| GAMES TODAY |
| 8:00 PM | NYR at NJD |
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May 20, 2012
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| PHX - LAK |
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| SCHEDULED THIS WEEK |
| Tue 22 8:00 PM | LAK at PHX | | Wed 23 8:00 PM | NJD at NYR | | Thu 24 9:00 PM | PHX at LAK | | Fri 25 8:00 PM | NYR at NJD | | Sat 26 8:00 PM | LAK at PHX | | Sun 27 8:00 PM | NJD at NYR |
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LAST WEEK SCORES
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| Sun 13 |
LAK 4-2 PHX |
F |
| Mon 14 |
NJD 0-3 NYR |
F |
| Tue 15 |
LAK 4-0 PHX |
F |
| Wed 16 |
NJD 3-2 NYR |
F |
| Thu 17 |
PHX 1-2 LAK |
F |
| Sat 19 |
NYR - NJD |
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| Sun 20 |
PHX - LAK |
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Report: Prust suspended for Game 4
May 20
NHL.com
It appears as though the New York Rangers will be without Brandon Prust on Monday night. Multiple media outlets are reporting that the rugged forward has been suspended for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final against the New Jersey Devils after his hit on Anton Volchenkov during the second period of Saturday's 3-0 win at the Prudential Center. Volchenkov was carrying the puck along the boards and chipped it out of the zone when Prust landed an elbow to the back of Volchenkov's helmet. Volchenkov, was down on the ice for almost a minute afterward, but was able to continue playing."
Luongo, Schneider together forever?
May 20
Vancouver Province
During a turn-back-the-clock, sunset run for Martin Brodeur, which began at the all-star break, the evidence has been mounting the 40-year-old is not ready to retire. When there was a mention during Saturday's CBC broadcast of Brodeur's brother believing the goalie is coming back, it was yet another sign this won't be the end of his career. Great news for anyone who has enjoyed watching Brodeur get to the Eastern Conference final. Not so much, however, for the Vancouver Canucks, because it means the already knee-high Roberto Luongo trade pool gets even shallower. Maybe that's why GM Mike Gillis, in an interview on Hockey Night in Canada radio this week, said bringing back both goalies,"
Retire or return? No decision yet from Red Wings captain Lidstrom
May 19
Detroit News
Nicklas Lidstrom is no closer to making a decision on his future with the Red Wings. Appearing at an autograph signing Friday at Warrior & Brine Sports in Warren, Lidstrom said he's still in the process of deciding whether to return next season for his 21st season or retire. "I've been taking my time and I haven't really gotten to that process yet," said Lidstrom, looking tanned and relaxed after having just returned from a brief Florida vacation with his wife. "I haven't really gotten any closer to a decision." Lidstrom, who turned 42 on April 28, talked with Red Wings general manager Ken Holland during exit interviews and said they planned on touching base when Holland returns from the"
Mike Gillis, Alain Vigneault going through 'process'
May 19
Vancouver Sun
The general manager likes his coach. The coach likes Vancouver. So why has Canuck general manager Mike Gillis been unable so far to finalize an extension for coach Alain Vigneault? "Alain and I have been meeting the last couple of days," Gillis said Thursday during his weekly radio appearance on AM 1040. "We have a lot of things to discuss over the last couple of years about where we're headed and how we work together and how we view the world of hockey. "It's a process you have to go through. That isn't something that happens in a moment; it takes a little bit of time. Everyone's very emotional when the season ends. Everyone is kind of not in a position to really make great judgments"
Habs GM Marc Bergevin holds coach cards close to vest
May 19
Montreal Gazette
columnist Pat Hickey
The search for the Canadiens' new head coach is moving forward, but general manager Marc Bergevin is playing his cards close to the vest. "I've been talking to people and I'm putting a list together, but it's confidential," said Bergevin, who is here to watch the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup. Bergevin refused to comment on rumours that Bob Hartley or Patrick Roy are among the leading candidates for the vacant job. Bergevin said the final decision may come quickly or it may take a while, but he emphasized that his search will be thorough. Hiring a new coach is only one of the tasks on the rookie GM's to-do list. He has been assessing the staff he inherited from the previous regime and he"
Colorado Avalanche re-signs captain Milan Hejduk to 1-year deal
May 19
Denver Post
The Avalanche has re-signed forward Milan Hejduk to a one-year contract the team announced. According to a league source, Hejduk will make $2 million. "My family and I are very excited to continue my career here in Denver," Hejduk said in a team release. "I believe in this organization and our young players and look forward to helping the team in any way that I can." It will be Hejduk's 14th NHL season with the Avs. He has scored 371 goals and 423 assists for 794 points in 991 career games. He ranks fourth in franchise history in goals and points, and fifth in assists. "Over the years, Milan has been an instrumental part of our organization's success," Avalanche general manager Greg"
No news on Suter likely this week
May 18
Tennessean
It sounds like next week will be decision week for Ryan Suter. On breakout day last week, the defenseman, who will be an unrestricted free agent July 1, if he and the Predators can't come to terms on a contract by then, said he will take two weeks before deciding his strategy. That's still the case according to his agent, Neil Sheehy. "Right now I want to honor Ryan's request to unwind for two weeks," Sheehy said. "I want to take two weeks to unwind and it hasn't been two weeks." This means that we might get some movement on the Suter front Monday or Tuesday at the earliest or end of the week at the latest."
