Central Division

• “They were going in too easily. It was an easy call,” said Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville about pulling Cristobal Huet last night.  “We were sharp. We just weren’t as diligent defensively as we normally are,” said captain Jonathan Toews after last night’s tight loss.
• Story of the year, the Blue Jackets could not score in regulation last night and it cost them, writes Aaron Portzline.  Mike Commodore was a healthy scratch last night due to his poor play.
• Justin Abdelkader has been the Red Wings’ most physical player.  Danny Cleary hopes to return to the Wings lineup in the next ten days.
• It was a hard fought battle last night for the Predators; the good news was they won, the bad news was they lost Kevin Klein and Martin Erat to injury.  Barry Trotz was not happy about the play by Barrett Jackman that sent Martin Erat to the dressing room.  Some genius decided to steal NHL and NBA vouchers and got caught.
• This Blues team just cannot win at home and that continued last night.  Erik Johnson was a healthy scratch for the Blues last night due to poor play.

Northwest Division

• The Flames face the Kings tonight and here are some notes heading into tonight’s game.
• Even after people wrote him off, Adam Foote continues to be a force for the Avalanche, writes Adrian Dater.  Peter Budaj was quite thrilled to be named to the Slovakian Olympic team.
• Robert Tychkowski has been impressed by Dustin Penner’s plus/minus total.  Ron Wilson knows that Pat Quinn will be a little bit emotional coaching against his former team.  The fact is, the Oilers confidence is at a season low right now.  Some good news out of Edmonton, as Lubomir Visnovsky was named to the Slovakian Olympic team.
• “We didn’t match their desperation,” said Wild coach Todd Richards after his team lost at a desperate Anaheim club on Tuesday.  Eric Belanger likes Minnesota and wants to sign a long-term contract with the club.
• “We’re maybe not happy with the point, but coming from behind with these guys is pretty good,” said Henrik Sedin after his team’s shootout loss at Phoenix.  The Canucks have waived Mathieu Schneider but make no mistake, the defenseman still wants to play.  Speaking of defenseman, Kevin Bieksa got hurt last night when he was cut by a skate blade.  There are very few decisions left for Team Canada to make, writes Cory Wolfe.

Pacific Division

• With Ryan Getzlaf injured, Bobby Ryan took the bull by the horns last night for the Ducks, writes Eric Stephens.  Some really good news out of Anaheim, as Teemu Selanne could be back next week.  Meanwhile, the Ducks are bringing sexy back.
• “It’s huge. We beat one of the best clubs in the league, and I thought we were full value for it,” said Stars coach Marc Crawford after his team’s victory over Chicago.  Which Stars will make Team Canada?
• Jarret Stoll is still a couple days away from returning to the Kings lineup, reports Rich Hammond.
• People waiting for the Coyotes to collapse may want to stop waiting, as the desert dogs defeated the streaking Canucks last night in another impressive victory.  The Coyotes won last night without their team MVP Ilya Brygalov who was given the night off.
• They will be teammates in February but for now Evgeni Nabokov and Alexander Ovechkin are forced to go at each other for a minimum of 60 minutes.
  

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

Central Division

• Brian Campbell admits that he has never felt as comfortable in a Hawks jersey than he does right now.  “Defensively and offensively, he’s a factor shift in and shift out, and he’s really got a presence in the game and the way things are being played out,” said coach Joel Quenneville.
• Steve Mason played like it was last season and the Jackets got back into the win column last night against Detroit.  The win was nice but one win does not fix all the Jackets’ problems, writes Rob Oller.  Jason Chimera was admittedly caught off-guard by the trade that saw him end up in Washington on Monday.  What does Columbus get from this trade?
• Jimmy Howard was good enough to post a victory but the Wings couldn’t score, recaps George Sipple.  The Red Wings wanted to count on Ville Leino when all their injury issues came up but he was a healthy scratch last night.
• The Predators have been great at even strength but the team needs to improve its special teams play, writes John Glennon.  The Predators take on the Blues tonight.
• Same talk as usual in St. Louis, the Blues need to be better at home.

Northwest Division

• It wasn’t the Flames prettiest win but Rene Bourque tallied a natural hat trick to lead the Flames over the rival Oilers.  Looks like Brent Sutter’s line changes worked just fine.  Jarome Iginla was quite complimented by being named to the all-decade team.
• Avalanche forward Chris Durno is being compared to “Rudy” by Mike Chambers of the Denver Post.
• The Oilers need to clean house, writes Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal.  Here is the reaction from yet another loss last night.
• Eric Belanger brought his “A” game to his old digs last night, as the Wild went into Los Angeles and left with a 4-3 victory.  Chuck Kobasew will be out of the Wild lineup for at least 4-6 weeks but maybe more, reports Michael Russo.
• Canucks fans are given an update on how Taylor Pyatt has been doing in Phoenix and more importantly how he has been dealing with the tragic loss of his fiancee to a car accident in Jamaica.  In less important news, the Canucks are going for four wins in a row.

