Ken Holland – The increase in scoring coming out of this seasons lockout.  The similarities of the retirements of Yzerman and Lidstrom and how they effected the team.  How the recently retired Tomas Holmstrom was such an effective player.  Taking the time to fully develop a player.  The evolution of Mike Babcock as a coach.  Lengthening overtime.  Playing games outside of their own time zone.

Every Wednesday night, beginning February 6, from 600 PM – 800 PM on TSN Radio 1290, and online at www.tsn1290.ca, “NHL Mid-Week with the Illegal Curve Hockey Show” will cover the NHL from top to bottom, in its entirety, and keep Winnipeg’s hockey fans informed about the hockey news emanating from the 29 other NHL cities.

Hosted by Drew Mindell, with analysts Richard Pollock and Ezra Ginsburg, “NHL Mid-Week with the Illegal Curve Hockey Show” will feature in-depth interviews with the relevant newsmakers in the NHL, and the detailed analysis that is synonymous with Illegal Curve Hockey.

With the Winnipeg Jets not playing any Wednesday games this season, “NHL Mid-Week with the Illegal Curve Hockey Show”, provides the Winnipeg listening audience with their perfect mid-week NHL fix, and is the perfect accompaniment to the regular Saturday edition of the Illegal Curve Hockey Show.

About Illegal Curve Hockey:

The brainchild of five local Winnipeggers, Illegal Curve Hockey is your home for hockey in Winnipeg. The Illegal Curve Hockey Show airs every Saturday on TSN Radio 1290, and starting February 6, NHL Mid-Week with the Illegal Curve Hockey Show will air every Wednesday night. www.illegalcurve.com is your online home for hockey news and information in Winnipeg. Follow Illegal Curve Hockey on Twitter: @illegalcurve and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/illegalcurve

On Saturday’s Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN Radio 1290 we dedicated the last 15 minutes of the show to discuss the past month’s activities and to shave-off our mustaches.  It made for some hilarious radio which you can hear below;

Movember on IC Radio – Listen as we talk to Movember co-chair Jeff Palson about the Movember campaign while Sabrina Carnevale from 999 BOB FM & FAB 943 FM judged the live shave-off and Richard Pollock chimed in.

While you are listening, here are some of the photos we took from the studio as Ezra and I removed the last hairy vestiges of Movember from our faces.

Luckily Movember co-chair Jamie Hopkins was in the area and provided us with Schick products:

Dave and Ez prepare the product:

Ez gets a bit too enthusiastic about the shave-off:

Ez goes a little far and almost drinks the water:

Drew is less than enthused that his mustache still remains, while Rich looks on and laughs:

Two of the three members of Team Illegal Curve are done with Movember:

And thus ends a month of Movember awareness.  We hope we were able to raise awareness and funds as the health community continues to try and find cures for these diseases that impact so many men.

Big shout out to the entire Movember Winnipeg Campaign team:

Susie Erjavec Parker, Jamie Hopkins (co-chair), Sandy Kwong, David Wolodarsky, Jon Waldman, Carla Hague, Dan Thomas, John Heminger, Jan Peters, Ryan McGregor and Jeff Palson (co-chair).

On Friday, November 24, 2012, NHL Deputy Commssioner Bill Daly and Special Counsel to the NHLPA Steve Fehr spent the day doing various radio interviews updating media outlets on the state of the game, rather than negotiating a new CBA.

On the next day’s Illegal Curve Hockey Show, host Drew Mindell shared his frustrations with the ongoing lockout.

Listen to the rant below:

“I don’t want to hear Bill Daly, then I don’t want to hear Steve Fehr on the radio. Don’t spend your Fridays doing that, spend your Fridays negotiating. That’s not too much to ask.

I understand that we’re on the radio and it’s great for these radio stations to get these interviews, you know what’s even better for radio stations? Have games to play! And talk about! Not Donald Fehr! Not Bill Daly! Not Gary Bettman! And not Steve Fehr! That’s better.

(Former NHLPA Executive Director) Paul Kelly was a terrific guest and was on this program two hours ago. With all due respect to Paul Kelly and the insights that he brings, I don’t want to talk to Paul Kelly very much.

I want to talk to the guys who are covering the teams the Jets are supposed to be playing. The Jets were supposed to be in Philly yesterday, on Black Friday in the US. I want to talk to Anthony SanFilippo, I want to talk to Sam Carchidi, I want to talk to the Philadelphia guys that cover that team on a daily basis.

