Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The following analysis was taken from the show.

Columbus receives: Jack Johnson, a conditional first round pick

Los Angeles Receives: Jeff Carter

Tale of the tape:

Jack Johnson: age 25, under contract until 2017-18 at a cap hit of $4.35 million per season.

Jeff Carter: age 27, under contract until 2021-22 at a cap hit of $5.27 million per season.

This is a trade that must be looked at through two different perspectives. The first is looking at the trade as a single trade. The second view is to look at it on a whole, meaning, Columbus effectively traded Jakub Voracek and the 8^th overall pick (Sean Couturier).

Off the ice, the reasons for trading Carter were about his contract, and his character, says Illegal Curve Hockey Show analyst Richard Pollock:

“I don’t think Columbus did as badly as I thought they would have, because there was no market for Jeff Carter. It was restricted by the fact he has ten years left on his deal, which restricted him to a couple of teams, and other teams were concerned about his character.”

“The market for him was very small, the fact they were able to get the first round pick, and Jack Johnson, who’s game I have concerns about, but does have potential, was fine work by GM Scott Howson on an evaluation of just this trade. If they can nail the draft pick, they can make it look like an all around good deal.”

“Jeff Carter is a good skater, a good stickhandler, he’s got a terrific shot, he can distribute the puck, but he’s not great at it. He’s good defensively, he can play in all situations, he’s an all around really good player.”

Host of the Illegal Curve Hockey Show Drew Mindell added, “he’s a regular 30 goal scorer, which doesn’t ocme easily.”

Pollock continued on Jack Johnson saying, “he’s as good of a skater as Zach Bogosian, good slapshot, good offensive talent, can join the rush. His hockey sense and defensive awareness leave much to be desired.”

In terms of contracts, Johnson’s is more favourable to Carter’s, as it is for less years and money, he is also younger, and defenseman tend to peak at a later age.

Pollock was not in favour of the deal overall, and would not pick a winner. It was a move of desperation for both teams.

Columbus receives: 2^nd round pick in 2012, conditional 5^th in 2013 and Curtis McElhinney

Phoenix receives: Antoine Vermette (age 29, under contract until 2014-15 at a cap hit of $3.75 million per season)

Off the ice: It is interesting to note that this is a salary dump by Columbus, who is assuredly losing money this season, to the NHL owned Phoenix Coyotes.

Antoine Vermette is a limited player offensively, he skates well, and can handle the puck, but is not a point producer (27 points in 62 games this season). Vermette is a player who is better defensively than offensively.

Columbus is shedding a bad contract, at $3.75 million with three years remaining is a lot for a guy who is not a point producer. The value that they are receiving in this deal is in the 2^nd round pick, as well as the removal of his contract on the salary cap. The Blue Jackets can fill the hole left by Vermette with players such as RJ Umberger, Derick Brassard and the return they get for Rick Nash (assuming he is traded before next season).

Curtis McElhinney is a throw in, a back up goalie who’s been injured all year. He is not the answer for Columbus’ goaltending situation.

From a Phoenix perspective, they are getting a player who fits well into their system. Phoenix loads up on veterans who buy into their boring trap style system. Vermette’s speed can create pressure on the opposition and he can play in all situations. He is a “tweener” a 2^nd or 3^rd line player, and on the Coyotes squad he will play a bigger role. He fits the veteran defensively responsible type player that coach Dave Tippett wants.

This is a good move for both teams.

New Jersey Receives: Marek Zidlicky (age 35, cap hit of $4 million until 2012-13)

Minnesota Receives: Kurtis Foster, Nick Palmieri, Stephane Veilleux, a 2^nd round pick In 2012, a conditional 3^rd round pick in 2013 (if New Jersey makes the conference finals this season or next).

New Jersey is filling a need by getting an offensively talented defenseman who can skate and move the puck. From watching New Jersey this season, it is easy to tell they are missing an offensive defenseman. Players such as Anton Volchenkov, Henrik Tallinder and Bryce Salvador are defensive types who can block shots and hit. They did not have a guy with the ability to lead the power play and move the puck out of the defensive zone well enough.

Zidlicky should have no problem fitting into the dressing room with fellow countrymen Petr Sykora and Patrik Elias. He’s signed for next season at $4 million, which is a lot, but offensive defenseman like Zidlicky don’t grow on trees.

Minnesota was in a situation where they were not playing Zidlicky, and he fell out of favor with Coach Mike Yeo.  They receive ex-Wild Kurtis Foster who’s contract comes off the books next season, he is a big body who can chip in with his point shot.

Stephane Veilleux , also an ex-Wild is 13^th forward and his contract expires after the season.

Nick Palmieri has the potential to be a 3^rd or 4^th line player for Minnesota.

Comparing the deal to the Hal Gill deal, the Predators gave up a 2^nd round pick and Blake Geoffrion for Hal Gill. Because the Foster and Veilleux contracts expire at the end of the season, the Devils gave up Nick Palmieri and a 2^nd round pick. If they do reach the conference finals, they will be happy to relinquish the 3^rd round pick.

This is an even trade for both teams.

Colorado receives: Steve Downie

Tampa Bay receives: 1^st round pick from Detroit.

Detroit receives: Kyle Quincey

While this was two separate trades by Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman, it should be looked at as one move.