Pacific Division

• Ryan Getzlaf could play tonight but the Ducks are sure battling a lot of injuries.  With so many injuries, lots of players have been sprung into important scoring roles.
• Dallas coach Marc Crawford is changing up the lines to try and spark his club.
• The Kings aren’t doubting themselves after last night’s loss, says coach Terry Murray.  Helene Elliot wonders if this team is like every other Kings team?
• Jim Gintonio looks at the Coyotes’ surprisingly successful first half of the NHL season.  If you are going to give out credit for the Coyotes’ success, Don Maloney deserves a lot of it.
• The Sharks answered Todd McLellan’s challenge of more offense from non-first line players, writes David Pollak.  Speaking of the first line, Joe Thornton is quietly tearing it up again.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

Central Division

• The Blackhawks and Predators went at it as the top two teams in the Central Division last night and Chris Kuc has the recap.  “We played a perfect road game, did a lot of things right,” said coach Joel Quenneville.
• If you haven’t been paying attention, the Blue Jackets have lost nine consecutive games.  At the beginning of the season, the Blue Jackets kept blowing third period leads, now the team cannot even get a lead.
• Todd Bertuzzi is becoming the goal-winning goal stalwart in Detroit after another game-winner last night.  Valtteri Filppula and Brian Rafalski both returned to the lineup last night.  This is a brave group of players, writes Jerry Green.
• It was a big game in Nashville last night, and while the Predators didn’t necessarily respond, their fans did with a sell out.  The Predators really miss Jerred Smithson on the penalty kill.
• The Blues only posted 18 shots on net last night and that was one of the reasons they recorded a rare loss on the road.

Northwest Division

• Brent Sutter thinks the Flames may be too robotic on offense, writes Randy Sportak.  Craig Conroy has been promoted to the top line in Calgary.  Here is what some NHL analysts think of the three Flames blueliners’ chances of being named to Team Canada.
• Have fans in Colorado finally realized the Avalanche is for real?  As there was a sellout crowd last night to watch the Avs defeat the Stars.  Peter Budaj was terrific last night in place of Craig Anderson.
• Give Ryan Potulny credit for just making it to Vancouver last night, never mind scoring his team’s only goal.  The Oilers didn’t play a bad game, but they took a couple unnecessary penalties and it cost them.  In his weekly Hockey World, Jim Matheson has a great feature on Barry Trotz.   Here are more notes from around the league in More Hockey World.
• Here is the Wild’s all-decade team according to Michael Russo.  Last night’s win gave the Wild its ninth win in December–a franchise record.  Time away from the game is hard to come by, so the Wild players and coaches cherish it.
• The Canucks played the lowly Oilers and took care of business last night.  Again, last night’s win puts the team back into playoff position.

Pacific Division

• The Sharks continue to take it to the Ducks, as it appears revenge is always on San Jose’s mind.  The Pacific Division is really that tough this season.
• Brenden Morrow and Marty Turco missed last night’s game with the flu and the Stars lost at Colorado 4-1.  The Stars’ role players have not stepped up this season, writes Mike Heika.
• The Kings lost at Phoenix last night, but more importantly the team lost Justin Williams to a broken leg.  The Ryan Smyth-Anze-Kopitar-Justin Williams reunion only last two shifts.
• The Coyotes are at 50 points in the standings through 39 games, writes Jim Gintonio.  Adrian Aucoin claims he isn’t surprised by the Coyotes’ play this season.
• Patrick Marleau scored his 300th and 301st career goals last night.  Last night, Jed Ortmeyer was promoted to the Sharks’ second line.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

• Shutting out the rival Red Wings is becoming a pattern for the Blackhawks, as they went into Joe Louis Arena and defeated Detroit 3-0.  Antti Niemi’s record after last night is 8-1-1 with an amazing four shutouts.  In Marian Hossa’s return to Detroit he was booed each time he touched the puck.
• Make it eight straight losses for Columbus after being defeated by Dallas on Wednesday.  So far the “win and you’re in” mantra for Blue Jackets netminders is not exactly working.
• It is odd to say, but the Red Wings lost last night because they lacked talent, writes Chris McCosky.  Here is some good news for Wings fans, Valtteri Filppula is expected to return from injury on Saturday.  Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press thinks the Wings will be fine when healthy.
• Predators forward Jerred Smithson will not play this weekend because of an “upper-body” injury.
• The Blues did something last night that the organization had never done before and that’s sweep their three-game Western Canadian road trip.  Eric Brewer returned to the St. Louis lineup last night.

Northwest Division

• The Flames cannot score and their recent struggles have moved the team onto the cusp of being out of a playoff spot.  Randy Sportak has the report card for last night’s loss to St. Louis.  The Flames didn’t lack effort last night, writes John Down.
• The Avalanche players believe their best chance at keeping late game leads is by staying aggressive.
• To say Niklas Backstorm has the Oilers’ number would be an understatement, writes Jim Matheson.  If the Oilers are going to get out from the bottom of the Conference, they will need Shawn Horcoff to return to old form.  Coach Pat Quinn thinks Dennis Grebeshkov is playing scared to make a mistake.
• With equipment problems and the flu bothering the team, the Wild was very happy to head into the Christmas break on a high note, writes Michael Russo.  So far during his time in Minnesota, Clayton Stoner has proved capable of handling the pressure–but can he keep it up?
• In Vancouver, Alain Vigneault has some high praise for Ryan Kesler.

Pacific Division

• For all the momentum the Ducks looked to be gathering, last night’s performance at Phoenix unfortunately looked like a team that had taken a step back, writes Eric Stephens.  At least the Ducks’ penalty killing has improved.
• James Neal may have been a target last night–but he ended up hitting the target twice to lead the Stars to a 3-1 victory over Columbus.  Mike Heika thought the Stars looked calm, cool and collected last night.
• Jack Johnson, Brandon Segal, Wayne Simmonds and Ryan Smyth are all expected to return to the Kings lineup on the weekend.
• Ilya Brzgalov is playing well, so the Coyotes have kept it simple and, as a result, continue to win.  Martin Hanzal continues to prove why he is a complete player.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

The Morning Papers will be on a two-day break for the Christmas Holiday and will return on Sunday morning.

