When: Sunday, March 17, 2013

Time: 4:00 p.m. CST

Where: Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, Ontario

Records: Winnipeg Jets (15-11-2 – 3rd in East), Ottawa Senators (14-8-6 – 5th in East)

Television/Radio: TSN-JETS, SNET-E,  TVA/ TSN 1290

The Story: It’s Sunday. It’s St. Patrick’s Day and the Winnipeg Jets are in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference with 20 games left to play in the 2012’13 regular season.

Winnipeg defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-4 in the shootout Saturday night and are now atop the Southeast Division with 32 points, one point ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes, who lost 4-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday.

Winnipeg has won five of their last six games and have definitely got a swagger in their step. The Jets have won seven of their last 10 road games and eight of their last 11 games overall. The Jets meet an Ottawa Senators team this afternoon that defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 last night in overtime and is still holding down 5th place in the East.

Expect a low scoring, tight game as the Ottawa Senators play a tight checking style of hockey that relies on quick transitions out of their own zone and stellar goaltending.

Winnipeg must continue to get production from it’s top guns and there is no reason to believe that won’t happen. The number 1 line of Andrew Ladd-Bryan Little-Blake Wheeler continues to be a force on a nightly basis and has turned into an unbelievably reliable line for Jets Head Coach Claude Noel.

There are no line up changes expected for the Winnipeg Jets today which means forward Alexander Burmistrov will be a healthy scratch for the fourth straight game.

This is the third and final meeting of the season between the Senators and Jets this year with the season series tied at one game apiece.

Ondrej Pavelec is expected to get the start in goal for the Winnipeg Jets.

Follow @IllegalCurve on Twitter leading up to today’s game.

Projected Jets line combinations (subject to change before game time):

Goalie:

Ondrej Pavelec

Forwards:

1st: Andrew Ladd- Bryan Little- Blake Wheeler

2nd:  Evander Kane-Nikolai Antropov- Kyle Wellwood

3rd:  James Wright– Olli Jokinen- Antti Miettinen

4th:  Eric Tangradi- Patrice Cormier - Chris Thorburn

Defence:

Ron Hainsey- Zach Bogosian

Dustin Byfuglien- Grant Clitsome

Derek Meech- Mark Stuart

Offensive Leaders:

Ottawa Senators: Kyle Turris (7 goals, 11 assists, 18 points), Sergei Gonchar (1 goal, 14 assists, 15 points), Daniel Alfredsson (6 goals, 9 assists, 15 points)

Winnipeg Jets: Andrew Ladd (14 goals, 14 assists, 28 points), Blake Wheeler (12 goals, 12 assists, 24 points) Evander Kane (11 goals, 9 assists, 20 points).

Injury Report:

Ottawa Senators: Mike Lundin (concussion), Milan Michalek (knee), Craig Anderson (ankle), Jason Spezza (back), Erik Karlsson (achilles), Jared Cowen (hip)

Winnipeg Jets: Tobias Enstrom (shoulder, week to week), Zach Redmond (leg), Anthony Peluso (hand), Jim Slater (upper body)

Who’s Next:  After today’s game, the Jets return home for four straight games: Tuesday, March 19th vs. Boston (7:00 p.m. CST), Thursday, March 21st vs. Washington (7:00 p.m. CST), Friday, March 22nd vs. Washington (6:00 p.m. CST) and Sunday, March 24th against Tampa Bay (7:00 p.m. CST)

Listen to the post game thoughts from the following:

Coach Paul MacLean

Daniel Alfredsson

Coach MacLean

Zack Smith

Coach Paul MacLean

With the Heatley trade now squarely behind the franchise, let’s take a look at how the Senators might fare in 2009/10.

Forwards

It seems like the Senators have forever been chasing after secondary scoring since the departure of Martin Havlat.  Well, with the acquisition of Jonathan Cheechoo, Milan Michalek and signing of Alexei Kovalev, that should no longer be as much of an issue.  That said, without production from its two top offensive players, Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson, the Senators will likely be watching the playoffs from their respective couches.

In Spezza, the Senators have arguably one of the most gifted passers in the game today.  Over the past four seasons, Spezza has posted assists at a rate of 0.76 per game.  That is an impressive number and says a lot about the forward’s tremendous vision on the ice.  Sure his skating holds him back some (although it is not as bad as some say) but he makes up for it with strong positioning and his tremendous shot.  Averaging 19 minutes 41 seconds of ice-time per game last season, the Senators can stand to see Spezza increase his minutes over the 20:00 minute mark.

Along with Spezza, the Senators boast heart and soul leader Daniel Alfredsson.  For all the games I have seen Alfredsson play, I still contest that I gained the most respect for him in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final against Anaheim.  He was simply doing as much as he could to will his team to a Game 6.  While it didn’t happen that night, Alfredsson demonstrated his desire to win that I did not think was matched by anyone else on the team.  His age (36) says that he should be slowing down, but his play on the ice says otherwise.  Alfredsson is a very good all-around player; he logs significant time on the penalty kill (2:23 minutes per game), power play (4:07 minutes per game) and at even strength (14:22 minutes per game).  Additionally, his ability to man the point on the power play with his terrific slap shot and great passing skills make him the team’s jack of all trades.

Joining the Senators this season is the much talked about Alexei Kovalev.  We all know that Kovalev is one of the best practice players out there (Gord Miller tells us this every season) but Kovalev also is what he is–a player with immense talent that does not always bring his “A” game every night.  Going by his past four on-and-off seasons, Kovalev is due for a rebound year in 2009/10.  Considering his immense skill–he has arguably the best shot in the NHL and is a tremendous stick handler–and the team’s capable power play linemates, Kovalev could see a big year on the man-advantage and see his points jump back around his 2007/08 numbers as a result.

The key to the Dany Heatley trade for Ottawa was Milan Michalek.  The team has been looking for a player like Michalek for some time now, as he is big, strong, can skate and is not afraid to mix it up.  In fact, considering the above mentioned three players, Michalek is a perfect complement to the team’s top six.  His age (24) and excitement about being in Ottawa is a refreshing change and he should excel playing with linemates like Jason Spezza and Alexei Kovalev.

Milan Michalek is the type of player the Senators have coveted for some time. (Picture courtesy of yahoo.com)

Also acquired in the Heatley deal was Jonathan Cheechoo.  The Moose Factory, Ontario product, as everyone knows, was once a 56 goal scorer.  However, he won’t be expected to produce at anything close to that clip in Ottawa.  The Senators understand Cheechoo’s limitations, he is not the greatest skater and lacks size, but will put him in a position to hopefully contribute around 25 goals.  What Cheechoo lacks in straight skill, he makes up for in work ethic and with his powerful shot and quick release.  Given ample time on the power play, Cheechoo should be able to, at least, score 20 goals next season.

With the above mentioned players mainly focused on scoring, Mike Fisher becomes all that more important in Kanata.  While the 29 year old receives some flack over his production when taking into account his$4.2 million cap hit, he still brings a lot of valuable traits to the table.  He was the Senators most physical player last season (led the team with 211 hits), wins face-offs at over a 50% clip (51.2% last season) and was second amongst the team’s forwards in blocked shots (54).  Combine that with his ability to score over 20 goals (prior to last season he had three straight 20+ goal seasons) and the Senators are banking on a rebound season from the Peterborough native.

If the Senators are to take a step in the right direction this season, the play of Nick Foligno will play a vital role.  Nick Foligno brings a strong work ethic to the table and seems to really be finding his NHL game.  The 2006 first round draft pick played in 81 games last year and totaled a rather impressive 17 goals.  Considering he only played 13:40 minutes per contest, Foligno should see his totals rise this year with more responsibility.  Additionally, his desire to play a physical game (97 hits) is a welcome sight for many fans.