Torts doesn't blame Gaborik for Game 2 loss
May 18
New York Post
There was no getting away from the fact Marian Gaborik spent a lot of time on the bench in Game 2, a game the Rangers lost to the Devils, 3-2, knotting the Eastern Conference finals at one game apiece. Gaborik failed to make a routine clear in the second period which led to the Devils' game-tying goal, and coach John Tortorella decided to not play him the first 11:02 of the third period nor in the final 1:29 when goalie Henrik Lundqvist was pulled for the extra attacker. After the game, Tortorella refused to answer questions about it in his 1:17 press conference , but on a 13-minute conference call yesterday, the coach justified his decision."
After 19 years, it's nearly Cup time in Los Angeles
May 18
L.A. Daily News
The Kings have changed their slogan many times this season, and there were justifiable reasons to do it. The first marketing campaign rolled out was "The time is now," followed by "It's our time," and the latest modification is "It's Cup time." The Kings don't have to dominate to win, although they've done that, and need one more win on their march to the Stanley Cup Finals. They don't have to score first, though that's been their recent method of operation, and they don't have to score on the power play, something they don't usually do anyway. Neither of those things happened Thursday, and yet the Kings still notched a 2-1 victory over Phoenix in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals."
Report: NHL seeks to terminate CBA
May 18
CSN Philly
As expected, the NHL has notified the league's Players Association that it wishes to "terminate or modify" the current collective bargaining agreement, according to a report from the Sports Business Journal. The current CBA expires Sept. 15, and it requires that the NHL or NHLPA state a desire to renegotiate the deal by May 15, or 120 days before that expiration date. If neither side had taken any action, the CBA would have remained unchanged through the duration of the 2012-13 season."
Alfredsson says he may have played "last competitive" game
May 18
Ottawa Citizen
With Sweden's 4-3 loss to the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals of the world championships on Thursday, fans of the Ottawa Senators might have seen Daniel Alfredsson play his final game. The loss was so disappointing that the 39-year-old captain of Sweden was thinking he had come to the end of his career. In an interview immediately after the game with Swedish radio, he suggested he could have played his last competitive game. "I do not know if the power is still there," he said. "I think we all feel a cruel disappointment. "I felt that this team had the capacity to go all the way. "There is a wonderful work ethic in this team. It gave us a chance to get into the game again. But it"
McPhee 'not in any rush' to find new Capitals coach
May 18
Washington Post
Capitals General Manager George McPhee must spend the offseason searching for a new coach while also making decisions on how to reshape the team's roster, two tasks that would seem to go hand in hand. So which to do first? On breakdown day, McPhee was characteristically tight-lipped when asked about his ideal timeline for having a new coach in place. While he did not detail the type of coach he would like to bring in, McPhee may be looking for someone who can build off what Dale Hunter was able to accomplish in instilling a tougher, grittier style. "My job now is to find the best human talent I can find to coach this club," McPhee said. "I'm not in any rush to do that, because I haven't"
Phoenix Coyotes' Martin Hanzal out for Game 3, Shane Doan avoids suspension
May 17
Arizona Republic
As soon as forward Martin Hanzal was assessed a game misconduct for boarding in the third period of Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, the Coyotes feared the NHL would suspend Hanzal for Game 3. Those fears were realized Wednesday afternoon when NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan announced that Hanzal is banned from Thursday's Game3 of the Western Conference finals for boarding Kings' forward Dustin Brown. In a video explaining the penalty, Shanahan said Hanzal finished Brown "forcefully and at a very dangerous distance from the boards. This is a violation of the boarding rule which states, 'A boarding penalty should be imposed on any player who checks or pushes a defenseless"
Sharks G.M. won't say if coach Todd McLellan has been told he's returning next season
May 17
San Jose Mercury News
Sharks general manager Doug Wilson is sticking to his own timetable for spelling out what changes may be coming behind the San Jose bench. Which is why Wilson wasn't ready to acknowledge a report Wednesday from a reputable Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster that said coach Todd McLellan learned he was returning next season only three days after his team was eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. "You know that I don't respond to rumors," Wilson said. "We are doing our due diligence, and we are looking at every way to improve this hockey team." Despite the lack of any announcement from Wilson, all indications are that McLellan will be back for a fifth season. But new faces at the"
