four shots and three blocked shots, and led all skaters with 24:53 of ice time. He leads the Rangers in average ice time, logging 23:39 per game.

Bergen Record LOADED: 12.09.2013


Rangers are lifeless in 4-1 loss to Capitals

Originally published: December 8, 2013 10:20 PM

Updated: December 9, 2013 12:02 AM

By STEVE ZIPAY

After a troubling 4-1 loss to the Capitals at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night, the Rangers lowered the boom on themselves in a closed-door meeting, and outside the room, coach Alain Vigneault ripped the team's willingness to battle.

"Without a doubt, our compete level is a .500 compete level," Vigneault said, which reflects the team's 15-15-1 record. "When the other team scores a goal, we don't seem to have much of a push."

Actually, goals by Jason Chimera and Steve Oleksy 25 seconds apart early in the second period was all Washington needed to send the Rangers to their second straight loss. In the second game of a season-high nine-game homestand, the Rangers scored a goal or fewer for the 11th time this season and didn't put up much of a fight after the first 20 minutes.

"We are just floating along and it's getting old," Brad Richards said. He called the way the Rangers are playing "obviously way too comfortable."

Dan Girardi said some things need to be aired out and pinpointed one topic. "It's got to be more desperation," Girardi said after the Rangers fell to 5-7-1 at the Garden. "We've got to have second- and third-effort plays, especially at home here. We can't be stinking up the place . . . We need to find some serious consistency or we're going to be clawing for the last playoff spot. We need to find a way to be a hard team to play against."

On Sunday night, they didn't make it very difficult for Philipp Grubauer, who made 30 saves and earned his first win in his fourth NHL game. With the Rangers down 4-0, Benoit Pouliot's goal with 1:53 left was perfunctory.

Playing without Marc Staal (possible concussion), Derek Dorsett (wrist) and Dominic Moore (healthy scratch), the Rangers seemed to be on the ropes after the two goals. And when Mikhail Grabovski blasted home a penalty shot after Ryan McDonagh was whistled for hooking, the disgruntled crowd could sense the nail being put in the coffin.

"I didn't really touch him much, and he still gets a shot away, but that's just one part of the game," McDonagh said. "There's a lot more we could have controlled. You forget how hard you have to work and how hard you have to prepare."

Henrik Lundqvist (32 saves), who is 9-12-1, can't solely be blamed for this one. In one sequence in the second, he stopped both Chimera (on a deflection) and Joel Ward (on a rebound) on a shorthanded odd-man rush.

Rick Nash, Richards, Derek Stepan, Ryan Callahan, Chris Kreider and Mats Zuccarello, ostensibly the top weapons, didn't hit the scoresheet. The point streaks of Richards and McDonagh ended at six games.

Vigneault, whose club hosts the Predators on Tuesday, hinted at roster changes. "With the personnel we have right now, we need to play a smart, high-percentage, good-puck-movement game," he said. "You can talk all you want behind closed doors. It's on the 200-by-85 [rink] that things are decided."

Notes & quotes: Staal, who has a concussion history, is being monitored after taking a high hit Saturday from the Devils' Reid Boucher. "We're not sure whether the symptoms are caused by the neck issues from the hit," Vigneault said. "We're taking every precaution."

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 12.09.2013


It’s Go Time! … Capitals at Rangers

08 December 2013, 6:30 pm by Rick Carpiniello

Three Rangers Stars: Game 31, Capitals at Rangers, Dec. 8

The Rangers play the second of a franchise-record nine-game homestand.

They got their first Bettman Bonus Point for losing Saturday against the Devils. They have alternated wins and losses for eight straight games and have not been more than a game over .500 this season.

Marc Staal is being treated for a neck issue, according to Alain Vigneault. The team is hoping that the neck is causing the concussion-like symptoms, and not another concussion. Staal obviously will not play tonight.

Michael Del Zotto goes back into the lineup in Staal’s place, and Benoit Pouliot returns to the lineup as Dominic Moore is prucha’d (Vigneault feels his game has slipped; audio in the thread below). Derek Dorsett had an MRI on his wrist Friday and remains out with what the team is calling a sprain (Vigneault said it was a bruise), but it is not considered long-term.

Henrik Lundqvist has tossed three consecutive shutouts (180:00) at the Capitals, including Games 6 and 7 of last year’s playoff series and the first meeting this season. He starts his third in a row in goal.

Rockland Journal News: LOADED: 12.09.2013


Capitals at Rangers tonight (7 p.m.) … pre-game notes

08 December 2013, 4:00 pm

Rick Carpiniello

Pre-game notes courtesy of the Rangers:

NEW YORK RANGERS vs. WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Sunday, Dec. 8, 7:00 p.m. ET

Madison Square Garden – New York, NY

Rangers: 15-14-1 (31 pts)

Capitals: 15-12-2 (32 pts)

TONIGHT’S GAME

The Rangers will continue their franchise record, nine-game homestand, when they face-off against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden (7:00p.m. — TV: MSG Network; Radio: ESPN 98.7), in the second game of a back-to-back set. The Blueshirts rank third in the Metropolitan Division standings, and eighth in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 15-14-1 (31 pts). The Rangers were defeated by the New Jersey Devils, 4-3, in overtime Saturday at Madison Square Garden, and have now registered a point in 13 of their last 20 games (12-7-1). The Blueshirts are tied for fourth in the conference, and ninth in the NHL, in ROW (15). The Capitals enter the contest with a 15-12-2 (32 pts) record to rank seventh in the Eastern Conference, and have won three of their last four games. Following the contest, the Rangers will return to action when they face-off against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Madison Square Garden (7:30 p.m.).

RANGERS vs. CAPITALS:

All-Time: 88-86-18-6 overall (48-38-9-3 at home; 40-48-9-3 on the road)

2013-14: Tonight is the second of four meetings this season, and the first of two meetings at Madison Square Garden. New York is 1-0-0 overall (0-0-0 at home;1-0-0 on the road), following a 2-0 win on Oct. 16 at Verizon Center. The Rangers out-shot the Capitals, 36-22, including a 32-14 advantage after two periods. The Blueshirts’ penalty kill was 4-4 (100.0%) in the contest. Ryan Callahan and John Moore each tallied a goal, while Brad Richards registered a team-high, two assists. Henrik Lundqvist made 22 saves in the shutout.

Last Season: New York was 2-0-1 overall (1-0-1 at home; 1-0-0 on the road). Two of the three contests were decided by one goal, including one game that required the shootout. The Rangers out-scored the Capitals, 5-0, after the first period, and out-shot Washington, 102-81, in the series. The Blueshirts’ power play was 3-9 (33.3%), while their penalty kill was 9-10 (90.0%). Derek Stepan led all skaters with three goals, while Ryan McDonagh and Rick Nash tied for the series-high with three assists apiece. Carl Hagelin (one goal, two assists) and Brad Richards (one goal, two assists) also tallied three points in the series. Henrik Lundqvist was 1-0-1 with a 1.44 GAA and .942 Sv% in two games.

The Rangers have registered a point in nine of their last 11 meetings with the Capitals, dating back to a 7-0 win on Dec. 12, 2010. New York has posted an 8-2-1 record and has out-scored Washington, 36-19, during the stretch.

New York is 5-6-1 at home; Washington is 5-5-2 on the road.

New York is 5-3-1 vs. Metropolitan Division opponents; Washington is 5-4-0 vs. Metropolitan Division opponents.

INDIVIDUAL CAREER LEADERS vs. CAPITALS: Henrik Lundqvist – 25 GP, 15-7-3, 4 SO, 2.55 GAA; Brad Richards – 54 GP, 9-31–40; Ryan Callahan – 22 GP, 10-7–17; Rick Nash – 12 GP, 7-8–15; Ryan McDonagh – 10 GP, 1-5–6.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

New York is tied for first in the league with three goals in 5-on-3 situations.

The Rangers have tallied a power play goal in four of their last six games (6-19, 31.6% over the span).

The Blueshirts’ penalty kill has held opponents scoreless in 10 of the last 13 games (30-33, 90.9% over the span).

Power Play: The Rangers were 1-4 (6:49) earlier tonight vs. New Jersey. New York is tied for 11th in the NHL overall (20-101, 19.8%), and ranks 23rd at home (7-44, 15.9%). The Rangers are 3-10 (4:24) in five-on-three situations (last – 11/25 at TBL), and 0-1 (0:30) when four-on-three (last – 10/12 at STL). Shorthanded goals allowed (3): 10/8 at SJS (Vlasic); 10/24 at PHI (Read); 11/19 vs. BOS (Paille).

Penalty Killing: The Blueshirts were 2-3 (2:13) earlier tonight vs. New Jersey. New York is tied for fifth in the NHL overall (81-95, 85.3%), and 15th at home (30-36, 83.3%). The Rangers are 2-3 (2:49) in three-on-five situations (last – 11/4 vs. ANA), and 3-5 (1:08) when three-on-four (last – 12/7 vs. NJD). Shorthanded goals for (1): 10/7 at LAK (McDonagh).

Four-on-Four: New York did not tally/yield a goal in one four-on-four situation (1:02) earlier tonight vs. New Jersey, and are now -1 in 28 four-on-four situations (40:53) this season. Four-on-four goals for (2): 10/16 at WSH (J. Moore); 10/26 at DET (Brassard). Four-on-four goals allowed (3): 10/3 at PHX (Vrbata); 10/7 at LAK (Muzzin); 10/12 at STL (Backes).

BACK-TO-BACKS:

Scheduled to play in 13 back-to-back sets this season.

Combined record – 6-4-1.

Record in 1st game – 3-2-1 (1-1-1 at home; 2-1-0 on the road).

Record in 2nd game – 3-2-0 (1-1-0 at home; 2-1-0 on the road).

Last season – 7-4-1; 1st game, 4-1-1 (3-0-0 at home; 1-1-1 on the road); 2nd game, 3-3-0 (0-2-0 at home; 3-1-0 on the road).

The Rangers are 16-5-5 in the first half of back-to-back games dating back to the start of the 2011-12 season, and 16-7-2 in the second game over the span.

Henrik Lundqvist has started on consecutive days 66 times in his career (41-18-7, 2.03 GAA, .931 Sv%, 6 SO in the 2nd game).

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL: The Rangers defeated the Capitals, 2-0, on Oct. 16 at Washington, in their first meeting since the 2013 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Including Games 6 and 7 of that series, New York has out-scored Washington, 8-0, in their last three contests. Henrik Lundqvist’s shutout streak against the Capitals is currently at 180:00 mins.

STREAKING RANGERS: Ryan McDonagh and Brad Richards both enter the game with a Rangers’ season-high, six-game point streak, while Mats Zuccarello is riding a four-game point streak that includes a three-game goal streak. McDonagh’s streak establishes a career-high and includes a career-best, four-game assist streak (five assists), which ties the Rangers’ season-high. He has registered seven points (one goal, six assists) during the six-game streak which, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, is the longest by a Rangers defenseman since Brian Leetch registered a point in seven straight games during the 2003-04 season (Nov. 23 – Dec. 4). Richards has tallied seven points (three goals, four assists) during his streak, which is his longest since he finished with at least one point in the final six games of last season. Zuccarello’sfour-game point streak (three goals, three assists) ties his career-high, posted earlier this season from Nov. 6 vs. PIT to Nov. 12 vs. NJD, while his three-game goal streak (three goals) establishes a career-high and ties for the Rangers’ season-high.

SAVING A POINT: Chris Kreider tallied a power play goal with 22 seconds remaining in regulation earlier tonight to help the Rangers earn a point in a 4-3 OT loss vs. NJD. The last regular season game the Rangers tied in the final minute of regulation was on Jan. 1, 2011, at TBL (2-1 OT loss).

MILESTONES IN SIGHT: Derek Stepan – 1 assist from 100th NHL career; Rick Nash – 1 point from 600th NHL career.

INJURIES (57 Man-Games Lost): Derek Dorsett (sprained wrist on 12/2, day-to-day) – 2.



Rangers-Capitals in review

09 December 2013, 4:38 am by Rick Carpiniello

Thoughts:

1) Hey, for crying out loud, you can’t expect them to score more than one against Philipp Grubauer. Did I spell that correctly? Too lazy to care. But that’s kinda the point.Washington Capitals v New York Rangers

2) I mentioned it a little while back, during that five-game road trip, and I wasn’t alone because a lot of you guys noticed it too. The Rangers were letting a lot of little things in their performances slip—defensive lapses, dangerous passes, wish passes, some gliding, giving up a puck here or there to avoid a hit. And sometimes that takes a while to catch up to you. Well, it caught up. It started to catch up in the Winnipeg game. The Ranger survived an absolutely adismal (Roenick-ism) Buffalo team, were just bad enough to lose to the Devils, and were woeful last night.

3) And, as I said at the time and many of you know this too, once you get into a funk like this, sometimes it takes a while to get out of it. Maybe you play a little better but continue to lose a few before you’re all the way out. This really isn’t a good time for that, because this nine-game homestand is an enormous opportunity to make noise and gather points that don’t expire. Points in December are every bit as good as points in late March.Washington Capitals v New York Rangers

4) I think you guys who care about this team should finally be happy about the way the players reacted to this one. They were angry. They pointed fingers directly at themselves. For once they didn’t sugar coat that the effort was good, or that they got bad bounces. They didn’t look for positives. They didn’t pretend that this was anything but bad. And that’s good. It’s a step in the right direction.

5) Do yourself a favor and listen to some of the audio from the post-game in the earlier threads.

6) The Rangers sure telegraphed some passes (Derek Stepan, Brad Richards to name two) and turned the puck over in some dangerous areas against the Capitals. And their D-men did some stick-checking and fishing for pucks around the net instead of taking the man. All bad signs. And I continue to wonder if the philosophy of trying to make something happen instead of making the safe play sometimes has the players between a rock and a hard place. Especially the players who don’t have a lot of skill.Washington Capitals v New York Rangers

7) Some guys showed up, even if they weren’t good enough. Rick Nash had a couple of incidents with Alex Ovechkin who came to play physically more than offensively. That guy loves playing here. Early on Ovechkin cheap-shotted Brad Richards behind the play, and Mats Zuccarello went right up to him and they exchanged slashes all the way to the benches. Chris Kreider crossed some lines with penalties—though I thought Ovechkin helped sell one of them—Kreider and got away with some spears to sensitive areas, but you have to like the feistiness.

8) The penalty shot. I didn’t think it should have been called since Mikhail Grabovski got a shot away. If you’re Ryan McDonagh there, maybe you either take him down completely and prevent the first shot, leaving Henrik Lundqvist to handle the penalty shot—a la Brian Leetch and Mike Richter—or you don’t hook him and let Lundqvist take care of a breakaway. I know, it’s a lot to consider in a split second. But to let him have the breakaway with a shot, and hook him too—at the very least it would have been a power play—is not really accomplishing anything. I did like the Steve Larmer-style slapper on the penalty shot.Washington Capitals v New York Rangers

9) Of course Benoit Pouliot scored. BTW, this was the 11th time in 31 games the Rangers have scored one goal or zero (1-5-0) and the 18th time they have scored two or fewer (4-14-0).

10) I look at that Washington team—which had a better off-season in terms of acquisitions than the Rangers did—and still can’t help but think that, despite Ovechkin, it is not a better team than the Rangers. Or, if it is better, it’s not by much. I fully expect that they and the Rangers will finish second and third, in either order, in the sorry Lesstropolitan Division.

11) I have no idea what to make of the Marc Staal news yesterday. But I really hope it is anything but a concussion. The young man was sure having a rough time of it before he took the shoulder to the chin Saturday. He doesn’t need or deserve more serious injury in his career.

Washington Capitals v New York Rangers

My Three Rangers Stars:

1. Ryan McDonagh.

2. Mats Zuccarello.

3. Rick Nash.



Capitals 4, Rangers 1 … post-game notes and quotes

08 December 2013, 10:42 pm by Rick Carpiniello

Capitals 4, Rangers 1.

Click here for boxscore.

Team notes:

– The Rangers continued their franchise record, nine-game homestand, tonight with a 4-1 loss against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden. – The Blueshirts are now 15-15-1 overall (31 pts), including a 5-7-1 mark at home this season. – New York has posted a combined record of 6-5-1 in back-to-backs this season, including a 3-3-0 mark in the second game of the set (1-2-0 at home). The Rangers are now 16-8-2 in the second half of back-to-back games dating back to the start of the 2011-12 season. – The Blueshirts’ penalty kill was 2-2 (4:00) in the contest, and has now held opponents scoreless in 11 of the last 14 games (32-35, 91.4% over the span). – New York won 29-57 faceoffs (51%) in the contest, and is now 99-175 (56.6%) on faceoffs in the last three games.

Player notes:

- Benoit Pouliot notched the Rangers’ lone goal and registered two shots in 9:15 of ice time, while making his return to the lineup after not dressing yesterday against New Jersey. He has now recorded two points (one goal, one assist) in his last three games.

- Michael Del Zotto tallied an assist, and was credited with two hits and two shots in 20:38 of ice time, while making his return to the lineup after not dressing yesterday against New Jersey. He has now registered two points (one goal, one assist) in his last three home games.

- Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves and is now 9-12-1 overall, including a 4-6-1 mark at home this season. His shutout streak against the Capitals ended at 202:28, dating back to the beginning of Game 6 of their 2013 Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup. Lundqvist is now 2-2-0 with a 3.50 goals against average and .906 save percentage when posting 30 or more saves in a game this season.

- Lundqvist has now started on consecutive days 67 times in his career, posting a record of 41-19-7 with a 2.06 goals against average, .930 save percentage, and six shutouts in the second game of the back-to-back set.

- Dan Girardi registered a game-high, six hits, and was credited with two blocked shots in 22:38 of ice time. He leads the Rangers with 75 hits and 53 blocked shots on the season.

- Ryan McDonagh tied for the game-high with four shots and three blocked shots, and led all skaters with 24:53 of ice time. He leads the Rangers in average ice time, logging 23:39 per game.

Quotebook:

Alain Vigneault on tonight’s game… “That’s just hockey. You can talk all you want; you have to have those words become actions on the ice and the right kind of actions. Right now we are a .500 hockey team. When the other team scores a goal we don’t seem to have much of a push. I firmly believe this group is much better than that, but we are not showing it. We can talk all we want behind closed doors, but it’s up to everybody to find it.”

Henrik Lundqvist on tonight’s game… “It was a pretty tough game. They are a skilled team. Every time you play them if you lose the puck in the wrong area they are going to come and make some good plays to get in front of you. That second period obviously is what killed us. We have to talk about a few things. We know we are a good team, but we just have to get better.”

Ryan Callahan on looking ahead to next game… “We have to respond. This is not good enough at home. We have a long home stand, and now it takes the guys in here to respond and be better. It starts Tuesday night and that’s how we are looking at this. We have a challenge in front of us and now we have to answer it.”


729121 NHL

Iginla returns to city where he once was king

ERIC DUHATSCHEK

Published Sunday, Dec. 08 2013, 9:31 PM EST

Last updated Sunday, Dec. 08 2013, 9:34 PM EST

Even if it is the holiday season, and he is going home for the holidays in a way, Jarome Iginla will tell you: He isn’t an overly sentimental sort.

As a result, he likely won’t be shedding tears on Tuesday night when the popular former member of the Flames makes his much anticipated return to Calgary as a member of the Boston Bruins. “Although,” says Iginla, with his familiar laugh echoing over the long-distance telephone line, “I guess you never know.”

What is next for Gretz?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting used to a new kind of scrutiny, as HBO's "24/7" show started filming the team Wednesday. Centre Nazem Kadri says the access HBO gets means players have to watch their language.

Hard on the heels of Daniel Alfredsson’s return to Ottawa and Vincent Lecavalier’s return to Tampa, Iginla is now on deck in the NHL’s unofficial homecoming month.

This will be his first appearance in Calgary, where he played for 16 years, since leaving last spring in a trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins. From Calgary, the Bruins’ trip will take also Iginla to Edmonton, his hometown, and then finishes with a game against the Vancouver Canucks, probably Calgary’s No.1 rival during all the years Iginla wore a Flames’ jersey.

So yes, this is a big deal. But it’s one he intends to enjoy rather than dread. And with luck, people will be standing and cheering at the Scotiabank Saddledome to acknowledge all he did for the franchise – rather than booing because he is now part of the opposition.

“All the years, all the different things you’re familiar with, the team around the team, the city, it does feel like a homecoming,” Iginla said in an interview.

“It’s something – I knew it would be a little bit different. It’s something – I don’t know what to expect, but I kind of like surprises. I’m just going to try and enjoy it. I’m not extremely sentimental or emotional, but I expect it’ll be neat. It’s so familiar, the whole area – playing against Calgary, against Edmonton, the places where I grew up, the teams you played against for so long on a regular basis. So it is cool and I am looking forward to it.”

With apologies to Lanny McDonald and to Theo Fleury, Iginla is probably the most popular player in Flames’ history. He twice won the Rocket Richard trophy as the NHL’s goal-scoring leader, tied for the 2002 Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP and led the Flames to the 2004 Stanley Cup final, which they lost in seven games to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Last spring, when the Flames determined that they needed to rebuild a team that was about to miss the playoffs again, they asked Iginla to provide them with a list of teams that he would consider joining in trade. Iginla gave them four options, but ultimately really only wanted to go one place – Pittsburgh, where the Flames eventually dealt him, after negotiations with the Bruins were virtually done. The fact that Iginla ended up in Boston as a free agent last summer represents one of those delicious never-say-never moments that crops up occasionally in professional sport.

The adjustment on the ice has been reasonably smooth too, Iginla’s goal-scoring struggles (just five in his first 29 games) notwithstanding. His line – with David Krejci and Milan Lucic – has the capacity to be one of the tops in the league. Iginla and Lucic are both strong physical players and Krejci is a creative playmaker in the middle. Once they have the puck in the zone, they don’t surrender it easily.

“The numbers, as far as goals go, I was planning to have a few more at this point,” Iginla said. “But I feel good. I feel as a line, overall, for the year, we’ve been pretty solid. I think it’s coming. I honestly think I will score goals again and score them in bunches and help out in that area. For whatever

reason, I’ve missed some good chances and then you start thinking about it too much and all that.

“But it hasn’t been as hard as some other droughts because we’re winning. Honestly, they’re a lot harder to take when you’re losing games and when you’re losing them by one goal. It’s been nice in that we’re finding ways to win. As a line, we’ve scored a decent amount of goals. I just don’t happen to be in on a lot of them.”

At this stage of his career, on a one-year contract, winning a Stanley Cup championship is the most important thing for Iginla, 36.

“You always want to win when you play, but as you get older and you haven’t won, the feeling and the hunger just grows. I realize I’m not going to be playing forever, but it’s been neat, it’s been good. We go into games, and they’re all important, but it’s a different mindset. There is that confidence and the roll we’ve been able to get on early, so that every game isn’t about survival.”

Every game, almost from the start of the season, was about survival those last few years in Calgary.

“You’d look at the standings and you’re on the cusp and you’re always playing four-point games and what they mean in terms of trying to make the playoffs. I’d been in that type of mindset for so many years – and that’s not all negative. It’s fun to have every game mean so much, but it’s a lot more fun when those are meaningful games and you’re winning a lot of them. You like that challenge, but you like when the challenge goes well too, if you know what I mean.”

Off the ice, Iginla says he settling into Boston nicely. The family rented a place downtown, not right next to the rink, but without traffic, he says it’s fewer than 10 minutes to get there. With traffic, it probably takes 15 to 20 minutes, so it’s pretty close. The practice rink is about 30 minutes.

For his three children, Jade, Tij and Joe, the rapid succession of moves has been an adventure, for his wife Kara, the stress has been a little greater.

“The kids, they think it’s been awesome,” Iginla said. “They really liked Calgary. They loved their old school and their old hockey and baseball teams, but they came here and they’re thrilled. The school’s great and they really like their new team, so it’s been just like an adventure. It’s a little more of an adjustment for my wife. She’s never moved either. She was born in Edmonton and was in Calgary for a long time. As players, we have a built-in [support system]. We go to work and we have a new group of friends. It’s a little harder for her, but she’s doing well and getting used to it.”

Iginla has been through a minor version of this already – returning to Pittsburgh to play the Penguins. Even though he only played 28 games there in total, regular season and playoff, he found that unexpectedly difficult.

The challenge in Calgary will be dealing with all the distractions associated with the home-coming – the well-wishers, all the people who will a tiny fraction of his time. Cumulatively, it all adds up – and can be overwhelming. And then at some point, the puck will drop and focus will be an imperative.

“My mom’s going to be there, my dad’s going to be there. It’ll be special for them too. We’re all getting older. The time has flown by. All the different memories – my first game in Calgary, I got to play centre with Theo Fleury and German Titov. The rink and the arena hold a lot of great memories for me and my family, but I want to play well too.”

Globe And Mail LOADED: 12.09.2013

729122 NHL

Union in Position to Defend Indefensible

By JEFF Z. KLEIN

Published: December 8, 2013

The role of the N.H.L. Players’ Association in on-ice disciplinary matters has fallen under the spotlight again after two ugly episodes in Saturday night’s game in Boston, one involving the Pittsburgh Penguins’ James Neal and the other the Bruins’ Shawn Thornton.

Neal is scheduled to speak by phone Monday with Brendan Shanahan of the league’s department of player safety after he kneed Brad Marchand, who was lying on the ice, in the head as he skated past. Marchand was not injured on the play. Neal faces a fine and possibly a suspension of up to five games.

Thornton will meet with Shanahan later in the week and could face a suspension of six or more games for slew-footing Pittsburgh’s Brooks Orpik during a stoppage, causing him to fall backward to the ice, then punching Orpik in the head. Orpik was taken off the ice on a stretcher and was released later that night from a hospital. He returned to Pittsburgh with the team.

The players association will represent Neal and Thornton and could appeal any disciplinary measures against either player — as is the union’s right under the collective bargaining agreement that went into effect this season. They could first appeal to Commissioner Gary Bettman, and if he were to uphold a suspension of six or more games, the union could then appeal to an independent arbitrator.

