Karl Alzer

Today's word from the team beat writers: The Sharks proved to be too much for the Ducks, and coach Randy Carlyle said "I don't think it was the energy issue. I didn't think we were emotionally involved in the game until later" writes the OCC's Eric Stephens. The Buffalo Sabres Ryan Miller has been dominant for most of the season, but he has been especially lethal against the Leafs. Jackets general manager Scott Howson said it's a maintenance day for captain Rick Nash and defenceman Fedor Tyutin who were not at practice this morning. The injury parade in Detroit continues as they won last night's game over the Bolts 3-0, but lost one part of their dynamic scoring duo, as Henrik Zetterberg will be out for two weeks. The Edmonton Journal's Dave Staples writes about the difficulties for young centers in learning the position especially Sam Gagner and the Oilers' other young struggling centres. Former Montreal Canadiens winger Guillaume Latendresse said the key for the Wild would be to get a two-goal lead because frustrated Habs fans would turn on their own. Rehabbing Brian Gionta skated with Canadiens head athletic therapist Graham Rynbend for at least a half-hour in Brossard this morning before the team's scheduled 11:30 a.m. practice. The New York Rangers appear to have taken coach John Tortorella's message to heart as they beat up cross-town rivals 5-2, although at one point the Islanders did hold a 10-1 advantage in shots. The Pittsburgh Penguins keep doing all the little things correctly, and now just two games into a new and improved power play, it appears that this is working better as well. Tampa Bay Lightning assigns defenseman Lukas Krajicek to AHL Norfolk and removes his $1.475 million off the books. The Toronto Star's Damien Cox hadn't yet published his Thursday Leafs mail bag in time for yesterday's On the Beat, so here it is including questions on; Leafs making playoffs, Luke Schenn being sent down, why the fans in Toronto are so quiet, the poor penalty kill and many other Leaf related items. Looks like Canucks coach Alain Vigneault is going to switch up the lines for the game against the Capitals and it appears that Wellwood is getting back into the lineup. The Capitals roll into Vancouver and local product Karl Alzner is excited to play his first NHL game at GM Place although he continues to focus on playing hockey with a clear mind.

On the Beat: Wings lose Zetterberg, Ryan Miller is a Leaf killer, Latendresse claims crowd is key for success against Montreal.

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