The trades Yzerman has made leading up to the deadline show that the former Detroit Red Wing is ascending up the ranks as one of the top GMs in the NHL.  He is aware that his team is not a Stanley Cup Contender this season and is selling off assets in order to build for the future. As of February 26, 2012, Tampa Bay now has six picks in the first two rounds of the 2012 draft.  The net result of this trade is that Tampa Bay receives Detroit’s first round pick in exchange for Steve Downie.

Detroit adds depth to their defense in Kyle Quincey. Quincey who was drafted by Detroit in 2003 is a player who skate well, can move the puck, but isn’t the most physical. He is brought in to play the 3^rd defense pairing with Jonathan Ericsson, which should take some pressure off of rookie Jakub Kindl. He  fits into Detroit’s system,  and will be an RFA after this season so they will be able to retain him.

Colorado receives Steve Downie who gives their team some much added toughness. He’s a player who can get in your face, go to the net, hit, and move around in the lineup. While he doesn’t have great hands, he can provide 10-15 goals and 30-35 points. Ideally, he’s a 3^rd line right winger. Downey will be an RFA after this season.

A reasonable deal for all sides.

Philadelphia receives: Pavel Kubina

Tampa Bay receives: Jon Kalinski, 2^nd round pick in 2012 or 2013, 4^th round pick in 2013.

This is a depth acquisition by Philadelphia, which may not have been completely necessary, but he is a big body who fits in well with the Flyers team.

Steve Yzerman is stockpiling picks and building for the future.

The bottom line: An even deal.

Florida receives: Jerrod Smithson (age 33, under contract until 2012-13 for $800,000)

Nashville receives: 6^th round draft pick in 2012

Jerrod Smithson is a 4^th line centre who is better than incumbent John Madden. He is a depth acquisition, whose skill lies in winning draws, playing a defensively responsible and killing penalties. Smithson won’t be counted on to provide offense.

Nashville is a well run club and if hey are giving away players for 6^th round picks, this means they have no use for Smithson. His $800,000 salary will come off the books for next season, making this a quasi-salary dump. The Predators are looking to make a run for the cup this season, the trade also opens up a roster spot for additional moves.

This isn’t a significant move, that shouldn’t be overrated.

Tune in to TSN 1290 all day on trade deadline Monday for round the clock coverage. Drew Mindell and Richard Pollock of the Illegal Curve Hockey Show will be on from 12pm-4pm breaking down all the trades, as well as previewing the Winnipeg Jets contest against the Edmonton Oilers.

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.

The team just missed out on the playoffs thanks to great play from Pekka Rinne and strong seasons from the likes of Ryan Suter and Shea Weber.

Over the off-season not much changed personnel-wise in Nashville, so should we have expected the Predators’ poor offensive totals to take effect again this season?

The simple answer is: Probably.

After six games this season, the Predators sit 30th in the NHL in goals-per-game with 1.17.  As for the power play, the Predators sit last in power play percentage with an awful 5% success rate.  Admittedly it is still early in the season, but it has to be troubling to Predators fans and Predators bloggers like On the Forecheck and Preds On The Glass that the same trends appear to be continuing.

I know this team passed on the opportunity to acquire Phil Kessel, and I think that was probably a good decision.  However, at some point doesn’t this team have to mortgage at least some of its future to take a stab at doing something other than trying to sneak into eighth spot?

Is that the Predators’ biggest problem? Or is the team’s biggest problem the lack of productivity from the highly paid David Legwand ($5.0 million this season) or Martin Erat ($5.25 million this season) who have combined for one point in twelve games?

David Legwand better pick it up in Nashville. (Picture courtesy of tsn.ca)

I’d lean more towards the latter because in today’s cap age (or the necessary budget restrictions put on the Predators), if your big money players aren’t producing at their expected rates, you’ll never have a chance to make a long playoff run.

The future looks bright for Nashville with Colin Wilson and Jonathan Blum en route to the big leagues, unfortunately fans in the City of Nashville may start getting sick of the future and may want some answers right now.

This season, like many in the Predators’ short history, sees the Predators going up against the odds.  Without as much money to spend as most teams, Poile generally builds from the inside and counts on his prospects to take the team to the next level.  In fact, the one uncharacteristic time Poile decided to load up (he added Forsberg, etc.) it backfired on him.  So, we should expect Poile to stick to his guns for the next couple seasons when he says he wants to see the team’s young talent (Colin Wilson, Chet Pickard, Jonathan Blum and Ryan Ellis) develop into the team’s new core.

Forwards:

The team’s current core is built around Jason Arnott and J.P. Dumont.  Both of these veterans bring more to the table than I believe many people realize.  Arnott is a leader who can win face-offs, go up against the other team’s top players and make room for himself with his size.  Along with Arnott, Dumont has found a home in Nashville (he’s signed for three more seasons at $4.0 million per).  The skilled winger isn’t overly physical, but is a great passer and has very strong puck awareness; however, he will need improve his scoring (only 16 goals last season) to pre-2008/09 levels, as the Predators cannot afford one of their top players underperforming if they want to make the playoffs.

Jason Arnott had 33 goals for the Predators last season. (Picture courtesy of cbc.ca)

After the duo of Arnott and Dumont, the Predators will rely on the injury-prone Steve Sullivan to help carry the offensive load.  When healthy, there is no denying Steve Sullivan’s skills.  Simply, he is a wizard with the puck—easily the best puck handler on the team—and is a threat to breakaway or make a setup pass at all times.  Unfortunately for Nashville fans, Sullivan has a bad back and it is hit or miss whether he will even play half the season, never mind the entire season.

