Sidney Crosby's Unique Hat Trick

by Adam Gretz

Filed under: Flames, Penguins, NHL Videos

Sidney Crosby registered his sixth career hat trick during the Penguins 4-1 win against Calgary on Saturday, and he not only recorded his 200th career goal in the process, he scored three goals in three different ways: Even strength, power play and shorthanded (which was also an empty net goal). Making things even more interesting is the fact he had an opportunity to score on a penalty shot in the first period, only to be turned aside on a spectacular save by Flames goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff, who was outstanding in net, keeping his team in the game when it was outplayed for much of the afternoon.

The first goal, the even strength tally, came on an odd-man rush that was set up by Chris Kunitz, while the power play goal came on a slight deflection from in the slot off of a Paul Martin slap shot from the point. He completed the hat trick late in the third period when the Penguins were in a 6-on-4 situation (shorthanded combined with the Flames pulling their goalie for the extra attacker) allowing Crosby to score from his own end of the ice.

It would have been interesting had he been able to score on the penalty shot, as it would have brought back some memories of Mario Lemieux's New Years Eve performance in 1988 when he scored five goals, five different ways; still one of the best -- if not the best -- single game performances in the history of the league.

 

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Jamie Fraser Mark Fraser Benjamin Gallacher Jason Garrison

Blackhawks Even Series With Shutout Win

by Adam Gretz

Filed under: Blackhawks, Predators, NHL Videos, NHL Playoffs

After dropping two of their first three games against the Nashville Predators, the Chicago Blackhawks were under some pretty intense scrutiny from the local fans and media. A bit premature, of course, but let's face it, the Predators are a team that's proven they're able to suck the life out of an opposing offense -- including Chicago's, based on the results of the regular season series -- and it's not really a surprise that they're giving the Blackhawks everything they can handle so far.

Still, Chicago managed to silence some of its critics on Thursday by tying the series at two games, thanks to a 3-0 shutout win in Nashville that saw Antti Niemi stop all 33 shots he faced for his second shutout of the playoffs, as the 'Hawks turned the tables somewhat on Nashville in what has been a very defensive, low-scoring series.

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Series tied, 2-2
Blackhawks 3, Predators 0: Recap | Box Score | Series Page

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Frederic St. Denis Marc Staal Garrett Stafford Steve Staios

Guy Boucher Turns Down Columbus, Scott Arniel Reportedly Gets Job

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Blue Jackets, Canadiens, Eastern, NHL Coaching, Minor League Hockey

On Saturday, it looked like Hamilton Bulldogs coach Guy Boucher had the job in Columbus if he wanted it.

Everyone probably assumed he would want it. What AHL coach is going to turn down an NHL gig, after all?

Well, Guy Boucher turned one down. His decision -- reported Monday -- didn't exactly send the Blue Jackets into scramble mode. Instead, longtime Columbus beat writer Aaron Portzline reports the team has decided to hire Manitoba Moose coach Scott Arniel. He will be introduced as the club's new head coach at a press conference Tuesday.

 

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John Negrin Jake Newton Jyri Niemi Nikita Nikitin

For the Fans, Keep the Wade Redden Loophole Open

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Blackhawks, Devils, Rangers, NHL Free Agency, NHL Economics

Wade Redden, signed by the New York Rangers to a six-year, $39 million contract just two summers ago, is reporting to the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League on Wednesday. This is as it should be for all parties involved.

For the Rangers, whose general manager Glen Sather rewarded Redden when almost every other team in the NHL -- at least those with personalities strong enough to talk their bosses out of a preposterous move -- knew Redden was at best Ottawa's fourth defenseman for the previous two seasons. Redden will come off the Rangers' salary cap, but not off the Madison Square Garden payroll.

For the 33-year-old Redden, the second overall pick in 1995 draft, whose performance has mysteriously nose-dived in the last five years from the high of Norris consideration to depth defenseman. More offensively, his passion and work ethic were often missing in his two years with the Rangers.

And for the National Hockey League and the Players Association, which collectively did not cover a loophole in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement that allows teams to run from their free agent mistakes by shipping them to the minors and obtaining salary cap relief.

 

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Anders Eriksson John Erskine Brennan Evans Garnet Exelby

Shane O'Brien Moves On as Canucks, Preds Complete Four-Player Trade

by Monte Stewart

Filed under: Canucks, Predators

Shane O'Brien's excellent NHL adventure now takes him to the Nashville Predators.