On Twitter, blogs and sports radio shows, fans and commentators were calling for longer suspensions for Neal and Thornton and were questioning why the union had not spoken out against such violent plays. Under the new C.B.A., two appeals — one on behalf of Buffalo’s Patrick Kaleta and another on behalf of Phoenix’s Paul Bissonnette — were filed with Bettman. None have been filed with an arbitrator. Bettman upheld Kaleta’s 10-game suspension for a high stick, but he reduced Bissonnette’s 10-game sentence to three for leaving the bench illegally.

The union has argued that a player injured in an on-ice incident would not be a party to such disciplinary processes because the point is not to compensate or vindicate him, but rather to arrive at an appropriate penalty for the accused player.

David Gregory, executive director of the Center for Labor and Employment Law at St. John’s University, said the players union might eventually face consequences if it is seen as protecting the interests of accused players to the exclusion of the injured players.

“There is the ominous possibility that, at some point, a hockey stick could be used as a lethal weapon, and if the union has not acted proactively to prevent such actions, it could be seen as complicit,” Gregory said.

But there is a side of the debate that argues the N.H.L. is reluctant to impose longer suspensions for fear of triggering an appeal process that goes beyond Bettman and to an arbitrator, who could drastically reduce a suspension.

With the possible exception of football, though, no sport must measure out appropriate discipline for injurious play as much as hockey. That presents a special challenge for its union.

At least one sports union has a record of speaking out on behalf of one of its members when his health or career is threatened by the actions of another member.

Gordon Taylor, chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association, which represents soccer players in England, denounced Liverpool’s Luis Suárez for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic during a match in April.

“It is very depressing and embarrassing that it should happen,” Taylor said at the time. “Players are role models and are highly rewarded. This sets such a bad example.”

In 1998, a Professional Footballers’ Association official called out a union member, Slaven Bilic of Croatia, for feigning a head injury that resulted in

France’s Laurent Blanc receiving a red card in a World Cup semifinal. The official denounced Bilic’s ruse as “sad,” saying, “There are a lot of impressionable youngsters watching, and we should be highlighting the positive aspects of the game.”

Blanc was not part of the league’s union, but the official spoke out in his defense nevertheless.

The N.H.L. Players’ Association does not publicly side with parties in on-ice incidents, nor has it voiced disapproval of its members for acting inappropriately in games.

But union officials say that the N.H.L.’s disciplinary procedures under the C.B.A. are not intended to condone or encourage on-ice misconduct. The union’s role, they say, is to ensure a fair and impartial disciplinary process, so that evenhanded and consistent league discipline will act as the most effective deterrent to bad play.

“Union members can harass or harm other members in any workplace,” said David Doorey, a law professor at York University in Toronto. “Unions are obviously concerned about the victims in these cases, but that concern must be balanced against their legal obligation to represent members who are disciplined. It’s an unhappy position for unions, no matter the workplace.”

Unions, Doorey says, try to police the disciplinary process, to hold employers to a consistent application of rules — especially when the workplace is a professional hockey rink.

“The N.H.L. has not consistently applied harsh disciplinary measures for violent hockey incidents,” he said. “Often, there’s no discipline at all. So the N.H.L.P.A. has proper grounds to question almost every disciplinary decision.”

Thornton said he was sorry for his actions against Orpik; Neal did not apologize but suggested he might have been in the wrong for not skating around Marchand.

But until players stop committing such actions, they will continue to put the N.H.L., and their union, in the embarrassing position of adjudicating and defending the appalling acts they commit.


729123 Ottawa Senators

The Senators this week / A look at Ottawa Senators games coming up over the next seven days.

by James Gordon

on December 8, 2013

The Senators this week

MONDAY VS FLYERS

Games against the Flyers haven’t been kind to the Senators. They were shut out 5-0 at home Nov. 12 and then lost 5-2 one week later in Philadelphia. This will be the Senators’ last chance to grab a win against the men in orange, as Monday’s game will wrap up the season series. It’s an important one, too. The Flyers are one of the many teams ahead in the Eastern Conference playoff race. A win in regulation would possibly allow Ottawa to leapfrog two teams, depending on how the Columbus Blue Jackets fare in Pittsburgh. The Flyers have benefitted from the resurgence of captain Claude Giroux, who faceplanted out of the gate but has rebounded to jump back into the team scoring lead (20 points). They need more, as they’re 29th in the league in goals per game.

7:30 p.m.

TV: RDS, SNET-E

Radio: TSN 1200 AM

TUESDAY AT SABRES

Meanwhile, the season series is just starting to heat up between the Senators and Sabres. After opening their campaigns against each other back on Oct. 4 (a 1-0 win for Ottawa) they’ll face off twice in three nights. This home-and-home couldn’t come at a better time for the Senators, who’ve improved their play of late but haven’t seen the results. If they continue to pepper the opposing net the way they have the past two weeks, they should be able to gather, at a minimum, three points in two games. The first contest takes place in Buffalo, where the Sabres are an atrocious 3-12-1. Not that their road record is much better (3-10-1). The Sabres are the only team in the NHL to average fewer goals for than the Flyers and their goals-against average is 3.03.

7 p.m.

TV: SNET-E

Radio: TSN 1200 AM

THURSDAY VS SABRES

Oh, hey, long time no see. Since Buffalo Sabres games are often unwatchable (the team is last in the NHL by a wide margin), many have been keeping an eye on goaltender Ryan Miller’s status instead. He’s been lit up, as expected, with a 3.05 GAA and a 5-16-0 record, but his save percentage is a respectable .917 on a team that gives up plenty of Grade A scoring chances. With Thomas Vanek already gone to the New York Islanders in a deal earlier this season, Miller is the highest-profile trade chip the tanking Sabres have left on the table. Whenever he does get moved, don’t expect an embarrassment of riches in return. The goalie market stinks, what with so many guys who can do an adequate job between the pipes and cap pressure across the league.

7:30 p.m.

TV: SNET-OTT

Radio: TSN 1200 AM

SATURDAY VS LOS ANGELES

The Senators will close out their second season series of the week Saturday afternoon at Canadian Tire Centre. In the first showdown between the teams on the West Coast, Jeff Carter scored 28 seconds into overtime to end what had been an impressive rally for the Senators. They were down 3-0 after one period before goals by Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Bobby Ryan and Milan Michalek drew them even. This will be a stern test against the third-place team in the NHL’s toughest division, the Pacific. The Kings are 19-7-4

this season, with a 9-3-2 record on the road. Anze Kopitar’s 25 points lead the way on offence while goalies Martin Jones, Ben Scrivens and Jonathan Quick have combined for the second-lowest goals-against average in the league.

2 p.m.

TV: SNET-E, TVA

Radio: TSN 1200 AM

Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 12.09.2013


Senators prediction panel: Game 31

by James Gordon

on December 8, 2013

Senators prediction panel: Game 31

The Ottawa Senators continue a home-heavy December with a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Which team will come out on top? Our prediction panel weighs in.

Philadelphia Flyers (13-14-2) at Ottawa Senators (11-14-5)

James Gordon (@SensReporter), Citizen Sports Editor

Senators 3, Flyers 2

You have to believe the Senators are better than their 4-8-3 home record indicates, right? Hello? Is this thing on?

Record: 18-12

Exact scored predicted: 3

Wayne Scanlan (@HockeyScanner), Citizen Hockey Columnist and defending panel champion


Your guess is as good as — no, better, than mine.

Record: 14-16

Exact scores predicted: 1

Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes), TSN 1200 The Drive host


The Flyers outscored the Sens 10-2 in their last two meetings — including a 5-0 whitewash in Ottawa. And yet I feel like the Sens will pull this game out because they showed some life on Saturday night.

Record: 17-13


Graeme Nichols (@6thSens), writer/editor, The 6th Sens blog and podcast


The last time these two teams met, the Flyers dominated the Senators from a possession standpoint — outshooting them 31 to 19 at five-on-five — so I’m going to wager that this trend will continue tonight.

Record: 15-15


Steve Lloyd (@TSNSteveLloyd), host, In the Box on TSN 1200


It’s been 30 games. To quote Paul Maclean from earlier in the season: “After 30 games, you are what you are.” The Sens are 8 points out of a playoff spot.

Record: 16-14


Peter Raaymakers (@silversevensens), writer/editor, Silver Seven Sens blog

Senators 2, whoever they’re playing 4

I’m not even going to look at the schedule because predicting a Sens loss seems like a no-brainer at this point.

Record: 12-18


Jeremy Milks (@BlackAcesOtt), writer/editor, Black Aces blog


The Flyers have been able to handle Ottawa easily so far this season with Steve Mason getting both wins in net. Those games weren’t even close. Expect a closer score but the same result.

Record: 15-15


Eric Doty (@BonksMullet), writer/editor, BonksMullet.com and founder of SensMOTB


I’d flip a coin, but I lost all my money betting on the Senators for the last 5 games.

Record: 15-15


Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 12.09.2013


Ottawa Senators playoff hopes dwindling

By Bruce Garrioch ,Ottawa Sun

First posted: Sunday, December 08, 2013 03:34 PM EST | Updated: Sunday, December 08, 2013 04:05 PM EST

It’s too early for golf jokes but quickly getting late for playoff hopes.

The Senators will play Game 31 of the season Monday against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Canadian Tire Centre and a look at the NHL standings reveals a harsh reality.

Coming off a 4-3 shootout loss to the Maple Leafs Saturday, the Senators trailed Toronto by eight points going into Sunday’s visit by the Bruins to the Air Canada Cente. Yes, there’s 50 games left, but the winning must start now.

“Game 30 is in the books, right now we are an inconsistent team with potential for growth,” said coach Paul MacLean Saturday. “The big goal we have starting Monday: We have to find a way to get better.”

The Senators haven’t been able to put together victories consistently. They are their own worst enemies. They came charging back from a two-goal deficit against the Leafs, but they’ve given up the first goal in 21 of 30 games. That doesn’t bode well.

“We’re inconsistent. That’s what it comes down to,” said winger Clarke MacArthur, one of the club’s best players. “It’s one of those things where whether it’s the youth or what on the team I don’t know.

“There’s games where we tighten up and know how to play with a lead and then there’s games where I feel like we’re always chasing. It seems like every game (the opposition) gets the first goal. The other team is playing their game, sitting back waiting for mistakes and we’re just pushing, pushing and pushing.”

MacArthur said the Senators have to realize there is a sense of urgency.

“It feels like we need to get down a goal to start playing with desperation,” said MacArthur. “It’s hard to describe that. I have no idea. To play with a lead is the best thing you can get. You get better chances offensively, teams get frustrated when you are up in the game.

“There’s been (21) games where we’ve been chasing. In some of the games, we’ve come back but it’s going to be tough to win games every night doing that. It can’t be done.”

MacLean pinpoints their inability to have the puck as the main reason for their inconsistency.

“I would say our execution with the puck has been the biggest issue for the team this year,” said MacLean before Saturday’s visit by the Leafs. “It has led us to playing our zone and led to the way that we play.”

So, how do you fix that?

“Practice, practice, practice, practice ... that’s the only way I know,” MacLean said.

The Senators had Sunday off so there was no practice. They had the puck plenty of times Saturday against the Leafs and couldn’t beat James Reimer consistently on 50 shots. Ottawa has outshot their opponent in the last six games.

“We’re getting shots through,” said defenceman Erik Karlsson. “Now we’ve just got to find a way to be in front of the net a little bit more and be a little bit hungrier around the opponent’s net. Bank a few in, get a few tips and create some screens a little bit more.”

The Senators know they have to get their act together to get this turned around. The game against the Flyers kicks off a stretch of three in four nights ... again.

“We have three games coming up and we have to start making up some ground,” said captain Jason Spezza. “We know we’re chasing (the Leafs) and a whole group of teams.

“We talked about (the fact the third period vs. the Leafs) was our most important period of the season. I thought we responded well to that. We knew the urgency. We’re not getting the results we want but I think our effort in the last six games has been our best six-game block of the season. We’d like to think first comes the process and then comes the results. We’ve gone through the process and we’re getting better.

“We can’t hang our heads. We have to build. We’ve got a lot of hockey coming up.”

[email protected]

Twitter: @sungarrioch

A LONGSHOT AT BEST?

The website Sportsclubstats.com rates the chances of NHL teams of making the playoffs. Here is where the Senators stood Sunday.

Ottawa 13.9%

Winnipeg 8%

Nashville 2%

Calgary 1.2%

Florida 0.7%

Islanders 0.4%

Edmonton 0.1%

Buffalo 0

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 12.09.2013


Ottawa Senators firing blanks in shootouts

By Bruce Garrioch,Ottawa Sun


The Senators continue to fire blanks in the shootout.

Coming off a 4-3 loss in the skills competition to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, the Senators are winless in four shootouts this season, are 0-for-10 in attempts and are losing valuable points in the playoff race because of their inability to score.

Often teams are seen laughing on the bench during shootouts but the club’s success rate is no joke. The Senators are ranked No. 27 in the league in lifetime shootout wins.

Captain Jason Spezza and winger Milan Michalek are each 0-for-4 this season while winger Bobby Ryan is 0-for-2. To make matters worse, in the eight shots against the club only two were stopped — both from Robin Lehner. Craig Anderson is 0-for-4 in stopping shooters.

“We need to do a better job in shootouts. There’s no question,” said Spezza, who is 18-for-48 in his career.

After the latest attempt failed, coach Paul MacLean was asked if it might be time to change the shooters.

“I could do that, yeah, I’m open to suggestions,” said MacLean. “In my experience the guys that have been there the most are the guys that end up having the most success. That’s the reason we go with the people we go with but, as you say, maybe it might be time.”

The obvious choice would be winger Clarke MacArthur. The bad news: He is 0-or-11 in his career. Next.

TURNING BACK THE CLOCK!

The Flyers were up early Sunday to practice at 8:30 a.m at the Canadian Tire Centre. No it wasn’t punishment, they didn’t have any option. With the 67’s hosting Barrie at 2 p.m., the Flyers had to be in and out of the rink if they wanted to skate at all so they took the ice they could get. As Philadelphia finished up, a group of toddlers were carrying their bags down the hall because they were up next. “The bus left the hotel at 7:30 a.m. The 6:50 a.m. wakeup call was a little tough,” said Flyers’ winger Scott Hartnell. “The last time was probably when I was 13-or-14 years-old. Everybody was a little bit grumpy when we got up. It’ll be a good day. A little breakfast and a (afternoon) nap.” Nobody in the Philly room could remember having a practice that early and many felt they were back in their minor hockey days. “It was the only time we could get the ice but we didn’t get in too late (Saturday following a 5-1 loss in Dallas),” said coach Craig Berube. “I’m used to it because I’m up early and get to the rink but the players aren’t used to it. They were good about it. I thought the energy and intensity was good.” Berube said he couldn’t remember the last time “in the pros that we were on the ice that early. It doesn’t happen very often.”

THIS N’ THAT

The Senators weren’t thrilled with the officiating in Saturday’s loss to the Leafs. Especially frustrating for Spezza was his goal called back with 1.3 seconds left in the first when the officials lost sight of the puck. “I see the puck. He blows his whistle. I hear him blow his whistle. I don’t know why but maybe from his vantage point it’s covered. I see puck. What do you do at that point? You yell and you scream and you get a penalty for it so,” said Spezza ... The Flyers will be without C Vinny Lecavalier. He has missed four straight games with back spasms and flew home from Ottawa Sunday. “He’s been very good player for a long time and we definitely miss his presence out there,” said Berube. “Hopefully he goes back (to Philly) and things are better than we hope.” The Flyers head to Chicago to close out this trip but Lecavalier isn’t expected to play there either ... MacLean has been pleased with the way Mika Zibanejad has stepped up. “The steps he has taken in the last 10 games (have) been noticeable, but at the same time we want to be tempering it and continue to work with him,” said MacLean. “He’s still a support player on our team but he’s providing some pretty good support.” ... The Flyers will be without C Vinny Lecavalier. He

has missed four straight games with back spasms and flew home from Ottawa Sunday and GM Paul Holmgren confirmed late Sunday he'll be out 3 to 4 weeks with a non-displaced fracture in his back. “He’s been a very good player for a long time and we definitely miss his presence out there,” said Berube. The Flyers head to Chicago to close out this trip but Lecavalier isn’t expected to play there either.

THE LAST WORD

The Flyers have outscored the Senators 10-2 in the first two games they’ve played this season but Philly isn’t taking anything for granted. “We’re going to get their best game. It’s a dogfight here. They know that and they are in one as well. It’s going to be a tough game,” said Berube.

OFF THE MARK

Career records of Ottawa shooters

ATT/GF

Jason Spezza 48 18

Bobby Ryan 26 7

Milan Michalek 23 6

Kyle Turris 15 5

Mika Zibanejad 2-1

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 12.09.2013

729127 Philadelphia Flyers

Lecavalier out 3-4 weeks

Frank Seravalli

Posted: Sunday, December 8, 2013, 5:34 PM

Vinny Lecavalier underwent an x-ray in Dallas, and the Flyers didn’t like what the Images showed.

So, they shipped Lecavalier back to Philadelphia yesterday to undergo an MRI and have the results read by a team physician. They were equally discouraging.

Lecavalier will miss at least the next three to four weeks with a non-displaced fracture in his lower-back, according to Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren. The injury was suffered late in the third period against Nashville on Nov. 30.

It apparently did not affect Lecavalier in the shootout, as he scored the Flyers’ only goal to help deliver an extra point with the assistance of Steve Mason.

Lecavalier has missed the last three games with what the Flyers originally labeled as back spasms.

He will require rest, Holmgren said, before the Flyers can pursue a more aggressive treatment plan. The earliest Lecavalier could return is Dec. 30 in Vancouver, barring a breakthrough in health.

A non-displaced fracture is one that the bone cracks either part or all the way through, but does not move and maintains proper alignment.

Lecavalier, 33, has missed 7 games this season for the Flyers. He has not played a full season since 2009-10 with the Lightning. The Flyers are 2-5-0 without Lecavalier - who is tied for the team lead in goals (9) - this season.

For the meantime, Holmgren said the Flyers will try to make due with their current roster as assembled.

“I’d say we’re probably going to get by as is,” Holmgren said. “He does play a big role on our team. It’s hard to replace a guy like that. You’ve just got to hope that other guys pick it up. There’s opportunities for other players to perform now that maybe wouldn’t gotten as many minutes with Vinny in the lineup. You’ve got to look for other guys to step up.”

The Flyers will re-call a forward from AHL Adirondack in time for Monday’s game in Ottawa to serve as an extra body on the road trip. That player was not yet announced.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 12.09.2013


Flyers will be on HBO's 24/7

Frank Seravalli

Posted: Sunday, December 8, 2013, 11:03 AM

You can watch the Flyers again on HBO’s “24/7 Road to the Winter Classic” series when it premieres on Dec. 14.

No, the Flyers aren’t starring in the series again, but their furious third period comeback in Detroit on Wednesday will be featured in the first episode.

The Red Wings face-off against Toronto on Jan. 1 in front of 100,000-plus people at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich.

It would have been fascinating to see Flyers coach Craig Berube, who shoots from the lip, instead of a snarky Mike Babcock. The cameras began rolling last week for the Wings and Maple Leafs, something both teams are still getting used to.

“There’s a quiet time before the game and you’re getting yourself ready and there’s a guy in front of you while you’re tying your skates,” Wings forward Stephen Weiss said. “That’s kind of different. You’re not used to that during the course of a season.”The Red Wings already seem to sense different personalities are coming out of the woodwork once the cameras are in the locker room. That’s something the Flyers’ players who were here in 2012 will attest to: not everyone acts normally.

It was such a valuable glimpse into the Flyers in 2012. The Emmy Award-winning series is what taught us about "Knock, Knock," and gave us a chance to see and hear Peter Laviolette's emotional pre-game speeches. Who can forget his run-in with Steve Ott during the intermission in Dallas? Or Ilya Bryzgalov's now infamous rants?

“The previous productions have been real cool to watch,” Detroit’s Jonathan Ericsson said. “It’s going to be an adjustment for sure. As soon as there are cameras in the locker room, everyone gets real quiet and they aren’t themselves anymore. It’ll take a few days before everyone adjusts and feels comfortable in front of the cameras. But we have no fun. Hopefully it will be fun.”

It probably wasn’t too fun for the Red Wings on Wednesday night. We’ll be watching to see what Babcock said after that game.



Flyers' Lecavalier out 3 to 4 more weeks

Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: Sunday, December 8, 2013, 10:46 AM

UPDATE: Lecavalier will miss three to four more weeks with a non-dsiplaced fracture in his lower back.

Flyers center Vinny Lecavalier returned to Philadelphia on Sunday morning for medical evaluation on his aching back.

The Flyers' season may hinge on the results.

Lecavalier is THAT important to the team.

In a statement, the Flyers said Lecavalier returned to Philadelphia "for further evaluation by our medical staff." He is not expected to join the team in Chicago, where the Flyers will end their six-game road trip Wednesday.

"I doubt we'll see him on this trip," coach Craig Berube told reporters after Sunday's practice in Ottawa.

The veteran center may have an MRI on the back, and he will not be with the team for Monday's game in Ottawa.

Lecavalier, 33, has missed the last three games, and has missed seven contests this season. He is tied with Matt Read for the team lead with nine goals.

The Flyers are 2-5 without Lecavalier in the lineup.

Lecavalier skated in Dallas Saturday morning but was not himself, assistant GM Ron Hextall said.

The Flyers are 2-2 on their six-game, 13-day road trip, including Saturday's 5-1 loss in Dallas.



Lecavalier out 3-4 weeks with back injury


Posted: Monday, December 9, 2013, 3:01 AM

Flyers center Vinny Lecavalier, the team's marquee free-agent signing in the offseason, has a non-displaced fracture in his lower back and will miss three to four more weeks, general manager Paul Holmgren announced after the veteran center returned to Philadelphia and had an MRI performed Sunday.

Lecavalier, 33, has already missed seven games this season for facial, groin/hip and back injuries; he has missed the last three games because of back spasms.

Holmgren said Lecavalier needs to rest the back for a few days and that the team would treat it "aggressively with rehab" when the time is right.

The Flyers, who play Monday in Ottawa, are 2-5 without Lecavalier, who could miss 13 more games.

That means he may miss a total of 20 games, or about a quarter of the Flyers' season.

The next month, then, figures to be a huge character test for the Flyers to stay close in the Eastern Conference playoff race until Lecavalier returns. Holmgren said he expects others to "step up" in Lecavalier's absence.

The Flyers will not recall a player from the AHL Phantoms until late this week, and Tye McGinn is a leading candidate. Holmgren said the Flyers will not pursue a trade.

At least that's his stance for now.

Despite missing seven games, Lecavalier is tied with Matt Read for the team lead with nine goals.

Without Lecavalier, Michael Raffl, who has no goals in 17 games, has moved from the second to fourth line.

Lecavalier skated in Dallas on Saturday morning but was not himself, assistant general manager Ron Hextall said. "I don't believe it aggravated it, but it didn't help," Holmgren said.

The Flyers are 2-2 on their six-game, 13-day road trip, including Saturday's 5-1 loss in Dallas.

The Flyers scored a 5-0 win in Ottawa on Nov. 12, a game in which Steve Mason registered his first shutout with the team; they are 2-0 against the Senators and have outscored them, 10-2.

Ottawa is 11-14-5 and just 4-8-3 at home.

"We obviously can't take them lightly, even though we beat them a couple games," Schenn said. "We know they're going to come out hard."

Schenn (seven straight games), Jake Voracek (12 straight), and Wayne Simmonds (six straight) are in goal-scoring droughts.

The Flyers (13-14-2) have lost three games when they have had a chance to get over .500, including Saturday's defeat in Dallas.

"It's a work in progress. We need to be a more consistent hockey team," coach Craig Berube said. "We need the guys to understand that . . . you can't take nights off."

Breakaways. Berube said he expects defenseman Kimmo Timonen to be able to play Monday; he left Saturday's game with an unspecified injury in the second period. . . . Surprisingly, Zac Rinaldo did not have an NHL hearing for his attack on Dallas' Antoine Roussel on Saturday; the Flyers winger was given 27 penalty minutes, including a game misconduct. . . . Because a junior team had ice time scheduled, Sunday's practice was held at 8:30 a.m. "It was early, but I thought the energy was good, the intensity was good. It was a good sign," Berube said. . . . Bobby Ryan (Cherry Hill) leads Ottawa with 14 goals.



Lecavalier out 3 to 4 weeks

FRANK SERAVALLI,

Posted: Monday, December 9, 2013, 3:01 AM

WHEN Paul Holmgren sent Vinny Lecavalier back to Philadelphia on Saturday in the middle of the Flyers' road trip, he did so knowing that the news from team doctors might not be positive.

An X-ray in Dallas revealed a questionable spot on Lecavalier's back.

Yet, Holmgren and the Flyers crossed their fingers that Lecavalier may be able to rejoin the team for Wednesday's game in Chicago. They were hoping against hope.

A follow-up MRI revealed Lecavalier will miss at least the next 3 to 4 weeks with a nondisplaced fracture in his lower back, Holmgren announced yesterday. Lecavalier suffered the injury late in the third period against Nashville on Nov. 30.

"He couldn't do much for 6 days," said Holmgren, whose team is at Ottawa tonight (7:30, TCN, WMMR, 93.3-FM). "He skated in Dallas [on Saturday] and I don't believe that aggravated it, but I don't think it helped. We'll take it a bit slower now that we know what we're dealing with. When Vinny starts feeling a little better, we'll get a little more aggressive with his rehab."

According to health encyclopedias, a nondisplaced fracture is one where the bone cracks either all or part of the way through but does not move and maintains alignment.

Three weeks from yesterday would mean Lecavalier's earliest possible date of return would be Dec. 30 in Vancouver. He missed the last three games on this season-long trip with what the Flyers originally labeled as back spasms.

If Lecavalier is out for the full 4 weeks, he will have missed 16 games - nearly a quarter of the season and the real meat of the Flyers' schedule - due to the injury. Lecavalier has already missed a total of seven games this season: three games in October with a lower-body injury, one game in November with a facial injury, and now this back injury.

Lecavalier, 33, said in Minnesota this week that he had never experienced back problems before this injury. He has not played a full NHL season since 2009-10.

The Flyers are 2-5-0 without Lecavalier, who is tied for the team lead in goals (nine).