With the team’s top three scorers established, let’s examine the team’s other forwards.  We can start by taking a look at David Legwand.  The big and fast former Plymouth Whalers center never became the player many thought he’d become.  While the skill set is there, his lack of hockey sense has inhibited his ability to become an impact player in the game today.  As it stands, Legwand is a serviceable second line center—but at his price ($5.o million this season), the Predators are paying for more than they are receiving.

Lining up as one of the team’s top wingers is the talented Martin Erat.  Erat mainly flies beneath the radar but has good talent and speed.  He is a bigger player but doesn’t play that big, which sometimes hurts him (I’d like to see him be more aggressive).  That said, he brings a nice scoring touch to the wings and can play with any number of the team’s centers.  Erat’s 17 goal total from 2008/09 was a drop from his 23 goals the season before, so expect him to return to the 20 goal mark in 2009/10.

After Arnott, Dumont, Sullivan, Legwand and Erat the Predators have a scoring gap up front.  Will Michael Santorelli be the answer to the top six questions?  How about Patric Hornqvist?  I’m not sure David Poile & Company know the answer to those questions—so neither do I right now.  Although, it should be noted that the Predators have been floated around as being interested in Phil Kessel and Nikolai Zherdev, at times this summer.

While we don’t know who will fill the Predators’ last spot in the top six, what we do know is that Joel Ward had a breakthrough season for Nashville in 2008/09 and may have turned into the team’s best two-way forward.  Ward can check, score, kill penalties and play on the power play.  He was a terrific find and just the kind (cheap—$1.5 million) that Nashville needs to compete with the big boys.  Word has it Barry Trotz wants him anchoring the third line. 

Along with Ward, the Predators have the rugged Jordin Tootoo in the mix.  Tootoo is a player that can sometimes aggravate fans, but it is fair to say that you’d rather play with the powerhouse than against him.

With the departures of Scott Nichol, Jed Ortmeyer and Radek Bonk, the Predators will miss some ruggedness, penalty killing and a good face-off presence.  To fill the voids left on the depth lines, the Predators are hoping players like Ryan Jones, the recently signed Marcel Goc, Wade Belak, Jerred Smithson and Ben Guite can fill-in admirably. 

Defense:

The Predators may have some holes up front, but they make up for those holes on the back-end.  Nashville boasts arguably the best young trio of defenseman in the NHL.  In Shea Weber, Ryan Suter and Dan Hamhuis, the Predators have a terrific balance of speed, skill and power.

Last season was a huge rebound season for Shea Weber.  Most were expecting a season like he had last year to come a season earlier—in 2007/08—but Weber incurred an early season injury in 07/08 and could never really regain his form.  Fast forward to last season and Weber was dominant.  He posted an impressive 53 points in 81 games, including 9 power play goals (he has arguably a top three NHL slap shot from the point) and finished +1 on a team with many negative players.  Additionally, Weber played over 4:00 minutes per game on the power play and led all Nashville defenseman in that category.

Don't mess with Shea Weber. (Picture courtesy of tsn.ca)

Along with Weber, the Predators have the well-known nephew of former NHLer Gary Suter manning the point.  Ryan Suter played a lot of minutes in all game situations last year.  Coach Trotz counted on him at even strength, on the penalty kill and on the power play.  This is a testament to Suter’s versatility and ability to play a responsible two-way game.

Joining the young duo on the back-end is “veteran” Dan Hamhuis.  The pending unrestricted free agent was second on the team in blocked shots last season (113) and fourth on the team in hits (133).  He focuses mainly on defense and plays a mean stay-at-home style game.  His 22:50 minutes per game ranked third behind Weber and Suter on the Predators.

After the team’s big-name top three, the Predators are going to have to fill the void left by the underrated and underappreciated Greg Zanon.  Zanon played big minutes and was a shot-blocking machine.  Luckily for Nashville, with Weber, Suter and Hamhuis eating up 20+ minutes per game, there aren’t that many minutes to go around.

Nevertheless, the time needs to be filled and, as John Glennon said on the IllegalCurve.com Radio Show, the Predators are hoping Kevin Klein can step up and fill-in for Zanon’s lost minutes.

The bottom two slots on defense may be filled by some of team’s young defense prospects; however, some Nashville fans expect a veteran to be brought in before the season begins—whether it be via trade or waivers.  If that does not happen, the youngsters Alexander Sulzer, Teemu Laakso and Cody Franson may be the favourites for the open spots.  Also, be sure to watch Jonathan Blum. While it is unlikely he’ll jump straight to the NHL out of junior, he will have a chance to prove his worth at training camp and has the skill-set to step up.

Goaltending:

You never know who is going to be starting in net for the Predators year-to-year, but I’ll take my best shot predicting that Pekka Rinne finally ends that unpredictability.  Last season, Rinne seemingly came out of nowhere to be a Calder Trophy Candidate.  His .917 save percentage and seven shutouts made placed him in the upper-echelon of the league in both statistics.  Rinne’s size is a huge asset (no pun intended), as he makes it very difficult for shooters to find any space to aim at.  Further, he is 26 years old, in the prime of his career, and has a chance to play himself on the Finnish OIympic team.