The play of some of the team’s younger players is admittedly key, but Ottawa fans are hoping that they will see a rebound season from Chris Kelly.  The 28 year old Toronto native disappointed last season while making a fairly significant $2.5 million.  Counted on in the face-off department the year before, Kelly dropped down to a paltry 47.4 face-off winning percentage in 2008/09.  Moreover, his scoring totals decreased to 23 points from 38 and his checking abilities seemed to fall by the wayside, as he was a -10 in terms of +/-.  GM Bryan Murray has already let it be known the same type of play won’t cut it this season. 

After his much rumored departure, Chris Neil ended up staying with the Senators and signing a four-year deal, with a cap hit of $2.0 million per season.  The rugged winger is still counted on to defend teammates and let it be known that the Senators can be a difficult team to play against.  After all he has done for the Senators over the years, there is a reason he is a fan favorite in the Nation’s Capital.  Last season he led the Senators with 146 penalty minutes,  although he did a good job of cutting down his minor penalties from the previous year.

Joining Neil as a player who is difficult/annoying to play against, is Jarkko Ruutu.  The Finnish winger specializes in aggravating opposing players.  Ruutu is already 33 years old, so his game is not going to change at this point.  As long as he is getting into players’ faces and causing trouble, Bryan Murray has to be happy because that is what he signed him to do.

Will Ruttu continue to annoy the opposing teams forwards? (Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)

Joining Foligno as one of the team’s important youngsters is Jesse Winchester.  Winchester, expected to be out of action for three weeks with a knee injury, brings good energy to the table.  He is physical (116 hits) and made the most of his 10:35 minutes of ice-time per game last season. 

A couple players that non-Ottawa fans may not know much about are Peter Regin and Zack Smith.  Both players have acquitted themselves well in training camp and may challenge for spots up front.  Regin is only 23 and transitioned well to the AHL last season.  Combine his 47 AHL points in 56 games with his performance this training camp and you can see why Cory Clouston is giving the responsible two-way center every chance to make the club (possibly as a winger).

In Smith, the Senators have a 21 year old forward who is not afraid of the rough stuff.  He compiled 132 penalty minutes in the AHL last season in 79 games and added in 24 goals and 24 assists for good measure.  Even if he does not make the Senators out of training camp, I’d be surprised if he did not see some time up with the club throughout the season.

Finally, the Senators have Ryan Shannon, a player that impressed many with his performance at the World Championships in 2009.  What’s more is that the diminutive player added in 20 points in only 35 games with the Senators after being acquired from the Canucks last season.  People forget that Shannon is only 26 years old, so he still has the potential to improve some over the next year or two–if given the opportunity.

Defensemen

Last season, the Senators most-relied on defenseman was Filip Kuba.  Kuba does not get much press, but he is very sound at almost every aspect of the game.  He logged 23:16 minutes per game last season, and can contribute on both the power play and penalty kill.  He is not the best skater or the most physical player, but he has good size and positions himself quite well.  There is a reason the Senators signed him to a three-year deal, at $3.7 million per season as a cap hit.  The 32 year old Czech defenseman is not a protypical top line defenseman, but he does his job quite well.

Joining the veteran Kuba on defense is the ever-dependable Chris Phillips.  The Alberta native is one of the more understated players in the game today.  He is the consummate team player who is willing to hit (114 hits last season), block shots (114 last season) and sacrifice his body to win.  He is not the fastest skater, nor does he possess much offensive upside, but he is the type of player that every team needs to win.

Chris Phillips faces Alex Ovechkin. (Photo: Allen Clark/Off Wing Photo.com)

Phillips’s long-time partner on defense has been Anton Volchenkov.  The 27 year old Russian defenseman is entering a contract season and will be a UFA after 2009/10.  Considering his age and solid play, the Senators may want to lock him up quick.  Volchenkov led the team in blocked shots last season (180) and hits (182).  Moreover, he hits as hard as anyone in the National Hockey League and makes forwards skate with their heads up at all times.  He does not bring much to the table offensively, and did struggle at times defensively last season, but the team as a whole struggled and Volchenkov has proven himself to be above that poor play.

With Phillips and Volchenkov taking care of the physical part of the game, the smaller Chris Campoli will be counted on to add offense to the team’s back-end.  Acquired as the centerpiece of the Mike Comrie deal last season, Campoli skates really well and can move the puck quickly out of his own zone.  In his limited time on the Ottawa power play last season, Campoli looked comfortable quarterbacking from the blue line and should help the team’s transition troubles from last season.  He could stand to improve in his own zone and does tend to get muscled off of pucks, but overall he should add a nice offensive element to the team’s blue line.

The Senators’ final two defense spots should be interesting.  Brian Lee carries some offensive prowess but lacks in the physical play department and makes questionable defensive decisions.  As well, his ability to quarterback the power play should be better considering his skill level. 

Can Brian Lee step up at this level?

Lee will be battling it out for ice-time with the likes of Alex Picard.  Picard, acquired from Tampa Bay in the Andrej Meszaros trade, has some offensive upside but lacks consistency and brings many of the same traits to the table as Lee does.

Along with Lee and Picard, the Senators boast tremendously talented youngster Erik Karlsson.  The Swedish rearguard is a tremendous skater and moves the puck beautifully.  He possesses all the talent to become a top NHL rearguard and may come quicker than some anticipated.

Finally, the Senators have been very impressed with the play of 28 year old Matt Carkner.  He has been a career AHL defenseman but brings a great willingness to compete in all aspects of the game and is a big body.  If the Senators are not content with the performance of some of the aforementioned defensemen, do not be surprised to see Carkner steal some ice-time.

Goaltenders:

Two of the three goalies who played for the Sens last season are gone (Auld to Dallas, Gerber to Toronto/KHL’s Atlant Moscow) with Brian Elliott, who split his time between Binghamton of the AHL and the parent club, remaining.  His role is to back-up the now healthy Pascal Leclaire who the Sens picked up from Columbus last season for Antoine Vermette. 

Leclaire is an engima wrapped in a riddle as he has the potential to be a strong number 1 goaltender for the Senators this season but this is totally contingent on his staying healthy.  All indications are that he spent the summer rehabing (after missing the final 48 games of last season with an ankle injury) and Ottawa hasn’t rushed his return.  Although it appears that this is about to change as Coach Clouston told the Ottawa Citizen about Leclaire’s playing time;

The only way he can kind of get the rust out, get himself feeling good, get himself back in game shape, is to play and play lots.

Ceiling: The Senators improve their even strength scoring, get improved play from their defense and Pascal Leclaire plays at least 55 games.  2nd in Northeast Division and 6th in the Eastern Conference.

Floor: The team’s defense continues to struggle getting the puck up to the team’s forwards, chemistry becomes an issue up front with three scoring newcomers and injury trouble hits in between the pipes.  5th in the Northeast Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference.

First off, it was clear last week and is now that the Sharks’ trade of Christian Ehrhoff was made to create cap space for a future deal.  Rumor had it that Heatley was San Jose’s guy and those rumors proved correct.  With Ehrhoff’s salary off the books, San Jose had more financial freedom to make a big trade for the former 50-goal scorer from Ottawa.

Today’s deal can be broken down as follows:

San Jose receives:

Dany Heatley–four years remaining on his contract at a total of a $7.5 million cap hit per season.

Ottawa receives:

Milan Michalek–five years remaining on his contract at a total of $4.3 million cap hit per season.

Jonathan Cheechoo–two years remaining on his contract at a total of $3 million cap hit per season.

Second round pick

Let’s first examine the addition of Heatley to the San Jose roster.  Heatley will almost certainly lineup alongside Joe Thornton to form one of the top offensive duos in the National Hockey League.  Thornton is arguably the best passer in the NHL and prefers to pass at almost every opportunity.  Heatley, in contrast, is a shooter first and foremost.  He has a terrific release and a bullet of a shot–so these two players should complement each other well. 