Holmgren said the Flyers will recall a forward today from AHL Adirondack to have an extra body on the road trip, but the lineup is expected to remain the same with Michael Raffl and Jay Rosehill. In Lecavalier's absence, Raffl has climbed to join Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn on a line.

The Flyers' 29th-ranked offense - averaging 2.17 goals per game - will surely miss Lecavalier. But Holmgren said he does not expect to pursue any trade possibilities for the time being.

"I'd say we're probably going to get by as is," Holmgren said. "He does play a big role on our team. It's hard to replace a guy like that. There's opportunities for other players to perform now that maybe wouldn't have gotten as many minutes with Vinny in the lineup. You've just got to hope that other guys pick it up."

Early wake-up

The Flyers landed in Ottawa just before 9 o'clock on Saturday night, but that didn't leave much time for anything other than a quick meal and bed. That's because they practiced yesterday morning at 8:30, since the Ottawa 67's OHL junior team needed to occupy Canadian Tire Centre for an afternoon game.

"It's been a long, long time since I was up to practice this early," Matt Read said.

It was just one more quirk on this 13-day trip. The Flyers didn't practice Thursday in Dallas, had their practice canceled Friday and didn't have a morning skate before Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Stars.

"It was a little bit early for the boys," coach Craig Berube said. "But we didn't get in too late. I'm used to it, because I get up and get to the rink. They've been really good about this whole trip, some different things that have gone on. It was early, but I thought the energy was good, the practice was good, it was a good sign."

Slap shots

Claude Giroux has five points in his last five games against Ottawa, his summer hometown . . . The Flyers have outscored Ottawa, 10-2, in their two wins against the Senators this season . . . Ottawa is coming off an overtime loss to the Maple Leafs . . . The Flyers have a chance to not only claw back to .500 tonight but also ensure they earn a split (they are 2-2-0) on their six-game trip before Wednesday's finale against the defending Stanley Cup champions in Chicago.



Character test for Lecavalier-less Flyers


Posted: Sunday, December 8, 2013, 9:11 PM

The Flyers entered Sunday three points out of a playoff spot, but with the unsightly prospect of not having center Vinny Lecavalier for the next four weeks.

Lecavalier, whose nine goals are tied for the Flyers’ lead, has a non-displaced fracture of his lower back and could miss the next 13 games.

This four-week stretch could define the Flyers’ season.

They are just 2-5 in games Lecavalier has missed, and if that trend continues, they may find themselves buried in the standings by the time their gifted 33-year-old center returns.

It’s time for the underachieving forwards _ guys like Claude Giroux, Scott Hartnell, Jake Voracek and Wayne Simmonds _ to step up. Time for the team, which has recovered nicely from a 1-7 start, to show some character.

If not, the Flyers will be looking at their second straight playoff-less season.

GM Paul Holmgren said there’s no urgency to try to acquire a forward _ at least that’s his public stance _ but if the above players don’t start producing, he has to do SOMETHING before it’s too late.

The Flyers, 2-2 on their six-game road trip, play in Ottawa on Monday night; they desperately need a win because they figure to be overmatched in the finale of their journey, a game Wednesday in Chicago.



STARS 5, FLYERS 1 Seguin has 3-goal second, Stars beat Flyers 5-1

Posted: Sunday, December 8, 2013 7:45 am | Updated: 8:20 am, Sun Dec 8, 2013.

Associated Press

DALLAS — Tyler Seguin scored three goals and assisted on a fourth in the second period Saturday, leading the Dallas Stars to a 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.

The game was tied 1-all until Seguin came in on a 2-on-1 rush with Jamie Benn at :39 seconds of the second period. The Stars then scored three times in a span of 1:02 to break the game open.

Seguin took a backhand pass from Alex Goligoski to score from the slot at 17:03, and completed his natural hat trick 40 seconds later. He assisted on Valeri Nichushkin’s goal at 18:05.

Seguin leads the Stars with 15 goals. The hat trick was his second this season and third in his 4-year career.

He was in his second game back after missing two because of concussion-like symptoms.

Dan Ellis made 27 saves to even his record at 3-3, including two victories in a row. He had not allowed fewer than three goals in a complete game this season.

The Stars improved to 14-9-5; Philadelphia dropped to 13-14-2 and 2-2 during a six-game road trip.

The Flyers played most of the game down a skater after center Zac Rinaldo drew a game misconduct penalty at 1:15 of the first period.

Dallas also was a skater short after center Vernon Fiddler sustained an upper-body injury in the second period.

Rinaldo pounced on Stars left wing Antoine Roussel as he slid past the net, and received 27 minutes in penalties — a 2-minute instigator minor, a 5-minute major for fighting, a 10-minute misconduct for being the aggressor and the 10-minute game misconduct. Roussel was not penalized.

The minor and the major gave Dallas 7 power-play minutes. The Stars had several chances against goalie Steve Mason during that time, but couldn’t score.

Philadelphia broke through at 18:51 when Andrej Meszaros scored his first goal as Stars defenders scrambled to try to protect goalie Dan Ellis.

Neither the Stars (0 for 3) nor Philadelphia (0 for 1) scored on their first-period power plays. Mason dived on top of Ray Whitney’s shot from the right circle with barely 2 minutes to play in the period.

Ray Emery replaced Mason in goal to begin the third period.

NOTES

The teams hadn’t met in nearly two years, since Philadelphia’s 4-1 victory at Dallas Dec. 21, 2011. ... On their eventful trip, the Flyers endured a bumpy flight into Dallas-Fort Worth Thursday. On Friday, they didn’t practice because an ice storm knocked out the power at a rink in Farmers Branch, Texas. ... Flyers forward Vincent Lecavalier missed his third consecutive game because of back spasms. ... Entering the game, the Stars were 1-2-4 in their previous seven home games. They had lost their last six games against Philadelphia dating back to 2008-09.

Burlington County Times LOADED: 12.09.2013


Lecavalier to miss a month due to back fracture

Posted: Sunday, December 8, 2013 5:57 pm

Wayne Fish

Vinny Lecavalier will miss approximately a month of action due to a “non-displaced’’ fracture in his lower back, Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren announced on Sunday afternoon.

Lecavalier suffered the injury in a Nov. 30 game at Nashville with what was originally diagnosed as back spasms.

On Saturday, Lecavalier tried to skate in Dallas but began to feel discomfort later in the day.

“As the day went on it tightened up a little bit,’’ Holmgren said during an afternoon conference call. “We found something on the X-ray that didn’t look right.

“So we got him to Philadelphia this morning to get an MRI.’’

The MRI showed the fracture. Lecavalier will rest for a few days and then begin an aggressive rehab program. No surgery is necessary.

“We’ll try to get some of the discomfort out,’’ Holmgren said, “and go from there.

“We’re probably looking at three to four more weeks. He’s been out for a week now. He skated in Dallas. I don’t think that aggravated it but it didn’t help. We’ll take it a little slower now that we know what we’re dealing with.’’

Lecavalier’s nine goals are tied for the team lead. His absence leaves a big hole on the second line of Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds. Michael Raffl has been filling in and Holmgren says he has no plans to acquire a player via trade to compensate for Lecavalier’s absence.

“I think we’re probably going to try to get by as is,’’ Holmgren said. “Vinny plays a big role on our team and it’s hard to replace a guy like that. You just have to hope that other guys pick up. . .there are opportunities to perform. You look for other guys to step up.’’

Someone is likely to be promoted from Adirondack as a 13th forward for Monday night’s game at Ottawa.

Flyers tonight

What: Flyers at Ottawa Senators.

When: 7:35.

Where: Scotiabank Place.

TV/Radio: TCN/93.3-FM.

Season series: Flyers lead, 2-0.

What to watch: Goalie Steve Mason gave up four goals in Saturday’s 5-1 loss at Dallas, the first time this season he’s given up more than three goals in a game. . .The Flyers have dominated the Senators this season, outscoring them 10-2 in their two victories. . .No significant injuries on Ottawa to report.

Burlington County Times LOADED: 12.09.2013


Flyers lose Lecavalier with fracture in back

By Rob Parent, Delaware County Daily Times

Posted: 12/08/13, 9:07 PM EST |

An unplanned MRI Sunday has resulted in a long, unplanned vacation for Vinny Lecavalier.

The Flyers’ star second-line center is said to be out for at least 3 to 4 weeks with what the MRI revealed to be a non-displaced fracture in the lower back, according to club general manager Paul Holmgren.

Holmgren said the Flyers would call a forward up from the AHL’s Phantoms in time for Monday night’s game in Ottawa. Meanwhile, Lecavalier had missed three consecutive games of this extended road trip with back pain that cropped up near the end of a shootout victory in Nashville Nov. 30. It was Lecavalier’s shootout goal that provided the Flyers with the winning margin that night, though he appeared somewhat slow and deliberate in doing so.

But Holmgren didn’t think that had anything to do with the back injury Lecavalier had apparently just suffered.

“I’ve seen Vinny use that move in shootouts before,” he said. “He’s used that same move. ... In fact, against us.”

But after missing the next two games, Lecavalier tried to skate in Dallas Saturday and didn’t fare well. He was subsequently sent for pictures there.

“We found something on the X-ray that didn’t look great,” Holmgren said Sunday. So Lecavalier flew back to snowy Philadelphia so that the Flyers could, “get him in our own doctors’ hands and look at an MRI,” Holmgren said.

That would reveal the fracture.

“I don’t believe that aggravated it, but obviously it didn’t help,” Holmgren said of Lecavalier’s skating session in Big D. “We’ll take it a little slower now that we know what we’re dealing with, and as soon as Vinny starts feeling a little bit better we’ll get more aggressive with his rehab.”

For now, however, “he’s probably going to rest for a few days and try to get some discomfort out and go from there,” Holmgren said.

“He does play a big role in our team,” Holmgren added. “So it’s hard to go out and replace a guy like that. You just have to hope other guys pick it up. There are opportunities for other players to perform now, too, who maybe don’t get as many minutes as Vinny got in the lineup. You have to look for other guys to step up.”

NOTES: Coming off a 5-1 loss in Dallas Saturday, the Flyers flew right into Ottawa in time to get some quick rest in anticipation of an 8:30 a.m. practice Sunday morning. But coach Craig Berube said that had to do with a junior team needing the ice later in the morning as opposed to any kind of disciplinary measure. “I can’t remember the last time in the pros we were on the ice that early,” Berube said. He added that the club had a sharp practice at that early hour. ... The Flyers have outscored Ottawa 10-2 in two victories over the Senators this season, which means nothing according to Matt Read. “You don’t dwell in the past,” he said. “Every night is a different night.”

Delaware County Times LOADED: 12.09.2013


Postgame Plus: Lack of consistency hurt Flyers

Staff


The Flyers’ 5-1 loss Saturday to the Stars (see story)had a chance to be weird, between the Flyers not being able to skate since Wednesday and a drastic Dallas ice storm.

But that’s not how the game started for them. Despite killing nine minutes of Stars power-play time, they ended the first period with a 1-0 lead, courtesy of a late Andrej Meszaros goal.

“They get out of that bizarre first period,” Flyers analyst Bill Clement said on Post Game Live on Comcast SportsNet. “All is great, right?”

All was not great, as Tyler Seguin scored 39 seconds into the second period en route to a natural hat trick. He and Valeri Nichushkin finished with four points, and combined for three goals in the span of 1:02 late in the second stanza.

“The Flyers went completely soft for 62 seconds against one of the top offensive trios in the NHL -- Seguin, [Jamie] Benn and Nichushkin,” Clement said. “They get three goals, and the Flyers end up losing this game 5-1.”

After the second period, Steve Mason was pulled -- his first pull since Nov. 1. He finished with 22 saves on 26 shots, earning his ninth loss of the season.

“What the box score doesn’t show in this one is Steve Mason, for the 40 minutes he played, was nothing short of brilliant,” Clement said. “Without Steve Mason, the score probably would have been more lopsided.”

Clement chalks the Flyers’ performance up to a lack of consistency. Sure, not skating for two whole days won’t help a team, but that’s still difficult to measure. It’s tough to win without consistent play, especially with an easy-to-overlook opponent in Ottawa upcoming.

“There’s no way of telling just how much the Wednesday to Saturday without skating affected the Flyers -- we will never know that,” Clement said. “One thing is a certainty -- the Flyers absolutely lacked consistency, and you have to have that in Ottawa if you want to win.”



Lecavalier leaves trip for evaluation on back

December 8, 2013, 9:45 am

Updated: 10:35 a.m.

Tim Panaccio

DALLAS -- Flyers center Vinny Lecavalier was sent back to Philadelphia on Sunday for further medical evaluation regarding his back.

Which means his back spasms could be something worse. Lecavalier has missed three games on this road trip and will miss his fourth game Monday in Ottawa.

Lecavalier is tied for the team lead in goals (nine) with Matt Read and has 14 points this season.

General manager Paul Holmgren released the following statement:

"Vinny Lecavalier skated yesterday (Dec. 7) in Dallas. It is the team's decision this morning for Lecavalier to return to Philadelphia for further evaluation by our medical staff. It is undecided if he will join the team in Chicago."

In other injury news, defenseman Kimmo Timonen suffered an upper-body injury against the Dallas Stars on Saturday. Timonen, who did not play in the third period, is listed as day to day (see story).



Is extension headed Mason's way? Looks like it

December 8, 2013, 10:00 am

Tim Panaccio

DALLAS -- Which is more likely: Steve Mason gets a contract offer from the Flyers in January or Steve Mason gets a look from Team Canada for the Sochi Olympics?

Right now, it would appear to be the former.

General manager Paul Holmgren wants to get a deal done. Under the one-year contract Mason signed last summer, he can’t accept an extension until Jan. 1 because of the CBA rules.

“Don’t want to get into that at this time,” Holmgren said this week when we asked him about opening talks with Mason’s agent, Anton Thun, next month.

This much is clear: Mason is going to get rewarded for his outstanding play. He is unequivocally, the Flyers’ MVP this season.

Forget about Saturday’s blowout loss in Dallas. That was an aberration and not a reflection on him.

Thun met with Mason this week when the Flyers were in Detroit.

“Steve made it clear he wants to stay in Philadelphia,” Thun said. “I’ve seen him play. He let in three goals in Detroit, but he shut things down when he needed to. He gave Philly an opportunity to win and that is what your goalie is supposed to do.”

That is precisely what every good goalie should do and it’s exactly what Mason has done since coming to the Flyers from Columbus for Michael Leighton last April.

Mason is earning $1.5 million now. He figures to hit no less than $4 million because any long-term deal he signs will require him to forfeit unrestricted free agency which would occur after next season.

“He’s under contract and the Flyers have the right to qualify him come end of June,” Thun said. “If they qualify him, he has one year before unrestricted free agency. We could go to arbitration.

“Assuming he continues to play well an arbitrator could award him a pretty big number compared to where he is right now.”

Thun doesn’t expect that to happen. Now does he expect his client will become a UFA a year from July?

At the same time, given how the Flyers torched themselves with the absurd nine-year, $51 million contract, rest assured, Thun knows the term here will be about half of what Bryz had.

Thun equates his client to Montreal’s Carey Price, who also happens to be in the Team Canada Olympic picture.

“I think Price is a very good comparable,” Thun said.

Mason won’t get a six-year, $39 million offer like Price, but he is pretty much assured of making at least $4 million a season.

Their numbers are close: Price has a 2.00 goals-against average with a .937 save percentage; Mason has a 2.14 GAA and .932 save percentage.

The Flyers signed Mason for less than his previous deal ($3.1 million) in Columbus because he was on a down cycle with a bad club. Mason needed a fresh start and the Flyers offered him that.

Since arriving, Mason’s numbers don’t appear to be a mirage. They’re real.

“He hasn’t changed as an athlete,” Thun said. “The change is within himself. He believes in himself again and he has a goaltending coach [Jeff Reese, a former Thun client], who believes in him. He plays with confidence now.”

And while Mason’s reward may not be a trip to Sochi, it will be a contract he can live with in Philadelphia.



Lecavalier to miss 3-4 weeks with back injury


Staff

DALLAS — Vinny Lecavalier has a non-displaced fracture in his back and will miss three to four weeks, according to Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren.

He needs rest, Holmgren said.

“It was coming along yesterday when he skated and as the day went on, it tightened up a little bit,” Holmgren said Sunday night. “He had an X-ray in Dallas and it didn’t look great, flew back to Philadelphia this morning and had an MRI.”

The MRI found the non-displaced fracture in his lower back. Holmgren said Lecavalier was experiencing discomfort. He said skating likely aggravated the injury.

The Flyers' center, who is tied with Matt Read for the club lead with nine goals, had been treated for what was suspected to be back spasms. The Flyers sent Lecavalier back to Philadelphia this weekend for further medical evaluation when it became apparent on the X-ray this wasn’t back spasms.

Lecavalier’s loss is huge given that the Flyers have lost ground in the standings during his absence. They went into Sunday night’s NHL games three points out of a playoff spot.

His injury occurred late in the third period of the Flyers' game in Nashville — the first game of this road trip on Nov. 30. He missed the Flyers' next three games on this 12-day, six-game road trip and will obviously miss the remaining two games in Ottawa and Chicago.

Holmgren was uncertain who might be called up from the Phantoms.

During Lecavalier’s absence, Brayden Schenn has been playing center between Michael Raffl and Wayne Simmonds. Rather than looking to make a deal for another center, Holmgren said this will present “opportunities” for others on the Flyers' roster.

“We gotta look for other guys to step up,” he said.


729140 Phoenix Coyotes

Schedule offers Phoenix Coyotes chance to toughen up

By Sarah McLellan azcentral sports Sun Dec 8, 2013 8:22 PM

Give the Coyotes another week or two, and they might not remember where they play home games.

Six of their upcoming nine games are on the road, which has produced a mixed bag of results this season.

“We have to get better on the road,” winger David Moss said. “If your road record is solid, I think those good road teams are the teams that make the playoffs. We’ve been pretty good at home so far this year. If we could establish our game a little more on the road this year, I think we’ll be fine.”

After going 1-1-1 during a tour of western Canada last week, the Coyotes are back in the Valley, but only for a brief stay. They conclude their current four-game road trip Tuesday in Colorado against the Avalanche.

“It was only three games, but it was a long trip it seemed like,” winger Radim Vrbata said. “So it’s good to be home for a couple days, kind of refocus, get some rest and have a good practice (Monday) and go on the road and get back at it.”

The Coyotes are 7-6-3 away from Jobing.com Arena, but there were positive takeaways from their recent road stretch.

Their offense cruised against the Edmonton Oilers, won the shot battle in Calgary despite losing to the Flames and then overcame a two-goal deficit in the third period to snag a point against the Vancouver Canucks.

“Three out of six points on the road is not bad,” center Antoine Vermette said. “But with the position we were (in), you kinda hope you’d get more. But we’ll deal with it and prepare for the next game.”

Giving back

The Coyotes used their off-day Sunday to visit with patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Players went room to room to hand out blankets and autographed cards and then congregated in The Child Life Zone, a playroom where they played air hockey, pinball and video games.

“It’s just fun to come here and see the kids,” Moss said. “Nobody wants to be in the hospital. It’s fun to come and brighten up their day a little bit and see them smile and make them laugh, just kind of take their mind off why they’re here.”

Still shorthanded

Defenseman Derek Morris hasn’t rejoined the team after leaving Friday to attend to a family matter. Captain Shane Doan sat out Friday’s game in Vancouver with an illness. Defenseman David Schlemko also is under the weather.

All three were absent from Sunday’s event.

Meanwhile, defenseman Zbynek Michalek (lower-body injury) missed his ninth straight game Friday. It was also the eighth consecutive game without winger Lauri Korpikoski (upper-body injury).

“Right now we have no choice but to play without those guys,” Moss said, “and when they get back, certainly they’re going to give our team a boost.”

Up next

Coyotes at Avalanche

When: Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Where: Pepsi Center, Denver.

TV/radio: Channel 3/KMVP-AM (860).

Arizona Republic LOADED: 12.09.2013

729141 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins' Orpik out, Neal to have phone hearing

Rob Rossi

Updated 21 minutes ago

The battered Penguins will be without two more key players Monday night.

Defenseman Brooks Orpik (concussion) will not play against Columbus at Consol Energy Center. The Penguins also expect that right winger James Neal will receive a multiple-game suspension after a phone hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety before the game.

Neal's suspension will be no more than five games. Otherwise, his hearing would have been in person with Player Safety vice president Brenden Shanahan.

Neal kneed Boston winger Brad Marchand in the head during a loss Saturday night at TD Garden.

A few seconds after that first-period incident, Orpik was taken to the ice from behind by Bruins winger Shawn Thornton, who then punched Orpik several times.

Thornton received a match penalty. His in-person hearing with Player Safety had not been scheduled as of Sunday afternoon.

Orpik, who was knocked out by Thornton and briefly hospitalized, was alert while resting at his home Sunday. He will need to pass a baseline cognitive test for return-to-play clearance as part of NHL concussion protocol.

The Penguins did not practice Sunday, and team officials were not available for comment. An update on Orpik is expected to be provided Monday.

The Penguins already were down two top-four defensemen in Rob Scuderi (ankle) and Paul Martin (foot). Also, center Evgeni Malkin, the NHL's second-leading scorer, has missed the past two games and did not accompany the Penguins to Boston.

Coach Dan Bylsma's squad is entering a third consecutive week with a 23-man roster that includes at least five AHL regulars.

Tribune Review LOADED: 12.09.2013


Penguins players are not out looking for fights

By Josh Yohe

Updated 6 hours ago

Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik doesn't care about “the code.”

Orpik, through no fault of his own, found himself in a Boston hospital on Saturday because of his beliefs.

The Boston Bruins targeted Orpik early and often following a hit to forward Loui Eriksson in the opening minute, clearly believing that Orpik owed them a fight because of his hit.

Orpik's hit, which saw his right shoulder plant Eriksson in the chest, was deemed legal. Still, the Bruins — notably enforcer Shawn Thornton — challenged Orpik to fisticuffs on numerous occasions, apparently because Orpik chose to aggressively hit one of the Bruins marquee players.

Boston coach Claude Julien said on Sunday night that he “disagrees” with Penguins coach Dan Bylsma's assessment that the hit was legal. No penalty was called on the play.

The Penguins don't believe fighting is always a sign of toughness, nor do they think Orpik should have felt obligated to fight.

“I'm not going to back down to anyone,” said defenseman Deryk Engelland earlier this week. “None of us are.”

His fight against Boston's Milan Lucic on Saturday marked the first time one of the Penguins has dropped his gloves since Nov. 15.

“No one on this team is afraid to fight,” Engelland said. “But we aren't a team that goes around looking for fights.”

Few disdain fighting more than Orpik. He has received only a handful of fighting majors in his career and none in the past five years.

After refusing to fight Thornton earlier in the game, the Boston forward later pulled Orpik down from behind before pummeling him with a series of punches while Orpik was helpless on his back.

Some around hockey, specifically members of the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, believe the situation would have been defused had Orpik simply dropped the gloves.

Rick Tocchet, who played for both the Penguins and Bruins, said he doesn't believe Orpik deserved what happened. However, he does believe Orpik should fight with more regularity.

“I love Brooks and the way he plays,” Tocchet said. “But, when you play on the edge the way he does, I personally think that you should fight, at least occasionally. I don't think Brooks is a dirty player at all, but when you play that style, you're going to have some borderline hits on occasion. They're impossible to ignore. So I think it would serve him well to fight some of the time.”

Tocchet, who calls himself “new school and old school,” believes fighting defuses dirty hits.

“I truly do,” he said. “Look at what happened last night. You know coming into the game that Boston is sensitive because (defenseman Johnny) Boychuk just got hurt (against Montreal). And you know the Penguins and Bruins don't like each other. So when you hit one of their best players on the first shift, even though the hit was totally clean, you know things could get nasty.”

Things, of course, did get nasty.

Thornton and right wing James Neal could receive heavy suspensions for their respective roles in Saturday's game. Neal kneed Boston's Brad Marchand in the head moments before Thornton attacked Orpik.

“We don't fight much but it's not like we aren't willing,” center Joe Vitale said last week. “You do it when the time is right.”

When is the time right?

It's a question that will rage on in hockey circles.

“When used properly,” Tocchet said, “fighting can be a good thing.”

“But in this case, I don't know. You can't justify what Thornton did. You just can't. It's tough.”

Tribune Review LOADED: 12.09.2013


Penguins' Metropolitan Division less than impressive


By Dave Molinari / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

This was supposed to be a breakout season for Columbus.

After all, the Blue Jackets finished the previous one with a rousing 8-1 surge, barely missing out on a playoff berth.

The incumbent Vezina Trophy recipient, Sergei Bobrovsky, is on their payroll and they have an accomplished coach in Todd Richards.

Their lineup, though hardly intimidating, is studded with capable personnel -- players who could reasonably be expected to challenge for a spot in the postseason.

But going into their game against the Penguins tonight at Consol Energy Center -- and despite coming off back-to-back shutout victories -- the Blue Jackets are sputtering along at 12-14-3, not all that far above Eastern Conference bottom-feeders such as Buffalo, Florida and the New York Islanders.

The Blue Jackets, though, have righted themselves of late, going 7-6-1 in their past 14 games.

And because they, like the Penguins, reside in the NHL's weakest division, the Metropolitan, the Blue Jackets' stumbling start doesn't necessarily mean they will be playing for only their position in next year's draft for the next four months.

Scouting report

Matchup: Penguins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, 7:38 p.m. today, Consol Energy Center.

TV, Radio: CBS Sports Network, KDKA-FM (93.7).

Probable goaltenders: Marc-Andre Fleury for Penguins. Curtis McElhinney for Blue Jackets.

Penguins: Are 6-2 at home all time against Blue Jackets. ... C Sidney Crosby has three goals, nine assists in eight career games against Columbus. ... Have not given up more than one power-play goal in a game since Oct. 12 in Tampa.

Blue Jackets: Are 5-7-2 on road, including 4-2 loss Nov. 1 at Consol Energy Center. ... C Ryan Johansen has four-game points streak. ... Have scored first in 10 of their 12 victories.