Pekka Rinne became a top NHL netminder last season. (Picture courtesy of canoe.com)

Behind Rinne, is Dan Ellis who was expected to become the team’s number one goaltender last season.  Unfortunately, Ellis struggled in his first real chance at primetime (well, with expectations fully on his back) and Rinne passed right by him.  Having said that, Ellis is still a good netminder, and while he had a poor season, he still posted a .900 save percentage; remember only two years ago he posted an extremely impressive .924 save percentage.

The Predators are well-off in net, especially considering they have Chet Pickard in the system.

Prediction:

Ceiling: The Predators have a fairly injury free season, don’t go through the massive scoring slump they did in 2008/09 and win a lot of one-goal games.  3^rd in Central and 8^th in Conference.

Floor: The Predators cannot find the back of the net on a consistent basis, don’t get above average goaltending and feel the difficult intra division schedule.  5^th in Central and 12^th in Western Conference.

**Salary numbers courtesy of nhlnumbers.com**

Tonight’s guests are John Glennon of the Tennessean and Rutgers University Law Profesor Mark Edelman.

Glennon will be on to discuss the Predators’ off-season, the chances of a number of Predators participating in the Olympics, and what to expect next year in Music City.  To send a question along for Glennon, drop a question/comment in our mailbag and we’ll do our best to get to it.

Edelman will be along to breakdown the American Needle v. NFL case that we spoke about on last week’s show (the 60 minute mark).  He is the expert on this particular case and will be discussing the ramifications of this potential ruling on the NHL and hockey fans around the world.  To send a question along for Edelman, submit it to our mailbag.

To listen to tonight’s show, click here.

To read more about the IllegalCurve.com Radio Show or listen to past shows, click here.

If you want to call into tonight’s show the number is (204) 780-Kick.  Additionally, you can email us in studio at drew@illegalcurve.com.

We hope you tune in.

Sincerely,

The IC Team

Picture courtesy of the Globe & Mail

• Chris Chelios may be playing in the Olympics for Team USA…I am kidding, but he has been suiting up for Team USA to help fill the spot for injured defenseman Paul Martin.  I love that Chelios wants to play hockey at his age and won’t give it up.  Give the guy full credit because this isn’t about the money, it is about the love of the game.
• Andrew Peters thinks his time in Buffalo is close to coming to an end.  He certainly gave his all for the Sabres, but they feel like they have enough players that can play that role if need be.
• Don’t expect Patrick Kane to end up in jail, writes Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald.  The cabbie has sure backed off those original comments, hasn’t he?
• John Glennon talks about David Legwand’s chances of playing at the Olympics for Team USA.  If Legwand is in the lineup for Team USA, I don’t seem them winning a medal.

• Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch previews the Maple Leafs heading into 2009/10.  That group of top-six forwards is going to be really exciting to watch on Hockey Night in Canada every Saturday…
• If silence fuels speculation, then let the speculation begin about the Predators’ interest in Vinny Prospal, explains John Glennon.  He would really be a perfect fit on one of the Preds’ top two lines.  I think this type of deal makes sense for both sides and if I were Poile, I’d press to get it done.

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins (1) versus Carolina Hurricanes (6)

• Bruins attempt to finish the rally tonight.  Net worth in game 7 as goalie‘s are key factors to winning the series.  Claude Julien reiterated yesterday that Marc Savard will be able to play in Game 7 tonight.  As last night’s Illegal Curve Radio show guest and Boston Herald Bruins beat writer Stephen Harris said, when Savard, during Game 6,  came onto the ice to test whatever was ailing him, he didn’t last long.  Stephen then writes about the unique perspective that Andrew Ferrance has to view the B’s erratic performance.
• Are the Canes loaded for bear because they’ve got a big bad Bruin in their sights and if they don’t step it up they are in for a mauling.  Canes coach Paul Maurice said there could be an adjustment on defense and with the lines for Game 7 against the Bruins.  Carolina Hurricanes’ captain Rod Brind’Amour, then (2006) and now, didn’t have to say much to make his impact felt, but when he thought something had to be said, he said it.

Washington Capitals (2) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (4)

• Tarik El-Bashir discusses how the Capitals’ Nemesis took control quickly and closed an otherwise thrilling series with an easy win.  In the end, Crosby was the better player opines Mike Wise.  After last night’s loss, the Caps have nothing but praise for Simeon Varlamov.  What some of the Caps players did to keep their minds off game 7.
• Game 7s, like the one the Penguins and Washington played last night to determine the winner of their second-round playoff series, are always special.  Game 7, the drama, became a comedy or a tragedy depending on your rooting interest with Sidney Crosby as the hero.  The Pens never stopped believing, not after they fell behind two games to none and not after they were beaten at home in Game 6, a 5-4 Capitals victory that necessitated Wednesday night’s Game 7.  With a swipe of his glove, goalie Marc-Andre Fleury sent a message to everyone who doubted his abilities.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (2) versus Anaheim Ducks (8)

• A little nastiness to end Game 6, now Game 7 to decide which team keeps its Stanley Cup dreams alive and which one’s season ends abruptly.  What more can you ask for?  The Wings’ response should be to do what they do, which is show poise and experience and skate the feathers off the Duckies.  As I’ve been saying for quite some time, after an MVP-quality regular season, Pavel Datsyuk has slumped at a bad, bad time for the Red Wings.  Detroit’s most dependable distraction, Tomas Holmstrom, is suddenly nowhere to be found.  There isn’t much to hate about Hiller, except this: he is quite capable of standing on his head (figuratively), winning this series (literally) and ripping the Wings’ hearts out.
• To defeat the Red Wings, Ducks will need to outsmart them, and not rely on passion alone.  Could this be the Ducks’ most impressive playoff series victory. Ever.  The Ducks prepare for game 7 and all that entails.

