Central Division
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune has more details on the probable Toews, Kane and Keith contract extensions. Contracts extensions are coming in Chicago, but how is this team going to be kept together?
- “I’m not mad at anybody here. Nothing has changed. It is still my dream to play in the NHL. There’s no reason to think I won’t be back in the NHL,” said Nikita Filatov before leaving the Jackets for Russia. GM Scott Howson expects Filatov to return next season but there is certainly no guarantee that will happen. Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch doesn’t approve of Ken Hitchcock’s decision making concerning Filatov.
- Darren Helm has played very well on the Red Wings’ third line. Chris Osgood has the flut, so Jimmy Howard starts tonight for Detroit against Dallas.
- The Predators got revenge against the Sharks last night, as the team held on to defeat San Jose 4-3. Barry Trotz was fuming last night after the clock manager couldn’t get it right in Nashville and basically gave the Sharks two free timeouts.
- With so many defensemen on the roster, are the Blues looking to make a deal?
Northwest Division
- “I thought we lacked emotion here a little bit,” said Brent Sutter after yesterday’s loss to Colorado. The Flames feel like they could have won last night but for a couple mental lapses. Craig Conroy has decided to change his shoulder pads after twenty seasons. On his Twitter, Adrian Dater reported a shouting match in the Flames dressing room.
- The Avalanche got back to their style of play last night and Craig Anderson was sharp with 34 saves, as they beat Calgary 3-2. Speaking of Anderson, he doesn’t concern himself with all the goaltender contact this season.
- There is no better part of the schedule for the Oilers to turn this ship around, writes Joanne Ireland. In injury news, J.F. Jacques and Ryan Stone are close to returning to the lineup.
- Robbie Earl used to be hated by Gophers fans, but after scoring a couple goals for the Wild, he is now loved in Minnesota.
- A quarter of the way into the season, the Canucks have only been average, writes Jason Botchford.
Pacific Division
- The Ducks are hoping the team’s closed-door meeting in Pittsburgh is the turnaround point of the season. It certainly doesn’t hurt that a homestand is on the horizon.
- Stars coach Marc Crawford is making some line changes which will see Mike Ribeiro and Brenden Morrow playing on different lines.
- The Kings host Philadelphia tonight.
- Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail is not sure anyone wants to buy the Coyotes and keep them in Phoenix. On the ice–well, sort of–Dave Tippett wants his team to stop shooting the puck into the stands.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News recaps the Sharks’ loss at Nashville last night. (Writer’s note: David Pollak will be on the IllegalCurve.com Radio Show Tonight)
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