For those who haven’t seen this yet, Capgeek.com has complete NHL Salary Cap Depth Charts available on their site.

Here is the depth chart for the Winnipeg Jets (Zach Bogosian’s contract included)

Winnipeg Jets News:

Winnipeg Jets: The hottest ticket in town. The Globe and Mail’s Roy McGregor writes about something that Winnipeg Jets hockey know already by now: Having a Winnipeg Jets ticket in your hand is equivalent to having solid gold in your hand. Hat tip to Chuck Duboff, friend and fan of Illegal Curve, who gets mentioned in this article.

Winnipeg Sun: Scheifele makes outstanding first impression. Ken Wiebe is 100% correct here. Scheifele was arguably the best player in the Young Stars tournament and count me in as someone who believe’s Scheifele’s future looks very, very bright.

Winnipeg Sun: Jets’ Sol evolving into solid player. The 6’6”, 240 lb. tower of power moves pretty well and I was rather impressed with his play in Penticton.

Around the NHL:

The Dallas Stars to be sold to Vancouver businessman. I have a feeling that there are going to be more than a couple new National Hockey League owners in the months and years to come. Hello Phoenix. 

New Jersey Devils bring back Petr Sykora. Great to read that the Devils have offered Petr Sykora a tryout with the team. I would say that Sykora has a decent shot at making the team.

QMI Agency: Canada rebounds at Hlinka. I caught some of the highlights of this game on TSN. Canadians were dominant. Lots of pretty goals.

USA Today: Kevin Allen writes about the development of Seth Jones, son of former NBA player Popeye Jones.

Fire & Ice: Devils sign goaltender Maxime Clermont. Hat Tip to Tom Gulitti.

NYI Point Blank: Chris Botta writes that the Islanders have friends in Queens. Do these friends have hundreds of millions of dollars to buy a hockey team and build a new arena? Let’s hope so or this team is moving to Quebec!! Just kidding!!

Ottawa Citizen: Top Senators prospects head to world junior evaluation camps.The Senators future looks promising with the likes of Mika Zibanejad (Sweden), Mark Stone, Matt Puempel (Canada) and Jakub Culek (Czech Republic).

Hockey Prospectus: Corey Pronman ranks the New York Islanders Top 10 Prospects. You should be reading Hockey Prospectus everyday. Corey has been going through each team in the NHL A-Z and ranking its Top-10 Prospects. I can’t wait until you get to Winnipeg Corey! Almost there!

Vancouver Province: This was reported three hours ago by Jason Botchford. Canucks forward Ryan Kesler underwent hip surgery last week and may miss the start of the regular season. It was obvious to anyone with functioning vision that Kesler was injured during the Stanley Cup Finals. We wish him a speedy recovery.

The Tennessean: Josh Cooper updates us on the latest news involving Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber and his arbitration process. This doesn’t look good. The Predators offered a Norris Trophy Candidate $4.75 million/year??? In today’s salary cap world, he is worth $7.5-$8 million I would say.

The Hockey News: Ken Campbell writes about Mika Zibanejad and how his father’s life provides him with perspective. A very good read from one of my favourite hockey writers. Remis and I were riding on the same bus as Zibanejad on the way to the draft in St.Paul and he looked liked one of the happiest guys around after getting picked 6th overall by the Ottawa Senators.

Newsday: Blake Comeau has avoided salary arbitration and has signed a 1-year, $2.5 million deal with the New York Islanders. Comeau had a career year last year and got rewarded for it.

Don’t worry though. We’ve still got a few NHL-related articles for you to read on this lazy Sunday night.

Courtesy of TSN.ca: Chicago Blackhawks ink Viktor Stalberg to a two-year deal. Stalberg was part of the deal with Toronto that sent Kris Versteeg to the Maple Leafs. He has been inconsistent thus far in his time in the NHL but Hawks GM Stan Bowman and his staff seem confident that he can play a Top-9 role on their team. Stalberg has size and good hands but he needs to figure out how to become a regular contributor at The NHL level.

A fascinating article by Scott Cruickshank of The Calgary Herald about Clint Malarchuk, new goaltending coach for The Calgary Flames. Read this article. Trust me.

Remember Matthew Hulsizer? Well, The Globe and Mail’s David Shoalts updates us on Hulsizer’s bid to become a majority owner of The St.Louis Blues.

• Elliotte Friedman’s weekly 30 thoughts.  There are many good notes in there–my favorite was the Miikka Kiprusoff story.
• Scott Morrison tells us that not everyone at the Board of Governors meeting thinks that Phoenix is a suitable hockey market.  I still don’t understand how Ice Edge Holdings plans to take on that lease.  I must be missing something.
• Stars first round pick Scott Glennie has suffered a concussion at Canada’s training camp and won’t be playing for the World Junior team in Saskatchewan.  Glennie is a talent but his play wasn’t at top level prior to the injury.
• Don Cherry has the full support of Hockey Night in Canada after this recent bizarre incident.  I don’t get why Cherry is being raked over the coals since the comments over the weekend.  Cherry may like hard-hitting hockey and there is nothing wrong with that.  In fact, he is always a proponent of getting rid of this ridiculous equipment the players use and, to me, that’s why we see so many concussions in the first place.
• Sports Illustrated’s Michael Farber wants the NHL to get rid of the rule that gives a team a point for losing.  Totally agree.  I still miss ties–as odd as that sounds.

• Looking for Team Canada’s World Junior lines from the camp’s tryouts?  Here’s your chance.  Looking forward to getting a prolonged look at Taylor Hall.
• Does Bill Belichick like hockey?  He’d probably like to have Randy Moss spend five minutes brawling with Milan Lucic at this point in time.
• Here is an amazing story of a Swedish referee saving a player’s life on the ice with CPR.  CPR should be a pre-requisite for all refs.
• Damien Cox is adamant that the Leafs have messed up in their development of Luke Schenn thus far.  Two schools of thought on this one.  However, we can all agree that Schenn has not played even average hockey so far this season.
• The bottom half of the Eastern Conference is terrible.  Totally agree.  In fact, I think it is noticeable to the naked eye–as the quality of play and excitement isn’t exactly high.
• Kevin Allen has some nice things to say about the prospective Coyotes owners.  I’m sure they are bright and nice people but how on earth they plan on making money in the desert is beyond me…
• In good news, Martin Gerber’s injury isn’t as serious as once suspected.  Great to hear.
• If you want an update on how IllegalCurve is doing in the SportsJudge Fantasy Hockey Challenge here it is.  Going to need Spezza and company to pick it up but I still believe in my team!

Photo Courtesy: SnagFilms

Well the guys at SnagFilms have put together an incredible film about this winter past-time.

The film includes interviews from NHL greats including Wayne Gretzky, Neal Broten, and Sidney Crosby as they discuss “The pond” where hockey was born. Pond Hockey asks: is there room for the free spirit of the pond in today’s sports experience, or will the open sky and howling winds give way to whistles and metal ceilings?”

Photo Courtesy: SnagFilms

Be sure to go to their site and watch the film in its entirety: Pond Hockey

• Mark Spector of Sportsnet details all the financially struggling franchises in the NHL.  Two teams at the ACC makes sense but boy will it cost some serious coin.
• Gabe Desjardins of Behind the Net Hoceky wonders what Glenn Healy is talking about when it comes to shootouts.  I find myself wondering what Healy is talking about on many occasions.  He is a knowledgeable guy, I just disagree with him about 75% of the time.
• The fact that the Habs didn’t alert the NHL they were calling up and playing Ryan White is going to cost them a pretty penny, explains Bob McKenzie.  As I said to Bob on Twitter today, this is an assistant GM’s worst nightmare.
• Scott Morrison of CBC thinks the decision to hire Mark Messier to run Team Canada’s entry at the World Championships is a good one.  Morrison is right.  This choice makes a lot of sense for many reasons–but mainly recruiting top young talent.
• Matthew Barnaby may not want to get into the prediction business–see his prediction at the beginning of the Senators/Flyers game.  I don’t understand why both of these teams are trying to be so cute with the puck when neither is having any success scoring.
• Some fantasy advice from Dobber on Puck Daddy.  He’s right about Lupul; if you can get him in your league go after him.
• Balanced scoring can go a long way, just ask the Kings.  Just wait until they get Smyth back and Dustin Brown gets going–although last night was a good start.

Here is word from around the blogs:

• Spector:  Why Vincent Lecavalier won’t be traded this season.  Monster contract but could be such an asset.
  