Hidden stat: Penguins are 14-4 when winning 50 percent or better of their faceoffs.

Just how bad has the Metropolitan been through the first two-plus months of the season?

Consider that members of the other Eastern Conference division, the Atlantic, are 38-25-8 against Metropolitan opponents, and that only two of the 14 Western Conference clubs -- Edmonton and Nashville -- have losing records against Metropolitan teams.

Crunch those numbers any way you like, but the bottom line on the Metropolitan doesn't change.

Sure, half of the division's eight teams -- the Penguins, Washington, the New York Rangers and Carolina -- had winning records going into Sunday, but the other three divisions have at least five above .500.

"I don't have any good reason for it," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said. "I think [other Metropolitan clubs] are better teams than our records indicate at this point in time."

That's a fairly popular sentiment, and Metropolitan teams such as Philadelphia and the Rangers have overcome bad starts to become competitive.

Still, more than a third of the season has passed, so a case could be made that, for the most part, Metropolitan teams are what their records say they are. Which, in most cases, isn't very good.

"We're almost at the 30-game mark for everybody," Bylsma said. "Coaches say, 'Your record is what your record is.' In 10 games, a small segment of the year, you can kind of say, 'OK, you didn't start well.' But our records are what they are.

"I think it's going to get better, but we're 30 games deep. We're through a significant portion of the season, so maybe it's an anomaly, that that's what we're going to be as a division."

The Penguins' immediate concern -- aside from holding together a lineup that has been ravaged by injuries and now potentially a suspension for winger James Neal -- is Columbus, which is coming off consecutive shutouts against Tampa Bay and Minnesota and has not allowed a goal in 137 minutes and 45 seconds.

The most surprising aspect of that streak is that backup goalie Curtis McElhinney, not Bobrovsky, has been responsible for most of it.

Bobrovsky, who dominated the Penguins at Consol Energy Center while playing for Philadelphia, was supposed to be the Blue Jackets' linchpin this season but did not perform at the level he reached last season before injuring his groin against the Lightning and going on injured reserve.

He is 10-11-2 with a 2.72 goals-against average and .909 save percentage. Last season, Bobrovsky was 21-11-6 with a 2.00 and a .932.

"Their team played real well [last season] and their goaltender played spectacularly," Bylsma said. "He was really good. That's probably been the area of their game that hasn't been spectacular.

"One goal here and one goal there, you lose a game. It makes a significant difference."

Still, the Blue Jackets seem to be climbing out of the hole they dug for themselves in the early weeks of the season. They are just four points out of one of the three playoff berths guaranteed to go to Metropolitan teams, although the Penguins seem confident that Columbus isn't the only team in the division that will regain some luster in the coming months.

"When you look in February and March, I think it's going to be a little bit different," center Brandon Sutter said. "You'll see teams in our division a little higher in the [conference] standings."

If only because, in at least a few cases, they couldn't fall much lower.

Post Gazette LOADED: 12.09.2013


Penguins notebook: Cross-state replacements fill their roles so far


By Dave Molinari / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The concept, basically, is next man up.

Means that if someone is injured, a guy behind him on the depth chart is supposed to fill the void.

A great idea, in theory. In practice, it doesn't always work so well.

The Penguins, though, have pulled it off through the early part of the 2013-14 season. Probably even better than they could have hoped.

They enter their game against Columbus tonight with a 20-10-1 record, good for a share of first place in the Eastern Conference and a comfortable lead in the Metropolitan Division before Sunday night's games.

And they've done it despite losing 138 man-games to injury the first two-plus months of the season, an average of 4.45 per game. That's up from 1.7 last season.

It's not the quantity of injuries they've absorbed that's most striking, however. It's the quality of players who have gotten hurt, with top-pairing defenseman Brooks Orpik the latest addition to the list.

The injuries he sustained when attacked -- and knocked unconscious -- by Boston enforcer Shawn Thornton in a 3-2 loss Saturday night at TD Garden still are being evaluated, and no target date for his return to the lineup has been announced.

Because of Orpik's injury, the Penguins are expected to recall defenseman Brian Dumoulin from their American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre.

Orpik certainly won't be the first high-profile Penguin to suffer a lost-time injury this season.

Evgeni Malkin missed the past two games. Paul Martin has sat out the past half-dozen. Rob Scuderi has been in street clothes for 20 in a row. James Neal missed 15. Beau Bennett hasn't played in eight. Kris Letang didn't dress for nine.

The Penguins, it should be noted, probably won't get much sympathy from the Blue Jackets, whose man-games lost total has reached triple figures and who are playing without No. 1 goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (groin), high-scoring winger Marian Gaborik (knee) and top-four defenseman James Wisniewski (unspecified).

Because of all of the Penguins' injuries, no fewer than seven players -- forwards Jayson Megna, Brian Gibbons, Chris Conner, Andrew Ebbett, Zach Sill and Harry Zolnierczyk and defenseman Simon Despres -- who opened the season in Wilkes-Barre made their way across the Commonwealth before Dumoulin.

Most have made a meaningful contribution.

"The guys who've come in have been playing well, and that's what's important," center Brandon Sutter said. "They've played well and helped us win."

It is not that, say, Sill can seamlessly fill in for Malkin, or that Conner can take on the offensive burden usually carried by Neal.

The idea is for a recalled player to chip in what he can, to execute the responsibilities he is given.

"That's part of professional sports, giving someone else an opportunity to go out and show what he can do," said left winger Chris Kunitz, one of eight Penguins to dress for all 31 games this season. "A lot of guys flourish with that opportunity.

"You're never going to replace some of the guys. You just go out and play your position, play your role. We've had numerous guys come up and play key minutes, have key roles."

Ironically, though, Orpik acknowledged hours before the Boston game that the Penguins might not be able to continue to win so consistently if they continue to lose prominent players to injury.

"The young guys have done a great job, but the league is so competitive that it probably catches up with you at some point," he said. "But I think we're probably getting some of these guys back, hopefully, in the near future."

It remains to be seen whether Orpik will be one of them.

Neal's status

Neal will have a phone hearing today with Brendan Shanahan, who handles supplemental discipline for the league, to discuss Neal kneeing Boston's Brad Marchand in the head while skating past him.

Per league policy, Neal will learn before the Blue Jackets game what, if any, punishment he will receive.

Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said Neal "didn't really make an attempt to get out of the way" before making contact with Marchand.

Tip-ins

Thornton has been offered an in-person hearing with Shanahan for his attack on Orpik, which means he will be eligible -- though not guaranteed -- to receive a suspension of six or more games. ... Blue Jackets center Mark Letestu, a former Penguin, does not have a goal in 27 games. He has not scored since Oct. 5 against the New York Islanders. ... The Penguins had a scheduled day off Sunday.

Post Gazette LOADED: 12.09.2013

729145 San Jose Sharks

San Jose Sharks shuffling lines for Minnesota Wild

By David Pollak

Posted: 12/08/2013 09:46:39 AM PST

Updated: 12/08/2013 01:28:07 PM PST

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Sharks could be shuffling forwards on all but one of their lines as they try to keep their losing streak from reaching three games when they play the Minnesota Wild on Sunday.

Coach Todd McLellan did not disclose his plans for Matt Nieto and Freddie Hamilton after the two players were brought up from Worcester, but word in the locker room was that Nieto was playing with Tommy Wingels and Andrew Desjardins while Hamilton was skating alongside Tyler Kennedy and James Sheppard.

With it unlikely that the Sharks would break up their top line of Joe Thornton, Brent Burns and Tomas Hertl that would appear to move Joe Pavelski up to the second line with Logan Couture and Patrick Marleau.

McLellan did make it clear what was expected of Nieto and Hamilton, both of whom were on the season-opening roster in San Jose.

"I hope they inject some energy into the lineup and I know both of them play fast," McLellan said. "We've lacked in both of those areas the last two nights and we'll give both of them an opportunity to try and jump-start the group."

He added he knew "it's a lot to put on two guys to come in and reignite the team, and we can't expect that completely from them. It's just about holding some people accountable and creating some honesty."

The shuffle is likely to sideline Marty Havlat and John McCarthy. McLellan suggested that injuries, as well as recent performance, could be a factor in his lineup decisions.

Both Nieto and Hamilton are coming off a strong showing in Worcester's 8-2 win Friday night over the Portland Pirates in the AHL. Nieto had a five-point night with two goals and three assists while Hamilton chipped in with a goal and two assists.

"Bounces were going our way and we were finding ways to get it in the net," Nieto said.

Nieto, who had six points in 19 games with the Sharks earlier this season, said the coaching staff told him they wanted him playing more minutes when he was sent to Worcester, though it came at a slow time in the development team's schedule.

"They wanted me to get some confidence back in my game," Nieto added. "I'm feeling good and I'm ready for tonight."

Hamilton, who didn't register a point in four games with San Jose in his earlier stint, said he knows what he's expected to bring to the lineup.

"Just play fast and play hard and try to bring some energy," he said, adding his past time with San Jose makes him feel more comfortable.

McLellan talked about the threat posed by the Wild, particularly the top line of Mikko Koivu, Zach Parise and Jason Pominville. But the Sharks coach said his own team presented bigger challenge.

"The biggest challenge for our group is our group. It's not so much Minnesota," McLellan said. "With all due respect to them, it's our group figuring out what they need to do and how they want to do it."

BOX — The problem that placed forward Mike Brown on injured reserve this weekend is a lower body injury.

"I think it's just something that happened over time. I'm not sure," Brown said. "I think it's a quick fix, I hope it's a quick fix. I guess we're going to figure something out when we get home. It's all we can do now."

He said he thought it was simply a matter of rest, but didn't rule out a possible procedure.

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 12.09.2013


San Jose Sharks power play comes up empty in loss to Minnesota Wild

By David Pollak

Posted: 12/08/2013 06:13:42 PM PST

Updated: 12/08/2013 10:40:44 PM PST

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- It was hard to know what bothered Sharks coach Todd McLellan the most Sunday night after a 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild.

The referee's failure to disallow Wild forward Zach Parise's first of two goals because of what the Sharks saw as goalie interference?

Or his own team's 0-for-4 power play that McLellan said was so awful that it killed momentum it was supposed to create?

Whichever, the end result was a third consecutive defeat for a Sharks team that only picked up two of a possible eight points on its road trip, taking the luster off what had been a six-game winning streak.

Parise's second goal went into an empty net with six seconds left in the game and Mikko Koivu also scored for the Wild, which managed a mere 12 shots on goalie Antti Niemi. At the other end of the ice, Patrick Marleau's shot with only 1:41 left in the game and Niemi already on the bench was the lone one of 38 to get past Minnesota netminder Josh Harding.

The Sharks were denied a win over the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 10 when an overtime goal by Marleau was waived off by a referee who said Tommy Wingels made incidental contact with netminder Ondrej Pavalec.

But when Parise fired in a rebound at 3:55 of the second period to give the Wild a 1-0 lead, the goal was allowed to stand even after Minnesota forward Jason Pominville fell on Niemi.

"Completely different interpretation of what was explained to me in Winnipeg," McLellan said of the response he got after complaining about the goal. "I'll be looking for an explanation before we lose our third point now."

Niemi said he expected that goal to be disallowed.

"Yeah I think I was bumped. I'm not sure where it happened or if they did it on purpose or not, but it affected the play, for sure," said Niemi, who added that the official told him he was outside the crease at the time -- something that usually isn't a factor.

As for San Jose's power play, it has reached 0-for-9 in the three losses, and McLellan seemed to be fed up with what he saw against Minnesota.

"The power play was awful," he said. "I don't know if I've been in six years as disappointed with the power play as I am right now. And it's not (just) me. I'm sure they're disappointed in the power play, too."

He noted that San Jose has been "an elite group that has come out and been a threat for a long time," then added: "I'd like to see two or three guys take charge of it and let's get going because they go out and it's really killing the momentum that we gain."

Minnesota's first goal, in fact came just 43 seconds after a San Jose power play expired.

The winning goal came at 8:11 of the second period when Koivu skated into the slot unchecked and fired a shot that Niemi appeared to get a good look at, but couldn't save.

"It was a tough play," Niemi said. "He was coming lateral and shooting through the feet. I ended up a little deep maybe. It was a good shot."

McLellan had brought up rookies Matt Nieto and Freddie Hamilton from Worcester to inject energy into his team after back-to-back losses in Pittsburgh and Carolina. That they did, with Nieto leading all Sharks with six shots and Hamilton adding three more.

The two rookies replaced John McCarthy and Marty Havlat, the latter unable to play because of an unspecified injury after he blocked three shots against Carolina.

McLellan also moved Joe Pavelski off the third line and onto the second with Logan Couture and Marleau.

"Shuffled the lines around a little bit, thought we had some energy," McLellan said, adding that he thought it helped that the team had Saturday off. "But now it's about getting the win -- not just having the energy."

The next chance comes Tuesday at home against the New York Islanders.

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 12.09.2013


Sharks' Brown has lower body injury


Mike Brown

ST. PAUL – Sharks forward Mike Brown will miss his third straight game on Sunday, as he continues to recover from what the team is calling a lower body injury.

Brown continues to skate, though, and is hopeful that the injury won’t keep him out for very long. He was placed on injured reserve on Saturday.

“I think it’s just something that happened over time. I’m not sure,” Brown said, without getting into specifics. “I think it’s a quick fix, I hope it’s a quick fix. I guess we’re going to figure something out when we get home. It’s all we can do now.”

Does he just need rest, or will he require some sort of medical procedure?

“I think it’s rest. We also never really know. We have to talk about it here. We’ve been trying to do a lot of things. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

The timing is particularly unfortunate for Brown, who was coming off of arguably his best game with the Sharks on Tuesday in Toronto. Brown, who had been in and out of the lineup before playing six straight, scored the Sharks’ first goal on a tip-in. After the 4-2 win, head coach Todd McLellan said Brown’s line with Andrew Desjardins and James Sheppard was “the difference in the game.”

“Every time you get hurt, it sucks,” Brown said. “We were kind of establishing something. It sucks to be out. I just have to heal up, fix it, and get back at it.”

In 13 games wth the Sharks since an October trade with Edmonton, Brown has two goals and an assist for three points and 19 penalty minutes.



Sharks make lineup changes for game vs. Wild


Todd McLellan

ST. PAUL – According to Matt Nieto, part of the message from the Sharks’ coaches when he was reassigned to Worcester was that they wanted him to get his confidence back.

Perhaps a two-goal, three-assist performance in AHL Worcester two days ago has allowed the 20-year-old speedster to recapture it. Nieto, along with fellow rookie Freddie Hamilton, were recalled from the minors on Saturday and both will play against the Wild on Sunday afternoon.

The Sharks will be trying to end a two-game losing streak in which they’ve been outscored 10-4.

“I hope they inject some energy into the lineup, and I know both of them play fast,” Todd McLellan said. “We’ve lacked in both of those areas the last two nights, and we’ll give both of them an opportunity to try and jump start the group.”

Nieto revealed he would play with Andrew Desjardins and Tommy Wingels, in what could probably considered the team’s third line. Freddie Hamilton will skate with Tyler Kennedy and James Sheppard, meaning Joe Pavelski will likely be bumped up to the Logan Couture-Patrick Marleau line. That leaves Marty Havlat and John McCarthy as the potential scratches, although nothing has been confirmed by the team.

“I think for our line, and me in particular, it’s use my speed and get in on pucks,” said Nieto, who has two goals and four assists in 19 games. “I think if we get down in their end, all three of us have the ability to make plays. I think offense will come off of that.”

Hamilton, 21, had a scoreless four-game stint with the Sharks in late October. He had three points himself in Worcester's 8-2 win on Friday.

“Just play fast and play hard, and try to bring some energy,” Hamilton said of his role. “It’s a little more comfortable doing it before, already coming up from [Worcester]. I feel a little bit more comfortable today.”

The return of Nieto and Hamilton can serve another purpose than just on the ice, of course. It offers a reminder that ice time, and roster spots, will continue to have to be earned. The Sharks’ third line of Pavelski, Havlat and Kennedy has been particularly ineffective on the road trip.

“[Nieto and Hamilton] were part of some of our earlier success, they both play the game fast. It’s a lot to put on two guys to come in and reignite the team, and we can’t expect that completely from them,” McLellan said.

“It’s just about holding some people accountable, and creating some honesty.”

The Sharks held a team meeting shortly before 10 a.m. local time, for the 5 p.m. start (3 p.m. PST). They are 1-2 on their current four-game road trip.

"Sometimes they need to tell each other what they’re thinking and feeling, and we had a little bit of that this morning," McLellan said.

“The biggest challenge for our group is our group. It’s not so much Minnesota. With all due respect to them, it’s our group figuring out what they need to do, and how they want to do it.”

Antti Niemi will start in net for the Sharks, in his first appearance since getting pulled after two periods in Pittsburgh on Thursday.



Power play, controversial goal lead to another Sharks loss


Kevin Kurz

ST. PAUL – For the majority of the Sharks’ 3-1 loss in Minnesota on Sunday, San Jose had the territorial advantage in generating most of the prime scoring chances. The 38-13 advantage in shots on goal is proof enough of that.

But the Sharks’ power play, a strong suit of the team for the past several seasons, sucked out all of the momentum the team kept building during five-on-five play. That, combined with a stellar performance from goalie Josh Harding and a controversial goal that possibly should have been disallowed, were the main contributors to the Sharks’ third straight regulation defeat.

In an uncommon occurrence, the Sharks were more dangerous at even strength than they were with a man advantage, going 0-for-4 in eight minutes.

“The power play was awful. I don’t know if I’ve been in six years as disappointed with the power play as I am right now,” Todd McLellan said. “And, it’s not even me. I’m sure they’re disappointed in the power play, too. They’re an elite group that has come out and been a threat for a long time.

“I’d like to see two or three guys take charge of it, and let’s get going because they go out and it’s really killing the momentum that we gain.”

Look no further than Minnesota’s first goal for an example. The Sharks had a power play early in the second period when Charlie Coyle went off for hooking at 1:12, but had trouble setting up. At one point early on, the Wild’s Matt Cooke had the puck pinned along the corner boards while fighting off three Sharks, and eating up a good chunk of time while bringing the crowd to a crescendo.

Coyle’s penalty expired, and half a minute later, Zach Parise put in the rebound of a deflected Marco Scandella shot.

“Five-on-five we looked sharp, and then we kind of gave them the momentum when we were on the power play, figure that out,” Joe Thornton said.

The goal was controversial in that Jason Pominville appeared to interfere with Niemi, who clearly made contact with the Wild forward during the initial save. Pominville did not appear to be pushed into the crease, either.

McLellan was asked if he could see any difference between that play, and an overtime goal that perhaps should have counted in Winnipeg on Nov. 10, when it was ruled that Tommy Wingels interfered with Jets goalie Ondrej Pavalec before a disallowed Patrick Marleau goal. The Jets went on to a 5-4 shootout win.

“No. I can’t,” said an angry head coach. “I’ll be looking for an explanation, because before we lose our third point now – and, again, I don’t know the outcome of the game would have went. Who knows what happens if that’s disallowed? But, if we’re comparing the two, I don’t understand it, so before we get to the third one, I’d really like that rule clarified.”

Niemi said: “Yeah, I think I was bumped. I’m not sure where it happened or if they did it on purpose or not, but it affected the play, for sure.”

Regardless, the Sharks still would have needed to put the puck past Harding, who lowered his NHL-best goals-against average to 1.50. He allowed only a late Marleau rebound goal with Niemi pulled for an extra attacker, stopping 37 shots in all, including 21 in the second period.

“We threw a lot of rubber at the other goalie,” Marleau said. “He played good tonight, and sometimes you don’t get the outcome you want.”

At the other end, Niemi allowed a goal by Mikko Koivu that probably could have been stopped, after Koivu was allowed to cut to the slot without a Sharks defender there to impede his progress.

“He was coming lateral and shooting through the feet,” Niemi said. “I ended up a little deep, maybe. It was a good shot.”

If there were any positives to be taken from the game, it’s that rearranged forward lines featuring minor league recalls Matt Nieto and Freddie Hamilton, and Joe Pavelski in a top-six role, looked like they had more jump than in the two previous losses in Pittsburgh and Carolina. Nieto led all players with six shots on goal.

“[I] thought we had some energy,” McLellan said. “The day off (on Saturday) helped, but now it’s about getting the win, not just having the energy.”

Fixing the power play, now three for its last 39 chances, would be a good place to start.

“Our execution has been off for awhile now,” Marleau said. “It’s something we’re trying to address. We have the right pieces, we just have to put it together again.”



Instant Replay: Frustration in Minnesota


Kevin Kurz

ST. PAUL – Minnesota goalie Josh Harding continued his lights-out play at home, and the Wild used a pair of second period goals to beat the Sharks on Sunday night at Xcel Energy Center, 3-1.

Harding, the NHL’s goals-against average leader, improved to 13-1-0 on home ice with 37 saves. The Sharks outshot the Wild for the game, 38-13, but were hurt by an ineffective power play that finished 0-for-4.

San Jose ended its road trip with a 1-3-0 record, and has now lost its last three games in regulation.

After a scoreless first, Minnesota took a 2-0 lead with a pair of second period goals.

A poor Sharks power play shortly after the start of the frame appeared to give the Wild momentum, and Zach Parise deposited the rebound of a Marco Scandella shot that was tipped in front by Jason Pominville at 3:55. Pominville could probably have been called for incidental contact interference with Antti Niemi, but after a brief discussion between the referees and linesmen, the goal was allowed to stand.

Just about four minutes later, Mikko Koivu cut to the slot untouched and sent a wrist shot over the shoulder of Niemi to make it 2-0.

The Sharks lone goal came with 1:41 left in regulation, when Patrick Marleau deposited the rebound of a Matt Irwin shot with Niemi pulled for an extra attacker.

After the referees missed a Joe Thornton high stick on Kyle Brodziak, Niemi remained out, but the Sharks didn’t get any more shots on goal and Parise ended it with a late empty-netter.

Harding was the biggest reason the Wild held their lead through two periods, as the Sharks had a 32-11 advantage in shots on goal after 40 minutes, including 21-6 in the second period alone.

With his club leading 1-0, Harding denied Tomas Hertl on a couple of good looks five minutes into second period, and later made a flamboyant glove save on Joe Pavelski’s wrist shot from the circle with 13 minutes to go.

After Koivu’s goal, Harding stopped Brent Burns on a backhanded shot on a Sharks power play. Later, after he was inadvertently run over by Parise, he managed to get back to the crease in time to freeze puck after a Matt Irwin point blast with 1:50 to go in the middle frame.

The Sharks had opportunities to cut into the lead earlier in the third, but Andrew Desjardins fanned on a perfect setup by Pavelski on a two-on-one shorthanded rush about a minute in, and a third and final power play generated just one weak shot on goal from beyond the blue line.

The Sharks rearranged three of their four scoring lines before the game, after recalling Matt Nieto and Freddie Hamilton from Worcester. Pavelski was shifted up to the Marleau-Logan Couture line, while Nieto skated with Tommy Wingels and Desjardins. Hamilton, Tyler Kennedy and James Sheppard comprised the fourth line.

This was the Sharks’ only visit to Minnesota this season, and they have now lost their last six games here (0-5-1).

Thornton’s eight-game point streak came to an end.

Special teams

The Sharks were more dangerous at even strength than they were on the power play, finishing 0-for-4 in a miserable performance. Overall, the power play is just three for its last 39.

After the ugly advantage early in the second, coach Todd McLellan changed his units. Thornton, Hertl, Burns, Irwin and Justin Braun were on one unit, while Pavelski, Marleau, Couture, Dan Boyle and Jason Demers were another.

In the third, the top unit of Thornton, Pavelski, Couture and Marleau was reunited, with Irwin in place of Boyle. It didn’t work.

Minnesota was 0-for-2, with both power plays coming on minor penalties to Brad Stuart.

In goal

Niemi was making his first appearance since getting pulled on Thursday in Pittsburgh after two periods. He made 10 saves in the loss, and is 7-4-4 in his last 15 starts.

Harding is now 2-1-0 in four career games against San Jose.

Lineup

Marty Havlat did not take warmups, and Todd McLellan deemed him as "not available" after the game. Havlat blocked a shot against Carolina on Friday and limped back to the bench, but stayed in the game.

Stuart returned after a one-game absence in place of Scott Hannan. Matt Pelech was reassigned to Worcester on Saturday.

Mike Brown missed his third straight game with a lower body injury, and was placed on injured reserve as a procedural move to make room for Nieto and Hamilton.

Up next

The Sharks host the New York Islanders on Tuesday and the Wild visit San Jose on Thursday. A three-game road trip begins in Nashville on Saturday, continuing with stops in St. Louis and Los Angeles.


729151 St Louis Blues

Hockey Guy: Western Conference powers hit lull

6 hours ago • By Jeff Gordon

The 82-game NHL season is a marathon. When you add an Olympic tournament and the playoffs, it becomes a super marathon.

And when a super marathon is staged in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, teams naturally struggle to maintain a brisk winning pace.

Just ask the San Jose Sharks. They won six games in a row, then lost at Pittsburgh and Carolina by a combined score of 10-4. Those were just their fourth and fifth regulation losses all season.

Just ask the Chicago Blackhawks. They won the last six games of a seven-game road trip, then suffered three consecutive losses – including two in regulation play, just their fifth and sixth of the season.

In that context the recent Blues struggle is more understandable. They suffered poor starts at San Jose and Los Angeles, then stumbled early at home against the Anaheim Ducks.

They fell behind 3-0 while fans were still settling into their seats. The night was lost almost before it started.

(The Note's victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday night at Scottrade deserves an asterisk, because that once-proud franchise is now a laughingstock. The Islanders followed that loss by taking a 3-0 powder in Los Angeles.)

Like so many of his coaching colleagues, Ken Hitchcock has his hands full. His team appears to be losing energy just as it faces a tough scheduling stretch.

Tuesday night the Blues are in Winnipeg. They return home Thursday to face the Maple Leafs, then they hit the road for games at Columbus Saturday and Ottawa Monday.

Then they are back home next Tuesday to face the Sharks in their fifth game in eight days. Hitchcock must challenge both goaltenders and all of his available position players – mixed and matched in various combinations – to ward off a midseason funk.