The Preds acquired O'Brien and minor-league winger Dan Gendur from the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday for defenceman Ryan Parent and forward Jonas Andersson.

Leading up to his waiver placement, O'Brien said it would be a "new adventure" if the Canucks chose not to keep him.

O'Brien, 26, fell out of favour with the Canucks last season after sleeping in and showing up late for a practice and failing to keep his weight down to a prescribed limit. He didn't help his cause with a so-so training camp and pre-season.

 

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Jason Garrison Cameron Gaunce Jerome Gauthier-Leduc Eric Gelinas

So What If P.K. Subban Trash Talks?

by Alan Adams

Filed under: Canadiens, Flyers

Memo to P.K. Subban.

Don't change a thing.

Don't listen for a nano-second to whatever Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike Richards has to say about you, what you said or didn't say, or anything else for that matter.

In case you missed it, Richards ripped into the 21-year-old rookie for the way Subban (right, sticking his tongue out at the Wild's Kyle Brodziak) chirps at his opponents.

"It's just frustrating to see a young guy like that come in here and so much as think that he's better than a lot of people," Richards said. "You have to earn respect in this league. It takes a lot. You can't just come in here as a rookie and play like that. It's not the way to get respect from other players around the league.

"Hopefully someone on their team addresses it, because -- I'm not saying I'm going to do it, but something might happen to him if he continues to be that cocky."

Get respect from other players in the league?

This from a guy who showed absolutely no respect when he planted his shoulder into David Booth's head last season. It was a vicious hit, one that made highlight reels all over the world for the wrong reasons.

That's R-E-S-P-E-C-T?

 

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Jamie Johnson Olli Jokinen Blair Jones Jacob Josefson

Ales Kotalik Nears Return to Flames

Filed under: Flames

CALGARY -- It's no secret the Calgary Flames are in dire need of some offensive impetus, having scored just six goals in their past four games.

By the end of the week, they're hoping that the meek attack will be bolstered by a guy who has yet to see action this season: Ales Kotalik.

The Czech right winger made a real mish-mash of his knee during the latter part of training camp, damaging not one but two ligaments. But as the Flames prepared to meet Minnesota Wild on Monday night, Kotalik was on the Scotiabank Saddledome ice, testing out the knee and looking ahead to either Wednesday' game vs. Vancouver or Friday's game in Minnesota.

"It feels great," Kotalik acknowledged. "It's been a while. It's the most severe injury I've had in my career. It's not an easy thing to come back from. I've worked extremely hard in rehab and I'm committed to putting the work in and come back as strong as I have been.

"The doctors said it was pretty unusual. If it was one ligament only, I might be playing already. But I'm a heavy guy, I play with power on the ice, and it makes it harder for the ligaments to heal. I have to fight it and look for that comfort level."

 

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Sebastian Owuya Nathan Oystrick Nathan Paetsch Brett Palin

Ottawa Senators to Host 2012 NHL All-Star Game

by A.J. Perez

Filed under: Senators, NHL All Star Game

Ottawa will host the 2012 NHL All-Star Game at its Scotiabank Place, the league announced on Wednesday.

It will be the first time Ottawa will host an all-star celebration -- which is slated to include Honda NHL SuperSkills competition and other activities -- since the team debuted 18 years ago. Ottawa has already hosted the Stanley Cup Finals and NHL Entry Draft twice.

"The league is extremely pleased that Ottawa and Scotiabank Place will be home to the events of All-Star weekend 2012," said Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner, in a statement. "Ottawa and the Senators have distinguished themselves in hosting the Stanley Cup Final and two NHL entry drafts, and I have no doubt they will provide an outstanding welcome for our fans, guests, media and business partners."

The game is scheduled to take place Jan. 28-29, 2012. The league said ticket information will be released at a later date.

 

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Alexander Edler Travis Ehrhardt Christian Ehrhoff Oliver Ekman-Larsson

The NHL Cycle: Pavelec Tops, Kessel Not, Adams Watch, Plays of the Week

Filed under: Maple Leafs, NHL Fans, NHL Videos, NHL Coaching

Every Monday morning Adam Gretz and Chris Botta recap the week in the greatest hockey league in the world. We call it the NHL Cycle.