Last season Heatley posted 39 goals and that was considered a poor season for him.  Most NHLers would kill for a 39 goal total but Heatley has posted 50 goals in two consecutive seasons (2005/06 and 20006/07) and scored 41 times in 71 games in 2007/08.  Needless to say he is one of the top snipers out there.  His addition to the Sharks should give the team a needed (it is hard to say much-needed with their offensive weapons) goal-scorer that has posted point-per-game numbers in the playoffs–where this team will need him most.

Dany Heatley and Joe Thornton will be one scary combination. (Picture courtesy of sportsnet.ca)

With today’s move, the Sharks could very well have assured themselves another first place finish in the Western Conference.  That being said, Sharks fans do not really care about regular season success anymore.  The playoffs are all that matters to Bay Area fans and they must be wondering what this trade does for them in that regard?  Well, as mentioned above, Heatley has posted very respectable offensive totals in the playoffs.  But the question I have is: Will Heatley step up when the games matter most?  Stats are one thing, but anyone who saw Heatley play in the Stanley Cup Final against Anaheim remembers his poor performance in all five games.  Simply, Heatley was virtually invisible when the series was coming away from the Senators, and while a player like Daniel Alfredsson imposed his will on the competition, Heatley was nowhere to be found. 

So, consider me skeptical in terms of whether this move will payoff at crunch time, but it is almost impossible to argue that the move isn’t beneficial to San Jose’s regular season and, maybe even, first round success.

As for Ottawa, GM Bryan Murray was between a rock and a hard place.  Heatley demanded a trade, it became public and then he rejected the trade the Senators made when he was dealt to Edmonton. 

The key to this deal for Ottawa was Michalek–who is a great skater, with good size and pretty good hands.  Michalek skates like the wind and is not afraid of contact.  In fact, he is the type of player Ottawa has been looking for for some time now.  He is only 24 years old, although it feels like he been around for a while.  The last three seasons he has posted 26, 24, and 23 goals respectively and has never been a minus player during any of his four NHL seasons.  The Czech native had 36 even strength points last season (fourth best on the Sharks) and accumulated these totals without playing any significant amount of time with Joe Thornton (the same cannot be said for Marleau/Setoguchi).  There is also a physical element to his game (92 hits last season), which really makes him a solid all-around player.

Milan Michalek is the key to this trade for the Senators. (Picture courtesy of sharkspage.com)

In Cheechoo, the Senators get a player who broke out with a whopping 56 goals in 2005/06 while playing shotgun with Joe Thornton.  That season really did come out of nowhere considering Cheechoo had never even scored 50 goals in the Ontario Hockey League.  In 2006/07 Cheechoo didn’t post 50 goals but he still scored a more than respectable 37.  Unfortunately for Sharks fans, Cheechoo lost his confidence and shooting accuracy and with that he lost ice-time–in the next two seasons, Cheechoo scored 35 goals combined.

So, are the Senators getting a 50 goal scorer or a 12 goal scorer?  I’d say somewhere in between.  Cheechoo needs to gain some confidence back and will probably get a chance to ride shotgun to a player of similar skill level to Joe Thornton in Jason Spezza.  I could see Cheechoo posting a 25 goal season in Ottawa and regaining some of the confidence he lost over his final two seasons in the Bay Area.  All in all, at a $3 million cap hit, Cheechoo is no albatross in terms of finances, so the Senators might as well take a risk on him because of his upside (remember he is only 29).

Can Jonathan Cheechoo regain his old form in Ottawa? (Picture courtesy of espn.com)

Finally, the Senators also received a second round pick in this deal.  If you are looking at the value of a second round pick, I wrote a piece examining draft round value for Puck Prospectus that you can read here.  In today’s day and age of the salary cap, draft picks are important.  Now, I realize this pick will be around number 60 overall but it still carries value, either for Ottawa’s prospect group or in a future trade.

Who won this deal?

You know, it is actually possible for two teams to both be relative winners in a trade and I think that is what happened today.  I don’t think either team hit a homerun today, as I have questions about Heatley’s ability to help a team win the big game, and the Senators still had to trade away a former 50 goal scorer.

That being said, the Sharks added a valuable piece and the Senators received pretty good young value for their disgruntled star. 

I give both GMs a B+ for today’s deal.

From TSN:

Dany Heatley says that he feels that his role with the Ottawa Senators has been diminished, and that’s the biggest reason why he has asked for the team to trade him.

The veteran forward spoke in Kelowna, B.C. on Friday for the first time since he made the request in June. He stated that his wish to be traded has not changed over the summer.

“When I signed in Ottawa two years ago, I felt it was to be an integral part of the team,” Heatley said. “Over the last two years and more recently over the past year, I feel my role was diminished. This past season, it diminished a lot more.

“This is a straight hockey decision. I have nothing against the fans of Ottawa, or the city of Ottawa. I would like the opportunity to go somewhere where I can play to the best of my capabilities and be the player that I can be.”

Read the entire article here.

Does anyone believe this is the only reason?  C’mon, I may have been born at night but I wasn’t born last night.  There are clearly other reasons for Heatley’s trade demand.  Have Heatley’s responsibilities really decreased that much?  I mean, he played some second power play minutes under Cory Clouston but the team was horrible before Clouston took over.  He came in and tried to wake some people up.  What’s wrong with that? 

Now, I don’t believe Heatley’s “diminished role” played a part in the Senators’ relative success under (I feel like that team was due to win some games) but I don’t blame Clouston for those tactics either.  He has to wake up his squad, and when a team with the talent of the Senators is playing that poorly, anything goes.

To me, there are reasons behind the scenes for this demand.  That’s fine too; frankly, the reasons may be none of our business but this is his front and it is a safe one.

Maybe I’m wrong in all this, but color me unimpressed and unconvinced with this excuse.

The Edmonton Oilers are pulling out of the Dany Heatley sweepstakes.

General manager Steve Tambellini was expected make that announcement in a conference call with journalists later Friday.

Heatley, the disgruntled Ottawa Senators forward, twice refused to waive his no-trade clause to complete a trade that would have sent him to the Oilers for Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner and Ladislav Smid.

Read the story here.

No surprise.  Let’s be honest, the Oilers Nation didn’t even want this guy anyhow.  The way Heatley has handled this situation boggles my mind.  His disdain for Ottawa, unwillingness to go to Edmonton, and lack of ability to realize that no one wants him is going to end up with him returning to Ottawa.  I say that because there is no way he sits home and let’s that salary go to waste. 

If I’m Bryan Murray, I make Heatley play for the Senators (a pretty good top-six forward group there if that happens) and wait until he drives up his trade value.  Give Murray credit for not selling low on Heatley; although that may be mainly due to the fact that no one wants him.