Chicago Blackhawks (4)

• All the Blackhawks and their fans can do is sit back and watch as the other Western Conference semifinal series plays out to determine who the team will face in the conference finals and then try and figure who they’d rather face.  What do the Blackhawks do with all those hats thrown on the United Center ice?  Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane now understands Denis Savard firing.  GM Dale Tallon talks hockey, golf, pressure.

Teams that are not in the playoffs:

• Predators General Manager David Poile came away from a recent meeting with Alexander Radulov believing the talented Russian forward does want to return to the NHL.
• Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke appeared on Toronto radio station AM 640 on Wednesday afternoon to dismiss rumours he was looking to move up in the NHL Entry Draft by making a deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning.  A serious error has been committed by Sports Illustrated in judging the Maple Leafs ownership to be the worst in the NHL.
• The Monreal Canadiens have signed defencemen P.K. Subban and Andre Benoit, GM Bob Gainey announced on Wednesday.
• They packed their bags, shook hands, and for some Vancouver Canucks, walked out of the dressing room for the last time yesterday.
• Of all of the coaches in Calgary Flames organization — at the National Hockey League level, at the American Hockey League level — only Mike Keenan has another year remaining on his contract.  Yet it’s his future, above all others’, that seems most uncertain.
• While the Avalanche remains without a general manager and intrigue surrounds its head coaching position, the team did manage to sign a couple of top prospects Wednesday to pro contracts.
• Comcast Corp. has no plans to sell its majority ownership stakes in the Sixers and Flyers because of the weak economy.
• The Atlanta Spirit were named one of the five worst owners in the NHL in a recent ranking by Sports Illustrated’s Web site.
• The Sharks are paying the price for their first-round playoff exit. The team, in a packet to season-ticket holders that included a letter from CEO Greg Jamison calling the loss “disappointing and embarrassing,” announced that season-ticket prices will remain the same for 2009-10.
• As soon as Willie Desjardins told his wife, Rhonda, he’d been chosen head coach of Canada’s next junior team, her reply was: “‘Well, we’ll have to win six.”
• India’s women’s field hockey team have cancelled their tour of Canada this month because of fears over the H1N1 influenza outbreak.

The Phoenix situation:

• Hamilton council approves Balsillie lease option for Copps Coliseum.
• Coyotes can’t be sold to Balsillie, Arizona city says.
• The provincial government is doing the old spinarama when it comes to financial help for BlackBerry billionaire Jim Balsillie’s bid to bring the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes to Hamilton.

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**

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

• Apparently Florida fans are happy to see the Kostitsyns reunited.  Now those are twins!!
• Marty Turco is unhappy with his level of play.
• An interesting hockey innovation, Marsh Pegs.  I did not know that.
• Canes beat writer is back on the road.
• Should he stay or should he go?  That is the question many are asking about Darcy Regier.
• Marc-Andre Fleury is a shutout freak, on March 25th.

FINAL		T				FINAL SO		T
	Florida	4					NY Rangers	4
	Philadelphia	2					Atlanta	5
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
The Litter Box Broad Street Hockey						Blueshirt Banter Bird Watchers Anonymous
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL		T				FINAL OT		T
	Calgary	0					Tampa Bay	2
	Columbus	5					Montreal	3
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Matchsticks and Gasoline Light the Lamp						Raw Charge  Eyes on the Prize
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	San Jose	2					Vancouver	2
	Nashville	3					St. Louis	4
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Fear the Fin On the Forecheck						Nucks Misconduct  St. Louis Game Time
Game Recap						Game Recap

FINAL SO		T				FINAL		T
	Los Angeles	1					Edmonton	2
	Dallas	0					Phoenix	3
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Battle of California Defending Big D						Lowetide Five for Howling
Game Recap						Game Recap

• 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

• The Bruins lines from practice today.  Will the Bruins be able to carry some momentum after defeating Ottawa?
• The Sabres feel good about themselves heading into tomorrow’s game versus Atlanta.  If you are a serious playoff contender, you have to beat Atlanta at home.
• Martin Havlat is slated to return to the Hawks lineup tonight versus Columbus.  Will lineup with Bolland and Ladd.
• No Steve Mason for the Jackets tonight.  Wade Dubielewicz gets the start, as the Jackets play four games this week.
• Looks like Jaroslav Halak will start tomorrow for the Habs.  Price was great last night.
• Jason Arnott seems to have a concussion and will sit out Saturday’s game.  He missed last night’s game too, which is a huge loss for a team that can’t score.
• John Tortorella has already benched Nikolai Zherdev.  This certainly wasn’t predictable…

Here is a video I took of the Red Wings powerplay in the 3rd period which ends with Rafalski’s PPG and a roar from the 20,066 fans in attendance. 