Central Division

• The Blackhawks knew the Sharks would be looking for revenge, and they sure were, as San Jose came into Chicago and recorded a 3-2 road victory.  The score was deceiving though, as the Hawks outshot the Sharks 47-14.  Ben Eager missed last night’s game but claims the injury has nothing to do with his previous concussion problems this season.
• “I guarantee there are a lot of guys in our (locker) room, whether they say it or not, who are tired of James Neal,” said Jackets forward Derek Dorsett.  Apparently a few Blue Jackets players got to see the non-coaching side of Ken Hitchcock and a team meeting yesterday.  Here are the Blue Jackets’ probable lines for tonight’s tilt.
• The Red Wings’ power play has been awful as of late.  The Red Wings have called up Mattias Ritola from Grand Rapids of the AHL.
• The Predators lost 4-1 at the Canucks last night.  (Note: AP article)
• The Blues are starting to gain confidence and a win tonight would mean the team’s first Western Canadian sweep in the organization’s history.

Northwest Division

• All Craig Conroy wants for Christmas is one goal, as the veteran center hasn’t scored a goal in 33 games.  Miikka Kiprusoff is admittedly impressed with the records that Martin Brodeur has been breaking.  Calgary players know they get a break after tonight’s game and they have had some time off before tonight’s game, so there are no excuses for poor play.
• Last night’s loss was probably the Avalanche’s most disappointing loss of the season, writes Adrian Dater.  Matt Duchene was happy to have some family at yesterday’s game, even if his uncle was on the opposing team’s coaching staff.
• Ryan Potulny has been promoted to the Oilers’ first line with Dustin Penner and Gilbert Brule.  The Oilers players are excited to get back on the road where they had all of their recent success.
• The Wild had the equipment issues in Ottawa but the team has been affected even more so by the flu.
• The Canucks were tremendous last night, as they handled the hottest team in hockey, writes Jason Botchford.  Last night’s win actually moved the Canucks into playoff position for the first time this season.  Nobody is sure where Mathieu Schneider is.

Pacific Division

• Ryan Getzlaf’s late goal against Colorado was huge for the Ducks’ improbable comeback against the Avalanche.  Ryan Whitney has been a different player lately–one that has been far more effective.
• The results may not be coming for the Stars but they are doing many things the right way, writes Mike Heika.
• Martin Hanzal is a team player, if you don’t believe that, then just ask his linemates.
• The Sharks know they got lucky last night against the Blackhawks, writes David Pollak.  There is a built in schedule break for teams over Christmas, but coaches Sharks may not take that time off.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

• Cristobal Huet has finally started to become a fan favorite in Chicago, writes Chris Kuc.  It really is amazing to compare the United Center crowd today to the one five years ago.
• Any way you slice it, the Blue Jackets are in a massive slump, writes Aaron Portzline.  “I’m not looking for excuses, but I definitely felt like an outsider, not being from the U.S. national development program or from a college program,” in some interesting comments from Blue Jackets prospect John Moore about being cut from the United States World Junior team.
• Valtteri Filppula is slated to return right after Christmas, in what can only be considered a Christmas present for the injury-riddled Red Wings.  In roster news, the Wings have demoted Kris Newbury to the AHL.
• The line of Jerred Smithson, David Legwand and Joel Ward has played tremendously well this season, explains John Glennon.
• “If I could figure David Backes out, I wouldn’t be a hockey coach, I’d be investing in the stock market because it is amazing it’s the same story with him every year. We can basically write off the first 25 games and then after that he gets it going,” said Blues coach Andy Murray about David Backes.  Ty Conklin is playing well, but the Blues coaches still have confidence in Chris Mason and that’s why he started last night in the team’s blowout win over Edmonton.

Northwest Division

• Miikka Kiprusoff and Olli Jokinen will be keeping an eye on tonight’s World Junior tilt between Canada and Finland.  Curiously enough, Kiprusoff says he is done talking about Team Finland and his chances at the Olympics.  Coach Brent Sutter wants his team to get back on track by practicing.
• The Avalanche just continues to win, as the team increased its division lead to four points with a  win over the Wild on Monday.  Amazingly, Craig Anderson has already set a career high for starts in a season.
• “I’m sure the last couple of goals looked like they might be stoppable, but boy, by that time, he was left out to hang by his teammates,” said Oilers coach Pat Quinn about Devan Dubnyk.  Dan Barnes tries to capture how bad the Oilers really were.  No typo here, as the Oilers are last in the Western Conference.
• The Wild generally play the Avalanche pretty well but not last night, writes Rachel Blount.  It finally appears that Petr Sykora is on the road back to recovery after a bad concussion.
• Shane O’Brien has really cut down on his minor penalties this season, writes Ben Kuzma.  Both Sami Salo and Ryan Johnson missed practice yesterday but both are expected to play tonight.

Pacific Division

• Randy Carlyle doesn’t want to overstate the importance of his team’s next few games but his players know how important they are.  Could Teemu Selanne return early?
• Dallas did not play poorly last night, in fact the team played quite well, but moral victories can only carry you so far.  Matt Niskanen was a healthy scratch for teh Stars last night and Mike Heika says it was probably well-deserved.
• Ryan Smyth admits that it has been tough to not play, especially with Team Canada picking its Olympic team so soon.  Anze Kopitar is happier than anybody that Ryan Smyth is back on the ice.
• The Coyotes wanted to jump on the Blue Jackets because Columbus is lacking confidence, and they did just that, reports Jim Gintonio.  Apparently Anders Eriksson is back in the NHL with Phoenix.
• Keeping Marleau-Heatley-Thornton apart can only work for so long, as the trio was reunited and the Sharks prevailed 4-2 over Dallas.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

• The Blackhawks kept the Red Wings to a measly 20 shots on net, as the Hawks recorded their third shutout in four games with a 3-0 defeat of their Central Division rivals.  The Hawks also won 64% of the face-offs last night.  Cam Barker was a late scratch for last night’s contest.
• With the Jackets struggling, here is an interesting Q & A with GM Scott Howson.  The Blue Jackets no longer have a number one netminder.  Here are the Jackets’ probable lines tonight.
• Todd Bertuzzi had his flaws in Calgary last season, but lately he has been a savior in Detroit.  The Wings were shutout by Chicago last night and the fact is, the team is having trouble scoring.  At least Marian Hossa didn’t do any damage against the Wings.
• John Glennon of the Tennessean writes about the surprise offensive play of off-season acquisition Marcel Goc.  The Predators are no longer playing on the perimeter, explains Barry Trotz.
• The Blues got off to a good start to their three-game road trip last night in Vancouver, recaps Josh Cooper.  Larry Pleau lit into the Blues after Friday night’s game.