NHL

• The Thrashers have signed Nikolai Antropov to a 4 year, $16 million contract.  As well, the team also re-signed Chris Thorburn.  A lot of cash to be throwing at Antropov but really not out of line with the ridiculous spending we’ve already seen the past day and a half.  Antropov gets a lock of criticism but he can be a 25 goal scorer and 60 point player in Atlanta. 
• Mark Recchi has re-signed in Boston for 1 year, $1 million.  Good signing for both sides.  It is reasonable and gives Recchi another shot at the Cup.
• The Flames have signed Riley Armstrong and Garth Murray.  Murray is a plugger who will help to fill out the two-way roster.  Armstrong is also a depth player but he has a bit more scoring touch.
• James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen asks why the Oilers would even want Dany Heatley?  Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Team Canada

• As Neil mentioned early today, Marc Savard has not been invited by Hockey Canada to the team’s training camp in August.   I like Marc Savard as a player but his representation of Canada has not exactly been exemplary.  Additionally, would he slot in ahead of Crosby, Getzlaf, Richards, Lecavalier or Staal on your team?  It is arguable, but I don’t think he would.
• The Hurricanes will be represented at Team Canada’s camp with Eric Staal and Cam Ward in attendance.  Both worthy invites.
• Ryan Smyth and Joe Sakic have been invited from Colorado.  The question is, will Joe Sakic be playing hockey next season?
• Rick Nash and Steve Mason have been invited from Columbus.  As I said yesterday, Nash’s value will sky-rocket after the Olympics, so Columbus better get him signed before.
• Brenden Morrow and Stephane Robidas have been invited from Dallas.  As Heika says, a big boost in confidence for Robidas.
• The injured Brent Burns has been invited from Minnesota.  If healthy, I think he has a real shot but concussions are tricky to deal with.
• Mike Green was the only Capitals player invited.  He better shore up his defense if he wants to be in Vancouver for the tournament.
• No Steve Stamkos invite from Team Canada.  Still too young and too many good centers ahead of him.  He’ll gets his chance down the road.

Obviously, this is pretty bad news for Ottawa, who is now facing a Chris Pronger type situation. Its one thing to be able to quietly shop a high scoring winger, but when the entire league knows what you are facing, the potential return is quite seriously diminished. That being said, a number of teams (LA, Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, et al) are all rumoured to be looking to add some star power, so perhaps Ottawa will get something in return. Edmonton, in particular, could use some scoring punch on the wing and the price tag is a little better than what a player like Marian Hossa could command. LA is also rumoured to covet Ryan Smyth, so perhaps Heatley would fit a little better in that he is a few years younger even if he is a little more expensive.

Alternatively, Ottawa GM Bryan Murray is quoted in the TSN piece saying that they expect Heatley to honour his deal. Perhaps Ottawa will dig in their heals and play hardball with Heatley? Ottawa’s lineup looks pretty thin once you remove Heatley’s 39 goals, so if Murray does decide to move him he had better get some offensive prowess coming back.

Any thoughts on potential destinations? Should Ottawa make him stay? Who will Jason Spezza pass to now?

Lets hear it in the comments.

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins (1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (8)

• According to an EA Sports simulation, the Bruins will beat Chicago in six games to capture the Stanley Cup.
• The Canadiens have been more than just a playoff nemesis to the Bruins, they have flat-out owned the Black ’n’ Gold over the years.
• Considering that the Bruins just delivered their finest regular season in 37 years, how about just giving every player, coach and manager an A-plus.
• Georges Laraque said he’s not surprised that he has been pencilled into the lineup for Game 1.
• Looks like the feisty Habs revel in their new underdog role instead of favorite as they were last season.

 Washington Capitals (2) vs. New York Rangers (7)

• The biggest question facing the Washington Capitals as they prepare to open the Eastern Conference first round against the New York Rangers is whether José Theodore can catch fire.
• Tarik El-Bashir was on Washington Post Live to preview the Caps’ first-round series with the Rangers.
• Maybe there is hope for the Rangers going into their opening-round series against the high-powered Capitals, but if you’re going to think that way, it’d help to have evidence.

New Jersey Devils (3) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• It could be the bounce in Martin Brodeur’s step, the beneficial result of an injury-shortened season that leaves the Devils goalie well-rested and anxious for the playoffs to begin
• Brent Sutter coached Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward for three seasons of junior hockey at Red Deer (WHL).
• Midseason coaching changes are as much a part of the NHL’s culture as playoff beards.  But how teams respond to the first phenomenon has a lot to do with whether they even get to grow the second.
• There was a time in January when the Carolina Hurricanes looked nothing like a team capable of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs, much less one that would sizzle during the stretch run of the NHL season.
• Cam Ward has waited three years to return to this stage, this chance to prove what he did last time he was here was no accident.

 Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (5)

• It is the contemplative aspect of angling that appeals to Pittsburgh interim coach Dan Bylsma, so it doesn’t bother him that no one can corroborate his definitive fish story
• Penguins interim coach Dan Bylsma didn’t rule out using enforcer Eric Godard against rough-and-tumble Philadelphia.

Western Conference

San Jose Sharks (1) vs. Anaheim Ducks (8) 

• It’s not as if the Sharks don’t know the Anaheim Ducks. After all, the two teams knocked heads three times in the last month of the season, twice in its final week.
• Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry have united to help revive the Ducks and form a dominant line.
• The one and only Don Cherry voiced the original opinion that the NHL officials should let the Ducks play.

Detroit Red Wings (2) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (7)

• The Chris Osgood factor.  The Red Wings, trying to become the first to win back-to-back Cups since they did it in 1997 and ’98, are dangerous if …
• The NHL’s salary cap is a farce.  All you have to do is look at the decade-plus contracts of Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen to know that.

Vancouver Canucks (3) vs. St. Louis Blues (6)

• The Vancouver Canucks were likely preparing to face a different, higher-profile goaltender named Mason in the first round of the playoffs.
• Written off in a brutal slump in January, the Vancouver Canucks are suddenly the hottest ticket in town.
• St. Louis Blues goalie Chris Mason will be playing his 39th consecutive game and making his 34th start in a row Wednesday against Vancouver.
• Although there were indications from the Blues that Paul Kariya could be available for Game 1 Wednesday, he hasn’t made the trip to Vancouver.

 Chicago Blackhawks (4) vs. Calgary Flames (5)

• What has been a tumultuous season for Nikolai Khabibulin could well be his last one with the Blackhawks.
• As the Flames prepared for Game 1 of their playoff series against the Blackhawks, Rene Bourque skated with Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen on the top line.
• The smile on Jarome Iginla‘s face fades, ever so slightly, at the mere suggestion his Calgary Flames rank as underdogs heading into Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
• As the Calgary Flames get ready for Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, bar owners, police and residents around the Red Mile are preparing for potential celebrations.

Non-Playoff Teams

• The NHL holds its draft lottery tonight with five teams having a chance at landing the No. 1 pick — and most likely Tavares.  TSN has ranked who they feel with be the top 14 picks.
• It’s not the playoffs in any sport until Las Vegas puts down its odds.
• The questions echoed off the empty locker stalls over and over Monday. What went wrong? What needs to be fixed? How can the Buffalo Sabres return to the playoffs?
• Bryan Murray spoke to the media for one last time this season, touching on everything from the failed campaign to the futures of individual players in Ottawa.
• Four different networks are gearing up to broadcast the NHL playoffs to the masses starting Wednesday and their assortment of experts are already busy making their opinions known.
• Thrashers‘ priorities this offseason: Job No. 2 for the Thrashers this summer is signing Ilya Kovalchuk to a new contract.  That might be impossible unless they complete job No. 1, finding Kovalchuk a few new teammates.
• Andrew Brunette and Mikko Koivu revealed the seriousness of their knee injuries as the Wild packed up for the offseason.
• The voice of the Oilers goes silent for a moment as he packs up his gear and leaves the broadcast booth with a cherished gift, a seat cushion, tucked under one arm.
• The Predators roster that finished the 2008-09 season may look a good bit different than the one that begins the 2009-10 campaign.
• The Dallas Stars will have to plug holes next season on a budget, co-general manager Brett Hull said as the team held exit interviews and physicals with players.
• With numerous free agents, the face of the Coyotes could dramatically change.