Sullivan would be ideal fit as Flames coach
May 18
Calgary Herald
columnist George Johnson
As the New York Rangers reached their bench during a time out at MSG, the "World's Most Famous Arena," Wednesday night, down a goal to the New Jersey Devils heading into the final minute of play, the boys in blue crowded along the boards, looking to their head coach, John Tortorella, for guidance. Mr. Congeniality in turn slid a few feet to his right and directed all inquiries to another gent in a suit. To his right-hand man. To Mike Sullivan. The next head coach of the Calgary Flames? He may not be the obvious choice, but from oh-so-many angles Mike Sullivan simply . . . fits. The Rangers' continuing participation in these Stanley Cup playdowns would go a long ways in explaining the"
Giroux to receive Wanamaker Award
May 17
CSN Philly
Claude Giroux may have been overlooked for the NHL's MVP award, but he won't escape his breakout 2011-12 season completely unrecognized. Giroux, who emerged as one of the league's top players this year, will receive the John Wanamaker Athletic Award on June 5. The award is presented annually to the athlete, team or organization that has done the most to reflect credit upon Philadelphia and to the team or sport in which they excel. The third Flyers player to be recognized with the honor, Giroux led the team in points during both the regular season (93) and the playoffs (17). He spent the majority of the year centering the Flyers' top line with Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell, scoring a"
Lightning interested in G Helenius returning
May 17
Tampa Tribune
The Lightning have interest in bringing back former first-round draft pick goaltender Riku Helenius, general manager Steve Yzerman said Wednesday. Yzerman, in Finland to watch the World Championships, confirmed in a text message he reached out to the 24-year-old netminder. "Helenius had a very good season,'' Yzerman said. "We have interest in him returning.''"
Red Wings might look deeper into free-agent pool
May 17
Detroit News
columnist Ted Kulfan
Let's forget about Ryan Suter and Zach Parise for a moment. Judging from the reaction of Red Wings fans, that's difficult to do considering they are the two prospective unrestricted free agents — and apparently the only ones the Red Wings care about this summer. But suppose they remain with their teams. Or end up with someone else. Who's next on the Red Wings radar? It's a slim market, but a couple interesting names are Capitals forward Alex Semin and Blues defenseman Barret Jackman. Both players have baggage and neither would instantly make the Red Wings a sure-fire Stanley Cup contender. But both have positive factors — and wouldn't cost as much."
Tomas Vokoun: 'I wasn't planning on being back' in Washington
May 16
Washington Post
Long before he suffered a torn groin muscle in the regular season and Braden Holtby stepped up as the Capitals' starting goaltender in the playoffs, Tomas Vokoun knew that he likely wouldn't be returning to Washington. The veteran netminder signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Capitals last July when he faced a lack of interest in his services as a free agent. At the time it seemed like a good fit and a steal for Washington, but over the course of the season it was clear it wasn't always an ideal arrangement for both sides. So it wasn't surprising when Vokoun, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, said Monday that he didn't see a future with the Capitals."
Milan Hejduk, Avalanche "talking"
May 16
Denver Post
What's going on with Milan Hejduk's situation? Not a whole lot in tangible terms. But this much I know: there is an ongoing dialogue between him and the team still at least. Hejduk, the Avs' 36-year-old captain who suffered through a terrible second half, would like to return for another season. If not with the Avs – which is his overwhelming preference – I'm told there is a chance he'd consider, gulp, signing with another team when/if he becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1."
Nashville Predators are close to contending again
May 16
Tennessean
While it's understandable that some forecasts predict an offseason of gloom and doom for the Predators — there are 15 unrestricted and restricted free agents on the current roster — with a few minor tweaks, this team can contend for the Stanley Cup next season. Ownership says it has the money to re-sign its important unrestricted free agents, namely All-Star defenseman Ryan Suter. Defenseman Shea Weber's restricted free-agent status means his return is likely. If forward Alexander Radulov decides not to come back to the Predators, they probably can use his rights to deal him for another piece."
Lightning takes close look at Swiss forward Damien Brunner
May 16
St. Petersburg Times
Part of the Lightning's summer to-do list is to find a top-six forward. That is why general manager Steve Yzerman, at the world championship in Helsinki, Finland, is keeping a close eye on Swiss forward Damien Brunner. "Highly skilled and fast," Yzerman wrote Tuesday night in a text message, adding Tampa Bay isn't the only team interested in the 5-foot-11, 187-pound right-handed shot."