Northwest Division

• Is Brent Sutter regretting his positive statements about his club about two weeks ago?  The Western Conference is so stacked that the playoffs basically start today.
• Some will hit the sun during the Olympic break but Avalance center Matt Hendricks will hit the ice–for ice fishing.
• The Blues are in town tonight, so the Oilers have to finally beat a team on the second leg of a back-to-back situation.  Pat Quinn is trying to figure out how he can make his team more consistent.
• Here is the injury situation for the Wild tonight versus Colorado.
• Ben Kuzma wonders why the Canucks were turning the puck over and playing defense so casually last night.  Some consider last night’s loss a significant set back after Friday’s win over Washington.  Glen Hanlon is back in town for the Canucks and is back working for the team.

Pacific Division

• Kyle Chipchura is finding a home in Anaheim, as the big center knows his role and has fit in well in Orange County.
• If the Stars are to make any noise this season, the team’s top line is going to be a big reason why.
• The Coyotes will be looking to make a push up the standings with six of their next seven games at home.
• Douglas Murray is a big boy and not only that, but he’s a big boy that likes to hit, writes David Pollak.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

• The Hawks may be looking dominant but the Wings are still the Wings and won’t be taken lightly, writes Chris Kuc.  Steve Yzerman had some very complimentary things to say about Jonathan Toews.
• The Blue Jackets lost again last night and that prompted a post-game closed-door meeting.  Michael Arace doesn’t believe anything radical needs to be done to the Blue Jackets in order to turn the team around.
• The Wings have played the Hawks once this season, but this will be the team’s first game against Marian Hossa since he left the Wings in the off-season.  “This was the first time in a long time I didn’t think we had everybody on deck,” said coach Babcock after yesterday’s loss to Dallas.  Check out the Red Wings’ current lines with all the team’s injuries.
• The Predators are hot and no one is stopping them, as the beat Calgary in Calgary yesterday.  (Note: AP article)
• There are still Blues players that believe in Andy Murray, writes Jeremy Rutherford.

Northwest Division

• The Flames are pressing right now, explains Jarome Iginla.  The statistics seem to be in the Flames’ favor, the results, however, are not.
• The Avalanche took it to the Blue Jackets last night, but under 12, 000 fans were there to watch the surprising Avs.  Terry Frei gives us the latest on Joe Sakic’s retirement.
• Bruce Boudreau motivated Alexander Ovechkin after the second period last night against Edmonton and it worked, explains Jim Matheson.  “We didn’t quit; we still played hard, but I think they played harder,” said Jeff Deslauriers.  Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal has a feature on Ovechkin and his free spirit.  Mike Comrie has mono and there is no set return date.  In this week’s Hockey World, Jim Matheson talks to Craig MacTavish–who is apparently doing his MBA while working at TSN.  In Short Shifts, Matheson explains that Grant Fuhr has an issue with today’s NHL goalies.  More Hockey World says that Jaromir Jagr may return to the NHL.
• Not only did the Minnesota Wild have to deal with equipment problems but the team had a number of players go down with the flu too, writes Michael Russo.  The Wild trainers are simply amazing.  The Wild didn’t get any sympathy from the Senators–and rightfully so.

Pacific Division

• The Ducks made it four wins in six games on Saturday with a nice win over the Coyotes.
• Has Karlis Skrastins become an offensive dynamo?  The way Brenden Morrow closed Saturday’s game makes you understand why he is on Team Canada’s radar.
• The Ducks took the Coyotes away from what they usually do yesterday. (Note: AP article)
• Jason Demers is back in the NHL and one of the reasons for that is the way he handled his demotion in the first palce.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

Central Division

• Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune summarizes which Blackhawks have a chance to make which Olympic teams.  The Hawks have only allowed two games of three plus goals since Mid-October.
• “We’ve played almost identical to the way we did when we were having success,” said Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock after his team’s 2-1 shootout loss at home.  Meanwhile, coach Hitchcock said that youngster Derick Brassard is not going to be sent to the minors–basically under any circumstances.
• One of the reasons for the Wings’ success this season is that they stick to the system, writes Helene St. James.  Jimmy Howard impressed in last night’s 3-0 win over Tampa Bay.  It doesn’t appear Henrik Zetterberg will miss much, if any, time after being hit hard by country-mate Mattias Ohlund.
• The Predators handled the Oilers last night.  (Note: AP article)
• Perhaps the Blues would play better if coach Andy Murray benched his veterans, but he doesn’t sound amenable to that idea, writes Jeremy Rutherford.

Northwest Division

• Is the outdoor game already overdone?  Sounds like the Flames players like the idea of an outdoor game–well, as long as it isn’t minus 30.  Miikka Kiprusoff was great–broken record–as the Flames beat the Kings at the Saddledome last night.  Calgary was sure physical last night.
• While Wade Redden was very unhappy with his benching, John-Michael Liles understands why Joe Sacco sat him down, explains Adrain Dater.
• The Oilers got off to a good start, but after Barry Trotz’s timeout the Predators were a different team.  Fernando Pisani hopes to return to the Oilers sometime in the new year.  The Oilers are saying they don’t believe that Nikolai Khabibulin’s back issue is long-term.
• Guillaume Latendresse knew what would get his old fans to turn on his old team and boy was he right, writes Michael Russo.  “I enjoy my new life, after practice talking to two [media] people, and that’s great for me,” said Latendresse about his move from Montreal to Minnesota.  Looks like the Wild will start next season in Finland.
• Kevin Bieksa is a talent but he needs to be a bit more consistent.  Michael Grabner appears to be headed to Manitoba for conditioning before a return to Vancouver.  Canucks fans get a sneak peak at the Alexander Ovechkin tonight, just before seeing him for two weeks in February.