My Winnipeg Jets hat was underappreciated except by one hard core hockey fan.  Has it really been that long?  Alas I was unable to start a Go Jets Go chant.  I expected to see a few Wpg jerseys but it appears I was the lone Manitoba resident at the game.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Calgary	1	0	1	2	37	M. Kiprusoff (L) , C. McElhinney
	New Jersey	0	2	1	3	31	M. Brodeur
Scoring Summary:
CGY:  Jokinen, O. (David Moss, Michael Cammalleri), Glencross, C. (PPG, Michael Cammalleri, Dustin Boyd)
NJD:  Langenbrunner, J. (SHG, Colin White, Paul Martin), Rolston, B. (PPG, Niclas Havelid, Brendan Shanahan), Parise, Z. (Jamie Langenbrunner, Travis Zajac)
Attendance: 14,598
Headlines:
Brodeur moves within 2 wins of record. A summary of the game from Calgary Flames.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Buffalo	1	0	1	2	29	P. Lalime (L) , M. Tellqvist
	Philadelphia	1	0	4	5	33	M. Biron
Scoring Summary:
BUF:  Afinogenov, M. (Teppo Numminen), Hecht, J. (Paul Gaustad)
PHI:  Hartnell, S. (PPG, Claude Giroux, Mike Richards), Carter, J. (Joffrey Lupul, Scott Hartnell), Richards, M. (PPG, Kimmo Timonen, Simon Gagne), Carter, J. (Joffrey Lupul, Scott Hartnell), Hartnell, S. (Kimmo Timonen)
Attendance: 19,421
Headlines:
Carter dominate in Flyers victory. A summary of the game from the Flyers. And one from Die By The Blade.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Boston	0	0	0	0	35	T. Thomas
	Columbus	0	0	2	2	34	S. Mason
Scoring Summary:
CBJ:  Torres, R. (PPG, Antoine Vermette, Jason Williams), Nash, R. (EN, Mike Commodore)
Attendance: 16,675
Headlines:
Mason makes 35 saves for 9th shutout. A summary of the game from Puck-rakers. And one from The Bruins Blog.

FINAL OT		1	2	3	OT	T	SOG	GOALIES
	NY Islanders	2	0	0	0	2	30	J. MacDonald
	Toronto	1	0	1	1	3	28	M. Gerber
Scoring Summary:
NYI:  Okposo, K. (Sean Bergenheim, Frans Nielsen), Comeau, B. (Josh Bailey, Mike Iggulden)
TOR:  Stempniak, L. (Jeff Finger, Jason Blake), Ponikarovsky, A. (unassisted), Grabovski, M. (IN OT, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Anton Stralman)
Attendance: 19,041
Headlines:
Grabovski‘s goal drought ends in OT.  A summary of the game from TMLfans. And one from Lighthouse Hockey.

FINAL OT		1	2	3	OT	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Edmonton	0	3	0	0	3	32	D. Roloson
	Montreal	1	1	1	1	4	26	C. Price
Scoring Summary:
EDM:  Cogliano, A. (Steve Staios, Sheldon Souray), Souray, S. (Ales Hemsky, Patrick O’Sullivan), Gagner, S. (Marc Pouliot, Denis Grebeshkov)
MTL:  Tanguay, A. (Mathieu Schneider, Josh Gorges), Metropolit, G. (Mathieu Dandenault), Koivu, S. (Andrei Kostitsyn, Alex Tanguay), Koivu, S. (PPG in OT, Mathieu Schneider, Andrei Markov)
Attendance: 21,273
Headlines:
Habs win Gainey‘s debut.  A summary of the game from the Oilers. And one from Habs Inside/Out.

FINAL SO		1	2	3	OT	SO	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Florida	0	3	0	0	0 (0-2)	3	21	T. Vokoun
	Pittsburgh	1	0	2	0	1 (2-3)	4	50	M. Fleury
Scoring Summary:
FLA:  Boynton, N. (David Booth, Keith Ballard), Kreps, K. (Nick Boynton, Cory Stillman), Ballard, K. (Ville Peltonen, Radek Dvorak)
PIT:  Malkin, E. (Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang), Staal, J. (Matt Cooke, Tyler Kennedy), Crosby, S. (Bill Guerin, Chris Kunitz), Letang, K. (00:00 in SO)
Attendance: 17,132
Headlines:
Penguins rally for seventh straight win.  A summary of the game from PensBurgh.

FINAL OT		1	2	3	OT	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Phoenix	1	0	1	0	2	25	I. Bryzgalov
	Detroit	1	0	1	1	3	43	T. Conklin
Scoring Summary:
PHX:  Hanzal, M. (Brandon Prust, Todd Fedoruk), Doan, S. (PPG, Ed Jovanovski, Steve Reinprecht)
DET:  Filppula, V. (Johan Franzen, Niklas Kronwall), Rafalski, B. (PPG, Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg), Franzen, J. (In OT, Brad Stuart, Valtteri Filppula)
Attendance: 20,066
Headlines:
Franzen ties a career high with his 27th in OT. A summary of the game from Detroitredwingsfansite.

FINAL OT		1	2	3	OT	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Washington	0	1	0	1	2	44	J. Theodore
	Nashville	1	0	0	0	1	28	D. Ellis
Scoring Summary:
WSH:  Backstrom, N. (Alexander Ovechkin, Viktor Kozlov), Fedorov, S. (In OT, Viktor Kozlov, Alexander Semin)
NSH:  Suter, R. (Shea Weber, Martin Erat)
Attendance: 16,064
Headlines:
Ellis 42 saves not enough for Preds.