• Andrew Ebbett has quietly been very productive for the Ducks since being called up from the AHL, writes Billy Witz.
• A number of the Thrashers players are heading to the World Championships.
• Add Chuck Kobasew to the list of Bruins players that are injured, explains Kevin Paul Dupont.  Even though Boston has clinched first place in the conference, they will be geared up to face the Habs tonight.
• With yesterday’s victory at Toronto, the Sabres stayed alive in the playoff race.  Sure they stayed alive, but after reading Bucky Gleason’s article this morning, you will realize they have no chance of getting in.  At least the future looks bright, as Sabres prospect Nathan Gerbe has won AHL rookie of the year.
• The Flames are aiming to ‘get that swagger back’.   Eric Francis tells us the Flames are banking on the return of Rene Bourque and maybe even Rhett Warrener, with all the injuries they have sustained.  It is clear from listening to the Flames players that their goal is the Stanley Cup or bust.  Calgary has had its cap issues, but if you are wondering, no team can go over the cap.
• Little known Chad LaRose has been a bargain of an impact player for the Hurricanes. 
• The Blue Jackets denied the Hawks‘ bid to clinch the fourth spot in the Western Conference.  With the Hawks leading more games, Adam Burish has been involved in less fights. 
• Peter Budaj may be having a difficult season numbers wise, but his attitude is certainly respected in the room.
• “I don’t know if it has quite sunk in yet,”, said Rick Nash after his team clinched the first ever playoff spot in team history.  The fans are just as excited as the players are about the team’s first ever playoff birth.  Meanwhile, coach Hitchcock wants  Jiri Novotny to continue to play hard.
• The Stars must take a hard look at themselves.  J.J. Taylor guaranetees Mike Modano‘s return to Dallas next season.  Learn more about Stars rookie Ivan Vishnevskiy here.
• In Detroit, the Wings are expecting Andreas Lilja to miss the start of the playoffs.  If we are talking matchups, it appears the Wings are hoping to duck Anaheim.  In contract news, the Wings have tabled an offer to Johan Franzen.
• Disappointment was the catch phrase around Rexall Place on Wednesday.  With the Oilers out of playoff contention, Dwayne Roloson is finally going to get some rest.  Sam Gagner is taking the Oilers’ struggling finish to heart.  At least they can bring over Linus Omark….maybe not.
• Florida Panthers coach Pete DeBoer said he is going to make his decision on whether he starts Vokoun or Anderson today.
• In Los Angeles, Kings owner Phil Anschutz should take the Kings’ fate personally.
• Concussions have been an issue in the Wild room this season and a serious one continues to keep a frustrated Brett Burns off the ice.  The youngsters’ struggles in Minnesota may be the reason the Wild is probably going to miss the playoffs.
• Bob Gainey is searching for a winning lineup in Montreal.  Tough economy or not, there are many suitors who are aiming to purchase the Habs franchise. 
• Consecutive wins may not be enough for the Predators to make post-season play.  At least Nashville is not intimidated by Detroit, their matchup tonight.  David Legwand’s hopes of returning for the team’s final two regular season games was taken away when doctors told him his injury is still too fresh.
• The up-and-down Devils can clinch the Atlantic Division title tonight.  Martin Brodeur admits that it is tough getting in a groove when you’ve missed most of the season.
• Bill Guerin has been grateful for the opportunity to move from the Island to Pittsburgh where he has a chance to compete for the Cup.
• If the Rangers defeat the Flyers tonight, they make the playoffs.  The Rangers know they control their own destiny.
• The Senators players were happy for coach Cory Clouston on Wednesday, as he was allowed to smile upon signing a two-year contract extension.  Is Alex Auld going to stick around with Clouston?
• Flyers coach John Stevens gives you his take on a possible matchup with Carolina.  Daniel Carcillo is moving in the right direction.  Former Flyers center Keith Primeau is doing his best to help further concussion research.
• Petr Prucha has been excited about getting more ice-time in the desert as compared to NY.
• Next goal for the Penguins: Some rest, tuning up for playoffs.  Should the Pens have locked up Sid and Geno longer?  Ruslan Fedotenko has really found his game as of late.
• Patrick Marleau and Ryane Clowe are expected to return to the Sharks lineup tonight.  Ray Rotto lays down the gauntlet for the Sharks, saying it is Cup or bust.
• Injury prone defenseman Jay McKee‘s turnaround has really given the Blues a boost.  The Blues are close to throwing a big party, writes Bernie Miklasz.
• The Lightning organization is not any more stable than it was last summer.  Martin St. Louis is a great team guy.
• Cujo, May record milestones, as Leafs fall 3-1 to Sabres.  One Leafs milestone was celebratory, one wasn’t, writes Lance Hornby.  Could the Marlies be getting help from the Leafs for the AHL playoffs?
• In Vancouver, the Canucks are getting back to basics.  The Canucks have to ensure they don’t have a letdown against the Kings, with the division yet to be wrapped up.
• Caps’ Rookie Goaltender Simeon Varlamov wins confidence From Boudreau.  The Capitals have some nice organizational depth between the pipes.
• Lastly, here is an update on injured hockey player, Derek Zike from the NAHL, who appears to be recovering well.

**The IllegalCurve.com Radio Show archives of yesterday’s show with Dan Wood of the OC Register and Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail should be posted on the website early this afternoon**

**Also, special thanks to David who gave a nice helping hand for the morning papers**

The Ottawa Senators are keeping Cory Clouston as their head coach.

The team announced Wednesday morning that they have signed him to a two-year deal, removing the interim tag from his title.

The Globe & Mail has the CP story here.

Clouston deserves this extension, as the Senators have played very good hockey since his hiring.  Now, there are those who say that the Senators were due to play better, that they only started playing better when it didn’t matter, etc.  I don’t agree.  I think Clouston has played a key role in turning this team around and am curious to see how the team starts off the 2009/10 season.  Good for him, as he’s paid his dues and wasn’t the big-name splash that some anticipated the Senators hiring.

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	New Jersey	3					Montreal	6
	Buffalo	2					Toronto	2
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
In Lou We Trust  Die by the Blade						Habs In/Out  Pension Plan Puppets
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL SO		T				FINAL		T
	Philadelphia	3					Tampa Bay	1
	Ottawa	4					NY Islanders	3
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Broad Street Hockey  Silver Seven						Raw Charge  Lighthouse Hockey
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL OT		T				FINAL SO		T
	Pittsburgh	2					Columbus	4
	Carolina	3					Nashville	5
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
PensBurgh  Canes Country						Light the Lamp  On the Forecheck
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL OT		T				FINAL		T
	St. Louis	4					Vancouver	3
	Dallas	5					Edmonton	5
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
St. Louis Game Time  Defending Big D						Nucks Misconduct  Lowetide
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Anaheim	5					Phoenix	1
	San Jose	2					Los Angeles	6
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Battle of California  Fear the Fin						Five for Howling  Battle of California
Game Recap						Game Recap

Congrats go out to the Michigan State Spartans who make the National Championship Game.   Go State!

FINAL		T
	Michigan State	82
	U Connecticut	73
Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:
Game Recap

• Are the NY Islanders already looking for Free Agents?  Would you sign in Long Island right now?
• Update around the Sens world. 
• Flyers fans are upset with the B’s play by play announcer, Jack Edwards.  His laugh is rather maniacal.
• Preds a lock to achieve key attendance goal.  Impressive that with all the talk of a move, the fans continue to show up.
• Alex Burrows hair pull that’s being heard around the world.  I’ve used this move on my sister.  Works everytime.
• Top Av’s of all time: #6 (on the list) Rob Blake.  I usually think of him as a King first.
• Defending Forest Gump and Sidney Crosby.  In a strange sort of way her argument makes sense.
• A message to Dallas Stars fans. 
• Alexander Semin: “The Playoffs can’t start soon enough”.  It seems like the Capitals are just waiting around for the playoffs to start.
• The Swedish machine that never breaks, Nicklas Backstrom.  Guys a beast.
• Panthers fans are irate with Steve Ott.  Bet lots of NHL teams feel the same.
• The future of the Thrashers is discussed. 