Pacific Division

• Saku Koivu’s stint in Anaheim didn’t start how he wanted, but he has really picked up his game over the past couple weeks, explains Eric Stephens.
• Marc Crawford went after his team on Wednesday but took a different approach after Thursday’s loss at Atlanta.  The Stars have been hit by some injuries on the blue line, writes Mike Heika.
• The Flames tried to push the Kings around physically but Los Angeles held their own, however, they couldn’t record the victory.
• Apparently the head of Ice Edge Holdings wants to buy an AHL team and move it to Thunder Bay and have it be the Coyotes’ main affiliate.  (Writer’s note: That’s only a four plus hour flight for an affiliate…)
• The Sharks ended their losing streak against the team that knocked them out of last year’s playoffs, recaps David Pollak.  Brian Burke was in San Jose to scope out Joe Pavelski for the U.S. Olympic team.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

Central Division

• The Blackhawks are good for a variety of reasons but their defensive game–especially their six defensemen–may be the most important.  The Hawks are playing good hockey, but the Wings and Predators are still right there behind them, writes Tim Sassone.
• “When you don’t win for awhile it creates hesitation in your game,” said Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock about his team’s performance last night in Minnesota where they lost a heart-breaker.  Perhaps the Jackets could turn it around if someone gave Rick Nash some help.
• Mike Babcock should be receiving some coach of the year consideration with the job he has done in Motown, writes Helene St. James.  (Writer’s note: I agree and was thinking the exact same thing this morning.  Babcock has been the best coach in the NHL for a few years now.)  Here is a list of all the Red Wings’ injured players and what ails them.  At least Jonathan Ericsson’s injury wasn’t as bad as first thought.
• “I was worried about this being a trap game,” said Predators coach Barry Trotz after his team impressed him with a 7-4 victory over visiting Tampa Bay.  Nick Spaling made his Predators debut last night and recorded a point in the process.
• The Blues came into last night’s game with a horrible home record and played the best road team in the NHL–Calgary–but on this night St. Louis came through.  Last night’s win bodes well, as the Blues head to Chicago to face the Hawks tonight for the first time all season.  It sounds like Brett Hull night was a great experience for the fans and Hull himself.

Northwest Division

• The Flames didn’t play a bad first two periods last night but it was the third that let them down, writes Randy Sportak.  With a bunch of road games behind them, the Flames will play seven of their next eight games at home.  Blues forward Patrik Berglund thinks the Flames will be seeing very good things from Mikael Backlund down the road.
• The Avalanche was blown out by the Capitals last night and it resulted in a post-game meeting.  Both Milan Hejduk and Marek Svatos didn’t play last night.
• “First game back from the road … that’s another bloody excuse as far as I’m concerned,” said an angry Pat Quinn after his team’s home loss to the Kings last night.  It is fair to say Quinn was in a foul mood after last night’s contest.  Jim Matheson has the latest on injuries to Nikolai Khabibulin, Marc Pouliot and Fernando Pisani.  With Khabibulin on the mend, Jeff Deslauriers has played twelve straight games, so doesn’t he need a break?
• The Wild pulled out a last minute victory over Columbus after playing probably the fastest period of their careers in the first.
• Mason Raymond has come a long way since last season and there are a few reasons why, explains Ben Kuzma.  Willie Mithcell is playing well but will he be back next season?

Pacific Division

• Joe Nieuwendyk is in his first year as GM of the Stars and the future Hall of Famer reminds his former teammate Mike Modano of Bob Gainey.
• The Kings must be good–they are actually at the top of the Conference after last night’s win over Edmonton–because the Los Angeles Times has Helene Elliot on the road.
• David Shoalts of the Globe & Mail reports that the NHL expects to break even on the Coyotes sale.
• Gary Peterson of the San Jose Mercury News sees some concerning parts of the Sharks’ game coming to the forefront.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

Central Division

• Antti Niemi has proven to be a tough goalie to beat in his limited time in the Chicago net.  Joel Quenneville thinks he has a good “problem” on his hands.
• The Blue Jackets continue to play sloppy hockey so it led defenseman Mike Commodore to wonder how much more the team can talk about changing but continue to make the same mistakes.  R.J. Umberger has been playing well as of late but he needs some help.  Here are the Blue Jackets’ projected lines for tonight’s game.
• The Red Wings were victorious last night but what’s a Detroit game without another injury–as Jonathan Ericsson will be out for two weeks.  With all their injuries, the fact the Wings sit 12th in NHL with the man-advantage is impressive.
• The Blues haven’t been playing well but at least they are in a better position for this Brett Hull night than they were for the last one.

Northwest Division

• Brent Sutter wants the urgency up and the focus back for the Flames tonight versus St. Louis.  First periods have especially been bad for Calgary.  Craig Conroy talks about how good of a teammate Brett Hull was.
• Rookie Matt Duchene is looking forward to lacing up the skates and facing Alexander Ovechkin.
• Dennis Grebeshkov returns to the Oilers lineup tonight as the team goes for its sixth consecutive win.  Pat Quinn has been impressed by the improvement in Lubomir Visnovsky’s play.  Since returning from injury, Robert Nilsson has been a different player for Edmonton.
• Martin Havlat has improved his play of late but he still wants more, explains Rachel Blount.
• Vancouver made it three in a row at home but last night’s win took lots of hard work against the hard working Kings, writes Ben Kuzma.  Ed Willes of the Vancouver Province isn’t much of a fan of Mike Gillis’s work in Vancouver.