I don’t want to have to talk about this anymore, and it’s insulting to fans to have to listen to these guys on the radio having dueling interviews, instead of sitting in a room and negotiating.”

Are you as frustrated with the current lockout as Drew Mindell? Sound off in the comments.

This Saturday on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show we have an action packed three hours.  Almost as exciting as the post season, will be the new crew hosting and analyzing the playoff action.  Illegalcurve.com’s co-editor David Minuk will be hosting, along with analyst Michael Remis and special guest analyst Darrin Bauming.

We will be joined by our guests:

Matt Loughlin, radio play-by-play voice of the New Jersey Devils will be joining us at 1:00 pm to talk about the Devils and Panthers series.

James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen will join us at 1:30 pm to discuss the first round match-up between the Senators and Rangers.

Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Dispatch who covers the St. Louis Blues will join us at 2:00 pm to talk Blues and Sharks.

Other topics on the show will include:

-Jets news (Byfuglien’s trial, World Championships)

-IceCaps first playoff game

-Mark Scheifele being assigned to the IceCaps

-Eastern Conference playoff picture

-Western Conference playoff picture

-Regular segments, NHL News & Notes, Six Things We Learned This Week and Rapid Fire

Tune in tomorrow from 12pm-3pm and listen to the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN Radio 1290.  If you miss the show you can find it by searching for the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast.

First, some background.

Back on February 11th, due to an afternoon Jets-Penguins game, The Illegal Curve Hockey Show went on air at 7 a.m. on TSN 1290, five hours earlier than the normal start time.

Due to an unintentional cell phone alarm clock malfunction, Ezzy pulled a Tyler Seguin, slept in and missed the first 25-30 minutes of the show.

Admittedly, this was not the first time Ezzy missed an early morning Illegal Curve Hockey Show, as back on November 19th, he missed the first hour and a half of a show that also started in the early hours of the morning (8 a.m. CST).

On this past Saturday’s Illegal Curve Hockey Show, IC Host Drew Mindell was previewing our next show (February 25th), and stated that there was no way that Ezzy was going to be able to wake up on time, as the show is once again scheduled for 7:00 a.m. CST.

Drew put his money where his mouth is, by stating that he would donate $50 to a local charity if Ezra arrives on time. Conversely, Ezra matched that challenge, by agreeing to donate $50 to a local charity if he sleeps in and arrives late. Richard Pollock then joined the fun, saying that he didn’t believe Ezra would show up on time either, thus joining Team Drew, and formally establishing the battle lines.

Illegal Curve has selected Pass It Forward as our charitable organization and we will donate $50 to them, either from Team Ezzy or Team Drew/Richy, depending on who is proven to be correct.

Pass It Forward was created in 2009, to help youth in Winnipeg who wish to play hockey but require help getting the necessary equipment. Each September they undertake a hockey equipment drive to help in this cause, in addition to accepting donations throughout the entire calendar year.

If you would like to throw your support behind a specific Illegal Curve team, join in on our charitable endeavour, and help support a worthwhile Winnipeg charity, e-mail Ezra or Drew and we will provide you with all of the relevant information.

Even if you aren’t able to donate, we encourage you to participate in this fun competition and pick a side. Volunteers are needed to be Ezzy’s personal alarm clock for Saturday morning (for team Ezzy members) or by lavishing him with copious amounts of alcohol on Friday night (for team Drew/Richy members.)

Who will prove victorious? You will have to tune to The Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN Radio Winnipeg, Saturday at 7:00 AM to find out.

So early that it won’t yet be bright, The Illegal Curve Hockey Show will take to the airwaves of TSN 1290 Saturday morning, beginning at 7:00 AM.

Our first guest, at 8:30 AM, is Mike Colligan of Forbes.com and Hockeywriters.com. Mike is based in Pittsburgh, covers the Penguins, and with the Jets playing the Penguins Saturday afternoon, Mike will provide us with insight into one of the best squads, when healthy, in the NHL.

At 9:00 AM, we will be joined by Arthur Staple of Newsday. Arthur is the beat writer for the  New York Islanders, a team that is bound to be very interesting to watch around the trade deadline, given the number of soon to be unrestricted free agents that populate the roster. We will also ask Arthur about the Islanders resigning of Frans Nielsen, a move that has proven to be very well thought of by hockey pundits.

At 9:30 AM, we will be joined by former NHL General Manager Craig Button of TSN and the NHL Network. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching (Monday, February 27) we will talk with Craig about the discussions and decisions being made by General Managers around the league. Furthermore we will discuss the current landscape surrounding the best prospects for the upcoming 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

Additional guests may be added, so stay tuned to this post and our @illegalcurve page for news on that front.