• Anyone ever wonder what its like to cook with Evgeni Malkin? 
• Madden and Gionta want to remain Devils.
• The Thrashers are dealing yet again with another early spring.
• After last night’s shootout loss to Anaheim, Nashville‘s choice of shooters are analyzed.

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Florida	3					Minnesota	6
	Buffalo	5					NY Islanders	2
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
The Litter Box   Die by the Blade						Hockey Wilderness Lighthouse Hockey
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Ottawa	1					Calgary	0
	Carolina	2					Pittsburgh	2
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Silver Seven Canes Country						Matchsticks & Gasoline Pensburgh
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL SO		T				FINAL		T
	San Jose	5					Anaheim	7
	Chicago	6					Colorado	2
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Fear the Fin Second City Hockey						Battle of California Mile High Hockey
Game Recap						Game Recap

• Randy Carlyle may hate the shootout but it has served his team well this season.  When can we get rid of the shootout?  It is gimmicky and is really not an indication of team skill. 
• Ryan Miller will return to the Sabres net on Friday.  Huge news for Sabres fans, with the team being seven points back, and holding a game in hand on the teams they are chasing.
• Paul Maurice certainly sees the Senators as a threat tonight. As he should.  This is a team that is arguably the hottest in the NHL right now and feels it has a chance to slip into the playoffs.
• Chris Osgood will start for the Wings on Friday against the Islanders.  NYI has been playing well in the second half, so it is no shoe-in for Osgood to get back on track.
• New lines for the Panthers tonight.  With no Miller, the Panthers have to win tonight’s game.
• Seth Rorabaugh previews the Flames for Penguins fans.  That should be a fun tilt to watch tonight; I expect a high-scoring affair.
• Ray Emery’s former Russian coach actually liked the fiery netminder.  Emery most likely will sign with a NHL team this off-season.

Also, in light of yesterday’s Canucks Team Plane article, reader Allan has passed along this picture with a look inside the team plane:

• Blackhawks Eager suspended for three games.
• Caps coach: Ovechkin celebration won’t happen again.
• Brad Richards breaks hand in return.
• Rangers chemistry far from uns-avery.
• Betteman: Ban on fighting ‘not going to happen’.
• No. 1 pick is not Isles priority.
• Elias clears many hurdles to set Devs’ scorig marks.
• Former NHL player Walt Poddubny dies. 
• Jagr confirms Oilers rumors, says he won’t terminate contract.
• Kudos to The Litter Box for bringing us this hockey fan.
• Players react to Ovechkin’s 50th goal celebration.

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Dallas	2					Toronto	5
	San Jose	5					Montreal	2
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Defending Big D Battle of California						Pension Plan Puppets Habs Inside/Out
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	NY Islanders	2					Buffalo	3
	Ottawa	5					NY Rangers	5
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Lighthouse Hockey  Black Aces						Die by the Blade Blueshirt Banter
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Washington	1					Columbus	3
	Carolina	4					Florida	1
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Canes Country Japers Rink						Light the Lamp The Litter Box
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL SO		T				FINAL		T
	Atlanta	4					Vancouver	1
	Tampa Bay	3					Phoenix	5
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Bird Watchers Anonymous Raw Charge						Nucks Misconduct Five for Howling
Game Recap						Game Recap

• The bounces seem to finally be falling the Ducks’ way, so don’t count them out quite yet.  This team has been a bit of an enigma this season, so I’m not sure if they’d strike fear into the first or second seed if they indeed got into the playoffs.  That said, they still have Getzlaf, Perry, Selanne, Ryan, Niedermayer and Pronger, so I’m sure those top teams would rather play some other team.
• Claude Julien will 100% not be fired by the Bruins.  Why was this question even asked?  Is that what it has come to with coaches these days?  C’mon.  This team has over-achieved all season and is sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings.  Absurd.
• Adrian Dater says last night’s performance versus Edmonton was an atrocity.  When beat guys flat out say it is the worst performance they’ve ever seen, you certainly have to take their word for it.  Dater, as he says in the post, has seen a lot of Avalanche games over the years, if last night’s game was truly as bad as he says (I didn’t catch the game) then heads could roll in the Rocky Mountains.
• Denis Gauthier was injured last night for the Kings.  No word yet on whether he kneed himself.
• No Colin White for the Devils tonight.  No reason to rush it with the playoffs just around the corner.
• James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen wonders whether Sens fans believe in miracles?  Daunting task, but it isn’t like the teams in front of them are lighting the world on fire.
• Seth Rorabaugh previews all things Kings for Penguins fans.  Desperate bunch they are facing tonight in Pittsburgh.
• Bruce Boudreau had a talk with Alexander Ovechkin following last night’s goal celebration with you can find here.  Let’s just say, don’t expect a similar celebration any time soon.  Personally, I don’t like Ovechkin’s celebrations, as he think he goes over-the-top just about every time; however, I generally don’t really have a problem with his celebrations because he does seem to be genuine in his excitement.  That said, last night’s celebration was unnecessary and lacked class.  I’ll just say this–Wayne Gretzky scored 894 career NHL goals, and he didn’t have any celebrations like that.  Learn from the best.

• Ovechkin gets goal #50.
• Canucks trying to avoid twin distractions.
• Surging Penguins seek to clock Kings.

FINAL OT		T				FINAL		T
	Los Angeles	3					Montreal	4
	Boston	2					Ottawa	5
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Recaps:						Game Recaps:
Inside the Kings Stanley Cup of Chowder						Habs Inside/Out Black Aces

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Washington	5					Toronto	1
	Tampa Bay	2					Florida	3
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Recaps:						Game Recaps:
Japer’s Rink Raw Charge						Pension Plan Puppets  Litter Box Cats

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Edmonton	8					St. Louis	0
	Colorado	1					Vancouver	3
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Recaps:						Game Recaps:
Cult of Hockey Mile High Hockey						St. Louis Game Time Nucks Misconduct

FINAL OT		T				FINAL SO		T
	Anaheim	3					Nashville	2
	Phoenix	2					San Jose	3
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Recaps:						Game Recaps:
Ducks Blog Five for Howling						Tennessean Mercury News

In other hockey related news congrats to Martin Brodeur who passed Patrick Roy at the Prudential Center this evening in a victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Chicago	0	1	1	2	32	N. Khabibulin
	New Jersey	2	1	0	3	30	M. Brodeur
Scoring Summary:
CHI:  Barker, C. (PPG, Brian Campbell, Patrick Kane), Byfuglien, D. (Matt Walker)
NJD:  Langenbrunner, J. (Zach Parise), Zajac, T. (Zach Parise, Paul Martin), Gionta, B. (SHG, Patrik Elias, Mike Mottau)
Attendance: 17,625
Headlines:
Game Review (Second City Hockey – Chicago)  Game Review (In Lou We Trust – New Jersey) Brodeur sets NHL Win record

FINAL SO		1	2	3	OT	SO	T	SOG	GOALIES
	NY Rangers	0	1	2	0	1 (3-3)	4	42	H. Lundqvist
	Montreal	0	1	2	0	0 (2-3)	3	29	C. Price
Scoring Summary:
NYR:  Antropov, N. (Chris Drury, Wade Redden), Zherdev, N. (Scott Gomez, Marc Staal), Callahan, R. (Brandon Dubinsky), Drury, C. (in SO)
MTL:  Kovalev, A. (PPG, Andrei Markov, Mathieu Schneider), Lapierre, M. (Andrei Markov), Markov, A. (Guillaume Latendresse)
Attendance: 21,273
Headlines:
Game Review (Rangers Report – NY Rangers)  Game Review (Habs Blog – Montreal)