  Photo Courtesy of CBC

• Five Hole Fanatics:  John Stevens – Scapegoat before the Percentages.  Can’t disagree with his assessment. 
• Sens Town:  Leclaire back in 10 days.  Good news for the Sens although better news would be that the stars on the team start scoring.
•  Hockey Wilderness:  Winter Classic interview with Ed Olcyzk including his take on playing outside, kids and Martin Havlat.  I’ve got one saying for Eddie O “we’re bringing it back to Winnipeg!”.The Hockey News:  When stars shoot for the GM’s chair.  Bet some of these guys could still get on the ice and contribute.  
  

  Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

   

• The Fifth Feather:  Issue or non-issue?  Kinda surprising that the Hawks don’t have their own practice facility.
• Globe on Hockey:  On loser points and personnel losses.  Interesting to see that the Canucks haven’t been the beneficiary of any ‘loser points’.
• Crunch:  ‘Tiger Woods Foursome’ ticket package.  Gotta love this promo, especially if you need work on your car or SUV.
• NHL Fanhouse:  2010 U.S. Olympic Team: Locks & Contenders.  Prior to the season starting who would have thought that Tim Thomas would be on the contenders list.  Would like to see Modano on the team but it doesn’t look likely.
• Times:  In twist, Tribe fights for college nickname.  This is quite the divisive issue on the UND campus.  Interesting that the jersey was the winner of a contest for best jersey that the Hockey News held back in 2005.    
  

  Photo Courtesy: The Hockey News

   

The guys from Bloge Salming present the episode of Sportscenter you don’t want to miss:

• Rangers Report:  Who led the Rangers in scoring in their championship season of 1993-94?  Know the answer?  If not click the link and read the post by guest blogger Walt MacPeek, who used to cover the Rangers for the Newark Star-Ledger, as he gives readers a look into the 93/94 Rangers run. 
  

  Photo Courtesy: Battle of New York

• Running with the Devils:  Which Devils will be at the Olympics?  Figured there would be more on the various teams.
• Broad Street Bull:  Ray Emery will undergo abdominal surgery and miss six weeks.  That’s not going to be good for business.
• The Hockey News:  Toronto will need miracle to make post-season.  Doesn’t look good but at least they can prevent Boston with ending up with a high draft pick.
• Lions in Winter:  Kovalev re-starting PR push?  Anytime you play in a Canadian city, you can expect some scrutiny.
• Silver Seven:  The Senators are the best-managed team of the decade.  If only they could have translated that into a Stanley Cup win.
• Bird Watchers Anonymous:  Who is playing well on the Thrashers PK unit.  This team has been pretty good on the PK. (5th overall).
• Lightning Strikes:  Tampa Bay Lightning coach Rick Tocchet shuffles lines after Monday’s mass benching.   This team needs a wake-up call and perhaps this will work.
• Wild Thing:  Mikko Koivu’s blog talking about life in Minneapolis.  His blog is in Finnish but the link includes the google translate feature.  Kuulostaa hän pitää kaupungista.
• Globe on Hockey:  Oilers putting Lightning game online.  Nice to see team’s trying to try new things.
• NHL Fanhouse:  Henrik Sedin keeps Canucks in the hunt.  Impressive streak by Sedin.  Has to be happy his bro is back. 
  

  Photo Courtesy: Vancouver Sun

• ESPN:  ‘The Hakan-Hanukkah Song’.  Pretty funny.  Put it to the sound of Adam Sandler’s version and it’s even better.
• Maple Leafs Hot Stove:  Win Leafs tickets.  Considering how difficult I hear it is to get tickets to Leaf games, Toronto fans might want to sign up.
• Cycle like the Sedins:  Odd Woman Rush #1: Origins finale.  Cool feature where they ask the following questions of some female bloggers: Why are you a blogger? What pushed you across the threshold to go from fan/journalist/whatever to someone who publishes hockey posts? Did it have anything to do with “proving” your knowledge? Describe your motivation for starting your blog(s).
• Dobber Hockey:  Miracles in December.  Might these December fantasy surprises brighten your holidays?

For hockey updates, follow Illegalcurve on Twitter.  Also, if you want to recommend any blogs please send me an email: dave@illegalcurve.com

In case you missed it, here is the NHL’s Winter Classic commercial:

• Flames Insider: Healthy Flames ready to conclude road trip.  The Flames continue to be hot and are hoping to scorch the Kings.
  
• mc79hockey:  The consequences of horrendous failure.  For the sake of Steve Tambellini and Kevin Lowe they had best hope they don’t hit the mark.
• Hitting the Post:  It is December, and Wild coach Richards is the sun!  The Wild seem to have gotten it turned around of late.
• Nucks Misconduct:  Conspiracy theorists unite – Is the Orca going extinct?  Looks like Canucks fans like the retro stick look (c) and I’m in agreement with them that this is probably the best choice.
  
• Lions in Winter:  Putting to bed the Habs centennial.  Nice assessment of that which was, and now its time to look to the future for Montreal.
• Hockey or Die:  Did Phil Kessel try and recruit Marc Savard?  Seems like harmless banter between buddies.
• Japers’ Rink:  Southeast strength.  I knew that the Caps were dominante within the division but that record against Tampa is incredible.
• Tips for Hockey:  Daniel Carcillo suspended for four games and fined.  I remember watching the highlights and thinking how in the world did a team get 9 minutes in power play time.
• Hub Hockey:  Should Plekanec be suspended for this blatant “butt-end”?  The video seems to show the intent of Plekanec.
• The Sports Section:  Five hours at the MSG with the Knicks, the Rangers, and lots of crazy fans.  One word:  awesome.
  
• Puck Daddy:  Corey Perry giving Steve Yzerman something to think about.  As Daniel wrote today in his High Noon Fantasy Hockey piece, there are quite a few tandems who would look good wearing Team Canada uniforms.
• Greatest Hockey Legends:  More Olympic coverage?  Poor Dmitri, should have known better than to try and take on Joe Pelletier.  Joe’s site has extensive information.
• Brodeur is a Fraud:  Why offence rules the new NHL.  Good points as per usual.
• The Hockey News:  Poor attendance will impact players.  No question about it.  Illegalcurve has more on this topic as an IC readers attended both the Coyotes game on Thursday against the Flames as well as Saturday’s contest against the Senators.   Here is his account of the two game experience.

Blog Salming with an advanced look at the 2010 NHL Awards.  This video is funny and using Chunk from the Goonies puts it over the top.

• Down Goes Brown:  Signs your teammates are trying to kill you.  “Crease includes a chalk outline” great stuff as per usual.  For a good laugh, read this.
  
• The Hockey News:  Don’t judge the shootout.  Hockey purist don’t seem to be huge fans of it, but they are somewhat enjoyable to watch.
• NHL Fanhouse:  2010 NHL Draft Set for Los Angeles.  From all the talk, it appears this is going to be an exciting draft class.
• Cult of Hockey:  Another coach gets the axe.  Those former Oiler’s haven’t done too well as coaches, and Mike Krushelnyski is the latest as he was fired by his KHL team.
• Puck Daddy:  Filatov: ‘I realized Hitchcock does not plan on trusting me’.  Doesn’t sound like a lot of love is lost between these two.
• Greatest Hockey Legends:  Montreal Canadiens’ 100th Anniversary is finally here.  Joe Pelletier puts together some great resources for Habs fans.
• From the Rink:  A new look for Maple Leaf Gardens.  Nice to see that the building is going to be put to good use.
  
• Maple Leafs Hot Stove: Phil Kessel needs your help.  Care to help the good folks in Toronto come up with a nickname for their star?
• Broad Street Hockey:  More on the Stevens firing.  We will have more to report post the 8pm news conference.
• Canucks Hockey Blog:  Luongo’s hot, but Raycroft to start against Carolina.  The Canucks are seem to have their road woes worked out.
  

• Capitals Insider: Ovechkin ‘angry’ about suspension.  He sure seems surly during this interview.
  
• Empty Netters:  Bill Guerin the music man.  Given the choice, what type of music do you think Bill Guerin prefers to listen to when the cd is actually working?
• CBC:  Leafs’ Gustavsson to see cardiac specialists.  Hopefully the young Leafs netminder is ok.
• Hub Hockey:  Milan Lucic actor extraordinaire.  He actually has some good personality during the commercial and came across better than the Penguins version I discussed in today’s On the Beat.
  
• NHL Fanhouse: Andrew Ladd’s forgettable shootout attempt.  Not a good attempt but if you look at the Top 10 Shootout failures, it wouldn’t have cracked that list.
• Red Wings TV:  Brad May falls for the water bottle prank.  No respect for the team’s resident greybeard.  Speaking of facial hair….
• Puck Daddy:  Heartfelt tribute to the end of Minnesota’s mustaches.  The Wild players did a nice thing for charity with their Movember mustache drive.
  