All that, plus your tweets, emails and (maybe, but not likely) phone calls (204-780-1290). Best tweets and emails will receive exciting Illegal Curve merchandise!

Join us Saturday from 7 AM – 1200 Noon on TSN 1290 in Winnipeg and online at tsn.ca/Winnipeg

We are going back to our early morning roots with tomorrow’s Illegal Curve Hockey Show. Due to the Jets-Devils afternoon start time, the IC hockey show takes to the TSN 1290 airwaves at a special start time of 8:00 AM, for the typical three hour broadcast.

Our first guest joins us at 8:30 AM, and we are excited to welcome Jason Farris, author of a book called “Behind the Moves: NHL General Managers Tell How Winners are Built.”   Jason spent eighteen months, and travelled 60,000 plus Kilometers, engaging NHL General Managers about their jobs. The results, filling over 120 hours of tape, is this fascinating insight into the life of a General Manager.

At 9:00 AM, with the Winnipeg Jets looking to get back on a winning track later Saturday afternoon versus New Jersey, we welcome to the show, Matt Loughlin, the radio play by play man of the Devils, giving us insight into the Devils of New Jersey.

At 9:45 AM, we will be joined by Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch to discuss the surprising play of the St. Louis Blues and the impact that new head coach Ken Hitchcock has had on the franchise (hint: it is significant.)

At 10:00 AM, George Johnson of the Calgary Herald will be with us to discuss the Flames re-acquisition of Mike Cammalleri, and, yet again, try and answer the question of what is the long term plan the Calgary Flames are embarking on.

All that, plus your tweets, emails and (maybe) phone calls (204-780-1290). Best tweets and emails will receive exciting Illegal Curve merchandise!

Join us Saturday from 800 AM – 1100 AM on TSN 1290 in Winnipeg and online at tsn.ca/Winnipeg

The Illegal Curve Hockey Show normally airs Saturdays from 12-3pm on TSN 1290, but it will be airing at a special time from 8-11 am this Saturday.

Subscribe to the Illegal Curve Hockey show podcast on iTunes, non iTunes users can also subscribe via RSS

Awards

The first award discussed was the topic of MVP, which is always a tricky conversation. Drew, Richard and Ezra all agreed that Evander Kane has been the best player, but Ezra thought that Pavelec has been most valuable to the team’s success.

MVP

Ezra: “not even close, it’s Pavelec”

Richard & Drew: “I think you’re out of your mind”

“You’re talking about Ondrej Pavelec who has numbers outside the top 30 in the national hockey league”

“The goalie is always going to win more games because he’s the goalie”

Richard: “Kane has 18 goals, on pace for over 35 to 40 goals, he’s the only guy who consistently drives the play towards the net” “Kane is the guy who drives this team, he’s the best player on the team, he’s been the best player this season, there’s no question about it.”

Ez: “Which one guy do you take out of the lineup and it would have the most negative impact, if you look at what one player has had an impact on this team, Kane is in the conversation, but Pavelec has stolen more games.”

Richard: “You take Kane or Pavelec out of the lineup, who’s harder to replace?.”

Ez: “Evander Kane went seven games without a goal”

Drew: “Who would be scoring for this team, if it weren’t for Evander Kane, it doesn’t matter how good Pavelec is if nobody can score.”

The other argument made for Evander Kane was that it is easier to find a replacement goalie, than a player of Kane’s scoring ability.

Best Defenseman

Drew: “This is a tough one because of so many injuries.”

Ezra: “It’s Byfuglien or Bogosian, because of Enstroms injury”

Richard: “I agree with you, it’s probably Byfuglien because of the way he started playing later on. I would have to say Byfuglien by a small hair because of how much he can provide on the offensive end. He’s not a defensive dynamo, but I think he’s the third leading scorer on the team right now. The way he adds to the power play, and can jump into the play, I’d have to say Byfuglien.”

Drew: “I’ll agree with Richard”

Richard’s argument for Bogosian: “I think Bogosian is a great skater, good hitter, he’s learned to simplify his game and Charlie Huddy’s done a great part in that, and Bogosian has taken that upon himself. He’s played in a variety of pairings, although Stuart is his main guy, and they haven’t played together recently. He’s played very well, kept it simple, I think he’s limited chances on many nights, and he’s scored a bit. The only drawback is his ability to create offense, not only in the offensive zone, but in his own zone.”