THE HOT SEAT
Phil Kessel: The most talented player on the Toronto Maple Leafs has just three goals and two assists over his last 14 games. Kessel is the third-leading scorer on his team, behind Clarke MacArthur and Mikhail Grabovski. He performed well last year despite the pressure of a large contract and the high cost to acquire him from Boston. This year, Kessel has not played up to his standards -- even if he is still on a pace to score close to 40 goals.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ondrej Pavelec: So many worthy candidates, but let's salute Pavelec for his starring role in the turnaround of the Atlanta Thrashers, winners of five straight. This week, Pavelec allowed just two goals over three wins against Detroit, Montreal and Boston. That's on 101 shots against, including 42 in Atlanta's 4-1 win Sunday over the Bruins.

 

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Lars Eller Cory Emmerton Andreas Engqvist Angelo Esposito

Canucks and Wild Players Support Rypien's Suspension

by Monte Stewart

Filed under: Canucks, Wild, NHL Fans, NHL Fights

VANCOUVER, B.C. -- Both Vancouver and Minnesota Wild players expressed sympathy for Rick Rypien as the Canucks forward received a six-game suspension Friday for tussling with a fan.

But, going slightly against the norm for NHLers, Rypien's teammates and opponents suggested he got what he deserved as they prepared for a re-match at Rogers Arena following Tuesday's incident in Minnesota.

"We respect the league's decision on it," Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault told reporters after his club's morning skate, echoing the sentiments of a press release issued by the team. "Rick made a mistake and those are the consequences and we turn the page and move on."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and chief disciplinarian Colin Campbell punished Rypien after he appeared to grab Minnesota Wild fan James Engquist while entering the tunnel to the dressing room in St. Paul.

 

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Steve Zalewski Henrik Zetterberg Mike Zigomanis Dainius Zubrus

Predators Name Shea Weber Captain

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Predators, Western

Over their 11 years in the NHL, the Nashville Predators have done a lot of things right. They've made the playoffs five times, which isn't bad at all for an expansion franchise, especially one that has never been known for making a big splash in free agency or spending a lot of money on payroll. Overall, the Predators have posted six winning seasons in the NHL.

They've been a model of stability, thanks to general manager David Poile and head coach Barry Trotz. While they don't have millions of fans to draw from like other teams do, they draw good crowds in Nashville, and their loyal fans help create an interesting atmosphere at home games.

What they've never had -- before now -- is a home-grown captain.

 

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Stefan Elliott Ryan Ellis Steve Eminger Deryk Engelland

Ryan Johansen Taken No. 4 by Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010 NHL Entry Draft

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Blue Jackets, Western, NHL Draft, Junior Hockey

Eleven years in the NHL. Ten years of picking in the top 10 of the first round.

That's not the kind of franchise-building that you need in a new market.

For Columbus general manager Scott Howson, it's time to turn things around. Last year, Howson grabbed an offensive defenseman in John Moore, the kind of player who can take over the Columbus power play very soon. Now, he has the center who can lead the way for this team's surge into prominence.

With the fourth pick in Friday's NHL Entry Draft, the Blue Jackets picked Portland Winterhawks center Ryan Johansen.

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More: Ryan Johansen Scouting Report | First Round Results

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Adam Comrie Tim Conboy Kevin Connauton Brian Connelly

Random Flashback: The Birth of Detroit's Russian 5

by Adam Gretz

Filed under: Red Wings, NHL Videos

Here's a random blast from the past. According to the Hockey Hall of Fame's This Date in Hockey History, it was on this day 15 years ago (October 27, 1995) that the Detroit Red Wings assembled their famous Russian Five line consisting of Sergei Fedorov, Igor Larionov, Slava Kozlov, Vladimir Konstantinov and Viacheslav Fetisov. It marked the first time in NHL history that a team used five Russian players on the ice at the same time. The group accounted for two goals (Kozlov and Larionov) in a 3-0 win against the Calgary Flames.

Fedorov, Kozlov, Konstantinov and Fetisov opened the 1995 season with the Wings, and the group was ultimately completed a couple of weeks into the campaign when Larionov was acquired from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Ray Sheppard.

Together, they were a menacing group that dominated the puck and helped lead Detroit to a 62-13-7 mark during the 1995-96 season, and eventually a Stanley Cup the following year. It was not only one of the best lines in hockey, but also, arguably, the most entertaining. Unfortunately, the Stanley Cup was the last time the group played together as Konstantinov had his career ended shortly after the Finals due to injuries suffered in a limousine accident.