• Lions in Winter:  Top 100 Habs by decade (59-69).  Quite a number of quality guys to pick from, considering they won 5 Stanley Cups during those 10 years.
• Behind the Net:  Impact of travel on offensive performance.  Not a shocking result.  Makes me wonder if Western teams are more adversely affected by this than Eastern teams?
• The Hockey News:  Top 10 What up with thats?  Who would expect the Penguins to be 1st in hits, while the Flyers languish at 28th.  What’s up with that?
  

Brad Perry was an advisor and stuntman on Mighty Ducks II and they asked him to come up with a move that had never been seen before.   They deleted the scene but here it is:

Here is tonight’s news from around the blogs:

• 12000 KM:  Ryan Stotland is in the midst of a 12000 km bike expedition which aims to raise money and awareness for 2 causes, skin cancer and climate change.  To date he has raised over 125,000 dollars.  Be sure to check out his inspirational story.  (as well check out his video at the bottom of the page).
  
• Habs Inside/Out:  Molson brothers officially own the Habs.  Wonder if they can do enough immediately to get the Stanley Cup to Montreal for this season, so as to continue the record of the Habs winning a cup in every decade of existence.
• Sens Chirp:  Hello Dany.  The day that all Senators fans had circled on their calendar once the trade was made is finally here.  Should be an interesting game.
• The Bruins Blog:  Bergy’s back.  The Bruins are getting all sorts of good news.
• The Blue Seats:  Rangers just aren’t tough enough.  Being sweet won’t win playoff games.
• Broad Street Hockey:  The NHL is not out to get the Philadelphia Flyers.  It would seem that a lot of teams fans believe there is a bias against their team and I agree that the NHL isn’t against Philly.
• Capitals Insider:  Ovechkin suspended two games.  I actually didn’t think he stuck his knee out as it looked from the video that he was going for the hit, but he’s been in a weee bit too much trouble lately for the NHL not to hand down a suspension on a close call.
  
• Canucks Hockey Blog:  Hansen playing his role.  Good to see a “bubble player” making his mark.
• Copper N Blue:  Is rebuilding the path to success for Edmonton?  Seems like fans of the Oilers are split between shooting for a top 5 pick and tearing down the team/rebuilding over next two years.
• All things Avs: Hejduk practices, might play tomorrow.  Good news for the Avalanche as they could use him back in the lineup.
• The Hockey News:  Sharp move by Quenneville.  There is a reason he ranks #2 on Puck Daddy’s Top 10 Coaches of the last decade (see below).
• Winging it in Mowtown:  Howard turning the corner.  What a difference a season makes.  Wings fans were not happy with Howard’s play early on but he seems to be changing minds.
  
• Maple Leafs Hot Stove:  Schedules making impact.  Has to make you feel good if you are a Pens or Wings fan as your team still have a number of these types of games to look forward to.
• NHL Fanhouse:  Hi, my name is Reily Smith.  An introduction to the Dallas Stars prospect who is currently playing for the Miami University Red Hawks.
• Puck Daddy:  Top 10 NHL coaches of the past decade.  I was going to argue when I saw Lemaire at 6th spot but it is hard to disagree with that top 5. 
• T.O. Sports:  Ritter Rants.  Lots of good topics in today’s rant including, Stefan Legein, Nazim Khadri, Sean Avery, Team Canada, Predators streak, Devils winning %, Thrashers goals for and a number of other NHL issues.
• Dobber Hockey:  I like…big…busts and I cannot lie.  Fantasy hockey busts that is.  Get your mind out of the gutter.  Although one Panthers fan combines the two.
  

Check out the video of Ryan’s ride, where he was endorsed by Habs President Pierre Boivin:

In case you missed it, during the 1st period between the Thrashers and Panthers, Keith Ballard was less than pleased after Ilya Kovalchuk put in his own rebound after he was stopped on the break-a-way.  He decided to take his frustration out on the goal post but instead found the melon of his goalie, Tomas Vokoun.

TSN is reporting:

“Vokoun is going to be fine,” Florida coach Peter DeBoer said after the game.

“There was no internal ear damage, just a laceration,” said Panthers general manager Randy Sexton. “They stitched him up, took a catscan and there’s no additional injuries.”

Vokoun was scheduled to fly home with them, he added.

It will be determined Tuesday whether Vokoun will be available for Florida’s next game at home against Colorado on Wednesday, Sexton said.

Ballard was unavailable for comment.

This might have to go in the “what was he thinking category”?  I understand being frustrated but his actions were reckless and led to his goalie having to be taken off on a stretcher.  Since a slashing penalty calls for it to be against an opposing player,  I guess he’s clear on that one, although some thought the Refs could have assessed an unsportmanlike conduct penalty.

NHL Rules:

75.1 Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Players, goalkeepers and non-playing Club personnel are responsible for their conduct at all times and must endeavor to prevent disorderly conduct before, during or after the game, on or off the ice and any place in the rink. The Referees may assess penalties to any of the above team personnel for failure to do so.

Luckily for Ballard he won’t face any additional justice from the NHL as The Hockey News Ken Campbell is reporting that:

NHL vice-president and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell  said that Florida Panthers defenseman Keith Ballard will not be suspended for hitting his own goalie, Tomas Vokoun, with a two-handed baseball swing in the Panthers 3-2 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers.

“It will be on every sports highlight show for the next week,” Campbell said. “If that’s not enough of a punishment…”

I’d have to agree that just seeing that footage over and over again is certainly going to be with Keith Ballard for quite some time.

And to add insult to the injury, the Panthers lost 4-3.

• Lowetide:  C-C-C-hanges.  Looks like he could be a good fill-in for the Oilers.
• Babcock’s Death Stare:  When will the Wings get a break?  Hopefully the team isn’t waiting for Franzen’s return.
  
• Maple Leafs Hot Stove:  This season winning means nothing.  In the words of Seinfeld, spite! At least that’s one reason you would want to win if your a Leaf fan, just to prevent the Bruins from getting a high draft pick.
• Sen Say:  Some stats to highlight the situation.  Too bad I didn’t see the game because it sounds like the officiating was atrocious.
  
• Pension Plan Puppets:  Waivers 101 – A guide to the NHL Waiver Rules.  Interesting read.  If you ever wanted to know about the NHL Waiver’s read this posting.
• Puck Daddy:  The 5 best, 5 worst NHL decisions in the last decade.  While the NHL has been quick to accept new media, I’m not sure the same can be said of individual NHL team (with the exception of the Capitals).
• Hitting the Post:  What all 30 NHL teams are thankful for.  Very good list.
• Rink Rap:  Naslund and Forsberg show true colors.  This is a great story and really shows the class of these two players.
  
• Greatest Hockey Legends:  Olympics slap shot.  Everyone is eagerly waiting for the announcement.
• Hockey Draft:  New blood rising.  Always interesting when you see new teams  and new stars in the mix.
• Tom Benjamin:  Taking issue with Pierre Lebrun’s mailbag.  Doesn’t hold back.
• Down Goes Brown: Wendel Clark wants you to show some heart.  I used to ‘Jump Rope for Heart’!!  Good charity.
• The Hockey News:  Is Blue the new Black?  Some of these new jerseys just seem so unimaginative.  Plus those Black jerseys looked pretty damn good.
  

• Empty Netters:  Sidney Crosby is good at math.  Funny video from “This Hour has 22 Minutes”.
  
• Sports Judge: Tampa Bay Lightning still on shaky ground.  Excellent assessment of the situation in Florida.
• Bird Watchers Anonymous: The Thrashers consistency problem.  Are teams finally taking the Thrashers more seriously?
• Running with the Devils: The Hat Trick contest.  Cool contest for you Devil fans.
• Hub Hockey:  Are the Bruins asking too much from Rask Tuu early?  Thomas has to be the man, with Rask waiting in the wings.
• Flames Insider:  Bourque skates, remains day to day.  Flames can’t wait for his return.
  
• Canucks Hockey Blog:  Back at Square one. The Canucks mired in 11th spot right now in the Western Conference.  Hopefully for Nucks fans, the team is over the injury bug.
• Andrews’ Dallas Stars Page:  Stars captain Brenden Morrow on BaD radio.  Good interview.
• Slap Shot:  Sharks-Hawks Tonight, the Game of the Year so far.  Game has yet to be played but its hard to argue that this might be the most anticipated match-up in the Western Conference.
• Puck Daddy:  Jersey fouls.  One of my favorite segments.  Some of these jerseys are unbelievably bad.
  