Tenacious Jaden Schwartz (nine points in his last nine games) is doing his best to prevent that. He is emerging as an impact scorer in his second NHL season.

This would be a great time for Vladimir Tarasenko to follow that lead. He has been held pointless in 14 of his last 20 games. He had just four five points (four goals, one assist) in all of November.

Patrik Berglund has so much more to give. So does Chris Stewart. As the Blues grind on, Hitchcock will continue shuffling his combinations seeking more shift-to-shift intensity.

The objective is simple, yet daunting: Win the board battles, tilt the ice against opponents, sustain zone offensive pressure, get pucks to the net and create havoc around the crease.

This is their challenge game after game, week after week, month after month. They must fight through the physical and emotional fatigue to remain on the attack.

And come spring time, they must still have enough energy left to redouble their effort in postseason play. The Blues understand the challenge after the last two postseason exits, but will they be able to meet it?

AROUND THE RINKS: Among the rumors offered up by tireless Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Blues remain interested in goaltender Ryan Miller and would be willing to move winger T.J. Oshie to free up the space needed to make such a trade. Hockey Guy loves Miller's competitive make-up, but that would be quite an "all in" bet by the Blues. Miller has enjoyed exactly one exceptional season in the NHL . . . Old friend Brendan Shanahan is busy sorting through all the mayhem in Saturday’s Penguins-Bruins game. Players on both sides can expect suspensions in a game that left Boston winger Loui Eriksson and Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik concussed . . . There is plenty of speculation about the fate of Islanders

coach Jack Capuano, but the New York Post reminds us the franchise is unlikely to spend big money while making a change.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 12.09.2013

729152 St Louis Blues

Blues' 'buy-in' comes into question again

4 hours ago • By Jeremy Rutherford

It didn’t take Blues coach Ken Hitchcock an hour-plus to reach the podium after Saturday’s loss to Anaheim, as it did following a defeat last March, but when he began his thoughts, the message sounded similar.

Despite a record of 18-3-3 to start this season, finding the Blues in second place in the Western Conference standings early in the year, Hitchcock uttered those dreaded words again after the club’s 5-2 drubbing by the Ducks.

The “buy-in” of the Blues became the coach’s popular catchphrase in 2012-13, and in the wake of four consecutive lackadaisical starts, leading to three regulation losses, apparently it’s back.

“I think that has to be a collective buy-in,” Hitchcock said. “We went through this last year. It was what — a month? — we went through this where we had to change our attitude to what was important.”

A year ago, the Blues were 17-11-2 after a 3-0 win over Edmonton on March 23. But three days later, the reverse happened, a 3-0 loss to the Oilers at Scottrade Center.

At the postgame news conference following the loss to Edmonton, Hitchcock used the term “buy-in” eight times during a six-minute session with reporters. He defined it then as “doing the right thing at the right time during critical stages. It’s the details that at the end of the day, in 2½ hours of competition, add up to good play.”

On Saturday, players weren’t necessarily buying that that should come into question again, but they weren’t sure to make of the their recent starts. The team was outscored 3-0 in the first period and has now been pounded a combined 9-1 in the opening frame of its last four games.

“The execution of the game plan the first five or 10 minutes is unacceptable,” defenseman Barret Jackman said. “That’s not the way that this team is built. We’re built on strong starts and getting engaged early and we haven’t been doing that.

“I don’t know if it’s the preparation before the game, or doing something mentally to get into it. We’ve got to search within in the room on how we get everybody involved right off the bat. You can’t spot teams like that two- and three-goal leads and expect to win.”

The Blues’ pregame preparation was under scrutiny Saturday, with concerns of information overload or overthinking. The simple counter response was that it’s the same prep work that contributed to the team’s successful start this year.

“I just don’t think we’re working hard enough,” forward Vladimir Sobotka said. “We’re losing every battle. We’re just not prepared for a battle.”

Jaden Schwartz, who had a goal in the third period Saturday night and has nine points in his last nine games, said, “The energy is there, going on the ice. But the execution isn’t, so we’ve got to start bearing down. I mean, everyone is excited. But sometimes I think we’ve got to put a little more of that into focus.”

The Blues’ lack of bearing down is perhaps most noticeable in their shots on goal, a category in which the team ranks No. 15 in the NHL (29.9 a game). In the club’s first 20 games, the offense averaged 31.3 a game, but in the last eight games, it has produced only 26.5.

“We’re not good enough there, not close,” Hitchcock said. “It’s not where we want it to be. That’s a strength of our team, but that’s a hard sell all of the time because it means when you shoot it, you’ve probably got to go get it back. But if you’ve got the right attitude, you do get it back. It’s been a little bit of a struggle, to be honest with you.”

Hitchcock said that reviving the Blues’ patented checking style would trigger other aspects of the team’s game.

“We’ll score lots if we check better,” he said. “We’ll get way more offensive zone time. We’re chasing the game now because we’re not starting with the puck, we’re not keeping the puck, we’re not determined when we’re being

checked, we’re not determined when we’re checking. So you play slow. We look slow. Then we speed up as the game goes on. We got more competitive as the game went on.

“But we’re allowing the other team to dictate the checking tempo and it affects every part of our game. You can’t be a good checking team without skating. It’s why we look slow, because the other team is winning the races. We’re second place everywhere and then when we decide to engage, we’re winning the races. But it’s a collective mind-set. In order to win in the league, that’s what the good teams do.”

The Blues still believe they’re a good team. They don’t believe, as some have suggested, that early success filled their heads.

“We took every game as it came,” Jackman said. “We weren’t too high on wins. We were pretty even keel. But maybe we have to get more (ticked) off after a tough loss or a bad start. I don’t know what it is, but we’ll search every avenue and we’ll change things around. We built ourselves a great amount of points and had a fast start. We can’t lose it now by lack of focus.”

After Hitchcock’s delayed news conference following the loss to Edmonton last season, the Blues dropped a 4-2 decision to Los Angeles for their third straight loss. But then the team won six consecutive games and 12 of its last 15 in the regular season to wrap up the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.

“We’ll come out the other end, but we’ll have to go through it,” Hitchcock said. “There’s going to be some rough water here for a little while, but hopefully we figure it out. We figured it out last year, but this one looks like ... we’re going to have to work at it, really work at it. I think the players are really going to have to gauge this as something that’s really critical and important for us to get back to where we want to be.

“We’ve had a lot of success, but now we’ve got to really dig in. Every game is a process. It’s not the end of the world, it’s a process. We had lots of success with the process. But we’re going to have to get a better buy-in, and this really starts with your top players. Our top players have to buy this because otherwise we’re just going to become a collection of individuals.”

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 12.09.2013

729153 Tampa Bay Lightning

Bolts notes: Lack of shots still a concern

By Erik Erlendsson

Published: December 8, 2013 | Updated: December 9, 2013 at 01:01 AM

TAMPA — Shoot the puck.

It seems like a simple act, but the Tampa Bay Lightning struggle with it at times. Such was the case Saturday, when Tampa Bay had nine shots on goal midway through an eventual 2-1 overtime loss to Winnipeg.

Though the Lightning ended the game with 29 shots, head coach Jon Cooper was understandably vocal after the game about the difference between the first and second halves, particularly with the lack of offense in the past two weeks.

“Disappointing,” Cooper said. “You preach it, you practice it and you see a little bit of success with it the previous game (a 3-1 win against Ottawa) and you see no success against Columbus and no success against Winnipeg in the first 30 minutes and you just have to keep trying to learn from it.’’

It’s not an issue that has recently crept up. It’s been an issue for good portions of the season, starting with the second game when Tampa Bay failed to register a shot on goal during the first period in Chicago.

In 18 games this season, the Lightning were held under 30 shots on goal, including 12 times under 25 shots. Tampa Bay was held to fewer than 10 shots in eight periods during the past six games.

“I think the game would change if the only goals that were shown on highlight shows were the ones that go off skates and butts in the net,” Cooper said. “If those were the only ones they showed and didn’t show the ‘cool guy’ goals, you would see completely different players.

“But everybody wants to be that guy. He wants to score that type of goal. And there are only a few guys who score those kind of goals, and they don’t do it all the time. And the really, really, really, really great players, they score those goals along with the dirty ones.”

Last-second hustle

Tampa Bay’s last-second goal from Nate Thompson at the end of the second period against Winnipeg might not have happened if not for a subtle play by D Radko Gudas.

Gudas was on his way back to gain an icing call on Winnipeg when he picked up speed to earn the whistle with 2.6 seconds left. Thompson scored, officially, with 1.1 seconds left on the clock.

After the game, Gudas said he heard one of the on-ice officials start to count down the amount of remaining time.

“I figured I better pick it up,” Gudas said.

That allowed just enough time for Marty St. Louis to win the faceoff back to Gudas, who sent a puck toward the goal that was shot in by Thompson.

Little support

G Anders Lindback, who kept the Lightning in the game on Saturday, has received little offensive support in his seven starts this season. Lindback has just one regulation victory, two overall.

Only twice has Tampa Bay scored more than three goals in Lindback’s seven starts, while the Lightning have scored one or fewer goals on four occasions. Tampa Bay has 14 goals with Lindback in goal, an average of two per game.

“You have to tip your hat to Anders Lindback, he was exceptional when we needed him,” Cooper said of Saturday’s effort. “If Winnipeg gets that second (goal) we probably are standing here with less of a point. But he kept us in it . ... Our defense was there, our goaltender was there again and our inability to get shots to the net cost us a point.”

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 12.09.2013

729154 Toronto Maple Leafs

Failure on the penalty kill dooms Leafs in ugly loss to Bruins

David Shoalts


Last updated Sunday, Dec. 08 2013, 10:58 PM EST

It seems the Toronto Maple Leafs’ penalty killers are taking themselves a little too literally these days.

They are killing everything in sight except penalties: momentum, leads and enthusiasm.

The unit that made such great strides almost a year ago, going from one of the worst in the NHL to the second-best by the end of last season, is now back to its former depths. Two consecutive power-play goals by the Boston Bruins in the second period Sunday night crushed a good opening period by the Leafs and led to a 5-2 loss.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting used to a new kind of scrutiny, as HBO's "24/7" show started filming the team Wednesday. Centre Nazem Kadri says the access HBO gets means players have to watch their language.

“It’s killing our momentum,” agreed Leafs forward Jay McClement, whose goal in the third period inspired a few thoughts of a comeback but only a few. The power-play goals by Bruins Carl Soderberg and Torey Krug, one minute, 33 seconds apart in the second period, made it 13 goals coughed-up by the penalty killers in the Leafs’ last eight games.

“It’s like any other part of your game, once you lose confidence in something it’s hard to get it back,” McClement said. “When we had it going good, last year and the first part of this year, we almost had a swagger.”

What must be driving Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle crazy these days is that his team’s embarrassing play in its own end is due as much or more to mental mistakes than simply getting knocked around physically. There were far too many instances of the Leafs failing to clear pucks when they had a chance or forgetting to cover the front of their own net, leaving goaltender Jonathan Bernier to fend for himself.

On the first Boston power-play goal, Leafs defenceman Dion Phaneuf helpfully tried to fire the puck up the middle of the ice rather than around the boards and it wound up on the stick of Bruins centre Patrice Bergeron. Then Leaf centre Trevor Smith deflected Bergeron’s pass right to winger Reilly Smith, who was parked at the left side of the net. He flipped it back out front where Soderberg had no Leaf defender near him, making for an easy goal at 5:14.

Twenty seconds later, Leaf defenceman Carl Gunnarsson grabbed Jarome Iginla on a rush for a holding penalty and the penalty killers flopped again. Leaf forward Mason Raymond had the puck and all kinds of time to get it out of the Toronto zone but could not manage it.

A slapshot from Krug from the point quickly followed and the Bruins had two consecutive power-play goals. Bernier could not be faulted on the goal, especially since the 6-foot-9 Chara took up residence in front of him with nary a protest from any of the Leafs.

The Leaf penalty killers either stand around watching or leave their posts in a frenzy to chase pucks. The Leafs, of course, had no business collapsing in the second period after a strong first. They may have been playing the second of back-to-back games but so were the Bruins. Plus, the visitors were coming off Saturday night’s circus in Boston that cost them forward Loui Eriksson and Shawn Thornton. They were also dealing with injuries to other key players.

Thornton was suspended for beating Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Brooks Orpik senseless and now awaits an NHL hearing. Thornton did this to avenge a hit Orpik made on Eriksson that left him with his second concussion of the season.

The Bruins also helped the Leafs out by starting backup goaltender Chad Johnson. It seemed to be working out at first when Peter Holland scored to put them up 1-0 but then the Leaf penalty-killers went to work.

Carlyle did not rip into his penalty killers. He said they “did a pretty good job except for the two clears.” However, Carlyle added, “what’s tough for the coaching staff is where [other teams] are scoring the goals from – the back door and the high slot,” which goes to those mental errors by the defenders.

It also did not help that after McClement scored his first goal of the season 37 seconds into the third period, the Leafs had two power plays but could not manage a goal.

Then Jarome Iginla scored at 16:00 to put the Bruins up 4-2 and Bergeron finished the scoring with an empty-net goal. Kevan Miller, with his first NHL goal, had the other Boston goal..



LIVE: Leafs face big bad Bruins in rare Sunday home game

By: Curtis Rush Published on Sun Dec 08 2013

Tonight's home game at the Air Canada Centre will be the first regular-season Sunday home game in 10 years for the Maple Leafs.

The Maple Leafs (16-11-3) last had a home game on a Sunday on Feb. 23, 2003 when the Nashville Predators were here and the Leafs won 5-2.

The Leafs will be wearing their third sweater tonight.

Mobile users click here to follow the game at 7 p.m.

Only a five skaters along with goalie James Reimer attended this morning's skate, while the Bruins did not skate at all.

Jonathan Bernier gets the start in goal for the Leafs tonight.

The Bruins (19-8-2), who trail the Montreal Canadiens by a point in the Atlantic Division standings, are coming off a controversial 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday night.

The Bruins did not travel with Shawn Thornton, who faces an NHL disciplinary hearing after he pulled down Penguins defenceman Brooks Orpik and punched him several times in the face while he was flat on the ice.

Orpik was taken to hospital after losing consciousness for a brief time. He was alert and conscious in hospital. The Penguins say he is facing a battery of tests and there is no prognosis yet.

Thornton had challenged Orpik to a fight after the Pittsburgh defenceman had levelled Bruins forward Loui Eriksson, who left the ice and did not return to the game.

“I feel awful,” Thornton said after the game. “It wasn't my intention.”

Eriksson is not on the trip with the Bruins, who go west after playing Toronto.

The Bruins are also without Johnny Boychuk, who has a lower-body injury. He was hurt in a game against the Montreal Canadiens last Thursday. He has a back sprain and will be out 3-7 days.

The Bruins are also without Chris Kelly, who suffered a lower-body injury after taking a slash against the Penguins on Saturday.

Another player facing a hearing with the NHL is Pittsburgh forward James Neal, who kneed Bruins player Brad Marchand in the head when he was down on the ice.

The Leafs are coming off two straight victories and their second consecutive game facing 50 shots.

The Leafs beat the Senators 4-3 in a shootout as James Reimer turned aside 47 shots.

In the previous game, Leaf goalie Jonathan Bernier made 48 saves on 50 shots as the Leafs defeated the Dallas Stars 3-2 at the ACC.

The Leafs have back-back games this week when they host the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday and then travel to St. Louis to meet the Blues on Thursday.

They are back home next Saturday to face the high-flying Chicago Blackhawks.

Tonight's game against the Leafs marks the second of four games between the two teams this season. On Nov. 9 in Boston, the Bruins defeated the Leafs 3-1.

Leaf sniper Phil Kessel will be looking to extend his point streak to seven games.

He has four goals and four assists for eight points in the past six games.

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I was only pounding him in the head! I wasn't trying to hurt him..

Umm..

Kall

4 Hours Ago

Odd how throwing a guy to the ice from behind and punching him in the face wasn't done with the intention of injuring him. Wonder what the intention was.

5 Hours Ago

The Briuns also play rough and sometimes dirty.....Thornton is another example " i dunno, my fist was just punching him" "it was not my intention" "it had a mind of its own"...... Then again Neal was just a total dbag for that move, kinda reminds me of the hit crosby took at the winter classic..

Toronto Star LOADED: 12.09.2013


Maple Leafs: Jonathan Bernier gets call tonight against Bruins

By: Curtis Rush Sports reporter, Published on Sun Dec 08 2013

Jonathan Bernier will get the start tonight for the Maple Leafs as they face the Bruins in a rare Sunday regular season game at the Air Canada Centre.

This is the first regular season home Sunday night game in 10 years.

Only five Leaf skaters were on the ice for the morning skate after beating the Ottawa Senators 4-3 in a shootout on Saturday.

Joffrey Lupul, who is still out with a groin strain, was among the skaters.

The others were defencemen Paul Ranger and Morgan Rielly, as well as forward Carter Ashton and Frazer McLaren.

Leaf goalie James Reimer was in goal at the skate after he turned aside 47 of the 50 shots he faced against the Senators.

Bernier last started in goal last Thursday against the Dallas Stars, who peppered him with 50 shots in a 3-2 Toronto overtime victory.



Maple Leafs: James van Riemsdyk In the penthouse, penalty killing in the doghouse

By: Dave Feschuk, Published on Sun Dec 08 2013

In the penthouse: James van Riemsdyk capped a one-goal, two-assist performance on Saturday night with a nifty backhanded goal in the shootout to help carry the Leafs to a 4-3 shootout win in Ottawa. The 24-year-old's second three-point game in a span of 10 days -- he had two goals and an assist in Pittsburgh -- gave him 13 goals and 25 points in 28 games this season.

"I've been given an opportunity by (head coach) Randy (Carlyle) to play in those key situations and I wanted to grab the bull by the horns," van Riemsdyk said. "He's shown a lot of confidence in me as a player. And your confidence grows when your coach shows confidence in you ... Obviously you're going to make mistakes here and there. But he keeps sticking with me. If your confidence continues to grow, you continue to evolve as a player."

In the doghouse: After a respectable start to the season, Toronto's penalty kill has been struggling mightily of late. On Saturday the unit gave up two goals, both of which Carlyle told reporters should have been better covered. It marked the seventh straight game the Leafs have given up at least one power-play goal. Over that span, in which the Leafs have won just two games, their not-so-special team is running at 64.5 per cent efficiency. That's dregs-of-the-league stuff in any league, let alone the world's best one.



Another incomplete game costs Leafs against Bruins: Feschuk

By: Dave Feschuk Sports Columnist, Published on Sun Dec 08 2013

Dion Phaneuf was coming on for a shift. Phil Kessel was coming off. It happens dozens of times in a game. It should have been as routine as two ships passing in the night.

Instead, it turned into the Leafs’ two blue chips piling insult atop ineptitude. In an odd moment in Sunday’s 5-2 loss to the Bruins, Toronto’s captain and star sniper collided not far from centre ice. To the surprise of no one, the contact-eschewing sniper took the worst of it.

Kessel skated slowly back to the bench and sat down in a heap, supporting his head on the cuffs of his gloves for a long moment. Phaneuf, apparently no worse for wear, came to check on his teammate later in the game.

The Leaf fan in your life, if you’ve got one, might need a similar dose of loving attention in the wake of the club’s latest setback. That makes it 10 straight games without a regulation win, folks, depths that haven’t been explored since a streak of 11 games without a regulation win was punctuated by Ron Wilson’s firing in March of 2012.

Sunday’s game was, for a while, going well for the Leafs. In the beginning, it looked as though East-leading Boston wasn’t Boston. The Bruins were a part of one of the most talked-about contests of the NHL season on Saturday night, when Bruins enforcer Shawn Thornton slew-footed and sucker-punched Penguins defenceman Brooks Orpik, so it was easy to theorize that they were mentally drained.

For a while, it looked like the Bruins were going to do what they’ve often done of late — bring out the best in the Leafs. Sunday’s first 20 minutes had to qualify as one of the finest periods of this Toronto season. The Leafs were a hard-skating, reactive group that put more than a little pressure on the Bruins.

They actually outshot the visitors, 11-10, a rare feat for a team that came into the game having given up a combined 100 shots in their previous two outings. Peter Holland gave the blue and white a 1-0 lead about 12 minutes into the game by shovelling one in from short range to cap a great play by Jake Gardiner.

“When we skate and we attack, we can be a hockey club that can have success,” Randy Carlyle had said after Saturday’s 4-3 shootout win in Ottawa. “And when we sit back and receive the game, we allow the opposition to dictate the pace of the game.”

Cue the second period, when the Leafs sat back and received a whooping from the Bruins — and, in one instance, from each other. At the moment Phaneuf accidentally plowed into Kessel, the ice had already been tilted in Boston’s favour.

The Leafs were being outshot 12-4 in the second period. They’d taken a promising beginning and watched it devolve into a 2-1 deficit thanks to a couple of Boston power-play goals that underlined the inadequacy of Toronto’s flailing penalty kill.

Carl Soderberg scored for the visitors on the power play. Ditto Torey Krug 1:33 later. It was the eighth straight game in which the Leafs had allowed an opponent to score with the man advantage. The man-short unit is running at 61.7% efficiency over that stretch — memories of Wilson’s tenure when the Leafs routinely finished at or near the bottom of the league in the category.

“Bang-bang. All of a sudden they score two goals and the life went out of our hockey club,” said Carlyle.

The rain kept falling. Kevan Miller scored his first NHL goal on a point shot that breached Jonathan Bernier’s five hole. And the best thing you could say about that one was — hey, even strength.

“Our PK let us down again,” said Jay McClement, Toronto’s most frequent penalty killer. “It’s killing our momentum. It’s like every other part of the game, I guess. Once you lose confidence in something it’s tough to get it back.”

If you were spinning positives, there was something in giving up 39 shots after two previous games surrendering 50 apiece. And there was something in Toronto’s third-period effort that could have passed for consolation.

McClement scored in the opening minute of the final frame to make it 3-2. Holland’s assist on that marker gave him his first multi-point game as an NHLer — a solid contribution in a time of need that saw winger Joffrey Lupul miss his seventh straight game with a torn groin. The Leafs had a couple of power plays of their own down a goal but could not convert, going 0-for-4 on the evening.

“In reality, we had two power plays when it was 3-2 to give ourselves a chance. So there’s a responsibility that’s born out by special teams in tonight’s hockey game,” Carlyle said.

Still, Jarome Iginla scored with four minutes left in regulation to make it 4-2 and Patrice Bergeron popped one into an empty net to finish it. Carlyle has been at a loss to rationalize his team’s tendency toward inconsistency.

“It seems we work hard for 40 minutes of the game and establish the type of game we want to play and then we take some penalties that change the momentum and we don’t seem to be able to get it back,” he’d said after the Leafs blew a two-goal lead on Saturday night.

Sunday’s hard 40 minutes or so came in the first and third periods, and they were commendable enough. But the second-period letdown was a doozy that could not be overcome.

Phaneuf’s third-period hit from behind on Miller could turn into another hurdle to overcome for a struggling team, although the hit wasn’t penalized and the NHL justice department is busy enough these days.

But even if the captain’s blind run into Kessel was an unfortunate bit of black comedy under darkening skies, the reality is the Leafs are hurting themselves again and again.

Bad habits, sloppy breakouts, rampant giveaways, sub-intense battling in key areas — on Sunday, a Bruins team with plenty of reasons to have its mind somewhere else found a way to put away a home team that can’t stay engaged in a game for the duration.



Are Bruins vulnerable for Maple Leafs?

By Dave Hilson,Toronto Sun


TORONTO - It was pretty quiet at the Air Canada Centre on Sunday morning, especially considering all the noise being made on Saturday night because of the Bruins-Penguins game.

Boston made its way into Toronto late Saturday night after tough guy Shawn Thornton had jumped Brooks Orpik and sent the Pittsburgh defenceman off the ice on a stretcher and to the hospital.

Thornton’s attack on Orpik, who had earlier laid out Bruins winger Loui Eriksson with a hard, open-ice hit, sent the debate raging once again as to how the NHL should best rid itself of such disturbing incidents.

Unfortunately, neither the Bruins nor Maple Leafs were available to wade in on the debate as both teams chose to have optional gameday skates and make their players unavailable to the media.

Thornton did not make the trip to Toronto as the 6-foot-2, 217-pounder awaits a hearing with league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan. Nor did Eriksson, who is now out with a concussion caused by the Orpik hit.

Centre Chris Kelly won’t be playing, either, after a hard slash caused a lower-body injury. And then there’s Brad Marchant, who took a James Neal knee to the head as he lay on the ice. Marchant is supposedly OK, but any ill effects from the knee should quickly become apparent at the ACC, where the Leafs are playing their first Sunday game since a 5-2 loss to the Nashville Predators on Feb 23, 2003.

Neal is also facing possible discipline from Shanahan.

Boston is never a fun team to face, but perhaps the Leafs are getting them at a vulnerable time.

The various injuries coupled with what must have been an exhausting 3-2 win over the Penguins might take their toll on the Bruins, who are starting off a four-game Canadian road trip in Toronto.

Goalie James Reimer, who made 47 saves in Ottawa on Saturday night for a 4-3 shootout victory, injured winger Joffrey Lupul, tough guy Fraser McLaren, forward Carter Ashton, and healthy scratches Paul Ranger and Morgan Rielly were the only Maple Leafs who elected to take to the ice.

Lupul, incidentally, took to the ice twice. He came out for around five minutes the first time before leaving in some discomfort. However, upon his return about 10 minutes later he appeared fine and put in a hard workout.

Reimer skating means Jonathan Bernier likely gets the start in goal for the Leafs. Bernier made 48 saves in a 3-2 overtime victory against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.

Tuukka Rask should be in goal for the Bruins. Rask is 9-1-0 with a 1.38 goals-against average and one shutout in 10 regular-season starts against Toronto.

It’s the first visit by the Bruins to the ACC this season, after beating Toronto 3-1 at TD Garden on Nov. 9.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 12.09.2013


Maple Leafs host Bruins in rare Sunday home game


Mike Zeisberger

TORONTO - The Boston Bruins will make their first visit to the Air Canada Centre Sunday since their wild seven-game victory over the Maple Leafs in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs this past spring.