Alfredsson won't be coaching any time soon
May 16
Ottawa Citizen
When Daniel Alfredsson decides to retire from the National Hockey League, he'll hang up his skates for good. He won't return to Sweden to continue his career there. But in a hint that he may stick around for another season, the 39-year-old captain of the Ottawa Senators said on Monday he doesn't see himself beginning a coaching career any time soon. Alfredsson made these comments in a wide-ranging interview with IIHF.com, which caught up to him after a practice in Stockholm to ask questions submitted by fans from all around the world. The captain of Sweden, Alfredsson is competing in his seventh world championship. It was in his first world championship in 1995 that he first made a name"
Agent: Unless Capitals give Alexander Semin more ice time, 'then there's no reason to be together'
May 15
Washington Post
Alexander Semin is one of six Capitals players set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but his agent made it clear on Monday that the team's current style of play doesn't make best use of the winger. While Semin's agent, Mark Gandler, wouldn't rule out the possibility of his client returning to Washington, at this point it seems unlikely. "We need to see where they see the team going, which direction and then we'll talk to management and see if we're going the same way," Gandler said in a phone interview. "If they need Alex we'll talk. If they don't need Alex, as they did not need him this year, then there's no reason to be together. Then they won't be paying a lot of money"
Dale Hunter's exit kicks off a challenging offseason for the Capitals
May 15
Washington Post
For the second time in three days, the Washington Capitals are reeling from a punch to the gut. Dale Hunter resigned as coach Monday after just six months on the job, leaving the team searching for a replacement two days after getting eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. Hunter's departure, while sudden, was not completely unexpected; the contract he signed when he replaced Bruce Boudreau on Nov. 28 expired at season's end. However, it gives the Capitals one more question to answer as they enter another offseason wondering why they haven't advanced beyond the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs since 1998, despite spending to the salary cap limit in recent years and"
Report: McLellan staying, staff could change
May 15
NHL.com
According to multiple media reports, the San Jose Sharks will retain coach Todd McLellan, but changes could be coming to his staff of assistants. McLellan's current assistants are Jay Woodcroft and Matt Shaw. CBC's Elliotte Friedman reported Tuesday that former Sharks Mike Ricci and Bryan Marchment could join the coaching staff, but whether they join or replace Woodcroft and/or Shaw is unknown. Both currently work in different areas of the organization -- Marchment as a scout, Ricci as a development coach."
Tarasenko trying to decide on future
May 15
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Blues prospect Vladimir Tarasenko appears to be closing in on his decision whether to play in the NHL or Russia next season. But there are factors still at work guiding what he will decide, a source close to the situation told the Post-Dispatch. The Blues drafted Tarasenko No. 16 overall in the 2010 NHL draft and immediately after Tarasenko's selection, former amateur scouting director Jarmo Kekalainen said: "If his name was Walt Smith, he would have been long gone at 16." The talent Tarasenko possesses is unmistakable, but NHL teams are wary of drafting Russian prospects because if they elect not to come to North America, or at least not as quickly as clubs and fans expect, taking the"
Gagne reportedly cleared for contact
May 14
NHL.com
Los Angeles Kings forward Simon Gagne has reportedly been cleared for contact for the first time since suffering a concussion on Dec. 26. However, according to the L.A. Kings Insider blog on the team's website, Kings general manager Dean Lombardi said Gagne will not be joining the team in Arizona and is still a longshot to return this season. Lombardi told the blog that Gagne is a "long way from playing," and that he "needs to get hit.""
Stars' Kari Lehtonen hurt, Goligoski viciously boarded as USA routs Finland
May 14
Dallas Morning News
The Americans viewed their 5-0 win against Finland at the world championships not so much as an accomplishment as a glimpse of how good this team can be. "We knew if we could put together 60 minutes, we are capable of great things," said Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty, who posted a goal and an assist for USA. "We just hope we can continue to improve and build off that game." Kyle Palmieri (Anaheim), Justin Faulk (Carolina), Bobby Ryan (Anaheim) and Chris Butler (Calgary ) were the other American goal scorers against Finnish goalie Kari Lehtonen (Dallas). Faulk has four goals to lead all defensemen in the tournament."
Richards sheds 'interim' label, gets two-year deal to coach Jackets
May 14
Columbus Dispatch
The Blue Jackets have decided that coach Todd Richards is a keeper. Richards, who took over when Scott Arniel was fired on Jan. 9, will have the "interim" tag lifted from his title later today, The Dispatch has learned. He has signed a two-year contract, the financial terms of which were not immediately available. Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson told The Dispatch late last month that he was looking for a coach who would force players to "raise the bar" toward higher expectations and a higher level of performance on the ice. Columbus finished last in the 30-team NHL this season for the first time in franchise history. Richards, 45, becomes the Jackets' sixth full-time coach."