• NHL Fanhouse:  Forgotten Miracle – The story of the 1960 US Olympic hockey team.  I wasn’t aware so it would appear that the name Unknown Miracle would also be appropriate.  Cool story.
• The Hockey News:  Finland should tell Kiprusoff to stay home. I can appreciate Ken Campbell’s point of view but can also see what Kiprusoff is saying in terms of needing the time to rest.  Or should the Finns tell Miikka ”Kiitos, mutta ei kiitos”. (How was my Finnish?)
• Fantasy Hockey Scouts: Fantasy hockey tweet-offs.  Love this concept.   For all the latest NHL news follow Illegalcurve on Twitter.
• Greatest Hockey Legends:  Pro Stars and other Gretzky endorsements.  Of course they have to show Wayne scoring against the Jets.  I’m going to go eat a bowl of Flutie Flakes.
  

Bloge Salming has another good one with the Leafs taking part in the $100,000 Pyramid:

• Rink Rap:  Gaborik most valuable in first quarter.  Very good argument for the Slovak.
  
• In Lou We Trust:  The New Jersey Devils all decade team.  Hard to argue with that list.
• The Rat Trick:  Cats Robbed! No reporter’s talking about it!  Fans need to write comments on the Papers site.
• Japers’ Rink: Leveling the playing field.  Bet some of those guys on the Capitals wished they were getting 18 minutes per game.
• Down Goes Brown:  Alexander Ovechkin’s other excuses for not lighting up the Maple Leafs.  Those are some dandy reasons.
  
• Sens Town:  A great game no one saw.  Sounds like they have a lot of issues in the Nation’s capital.
• Lions in Winter: Latendresse Vs. Pouliot.  Now that is an extensive comparison.  If you are a Habs fan, should be interesting to see what happens once the team is healthy.
• The Spin: Audition time as Leafs make call-ups.  I’m surprised Stalberg still hasn’t gotten the call.
• Canucks Hockey Blog:  Eins, Zwei, Ehrhoff.  Looks like a great move by GM Gillis.
  
• Low on Oil:  Is there a better term for the Oilers franchise than “fat and happy”?  While my first thought was to insert a Kyle Wellwood joke, the Oilers need to continue playing like they did in that first period for all 60 minutes of a game.
• Morning Skate:  Andy Murray is longing for answers regarding Blues’ putrid offense.  What has happened to these guys? 
• Defending Big D:  Fortunus called up, Brunnstrom & Peters to AHL.  Dallas doing some tinkering as they are set to get Neal and Brunnstrom back.
• Mile High Hockey:  Arnason’s first appearance for Riga.  Those Avs fans love them some Arnason.
  
• ESPN:  Really in-depth article about Brian Burke’s son who recently made a major announcement.  Impressive story and an even better reaction from Brian Burke.
• NHL Fanhouse:  Is this the year tragedy hits the NHL?  Let’s hope not.  Very good article.
• Behind the Net:  Overtime.  Interesting numbers.
• Brodeur is a Fraud:  Let down by goaltending.  Are there any other examples that did not make the list?
• 3rd Intermission:  Syracuse Crunch to host first-ever AHL game played outdoors.  Good for the AHL attempting to capitalize on the NHL’s Winter Classic.
• Russian Hockey Fans:  Nikita Filatov 1st interview from KHL.  Nice interview.
• Dobber Hockey:  Fantasy indicators of success for centermen.  Extensive list of the Western Conference.
• The Hockey News:  Team Canada should rely on dynamic duo.  Those are some amazing duo’s.
  

• Snapshots:  Wings fuzzy attendance math?  I’ve been to a couple of games this season and they seemed pretty full to me.
  
• Morning Skate:  Penalty killing is big reason for Blues success.  Helps that they have gotten healthy again.
• Nucks Misconduct:  Why the Canucks’ varied jersey history is an appropriate symbol of Vancouver.  I always liked the old school ones and it seems Nucks fans also like the Original best.
• Habs Inside/Out: Latendresse dealt to Wild.  Looks like it was time for a change in scenery.
• Hub Hockey:  Marc Savard returns tonight.  Mike is right.  The pieces are all in place and its time for the B’s to show their stuff.
  
• Puck Daddy:  Would the Ducks actually trade Bobby Ryan?  I can think of a dozen teams that would be happy to have his services.
• The Goalie Guild:  Rest is a weapon.  Interesting analysis on why Nabokov can play so many games.
• Greatest Hockey Legends:  Gretzky was almost a Whaler.  I always knew that both Winnipeg and Edmonton were vying for his services but didn’t know the New England Whalers were in the mix as well.
• NHL Fanhouse:  The Value of a Shootout specialist.  A good arguments why it would seem to be a necessity in the new NHL.
  
• In the Room:  Making a difference through hockey.  Always nice to read these types of stories about former hockey players and others using hockey to make a difference.
• Slap Shot:  K.H.L. clubs balk at joining revived Champions League.  Oh those tricky Russians.
• T.O. Sports:  Team Canada needs Joe Thornton.  I think he has to be on the team. 
• The Hockey News:  League must come down hard on ‘nice’ Laraque.  I like Laraque but I agree that there is no place in the league for those types of dirty plays.  But at least it will give him more time for commercials.
  
• Elliotte Friedman Blog: Hawks soaring, Flames’ unrest and 30 thoughts.  Always interesting stuff.  Caps/Rangers playing at Yankee Stadium in 2011? 
• College Hockey News:  Paul Kelly to be named the first Executive Director of College Hockey, Inc.  Makes me think of Rodney Dangerfield in “Back to School”.  It would appear to be an exciting opportunity and he won’t likely be the target of another blindside attack.

St. Louis Blues forward David Perron scored a beauty over the weekend:

• Greatest Hockey Legends:  Is Alex Ovechkin the greatest left winger ever?  I agree with Joe, he’s amazing but has yet to pass the longevity test.
  
• Maple Leafs Hot Stove:  Kessel needs supporting cast.  No question but it likely won’t be till next season.
• Lions in Winter: Avoiding O’Ver-expectations.  Should be a good game against Capitals.
• Japers Rink: The Busts and the Best of McPhee’s Reclamation Projects.  Some good and bad players on that list.
• Russo’s Rants:  Havlat out with strained hammy.  That’s not good for business.
• Spector:  Changes Coming for Blackhawks and Maple Leafs.  All eyes are on Stan Bowman.
• Puck Daddy:  It’s not the name on the back; it’s Harry Truman on the front.  Good thing its for charity, because it leaves alot to be desired.
  
• NHL Fanhouse:  Fight of the week.  And people claim that fighting isn’t loved by the fans.
• Deadspin:  This is why Anaheim fans can’t have anything nice.  It isn’t just hockey players who fight at games.
• Slap Shot:  More on Twitter and Hockey.  Another excellent article by Stu Hackel.  It is truly a fine line between need to get fans instant information and taking the proper measures to ensure the story is accurate.  Speaking of twitter, why not follow IC on Twitter.

Here is a recap of some of the stories covered on IC this week:

Monday:  
High Noon Fantasy Hockey: Malkin’s Back, AO the Joker, Hot Wings, Good/Bad/Ugly, the Showdown.
Hotdog Hockey: Should the NHL shootout format be changed?

Tuesday:
Cold Hard Rants:  An Avalanche of Empty Seats.
Morning Papers Take: Losing Filatov would be a disaster

Wednesday:
Pucking the Trends: Who Are the Best Shootout Goalies?
Morning Papers Take: How will the Blackhawks fit everyone under the cap?

Thursday:
Upon Further Review: Did referee Dennis LaRue make the right call disallowing Brad May’s apparent goal?
Illegalcurve Radio Show, which featured Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch and Craig Custance of The Sporting News was archived.

Today:
The Hotstove’s needs to return to relevance
Frozen Assets: The Best and Worst Teams Against the Spread

• The Bruins Blog:  Savard signing not imminent.  Despite reports to the contrary it appears it isn’t as close to happening as was previously reported.
  
• Ranger Rants:  Avery’s wish.  Surprisingly not talking about himself. 
• Die by the Blade:  Balanced attack has Sabres on track.  Which is why Buffalo is able to sustain an injury or two, because they don’t rely on one player (with the exception of Ryan Miller).
• Tips for Hockey:  The challenge for Florida’s new owners.  The 96′ Stanley Cup Finals was a long time ago.
• Off the Posts:  Changes coming at Senators box office.  The one thing the Sens front office can do to get fans back is by dropping the prices.  (oh ya, and winning would help).
• Down Goes Brown:  The 10 types of Leaf fans (and how to deal with them).  Brilliant as per usual.  Probably could apply this list to all teams.
  