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Buffalo	2	0	0	2	13	M. Tellqvist
	Ottawa	0	2	2	4	36	B. Elliot
Scoring Summary:
BUF:  Lydman, T. (Henrik Tallinder, Jason Pominville), Pominville, J. (Thomas Vanek)
OTT:  Heatley, D. (Jason Spezza, Chris Neil), Bell, B. (PPG, Daniel Alfredsson, Filip Kuba), Alfredsson, D. (PPG, Jason Spezza, Filip Kuba), Bell, B. (PPG, Filip Kuba, Ryan Shannon)
Attendance: 20,053
Headlines:
Game Review (Die By the Blade – Buffalo) Game Review (Silver Sevens – Ottawa)

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Atlanta	1	1	0	2	20	J. Hedberg
	Pittsburgh	2	3	1	6	31	M. Fleury
Scoring Summary:
ATL:  Little, B. (Todd White, Slava Kozlov), Boulton, E. (Chris Thorburn, Eric Perrin)
PIT:  Gonchar, S. (PPG, Bill Guerin, Evgeni Malkin), Kunitz, C. (PPG, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin), Staal, J. (Tyler Kennedy, Kris Letang), Malkin, E. (Sergei Gonchar, Kris Letang), Malkin, E. (PPG, Sergei Gonchar, Sidney Crosby), Eaton, M. (Sergei Gonchar, Evgeni Malkin)
Attendance: 17,088
Headlines:
Game Review (PensBurgh – Pittsburgh)  Malkin surpasses 100 in Pens’ win.

FINAL SO		1	2	3	OT	SO	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Toronto	0	1	2	0	1 (2-6)	4	39	C. Joseph
	Tampa Bay	1	2	0	0	0 (1-6)	3	22	K. Ramo
Scoring Summary:
TOR:  Mitchell, J. (Jason Blake, Anton Stralman), Blake, J. (Lee Stempniak), Hamilton, J. (Boyd Devereaux, Matt Stajan), Mitchell, J. (in SO)
TBL:  Lecavalier, V. (PPG, Cory Murphy, Martin St. Louis), Stamkos, S. (PPG, Martin St. Louis, Karri Ramo), Pettinger, M. (Martins Karsums, Lukas Krajicek)
Attendance: 18,793
Headlines:
Game Review (Pension Plan Puppets – Toronto)  Game Review (Raw Charge – Tampa Bay) Artyukhin Gaining A Reputation

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Washington	0	1	2	3	27	J. Theodore
	Florida	0	0	0	0	19	T. Vokoun
Scoring Summary:
WSH:  Laich, B. (SHG, John Erskine), Kozlov, V. (Michael Nylander, John Erskine), Green, M. (EN, Alexander Semin, Alexander Ovechkin)
Attendance: 14,650
Headlines:
Game Review (Japers Rink – Washington)  Game Review (The Litter Box – Florida)

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Philadelphia	1	1	0	2	26	M. Biron
	Detroit	0	1	2	3	48	C. Osgood
Scoring Summary:
PHI:  Hartnell, S. (Braydon Coburn), Lupul, J. (Jeff Carter, Scott Hartnell)
DET:  Datsyuk, P. (Johan Franzen), Franzen, J. (Pavel Datsyuk, Brad Stuart), Zetterberg, H. (Mikael Samuelsson, Jonathan Ericsson)
Attendance: 20,066
Headlines:
Game Review (Winging It in Mowtown – Detroit)  Game Review (Broad Street Bullies – Philadelphia)

FINAL SO		1	2	3	OT	SO	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Colorado	0	2	0	0	0 (1-3)	2	26	P. Budaj
	Minnesota	0	1	1	0	1 (2-3)	3	29	N. Backstrom
Scoring Summary:
COL:  McLeod, C. (Ben Guite), Smyth, R. (Wojtek Wolski)
MIN:  Veilleux, S. (Martin Skoula, Eric Belanger), Schultz, N. (Dan Fritsche, Eric Belanger), Zidlicky, M. (in SO)
Attendance: 18,568
Headlines:
Game Review (Hockey Wilderness – Minnesota)  Game Review (Mile High Hockey – Colorado)

FINAL SO		1	2	3	OT	SO	T	SOG	GOALIES
	St. Louis	0	1	0	0	0 (0-3)	1	32	C. Mason
	Edmonton	1	0	0	0	1 (1-3)	2	34	D. Roloson
Scoring Summary:
STL:  Backes, D. (PPG, T.J. Oshie, Brad Boyes)
EDM:  Souray, S. (PPG, Denis Grebeshkov, Sam Gagner), Kotalik, A. (in SO)
Attendance: 16,839
Headlines:
Game Review (St. Louis Game Time - St. Louis)  Game Review (Edmontonoilers.com – Edmonton)

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Dallas	1	0	1	2	26	M. Turco
	Vancouver	1	2	1	4	25	R. Luongo
Scoring Summary:
DAL:  Robidas, S. (PPG, Mike Modano, Steve Ott), Ott, S. (Chris Conner, Mike Ribeiro)
VAN:  Sedin, D. (PPG, Henrik Sedin, Kevin Bieksa), Kesler, R. (Pavol Demitra, Mats Sundin), Sundin, M. (PPG, Kyle Wellwood, Ryan Kesler), Bernier, S. (Mason Raymond, Kevin Bieksa)
Attendance: 18,630
Headlines:
Game Review (Defending Big D – Dallas) Game Review (Nucks Misconduct – Vancouver)  Canucks win 10th straight at home.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	San Jose	0	1	2	3	36	B. Boucher (L) , E. Nabokov
	Phoenix	3	0	1	4	20	I. Bryzgalov
Scoring Summary:
SJS:  Thornton, J. (PPG, Jonathan Cheechoo, Rob Blake), Thornton, J. (Rob Blake, Jonathan Cheechoo), Marleau, P. (Joe Thornton, Rob Blake)
PHX:  Turris, K. (Shane Doan, Peter Mueller), Turris, K. (PPG, Shane Doan, Dmitri Kalinin), Kalinin, D. (PPG, Kyle Turris, Shane Doan), Doan, S. (PPG, Scottie Upshall, Kyle Turris)
Attendance: 15,563
Headlines:
Game Review (Five for Howling – Phoenix)  Game Review (Fear the Fin – San Jose)

• Sid the Kid was succesful in his return to the Penguins.
• Sean Avery was an asset to the Rangers. 
• Predators beat up the Jackets for their 6th straight win.
• Coyotes help the Bruins to 9th loss out of last 12.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Phoenix	1	1	0	2	18	I. Bryzgalov
	Boston	1	0	0	1	26	T. Thomas
Scoring Summary:
PHX:  Upshall, S. (PPG, Joakim Lindstrom), Reinprecht, S. (Nigel Dawes, Peter Mueller)
BOS:  Kobasew, C. (Patrice Bergeron, P.J. Axelsson)
Attendance: 16,818

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	NY Rangers	1	1	2	4	23	H. Lundqvist
	NY Islanders	0	1	1	2	30	Y. Danis
Scoring Summary:
NYR:  Zherdev, N. (unassisted), Drury, C. (PPG, Nik Antropov, Brandon Dubinsky), Gomez, S. (Nikolai Zherdev), Naslund, M. (PPG, Paul Mara, Chris Drury)
NYI:  Comeau, B. (Dean McAmmond, Joel Rechlicz), Hillen, J. (Blake Comeau, Dean McAmmond)
Attendance:  16,234

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Calgary	4	0	1	5	41	M. Kiprusoff
	Philadelphia	0	0	1	1	36	M. Biron , A. Niittymaki
Scoring Summary:
CGY:  Cammalleri, M. (PPG, unassisted), Jokinen, O. (Jarome Iginla, Michael Cammalleri), Jokinen, O. (Michael Cammalleri, Jarome Iginla), Leopold, J. (Curtis Glencross, Craig Conroy), Conroy, C. (Curtis Glencross, Adrian Aucoin)
PHI:  Knuble, M. (Mike Richards, Simon Gagne)
Attendance:  19,513