Dale Hunter steps down as Capitals coach
May 14
Washington Post
Dale Hunter informed Washington Capitals General Manager George McPhee during a meeting this morning that he will be stepping down as head coach. “This was a tough decision,” Hunter said Monday. “It was the right thing for me and my family.” Hunter had presided over the Capitals since Nov. 28, when he replaced Bruce Boudreau, who was fired. Hunter racked up a 37-37 record (including overtime, shootout losses and playoff games) and directed Washington within a game of advancing to the franchise’s first Eastern Conference finals berth in 14 years. “Dale and I met about 10 o’clock and he let me know that he will not be able to return as the coach,” McPhee said, speaking on breakdown day at"
Alexander Semin to be free agent
May 14
ESPN.com
There's change coming to the Washington Capitals this summer and it's not just their head coach. Barring a complete change of heart, forward Alexander Semin won't be back in Washington next season. According to Semin's agent Mark Gandler, the skilled forward has no intentions of signing a contract extension with the Capitals and plans on becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1. "It was good while it lasted. With the lack of playoff success, with the direction they are going. They decided to change directions. That's within their rights. Alex doesn't fit into that system obviously," Gandler told ESPN the Magazine. "It just doesn't make any sense to him. He plays, he did the best he"
Staal sweepstakes could heat up
May 13
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Myriad reasons exist for Jordan Staal's name continuing to surface in trade speculation, and postseason comments by himself and the organization did nothing to squash such rumors. When asked about the Penguins' "three-center model" following a first-round playoff exit against Philadelphia, general manager Ray Shero said, "It has worked in the past. Whether it works in the future remains to be seen." Staal, whose contract expires next summer, recently was asked whether he, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin could enjoy long-term happiness in Pittsburgh. "Good question," he said. Shero told the Tribune-Review in December that signing Crosby, who has one more year on his current deal, to a new"
Sundin offers Alfie advice
May 13
Ottawa Sun
Daniel Alfredsson won't make the big decision on his future without getting advice. The Senators captain told the Sun earlier this season he has spoken with former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin and Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom about the path to take to retirement. While Lidstrom, 42, is still waiting to decide on whether he'll return to the Wings next season, the two legendary Swedes told Alfredsson he has to be prepared to go through another summer of training. Though Alfredsson and Sundin may have been rivals in the Battle of Ontario, they are longtime friends. They aren't best buddies (and didn't speak during the season when they were battling), but respect each"
Capitals Coach Dale Hunter may not be going anywhere, after all
May 12
Washington Post
columnist Mike Wise
The game and news conference were over when the coach walked into his office dressed in his usual black suit and red-sheen tie at 11:01 p.m. Wednesday following the Capitals' 2-1 victory over the Rangers. At almost exactly 11:01:30, he was back out in the Verizon Center hallway. Amazingly, he was wearing a polo shirt and slacks — as if he were an actor with seconds to make a costume change. Dale Hunter still hates suits and ties. They're not him. They never will be. The job? Suddenly, that's another story. There were times the past few months he probably hated it here after taking over for Bruce Boudreau, who was let go in November after almost five seasons. Maybe Hunter wondered why in"
Nash's appeal should grow as contenders fall short
May 12
Columbus Dispatch
columnist Michael Arace
Eleven weeks ago, Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson and his counterpart from the New York Rangers, Glen Sather, attempted to work out a deal involving Rick Nash. The trade deadline came and went, and ne'er the twain did meet. Eleven weeks later, Howson is preparing to put Nash back up for bid and Sather's Rangers are facing a Game 7, and with some trepidation. Tonight, the Rangers and Washington Capitals close out their closely contested second-round series in Madison Square Garden. If the Rangers lose, a thought which has been forming throughout their playoff run will gain voice: Should Sather have traded for Nash? The question has been posed in other NHL cities, such as San Jose"
Fans want Alfie to return
May 12
Ottawa Sun
Daniel Alfredsson will have a long list waiting for him when he returns to Ottawa from the world championship. It will be a petition signed by Senators fans wanting him to do what they believe is the right thing — play at least one more season. One of those behind the movement is Tony Giampietro, who hopes to have 11,000 names accumulated by the time Alfredsson gets back from representing Sweden in Europe. "We realize and appreciate that Alfie will be the one who makes the ultimate decision on whether to play another season," said Giampietro. "Our goal is simply to demonstrate to him that Sens fans still believe that he has what it takes to lead us to a championship." Giampietro and his"
Ducks sign Boudreau to two-year extension
May 11
NHL.com
The Anaheim Ducks on Thursday signed coach Bruce Boudreau to a two-year contract extension that will keep him behind the bench through the 2014-15 season. "Since joining the organization last November, Bruce has done an outstanding job with the team," said executive vice president and general manager Bob Murray, who brought in Boudreau when he fired Randy Carlyle on Nov. 30. "He's committed to us and determined to lead us back to the playoffs." Boudreau was originally under contract with Anaheim through the 2012-13 season. No financial terms were disclosed. "It's always great that the GM and ownership have that much faith in you, and it's my job to justify it," Boudreau said via the team's"
Wild re-signs defenseman Clayton Stoner, close to signing Johan Gustafsson
May 11
Minneapolis Star Tribune
