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.

Coach Sutter

Jack Johnson

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.

courtesy www.legendssportsbar.com

In the NHL, there are many different ways of doing business to re-build, re-tool, and re-organize your franchise. There is a complete overhaul (this year’s Minnesota Wild), you could choose to spend like drunken sailors (last year’s Tampa Bay Lightning), or you can build from within, relying on specific, key, free agent signings and a solid draft record. Undoubtedly, the Los Angeles Kings have chosen method number three. Let’s look at their chances for success for this coming NHL season.

Forwards

The Kings have what can be described as a delightful mix of old and new. Skilled players who are in the primes of their career, buttressed by older players who can certainly contribute but may have seen their very best days passed already. The third component, young players just beginning to make their mark in their league, round out this triumvirate of success up-front for the Kings.

Specifically, the Kings are led up front by one of the most singularly talented players in the NHL, Anze Kopitar. Supplementing him with the point producing responsibilities, will be seasoned and proven players like Alexander Frolov, Justin Williams, Michal Handzus, Jarret Stoll,  and Sean Avery’s good friend Dustin Brown, he of the stuttering problem that Avery in his typical classy manner found worthy of ridicule while both were teammates. Their key off season addition up front was veteran Ryan Smyth coming over in a trade from Colorado that saw Tom Preissing and Kyle Quincey subtracted from the Kings roster.

Grade of Forwards: B

Defensemen

On the blue line, the Kings continue to emulate their strategy up front with a solid mix of veterans and young players with their best days in front of them. Their main off season addition on the blue line was veteran Rob Scuderi, he formerly of the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Scuderi knows his role well, and will provide veteran leadership, and sandpaper tough defense on the blue line. He won’t be relied upon too much offensively, but will be relied upon as a steadying influence on the other young Kings blueliners. Offensively on the back end, the Kings are led by three talented young defensemen in Drew Doughty, Matt Greene, and Jack Johnson. As three young players with very promising careers still in front of them, the Kings are the envy of the league in talented young defensemen (Remember, the Kings also have Thomas Hickey and Colten Teubert, both first round draft picks, chomping at the bit to get their chance in the NHL.) For this year, the Kings round out their blue line with steady solid veteran Sean O’Donnell and Peter Harrold and Dave Drewiske.

Grade of Defensemen: B+

Goalie

Unto everything positive, must fall a little bit of negativity. We have reached the point of the examination of the Kings roster, where the team’s Achilles heel becomes evident—for this year at least. The Kings do not have a proven NHL goalie. End stop. That’s not to say that the future isn’t bright in the nets for the Kings, as Jonathan Bernier will be given every opportunity to prove he is the Kings goalie of the future, but as often occurs with inexperienced players, the growing pains will be awkward, gangly and pockmarked with zits. If the Kings can get average play from the triumvirate of Bernier, Jonathan Quick and Erik Ersberg, they will be pleased as punch. Unfortunately, when the back end is shaky, it affects the rest of the team in a terribly negative fashion. Just ask this year’s Illegal Curve summer hockey team.

Grade of Goaltenders: D

Overall

The future is bright in Los Angeles. The management of Deam Lombardi has done an admirable job of building a roster in Los Angeles that should be a solid NHL franchise for years to come. The question comes down to this year. Will the young defensemen continue to develop positively. Will the question marks in net surprise everyone and turn into an asset? Will the forwards up front continue to blossom, mature, and produce as is expected? Questions abound in tinsel-town, and until those question marks turn into sure things, the bright future of the Kings, will be just that—the future.

Ceiling: 3^rd in Pacific division, 8^th in the Western Conference.

Floor: 4^th in Pacific Division, 13^th in the Western Conference

The Colorado Avalanche have traded Ryan Smyth to the Los Angeles Kings for defencemen Kyle Quincey, Tom Preissing and a fifth-round pick.

Read the full story here.

After losing out on several big UFA’s this week, the Kings finally make a splash and acquire Captain Canada, who at 33 isn’t getting any younger, but is exactly the type of player this young Kings team needs.  Quincey put up 38 points in his breakout season and was the key piece in this deal for Colorado.

• 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

• 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. 

