Illegal Curve Hockey

NHL Morning Papers (Friday Edition): Brandon Dubinsky apparently lowers asking price, Theoren Fleury is the star of the night and is a three-way deal in the cards for Kessel?

Saku Koivu admitted he was nervous to pull on a different jersey for the first time last night.
Koivu’s teammates love the fact that he fits into the locker room so well, writes Curtis Zupke.
Thrashers coach John Anderson has confidence in Rich Peverley, writes Chris Vivlamore.
Kevin Paul Dupont speculates that a Phil Kessel deal is imminent, but it may be a mini three-way deal that gets it done.

Could Brandon Dubinsky be the key to a Phil Kessel deal? (Picture courtesy of sportsnet.ca)

Bruins defender Marc Stuart worked on his puck skills during the off-season to augment his defensive game.
Theoren Fleury scored the shootout winner last night in Calgary, as coach Brent Sutter says it was unanimous on the bench in terms of the players wanting Fleury to shoot.
Flames defender Anton Stralman was happy with the praise he received from coach Brent Sutter.
Nigel Dawes would love to consistently play with Daymond Langkow, but knows lots of other Flames want a spot in the top-six as well.
Paul Maurice thinks this year’s version of the Hurricanes defense is the best group the team has ever had.
Avalanche coach Joe Sacco was impressed with youngster Ryan Stoa’s poise with the puck.
Adam Foote understands what his role as captain of the Avalanche will be this season, writes Adrian Dater.
Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock wants Kris Russell to stay confident in himself.
The Dallas Stars are getting more comfortable with Marc Crawford’s system day-by-day.
Henrik Zetterberg is excited to center a line with newcomer Todd Bertuzzi and Daniel Cleary in the pre-season.
Tomas Holmstrom is hoping that he’ll be fully healthy for the entire regular season.
Ales Hemsky wants the Oilers brass to keep Jordan Eberle around for the regular season.

Ales Hemsky wants the Oilers to keep Jordan Eberle around. (Picture courtesy of sportsnetwork.com)

Gilbert Brule is really happy that Pat Quinn is the new coach of the Oilers because Quinn knows Brule’s strengths.
All the young Oilers feel like they have something to prove, writes Joanne Ireland.
Lubomir Visnovsky may not get into the Oilers lineup until next week.
Nikolai Khabibulin makes his Edmonton Oilers debut tonight.
George Richards writes about Jacques Martin’s switch from GM of the Florida Panthers to head coach of the Montreal Canadiens.
After basically missing the entire 2008/09 season with a knee injury, Bryan Allen finally got back into game action last night.
As David mentioned last night, the Wild has yet to name a new captain but Todd Richards has made it clear there will be no rotating captain this season.
It appears the Wild’s long sellout streak may be in jeopardy this season, explains Michael Russo.
Predators coach Barry Trotz was impressed by the play of young defenseman Teemu Laakso last night.
Laakso was not alone, as youngster Colin Wilson posted a goal and two assists last night.
Most Devils do not have a problem with the team’s short pre-season schedule this year.
Lou Lamoriello is not looking outside the organization to replace the injured Patrik Elias to start the season.
Cory Murphy is taking Jacques Lemaire’s challenge to heart, as he knows he needs to produce offense to make the team.
The Rangers have some decisions to make in terms of which young defensemen will make the squad this season.
Brandon Dubinsky has apparently lowered his asking price, writes Larry Brooks.

Brandon Dubinsky has apparently dropped his asking price, but the Rangers do not appear to be biting. (Picture courtesy of sportsnet.ca)

The Rangers cannot afford bad seasons from Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival, writes Brooks.
There is no panic in Ottawa, but coach Cory Clouston would like to see some even strength goals.
Yesterday Milan Michalek lined up beside Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson.
Jared Cowen plays his first pre-season NHL game tonight for the Senators.
The Flyers would love for Chris Pronger and Matt Carle to form the top defense duo in Philadelphia this season.
Danny Syvret is hoping to crack the Flyers’ back-end.
New acquisition Lauri Korpikoski is getting a chance to play on the second line in Phoenix.
Ryan Bayda is trying out for the Penguins, but from his past experience, he knows nothing will be given to him.
Dan Hinote did not exactly endear himself to Sharks coach Todd McLellan when he took a late game penalty that led to the Kings tying the game.
Blues young defenseman Alex Pietrangelo has seemed more comfortable in this year’s training camp than last season.
Vincent Lecavalier wants to know who will be joining himself and Alex Tanguay to play right wing on their line.
Mike Smith is looking forward to his first game action since January tonight.
Nazem Kadri was ecstatic to score his first NHL exhibition goal in his old CHL home arena.
Brian Burke must have been happy to see the team’s newfound toughness last night.
The Leafs’ acquisition on defense have seemed to give Tomas Kaberle more confidence.
Roberto Luongo was in mid-season form last night in Anaheim.
Brooks Laich has become a fan favorite and a leader in Washington.
Newcomer Mike Knuble scored his first goal as a Capital last night, as Washington prevailed in their pre-season opener.