FINAL OT		1	2	3	OT	T	SOG	GOALIES
	San Jose	2	1	1	1	5	23	B. Boucher
	Minnesota	0	1	3	0	4	29	N. Backstrom
Scoring Summary:
SJS:  Thornton, J. (Travis Moen, Christian Ehrhoff), Moen, T. (SHG, unassisted), Thornton, J. (PPG, unassisted), Michalek, M. (Ryane Clowe, Dan Boyle), Ehrhoff, C. (In OT, unassisted)
MIN:  Olvecky, P. (Cal Clutterbuck, Marc-Andre Bergeron), Bouchard, P. (Kim Johnsson), Nolan, O. (Marek Zidlicky, Mikko Koivu), Nolan, O. (Mikko Koivu)
Attendance: 18,568
Headlines:
Sharks blow 3 goal lead but win in OT. A summary of the game from Hockey Wilderness.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Dallas	0	2	0	2	22	T. Stephan
	St. Louis	3	2	0	5	27	C. Mason
Scoring Summary:
DAL:  Neal, J. (PPG, Mike Modano, Trevor Daley), Ribeiro, M. (unassisted)
STL:  Backes, D. (Alexander Steen, Jay McKee), Perron, D. (Carlo Colaiacovo, Mike Weaver), Winchester, B. (PPG, David Backes, Roman Polak), Perron, D. (T.J. Oshie), Tkachuk, K. (PPG, Brad Boyes, Carlo Colaiacovo)
Attendance: 17,708
Headlines:
Blues continue playoff push.  A summary of the game from St. Louis Game Time. And one from Defending Big D.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Atlanta	0	2	1	3	36	K. Lehtonen
	Colorado	0	0	0	0	35	P. Budaj
Scoring Summary:
ATL:  Bogosian, Z. (Ilya Kovalchuk, Bryan Little), White, T. (PPG, Slava Kozlov, Ilya Kovalchuk), Peverley, R. (EN, unassisted)
Attendance: 13,608
Headlines:
Lehtonen gets 2nd shutout in last 3 games. A summary of the game from Mile High Hockey.

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

FINAL OT		1	2	3	OT	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Toronto	2	0	1	1	4	38	C. Joseph
	Ottawa	0	2	1	0	3	32	B. Elliot
Scoring Summary:
TOR:  Mayers, J. (John Mitchell, Tomas Kaberle), Stapleton, T. (Jason Blake, Dominic Moore), Kubina, P. (Nik Antropov, Mikhail Grabovski), Kubina, P. (Ian White, Matt Stajan)
OTT:  Shannon, R. (Jason Spezza, Dany Heatley), Ruutu, J. (Mike Comrie, Shean Donovan), Alfredsson, D. (Mike Fisher)
Attendance: 20,050

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Buffalo	0	0	0	0	31	P. Lalime
	NY Islanders	0	1	1	2	34	Y. Danis
Scoring Summary:
NYI:  Bergenheim, S. (06:13 in 2nd), Bergenheim, S. (17:58 in 3rd)
Attendance: 14,198

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Colorado	0	1	0	1	24	A. Raycroft
	NY Rangers	4	1	1	6	30	H. Lundqvist
Scoring Summary:
COL:  Smyth, R. (Milan Hejduk, John-Michael Liles)
NYR:  Callahan, R. (Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Drury), Zherdev, N. (Lauri Korpikoski), Prucha, P. (Lauri Korpikoski, Paul Mara), Gomez, S. (Marc Staal, Nikolai Zherdev), Drury, C. (Scott Gomez, Markus Naslund), Naslund, M. (Scott Gomez, Dmitri Kalinin)
Attendance: 18,200

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Carolina	2	0	1	3	35	C. Ward
	Atlanta	0	1	4	5	32	K/ Lehtonen
Scoring Summary:
CAR:  Ruutu, T. (Eric Staal), Samsonov, S. (Jussi Jokinen, Patrick Eaves), Babchuk, A. (Tuomo Ruutu, Eric Staal)
ATL:  Kovalchuk, I. (Todd White), Peverley, R. (Marty Reasoner, Ilya Kovalchuk), White, T. ((Ilya Kovalchuk, Bryan Little), Peverley, R. (Ilya Kovalchuk, Slava Kozlov), Kovalchuk, I. (Ron Hainsey)
Attendance: 17,796

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Detroit	0	0	0	0	30	T. Conklin, C. Osgood
	Nashville	5	1	2	8	23	P. Rinne
Scoring Summary:
NSH:  Koistinen, V. (Shea Weber, Cal O’reilly), Legwand, D. (Jerred Smithson, Joel Ward), Ward, J. (unassisted), Pihlstrom, A. (Jordin Tootoo, Kevin Klein), Arnott, J. (Ville Koistinen, Ryan Jones), Arnott, J. (Steve Sullivan, J.P. Dumont), Weber, S. (Steve Sullivan, J.P. Dumont), Arnott, J. (J.P. Dumont, Steve Sullivan)
Attendance: 17,113

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	St. louis	0	1	2	3	30	C. Mason
	Phoenix	0	0	1	1	27	I. Bryzgalov
Scoring Summary:
STL:  McClement, J. (Alexander Steen), Perron, D. (David Backes, Patrik Berglund), McDonald, A. (Keith Tkachuk, Brad Boyes)
PHX:  Jokinen, O. (Keith Yandle, Peter Mueller)
Attendance: 15,893