Here's a four-minute television segment that talked about group a decade-and-a-half ago. When the NHL was still on Fox (glow pucks!) with James Brown. Ah, memories.

 

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Cody McCormick Andy McDonald David McIntyre Greg McKegg

Cal Clutterbuck Takes Out Two Columbus Players, Scores Winning Goal

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Blue Jackets, Wild, Western, NHL Videos

Minnesota Wild forward Cal Clutterbuck is known for his ability to throw his weight around. The grinder isn't a big scorer, and he isn't a top playmaker. Instead, he's a hard-nosed player who will hit anything that isn't wearing the same-colored jersey as his.

After a slow start to the season, Minnesota was seeking their third win in a row Saturday night in Columbus.

With the game tied in the third period, Clutterbuck was able to take out two opponents at once. He followed that up by skating to the front of the net uncovered and scoring the game-winning goal.

 

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Jamie Johnson Olli Jokinen Blair Jones Jacob Josefson

Mark Hardy Open to Coaching Return

by A.J. Perez

Filed under: Kings, NHL Coaching

Former Los Angeles Kings assistant coach Mark Hardy would consider an offer to return to hockey now that his sexual abuse case has been dismissed, his attorney told FanHouse on Wednesday.

Hardy was arrested at a Washington hotel on a felony charge of sexual abuse after a family member called police in May 21. Prosecutors later reduced the charge to a misdemeanor before the case was dropped entirely on Tuesday, the same day his trial was scheduled to start.

No reason was given as to why prosecutors dropped the charges.

"Mark is spending some time with his family," Craig Renetzky, Hardy's lawyer, said. "He's staying in shape and looking toward the future. His family is the most important thing in his life, but he loves hockey. He loves the fans. If something comes along, I'm sure he will consider it."

Hard resigned in the wake of his arrest and later completed an alcohol treatment program. He spent 11 seasons in the NHL as a defenseman before entering coaching.

Through Renetzky, he declined a request for an interview.

 

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Kevin Montgomery John Moore Mike Moore Derek Morris

Bruins Stun Penguins With 5 Third Period Goals: What's Next Step in Pittsburgh?

by Adam Gretz

Filed under: Bruins, Penguins, NHL Coaching

When the NHL schedule came out before the season, anyone interested in watching Wednesday's Penguins vs. Bruins game probably wasn't expecting the goaltending matchup of Tim Thomas vs. Brent Johnson. After all, Marc-Andre Fleury was seemingly cemented in as Pittsburgh's No. 1, while Tuukka Rask had taken the top job in Boston with an impressive 2009-10 campaign.

After one month, Thomas and Johnson had outplayed their younger counterparts by a sizable margin, and both entered Wednesday's showdown in Pittsburgh in the top-five in save percentage and goals against average, with Thomas leading the league in both categories. Instead of a grind-it-out low-scoring game, Boston ended up walking away with a 7-4 win thanks to a five-goal third period that was one part inspired comeback by the Bruins, and one part complete meltdown by the Penguins.

 

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Brad Lukowich Mike Lundin Toni Lydman Andrew MacDonald

2010-11 New Jersey Devils Preview: A Contender Reloads

by Kevin Schultz

Filed under: Devils

Did you hear anything about the Devils this summer? I didn't. These guys were the quietest team in the league. Re-signing their core players, not making any splashy free agent signings and doing everything they could to appease the commissioner's office. Oh wait, they actually did the exact opposite of all that this summer.

The Devils had arguably the busiest summer in the league overhauling their defense, while losing Paul Martin to Pittsburgh. They also brought back Jason Arnott for another go-around and found an apparently suitable backup for a 38-year old Martin Brodeur. All the while there was that whole Kovalchuk thing that we've all heard so much about. After a tough playoff exit last season, GM Lou Lamoriello worked his usual magic to put the defending Atlantic Division champions back in a solid position to defend their crown. On paper, the names are different but the talent level is similar. The Devils will be back at the top of the standings again this year and the Earth will continue rotating. So it goes.