• Flames Insider:  Will tonight be Jokinen’s break out game?  I like hearing that he checks out hockeyfights.com.  Perhaps he’s been reading IC as well.
• Cult of Hockey:  Was Ryan Wilson out for revenge against the Oilers’ Ethan Moreau?  It was the first thing I thought when I saw who he hit and who was delivering the hit.
• NHL Fanhouse:  Hawks likely have some dealing to do.  As Richard pointed out yesterday, it is going to be quite interesting to see what Chicago GM Bowman does to get the team under the cap.
• Battle of California:  Jonathan Quick is not very good right now.  Young goalie who is still learning but clearly there is room for improvement.
• Mother Pucker:  Detroit’s no goal call.  That is a pretty simple concept!  If only the NHL would be smart enough to adopt it.
  
• Rink Rap:  Strange days in the NHL.  I completely agree, the NHL has been anything but boring this season.
• Puck Daddy:  The 10 best hockey games of the last decade.  Having been at the  Saddledome to see the Flames/Lightning Game 6 in 2004, I can attest that it was one of the best hockey games I’ve ever seen. 
• Pierre Lebrun:  Swedish team agrees to join KHL.  Before anyone gets too worried that the Russians are invading, this is a 2nd tier team from Sweden, so what does that say about the quality of the KHL?
• The Hockey News:  Russians favorite to take home gold.  While he is right in saying this sentiment won’t make him too many friends in Canada and while I can’t predict who will win, my money’s on Team Canada.

Bloge Salming does it again, this time with a deleted clip from an upcoming documentary on “How the lockout was won”.

• Fire Wagon Hockey:  Savard close to signing 7 year deal.  Really good news for Bruins fans as they could definitely use his offense.
• Empty Netters:  Crosby carries Olympic torch.  Not sure why there was any protest over this.
  
• Lighthouse Hockey:  Islanders 2009 vs. 2008: What a difference a year makes?  Now if they could only get the arena built!!
• Blue Seat Blogs:  Secondary scoring.   Where have the Rangers role players gone?
• Bird Watchers Anonymous:  Atlanta players getting it done outside the spotlight.  Looks like Thrasher fans believe that Pavel Kubina is getting the most done with the least recognition.
• Sens Town:  Drinking for Charity.  I’ve never been a big wine drinker but it supports a good cause.
• Hitting the Post:  Don’t give in.  I have never understood the need to populate teams with players that are from that region.
• Morning Skate:  Patrik Berglund says that he’s playing “too safe”.   It looks like the entire Blues team has adopted that philosophy.
• NHL Fanhouse:  Draftwatch 2010, Cam Fowler, the kid who said no to Notre Dame.  Seems like a pretty good kid.
  
• Puck Update:  Bettman selling something in Phoenix.  It does smack of desperation.
• The Goalie Guild:  Mask of the week.  The amount of details put into goalie masks in today’s game is unbelievable.
• Dobber Hockey:  Wingers 2009 fantasy Indicators of success.  Pretty deep assessment.
• The Hockey News:  Top 10 KHL scorers.  If only Yashin would have produced like that while on the Island.
• Puck Daddy:  NHL’s next great rivalry – Barry Trotz vs. arena game clock.  I can understand his frustration.
• Greatest Hockey Legends:  Player of the Decade.  Very good list of the top ten players of the last decade by Joe.

Leksands Henrik Andersen who scores a nice goal and then has an even nicer celebration (not quite Alex Ovechkin):

• Brendan Shanahan has called it a career and Eric Duhatschek puts his career into perspective.  He played the game the right way.  He was old fashioned in his style of play, stuck up for his teammates, went to the net, could hit, could shoot and great in the locker room.  Shanny will be missed.
• Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund have agreed to play for Modo in the Swedish Elite League for free.  Sweden’s Olympic entry just got a lot more dangerous.  Good for them.
• Michael Farber of Sports Illustrated goes over the season’s biggest surprises so far.  Good for Farber to give some attention to Andy Greene who has been playing great hockey under the radar in Jersey.
• Farber gave surprises, so Orland Kurtenblog is countering with the top disappointments this season.  Big bust list there–I would add Bryan Little to that group too.
• Dmitry Chesnokov interviews Nikita Filatov for Yahoo!  Great work getting the interview of Filatov.  I think Columbus is very, very unhappy with this decision.  Something tells me (maybe it is Filatov!) that he is gone as long as Hitchcock is coach.
• Elliotte Friedman with his 30 thoughts of the week.  If you haven’t read it before, it is the best new article on the internet.  Interesting notes in there about Miikka Kiprusoff, Brian Burke, Jay Bouwmeester and David Booth.
• Is there such thing as too many rookies on one team?  I think teams that have a lot of rookies are forced to play them out of necessity more than anything.
• Who will be the number one pick at this upcoming summer’s Entry Draft?  With the first pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the Boston Bruins select…

Remember that tomorrow night is the IllegalCurve.com Radio Show.  Tomorrow night’s guests are Craig Custance (The Sporting News) and David Pollak (San Jose Mercury News).

• Puck Daddy:  NHL’s next Forsberg sweepstakes ends before it begins.  That’s a shame, but we can probably expect to see him playing in Vancouver in 2010, for Team Sweden.
• The Hockey News:  Current-day Caps built on Jagr deal.  A testament to short term pain for some long term gain.
  
• Greatest Hockey Legends:  Some classic snap shots of Wayne Gretzky.  Some good pictures. 
• Globe Sports:  Gretzky enjoying break.  As per usual Eric Duhatschek column is a must read.
• Dobber Hockey:  The art of internal compete.  No position in hockey faces this concept more than goaltenders.
• MSG: Ranking the Bad Boys of hockey.  What, no Shawn Cronin on the list?
• NHL Fanhouse:  ‘The Hammer’ enters Flyers Hall of Fame.  Shocked he only played on the team for 4 years, as he seems to symbolize Broad Street Bullies.
  
• Spector Blog:  Poor drafting one reason for Leafs woes.  With all that money perhaps its time the Leafs bumbed up their spending on scouts.
• Faceoff Factor:  Charting the Pens progress.  With all the injuries they have suffered this season, surprising that the numbers are so consistent.
• Japers’ Rink:  A tale of two goaltenders.  Tandems can sometimes work.
• Hitting the Post:  Some more telling stats about the Wild.  No wonder they are 14th in the West.

From the guys over at Bloge Salming come this rap about buyouts:

• Puck Rakers:  Mason suffering back spasms.  That is not good news for the Jackets.
• Babcock’s Death Stare:  Take that Arby’s.  The poor fast food franchise had to give away a lot of curly fries today.  Datsyuk’s deflection goal was the nicest goal of the game.
• Cult of Hockey:  Oilers can’t seem to handle an aggressive penalty kill.  What can the Oilers do to right the ship?
• Canucks Hockey Blog:  Hovering around .500.  When this team is healthy playing at .500 isn’t acceptable.  I think a healthy Luongo will make a big difference.
  
• Inside Hockey:  A whirlwind day for Sabres rookie.  Nice way to start off an NHL career.
• Sens Army:  Same old Ottawa Senators.  Good news is they are only 2 points out of playoff spot.
• Puck Daddy:  Savard, Bruins reportedly near deal; another off Leafs’ wish list?  Boston needs to get him signed.
  
• Brodeur is a Fraud:  Why goalie equipment was not responsible for the scoring drop.  I’d have to agree with his assertion, especially after the 8 goals in the 3rd period I witnessed at last night’s Wings/Ducks game.
• T.O. Sports:  Ritters Rants about Olympic Goalies, Kessel, Crosby, Peverley, Danton, and more.  Another good rant by  Ritter.
• Behind the Net:  How bad teams outshoot their opponents at even-strength.  Sure looks like the Leafs are making some bad decisions when they have a lead.
• Hockey Indendent:  Rate the embarrassing video.  While I thought it couldn’t get any worse than watching the “rapping” ability of the Boston College hockey team, the Sasson jeans commercial by the 79′ Rangers was way worse (and by worse I mean funny).
• Hockey Rumours:  Weekend NHL Rumours including Kostitsyns, Forsberg, Scott Niedermayer.  Hawks fans should be happy if the news proves to be true.

Post Game Thoughts from yesterday’s Wings/Ducks game*:
The game started with a presentation to Nick Lidstrom for achieving 1000 points in his career:

The fans behind Hiller even got a wave going, which went around the Joe about 4-5 times:

During the 3rd period, in which the teams exchanged 8 goals, was one of the most exciting periods of hockey I’ve ever seen live.  It culminated in Zetterberg’s empty net hat trick goal, and here came the hats:

*Special thanks to BleedRed&White who was gracious enough to give me his seats for yesterday’s game!!

• Black Dog Hates Skunks:  Can you hear the drums Fernando?  It would be a shame if this knocks him from the game, but hopefully he can get in under control and be back soon for the Oilers.
  