But the Bruins have much more serious issues on their minds entering the game against their Original Six rivals.

Already missing Loui Eriksson (suspected concussion) and Chris Kelly (lower body), count on the Bruins also being without Oshawa’s Shawn Thornton, who was scheduled to have a hearing Sunday with NHL disciplinarians after his mugging of the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.



Maple Leafs' Dion Phaneuf could face discipline for hit

By Mike Zeisberger ,Toronto Sun

First posted: Monday, December 09, 2013 12:11 AM EST | Updated: Monday, December 09, 2013 12:53 AM EST

TORONTO - It seems Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf could be in some hot water.

According to reports late Sunday, Phaneuf will have a hearing with the league -- likely of the phone variety, but you never know -- over an incident involving Bruins defenceman Kevan Miller during Boston's 5-2 win over the Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre.

With 2:17 left, the Bruins' Miller was rammmed face-first against the boards by the Leafs captain. Replays appeared to show that Phaneuf made contact with Miller's right shoulder but it was still head-scratching why he received no hit-from-behind or boarding penalty.

In fact, there wasn't even a minor called on the play.

"Somebody was talking about a hit-from-behind by Dion. I don't know," Leafs coach Randy Carlyle said.

Miller left the game but did accompany the Bruins to Calgary.

"It was a hard angle to see from where I was on the bench," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "But you never like to see those things happen."

Meanwhile Bruins defenceman Dougie Hamilton was sent back to Boston to be examined for a lower-body injury. Hamilton, who limped out of the Boston dressing room after the Bruins' victory, is expected to miss at least a week.



It's all about two points for Maple Leafs

By Lance Hornby ,Toronto Sun


TORONTO - When Nazem Kadri and Cody Franson of the Maple Leafs met the media before their team's game against Boston on Sunday, many expected horseshoes to drop out of their track suits.

How else to explain the way the Leafs were outplayed Thursday and Sunday by Dallas and Ottawa respectively, giving up 50 shots in both, yet escaping with overtime and shootout victories?

Kadri didn't disagree that both decisions had a smoke-and-mirrors element, but wasn't apologizing.

"They don't ask how, they just ask how many," the young centre quipped. "I don't think that matters. We just got the two points. Obviously the monkey's off our back with those wins, the mood's a lot lighter and you feel more confident."

Three times in the past eight games before Sunday the Leafs have given up 50 shots and the average was around 40 in the other five. The Leafs also have surrendered at least one power-play goal in each of the past seven games, during which they have been short at least four times.

"It's that discipline issue," Kadri said. "When you're giving up seven, eight, nine power plays a game, they're bound to get some shots. They're not necessarily totally reflecting (play) 5-on-5. We just have to stay out of the box."

Easier said than done when the Leafs are often out of position and have to hook, hack and hold to avoid odd-man rushes or feel they must live up to their tough-guy reputation.

"It's not the way you draw it up," Franson said of the half-century shots-against mark. "But we know the shot totals. We're trying to correct that. The big thing is staying out of the box. We've had to kill a lot of penalties and put ourselves in bad situations. Shore that up and we can help ourselves a lot."

SHAWN GONE

No doubt there was a different vibe to warmup on Sunday when the Leafs looked across centre and didn't see the suspended Shawn Thornton.

"He's just like our role players, they mean a lot to us," Kadri said. "He's an important piece of their team and obviously he likes to stand up for his teammates. There's nothing wrong with that. But there are boundaries that you have to stay between."

Said Franson: "He's obviously a big piece of their puzzle in a well-balanced lineup and he's a guy that they count on. But we approach this game no differently. Every team faces adversity and we have guys out ourselves."

"You're a little shocked (at watching Thornton mug Brooks Orpik on Saturday) but I don't want to say too much without getting myself in trouble. Now it's in the league's hands and I'm sure they'll deal with it as they see fit."

The Leafs didn't have to contend with Thornton, fellow forwards Loui Eriksson (concussion) and Chris Kelly (lower body) and difficult defencemen Johnny Boychuk (back) and Adam McQuaid (lower body). But Kadri did not think the Leafs would be lulled into thinking the Bruins were an easier mark. Kadri reminded the Bs overcame the Saturday spectacle against the Pens for a late regulation win.

"They've been through a lot of adversity. I don't expect them to change their game. They're not the same team this year, but the same team systematically.

"You don't want to see anyone get hurt, but (Saturday) was a huge morale win for them and that's the best revenge."

POWER RESTORED

The Leafs have not had much to boast about lately, but their power play went into Sunday 4-for-11 during its past three games.

"Lots of movement, lots of traffic, timely goals, the way we bring the puck up ice to set up ... there are a number of things that have been contributing," Kadri said.

"We have to keep going. Sometimes we get a little too cute. Sometimes we're better off looking to bang in rebounds around the crease.

"We're a skating team and when we skate, we draw penalties. We just have to keep moving, get in on their defencemen."

Franson said extra work on the power-play unit is paying off. "We focus on trying to execute cleanly. When you do that, things speed up a bit and we're harder to defend. We focus on what teams are trying to do to us from past games and how to react to that."

LOOSE LEAFS

Call-up Kevan Miller wore No. 86 for the Bruins. Must have got permission from CONTROL agent 86 Maxwell Smart ... How rare was a Sunday regular-season home game for the Leafs? Feb. 23, 2003, was the last one and Toronto lost 5-2 to Nashville. They beat Boston 2-1 in Game 6 of the playoffs on a Sunday last May.



Maple Leafs penalty kill struggles in loss to Bruins

By Rob Longley

First posted: Sunday, December 08, 2013 10:43 PM EST | Updated: Monday, December 09, 2013 02:45 AM EST

There are penalties that intimidate the opposition and thus serve a purpose.

And then there are those that essentially do the opposite.

A harmless hold, here, too many men on the ice, there. Minor infractions with major implications for a Leafs team that has lost its ability to kill a penalty.

A pair of Bruins power-play goals in the second period essentially set the table for the rest of a rare Sunday night date at the Air Canada Centre, as the Leafs fell behind 2-1 and never tasted the lead again.

Not only has a once shut-down penalty kill unit dipped below an 80% success rate — second worst in the league — untimely penalties are costing the Leafs dearly right now.

The 5-2 loss to the Bruins certainly exploited it. Not only did the power-play goals turn the scoreboard, they essentially diffused one of the Leafs better opening periods of late.

“Whether it’s one little mistake, it seems like we’re not getting away with anything right now,” Leafs centre and PK regular Jay McClement said.

“(A big penalty kill) is a huge momentum builder and right now it’s going the other way.”

GAME ON

Leafs coach Randy Carlyle can’t play the numbers every night when choosing his goaltenders, although it seems a big part of his strategy. With the volume of shots his team is facing, Carlyle can ill afford to put the same man in for back-to-backs so Jonathan Bernier, coming off a 50-shot night vs. Dallas on Thursday, had his second career start vs. Boston. In the previous one, the B’s pumped seven past him leafing Bernier with a 7.12 goals against average and .767 save percentage ... The worst of the four that beat Bernier Sunday was Kevan Miller’s third Bruins marker late in the middle period. A weak point shot somehow squeezed through his pads. “Definitely my fault,” Bernier said. “I’ve got to make that save.” ... The Leafs’ inability to clear the puck out of their own zone is a malaise that continues to bite. On Torey Krug’s power-play goal, Mason Raymond had a perfect chance to clear and couldn’t deliver. “We had clear possession of the puck,” Carlyle said. “(Those plays) come back to haunt us.” ... On the Bruins’ put-it-away fourth goal late in the third, Phil Kessel was melted-butter soft on the puck in the Boston zone allowing Milan Lucic to claim it and dash out on the rush to set up Jarome Iginla ... As if NHL sheriff Brendan Shanahan isn’t busy enough, he could probably take a look at Dion Phaneuf’s hit from behind on Miller late in the third. Carlyle didn’t think it was much, but did take issue with a Dennis Seidenberg crush to the noggin of Jerry D’Amigo. Phaneuf wasn’t penalized on his play. Seidenberg got two for a hit to the head.



Toronto Maple Leafs can’t overcome their own mistakes in loss to Boston Bruins

Michael Traikos

TORONTO — It was a quote that seemed to sum up the season.

Toronto Maple Leafs recall John-Michael Liles, throwing Morgan Rielly’s immediate future into question

One night after the Toronto Maple Leafs gave up 50 shots in a win against the Ottawa Senators, and three nights after they gave up 50 shots in another win against the Dallas Stars, Nazem Kadri was asked if he was concerned how the team was getting its wins.

“They don’t ask how,” he said. “They ask how many.”

It was another way of saying that the Leafs, who own one of the worst shot-differentials in the league, know they are not playing hockey that any coach would be proud of. But on most nights, you cannot exactly argue with the results.

To the players, the victories are all that matters. Except when they lose.

After picking up back-to-back wins in games where they gave up a combined 100 shots, the Leafs’ good fortune ran out in a 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Sunday night. Toronto was only outshot 39-32, but special teams was the main culprit in a game where the Bruins scored two power-play goals and the Leafs went 0-for-4 with the man-advantage.

The Leafs, whose penalty kill was clicking at a 87.9% success rate last season, are down to just 77% (26th in the league).

“Once you lose confidence in something, it’s tough to get it back,” said Leafs forward and top penalty-killer Jay McClement. “When we were going last year, we had almost a certain swagger about it. We expected to kill it and we were all working together. Right now, we’re making tiny mistakes and it seems like we’re not getting away with anything.”

Playing at home on a Sunday night for the first time in 10 years, the Leafs got the early 1-0 jump on a Bruins team that had also played the night before. But the second period, in which Toronto was outshot 17-9 and allowed two power-play goals, was the big difference.

“I think that we started well and we didn’t sustain it,” said Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf. “That’s the bottom line … they’re power play scored and we made a couple of mistakes on our penalty kill. That’s the difference against top teams.”

The Leafs, who matched the Bruins shot-for-shot in the first period, came out as the more aggressive team. Toronto players took shots from all angles, attacked the net and were rewarded for their efforts.

Fourth-line centre Peter Holland banked in a rebound off a Jake Gardiner shot to give the Leafs a 1-0 lead. It was not a pretty goal, but for a team that had been relying on its top-two lines for the bulk of the offence, it was a welcome change.

You’ll have easier stretches and tougher stretches. I just think you go it week by week. Sometimes when you play a lot of games that’s when you play your best hockey too

The unlikely contributions did not end there. McClement swept in another rebound for his first goal of the season early in the third period. But in a game where the difference was the special teams, the Leafs’ big shooters came up empty on the power play.

“Obviously, we’ve been relying on our big guys pretty much completely all year, so the rest of us just have to chip in a little more,” said McClement. “Hopefully, I can do that a little more. It’s huge if we can get contributions from the rest of us and take the weight off the big boys a little bit.”

The Bruins, meanwhile, won in large part because of their power play. In the second period, Boston’s Carl Soderberg and Torey Krug scored back-to-back power-play goals to take a 2-1 lead. The Leafs have now allowed 13 power-play goals in the last eight games.

“The first period we seemed to have our legs,” said Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle. “And we take the one penalty and it seem to flatten us. The next thing you know we’re killing again right away and it was bang, bang. And then all of a sudden they scored two goals and the life went out of our hockey team.”

Boston kept coming. Moments after Reilly Smith hit the crossbar with a shot from the point, Kevin Millar tipped a heavy shot from Soderberg for the eventual game-winner. With four minutes remaining in the third period, Jarome Iginla put it out of reach.

With a tough week ahead — Toronto plays the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, the St. Louis Blues on Thursday and the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday — the Leafs will have to correct some of their bad habits. Or else the next time someone asks how many, the team will not have much to show for it.

“It’s a long season,” said Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier, who made 34 saves. “You’ll have easier stretches and tougher stretches. I just think you go it week by week. Sometimes when you play a lot of games that’s when you play your best hockey too. You really get focused on the game.”

National Post LOADED: 12.09.2013

729165 Washington Capitals

Philipp Grubauer to start against Rangers

By Katie Carrera, Updated: December 8 at 5:46 pm

NEW YORK – On the second of back-to-back games and with second place in the Metropolitan Division on the line, the Capitals will start rookie netminder Philipp Grubauer Sunday against the Rangers.

This will be Grubauer’s second career start, the first came on March 9 at the Islanders, and fourth NHL appearance. Most recently, Grubauer made nine saves in a third-period relief effort on Dec. 3 in Washington’s 4-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

“Holts can’t play 80 in a row. I felt like he needs a break,” Coach Adam Oates said two hours before puck drop. “Holts can’t play them all. He needs a break. He’s played a lot of games so tonight’s a break and we’ve got confidence in Gruby.”

Holtby has appeared in 24 of the Capitals 29 games prior to Sunday’s game. Oates said he consulted with goaltending coach Olie Kolzig and opted to go with the 22-year-old German netminder, and said that the environment at Madison Square Garden isn’t causing him to have second thoughts.

“There’s no easy environment, we’ve got Tampa Tuesday night — it never ends. They played last night, both teams are a little tired maybe not as many shots but you know what there’s no easy night,” Oates said. “Sometimes you, I don’t want to say get a hunch, but you think it through. I know it’s a tough environment but then what isn’t? We’ve got to win at home, we’ve got to win on the road. Someone’s got to play every night.”

>> There could be one other potential lineup change, as Oates said the coaching staff was still weighing whether to play rookie Patrick Wey or Steve Oleksy on the third defensive pairing. There should be an indication during warmups as to which one will get the nod.

>> Brooks Laich will miss a fifth straight game with a strained right groin muscle. He did not make the trip to New York with the team but he did skate for the first time since Nov. 27 back in Arlington. There remains no timetable for his return, but Oates made it clear that Laich would need several days on the ice without suffering any setbacks before he can return to the lineup. In short, he won’t be in the lineup Tuesday against Tampa Bay.

>> Goaltender Michal Neuvirth, who remains sidelined by a right ankle injury after stepping on a puck on Nov. 29, did not make the trip but skated Sunday back in Arlington as well. Neuvirth can be activated from injured reserve at any time.

>> Projected lineups for both teams

Capitals

Johansson-Backstrom-Ovechkin

Fehr-Grabovski-Brouwer

Chimera-Erat-Ward

Volpatti-Beagle-Wilson

Alzner-Carlson

Schmidt-Green

Orlov-Oleksy/Wey

Grubauer, Holtby

Rangers

Mats Zuccarello-Brad Richards-Ryan Callahan

Rick Nash-Derek Stepan-Chris Kreider

J.T. Miller-Derick Brassard-Carl Hagelin

Taylor Pyatt-Brian Boyle-Benoit Pouliot

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi

Michael Del Zotto-Anton Stralman

John Moore-Justin Falk

Henrik Lundqvist will start

Washington Post LOADED: 12.09.2013


Capitals and Rangers face off for second place in Metropolitan Division


The Metropolitan Division may be mediocre, but at this stage of the season it’s created a logjam of teams. Only five points separate the six teams from sixth place to seventh, and victories gained in divisional matchups will prove beneficial down the road for any club.

On Sunday night, the Capitals, who reside in second place with a one-point edge on the New York Rangers, will face their familiar foes in Madison Square Garden.

It’s been nearly two months since these two teams met back on Oct. 16, when the Rangers handed Washington a decisive 2-0 defeat despite being in the midst of a dreadful 2-6 start to the season in Alain Vigneault’s first year as coach on Broadway. New York has improved on that start and gone 13-8-1 since but, like the Capitals, is still searching for stability.

If the Capitals are to build off Saturday’s win, their first regulation victory since Nov. 17, they’ll need to come out with a repeat performance of a strong start and the ability to fight off an opponent’s expected push.

“It’s got to be a physical game and it’s got to be a high-tempo game,” Eric Fehr said. “I think it’s going to be very similar to [Saturday’s] game just battles behind the goal lines. Some big players on both sides so we’re going to have to try to win those.”

Neither the Capitals nor the Rangers held a morning skate as both played the night before – New York fell 4-3 in overtime to the Devils – and Madison Square Garden is occupied with a Knicks-Celtics contest so lineup confirmations will have to wait until both coaches speak roughly two hours before puck drop.

But given that Coach Adam Oates was able to manage minutes thanks to an early lead against the Predators – no player skated more than Mike Green’s 24:52 – don’t be surprised if he sticks with the same lineup. Braden Holtby finished with 34 saves, held up well against Nashville and may very well get the call Sunday to make his seventh straight start. Oates has said before he doesn’t see splitting back-to-back games between goaltenders as a necessity, if a netminder is atop a team’s depth chart they should be able to handle the workload.

As for the Rangers, Henrik Lundqvist is expected to start but the Blueshirts may be without one of their top defensemen. Marc Staal left the Rangers’ loss to New Jersey in the third period Saturday night and may have suffered a concussion according to ESPN’s Katie Strang.



Five thoughts on the Capitals’ 5-2 win against Nashville


The Capitals kicked off back-to-back games this weekend with a 5-2 win over the Predators, thanks to a strong start and the ability to build on that advantage. Five different players scored goals, including rookie defenseman Nate Schmidt, who notched his first NHL goal.

Five thoughts on the win over Nashville.

1. Offense from the defense. Goals are a bonus, Coach Adam Oates says when discussing the type of offense he needs from Washington’s defensemen. He needs them to be able to make smart pinches and good decisions while walking the blueline to keep possession alive and in the offensive zone. He needs them to know when to put a puck on net through traffic or dump it back in the corner after the forwards have recovered on the play.

It can’t just be the defensemen with offensive leanings, like Mike Green and John Carlson, but every blueliner needs to have the confidence to be able to pull those plays off. If the Capitals defensemen aren’t involved in keeping plays moving forward, the team’s overall offense will become that much easier for opponents to shut down.

“Big picture, you have to, to play in this league you have to. You’ve gotta play both ends of the rink as much as possible,” Oates said Saturday night. “Obviously every guy has his strengths, but teams move so much now in five-man units offensively, defensively you can’t have that gap. It creates an odd-numbered situation and territory is so vital. On the blueline, the way teams play D, you’ve got to be able to move laterally and get the puck to the net.”

Against Nashville, the Capitals received the contributions from the defensemen consistently throughout the contest. They worked the puck around the top of the zone giving the forwards time to get in front to create potential scoring chances, helped to sustain the cycle and wore down the Predators’ defense.

They also got the bonus of goals, as both Karl Alzner and Nate Schmidt got on the scoresheet.

2. A defenseman branches out. Alzner is the best example among the defensemen of a player working to move beyond his comfort zone. Washington’s most stay-at-home blueliner has spent a lifetime trying to avoid turnovers and protect his own zone, but he’s gradually becoming more willing to handle the puck on the blueline or move up into the zone to make a play.

“I’ve asked him to add that to his game. I know it’s still defense first, but he plays so many minutes. Every little touch that he makes just benefits us big picture,” Oates said. “It doesn’t always turn into your turn, but the more we work on it, when it is his turn we need a goal from him or a good play. He got one [Saturday], great.”

A week ago against the Islanders, Alzner pinched up ice to keep the play in the offensive zone to set up Nicklas Backstrom’s game-tying shorthanded goal late in regulation. Saturday night when he had plenty of space and saw traffic in front of the Predators’ netminder, Alzner moved to his right and shot through a screen to put the Capitals up 3-0 in the first period.

For Alzner, having more confidence when presented with that situation was as simple as seeing the play a different way.

“Whenever I get the puck from my partner I always take it, and take a step to the left and that really limits your options. It was never something that I would corral it into the middle of the ice and [that gives] you both directions to shoot,” Alzner said. “I’m feeling more comfortable holding it up there and making a play but nowhere near as comfortable as 52 or Carly.”

3. Long time coming. In all this talk of Alzner, it’s important to note that his goal against the Predators was his first goal at home at Verizon Center. It only took him until his 148th career regular season appearance there to get one.

“It’s about time,” Alzner quipped after the game Saturday.

4. Patrick Wey debut. The fourth player to make his NHL debut this season and 12th defenseman to suit up for the Capitals this season, Wey made it through Saturday’s contest. He skated 16 shifts for a total of 13:36 ice time paired with fellow prospect Dmitry Orlov.

Neither Wey nor Orlov was on the ice for a goal against, and after some early-game jitters that saw him bobble the puck a few times, Wey settled down.

“I thought as the game went along he looked better,” Oates said. “The first few times he touched the puck it looked like it was a foreign subject to him but after that he got into the game, made a couple good reads some good plays.”

Given that Oates doesn’t like to judge players on one game — especially when that game is an NHL debut with nerves a significant factor — don’t be surprised to see Wey and Orlov as the Capitals’ third pairing Sunday at Madison Square Garden.

5. Martin Erat. The disgruntled veteran winger had one of his better games against a team not named the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night. After he made his trade request public, Erat was scratched for three games and then spent two centering the fourth line.

But against his former squad, Erat played between Jason Chimera and Joel Ward on the third line and skated 16:31, his fourth-highest ice time of the season and most since Nov. 2. He set up Nate Schmidt’s goal in the fourth period with a smart play after gaining control of the puck following a faceoff win and attempted four shots on goal. It’s been nearly two weeks since Erat went public with his trade demand, and with the NHL’s holiday roster freeze (Dec. 19-27) approaching, you have to think the Capitals are trying to showcase him. With a sizable cap hit and having requested trades twice in less than eight months, there likely isn’t a bull market for Erat, and playing him scant minutes wasn’t going make him more valuable to potential trade partners.

Asked about Erat prior to Saturday’s contest, Predators Coach Barry Trotz offered a little perspective on the veteran winger.

“I will say Marty has traditionally been a slow starter and has always picked it up and been the best guy on our hockey team, always, the last 60 games — when we play [82] games,” Trotz said. “You look at his whole career, he’s been a slow starter and he has a good last 60 games. He’s now in that window.”



Philipp Grubauer earns first NHL win in Capitals’ victory

Katie Carrera

December 8 at 11:15 pm

Philipp Grubauer found out Saturday night that he’d be making his second career NHL start Sunday at the storied Madison Square Garden in an important game against the New York Rangers.

The Capitals coaching staff was playing a bit of a hunch, going with the 22-year-old rookie netminder to give Braden Holtby a night off but knowing how eager Grubauer was to perform well on an NHL stage. He rewarded their decision and was nearly flawless, stopping all but one of the 31 shots he faced to secure his first NHL victory and help propel Washington to a 4-1 win over the Rangers.

“It’s really exciting. I would lie if I didn’t say I was nervous, biggest stage here. Madison Square Garden it’s like the most historical building,” Grubauer said. “It’s great. I had a lot of fun.”

Grubauer handled all the Rangers threw at him through the first two periods, giving the Capitals an opportunity to take a commanding lead and offering some stability in the process. He turned aside a rebound chance for Michael Del Zotto moments after Steve Oleksy’s goal made it 2-0 and thwarted a point-blank look for Derek Stepan and then another opportunity on the rush by Derick Brassard in the second period as well.

“I thought he was good, he made some really tough saves, ones where he had to come out and challenge and play aggressive and those aren’t easy ones to do, especially with this atmosphere and everything,” Karl Alzner said. “It was a really good game for him. I think we were all pretty impressed and didn’t seem to get too rattled out there so that was nice.”

For as impressed as the Capitals were with the young netminder, Grubauer was equally complimentary of his teammates crediting them with making important plays to make his task easier. Washington blocked 17 shots Sunday night but also did a superb job of picking off passes and derailing the Rangers offensive possessions so they couldn’t generate second and third chance opportunities.

“Gotta give those guys in front of me a lot of credit. I feel like [New York] didn’t have those chances in front of the net, they kept it pretty much to the outside which was great for me,” Grubauer said of his teammates. “They helped me out. They cleared everything out and they talked to me…even the forwards, credit to everybody it was an amazing job by everybody.”

As the game continued on and Grubauer inched closer to not only his first win but perhaps a shutout, the Capitals did what they could to help protect his perfect outing. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be as Benoit Pouliot tipped a puck in the slot with 1:53 remaining in regulation to spoil the shutout bid.

“He was awesome, he looked very calm back there and it’s one of those things when a goalie looks calm he saves a lot of pucks. I think he made a lot of saves at key times in the game and we felt really bad that one went in at the end,” Jason Chimera said. “Guys on the bench were talking, ‘Get it deep for Philipp’ and guys are trying to get it deep, they didn’t want him to get scored on and guys are going to feel bad about that one.”

Washington argued that the goal might have come on a high stick, but to no avail. Still, it was a memorable night for Grubauer.

“It would have been nice but I got the win,” Grubauer said, “And that’s all that matters.”

More on the Capitals’ win to come Monday in Five Thoughts.


729169 Winnipeg Jets

Montoya solid backup for Jets

By Ken Wiebe,Winnipeg Sun

First posted: Sunday, December 08, 2013 10:45 PM CST | Updated: Sunday, December 08, 2013 10:53 PM CST

Al Montoya is proving to be the dependable backup the Winnipeg Jets were hoping for.

Going into the season, there was plenty of talk about the need to get starter Ondrej Pavelec some extra rest in order to keep him sharp.

But since Montoya was limited to only seven appearances last season, there were some who doubted that would happen.

However, it appears Montoya's inactivity during the lockout-shortened season has proven to have more to do with his two groin injuries and less to do with a lack of faith.

Montoya improved to 4-2-1 this season by making 28 saves in a 2-1 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night.

When asked about the shot Alex Killorn rattled off the inside of the post during overtime, Montoya just grinned.

"That's all he had," said Montoya, who seemed a bit off balance after dropping his stick while trying to challenge Killorn on the partial breakaway.

It was the second start on the six-game road trip and seventh of the season for Montoya, who is tracking to get somewhere around 20 starts if he continues at his current pace.

Montoya's goals against average is 2.23 and his save percentage is .922.

GETTING CLOSER

By scoring 16 goals in six games on the road trip and giving up 13, the Jets are inching closer to the break-even mark in goal differential.

They've allowed 88 while scoring 82, leaving them at minus-6.

THE DROUGHT

After recording a goal and eight points in his first nine games, Jets defenceman Toby Enstrom's offensive productive has dipped significantly.

Enstrom, who has just one goal and two points in his past 23 games, now has two goals and nine points in 31 games this season.