• 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

• NHL awards show moves to Vegas. 
• St. Louis Blues say forward Keith Tkachuk is OK after injury scare.
• Martin Brodeur is closing in on another record.
• Hockey surviving, barely, on rebuilding Gulf Coast.

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Minnesota	0					NY Islanders	4
	New Jersey	4					Carolina	5
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Hockey Wilderness In Lou We Trust						Lighthouse Hockey Canes Country

FINAL		T				FINAL		T
	Philadelphia	6					Los Angeles	1
	Buffalo	4					Pittsburgh	4
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Broad Street Hockey Die By the Blade						PensBurgh

FINAL		T				FINAL SO		T
	Detroit	6					Edmonton	5
	Atlanta	3					Chicago	4
Game Scoresheet						Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:						Game Threads:
Winging It in Mowtown						Second City Hockey

FINAL		T
	St. Louis	3
	Calgary	2
Game Scoresheet
Game Threads:
St. Louis Game Time  Matchsticks and Gasoline

• 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

• Coming off an oustanding performance against Tampa Bay, Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice is hesitant to change his lineup.  Interesting matchup tonight against NYR, as both teams have been winning since the deadline.
• The Blue Jackets lines from practice today.  The Jackets finally have some nice depth.
• Brian Sutherby is close to inking a two-year contract extension with the Stars.  Obviously the Stars have been impressed with the big checking line centerman.
• Devils lines from practice today.  Wouldn’t want to be the Devils’ next opponent.
• Give credit where credit is due, Dave Staples was right about Jaromir Jagr.  Staples is a reputable source.
• Nathan Horton has broken his finger and will be out of the Panthers lineup for an undisclosed amount of time.  He hasn’t exactly been setting the league on fire, but he’s still one of the team’s best scorers.
• Rich Hammond of the L.A. Daily News interviews Terry Murray.  Focuses on Kopitar’s resurgence.
• Steve Valiquette starts tonight for the Rangers.  The ‘Canes have been scoring like crazy the past couple games, so Valiquette better be ready.
• Rob Blake and Evgeni Nabokov did not accompany the Sharks on their trip to Minnesota. Both don’t seem major.  The post also includes the latest Sharks lines.
• Brent Sutter isn’t surprised that Martin Brodeur had an off-game.  He’s right.

• Ovechkin practices, ready to face Crosby, Penguins.
• Tocchet will return to Tampa with extension.
• Claude Lemieux: Injury Leaves Sharks Thin

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Chicago	0	1	2	3	35	C. Huet
	Boston	1	2	2	5	39	T. Thomas
Scoring Summary:
CHI:  Toews, J. (PPG, Patrick Kane, Cam Barker), Versteeg, K. (Matt Walker, Andrew Ladd), Kane, P. (PPG, Brian Campbell, Jonathan Toews)
BOS:  Recchi, M. (Chuck Kobasew, Patrice Bergeron), Krejci, D. (Andrew Ference, Dennis Wideman), Recchi, M. (Dennis Wideman, Patrice Bergeron), Kessel, P. (Marc Savard, Milan Lucic), Axelsson, P. (EN, unassisted)
Attendance: 17,565

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	New Jersey	0	2	1	3	38	M. Brodeur , K. Weekes
	NY Islanders	3	3	1	7	28	J. MacDonald
Scoring Summary:
NJD:  Gionta, B. (Colin White, Mike Mottau), Langenbrunner, J. (Bryce Salvador, Zach Parise), Elias, P. (PPG, Paul Martin, Bobby Holik)
NYI:  Martinek, R. (Dean McAmmond, Jeff Tambellini), Okposo, K. (PPG, Josh Bailey, Frans Nielsen), Tambellini, J. (Mark Streit, Joe Callahan), Bergenheim, S. (Mike Iggulden, Jack Hillen), Comeau, B. (PPG, Josh Bailey, Andy Hilbert), Bergenheim, S. (Mike Iggulden), Bergenheim, S. (EN, Jack Hillen)
Attendance: 15,524