• Wild Nation:  Here comes the Cal Clutterbuck bobblehead.  This is the 2nd time this week we have complaints about Bobbleheads (Devils fans were complaining as well).  You’d think the companies making them would do a better job of recreating the players likeness.
• Kings Vision:  Behind the scenes of Luc Robitaille’s appearance on Jay Leno.  Worth watching just to see Heidi Androl.
• Morning Skate:  Entire transcript of Dave Checketts’ press conference.  Seems to be a vote of confidence for the Blues coaching staff.
• NHL Fanhouse:  What’s happened to Steve Mason?  Have to agree with the conclusion.  The Datsyuk goal he gave up in the 9-1 loss to Detroit was odd.
  
• Fire & Ice:  Lemaire believes Devils can play better.  Devils fans have to love him wanting the team to get better with a club that has won nine straight road games.
• Broad Street Hockey:  An interviews with goalie prospect Jacob DeSerres.   Good Q & A. 
• Tips for Hockey:  How big a factor is Malkin’s absence?  I agree that it was likely a combination of more than just one thing, but watching that Bruins/Penguins game, you couldn’t help but notice the lack of Malkin’s presence.
• Japers’ Rink:  Familiarity breeds good defense.  The health benefit down the road could be HUGE for the Caps come playoff time.
• Rink Rap:  Kovalchuk is back to thrash.  As I said yesterday, the Rangers were hoping he’d take one more game off, but unfortunately for them he didn’t and managed to lead his team to victory.
• Sen Say:  What to do?  I agree that it isn’t time to panic over Leclaire as he has has a lot of time off from playing and it was bound to take him some time to get back into the mode. 
• The Bruins Blog:  Searching for some scoring.  They can’t get back Lucic soon enough.
  
• The Hockey News:  Hargrove tells his side of NHLPA story.  Good article by Campbell.   After years of stability under Goodenow, it is amazing how many people have left or were fired.
• Icethetics:  Avalanche unveil 3rd jersey. It’s ok, but not very imaginative. 
• From the Rink:  How waiver exemption paved way for Backstrom’s NHL career.  One could only imagine what the Wild season would look like if they didn’t have him in the lineup.
• Manofest:  10 funniest moments in Sports fan history.  Not all hockey related but some pretty damn funny videos.
• Puck Daddy:  College Hockey 101 - Five fun traditions you won’t find elsewhere.  I still haven’t attended a college hockey game but am looking forward to checking out a game.
• College Hockey News:  Michigan-Michigan State set to renew rivalry.  Such a great hockey rivalry and while they won’t be expecting as many fans as they had at the Cold War game, it should be a really good tilt tonight.
  

Check out IC on Twitter for the latest hockey news.  It’s ok.  Not terribly imaginative.

The unstoppable goalie:

• Matchsticks & Gasoline:  An ode to Craig Conroy.  I’ve always liked his ability, which may be on the wane, but he still goes out and gives a pretty good effort.
  
• Canucks Hockey Blog:  Blue line breakdown.  A fair assessment of where the guys are right now, a question Luongo has been wondering.
• Fools and Sages:  The plight of the Californian hockey fan.  This one’s from a few days ago but is a pretty good article talking about skepticism about fans in California as well as the East coast bias.
• Jibblescribbits:  Your official guide to buying an Avs sweater.  With the success the Avs are having now, its good to see renewed interest in buying jerseys.  Of course if you wear certain jerserys in Denver, you might get attacked.
  
• Pension Plan Puppets:  Komisarek out 3-4 weeks.  An injury the Leafs can’t really afford right now.
• Lions in Winter:  Shooting for success, getting the Habs out of the basement.  Two simple, but effective means the Habs could employ to change their fortunes.
• Hub Hockey:  The “We Want Jack” campaign has begun.  I can understand the desire for some Bruins focused media. 
• Faceoff Factor:  The woes on the power play.  Best solution for the Pens problems is to get Malkin back on the power play.  Wasn’t that easy!
• Ranger Rants:  Lundqvist to start.  Very good news for the Rangers. 
• Japer’s Hockey:  The Caps are 99% entertaining.  Those are some interesting numbers and means that Caps fans get to enjoy their team leading most games.
  
• Hockey or Die:  The purpose of hitting.  No question about it.  Hitting has its place in hockey as long as it is within the confines of the rules.
• NHL Fanhouse:  Reflections on the rash of injuries.  Perhaps its long term memory loss but I cannot recall a season with this many injuries to star players.
• Spector:  The decades 10 best goaltenders.  Figured 7 would have been a little higher than that.
• Puck Update:  The NHL is a two tier financial league.  No question about it.  Of course unlike in sports like baseball where teams with the money manage to buy the best players (hello Yankees), in hockey teams with the most money still don’t seem to buy themselves a Stanley Cup team (hello Leafs).
• The Hockey News:  NHL lifts suspension, reinstates Henry Samueli as owner of Anaheim Ducks.   Interesting move.
• Puck Daddy:  Chatting with Bettman, KHL’s Medvedev about their summit.  Pretty interesting Q & A with both of them.  
  

Check out IC on Twitter for the latest hockey news.

Goal of the Night:

• The Bruins Blog:  Chiarelli admits he’s interested in ‘Foppa’.  Is there a team that hasn’t indicated some interest in the former superstar?  Although it would appear that the interest mainly lies with an Eastern Conference team.
  
• Maple Leafs Hot Stove:  Is Schenn hurt?  Just part of the learning curve or is he hiding an injury.
• Blue Seat Blogs:  Drury out, Lundqvist maybe.  Only good news for the Rangers can be seen below.
• Thrashers:  Kovalchuk experiences soreness, will not return Thursday against Rangers.  Too bad but better that they don’t rush him back too quickly.
• The Rat Trick:  Beat Up? Get a Big Mac!  The Panthers already have some familiarity with him, and he will add some Burke esque type truculence to the team.
• Lightning Strikes:  Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mattias Ohlund says incident with Wild’s Mikko Koivu is old news.  Always easier for the guy who did the injuring to say the incident is over with, but I bet Koivu still remembers.
  
• Nucks Misconduct:  Why can’t Vancouver win on the road?  Looks like the Canucks have some discipline problems.
• Flames Insider:  Sutter thrilled with Flames play.  Even though they didn’t score 5 goals, he has to be happy with the team’s commitment to better defence.
• The Fifth Feather:  Back to the Suture.  Love the article title and he’s right, the Hawks have done pretty well considering the injuries.  No need to panic.  It’s a long season.
• Battle of California:  Should the Sharks re-sign Marleau?  I think it depends on whether or not the team can actually make the Cup and win it and then they have till July to get a deal done.
• Crash the Crease:  The case for trading Nazem Kadri.  Before Leafs Nation erupts, this is an OHL article, not NHL.
  
• Puck Daddy:  Minor league hockey coach explains viral video meltdown.  As meltdown’s go, that didn’t seem too bad, but to be suspended indefinitely seems a tad harsh.
• Brodeur is a Fraud:  The goalies with the easiest jobs.  For all those who are anti-Osgood, they are going to love seeing him on that list, although to his credit, he’s with some elite company.
• The Hockey News:  NHL general managers come up with plan to address the issue of headshots.  With the league losing its superstars, you can bet this issue will be on the agenda.
• NHL Fanhouse:  Amidst the trade rumors, Martin Biron smiles and stops pucks.  Perhaps Biron knows that the chances of DiPietro actually staying healthy for any length of time aren’t high.
• the Score:  IIHF - “Better Than 90% Chance” NHL plays in 2014 games.  Let the negotiations begin. 
• T.O. Sports:  Is Owen Nolan Hall of Fame bound?  He should get in for his point in the all-star game alone!!
  

Since today is Remembrance Day, I wanted to point out an excellent article that Joe Pelletier of Greatest Hockey Legends wrote titled ‘Lest We Forget: Bob Carse – Hockey’s POW‘ which is a must read.

There were many examples of hockey players who thought nothing of giving up their dreams and sometimes their lives to fight for the freedom that we so often take for granted.  In addition to Joe’s excellent article a player that I personally met and had the good fortune to talk with on a number of occassions was Winnipeg’s own Pete Langelle whose hockey career is most notable for;

In the greatest rally in hockey history the Toronto Maple Leafs came back from a three game to none deficit to the Detroit Red Wings to win the 1942 series. In a momentous Game Seven, played at Maple Leaf Gardens, the Leafs roared back to win the Stanley Cup, with Pete Langelle scoring the Stanley Cup-winning goal. His goal, Toronto’s second in a 3-1 win, was scored at 9:48 of the third period, assisted by Bob Goldham and his old teammate with the Winnipeg Monarchs, Johnny McCreedy.