Pacific Division

• George Parros did some great work for charity yesterday, writes Curtis Zupke.  Ryan Whitney and Sheldon Brookbank seem to have good chemistry on the Ducks’ back-end.
• A lot of the Stars’ problems would be fixed if they could just score goals, writes Mike Heika.
• The Kings lost at Vancouver last night and Jarret Stoll may have pulled a groin in the process, recaps Helene Elliot.
• Dan Boyle blames himself for the hit that caused his injury.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

Central Division

• Patrick Kane was knocked out of last night’s game for the Hawks and his vision is slightly impaired, but coach Joel Quenneville thinks he will play on Wednesday.  Meanwhile, Antti Niemi recorded his third shutout in seven starts this season.  Jonathan Toews is making his Team Canada push, explains Tim Sassone.
• The Blue Jackets are having trouble pinpointing why they’ve struggled so far this season.  Derek Dorsett is out for four weeks.  Here are the Blue Jackets’ projected lines for tonight’s game.
• Some goaltending duos create an unhealthy relationship but Jimmy Howard and Chris Osgood get a long very well.  The Wings may be struggling overall this season but Mike Babcock has no complaints about his team’s work ethic.
• So far this season, Kevin Klein is doing a good job replacing the lost ice-time and production of the departed Greg Zanon.
• Blues defenseman Barret Jackman is losing his patience with his team’s play and brought some serious intensity to practice yesterday.

Northwest Division

• Brent Sutter was certainly unhappy after his team was outplayed by the Avalanche last night in Denver, writes Randy Sportak.  Brent Sutter said he and the other coaches thought the game was important, but he wondered why the players looked like they didn’t.
• Who would have thought the Avalanche would be leading the Northwest Division on Decemeber 14th?  The Avs won last night without Milan Hejduk and Marek Svatos.  Meantime, Adrian Dater of the Denver Post profiles Manitoba Moose veteran forward and former Avalanche winger Mike Keane.
• Pat Quinn is seeing some improvement positionally and it is probably no coincidence that the team’s five-game winning streak is coming at the same time.
• It appears that all the Minnesota Wild players and coaches needed was some time to get to know each other, as the team has been streaking after its poor start, writes Michael Russo.

Pacific Division

• If the Ducks want to climb back into the playoff picture, they are going to have to win on the road, explains Eric Stephens of the OC Register.
• In Dallas, Jere Lehtinen is focusing on the now and worrying about the rest later.
• With Wayne Simmonds about to undergo surgery, the Kings are slated to head out on the road and Ryan Smyth won’t be accompanying them.
• Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic explains why this season’s Coyotes are less inclined to drop off in the second half like last season’s Coyotes did.
• In the Bay Area, the Sharks’ Dan Boyle is listed as being day-to-day with an injury.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

Central Division

• Joel Quenneville is looking at all different line combinations to get his team’s offense going.  Here’s what the top three lines were at practice yesterday.
• The Blue Jackets were down one goal with a 5-on-3 advantage and couldn’t even get a shot on net, as they lost to the Ducks 3-1 in Columbus.  Blue Jackets forward Derek Dorsett has broken his hand.
• Todd Bertuzzi was the hero for the second consecutive night, as the big winger scored the overtime winner against Nashville last night.  Even with injuries, the Wings penalty killing unit has improved.  The injuries up front have allowed Patrick Eaves to take on a bigger role.
• The Predators lost on Saturday but at least the team fought back from a two goal deficit against the Wings.  Jordin Tootoo injured his foot in last night’s contest.
• The Blues weren’t yelled at during practice yesterday, but the team is certainly moving in circles.  Brett Hull recalls the Garth Butcher trade and still wonders why the Blues gave away so much for him at the time.

Northwest Division

• The Flames play the Avalanche in a battle for first place tonight, writes Randy Sportak.  Some thought Jay Bouwmeester’s ice-time would decrease in Calgary, not so.  Look at Aaron Johnson and his recent “offensive outburst.”
• It is a big game tonight and the Avalanche may be without Milan Hejduk.  Terry Frei tells us that the Moore/Bertuzzi case isn’t even at trial yet.  Does the Avalanche lack an identity?
• Injury news out of Edmonton has Nikolai Khabibulin not even ready to face shots yet.  Former Oilers owner Cal Nichols says the team’s long-term viability depends on building a new arena.  In his Hockey World column, Jim Matheson says Gretzky would long good as a front office consultant for the Kings.  Here are some notes from around the NHL in Matheson’s More Hockey World.
• Josh Harding put yesterday’s loss to Vancouver on his shoulders.  It is a testament to his perseverance that Andrew Brunette played in NHL game number 900 last night.  Will Niklas Backstrom backstop the Finnish national team in Vancouver?
• One thing is for certain, the Sedins are producing these days on the left coast, as Vancouver defeated Minnesota 4-2 last night on HNIC.

Pacific Division

• After losing in overtime to the Wings, Anaheim stuck with it and recorded a road victory in Columbus last night.
• The Stars can thank Marty Turco for last night’s win, as he stopped 10/11 shots in the shootout.  Steve Ott can do more than just cause frustration for opposing players.
• People may not realize that with last night’s victory, the Kings are atop the Western Conference.  Make no mistake, the Kings have far more they want to accomplish.
• Ilya Bryzgalov continued his tremendous play last night, as the Coyotes beat the visiting Sharks.  Bryzgalov turned aside 37 shots.
• Due to the Olympics, Evgeni Nabokov will be getting more time off this season.  The Sharks have quietly gone five games without recording a win.