“Byfuglien has a keen sense of where the puck needs to go, he’s cut back on the risky plays that happened in the beginning of the year.”

Report Card

Coach Noel

Ezra: “I’m going to give Coach Claude Noel a C+, because I think that he’s done a pretty good job. We’re at the halfway point of the season, the Jets are three games above .500, and a couple points out of the playoffs. When you look at how Atlanta came to Winnipeg, and how their team came together. The Jets had that terrible start, I think that Claude Noel has done a good job with transitioning the team, they had a tough road schedule at the beginning. He’s done a great job dealing with injuries. On forward, I’ve had some issue with how he’s managed some of the forward lines, I have some issues specificly with Burmistrov as of late. Overall I’ll give him a C+”

Drew: “I’m going to give him a grade of a B, for a lot of the reasons you just said. I like the way he’s been willing to mix and match (lines). He’s not being stubborn and is trying different things. I’m not crazy about some of his line combinations or burial, for lack of a better word of Alex Burmistrov. I think he’s done a good job with a lot of problems on the defensive side of the game. When the defense was riddled with injuries I think he handled that pretty well. I liked the way he handled Evander Kane at the beginning of the year when there was some growing pains. I like the way he’s managed the media and expectations in the city.”

Rich: “I’ll give him a B+. I do have the same issues as you guys mentioned. I do think his line combinations, leave much to be desired at times. I think the road record isn’t great and needs to be improved. The third drawback is I think he’s overplayed Pavelec and that will be an issue later on in the season.

What I do like about him: Special teams has improved, the underlying numbers are good. I think he manages expectations well, he manages personalities well, he doesn’t get too high and doesn’t get too low. I don’t think he gives the media too much to work with. I think the players for the most part are playing hard for him. He matches up players when he needs to. He matched the Slater line up against Ovechkin, he matches up Byfuglien & Bogosian with guys that he needs to, and he’s flexible in that regard. He also gives the hard face-off’s to Slater and those guys (who are good at face offs). He runs the bench the right way. There’s room to grow, but overall if you told me they would be in a playoff spot, I think you’d be a bit optimistic, but i think the overall job he’s done has been quite good. There has been a lot of distractions, a lot of stuff could have gone wrong. I think he’s made the team his own and has done a good job.”

GM Kevin Cheveldayoff

The guys attempted to give Kevin Cheveldayoff a grade, but determined that it has been much too soon in the GM’s tenure and instead provided commentary. Chevy has been risk averse, with logical moves that will serve the team well in building for the future. He has signed a number of players to one year deals (Wellwood, Glass, Jones), effective sent players up and down from St. John’s (Cormier, Kulda, Postma, Flood, Jaffray) and addressed the teams shortcomings with some mid season moves (Miettinen). In the next year, we’ll have the the trade deadline and free agency which will be indicators on how he is able to perform as GM. For past commentary on some of his moves & signings, check out the category “Roster Analysis“.

Readers, who do you give your misdeason awards to? Who do you think is the MVP this season? What are your thoughts on Coach Claude Noel? Sound off in the comments.

For the latest updates on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show, follow Illegal Curve on twitter @IllegalCurve

Saturday, from 12 Noon – 3 PM CST, Winnipeg Jets game-day coverage commences with The Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN 1290.

Saturday, from 12 Noon – 3 PM CST, The Illegal Curve Hockey Show commences Winnipeg Jets game-day coverage on TSN 1290.  Joining the guys on tomorrow’s program will be:

From TSN Radio, Rick Ralph at 2:15 pm.

New Jersey Devils beat writer, Tom Gulitti at 2:30pm.

These guests will be in addition to the usual commentary and analysis that you have come to expect week in and week out on The Illegal Curve Hockey Show.

Send us your tweets @illegalcurve, your emails to info@illegalcurve.com and phone calls at (204) 780-1290.

If you can’t get to your radio, the show will be streamed live online on Illegal Curve and at TSN Winnipeg.

The Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN 1290 moves back to the usual time of 12 pm to 3pm cst.   The show that leads into the Jets pre-game show is going to be action packed.  Joining the guys will be a top quality roster of guests, including;

From TSN, Dennis Beyak at 12:30 pm.

From the Canadian Press, Chris Johnston at 1:30 pm.

From the Ottawa Citizen, James Gordon at 2:00 pm.

From NESN, Jack Edwards at 2:30 pm.

