Illegal Curve Hockey

Late Night Wrap-Around

Mike Keenan is not worried about Dion Phaneuf’s game changing at all with his bi-weekly paycheck being far higher than ever before. I saw Phaneuf play an exhibition game last week and he brought it. This guy won’t be taking nights off because he has a big contract.
Did Jeff O’Neill come into camp overweight? Considering he took last year off, it wouldn’t be the most surprising news.
Marek Svatos is ready to get back into game action after a long, long hiatus. The Avs could really use a healthy Svatos this season.
The Islanders claimed Thomas Pock off waivers from the Rangers to help replace the injured Chris Campoli and Andy Sutter. Pock isn’t exactly the answer, so the Islanders could be in tough early on.
Sergei Gonchar is out of the Penguins line-up for 4-6 months after undergoing shoulder surgery. Huge loss for the Pens. Sure they have some depth on defense, but no one (aside from Nicklas Lidstrom) can move the puck on the power play like Gonchar and he will be sorely missed.
The Blues will be without defenseman Jeff Woywitka for 4-6 weeks. If the pre-season lasts any longer, the Blues may be starting Paul Kariya on defense to begin the season.
The Lightning traded Nick Tarnasky to the Predators and placed Michel Oullet on waivers. Something had to give with all of the forwards they had under contract.