• Once again Miikka Kiprusoff showed why he should be Team Finland’s #1 netminder, despite losing to fellow Finnish netminder Niklas Backstrom last night as he was nothing short of spectacular and there are even some who consider him a viable Hart Trophy candidate.
• Wojtek Wolski, the Avalanche’s shootout specialist last season, finally got going again as he scored the goal to tie the game and then a beauty in the shootout. 
• Vancouver really knows how to enjoy a win, as Willie Mitchell and Ryan Kesler nearly came to blows during a drill during practice Friday in which Mitchell accused Kesler of slashing him.  The Canucks must take advantage of their eight-game homestand if they are to have any chance of seeing the postseason.  Kyle Wellwood took the news that he would be a healthy scratch philosophically, knowing that his play of late has merited such a move. 
• The Oilers “big line” of Penner, Brule and Gagne showed up big time last night as Edmonton have now won 5 games in-a-row, although none have been as exciting as last night’s rally from a 3 goal deficit in St. Louis.
• The Wild’s top line of Andrew Brunette-Mikko Koivu-Antti Miettinen dubbed ”two blondes and a Brunette” is starting to sizzle although with Andrew Brunette it might be more appropriate if the line referenced his gray hair.

Central Division

• While people see the Blackhawks as an offensive juggernaut, the team’s committment to defensive play is reflected in the fact that they are currently in the top 3 team goals-against average.  The boo birds rained down on Brian Campbell last night but he takes the crowds boos as a compliment.  Of course the fans in Buffalo saved a lot of jeering for hometown product Patrick Kane.
• There were a few factors involved in the Predators’ decision to reassign Cal O’Reilly to Milwaukee of the American Hockey League, keeping veteran Dave Scatchard instead.
• Young Justin Abdelkader received some fighting tips from Brad May last month and put them to good use in the second period against Anaheim.  Todd Bertuzzi scored to tie it up at two, midway through the 3rd period, then scored a beauty as he roofed it on Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere.
• The Blues just can’t seem to get it done at home, as they dropped their 10th out of 16 games at the Scottrade Center last night to the Oilers.  Mike Weaver prefers to remain low-key even though he has been one of St. Louis’ best players during the course of the entire season.

Pacific Division

• The Sharks ended a frustrating homestand with a shootout that almost didn’t end, going into the 11th round against the Stars.  Coach Todd McLellan’s decision to hold out Douglas Murray meant that Jay Leach got his first action with San Jose.
• Los Angeles is unbeaten in regulation in December, and getting big contributions from Jarret Stoll, Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson and Wayne Simmonds.
• It appears that the NHL has given its blessing to Ice Edge and it appears that a sale of the Coyotes is imminent which also means that some games could go to Saskatoon.
• Even though his point production has slowed since his hot start out of the gate, Stars coach Mark Crawford said he doesn’t see rookie Jamie Benn struggling at all in his transition to the NHL.
• In light of Ducks owner Henry Samueli guilty plea being thrown out by a U.S. District Court judge NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has issued a statement indicated he regrets his suspension.  We missed this bit of news but on Wednesday a handful of Ducks visited Children’s Hospital of Orange County to spread some holiday cheer to some youngsters.

Central Division

• Tonight is Patrick Kane’s first game in Buffalo since his arrest this summer, writes Chris Kuc.  Brian Campbell was a big part of the Sabres’ team post-lockout and only has great memories of the city.
• The Blue Jackets are cursed in Nashville and even Mathieu Garon, the shootout master, couldn’t put an end to an ugly streak.  The Jackets have a lot of depth up front, which is why Ken Hitchcock feels comfortable running four lines.
• With Danny Clearly out of the Wings lineup for approximately the next four weeks, the Wings will look to Ville Leino to pickup the slack.  The Cleary loss is going to be a significant one, especially with the way he was playing when he went down.
• The Predators blew three one-goal leads last night but at the end of the game they got their two points.  The switch of Martin Erat and J.P. Dumont has sure worked out well for Nashville.
• Ty Conklin has been playing well for St. Louis, but he would understand if Chris Mason gets the call, as he knows what his role was coming over to the Blues this summer.  The Blues host the streaking Oilers tonight.

Northwest Division

• Rene Bourque didn’t care that his first goal since returning from injury was an empty netter.  The Flames have come a long way from getting dominated by the Blackhawks ten games ago.  Sure they have been better since that loss, but they can still play even better.  Was the Canadian anthem that bad when the Flames played at Los Angeles earlier this week?
• Craig Anderson is obviously eager to get back between the pipes for the Avalanche and wants to start tonight if Joe Sacco will allow for it.
• The defensive combinations in Oiltown are meshing very well, as Lubomir Visnovsky and Ladislav Smid demonstrate good chemistry and Tom Gilbert has found his game alongside Sheldon Souray.  Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal profiles Ryan Potulny.
• The Wild doesn’t have a good history in Calgary, but coach Todd Richards hopes for some new luck under the Saddledome.
• The Canucks played hard, Daniel Sedin recorded a hat trick but the highlight of yesterday’s game was Rick Rypien beating up big Boris Valabik in a fight.  Fights aside, the Sedins are the driving force behind the Canucks.