NEW-LOOK DEFENSE

Over the summer the Devils lost one of their best defenders, Paul Martin, to free agency. Martin jumped to the division rival Penguins for a 5-year, $25 million deal. On paper, losing a player of Martin's caliber would be a serious blow to a team's defensive corps. However, on the ice the Devils got a lot of experience without Martin last year as he missed the majority of the year with a broken arm. As the results showed, they fared pretty well without him during the regular season.

 

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Sergei Kolosov Mike Komisarek Mike Kostka Niklas Kronwall

Taylor Hall Scores First NHL Goal

by Adam Gretz

Filed under: Blue Jackets, Oilers, NHL Videos

In his eighth NHL game, No. 1 overall draft pick Taylor Hall scored his first career goal for the Edmonton Oilers in a 3-2 shootout loss against the Columbus Jackets on Thursday night. Entering play on Thursday the 18-year-old Hall had recorded just one point (an assist) in his previous seven games, but managed to chip in on both Oilers goals in regulation, also getting credit for an assist on Shawn Horcoff's power play goal in the first period.

The goal itself was a deflection in front of the net as Hall directed a Theo Peckham shot from the point past Blue Jackets goaltender Steve Mason, tying the game at two midway through the third period, ultimately sending the game to overtime and giving Edmonton an opportunity to earn at least a point in the standings.

Here's the video...

 

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Mathieu Carle Matt Carle John Carlson Jonathan Carlsson

Alexander Burmistrov Dekes Through Washington Defense

by Adam Gretz

Filed under: Capitals, Thrashers, NHL Videos

The Atlanta Thrashers entered Friday's game against Washington riding a three-game losing streak, and also having lost six of their previous seven games. They managed to break out of their recent slump in a big, impressive way, knocking off the Southeastern Division leading Capitals with a 5-0 win. They received goals from five different players, including a highlight reel goal from 19-year-old rookie Alexander Burmistrov.

Burmistrov, the No. 8 overall pick in this past summers draft, has been impressive this season due to his advanced defensive play for a rookie, and the creativity offensively is starting to show up as well. Friday's game was a nice example due to this play late in the third period that saw Burmistrov dance with the puck past Washington defenseman Jeff Schultz, as well as goaltender Michal Neuvirth. The goal is Burmistrov's third of the season.

Here's the video...

 

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Brad Richardson Zac Rinaldo Mattias Ritola Marco Rosa

Stars Move Leads to Bright Prospects, Bright Future for Dallas Hockey

by Adam Gretz

Filed under: Stars, NHL Fans, Team USA, High School Hockey, Minor League Hockey, Junior Hockey

In this five-part series, Adam Gretz looks at the growth of USA Hockey and the number of "non-traditional" cities and regions that are now producing players in the wake of NHL expansion. This week, we'll run a new installment every day.

Just two years removed from playing in the Stanley Cup Final, the Minnesota North Stars left one of the United States' top hockey hotbeds for the relatively uncharted territory (in hockey terms) of Dallas, Texas. It was the same season the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning joined the NHL as expansion teams, and it was all part of the league's experiment that put professional hockey in the South.

The Stars have easily been the most successful franchise of the three, having been a consistent contender in the Western Conference since arriving in Dallas, playing in two Stanley Cup Finals and winning one (1999). Because of the success, they've been able to build a healthy fanbase, while also creating an entirely new market for potential players.

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Part 1: California | Part 2: Pittsburgh | Part 3: Washington, D.C.
Part 4: Dallas | Part 5: Florida

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Doug Janik Aaron Johnson Erik Johnson Jack Johnson

Teemu Selanne Returning to Anaheim With Paul Kariya in Tow?

by Susan Slusser

Filed under: Ducks, NHL Free Agency

Teemu Selanne was cagey when asked about his future plans toward the end of last season, and it appears that he's planning to return to the Anaheim Ducks, according to TSN.ca, citing Finnish magazine "Sports Journal."

TSN's report quoted Selanne as telling "Sports Journal": "I made the decision to continue my career. In fact, it has been clear for a long time. Negotiations are now ready to begin."

The Finnish publication also reports that Selanne has made a pitch to bring former teammate Paul Kariya back into the fold.

The Ducks do not have any announcements scheduled for today, I'm told, and while it was confirmed that negotiations continue with Selanne, there were no such confirmations about Kariya.