These guests will be in addition to the usual commentary and analysis that you have come to expect week in and week out on The Illegal Curve Hockey Show.

Send us your tweets @illegalcurve, your emails to info@illegalcurve.com and phone calls at (204) 780-1290.

If you can’t get to your radio, the show will be streamed live online at www.illegalcurve.com and at http://www.tsn.ca/Winnipeg/ AM

Joining the boys will be a top quality roster of guests;

At 1230 PM, from the Columbus Dispatch, Aaron Portzline

At 100 PM, the General Manager of the Winnipeg Jets, Kevin Cheveldayoff

At 200 PM, from the St. Petersburg Times, Damian Cristodero

At 230 PM, colour commentator for the St. Louis Blues, Darren Pang

These guests will be in addition to the usual commentary and analysis that you have come to expect week in and week out on The Illegal Curve Hockey Show.

Send us your tweets @illegalcurve, your emails to info@illegalcurve.com and phone calls at (204) 780-1290.

If you can’t get to your radio, the show will be streamed live online at www.illegalcurve.com and at http://www.tsn.ca/Winnipeg/

This show, the only one of its kind anywhere on Winnipeg radio, is a must listen to for anyone participating in a hockey draft.

Joining the guys to break down everything in the fantasy hockey world is:

At 1230 PM Timo Seppa (Puck Prospectus)

At 115 PM Jeff Angus (Dobber Hockey)

At 200 PM Gus Katsaros (McKeen’s Hockey)

At 230 PM Justin Goldman (Goalie Guild)

In addition to the most comprehensive coverage of the fantasy hockey world, there will be prize giveaways courtesy of Hockey Prospectus.

From 3-4 PM, the show will switch its focus to that night’s Winnipeg Jets – Nashville Predators match-up, scheduled for puck drop at 7PM in Nashville.

For those not in the Winnipeg listening region, the show will be available on www.illegalcurve.com and afterwards for download on ITunes (search for The Illegal Curve Hockey Show).

Keep your radio tuned to Sports Radio 1290 and your browser set to www.illegalcurve.com for the best and most comprehensive coverage of the Winnipeg Jets anywhere online and on radio

Follow us on Twitter: @illegalcurve

Follow us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/illegalcurve

Our guests on the show this week are:

at 6:15 PM Charlie Huddy, Winnipeg Jets Assistant Coach

at 6:30 PM Chris Mason, goalie for the Winnipeg Jets

at 7:30 PM George Johnson, Calgary Herald

The rest of the show plan after the jump.

Other topics on the show include

• The funeral of Rick Rypien
• The latest Winnipeg Jets news
• Prospect discussion with IC’s Scouting Correspondent Kyle Kosior (@ICKyleK)
• News around the NHL

If you are unable to listen to the show live, we will have it available on our website and iTunes by tomorrow morning.

Hope to see everyone in the live chat.

Our guests on the show this week are:

at 6:15 PM James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail

at 6:30 PM Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press and Hustler & Lawless

at 7:30 PM Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail

Other topics on the show include

• The tragic passing of Rick Rypien
• The latest Winnipeg Jets news
• Prospect discussion with IC’s Scouting Correspondent Kyle Kosior (@ICKyleK)
• News around the NHL
• Updates on the Illegal Curve Sandwich

If you are unable to listen to the show live, we will have it available on our website and iTunes by tomorrow morning.

Hope to see everyone in the live chat.

Our guests on the show this week are

Wade Davison of Believe in the Goal, to talk about the 2011 Superstar Summer Showdown. This will be Wade’s 3rd appearance on the show.

Jim Fox, LA Kings Colour Commentator for Fox Sports West/Prime Ticket. We’ll be discussing the latest news regarding the LA Kings, including the ongoing negotiations with Drew Doughty and the acquisitions of Mike Richards and Simon Gagne. This will be Fox’s 5th appearance on the show.

See the rest of the guests after the jump

James Gordon (@SensReporter) of the Ottawa Citizen will be joining us to talk about the Senators offseason moves, Alex Kovalev’s recent comments and former head coach Cory Clouston. This will be Gordon’s 6th apperance on the show.

Other topics on the show include

• Proposed rules at the NHL Research and Development Camp
• The latest Winnipeg Jets news
• Prospect discussion with IC’s Scouting Correspondent Kyle Kosior (@ICKyleK)
• News around the NHL
• Updates on the Illegal Curve Sandwich

Drew Mindell will be away this week, Mike Remis of the R-Desk will be filling in, expect the guys to be taking shots at Drew every segment.