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Minnesota	2	0	0	2	45	J. Harding
	Edmonton	1	2	0	3	30	D. Roloson
Scoring Summary:
MIN:  Brunette, A. (PPG, 06:14 in 1st), Miettinen, A. (PPG, 19:25 in 1st)
EDM:  Hemsky, A. (12:47 in 1st), Stortini, Z. (05:03 in 2nd), Gilbert, T. (15:22 in 2nd)
Attendance: 16,839

 Marty Brodeur got a welcome return to the NHL with the 99th shutout of his career.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Anaheim	0	0	0	0	35	J. Giguere , J. Hiller
	Boston	1	4	1	6	27	T. Thomas
Scoring Summary:
BOS:  Hunwick, M. (Blake Wheeler, Michael Ryder), Ryder, M. (David Krejci, Blake Wheeler), Kobasew, C. (Zdeno Chara), Ryder, M. (Tim Thomas), Kobasew, C. (Dennis Wideman, Andrew Ference), Bitz, B. (Andrew Ference, Matt Hunwick)
Attendance:  17,565

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Colorado	0	0	0	0	24	A. Raycroft
	New Jersey	1	1	2	4	32	M. Brodeur
Scoring Summary:
NJD:  Langenbrunner, J. (Travis Zajac, Zach Parise), Elias, P. (Paul Martin, Zach Parise), Parise, Z. (Jamie Langenbrunner, Travis Zajac), Zajac, T. (Paul Martin, Johnny Oduya)
Attendance: 16,107

FINAL SO		1	2	3	OT	SO	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Toronto	1	1	2	0	1 (2-3)	5	33	V. Toskala
	NY Islanders	0	1	3	0	0 (1-3)	4	44	J. MacDonald
Scoring Summary:
TOR:  White, I. (Ian White, Niklas Hagman), Moore, D. (Jason Blake, Jonas Frogren), Kubina, P. (Mikhail Grabovski, Jason Blake), Antropov, N. (Matt Stajan, Ian White), Stapleton, T. (00:00 in SO)
NYI:  McAmmond, D. (Bill Guerin, Jon Sim), Bergenheim, S. (unassisted), Streit, M. (Bruno Gervais), Sim, J. (Mark Streit)
Attendance: 12,201

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Florida	0	0	2	2	22	C. Anderson
	NY Rangers	1	0	0	1	41	H. Lundqvist
Scoring Summary:
FLA:  Booth, D. (Stephen Weiss, Keith Ballard), Horton, N. (Richard Zednik, Bryan McCabe)
NYR:  Naslund, M. (Scott Gomez, Dmitri Kalinin)
Attendance: 18,200

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Atlanta	1	1	1	3	24	K. Lehtonen
	Washington	2	1	1	4	40	M. Neuvirth
Scoring Summary:
ATL:  Kovalchuk, I. (Todd White, Slava Kozlov), Peverley, R. (Niclas Havelid, Tobias Enstrom), White, T. (Ilya Kovalchuk, Marty Reasoner)
WSH:  Semin, A. (Sergei Fedorov, Alexander Ovechkin), Laich, B. (Mike Green, Alexander Semin), Green, M. (Nicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin), Fehr, E. (Shaone Morrisonn, Dave Steckel)
Attendance: 18,277

FINAL SO		1	2	3	OT	SO	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Buffalo	0	1	0	0	0 (0-3)	1	37	P. Lalime
	Carolina	0	0	1	0	1 (1-3)	2	32	C. Ward
Scoring Summary:
BUF:  Kaleta, P. (Clarke MacArthur, Paul Gaustad)
CAR:  Babchuk, A. (Michael Ryan, Eric Staal), Jokinen, J. (in SO)
Attendance: 18,219

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	San Jose	0	2	0	2	24	B. Boucher
	Ottawa	1	0	0	1	24	A. Auld
Scoring Summary:
SJS:  Michalek, M. (Joe Pavelski, Marc-Edouard Vlasicnd), Marleau, P. (Jeremy Roenick, Joe Thornton)
OTT:  Fisher, M. (Chris Campoli, Dany Heatley)
Attendance: 17,791

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Phoenix	0	1	0	1	26	I. Bryzgalov
	Nashville	1	1	2	4	47	P. Rinne
Scoring Summary:
PHX:  Jovanovski, E. (Olli Jokinen, Daniel Carcillo)
NSH:  Sullivan, S. (J.P. Dumont), Arnott, J. (unassisted), Ward, J. (Martin Erat, Dan Hamhuis), Legwand, D. (Joel Ward, Shea Weber)
Attendance: 14,954

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	St. Louis	1	0	2	3	22	C. Mason
	Dallas	1	0	0	1	42	M. Turco
Scoring Summary:
STL:  McClement, J. (unassisted), Oshie, T. (Patrik Berglund), Berglund, P. (David Perron, Barret Jackman)
DAL:  Lehtinen, J. (Mike Ribeiro, Steve Ott)
Attendance: 17,603

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Columbus	0	0	1	1	32	S. Mason
	Edmonton	0	0	0	0	19	D. Roloson
Scoring Summary:
CBJ:  Torres, R. (Jared Boll, Fedor Tyutin)
Attendence: 16,839