At his current pace, Enstrom won't come close to the consecutive 50-point seasons he had with the Atlanta Thrashers.

UP-AND-DOWN

The Jets' two special-teams units remain a study in contrasts.

After going an entire road trip without scoring with the man advantage (0-for-16), the Jets are dead last in the NHL, operating at 10.8 % through 31 games.

On the flip side, the Jets' penalty kill killed off 14-of-15 power plays on the trip and are now 12th in the NHL at 83.8%.

MAN GAMES LOST

Jets left-winger Evander Kane is expected to return from a lower-body injury at some point during this homestand, but through 31 games the Jets have already accumulated 99 man games lost due to injury.

It will be interesting to see if Jets defenceman Zach Bogosian (groin) hits the ice with his teammates at all this week.

Bogosian has missed the past 10 games since suffering the injury in the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers on Nov. 15.

ALBERT WATCH

After scoring a goal on his seventh shift of his NHL debut, Jets centre John Albert has seen limited action in the following two games.

Albert played five minutes and 11 seconds against the Florida Panthers and only four minutes and 29 seconds against the Lightning.

Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 12.09.2013

729170 Winnipeg Jets

Jets can't be complacent

Ken Wiebe,Winnipeg Sun

First posted: Sunday, December 08, 2013 10:39 PM CST

Wheeler Jets right-winger Blake Wheeler scored for the first time in 14 games. His goal came into an empty net Tuesday night in New York

And on the 15th day, the Winnipeg Jets took a day of rest.

After surviving a season-long six-game road trip, the Jets used Sunday to recharge their collective batteries.

Thanks to a 2-1 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, the Jets finished up the two-week jaunt with a 4-2 record to improve to 14-13-4 overall, currently good for 11th spot in the Western Conference standings and five points out of a playoff spot -- though many of the teams ahead of them hold games in hand.

Yes, there are some moments the Jets could have done without -- a flat first period against the Philadelphia Flyers and a rather sluggish final 40 minutes against the lowly Florida Panthers immediately come to mind -- but it's hard to argue the Jets didn't take a step in the right direction as it pertains to the way they'll need to perform in order to stay relevant in the Western Conference race.

Two weeks ago, the Jets talked about getting away from home, getting a little team bonding in and finding a way to try and start playing up to their potential.

For four games and two periods of a fifth, the Jets did just that.

"Every time we were knocked down a peg, we found a way to get back up," said Jets right-winger Blake Wheeler. "It's a good learning tool for us. But the bigger lesson is no complacency. We can't be satisfied with ourselves or patting ourselves on the back."

The quote from Wheeler is a variation of what the Jets have been talking about far too much during the past three seasons, but it's reality for this group.

Instead of pretending the problem doesn't exist, the Jets seem to be focusing on ways to turn their plan into action.

Here's the thing, this issue isn't going to go away overnight.

If consistency were easy, the Jets would have found a way to eliminate this problem already.

However, as this trip proved, the Jets give themselves a much better chance at success when they take better care of the puck and don't shoot themselves in the foot with monumental errors that end up in the back of their net.

Goaltending is a strength for the Jets right now, as Al Montoya won both his starts on the trip and Ondrej Pavelec played well in three of his four outings.

The defence corps is playing markedly better since the return of rookie Jacob Trouba, whose competitive streak seems to be rubbing off on those around him despite his age (19) and inexperience.

Yes, Trouba makes the type of mistakes you'd expect from a rookie but he's not overwhelmed by them or tentative about making them and the Jets are getting contributions from all three pairings.

And up front, the Jets are finally finding some balance and not constantly relying on the top line to carry them -- though Bryan Little, Andrew Ladd and Wheeler have scored 27 of the 82 of the team's goals to date.

It's not all sunny beaches though, as the Jets continue to work on buckling down in the defensive zone and went an entire road trip without scoring on the power play (0-for-16), leaving them stuck at 30th overall in the NHL.

So if you think the Jets can take a deep breath after a successful road trip that pushed their record to 8-3 against the Eastern Conference, think again.

"We've got a big week ahead," said Jets backup goalie Al Montoya.

That big week ahead for the Jets includes three games against Central Division opponents, including the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars, three teams the Jets happen to be chasing.

And three teams the Jets can't really afford to lose to.

Otherwise, all the hard work the Jets put in on the road trip will vanish into thin air.

Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 12.09.2013

729171 Vancouver Canucks

Gameday: Canucks to face vastly improved Avalanche in hunt for fourth straight win

By ELLIOTT PAP, VANCOUVER SUN December 8, 2013 12:00 PM

VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Canucks, winners of three straight, will attempt to match their season-high four-game victory streak today when they entertain the Colorado Avalanche in a 5 p.m. start at Rogers Arena.

Normally a visit from the Avs would be greeted with glee. The Canucks haven't lost to the Avalanche in Vancouver since dropping a 4-3 shootout decision April 6, 2010. Since then, the Canucks have beaten Colorado eight in a row by a combined 29-9 score. In the last five games, the margin was 17-2 with three shutouts.

But those days of dominance may be coming to an end. The Avs have been re-born under new head coach Patrick Roy and they are a force on the road at 10-3-0. So far, they have already won in Boston, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Minnesota, among other places. They appear to be very much for real.

They are three points better than the Canucks and have played four fewer games.

“Looking at their lineup last year and the year before that, I always wondered why they weren't a better team,” said Canuck winger Chris Higgins. “I always thought they had a lot of skill and were super fast. I think they've probably grown into their team a little bit. They had a lot of young guys carrying the load and they're probably a lot more confident and a lot more comfortable on the ice.”

The Avs are led offensively by young captain Gabriel Landeskog (22 points) and fifth-year centre Matt Duchene (21 points), who won't turn 23 until next month. Nathan MacKinnon, the first overall pick in the 2013 June entry draft, has 17 points and he's just 18.

Current Canuck Brad Richardson spent his first three NHL seasons with the Avalanche from 2005-08 before moving on to the Kings and then Vancouver. He has been keeping an eye on his old club, even though most of his teammates from his years there have moved on. Only Paul Stastny and Cody McLeod remain.

“I kind of followed them at the start of the season when they were really hot to see how the Patty Roy thing was going,” Richardson explained. “They're a really skilled, fast team. They'll be a good match for us.”

Due to today's 5 p.m. faceoff, the Canucks did not have a morning skate. Based on Saturday's full practice, coach John Tortorella will stick with the same line combinations that defeated the Coyotes 3-2 in overtime Friday, which means David Booth starts with the Sedin twins. Tortorella has only one spare body right now, centre Jeremy Welsh.

“I haven't watched Colorado much but I know their goaltending was really good early in the year,” said Torts. “They're a young team that I know plays hard and has found ways to win games.”

The Canucks are just 6-5-3 at home this season and have squandered third-period leads in five of their last seven at The Rog. Needless to say, Tortorella isn't pleased with that stat.

“We need to establish ourselves as to what we are in our building and play the same way like we do on the road,” he stated. “I think we're a really hard team to play against on the road and I don't think we've been as consistent at home.”

The Avalanche did not skate in Vancouver after edging the Calgary Flames 3-2 on Friday night. Goalie J.S. Giguere was between the pipes for the victory and is now 7-0-0 on the season with a 1.67 GAA and .947 save rate. Semyon Varlamov has seen the bulk of the starts, however. He is 13-7-0 with a 2.43 GAA and .923 save percentage. Varlamov, who has legal issues back in Colorado, was ventilated for eight goals in his last start, Thursday in Edmonton.

ICE CHIPS: The Canuucks today recalled defenceman Yannick Weber from the Utica Comets. Weber had seven points in seven games during his American League stint.

The Canucks power play is 7-for-26 in its last seven games, a success rate of 26.9 per cent. It has 'improved' to 14.8 per cent on the season and now stands 25th in the league... The Avalanche are 15.8 per cent on their power play... The Canucks remain first on the penalty kill at 89.2 per cent. They have allowed just 11 opposition PP goals on 102 chances... Colorado is 81 per cent on the PK.

INJURIES: The Canucks will again be missing D Alex Edler (knee), RW Alex Burrows (jaw) and C Jordan Schroeder (ankle)... The Avalanche are expected to be without D Jan Hejda (knee), D Ryan Wilson (back) and LW Alex Tanguay.

Winnipeg Sun LOADED: 12.09.2013


Goalie J.S. Giguere enjoying Avs' turnaround

By Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun December 8, 2013

VANCOUVER - The Colorado Avalanche are enjoying a renaissance under new coach Patrick Roy but some things never change when they come to Vancouver.

The Avs are the Av-nots at Rogers Arena, where they have lost nine straight games, including Sunday night's 3-1 defeat inflicted upon them by the Canucks. In recent years, it was just another loss en route to another disappointing season. This time it was a mere pothole on the road back to respectability.

Veteran Colorado netminder J.S. Giguere, for those of you keeping score at home, was highly critical of his teammates during the 2012-13 lockout shortened season. The Avs sunk to 29th place and finished ahead of only the truly dreadful Florida Panthers. Giguere was not amused.

“Some guys are more worried about their Vegas trip at the end of the season," he said back then. "It's embarrassing. I'm embarrassed to be here right now. It's not even funny.”

It's gone from not funny to Fun City. The Avalanche began the season by winning 10 of their first 11. They are 20-8-0 on the year and sit in a playoff position two months into the Roy-Joe Sakic regime.

“We are a totally different group than last year,” Giguere said following the loss, his first after seven straight wins. “We have a different mindset. Patrick and the coaching staff have brought a lot of new things and a lot of enthusiasm to our group. We have some different guys on the team, some different leadership and our young guys are one year older. It's a lot more fun around here. It's been a treat.”

Roy, for his part, wasn't concerned that he had inherited a group of losers with no work ethic and bad attitudes. Far from it.

“Quite honestly, it hasn't been a problem since the start of the year,” he said. “It's a great group. It's a group that works hard and plays with a lot of pride. I'm very proud of them so far.”

Roy even felt his boys outplayed the Canucks on Sunday, although they never led and didn't score until Jamie McGinn beat Roberto Luongo with 7.1 seconds remaining in the final period. Roy pulled Giguere with five minutes left to send a message to his players to never, ever surrender.

“It was important for us as coaches to show our players that we are not quitting,” he explained. “And they did the same thing. I mean, they kept going. You know what? All year we've been like this. We never quit. I honestly think we played a better game than Vancouver but, unfortunately, we have nothing to show for the result. Luongo was good. Both goalies were good. It could have gone either way.”

The game's pivotal point occurred late in the second period when Avalanche defenceman Nick Holden, the former Chilliwack Bruin, rang one off the crossbar-post-and-out with the Canucks clinging to their 1-0 advantage. Had that one gone in, it's perhaps a different story.

“Obviously you want that to bounce in, instead of out,” said Holden, who played two seasons with Mike Santorelli's brother Mark in Chilliwack. “I heard it hit the crossbar and then it went straight down into the crease. I didn't know if it was in or not. I guess that's the way hockey goes sometimes.”

For the mostpart, it's been going pretty well for the Avalanche.

Vancouver Sun: LOADED: 12.09.2013


Good as gold: Canucks continue to dominate Avs

By Elliott Pap, Vancouver Sun December 8, 2013

GAME ESSENTIALS

THE SKINNY

The Canucks carried a 1-0 lead into the third period for the third time in their last 8 homes games but this time they protected it like Fort Knox protects gold. Ryan Kesler and Mike Santorelli, with his second of the night, scored on the Canucks' first and third shots of the third to extend the lead to three. That was sufficient run support for Roberto Luongo, who made 28 saves for his 14th victory of the season. He lost his shutout bid with 7.1 seconds remaining in the game.

BY THE NUMBERS

The Canuck power play was 0-for-3 Sunday, ending a streak of seven straight games in which it scored... The Avalanche have lost nine straight in Vancouver and have been outscored 32-10 during that time... The Canucks scored on their first shot of both the first and third periods... Brad Richardson led Canuck centremen in the faceoff dot, going 9-for-13. Henrik Sedin struggled and was 7-for-18. Overall, the Canucks were one better than the Avs, 31-30...Eleven NHL teams had scouts at Sunday's game.

WEBER BACK

After seven games in the American League with the Utica Comets, defenceman Yannick Weber was recalled Sunday by the Canucks, although he didn't dress against the Avalanche. The Swiss native had seven points in his seven-game stint with the Comets. In his last two games before the recall, Weber had a goal and an assist but was a minus-4. Prior to his demotion, he appeared in 10 games with the big club and had no points while averaging just 5:34 time on ice.

NEXT UP

The Carolina Hurricanes pay a visit Monday night to Rogers Arena seeking their first victory on Vancouver ice since Oct. 15, 1999. Although it's a span of 14 years, the 'Canes have only played here five times since then... After losing 3-2 at home to the Canucks on Dec. 1, the Hurricanes have won three straight and have outscored their opponents 14-6... On the road, they are an average 6-6-1... Captain Eric Staal leads them offensively with 23 points... 'Canes head coach Kirk Muller attended Sunday's Canuck-Avalanche game.



Despite themselves, Canucks down Avs, 3-1

By Iain MacIntyre, Vancouver Sun columnist December 8, 2013

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Canucks were a one-line team again on Sunday, but no one on it was named Sedin.

With the team struggling early on to take care of the puck, string together passes and spend more than just a few seconds at a time in the offensive zone, the second-line trio of Mike Santorelli, Chris Higgins and Ryan Kesler took over the game.

Sometimes, even as competitive and complicated as the National Hockey League seems, that's all it takes to win. Not usually, but sometimes.

On their last homestand, the Canucks outplayed a couple of Stanley Cup contenders but found ways to lose. Sunday, they muddled through their mistakes against the Colorado Avalanche and managed to win 3-1.

It was the Canucks' fourth straight victory, matching a season-high. They haven't looked exceptional in any of them. But instead of playing well but failing, as they did last month during a disheartening run of losses against the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings, the Canucks are coping with their mistakes and manufacturing wins.

It's not exciting, but it's progress. Santorelli, Kesler and Higgins? Well, they were as exciting as they were effective on Sunday, and the Canucks needed them to be in a game when they were terrible early on against a younger, quicker, sharper Avalanche team.

“It's a funny game,” Kesler said, meaning the NHL, not just Sunday's opportunistic win. “We were leading 1-0 when we could have been down 3-0. I don't think anyone in this room was pleased. We didn't start the way we wanted to, but I liked our bounce back. I like the way we started in the second period and continued in the third.

“I think the onus (to carry the team) will be passed around this room. You can't just rely on one line going all the time.”

And Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who played Sunday with Jannik Hansen after playing Friday with David Booth in the absence of injured first-liner Alex Burrows, were unreliable against the Avalanche. They struggled to translate puck possession into scoring chances and managed just three shots on net.

Santorelli and Kesler, by contrast, registered six shots apiece – combining for more than half of the 21 shots the Canucks put on the target protected by Colorado goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere, who was badly outplayed by Vancouver's Roberto Luongo and lost for the first time this season.

Santorelli scored in the first and third periods and set up Kesler's goal in the final period, too.

The forward from Burnaby, moved by coach John Tortorella to the wing from centre after the jaw injury to Burrows four games ago, was the best player on either team.

It gets harder by the week to recall that Santorelli, who turns 28 on Saturday, was waived by the Florida Panthers last season and dumped by the Winnipeg Jets after it.

“I'm not surprised at anything with him right now,” Tortorella said after his team moved back into playoff position for first time in three weeks. “I just think it's great to see a guy – probably his last kick at the can here as far as playing in the National Hockey League – just get himself ready.

“It's a great lesson for young players, like a Zack Kassian, like a (Zac) Dalpe, as far as just being in the top shape you can be. It allows the game to come to you. That's what he did.”

But it was only a few games ago, Tortorella said, the coaching staff was worried midnight might be approaching on Santorelli's Cinderella start. His play had tapered and he wasn't generating offence the way he had for most of the fall.

Santorelli, however, opened the last road trip in Ottawa with a goal and assist in Vancouver's 5-2 win. And he, Kesler and Higgins have shown potent and immediate chemistry as linemates.

“They're two unbelievable players to play with,” Santorelli said. “You learn a lot from them. We're communicating on the bench and letting each other know where we are. It's been fun.”

“It's a lot of reasons,” Kesler said when asked why the line has been successful. “We play down low, we hold on to pucks. Since Higgy got here, I think he's one of the best players in the league down low, protecting the puck. All three of us are good at that, but we're also good on the rush and can beat you with our speed.

“It's tough to know a guy who was playing three time zones away across the country. (Santorelli) impressed me in camp. I like his speed, like the game he brings.”

The crowd liked it, too.

There were chants inside Rogers Arena of “Santo-relli! Santo-relli!” as the forward skated his final shifts Sunday in search of his first NHL hat trick.

“Were there?” he smiled. “I never heard them. That's pretty nice.”

The win was pretty nice, too, even if there were lots of blemishes to it.

“I thought our first period was awful,” Tortorella said. “And then I thought we gathered ourselves and started playing. Although it was 1-0, if we play that way the rest of the game, we get spanked. I really thought the guys did a really good job of stepping up their play and playing quicker.”

For a while, Santorelli's line was all the Canucks had going for them.

“It comes and goes,” Tortorella said. “Maybe two weeks from now, we're talking: 'Holy sh--, where'd they go? That's what happens. But those are the things we have to read through as coaches and see where we go with it.”



Hat trick: Talking Canuck D-men ice time, Avalanche playing with lead and Colorado goalie issues

December 8, 2013. 11:52 am Steve Ewen

Here are three points to ponder about the Vancouver Canucks’ match-up tonight (5 p.m., Sportsnet, Team 1040) against Colorado Avalanche at Rogers Arena.

1. We’re into our second full game of Alexander Edler’s absence (suspected knee injury), and it’s still compelling to see how Vancouver makes up for his team-leading 23 minutes, 26 seconds of ice time per game.

Dan Hamhuis led the way among defencemen ice time against Phoenix, clocking 29:36 (regular season average: 22:55) while Kevin Bieksa was at 26:30 (regular season average: 22:52) and Chris Tanev was at 24:54 (regular season average: 19:40).

Andrew Alberts got Edler’s spot in the line-up and, in his first game at since Oct. 24, he played 6:33. He played one, 48 second shift in the third period and none in overtime. Vancouver also called Yannick Weber up from AHL Utica on Sunday morning, so Vancouver could insert him for Alberts.

Neither the Canucks nor the Avalanche took part in a morning skate on Sunday.

2. Colorado is 20-7-0 overall. They’re a league-best 17-0-0 when they score first. They’re 3-7-0 when they give up the first goal.

Any questions?

Colorado also tops the NHL in wins when leading after the first (13-0-0). They’re tied for 22nd when trailing after one (1-6-0).

Vancouver leads the league in wins when giving up the first goal (8-7-3).

3. Seymon Varlamov, Avalanche netminder, was arrested Oct. 30 on domestic violence related charges.

The Avalanche were 10-1-0 at the time. They’ve gone 10-6 ever since.

They weren’t about to keep up that pace, obviously, but Varlamov has also seen his goals against go from 1.76 to 3.59 in his last 12 appearances. He was gave up eight goals against the Edmonton Oilers in his last start on Thursday.

He’s 13-7-0, with a 2.43 goals against and a .923 save percentage, on the season.

On Friday, Jean-Sebastien Giguere made 26 stops and moved to 7-0-0 personally on the season, with a 1.67 goals against and a .947 save percentage.

Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post is even writing that it is time for the Avalanche to stick with Giguere. Patrick Roy, Colorado coach, seems like a fiercely loyal guy, so it’ll be interesting to see if he keeps leading with Varlamov.

For what it’s worth, for his NHL career, Varlamov is 80-65-18, with a 2.59 goals against and a .914 save percentage.

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 12.09.2013


Willes: Canucks learning to close the deal

By Ed Willes, The Province December 8, 2013 10:33 PM

Ryan Kesler scores to put the Canucks up 2-0 in the third period Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche.

Kevin Bieksa said the Vancouver Canucks definitely learned from their mistakes of two nights before in Sunday night’s 3-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche.

Or maybe he was talking about the mistakes from two weeks ago against the L.A. Kings. Or maybe it was the game before that against the Chicago Blackhawks. Or the Nov. 19 game against the Florida Panthers. Or Nov. 17 against the Dallas Stars. Or Nov. 14 against the San Jose Sharks.

The Canucks, in fact, could call on any number of third-period meltdowns this season as a life lesson to apply against the Avs, but you can also say this for them. After piddling away points the way a drunken sailor piddles away his paycheque, they finally got the last act right against the Avalanche.

Whether this is the start of a brave new world or a temporary interruption from the litany of final-frame failures remains to be seen. But one thing is certain. After three weeks of regurgitating third-period leads, this business of closing the deal is preferable to the alternative.

“It’s a mindset,” Bieksa said after the Canucks’ win over the Avs, their fifth in their last six games. “It’s continuing to push. It’s not sitting back and waiting for something bad to happen.”

And bad things were happening to the Canucks during a three-week stretch on home ice. Very bad things.

“I think maybe the first couple of times it was bad bounces and bad plays individually,” Bieksa continued. “I think after that the mindset kicked in, ‘Here we go again.’ We were sitting back. We were cautious and tentative. Tonight we played better with the lead.”

Which sounds so simple. For the Canucks it was anything but.

Sunday night the Orcans carried a 1-0 lead into the third period against the sexy, young Avs but after a nightmarish series of calamities on home ice they got the end game right this time. Instead of going catatonic, as they had on six different occasions in the previous three weeks, the Canucks played smart, played aggressively and, get this, scored two goals in the third period.

The resulting 3-1 win was easier, much easier, than those angst-filled OTL’s the Canucks were specializing in and were driving head coach John Tortorella insane. True, there’s still the matter of the six points they let get away in the aforementioned games, most recently on Friday night against Phoenix when they squandered a 2-0 third-period lead, but the Canucks, for the moment, are back in the playoffs and they’re trending in the right direction.

“We can sit here all night and talk about situational play as far as I define it,” Tortorella said. “It’s being above the puck. It’s protecting the puck. There are so many different things that come into it and it comes into the last part of the period, the first part of the period and especially the third period when you have the lead or you’re tied.

“There are some things you need to do.”

After a somnolent first period, the Canucks did most of those things.

OK, it helped that the line of Mike Santorelli, Ryan Kesler and Chris Higgins had a big night. Santorelli scored twice. Kesler scored the 2-0 goal early in the third. Higgins had two assists and was at his diligent best.

But against a team that’s long on talent and short on experience, the Canucks looked the part of the winner over the final 40 minutes. They played intelligently. They played resourcefully. And they attacked when the opportunities presented themselves.

Maybe it didn’t make for the most entertaining game but the Canucks, at least, were in control, and considering some of their recent efforts, that’s a step in the right direction.

“We just kept talking about regular things,” said Roberto Luongo who, as is his wont, lost the shutout in the final seven seconds. “We didn’t talk about the lead. We didn’t talk about anything but playing our game.”

“You’ve got to be really careful,” Tortorella said. “If you talk too much about it, it turns into a self-fulfilling prophecy. We forechecked and kept on playing. I just thought the guys played better.”

Torts, of course, was singing a different tune after Friday night. It wasn’t quite the full-scale eruption of Mt. Tortorella but he said some pointed things, including: “We have to get out of this situation of not finishing off games because we’re not going anywhere until we do.”

Sunday night they finished off the game. Now we wait to see if it leads anywhere.



Gallagher: Santorelli gives comatose Canucks a lift

By Tony Gallagher, The Province December 8, 2013 11:01 PM

For a long while Sunday night you might have suggested that if the Vancouver Canucks were as fan friendly as they claim to be, there would be another exhortation programmed into the big screen at centre ice at Rogers Arena.

It would be played an equal number of times with the one that screams at the spectators, “Someone make some noise in this place.”

This new one would blare: “Someone provide some entertainment in this place.”

Because maybe if they played that one, the home team might not spend 40 minutes in a comatose state before showing the least a modicum of interest in beating the equally paralytic Colorado Avalanche, something they finally got around to doing with a couple of goals in the final session to put away a game convincingly for a change.

In a game where you would have expected Vancouver to come out with some jump and expose the youth on the Colorado back end, there appeared to be no energy, other than Mike Santorelli, who fortunately has been the energizer bunny all season and impossible not to appreciate.

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But all is well that ends well, and given this team’s performance at home much of the season, there will be ample opportunity to belabour this complaint, particularly if you happen to pay for tickets.

In the end, you have to conclude that the more things change, the more they stay the same when these teams meet. The Avs came in with a 10-3-0 road record, having beaten many of the best teams in the league, when last season they were the worst team on the road at 4-16-4 in the shortened season.

But regardless of how they’re playing, they always turn to jelly whenever they arrive in Vancouver. Despite being with the Canucks in the former Northwest Division, the Avs haven’t won here since April of 2010, and Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo hasn’t lost to this team in regulation in 14 starts, going 12-0-2 during his ownership period.

Given the Avs’ collection of good young forwards, this may not last much longer, but on this night Luongo got the win despite the disappointment of giving up the shutout with seven seconds left after the Avs had their goalie pulled for the last five minutes of the game down 3-0.

“I don’t know whether it was trying to win or whether it’s because I’m just one (career shutout) behind Patty (Avs coach Patrick Roy),” said Luongo, who's actually two behind. “No seriously, there’s five minutes left and a lot of things can happen. It’s a good play really."

Luongo, who made at least three sensational saves earlier, two of them against John Mitchell and another against Matt Duchene, was the second best Canuck on the evening, although the back end as a unit was pretty solid given the quality of the Colorado forwards. The best Canuck was clearly Santorelli, who gave life to the second line, the only one going for either team.

“He has been good,” said Canucks coach John Tortorella of Sunday night’s two-goal scorer, although Torts confessed he and the rest of the coaches, like many of the fans, thought Santorelli may have been slipping a little earlier in the season. “He was our best player by far tonight. When I put him on that line in Nashville with Kes (Ryan Kesler) and Higgy (Chris Higgins ... that line has just taken off.”

“I skated with him a little bit at Factory hockey with Jeff Tambellini in the summer, and I felt right away, ‘this guy is good’,” said Kevin Bieksa. “And then I started to think, ‘nah, he’s just a shinny player, a summer player.’ We see hundreds of them each summer. But he’s come in and really backed it up. He came in great shape and he’s played well for us. He’s been clutch.”