The Wild has signed Stoner to a two-year, $2.1 million deal ($1.05 million cap hit) As I mentioned after the season, the one unrestricted free agent I thought the Wild would definitely look to re-sign is defenseman Clayton Stoner. I'm hearing through the grapevine that is very close to happening -- maybe as soon as today. The 6-foot-3, 206-pounder suffered through another injury-plagued season, but coach Mike Yeo loves his physicality, the fact he stands up for any teammate and his reliability. He was a plus-3 in 51 games after being a plus-5 in 57 games last year. As GM Chuck Fletcher has even said before, being a plus player on the Wild the last two seasons is no small feat. Stoner, 27,"
Resting Devils without Zidlicky, Volchenkov at practice
May 11
New York Post
If time heals all wounds, the Devils will be a very happy bunch. Two key members of the defense, Anton Volchenkov and Marek Zidlicky, each sat out practice Thursday, the Devils' first since eliminating the Flyers in five games Tuesday. Had there been a Game 6, which would have been Thursday night, the Devils could have been without both of them. But with the Eastern Conference Final starting Monday, both players will have plenty of time to rest and recover. Volchenkov was clobbered by Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo a few minutes after he had put a hard, clean check on Brayden Schenn in Game 5 on Tuesday. Volchenkov went to the locker room but returned. Zidlicky was the victim of a Wayne"
Nashville Predators, Ryan Suter discuss future
May 10
Tennessean
Two days later, Ryan Suter was still emotional. The playoff ouster at the hands of the Coyotes still fresh in his thoughts, the all-star defenseman needed a few minutes to cool off before speaking with reporters at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday. At first the Predators said Suter had decided not to speak. But eventually the pending unrestricted free agent emerged from the locker room wearing a Green Bay Packers hat and black shirt. If Suter, 27, and the Predators don't agree to a contract extension before July 1, he will be free to sign with any team. Re-signing him will be Nashville's top offseason priority. "Wherever I sign I want to be there for the rest of my career, and that affects"
Predators' Shea Weber has contract options
May 10
Tennessean
Predators captain Shea Weber didn't have much to say about the future on Wednesday. He's still bummed about the past. There are three scenarios that could unfold for the All-Star defenseman in the coming months: • He could sign a multiyear contract with Nashville, which is what the Predators would like. • He could become a restricted free agent on July 1, meaning other teams would have the opportunity to sign him to an offer sheet. The Predators could choose to match the offer sheet or receive draft-pick compensation if they let him go. • He could choose to go to salary arbitration, which would allow him to select a one- or two-year deal with the Predators."
Report: Stars to hire Gainey as consultant
May 10
NHL.com
The Dallas Stars reportedly have agreed to terms with former GM Bob Gainey to return to the team as a consultant. Team president and CEO Jim Lites confirmed the agreement to the Dallas Morning News on Wednesday afternoon. Gainey, who recently ended a similar job with the Montreal Canadiens, is expected to be an important voice for GM Joe Nieuwendyk, as well as Lites and others in the organization. "I think the most important thing I can do in my job is hire good people, and Bob is one of the best persons I know,'' Lites told Mike Heika of the Morning News. "He was available, he was very interested in what we've been able to accomplish, and I just believe having a voice like that will be"
Alfie not saying goodbye
May 10
Ottawa Sun
Daniel Alfredsson is well respected in both his homeland and his adopted home of Ottawa. After the Senators were eliminated in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Alfredsson opted to represent Sweden at the world championship. At 39, was Alfredsson taking advantage of the opportunity to salute Swedish fans one last time? "No, that hasn't even crossed my mind," he said in an exclusive interview with QMI Agency. "I never won gold at a world championship and it's always special for me to play at home. I played my first world championship here in Stockholm (1995). I don't see this as a farewell tour." The veteran winger said he felt good enough physically to prolong his season after"
Shea Weber tops Canucks' fantasy trade list
May 10
Vancouver Province
The Canucks have done their due diligence, to be sure, and the message this week is a fairly simple one — stay the course. Of course, that was also the message in both Edmonton and Calgary after their runs to Stanley Cup final. Didn't work out so well there. In sports, many times, some change can do a team a world of good. It's sure been effective for the L.A. Kings, who are in the Western Conference final after undergoing a year-long roster overhaul that really didn't end until the trade deadline."
Penguins' Michalek has hip surgery
May 10
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek underwent hip surgery Wednesday, the team announced. The nature of his injury and details such as when he got hurt were not revealed, but he is expected to be ready for training camp in September. The operation was performed by Dr. J.W. Thomas Byrd of the Nashville Sports and Orthopaedic Center. Michalek, 29, led the Penguins with 144 blocked shots in 2011-12. He had two goals, 13 points and an even plus-minus rating in 62 games. He had one assist, 10 blocked shots and a plus-2 in six playoff games."
Flyers face tough decisions with salary issues looming
May 10
Courier-Post
When the Flyers acquired Chris Pronger in the 2009 offseason, they did so knowing they had a limited window of opportunity to win a Stanley Cup while Pronger and Kimmo Timonen were able anchor the team's blueline. That window now appears to be closed for Pronger and nearly shut for Timonen. Pronger, 37, may not be able to resume his career in the wake of severe post-concussion symptoms that ended his 2011-12 season after he was able to play in just 13 games. Timonen, who turned 37 in March, has one season remaining on the six-year, $38 million contract he signed when the Flyers acquired him from Nashville early in the 2007 offseason."