 

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Peter Regin Steven Reinprecht Mike Ribeiro Brad Richards

For Mandi Schwartz and Family, Truly Time To Be Thankful

Filed under: College Hockey

SEATTLE - The Schwartz family can barely recall this Thanksgiving. Not the American one on Thursday, but the Canadian one last month.

The daughter was near death. About all Mandi Schwartz remembers is hallucinating about her fiancé. The brothers were away at college, shielded from the sight of their sister with up to 13 IV bags dripping into her body.

The parents?

"I can't remember a lot of it. I think it was too much to handle," Rick Schwartz said recently. "I'm starting to forget things. My mind's going a little bit."

They are from Saskatchewan, where Thanksgiving was observed Oct. 11. Back then the Schwartzes were just thankful Mandi was alive. Now they have reason to celebrate.

"You feel like she's got a life again," Rick said.

 

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Patrick Mullen Douglas Murray Jake Muzzin Tyler Myers

Blue Jackets' 3rd jersey details leak; will evoke Rangers' Liberty

The images have yet to leak, but the Columbus Dispatch has nailed down the details on the Columbus Blue Jackets' new third jerseys, which will be revealed on Wednesday night in Columbus as the Jackets are on the road against the New York Islanders.

Previously, we learned that the primary logo will be a cannon, and that navy blue was going to be a primary color.

Puck-rakers confirms those details, specifying that it's a "1857 Napoleon Field Cannon" like the one fired at home games, and also reports:

The primary color of the sweater - along with the new pants - is navy blue, sources told The Dispatch today. The cannon will be detailed in variations of white, off-white and silver to give it depth and texture, similar to the New York Rangers' "Statue of Liberty" sweater.

The cannon, sources said, will aim from left to right across the chest, set in a circular patch that's a lighter blue. Also on the chest is a single star, signifying Columbus' status as Ohio's capital.

It's unclear if the sweater will be an old-school tie-down variety or have a standard neck line, but the current logos in play - the swirling Ohio flag and the Civil War cap - may have a place on the shoulder patch of the new sweater.

Sight unseen, they're borrowing from the best. The Rangers' Liberty alt-sweaters are considered gold standard when it comes to third jerseys. And as R.J. Umberger hinted on Puck Daddy Radio earlier this month, it appears they're adopting the same circular crest that the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers and St. Louis Blues have used to great success.

One downer from the report: The Jackets had also considered a light red jersey, which would have been interesting to see. Always a welcome development when the thirds are a different color than the primaries. But then again, they're not the Columbus Red Jackets, are they?

Jeff Petry Dion Phaneuf Chris Phillips Alexandre Picard

Carey Price Re-Signs With Canadiens

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Canadiens, Eastern

After trading last year's playoff sensation, Jaroslav Halak, to the St. Louis Blues, it seemed set in stone that Montreal would use Carey Price as their No. 1 goaltender.

All they had to do was sign him.

They did that Thursday, giving Price what is reported to be a two-year contract worth more than $5 million.

Price started his NHL career like a superstar in the making when he debuted in 2007, but fizzled badly in his second year, culminating with a dreadful performance against Boston that left him expressing his displeasure with Canadiens fans.

 

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Jake Newton Jyri Niemi Nikita Nikitin Matt Niskanen

Kings Activate Drew Doughty, Scott Parse

by FanHouse Staff

Filed under: Kings

Defenseman Drew Doughty and forward Scott Parse were activated from the injured list by the Los Angeles Kings, making them available to face the Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday night.

Doughty, a finalist a season ago for the Norris Trophy, had missed the last six games due to a concussion. The 20-year-old blue liner will return to the lineup with a mouth guard, according to The Los Angeles Times.

"I'm not a fan of the mouth guard. I should be," he told the newspaper. "The team is trying to get me to wear it, so I think I'm going to start wearing one now. ... I'm going to have to get used to it real quick here. Concussions are a bad thing."

 

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Jamie Lundmark Maxime Macenauer Derek MacKenzie John Madden

Gamble on Schaefer Does Not Pay Off

by Monte Stewart

Filed under: Canucks

The Peter Schaefer experiment is over.

The Vancouver Canucks suspended the 33-year-old left winger Wednesday after he cleared NHL waivers and refused to report to their Manitoba farm team. He is now slated to go through waivers again before the Canucks release him outright.