Pacific Division

• Saku Koivu’s work ethic has never been in question, so it was nice to see the veteran center score the overtime winner the other night against Dallas.
• He has been under-appreciated his entire career, but Karlis Skrastins can play defense.
• It took eight rounds, but the Kings were victorious in a match-up of surprise Western Conference teams last night at the Staples Center.  Jack Johnson says the Kings have their sights set on the San Jose Sharks.
• Underrated Doug Murray hopes to play tonight for the Sharks after missing the team’s last game against Los Angeles.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

Central Division

• “What a play by Buff — that was maybe the highlight of the year,” said Blackhakws coach Joel Qunneveille of Dustin Byfuglien’s overtime winner last night against New York.  Will Byfuglien make Team USA?  Tomas Kopecky says he got the message from coach Q after being a healthy scratch.
• Ken Hitchcock had to be a lot happier with his team’s 3-0 win last night.  Make no mistake, Steve Mason is Ken Hitchcock’s goaltender.  Here are the Jackets’ projected lines for tonight’s contest.
• Not only were the Red Wings shut out by their former netminder Ty Conklin, but the team also lost Danny Cleary to injury.  Kris Draper has been better this season than he was last season.  You may not know this, but Brad Stuart has been the Wings’ best defenseman this season.
• Bryan Mullen has a good article in this morning’s Tennessean about what goes into taking a face-off.
• If anyone knows why the Blues are great on the road and terrible at home, call John Davidson.  There is a reason behind the latest Blues line combinations.

Northwest Division

• Maybe the Flames pretended they were on the road last night, as they defeated the Thrashers 3-1 at the Saddledome to improve their average home record.  If you didn’t catch the game last night, Curtis Glencross handled Colby Armstrong pretty easily in a fight.  One thing is for sure, Miikka Kiprusoff is going to make it hard on Team Finland.
• In good news, Craig Anderson is expected to return to Avalanche practice today.  Not having Anderson in the lineup wasn’t the problem last night, goals were the issue, writes Adrian Dater.
• Pat Quinn really likes Ryan Stone’s game, as the rugged forward helped the Oilers win their fourth consecutive game last night.  Vincent Lecavalier isn’t having a good season, but he obviously wants to be on Team Canada.
• Niklas Backstrom recorded his first shutout of the season, but the Wild players in front of him only allowed 23 shots on net in a big team victory, explains Michael Russo.  The Wild has yet another concussion victim on its roster–Andrew Ebbett.
• The Canucks have to get ready to face some firepower that the Atlanta Thrashers carry.  Iain MacIntyre thinks the Canucks may be overmanaging.

Pacific Division

• You may not not know Dan Sexton, so here’s the perfect article to get to know him.
• Maybe blowing a three-goal lead in Anaheim was a good thing for Dallas?  Joe Nieuwendyk is under budget and Mike Heika wonders what he will do?
• What was more surprising? That Teddy Purcell scored? That Dustin Brown scored? That the L.A. Times sent a writer to follow the team on the road?  Or that the Kings went into San Jose and won?
• Ed Jovanovski has been suspended by the NHL for two games.  Hey, the Coyotes are good enough that people in Phoenix should take an interest.
• Sharks coach Todd McLellan says that his team’s penalty kill let them down against Los Angeles.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.

Central Division

• If this is just Marian Hossa’s adjustment period, it will be scary to see what he can do at full steam, writes Chris Kuc.  “I think we can learn off some of the things he does with and going into puck areas. A lot of good things happen when he’s on the ice,” said coach Joel Quenneville about Hossa’s presence.
• Derick Brassard lacks a bit of confidence so far this season, explains Tom Reed.  One of Derek MacKenzie or Mike Blunden could find themselves going through waivers this week.  Here are the Blue Jackets’ projected lines for tonight’s game.
• Valtteri Filppula had his cast removed on Tuesday and is slated to return later this month.  With many injuries on the team, Justin Abdelkader has been given more responsibility and coach Mike Babcock has been happy with his play.
• Martin Erat recorded a hat trick last night, which prompted Barry Trotz to talk about the value of getting shots on net, as the Predators defeated the visiting Canucks.  Meanwhile, the Predators are hoping Jerred Smithson’s penalty on Alexandre Burrows is rescinded.
• Many Blues have had scoring trouble this season, so coach Andy Murray had his team practice hitting the goalie and going to the net on Tuesday.

Northeast Division

• Playing without Robyn Regehr has been the Flames’ downfall in the past, so Flames fans have to be hoping that his injury isn’t serious.  Colby Armstrong will have many family members in the Saddledome tonight when the Thrashers visit the Flames.
• Joe Sacco was happy enough with his club on Tuesday that he gave them the day off, explains Terry Frei.
• Jim Matheson answers reader’s questions in the Edmonton Journal.  Lubomir Visnovky and Ladislav Smid have developed some nice chemistry on the Oilers’ back-end.  Jeff Deslauriers has played well enough that he’s made people stop asking when Nikolai Khabibulin is returning to the lineup.
• Mikko Koivu was many people’s pick for Wild captain prior to the season and he is sure proving his worth in that position, explains Michael Russo.
• “Right now we have guys who can play a lot better, who have to play a lot better,” said an angry Alain Vigneault after yesterday’s loss to Nashville.  Mikael Samuelsson was so unhappy after the game that he refused to talk to the media.  When is Cody Hodgson going to return from a back injury?

Pacific Division

• Just when you had the Ducks written off, the team stormed back from a three-goal deficit and pulled out an important overtime victory at home against Dallas, writes Eric Stephens.  With Teemu Selanne injured, both Bobby Ryan and Joffrey Lupul will be counted on to carry the load.
• “That can’t happen, it just can’t happen,” said Stars captain Brenden Morrow after the team blew a 3-0 road lead to Anaheim.  Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News likes what he’s seen from youngster Ivan Vishnevskiy.
• Wayne Simmonds has taken advantage of the opportunities that coach Terry Murray has provided for him this season in Los Angeles.
• There are a number of reasons why the Coyotes are surprising the NHL, but strong penalty killing is definitely one of them.
• After some early season struggles, Ryane Clowe has found his game in the Bay Area.

If you are looking for a holiday gift and want to support IllegalCurve, take a look at our touques that can be purchased for only $9.99 plus shipping.  Also, if you want to add IllegalCurve on Twitter, click here.