Jagr unsure of return to Philly
May 9
Courier-Post
In the heat of the frustration, the oldest and most accomplished of the Flyers could not bring himself into saying he wants to return next season. Jaromir Jagr, a future Hall of Famer and unrestricted free agent come July 1, wouldn't address his future Tuesday night after the Flyers were handed a season-ending 3-1 loss by the New Jersey Devils. "Right now, I don't know," said Jagr, who turned 40 in February. "I don't know what's going to happen. It doesn't matter what's going to happen.""
Rangers winger Zuccarello skates with mates, but still has ways to go
May 9
New York Post
It was exactly six weeks ago Monday when Mats Zuccarello broke his left wrist while blocking a shot from the Sabres' Jordan Leopold, a time frame that was estimated as the earliest for his return. The Rangers' 24-year-old Norwegian winger skated with the team for the first time since then at yesterday's optional practice at the Garden. A good sign, but Zuccarello said he's still at least 10 days from being available. "It's still sore but it's going to be sore for a long time," he said as he unfastened the newer, smaller soft cast he wears. "It's kind of hard to tell [a time frame]. I get a little scared when it hurts and you don't want to do too much.""
Quenneville dismisses assistant -- and rumors about leaving
May 9
Chicago Tribune
After a season during which special teams were anything but special and there was a second consecutive exit in the first round of the playoffs, someone was going to take the fall for the Blackhawks' failures. That someone was assistant coach Mike Haviland, who was fired Tuesday after four seasons behind the bench. Coach Joel Quenneville lowered the boom on the man he inherited to stand on one side of him on the bench, choosing to oust Haviland and keep Mike Kitchen in the fold."
Ken Holland: Danny Cleary's knee surgery went well, should be ready for Red Wings training camp
May 9
Detroit Free Press
Red Wings forward Danny Cleary underwent surgery on his left knee Tuesday morning, as expected. General manager Ken Holland told the Free Press that the surgeon "removed floating debris and repaired torn cartilage." Holland said the surgery went well and that Cleary will be ready for the start of training camp, which is at least four months away. Cleary said as early as March he'd need surgery in the postseason after his knee got progressively worse after first acting up in November. Cleary had to undergo regular treatments to drain fluid buildup and received injections of a gel substance to offset bone grinding on bone late in the season. He also got a large dose of anti-inflammatory"
Florida Panthers have to decide who stays and who goes
May 9
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
After successfully overhauling a conference bottom-feeding roster last summer into a division champion, Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon is now at the all-important tweaking stage. But before the master wheeler and dealer utilizes his current $8.8 million in salary-cap funds to sign a few more free agents when the July 1 deadline arrives, Tallon and assistant GM Mike Santos must decide on which of his own 10 free agents (6 unrestricted and 4 restricted) to re-up or dump. The Panthers must extend a "qualifying offer'' to their restricted free agents by June 25. If not, they would become unrestricted."
Karlsson talks will take time
May 9
Ottawa Sun
The Senators could be in for a long, hot summer trying to sign defenceman Erik Karlsson. Craig Oster, Karlsson's agent, confirmed by e-mail late Monday there haven't been any formal talks between the two sides and none are planned at this juncture. No, this shouldn't come as any surprise as the season ended less than two weeks ago. The club's scouting staff is focused on the coming weekend when the group gathers in Ottawa to rate players for next month's NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh."
Lightning's Ohlund says he hopes to play again
May 9
Tampa Tribune
While a story on a Swedish newspaper site Tuesday set off speculation Mattias Ohlund is retiring, the veteran Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman said he hopes to be able to play again. In a story posted on SportExpressen.se, Ohlund states his intention to continue rehabilitation from a radical knee surgery that required the insertion of a titanium plate to be inserted in his left knee."