Not only was this the biggest goal of his life, but it was also the last goal he scored in the NHL as he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and never played NHL hockey again as upon his return, the Leafs roster was full.

• Down Goes Brown:  The NHL’s top secret flow chart for handing out suspensions.  The guys at DGB always good for a laugh and this is a pretty nice flow chart.  Colin Campbell better learn to keep his desk locked.
• Slap Shot:  A K.H.L. town worse off than Detroit.  I’m not sure what is more interesting, the fact that the team has no cash or that a team can have a record of 7-0-5-9 (7 regulation wins, 0 overtime/shootout wins, 5 overtime/shootout losses, and 9 regulation losses) for 26 of a possible 63 points.
• Globe on Hockey:  Gretzky takes the high road.  And that’s why he’s the Great One.
  
• Maple Leafs Hot Stove:  Why the turn around.  Very good assessment of where the Leafs were and how they got to the present point.
• Out of Left Field:  Senators attendance drop should raise red flags.  Oh boy.  Are the Sens heading to Hamilton?  Do we have another Rough Riders situation?  Joking aside, a pretty good read. 
• Lions in Winter:  Learning to live without Markov.  While it is clear that the Habs need him in the lineup, it appears they are managing so far, although as the writer suggests, both Halak and Price would like him back asap.
• Ranger Ramblings:  Center of attention.  I agree that the Rangers needed to address the first two topics, and the NHL needs to figure out the third.
• In Lou We Trust:  The Devils betray your trust (and cash) with the worst bobbleheads of all time.  That is pretty lame that they used a generic face.
  
• Hockey Wilderness:  Where is Martin Havlat?  I never get tired of seeing hockey players on milk cartons. 
• The Hockey News:  Columbus’ Voracek growing into his own.  Now if Columbus could just start making some money, the fans wouldn’t have to worry about the team’s off ice problems.
• Second City Hockey:  Bolland finally having surgery.  Hawks will be better off for him being back to 100% health in February.
• All things Avs:  Hejduk doesn’t skate; Tucker back tomorrow. While it’s still early, it still seems unbelievable that the Avs are sitting 2nd overall in the league.
• Lets Go Sharks:  Overhaul equates to early success.  These Sharks have some serious bite this season.
• Defending Big D:  An interview with Scott Glennie.  Good interview with the Stars pick and current member of the Brandon Wheat Kings.
  

In case you missed the speeches at last night’s Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony here they are as well as the Top 10 plays featuring the four.

Top 10 plays by HHOF Inductees:

Lou Lamoriello:

Steve Yzerman:

Brett Hull:

Brian Leetch:

Luc Robitaille:

• Five for Howling:  A night in the life of a Coyotes season ticket holder.  Excellent insight from a Yotes ticket holder.  If there were only more of this type of fan (in Phoenix and other cities) the NHL would be able to call itself part of the Big 4 (and not have people snicker).
• Matchsticks & Gasoline:  What to like about the Flames so far.  Looks like Calgary fans are leaning towards Rene Borque although Miika Kipursoff is getting some love.
• Lowetide:  Right on Reddox.  Always nice to see a guy who has a number of detractors, succeed despite those who would assert that he doesn’t have the ability.
• Ms. Conduct:  Hot and bothered, plus some Clutterbutter to spread on your Monday.  Some really good mustaches on this team so far.
  
• NHL Fanhouse:  Turning around the Hurricanes.  Amazing how far this team has fallen since last season’s Conference finals.
• The Hockey News:  Ovechkin skates, says ‘joking’ led to report of extended absence.  Always the joker, it appears he was trying to scare the public with his 4-5 weeks prediction the other day.
• Lions in Winter:  Price of being a Twit.  Pretty good assessment of the entire situation.  For good hockey tweeting follow Illegalcurve on Twitter).
• Faceoff Factor:  What to do, what to do?  Are the Penguins facing a Habs type situation on defence?
• Beyond the Blueshirts:  Arnason suspended.  Quite a fall from grace for the former Hawk/Sen/Av & Ranger.
• Puck Daddy:  2009 Hockey Hall of Fame inductions.  What a class of players!!
  
• Dobber Hockey:  From survival to revival.  Some pretty good insight on what is happening with the various goalies across the league.
• T.O. Sports:  10 worst offseason signings of 2009-10.  Still early and I think some of these guys will turn it around, but a pretty accurate list.
• Hockeyjackass:  10 most overpaid players. No big surprises on this list.  He makes a good point about 4 of the 10 being Sather contracts.
• The Hockey News:  Don’t expect change with current power structure.  Why is it that the NHL is so slow to adopt new rules?

• New York Rangers Blog:  You can’t retaliate says Avery.  Tough situation but they likely should have defended their captain.
  
• Puck Daddy:  Chatting with Alex Ovechkin about his ‘weeks’ of injury rehab.  Wow 4-5 weeks is a lot more than I expected.  Wonder if he is still the favorite for the Maurice Richard? * The Caps are now denying this delay.
• Frozen Leafs:  Leafs earn first signature win of the young season.  Perhaps all those stories of the season being over before it had begun were premature.
• All Habs:  Halak’s agent tweets and it draws big response.  His comments were discussed on HNIC and Kelly Hrudey was not happy with them.  Walsh responded: “It was a tongue in cheek comment not meant to be taken seriously, forgot it was Montreal and everyone loses a sense of humor.”  Which goes to show you that you must always be careful what you tweet.  (speaking of, for the latest NHL news follow Illegalcurve on Twitter).
  
• Snapshots:  Ken Holland says Wings will not call up injury replacement for Jason Williams.  With someone who has had as much success as Holland has, it’s pretty difficult to argue with the moves he makes.
• Cult of Hockey:  The Flames and Leafs were right to get the flu shot and the authorities were right to give it to them.  We might not like it, but his points on equality are true.
• Fear the Fin:  Is Joe Thornton a stone cold killa?  A solid offensive force, and now incorporating some defense into his game.  Could spell even bigger problems facing the Sharks.
  
• Hockey or Die:  Solving escrow.  A very innovative idea.  Give it a read.
• Brodeur is a Fraud:  Team effects on goalies.  Interesting to see the increasing independence between team results and goalie results.
• Hockey Rumours:  Wings looking for goalie, Corvo available, Forsberg latest.  With some teams faltering, expect the vultures to start circling the corpses.
• Greatest Hockey Legends:  Hull of fame.  Love his candor and slap shot. 
  

And now for word from around the blogs:

• Flames Insider:  Avery battle looms.  The game is finally here.  After all the talk, both on and off the ice, will the battle between the two players actually happen or will it not materialize?  IC Trivia:  Keith mentions that Craig Conroy will be changing up his stick curve which means that there is only one player remaining in the NHL who uses the Börje Salming curve.  Can you name that player?  Hint:  He plays in the West and is Swedish.  Hint 2:  He used to play in the Central but now plays in the Northwest.
  
• Lowetide:  Oilers recall Liam Reddox and Ryan Potulny.  Calling up both players means Coach Pat Quinn is trying to send a message to his players.
• Working the Corners:  Pavelski will play against Penguins, no results yet on Blake’s MRI, and TV guys get a new vantage point.  The Sharks had a tough game against the Wings on Thursday and it doesn’t get easier with the defending Stanley Cup champs in-town.
• Morning Skate:  Paul Kariya taken off Blues power play.  Looks like St. Louis coach Andy Murray is sending a message that even guys who are established can be moved around if they aren’t performing.
• Red Wings Blog:  Enforcer Brad May, of all people, supports mandatory visor usage.  May seems a bit conflicted by this but after sustaining the odd injury by his own teammate.  Perhaps he now see’s things differently.  (pretty good pun, huh!) but I hope it doesn’t affect his ability to look deeply into the eyes of his next opponent.
  
• Sen Say:  A play-off game?  Looking ahead for the Senators, they are going to be facing some tough competition coming up and they need to get off to better 1st period starts.
• Maple Leafs Hot Stove:  Baby steps.  It appears that coach Ron Wilson is getting through to his troops and perhaps his 1st period rant in Carolina last night, will start the Leafs on the winning path.
• Battle of New York:  Lundqvist out tonight versus Flames.  For the Rangers sake, let’s hope that whatever injury he is nursing, it is a minor one.
• On Frozen Blog:  Nylander put on waivers.  It looks doubtful that he will ever wear a Caps jersey again, but are any of the 29 other teams willing to take that bloated contract?
• Hockey or Die:  Vincent Lecavalier vs. Steven Stamkos.  I didn’t think he would arrive at that conclusion based on the initial part of the article, but I like his selection.
  