As many of the yawning fans could attest, he was their only life much of the night, and anyone going out to Monday night’s affair has to hope that some

of the bad feeling from the earlier game between the Hurricanes and Canucks in Carolina carries over to this one.

The return of former Canuck Manny Malhotra, after all, certainly warrants a solid effort from everyone.



Vancouver 3 Colorado 1: Santo comes early for Canucks

By Ben Kuzma, The Province December 8, 2013 10:41 PM

It was looking like Mike Santorelli might have hit the wall.

During an eight-game goal drought last month, the versatile Vancouver Canucks forward generated just five shots in four outings and was perhaps nearing the expiration date on his effectiveness.

However, all that rigorous offseason training, all those impressive camp fitness results and a willingness to do whatever it took on a daily basis to reward a club that took a chance on the free agent paid off Sunday at Rogers Arena.

On a night where the Canucks looked awful in the first period and were vulnerable of blowing a third-period lead for the sixth time in eight games, Santorelli scored twice in a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche.

In winning four-straight games for the first time this season to move into eighth position in the Western Conference, the traction the Canucks gained by pushing the pace in the third period — and the shutout that Roberto Luongo lost with 7.1 seconds remaining on a Jamie McGinn goal — were overshadowed by Santorelli.

"There were three or four games where we [coaches] talked and were afraid he was beginning to lose it a bit and he regained himself," said Canucks coach John Tortorella. "He was our best player by far [Sunday] in all areas. Other than three or four games, he's done all the little things to get the minutes and be put in the situations he's been put in. It's great to see a guy with probably his last kick of the can here as far as playing in the NHL, just get himself ready."

It has to be as much about will as skill when you sign a one-year, two-way contract and are earning a paltry $550,000 US at the NHL level. The 27-year-old Vancouver native had been a second-line staple at centre when Ryan Kesler was aligned with Henrik and Daniel Sedin and when Kesler played wing on the second line.

But when Kesler was put in the middle between Chris Higgins and Santorelli on Dec. 1 in Carolina, the trio clicked. And if you want a long-winded explanation from Santorelli about his effectiveness on that line, you won't get one. He will talk of the "we" instead of "me" — but it's hard not to trumpet what he accomplished Sunday.

"Our line played great tonight," he said. "We wanted to come out and continue playing. If you want to be successful in this league, you've got to be able to hold on to leads and tonight we did it the right way. They [Kesler, Higgins] are two unbelievable players and you can learn a lot from them and they communicate a lot on the bench and letting you know where they are. I just want to keep improving."

That's been Santorelli's mantra from training camp, because in 34 games with Winnipeg and Florida during the lockout season, he had two goals and seemed far removed from his 20-goal season with the Panthers in 2010-11. With eight goals this season on a second line that looked like a first line Sunday, he should pass that career high. After all, when Higgins stripped Nate Guenin of the puck behind the Avalanche net and fed Santorelli in the slot, he neatly went wide on the backhand to slip the puck past Jean-Sebastien Giguere at 5:34 of the first period, a precarious lead the Canucks took into the third period.

That's when Santorelli let a shot go in the slot before Kesler pounced on the rebound to make it 2-0. Santorelli then streaked down right wing and snapped home a wrist shot on the stick side to finish with six shots.

"Higgy made a great play on the first goal to cause the turnover and find me," said Santorelli. "And on the second goal, I was with Higgy and I was thinking pass, but I kind of saw the D-man shading towards him and had a chance to shoot."

Santorelli also drew an odd first-period slashing minor and then left the game briefly after being rammed into the corner boards.

He seemed to be favouring his left shoulder and left arm, but may have been winded.

"Uh, I took a hit," he shrugged. "Let's leave it that way."

Getting that second goal was vital Sunday. The Avalanche had Paul Stastny between Ryan O'Reilly and PA Parenteau on the top line and Matt Duchene between Gabriel Landeskog and 2013 first overall pick Nathan MacKinnon on the second line. The six have combined for 53 goals.

When Nick Holden's shot off a Ryan Stanton turnover late in the second period went post-to-post on Luongo and out, it seemed to set the stage for a third-period litmus test for the Canucks They passed. With high marks. Finally. Santorelli didn't take a bow, but he should have.

"I skated with him a bit in the summer and I felt right away, wow, this guy is good, but then I started to think to myself that he's just a shinny player and a summer hockey player," Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa said of Santorelli. "You see hundreds in the summer, but he's backed it up. He's played clutch."

And on his way to earning another contract.



Van Provies: Luongo vs. Roy, Higgins’ hearing good, Canucks’ start bad, Liam support great

Ben Kuzma

Nothing quite like Patrick Roy pulling his goalie with five minutes remaining Sunday with the Colorado Avalanche trailing 3-0 to add some late-game drama – and a little comedy — to the Vancouver Canucks’ 3-1 win. Here are your ever-popular Van Provies:

BEST ROY SHOT

“They’re down three goals, they’re going to do whatever it takes to come back. I don’t have a problem with that. They’re doing that either because they’re trying to win or because Patty doesn’t want me to catch up to him. I’m just kidding. I think it’s a good move. They have good forwards and there were still five minutes left, so anything can happen.”

— Roberto Luongo, who could have pushed his career regular-season shutout mark to 65 Sunday before allowing a goal with 7.1 seconds remaining. Roy has a career 66 shutouts.

BEST ROY RESPONSE

“There’s no danger there. He’ll pass me for sure but he may need a bit of work on the wins though. We pulled the goalie and it was important to show our players we weren’t quitting. I honestly think we played better than them and have nothing to show for a result.”

— Roy taking his own playful shot at Luongo.

BEST ROY SALUTE

“Grant Fuhr was my favourite goalie growing up and once I started learning more about the position, obviously looking at Patrick [Roy] play every night, his style was very effective. It’s why a lot of goalies came out of Quebec during that time period because most were trying to play like him and take away the [shooting] percentages and obviously, it was effective.”

— Luongo on the legacy of Roy.

BEST LINE BOUQUET

“We can beat a team down low and also beat you with our speed off the rush. Since Higgy [Chris Higgins] has been with our club, he’s one of the best down low and at protecting the puck. I didn’t know much about [Mike] Santorelli, but he impressed me in camp and I like his speed and what he brings.”

— Ryan Kesler on the second line that combined for seven points and a dozen shots Sunday.

BEST HEARING

“I heard the other D-man calling his name and I took a chance and sometimes you look bad. I was happy about it.”

— Chris Higgins on stripping Nate Guenin of the puck behind the net to set up Santorelli’s first goal.

BEST ADMISSION 1.0

“I thought our first period was awful. We keep playing that way when it’s 1-0 and we get spanked. Then they gathered themselves and started playing. We forechecked and it’s playing simple and staying on your toes That’s one of the quickest teams we’ve played this year with their speed and sticks and we flipped some pucks over them and started chasing things.”

— John Tortorella on a slow start and a good finish against the Avalanche.

BEST ADMISSION 2.0

“I barely touched the guy’s stick and I thought he was calling me and I was happy he didn’t.”

— Santorelli on drawing a slashing penalty on John Mitchell after the replayed showed it should have been the other way around.

BEST TORTS SUPPORT

“I do not like the new style of coaching in NYR. Our team has more talent than this type of playing. Frustrated!!”

— Tortorella’s long-time friend and supporter Liam Traynor (@sledhockeyboy) on Sunday after the Rangers lost 4-1 Washington and held their second closed-door players’ meeting.



Raptors send Rudy Gay to Sacramento in blockbuster trade: Report

David Ebner


Last updated Monday, Dec. 09 2013, 12:10 AM EST

It is Masai Ujiri’s team now. And there will be a lot of work to do.

The NBA’s 2012-13 executive of the year, awarded for his work with the Denver Nuggets several weeks before he joined the Raptors as general manager last spring, has made the defining move of his short time in Toronto: a blockbuster seven-player trade that emerged late Sunday.

The game between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves had to be postponed because of smoky conditions inside the Mexico City arena

Out is Rudy Gay and the $37-million owed to him this season and next. In a deal expected to be officially announced Monday, Gay is going to the Sacramento Kings, along with centre Aaron Gray, and small forward Quincy Acy. Four players, none particularly noteworthy, are going to the Raptors: guard Greivis Vasquez, forward Patrick Patterson, forward John Salmons, and forward Chuck Hayes.

Gay did not play on Sunday night in Los Angeles as the Raptors took on the Lakers, neither did Gray or Acy. Before the game, Toronto coach Dwane Casey confirmed the trio would be out but parried questions on the trade.

“We won’t have three guys tonight,” Casey told reporters. “Nothing is official.”

Moving Gay catapults the Raptors toward an overhaul of a team that has missed the playoffs for five seasons. Reviving the Raptors is the No. 1 priority of Tim Leiweke, who became boss of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. earlier this year after a long successful run at Anschutz Entertainment Group. Leiweke’s first major move was hiring Ujiri.

The Raptors opened this year unexpectedly strong, buoyed somewhat by their membership in the woeful Atlantic Division, but have since faded, losing five in a row before Sunday night. Before the season, Ujiri said it would be 25 games or so before he’d have a true handle on his roster. The Gay trade comes not much earlier than Ujiri suggested, with the 6-12 Raptors playing their 19th game of the season in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Gay, a small forward in his 8th NBA season, came to Toronto from Memphis last January, a deal in which the Raptors traded guard Jose Calderon and forward Ed Davis.

Gay has consistently scored near 20 points a game in his career. With the Raptors this season, he’s averaging 19.4 points with 7.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

Sacramento, second last in the Western Conference at 5-13, is operating under new owners who are keeping the team in the city after extended talk of moving the franchise, and the Kings are looking to improve quickly rather than languish and rebuild.

Dropping Gay’s salary – some $17.9-million this year and $19.3-million next year – is an important part of the trade. Gay is the 15th-highest-paid player in the league. This gives Ujiri ample elbow room to start sculpting the Raptors in his vision. Most commentators agree that more moves are likely, and could come quickly.

Some observers believe the ideal situation would be to finish near the bottom of the NBA and secure the No. 1 draft pick to choose hometown phenom Andrew Wiggins, a star freshman at the University of Kansas. The 6-12 Raptors are second in the Atlantic and 10th of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference, with the Milwaukee Bucks last at 4-16. The Utaz Jazz in the West are the league-worst at 4-18.


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ESPN / Much to talk about for the BoG

Updated: December 8, 2013, 1:24 PM ET

By Pierre LeBrun | ESPN.com

MONTEREY, Calif. -- The NHL's 30 owners will be nestled in this picturesque part of the continent over the next few days, balancing tee times at Pebble Beach with the business of the board of governors meetings Monday and Tuesday.

Via league sources, some of the highlights from the board's agenda:

• The Canadian TV deal will require board of governors approval, which is expected to happen Monday. No truth to the rumor that all 30 owners will line up with wheelbarrows and fill them up with their share of the 5.2 billion Canadian dollars.

• There will be a collective bargaining agreement update, including hockey-related revenue/revenue-sharing projections and resulting cap projections. The latter has become a really important piece of information for governors at this December meeting because it would give them a clearer idea of what the salary cap will look like for the upcoming season, thus helping them plan ahead, especially for teams that have important contract extensions to sign with top players. Safe to say that the cap is indeed going up, but owners will know more precisely by just how much.

• Reports will come from the hockey operations, player safety and officiating groups, which includes presentations from Colin Campbell, Brendan Shanahan and Stephen Walkom. Campbell and Walkom will walk owners through the new rules, including hybrid icing, and how they are all working so far this season, etc. Sheriff Shanny will present information on league discipline, etc.

• There will be a report on legal matters, in which the league will update owners on Gary Leeman's and other ex-players' lawsuit that will include the league's preliminary take and analysis. I'm guessing there will be a pretty attentive audience for that one.

• Deputy commissioner Bill Daly will brief the board on the independent review the NHL commissioned on the operation of the substance abuse and behavioral health program.

• An Olympic update will be heard, with Sochi around the corner.

• Updates will come on the league's new Canadian Hockey League agreement, and on the league's relationships with USA Hockey, Hockey Canada and the International Ice Hockey Federation.

ESPN LOADED: 12.09.2013

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USA TODAY / Vincent Lecavalier out 3-to-4 weeks with back injury

Dave Isaac, USA TODAY Sports 5:55 p.m. EST December 8, 2013

Everything in Vinny Lecavalier's rehab from back spasms was going along OK until he tried skating in Dallas Saturday.

Before the Flyers' 5-1 loss to the Stars, the 33-year-old center took to the ice and throughout the day his back tightened up. An X-ray in Dallas revealed something that looked a little off so the team flew Lecavalier back to Philadelphia instead of Ottawa, where the Flyers will play the Senators Monday night. An MRI there revealed a non-displaced fracture in his lower back. He will be out 3-4 more weeks, according to general manager Paul Holmgren.

"We're gonna treat it when we can aggressively with rehab," Holmgren said on a conference call. "Right now, he has to rest for a few days and get some of the discomfort out. We will go from there."

Lecavalier had missed the last three games with the back spasms, which first kicked up in the first leg of the six-game roadtrip, in Nashville last Saturday.

"He couldn't do a whole lot for six days," Holmgren said. "He skated in Dallas. I don't believe that aggravated it, but it didn't help. We'll move forward with it now that we know what we're dealing with. As soon as Vinny feels better, we'll be a little more aggressive with his rehab."

ZAC RINALDO: Ejected after jumping Antoine Roussel

The Flyers will call up a player from the AHL Adirondack Phantoms before Monday's tilt with the Senators in Ottawa, but Holmgren said he hadn't yet made up his mind on who it would be. He did make it sound like he wanted to go with the 12 healthy forwards he had and that the call-up would be a healthy scratch.

With five power-play goals, Lecavalier leads the team in tallies on the man advantage. His nine goals overall ties him with Matt Read for the team lead.

Dave Isaac also writes for the Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, N.J.

USA TODAY LOADED: 12.09.2013

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USA TODAY / Is John Tortorella making the Canucks a better team?

By Jimmy Hascup 7 hours ago

In his first opportunity at coaching a Western Conference team, Vancouver Canucks coach John Tortorella has had a challenging time. Coaching in any professional league isn’t easy, but the difficulty level has increased for boisterous coach because of how competitive the West is.

Put it this way: Through 31 games, the Canucks at 16-10-5 (37 points) are tied for the final Wild Card spot, with two more games played than the Phoenix Coyotes, who hold that spot. In the East, though, the Canucks would be tied for fourth.

Let’s take a look at what has gone right and what has gone wrong for Tortorella’s team through 38 percent of the season.

What has gone right?

Stars still producing: The fear early on this season was that Tortorella’s system would cause the skill forwards to sit back, block shots and therefore not be in attack-mode enough. The big three of Henrik Sedin (eight goals, 21 assists), Daniel Sedin (10 goals, 18 assists) and Ryan Kesler (14 goals, eight assists) lead the team in scoring, so that can be dismissed.

Penalty Kill: The Rangers always had a strong penalty kill under Tortorella, and that has continued with the Canucks. Vancouver’s kill ranks first in the NHL, an 89.2 percent rate. They also have three shorthanded goals.

Veterans thriving: Tortorella loves lunch-pail, grind-it-out players. Mike Santorelli (six goals, 12 assists) and Chris Higgins (eight goals, seven assists) are those types. Santorelli was a 20-goal, 41-point player in 2010-11 with the Florida Panthers, but a bottom-six forward ever since. Higgins hasn’t eclipsed the 20-goal mark since 2007-08. Both players are being rewarded with the most ice time of their career.

Road warriors: The Canucks are 10-5-2 on the road. Those 10 wins are second-most in the NHL.

What has gone wrong?

Secondary scoring: The Canucks rank 17th in the league at 2.65 goals per game. Teams can match defense groups against the Canucks’ top forwards very easily without much fear that other lines will burn them. Four players have eight or more goals. Even Santorelli and Higgins (second-liners) aren’t really performing at a top-six pace. Outside the big three, there aren’t enough scorers on this team.

Power play: The Canucks have generally been lethal on the power play in recent years (last season’s lockout-shortened campaign notwithstanding), but the Rangers, under Tortorella, were not. Vancouver is 25th in the league with a 14.9% rate. Improving this will buoy the Canucks immensely.

Struggling vs. the West (and at home): At 6-6-3, the Canucks have not distinguished themselves against the West. They will need to beat their conference opponents more to be a playoff team. Vancouver is also 6-5-3 at home. Factoring in just wins versus regulation losses, no team in playoff position in the West is fewer than six games over .500 on their home ice.

Closing out games: The Canucks have blown third-period leads in five of their last seven home games, though they did manage to beat the Coyotes in their last tilt after blowing a 2-0 advantage. You need a killer instinct to have success in the NHL.

Verdict

We’ll give Tortorella a “B-” grade for his job so far because similar problems have surfaced here as in New York, yet he still has his team in the thick of things. Ultimately, the coach knows how to get his teams into the playoffs. Tortorella will push the right buttons and Vancouver will make its sixth straight postseason.

Today’s games

San Jose at Minnesota, 6

Boston at Toronto, 7

Washington at NY Rangers, 7

Florida at Chicago, 7

Colorado at Vancouver, 8


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USA TODAY /Shawn Thornton, James Neal face hearings after fracas

Mike Brehm, USA TODAY Sports 11:39 a.m. EST December 8, 2013

Another stretcher, another potential long suspension.

The NHL announced on Sunday that Boston Bruins winger Shawn Thornton will have an in-person hearing for Saturday's actions that led to Pitttsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik leaving the ice on a stretcher.

It will be one of two coming out of the Penguins-Bruins game.

Boston's Brad Marchand was injured when Thornton came skating up quickly from center ice and grabbed Orpik from behind, knocking him down backward before punching him. Orpik was taken off the ice on a stretcher and taken to the hospital.

MORE: Bruins beat Penguins

He was later released to fly home with the team.

"I think he was out on the ice for a period of time, so I think that means he's got a concussion, for sure," coach Dan Bylsma told reporters after the game.

The following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: rule 46.2, aggressor and rule 46.15, match penalty.

"I feel awful," he told reporters after the game. "It wasn't my intention for that outcome. I know Brooksy. I've gotten to know him over the last seven years here. I skate with him in the summer, through the lockout. I've texted him a couple times. I feel awful. It definitely was not what I wanted to see or anybody wanted to see."

The in-person hearing means the potential for six games or more, though it could be less. St. Louis' Maxim Lapierre and Colorado's Cody McLeod each got five games after in-person hearings over incidents that resulted in players leaving the ice on a stretcher.

Pittsburgh's James Neal also faces a Monday phone hearing for striking Marchand with his knee while Marchand was on the ice. That incident preceded Thornton's punch on Orpik.

Marchand remained in the game.

Neal has been suspended twice previously, the latest in April 2012.

Contributing: wire reports


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USA TODAY / Blackhawks' Corey Crawford leaves early with injury

AP 8:22 p.m. EST December 8, 2013

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford is out of the game against the Florida Panthers because of an injury sustained with 6:15 left in the first period.

Crawford, the Blackhawks' top netminder, went down to make a pad save on Marcel Goc moments earlier on Sunday night and was unable to get back up on his skates.

He was helped from the ice by teammates and a trainer and was replaced by rookie Antti Raanta with Chicago leading 2-0.


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YAHOO SPORTS / Shawn Thornton's attack on Brooks Orpik is the kind of garbage the NHL needs to clean up – quick

By Nicholas J. Cotsonika 9 hours ago

It should have been the best of the NHL – the Pittsburgh Penguins versus the Boston Bruins on Saturday night, a rematch of the Eastern Conference final, skill and speed and defense and toughness and all that good stuff.

Instead, it was the worst of the NHL – a seek-and-destroy hit, a concussion, a sneaky-dirty knee to the head, a vicious attack, another concussion and a stretcher, then finger-pointing and lies and apologies.

In the aftermath, it's like sorting garbage at the dump. This stinks. This stinks more. This stinks most. You have to draw distinctions, but the overwhelming overall stench leaves you holding your nose.

And it's going to get worse.

The Penguins' James Neal has only a phone hearing with the NHL's department of player safety for kneeing the head of the Bruins' Brad Marchand, which means he will receive a five-game suspension or less – which means the league is going to blow it at least in this instance.

The Bruins' Shawn Thornton has been offered an in-person hearing for slew footing and punching the Penguins' Brooks Orpik, which means he could receive six games or more – which he should. But will he get enough? What is enough for pummeling an unsuspecting opponent and sending him to the hospital?

Will Bruins coach Claude Julien be held accountable for putting Thornton on the ice against Orpik repeatedly to retaliate for a hit Orpik threw on Loui Eriksson? He should be. But will it matter either way?

And what about Zac Rinaldo sending his gloves flying, swinging at the head of Antoine Roussel and jumping him out of nowhere? Oh, wait. That was a different game Saturday – the Philadelphia Flyers versus the Dallas Stars.

Sorry. Hard to keep it all straight. This league sometimes …

[Shawn Thornton on Brooks Orpik incident: ‘I can’t say I’m sorry enough’]

Look. Let's stick to what happened in Penguins-Bruins. There was plenty. Seconds after the opening faceoff, the puck came around the boards in the Boston zone. Eriksson went to play the puck, and it took a funny bounce off the boards and skipped behind him.

By that time, Orpik had already stepped up to smoke Eriksson. He stayed low. He kept his skates on the ice and his elbows in. He drove his right shoulder into Eriksson's chest, not Eriksson's head. It could have been a minor penalty for interference because the puck wasn't there, but it wasn't worthy of supplemental discipline.

It wasn't dirty by the standards of today's game. Still, it was a seek-and-destroy hit, the kind of hit you use to punish and intimidate your opponent, not just to separate him from the puck. Eriksson, who already had missed five games with a concussion this season, clearly had suffered another concussion and left the game.

The Bruins did not have an HD, slow-mo replay on the bench and calm, clear eyes to analyze the hit. They saw a blur. They saw their guy down. They were pissed. "I think that's where it all started, obviously," Julien said, "and then it kind of escalated to the point where I don't think anybody is proud of what's happened."

Julien sent out Thornton, a tough guy, against Orpik, a guy known for playing on the edge and not "answering the bell." Orpik was not obligated to answer the bell here, even in the narrow context of the so-called "code." But Thornton tried to do his job by goading Orpik into a fight, drawing a roughing penalty, and Julien put Thornton out against Orpik again.

[Don Cherry 'really upset' over Thornton-Orpik incident]

"Clearly they took exception to [Orpik's hit on Eriksson]," said Penguins coach Dan Bylsma. "They put people on the ice to take exception to it, and the events that ensued, you saw Thornton."

Later in the first period, Marchand clipped skates with Penguins captain Sidney Crosby while playing the puck. He fell and lay on his side. Neal glided at Marchand as the play went up ice, altered his angle slightly, put his left knee straight into Marchand's head – and never looked back.

"I haven't, like, seen the replay or anything, so I mean I hit him in the head with my leg or my foot or my knee or shin area," Neal said. "I don't know. But I mean, he's already going down, and I guess I need to try to avoid him, but I have to look at it again."

Asked about his intent, Neal said: "I mean, what do you want me to say? That I was trying to hit him? No, I'm going by him. I don't get out of the way, like I said. I need to be more careful and I guess get my knee out of the way, but I'm not trying to hit him in the head or injure him or anything like that."

Wait. Neal guesses he needs to get his knee out of the way? Didn't he need to look at it again?

BS.

He did it on purpose and tried to make it look like an accident, and now he's lying about it. Even Bylsma said: "He didn't really make an attempt to get out of the way." It will help him that Marchand wasn't injured, because like it or not, injuries are factored into the length of suspensions. But it should hurt him that he clearly intended to injure Marchand and that he has a history of this type of thing. Five games wouldn't be enough.

[CBC: Bruins' Shawn Thornton has in-person disciplinary hearing]

Seconds after Neal's knee to Marchand's head, Thornton got his chance to get Orpik. As Orpik stood in a group of officials and players, Thornton snuck up from behind and the side. He slew footed him, dropping him backward onto the ice. Then he shoved his head to the ice and landed two hard gloved punches – one to the face, one to the side of the head.

Orpik was unconscious on the ice. He went off on a stretcher and went to the hospital with a concussion. It was sickening, even for Thornton.

Just three days before, Thornton had been quoted about the code in an ESPN.com fighting package. "People could probably criticize that I'm a little too honorable, I suppose, in some instances," Thornton told ESPN.com. "I've been a firm believer my whole life that what goes around comes around. If you're one of those guys that suckers someone when they're down or you go after somebody that doesn't deserve it or isn't the same category as you, that will come back to bite you at some point, too."

After the game, Thornton was near tears. "Obviously I made a mistake," Thornton said. "I'm aware of it. I've been told that I'll be having a hearing, and it's hard for me to say much more than it was not my intention. I feel awful. I felt sick all game, too. … That's always my job, I guess, to defend my teammates, but I've prided myself for a long time to stay within the lines and it's hard for me to talk about it right now. I can't say I'm sorry enough."

Give Thornton credit for being a stand-up guy, but only so much. That was not his intention? What did he think would happen if he punched Orpik twice in the head? He might not have pictured Orpik going off on a stretcher as he was throwing his punches, trying to do what he was expected to do in his role, but he should have – and hopefully he will in the future.

The NHL did not suspend the Flyers' Ray Emery earlier this season for forcing the Washington Capitals' Braden Holtby to fight, then punching Holtby in the head over and over. The league felt nothing in the rule book supported supplemental discipline. Holtby didn't want to fight, but he did engage at the beginning and then ended up getting his butt kicked. If you tolerate fighting, you tolerate lopsided fights.

What Emery did was deplorable. What Thornton did was worse. Orpik didn't see Thornton coming. He didn't have a chance to be a reluctant combatant, and you can't call him an unwilling combatant because this wasn't a fight. This was assault.

The rules need to change to give the league the power to – and no excuse not to – suspend the next Emery; there is plenty in the rule book to suspend Thornton. It will help Thornton that he has not been suspended before, but it will hurt him that Orpik was injured. Six games appears to be the minimum here, but it should be more than that. Much more.

This is garbage. Clean it up.

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