|
|
| EASTERN CONFERENCE |
| Team |
GP |
W |
L |
OT |
DF |
PTS |
| 1. NYR* |
82 |
51 |
24 |
7 |
39 |
109 |
| 2. BOS* |
82 |
49 |
29 |
4 |
67 |
102 |
| 3. FLA* |
82 |
38 |
26 |
18 |
-24 |
94 |
| 4. PIT |
82 |
51 |
25 |
6 |
61 |
108 |
| 5. PHI |
82 |
47 |
26 |
9 |
32 |
103 |
| 6. NJD |
82 |
48 |
28 |
6 |
19 |
102 |
| 7. WSH |
82 |
42 |
32 |
8 |
-8 |
92 |
| 8. OTT |
82 |
41 |
31 |
10 |
9 |
92 |
| 9. BUF |
82 |
39 |
32 |
11 |
-12 |
89 |
| 10. TBL |
82 |
38 |
36 |
8 |
-46 |
84 |
| 11. WPG |
82 |
37 |
35 |
10 |
-21 |
84 |
| 12. CAR |
82 |
33 |
33 |
16 |
-30 |
82 |
| 13. TOR |
82 |
35 |
37 |
10 |
-33 |
80 |
| 14. NYI |
82 |
34 |
37 |
11 |
-52 |
79 |
| 15. MTL |
82 |
31 |
35 |
16 |
-14 |
78 |
| WESTERN CONFERENCE |
| Team |
GP |
W |
L |
OT |
DF |
PTS |
| 1. VAN* |
82 |
51 |
22 |
9 |
51 |
111 |
| 2. STL* |
82 |
49 |
22 |
11 |
45 |
109 |
| 3. PHX* |
82 |
42 |
27 |
13 |
12 |
97 |
| 4. NSH |
82 |
48 |
26 |
8 |
27 |
104 |
| 5. DET |
82 |
48 |
28 |
6 |
45 |
102 |
| 6. CHI |
82 |
45 |
26 |
11 |
10 |
101 |
| 7. SJS |
82 |
43 |
29 |
10 |
18 |
96 |
| 8. CGY |
82 |
37 |
29 |
16 |
-24 |
90 |
| 9. DAL |
82 |
42 |
35 |
5 |
-11 |
89 |
| 10. COL |
82 |
41 |
35 |
6 |
-12 |
88 |
| 11. MIN |
82 |
35 |
36 |
11 |
-49 |
81 |
| 12. ANA |
82 |
34 |
36 |
12 |
-27 |
80 |
| 13. EDM |
82 |
32 |
40 |
10 |
-27 |
74 |
| 14. LAK |
57 |
27 |
19 |
11 |
0 |
65 |
| 15. CBJ |
82 |
29 |
46 |
7 |
-60 |
65 |
| ATLANTIC |
| Team |
GP |
W |
L |
OT |
PTS |
GF |
GA |
| NYR |
82 |
51 |
24 |
7 |
109 |
226 |
187 |
| PIT |
82 |
51 |
25 |
6 |
108 |
282 |
221 |
| PHI |
82 |
47 |
26 |
9 |
103 |
264 |
232 |
| NJD |
82 |
48 |
28 |
6 |
102 |
228 |
209 |
| NYI |
82 |
34 |
37 |
11 |
79 |
203 |
255 |
| NORTHEAST |
| Team |
GP |
W |
L |
OT |
PTS |
GF |
GA |
| BOS |
82 |
49 |
29 |
4 |
102 |
269 |
202 |
| OTT |
82 |
41 |
31 |
10 |
92 |
249 |
240 |
| BUF |
82 |
39 |
32 |
11 |
89 |
218 |
230 |
| TOR |
82 |
35 |
37 |
10 |
80 |
231 |
264 |
| MTL |
82 |
31 |
35 |
16 |
78 |
212 |
226 |
| SOUTHEAST |
| Team |
GP |
W |
L |
OT |
PTS |
GF |
GA |
| FLA |
82 |
38 |
26 |
18 |
94 |
203 |
227 |
| WSH |
82 |
42 |
32 |
8 |
92 |
222 |
230 |
| TBL |
82 |
38 |
36 |
8 |
84 |
235 |
281 |
| WPG |
82 |
37 |
35 |
10 |
84 |
225 |
246 |
| CAR |
82 |
33 |
33 |
16 |
82 |
213 |
243 |
| CENTRAL |
| Team |
GP |
W |
L |
OT |
PTS |
GF |
GA |
| STL |
82 |
49 |
22 |
11 |
109 |
210 |
165 |
| NSH |
82 |
48 |
26 |
8 |
104 |
237 |
210 |
| DET |
82 |
48 |
28 |
6 |
102 |
248 |
203 |
| CHI |
82 |
45 |
26 |
11 |
101 |
248 |
238 |
| CBJ |
82 |
29 |
46 |
7 |
65 |
202 |
262 |
| NORTHWEST |
| Team |
GP |
W |
L |
OT |
PTS |
GF |
GA |
| VAN |
82 |
51 |
22 |
9 |
111 |
249 |
198 |
| CGY |
82 |
37 |
29 |
16 |
90 |
202 |
226 |
| COL |
82 |
41 |
35 |
6 |
88 |
208 |
220 |
| MIN |
82 |
35 |
36 |
11 |
81 |
177 |
226 |
| EDM |
82 |
32 |
40 |
10 |
74 |
212 |
239 |
| PACIFIC |
| Team |
GP |
W |
L |
OT |
PTS |
GF |
GA |
| PHX |
82 |
42 |
27 |
13 |
97 |
216 |
204 |
| SJS |
82 |
43 |
29 |
10 |
96 |
228 |
210 |
| DAL |
82 |
42 |
35 |
5 |
89 |
211 |
222 |
| ANA |
82 |
34 |
36 |
12 |
80 |
204 |
231 |
| LAK |
57 |
27 |
19 |
11 |
65 |
124 |
124 |
|