• The Hockey News:  Injuries ruling the day.  The list of injured is a whose who of top players.  Let’s hope that the league got hit with the injury bug early and will most past it quickly.
• Puck Daddy:  The 10 most brutal NHL injuries of the last decade. If you are squeamish, you might want to pass on watching some of these horrific videos.  If anyone questions the level of toughness of hockey players, just watch some of these.
• Greatest Hockey Legends:  All eyes on Yzerman.  Pretty good summation of a wonderful career.  Class act all the way. 
  

And now for word from around the blogs:

• Ice Man:  Would starting weeknight Thrashers games 30 minutes later really make a difference?  I think starting games later is always better.  Gives people time to get home and then to the game without rushing like a maniac.
• Japers’ Rink:  What to do with Alexander Semin?  Very interesting round table of Caps bloggers.  Seems like Semin has a lot of people angry, but with all that talent, it’s difficult to think of the Caps trading him away.
  
• The Goose’s Roost:  Physical challenge.  The Sabres will be playing 12 games in 24 days but if Ryan Miller continues to play as well as he has, and the team continues to get production from all 4 lines as it has, then this team should be able to roll past some pretty tough November competition.
• Sens Chirp:  Good to have Spezza back.  His passing is pretty damn spectacular sometimes.
• T.O. Sports:  Being a Canadiens fan in Leaf Country isn’t always easy.  It really isn’t easy being a fan of any team other than of the one team that you reside near, but I’d have to imagine that this would be one of the most difficult in the NHL to maintain.
• He Score, He Shoot:  Here’s to future days.  Leafs nation will be very excited should Phil Kessel put on a show against the ailing Hurricanes tonight.
• NHL Fanhouse:  Lou Lamoriello’s Creed - Competence, Loyalty and Work Ethic.  He remains one of the best in the business.
• NY Rangers Blog:  Avery has zero interest in shenanigans.  I’m sure that Avery won’t be skating with his head down anytime during the game.
• Hub Hockey:  Another save of the year by Tim Thomas.  Just when the chatter all seemed to be centered on the Sabres Ryan Miller, Thomas shows you why he will be part of the conversation for #1 team USA goalie.
  
• Canucks Hockey Blog:  Why wouldn’t you want Forsberg?  I think he would be a good fit for the team.  Plus as an added bonus, team Sweden would be pretty cohesive for February.
• Cult of Hockey:  Confessions of an Oilers-hating twit . I expected Staples to go after someone defaming the Oilers, but instead the object of his article is himself.  Interesting piece.
• Hockey Wilderness:  On player availability.  Interesting article as the media sometimes treads lightly on calling out a player for fear of losing access.
• Winging it in Mowtown:  Don’t look now.  This team just needed time to get cohesive and recover from the trip to Sweden to start the season.  When they actually get Mule back, expect the Wings to be battling for the Central as per usual.
• Ice Chips:  Young Coyotes defensemen eager to impress.  With the way the team is playing, everyone has looked impressive so far.
• Fear the Fin:  Joe Thornton: “In Vancouver, I’ll Reveal the Secrets of Nabokov”.  Gotta love how he is willing to do this for Team Canada.  I wonder how Sharks coach Todd McLellan feels about Joe sharing his goalie’s secrets.
  
• Tips for Hockey:  Analysis of the San Jose Sharks.  Eric is pretty bang on in his assessment.
• Puck Daddy:  The best NHL player who won’t win the Stanley Cup.  I don’t think Joe belongs on this list, because the question asks “who won’t” and I believe he will absolutely win a cup.

And now for word from around the blogs:

• Japers’ Rink:  The “risk” of Alex Ovechkin.  I can think of 29 other teams in the NHL ready and willing to put with that “risk”.
  
• Flyers Goal Scored By:  Creepy Flyers date.  I always know when a blog posting is funny because I actually laugh out loud (sorry but I refuse to use short form) while reading it.  I believe Drew reported something like this for a Penguins playoff game two years ago.  Innovative thinkers in Pennsylvania, good way to find a date or a victim.
• The Dark Ranger:  A wake up call from a rivalry past.  Looks like it will be up to Henrik Lundqvist to step up for the Rangers.
• The Bruins Blog:  Rask re-ups for two years.  Good signing by the Bruins.  He’s young, pretty solid and can develop under Tim Thomas.
• Pension Plan Puppets:  Taking a look a closer look at Jeff Finger.  Looks like Leaf fans believe that Toronto will be looking to make a trade.
• Lions in Winter:  Replacing Markov – cheat sheet for a procrastinating GM.  I like option #3.  Go with Cheli.  He’s still got something left in the tank.
  
• Canucks Hockey Blog:  Things I love and things I hate.  Bet the Wings wish they had Samuelsson’s points on the team.
• Deuce by Definition:  The secret of my success.  Very cool that Nick Shultz of the Wild has the team growing a stache for charity.
• On the Wings:  Lilja headache free for three days.  I have one friend who would love this story and another who would hate it based on the ‘specialist’ he saw in Vancouver.
• NHL Fanhouse:  What’s wrong with the Blues?  While I’m not sure the source of their malaise, if there is one coach who I would just like to see win, it’s Andy Murray.
• The Hockey News:  Most memorable moment of Brett Hull’s career still tainted for some.  Sure was, but only because I didn’t pick him in the OT pool.  I just saw an old NBC playoff clip of Cherry giving it to Hull about his foot in the crease after Hull claimed Alfredsson directed the puck into the net.  How good was that Oates to Hull combo for St. Louis!!
  
• Greatest Hockey Legends:  Who should be a part of the Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2010?  I’m with Joe in that my guess is that Gilmour, Oates and Bure will be included but that is quite a list of players who are eligible.  Who would IC readers like to see make it from that list?
• Behind the Net:  Ranking the NHL’s fighters.  Who would have thought you could use chess to aid in ranking NHL fighters!  Gabe Desjardins apparently.  Check out his site.  Really good hockey information.
• Hockey Rumours:  Kaberle to Blackhawks has ‘no legs’.  But is Burke being up front?
• Bloge Salming:  The outtakes.  Very witty (and crude) video which had me laughing.  Especially the Brian Burke and Cliff Fletcher scene.
  

And now for word from around the blogs:

• Globe on Hockey:  Trying to make sense of Sens’ grievance.  It would seem that legally they are out the cash, but Heatley should never have accepted the bonus in the first place.
  
• Sens Chirp:  Rumour: Volchenkov extension in the works.  That would be quite a long term commitment.
• Maple Leafs Hot Stove:  Question Period – Leafs Edition.  Leafs nation sounds off on this list of 10 questions concerning the team.
• Empty Netters:  Penguins don’t tie longest road winning streak to start season.  It wasn’t cause they lost, but rather the NHL record book had an omission.
• Hockeyjackass:  Things go sour in Rangers/Canucks game.  I wasn’t really aware of what happened but after watching the YouTube video I have the following three observations;  1)  Why was O’Brien jabbing Avery from the bench? 2)  Gotta love listening to Sean Avery trash talking “shut the **** up, Hordichuk you’re a bum, you don’t even belong in this league”.  3) Nice to see all those Rangers on the ice vs. the Canucks.
  
• Cult of Hockey:  How much will the Oilers miss Horcoff?  Perhaps this will give him some time to get his game back on track.
• Andrews Dallas Stars Page:  Stars forward Brian Sutherby making an impact.  Looks like he’s adapting well to the Stars system.
• Morning Skate:  Blues prospect Lars Eller expected to make NHL debut Thursday.  He has some decent numbers with the Rivermen, so should be good times for the 13th overall pick in 2007.
• The Hockey News:  Red Wings brass says it will take ‘miracle’ to extend team’s home-ice streak.  Perhaps senior vice-president Jim Devellano is trying to light a fire under the players.  Once healthy the Wings should compete for 1st in the Central.
  
• Checking from Behind:  15th Annual Comics Come Home.  Nice to see guys contributing their time for a good cause such as this.
• Hockey Rumours:  Forsberg Rumours, Team courting Chelios.  That KHL story is an interesting development.  Looks like the team courting Chelios is apparently the Habs as was reported tonight by French website CKAC.  They reported that “Chris Chelios et Bob Gainey se sont parlés”. (Quick translation – Chris & Bob spoke).  Is he going back to where it all began?  Stay tuned.
• Puck Daddy:  Grab your friends (and $10K), rent out Fenway’s Classic rink.  That’s some pretty big cake to play a pick up game of hockey.
• NHL Fanhouse:  A look at the NHL’s October attendance.  Kinda surprising the numbers in Denver so far.  No surprise about Phoenix as we commented yesterday.  Perhaps as the weather gets colder, folks across the league will start thinking about attending some hockey.