Schaefer's agent Ross Gurney told the Vancouver Province that Schaefer's departure does not signify a failure. Still collecting $600,000 from the Boston Bruins after they bought out his contract two seasons ago, Schaefer opted to stay home in West Vancouver as his wife gets ready to deliver their second child in December.

"Peter can do whatever he wants to," Gurney told the Province, denying that his personal situation factored into his decision not to go to the minors. "That's the great thing about these athletes with some level of financial security. There is ample opportunity in Europe for him, and we'll see if and when he chooses to do that."

But his demotion spells a lost gamble for Canucks management. General manager Mike Gillis opted to sign Schaefer - after he spent last season out of hockey completely - over fan favourite Brendan Morrison. Both had played for the Canucks previously and were attempting to earn a second tour of duty at a drastically-reduced salary that helped Vancouver manage its payroll cap.

Morrison had a decent exhibition season, but his big mistake was telling reporters, including yours truly, on the first day of training camp that he would not accept a demotion to Manitoba if such a scenario transpired. Schaefer, on the other hand, gave the impression that he would gladly go to the minors - but now he is not.

Morrison had more offensive upside, as demonstrated when he played on Vancouver's top line with Markus Naslund and Todd Bertuzzi earlier this decade, and in 2009-10, when he toiled alongside Alex Ovechkin and company for a while. The 35-year-old Morrison was a good fit with the Canucks because he grew up in the Vancouver suburb of Pitt Meadows, B.C., knew the organization well and could be used as a centre or winger while playing both the power play and killing penalties.

But the Canucks opted to keep Schaefer, who was chosen by Vancouver in the third round of the 1995 entry draft and traded to Ottawa in 2002 for defenceman Sami Salo. Seeking more grit on their fourth line, the Canucks felt Schaefer would, in the words of Alain Vigneault, provide more "sandpaper."

Schaefer had only one goal and an assist, which came in his final game Sunday night in a 3-2 loss to Phoenix, in 16 games this season. The goal was a lucky one as he scored seconds after jumping off the bench for his only shift in the third period of an Oct. 26 victory over Colorado.

Vigneault then parked Schaefer on the bench and called for him to improve his play. But he did not. Meanwhile, Morrison signed with Calgary a day after his release from Vancouver and has accumulated 15 points in 20 games with a Flames team that has been terrible at times.

Now, Canucks players and management can only wonder what might have been as the Canucks' top six forwards, outside of the Sedin twins, struggle to produce points consistently.

NOTE: Schaefer's departure means Jeff Tambellini, called up earlier in the week, will likely stay in Vancouver for a while. He assisted on Ryan Kesler's winning goal in a 4-2 victory over Colorado on Wednesday.

 

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Mike Komisarek Mike Kostka Niklas Kronwall Staffan Kronwall

Anaheim's Toni Lydman Suffers Acute Case of Double Vision

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Ducks, NHL Injuries

Anaheim defenseman Toni Lydman will miss the opening of Ducks training camp this weekend while doctors look for the reasons behind his recent acute episode of double vision.

Ducks spokeman Alex Gilchrist released a statement on Lydman's status on Thursday:

"Toni Lydman experienced an acute episode of double vision last week. Lydman has since undergone a battery of tests, which have ruled out most major medical concerns but have not identified the cause of the problem. Lydman is still experiencing some slight residual symptoms and will not be able to train/skate until the problem is diagnosed and his series of medical tests are complete."

In July, Lydman signed a three-year contract with Anaheim worth $9 million as an unrestricted free agent after playing five seasons with the Buffalo Sabres. With the retirement of Scott Niedermayer, Lydman is expected to be one of the anchors of the Ducks' blueline. On Thursday, Anaheim added depth at the position by signing veteran defenseman Paul Mara to a one-year contract for $750,000.

Although Lydman's medical issue is not considered to be major, his new team is not putting a timeline on his return.

 

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Chris Chelios Will Retire, Accept Job With Red Wings

by FanHouse Newswire

Filed under: Thrashers, Red Wings

DETROIT (AP) -- Red Wings general manager Ken Holland says Chris Chelios is going to work for the team.

Holland said Saturday night that Chelios' new job doesn't have a title yet and his specific responsibilities haven't been determined.

The 48-year-old Chelios played for the Atlanta Thrashers last season. The defenseman helped Detroit and Montreal win the Stanley Cup, won the Norris Trophy three times as the NHL's top defenseman, and was an 11-time All-Star.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

 

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