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Toronto	0	0	2	2	29	M. Gerber
	Washington	0	0	1	1	38	J. Theodore , M. Neuvirth
Scoring Summary:
TOR:  Stempniak, L. (Alexei Ponikarovsky, Matt Stajan), Kubina, P. (John Mitchell, Jeffrey Hamilton)
WSH:  Semin, A. (Nicklas Backstrom)
Attendance:  18,277

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Edmonton	0	1	1	2	26	D. Roloson
	Ottawa	1	2	1	4	32	B. Elliot
Scoring Summary:
EDM:  Gagner, S. (PPG, Denis Grebeshkov, Tom Gilbert), Gagner, S. (Steve Staios, Ladislav Smid)
OTT:  Spezza, J. (unassisted), Comrie, M. (Jason Spezza, Chris Phillips), Campoli, C. (PPG, Mike Comrie, Dany Heatley), Heatley, D. (Anton Volchenkov, Daniel Alfredsson)
Attendance:  17,904

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Pittsburgh	0	1	3	4	47	M. Fleury
	Florida	0	1	0	1	32	T. Vokoun
Scoring Summary:
PIT:  Crosby, S. (Bill Guerin, Brooks Orpik), Kennedy, T. (Matt Cooke, Jordan Staal), Letang, K. (Brooks Orpik), Kennedy, T. (Evgeni Malkin, Ruslan Fedotenko)
FLA:  Dvorak, R. (Gregory Campbell, Ville Peltonen)
Attendance:  18,933

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Columbus	0	2	0	2	33	S. Mason
	Nashville	0	3	1	4	23	P. Rinne
Scoring Summary:
CBJ:  Williams, J. (Kristian Huselius), Nash, R. (Kristian Huselius, Manny Malhotra)
NSH:  Fiddler, V. (Antti Pihlstrom, Jordin Tootoo), Jones, R. (Wade Belak), Sullivan, S. (Jason Arnott), Erat, M. (Ryan Suter, David Legwand)
Attendance:  13,064

FINAL OT		1	2	3	OT	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Dallas	0	4	0	0	4	23	M. Turco
	Los Angeles	0	2	2	1	5	40	J. Quick (W) , E. Ersberg
Scoring Summary:
DAL:  Eriksson, L. (Mike Modano, Brian Sutherby), Ribeiro, M. (Steve Ott, Mark Parrish), Neal, J. (Fabian Brunnstrom, Mark Fistric), Ott, S. (Mike Ribeiro, Loui Eriksson)
LAK:  Handzus, M. (PPG, Kyle Quincey, Alexander Frolov), Frolov, A. (Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar), Handzus, M. (PPG, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty), Kopitar, A. (Teddy Purcell, Drew Doughty), Handzus, M. (Jack Johnson, Alexander Frolov)
Attendance: 17,430

FINAL OT		1	2	3	OT	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Minnesota	0	2	1	1	4	36	N. Backstrom
	San Jose	2	1	0	0	3	35	B. Boucher
Scoring Summary:
MIN:  Koivu, M. (Marc-Andre Bergeron, Brent Burns), Bouchard, P. (Kim Johnsson), Zidlicky, M. (Kim Johnsson), Koivu, M. (Brent Burns, Martin Skoula)
SJS:  Pavelski, J. (Ryane Clowe, Milan Michalek), Clowe, R. (Rob Blake, Milan Michalek), Pavelski, J. (Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Milan Michalek)
Attendance: 17,496

The Pittsburgh Penguins placed two-time All-Star Miroslav Satan on waivers. The 34-year old has been a disappointment in his first year in Pittsburgh after signing a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Pens this past offseason. The veteran sniper has 17 goals and 19 assists in 64 games this season. The Pens hoped he would be a good fit on the wing with Sidney Crosby, but the two never really clicked as linemates.

Not finished yet…

Also, the Ducks placed Brendan Morrison on waivers. The 33-year-old has 10 goals and 12 assists in 61 games with the Ducks. 

Morrison’s situation differs from Satan’s, in the sense that the Ducks need the space under the salary cap for players returning from injury following the deadline.

There’s more…

Veteran forward Gary Roberts was also placed on waivers after only 30 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Several teams are reportedly interested in the 42-year-old, including Calgary where Roberts first played and captured the Stanley Cup in 1989.

Finally…

The Ottawa Senators once again placed goaltender Martin Gerber on waivers to see if there are any takers for the Swiss netminder. Gerber has been playing with the Binghamton Senators of the AHL for the past few weeks.

The Sens also placed defenceman Brenden Bell on waivers.

A few more players were waived, so you can read the rest here.

These names might look all flashy to some NHL fans but, the fact is, most of these players won’t be touched.  Satan hasn’t done anything this season to warrant his contract, same for Morrison.  Gerber has struggled in Ottawa and Bell lacks the necessary defensive skills to crack the top-six of a playoff team.  I expect Roberts to get picked up but he will see at most–fourth line ice time on a contender.

Caught part of the Detroit/Nashville game and behind the power of Jason Arnott’s 8th career hatrick, the Preds took it to the Wings powering them to an 8-0 victory.  Amazingly Nick Lidstrom managed to stay even despite the 8 goals scored against the Wings.

FINAL OT		1	2	3	OT	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Washington	1	1	1	1	4	32	J. Theodore
	Boston	1	1	1	0	3	37	T. Thomas
Scoring Summary:
WSH:  Backstrom, N. (Alexander Semin, Mike Green), Ovechkin, A. (Matt Bradley, Milan Jurcina), Fleischmann, T. (Brooks Laich, Tom Poti), Semin, A. (in OT)
BOS:  Hunwick, M. (Marc Savard, Phil Kessel), Kessel, P. (Marc Savard, Matt Hunwick), Chara, Z. (Mike Green, Jeff Schultz)
Attendance: 17,565

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Florida	0	1	1	2	17	C. Anderson
	New Jersey	2	4	1	7	46	M. Brodeur
Scoring Summary:
FLA:  Peltonen, V. (Jassen Cullimore, Radek Dvorak), McCabe, B. (Keith Ballard, Radek Dvorak)
NJD:  Parise, Z. (Jamie Langenbrunner, Paul Martin), Parise, Z. (unassisted), Shanahan, B. (David Clarkson, Brian Rolston), Zajac, T. (Zach Parise, Patrik Elias), Rolston, B. (Brian Gionta, Colin White), Clarkson, D. (Brendan Shanahan, Johnny Oduya), Zubrus, D. (Patrik Elias, Brian Gionta)
Attendance: 16,256

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Anaheim	2	0	2	4	18	J. Giguere
	Dallas	0	2	1	3	33	M. Turco
Scoring Summary:
ANA:  Niedermayer, S. (Andrew Ebbett, Bobby Ryan), Ebbett, A. (Chris Pronger, Bobby Ryan), Perry, C. (Ryan Getzlaf, Drew Miller), Selanne, T. (Andrew Ebbett)
DAL:  Ribeiro, M. (Steve Ott, Darryl Sydor), Niskanen, M. (Mike Ribeiro, Stephane Robidas), Ribeiro, M. (Steve Ott, Jere Lehtinen)
Attendance: 18,171

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	San Jose	0	2	0	2	48	B. Boucher
	Montreal	3	0	0	3	21	J. Halak
Scoring Summary:
SJS:  Pavelski, J. (Milan Michalek, Dan Boyle), Thornton, J. (Patrick Marleau, Christian Ehrhoff)
MTL:  Markov, A. (Tomas Plekanec, Mathieu Schneider), Gorges, J. (Matt D’Agostini, Saku Koivu), Koivu, S. (Andrei Markov)
Attendance: 21,273