If you are unable to listen to the show live, we will have it available on our website and iTunes by tomorrow morning.

Hope to see everyone in the live chat.

Tonight’s guest will be Joshua Cooper of the Tennessean who covers the Nashville Predators and will have all the latest on the Shea Weber deal.

In addition to these guests, we will spend much of the first hour discussing the latest news surrounding the Winnipeg Jets including Zherdev going to KHL, the AHL signings and whether or not we believe the Jets can make the playoffs this season.

The guys will also touch on the latest from ‘Around the NHL’ including the Burns contract with the Sharks, Colin White also signing in San Jose, the issues with the Islanders arena and we will end the show with an in-studio taste test for the new Illegal Curve sandwich courtesy of Myers Deli.

We will also be taking your calls (204) 780-1290, your emails (drew@illegalcurve.com) and your tweets (@illegalcurve).

Join us tonight from 6-8 PM on Sports Radio 1290 in Winnipeg and online at www.illegalcurve.com

Tonight’s guests (subject to change), are, at 730 PM, Bruce Dowbiggin of the Globe and Mail,  and at 830 PM, Geoff Kirbyson of the Winnipeg Free Press.

In addition to these guests, we will spend much of the first hour discussing the latest news surrounding the Winnipeg Jets.

Of course, The Illegal Curve chat room, operated by Michael Remis will be up and running, so join your fellow hockey fans in the chat room.  We will also be taking your calls (204) 780-1290, your emails (drew@illegalcurve.com) and your tweets (@illegalcurve).

Join us tonight from 7-9 PM on Sports Radio 1290 in Winnipeg and online at www.illegalcurve.com

Tonight’s guests (subject to change), are, at 615 PM, Tom Gulitti who covers the New Jersey Devils for the Bergen County Record,  at 700 PM, Shelly Anderson who covers the Pittsburgh Penguins for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and at 730 PM, Jeremy Rutherford who covers the St. Louis Blues for the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

In addition to these guests, we will spend much of the first hour discussing the latest news surrounding the Winnipeg Jets.

Of course, The Illegal Curve chat room, operated by Michael Remis will be up and running, so join your fellow hockey fans in the chat room.  We will also be taking your calls (204) 780-1290, your emails (drew@illegalcurve.com) and your tweets (@illegalcurve).

Join us tonight from 6-8 PM on Sports Radio 1290 in Winnipeg and online at www.illegalcurve.com

Kevin Cheveldayoff, General Manager of the Winnipeg Jets.

Mike Greenlay, game analyst for Minnesota Wild TV.

Randy Hahn, play by play voice of the San Jose Sharks.

The Illegal Curve crew will be taking your calls (204-780-1290), reading your tweets (Twitter: @illegalcurve), and answering your emails info@illegalcurve.com.

Be sure to join in on the Cover it Live chat taking place throughout the show on www.illegalcurve.com

Meech appeared on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show this Saturday and said that spending a year in the AHL has allowed him to develop his game.

Read more about Saturday’s interview with Derek Meech after the jump

“I was in & out of the lineup over 3 years, it takes a toll mentally, it was nice last year to get a full season and be relied on and take a leadership role, just to be in games every night it was a really good feeling for me, and it gave me a bit of my identity back, I’m feeling good about my game now, I think I’ve matured over the years here and I’m looking forward to having a good summer training wise getting prepared for camp”

Having spent a significant time in the Detroit organization, Meech observed the work ethic of some sure fire hall of famers. He hopes to bring that professionalism with him to Winnipeg.

“ I was there for 7 years, played 3 years in Detroit, was lucky enough to be a part of the Stanley cup winning team, just being around Hall of Famers like Lidstrom, Rafalski, you can name a ton of guys, seeing how down to earth they are and how good people they are on & off the ice, that’s kind of where you really notice why they have so much success, they’re very professional and that’s something I’d like to bring over to this organization”

To listen to the full interview with Derek Meech on Saturday’s Illegal Curve Hockey Show (July 2, 2011 – part 2), subscribe via RSS, iTunes or download it direct here.

The next episode of the Illegal Curve Hockey Show will air this Wednesday from 6pm-8pm Central Time, on Sports Radio 1290 in Winnipeg. As always, we will be hosting a live chat here at Illegal Curve.

Summer Schedule:

All shows will air from 6-8 pm cst.  (Thx IC reader Luke for asking that question).

