Central Division
- The Hawks may be looking dominant but the Wings are still the Wings and won’t be taken lightly, writes Chris Kuc. Steve Yzerman had some very complimentary things to say about Jonathan Toews.
- The Blue Jackets lost again last night and that prompted a post-game closed-door meeting. Michael Arace doesn’t believe anything radical needs to be done to the Blue Jackets in order to turn the team around.
- The Wings have played the Hawks once this season, but this will be the team’s first game against Marian Hossa since he left the Wings in the off-season. “This was the first time in a long time I didn’t think we had everybody on deck,” said coach Babcock after yesterday’s loss to Dallas. Check out the Red Wings’ current lines with all the team’s injuries.
- The Predators are hot and no one is stopping them, as the beat Calgary in Calgary yesterday. (Note: AP article)
- There are still Blues players that believe in Andy Murray, writes Jeremy Rutherford.
Northwest Division
- The Flames are pressing right now, explains Jarome Iginla. The statistics seem to be in the Flames’ favor, the results, however, are not.
- The Avalanche took it to the Blue Jackets last night, but under 12, 000 fans were there to watch the surprising Avs. Terry Frei gives us the latest on Joe Sakic’s retirement.
- Bruce Boudreau motivated Alexander Ovechkin after the second period last night against Edmonton and it worked, explains Jim Matheson. “We didn’t quit; we still played hard, but I think they played harder,” said Jeff Deslauriers. Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal has a feature on Ovechkin and his free spirit. Mike Comrie has mono and there is no set return date. In this week’s Hockey World, Jim Matheson talks to Craig MacTavish–who is apparently doing his MBA while working at TSN. In Short Shifts, Matheson explains that Grant Fuhr has an issue with today’s NHL goalies. More Hockey World says that Jaromir Jagr may return to the NHL.
- Not only did the Minnesota Wild have to deal with equipment problems but the team had a number of players go down with the flu too, writes Michael Russo. The Wild trainers are simply amazing. The Wild didn’t get any sympathy from the Senators–and rightfully so.
Pacific Division
- The Ducks made it four wins in six games on Saturday with a nice win over the Coyotes.
- Has Karlis Skrastins become an offensive dynamo? The way Brenden Morrow closed Saturday’s game makes you understand why he is on Team Canada’s radar.
- The Ducks took the Coyotes away from what they usually do yesterday. (Note: AP article)
- Jason Demers is back in the NHL and one of the reasons for that is the way he handled his demotion in the first palce.
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.