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Minnesota	2	0	1	3	24	J. Harding , N. Backstrom
	Los Angeles	2	2	0	4	24	J. Quick
Scoring Summary:
MIN:  Nolan, O. (Andrew Brunette, Kim Johnsson), Veilleux, S. (James Sheppard), Belanger, E. (Andrew Brunette, Dan Fritsche)
LAK:  Quincey, K. (unassisted), Calder, K. (Jack Johnson), Kopitar, A. (Michal Handzus, Matt Greene), Purcell, T. (PPG, Alexander Frolov, Kyle Quincey)
Attendance: 18,118

• Congrats to Coach Hitchcock who became just the 13th NHL coach to hit the 500-win plateau. He’s 500-337-122, tying Toe Blake for 12th place on the career list.
• As well, welcome back to Claude Lemieux who got his 1st point (an assist) since an assist on March 9th, 2003 against, you guessed it, the San Jose Sharks.

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Carolina	3	2	1	6	30	C. Ward
	NY Islanders	1	0	1	2	24	J. MacDonald
GOAL SCORERS:
CAR:  Whitney, R. (05:23 in 1st), Cullen, M. (16:15 in 1st), Staal, E. (17:09 in 1st), Staal, E. (15:49 in 2nd), Seidenberg, D. (19:44 in 2nd), Samsonov, S. (09:50 in 3rd)
NYI:  Streit, M. (PPG, 11:48 in 1st), Sim, J. (10:21 in 3rd)

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Buffalo	0	3	0	3	42	R. Miller
	Philadelphia	1	2	3	6	36	M. Biron
GOAL SCORERS:
BUF:  Spacek, J. (03:16 in 2nd), Spacek, J. (PPG, 12:11 in 2nd), Roy, D. (PPG, 19:29 in 2nd)
PHI:  Metropolit, G. (12:42 in 1st), Coburn, B. (08:57 in 2nd), Richards, M. (SHG, 14:03 in 2nd), Knuble, M. (PPG, 13:51 in 3rd), Richards, M. (19:18 in 3rd), Powe, D. (19:50 in 3rd)

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Montreal	0	2	2	4	27	C. Price
	Pittsburgh	1	1	3	5	28	M. Fleury
GOAL SCORERS:
MTL:  Plekanec, T. (06:22 in 2nd), Schneider, M. (PPG, 15:04 in 2nd), Kostitsyn, A. (03:13 in 3rd), Plekanec, T. (06:31 in 3rd)
PIT:  Sykora, P. (10:27 in 1st), Satan, M. (07:25 in 2nd), Malkin, E. (00:29 in 3rd), Talbot, M. (03:00 in 3rd), Gonchar, S. (07:18 in 3rd)

FINAL SO		1	2	3	OT	SO	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Columbus	1	1	1	0	1 (2-2)	4	34	S. Mason
	Toronto	1	2	0	0	0 (1-3)	3	35	J. Pogge
GOAL SCORERS:
CBJ:  Nash, R. (19:59 in 1st), Umberger, R. (11:42 in 2nd), Huselius, K. (01:38 in 3rd), Nash, R. (00:00 in SO)
TOR:  Antropov, N. (PPG, 12:39 in 1st), Mayers, J. (14:09 in 2nd), Antropov, N. (18:03 in 2nd)

FINAL		1	2	3	T	SOG	GOALIES
	Vancouver	3	1	1	5	24	R. Luongo
	Ottawa	0	2	0	2	27	B. Elliot
GOAL SCORERS:
VAN:  Burrows, A. (03:14 in 1st), Sedin, H. (10:49 in 1st), Bieksa, K. (PPG, 15:23 in 1st), Sedin, D. (08:35 in 2nd), Demitra, P. (19:48 in 3rd)
OTT:  Heatley, D. (PPG, 12:37 in 2nd), Fisher, M. (16:18 in 2nd)

FINAL SO		1	2	3	OT	SO	T	SOG	GOALIES
	New Jersey	0	1	1	0	1 (2-2)	3	40	K. Weekes
	Tampa Bay	2	0	0	0	0 (0-3)	2	41	K. Ramo
GOAL SCORERS:
NJD:  Rolston, B. (PPG, 02:16 in 2nd), Parise, Z. (PPG, 01:13 in 3rd), Elias, P. (00:00 in SO)
TBL:  Malone, R. (04:33 in 1st), Malone, R. (12:55 in 1st)