So remember to tune in Sports Radio 1290 to hear all the latest developments with your Winnipeg Jets and news from Around the NHL.   If you ever miss a show, we will always post the podcast for download on Illegalcurve.com/radio.

Chris Vivlamore of the AJC on Craig Ramsay.

David Staples of the Edmonton Journal on Craig MacTavish.

We will also get a draft preview from IC’s own Kyle who will be attending the draft along with Ezra next week.

The Illegal Curve crew will be taking your calls (204-780-1290), reading your tweets (Twitter: @illegalcurve), and answering your emails info@illegalcurve.com.

Be sure to join in on the Cover it Live chat taking place throughout the show on www.illegalcurve.com

This Saturday’s guests include;

General Manager of the unnamed NHL team in Winnipeg, Kevin Cheveldayoff

Senior Vice-President and Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant GM Craig Heisinger

The Illegal Curve crew will be taking your calls (204-780-1290), reading your tweets (Twitter: @illegalcurve), and answering your emails (info@illegalcurve.com).

Be sure to join in on the Cover it Live chat taking place throughout the show on www.illegalcurve.com

This Saturday’s guests include;

Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, play-by-play announcer for the Devils, as well as the lead announcer for NHL national telecasts on both NBC and Versus.

Scott Brown, spokesman for True North Sports and Entertainment.

Jim Ludlow, President & CEO of True North Sports and Entertainment.

The Illegal Curve crew will be taking your calls (204-780-1290), reading your tweets (Twitter: @illegalcurve), and answering your emails (drew@illegalcurve.com).  Be sure to join in on the Cover it Live chat taking place throughout the show on www.illegalcurve.com

Today’s guests include Winnipeg Jets alumni;

# 6 Phil Housley

# 4 Fredrik Olausson

The Illegal Curve crew will be taking your calls (204-780-1290), reading your tweets (Twitter: @illegalcurve), and answering your emails (dave@illegalcurve.com).  Be sure to join in on the Cover it Live chat taking place throughout the show on www.illegalcurve.com

This show will be followed by Special Edition Part Deux with Drew, Rich and Ezra returning to host another action packed show from 6pm cst to 8 pm cst on Sports Radio 1290.  Special Guest:  Premier Greg Selinger.

This Saturday’s guests include;

Bob Murdoch, former Head Coach of the Winnipeg Jets.

Martin Cash of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Ed Olczyk, former Winnipeg Jet and currently with NBC, Versus and Comcast SportsNet Chicago.

The Illegal Curve crew will be taking your calls (204-780-1290), reading your tweets (Twitter: @illegalcurve), and answering your emails (drew@illegalcurve.com). Be sure to join in on the Cover it Live chat taking place throughout the show on www.illegalcurve.com

However, when NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly appeared on The Illegal Curve Hockey Show on November 27, 2010, his comments on our show sparked a series of rumors about the potential relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers. Daly’s comments didn’t go unnoticed, as every major media outlet picked up on his comments as the speculation on a potential move began.

Here are Mr. Daly’s comments on our show:

Listen to the full interview here:

Bill Daly Interview

It is amazing to think that 5 months later,  it appears we are about to have NHL Hockey in Winnipeg. We at Illegal Curve are extremely excited for the week to come.

Illegal Curve touched base with Stephen Brunt on Saturday morning, he has not backed down from his position.

Interview with Stephen Brunt – May 19, 2011

We were also able to contact Darren Dreger from TSN who says that according to his sources, the deal is not done.

DarrenDreger-May19

We were then able to reminisce about old times with the former play-by-play announcer of the Winnipeg Jets, Curt Keilback

Interview with Curt Keilback May 19, 2011

What a night it was as we went off to party at Portage & Main after the show, surely a night that we will never forget.

Here is the interview:

Tune into Sports Radio 1290 this Saturday, May 14th, 2011 from 9 AM CST until 12 PM CST as the guys and special guest host Leah Hextall discuss all the latest in the NHL.  Going to be an action packed 3 hours as we cover the 2nd round, preview the upcoming 3rd round match ups and of course, discuss the latest NHL returning to Winnipeg news.

This Saturday’s guests include;

Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Darren Ford of Jetsowner.com.

Gabe Desjardins of Behind the Net.

Chris Mason, Goalie for the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers.

The Illegal Curve crew will be taking your calls (204-780-1290), reading your tweets (Twitter: @illegalcurve), and answering your emails (dave@illegalcurve.com). Be sure to join in on the Cover it Live chat taking place throughout the show on www.illegalcurve.com

Corey Masisak of NHL.com doing a post-mortem on Capitals-Lightning.

Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution with the latest on the Thrashers ownership situation.

The guys will be taking your calls (204-780-1290), reading your tweets (Twitter: @illegalcurve), and answering your emails (drew@illegalcurve.com). Be sure to join in on the Cover it Live chat taking place throughout the show on www.illegalcurve.com

Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail:

Kevin Allen of USA Today.

Larry Brooks Article – Shootout Success Carries Potential Penalty

Top 4 Eastern Conference

• Michael Leighton clears waivers, is recalled

Bottom 4 Eastern Conference

• Ryan Callahan breaks his ankle—out indefinitely
• Vincent Lecavalier was hit by stick near eye
• Ryan Miller is getting healthy
• Carey Price voted Canadian MVP by fans

Top 4 Western Conference

• Raffi Torres suspended 4 games
• Henrik Zetterberg injured, out for remainder of reg. Season

Gabe Desjardins of Behind The Net

• Left Handed Shots in Hockey

Matthew Barnaby of ESPN.

Gabriel Desjardins of behindthenet.

Rick Peckham, play-by-play announcer of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

John Press of Japers’ Rink.

James Mirtle of the Globe & Mail.

Making his 4th appearance on the show, Mirtle will give us some insight into the Leafs, if the season was a success and what Toronto fans can look forward to next season.

Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.

Alexander, making his 1st appearance on the show, will be focused on all things Carolina; including whether the Hurricanes can storm into the post season, if the team is deep enough to do some damage in the playoffs and if they are unsuccessful in their quest to make the playoffs this year, what does next season hold for the Hurricanes.

James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen.

Gordon, making his 5th appearance on the show, will focus on all things Senators; including what went wrong in Ottawa this season, what front office/head coach changes may be afoot in Ottawa (if any), the Senators signing of Stephane Da Costa, and if Sens fans can expect things to get better next season and more.

Mike Colligan, NHL analyst at Forbes.com, Pens correspondent.

Mike will be on to discuss all things Penguins.

If you have a question or comment for one of our guests, you can post it in our comment section, tweet it to us @IllegalCurve or send us an email.

Matt Cooke Suspension

• The details of Matt Cooke’s suspension
• NHL Players’ reactions to Cooke suspension
• Matt Cooke’s reaction to suspension
• Ryan McDonough responds to Cooke issue

Injuries Around the NHL

• Justin Williams out for year w/dislocated shoulder
• Capitals resting Ovechkin
• Patrick Sharp injured—out for a few weeks
• Jody Shelley to undergo eye surgery
• Vancouver Canucks centre Manny Malhotra out for the season

NHL News & Notes

• Craig Anderson re-signs in Ottawa
• Parise returns to practice with the Devils
• Recchi says Pacioretty embellished the Chara hit
• Bruins destroy Habs 7-0

Glendale vs. Goldwater

• Hulsizer’s “new deal”
• Goldwater’s response
• City of Glendale’s response FAQ
• Goldwater’s response to FAQ

For all of your daily updates on the current ownership situation in Phoenix, stay tuned to IllegalCurve.com for our daily “Drama in the Desert” series.

Barry Melrose of ESPN.

Melrose will be on the show for the 1st time to discuss the playoff races, hockey’s impact in the U.S. and whether he thinks ESPN will be a player for the new NHL television contract that is up for grabs next season.

Josh Cooper of The Tennessean.

Cooper, making his 3rd appearance on the show, will be focused on all things Nashville; including the Predators prospects to hold onto a post season position, the reasons for the team’s current hot streak and more.

Darren Pang, Color Commentator for St. Louis Blues TV broadcasts and a part time analyst for TSN.

Pang returns to the radio show and will bring IC readers up to speed on the latest Blues news.

If you have a question or comment for one of our guests, you can post it in our comment section, tweet it to us @IllegalCurve or send us an email.

Anthony SanFilippo of the Delaware County Daily Times;

SanFilipo will discuss all things Philadelphia; including the Flyers playoff chances, updating the Pronger injury and more.

Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Campbell will discuss the possible return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg in addition to talking about the General Manager meetings he attended in Boca Raton, Florida.

Dan Wood, Anaheim Ducks Radio Colour Analyst.

Wood will be on to chat all things Anaheim; including the Ducks prospects to make the post season, Teemu Selanne’s inspired play and more.

Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News.

Harrington will be on to chat all things Buffalo;  including the Sabres prospects to make the post season, how new owner Terry Pegula plans on building a winner and more.