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Monday, December 31, 2007

EURO CURVE

Euro Curve chronicles the latest international hockey news.

Writers Note: Euro Curve's 2008 World Junior Hockey Championship report is back after being absent for two days following the shocking 4-3 victory Sweden handed Team Canada on Saturday afternoon in Pardubice.


- Team Canada advanced to the quarter-finals with a 4-1 victory over lowly Denmark Monday afternoon. Now, this may not be the 10-0 victory that hardcore puckheads wanted, but it was a solid effort coming off the difficult loss to the Swedes. 17-year-old Oshawa Generals forward John Tavares added a goal and assist, and continued to show his array of offensive weaponry. Phoenix Coyotes draft pick Kyle Turris (University of Wisconsin) continued his strong play and has Coach Gretzky smiling. Goaltender Steve Mason played well enough between the pipes, facing only 16 shots, making a strong case to be get the next start between the pipes. Canada will now move on to the medal round to face the surging Yanks.

- Team Sweden beat Czech Republic 4-2 on Monday and finished the tournament with a perfect 4-0-0 record, winning Group A and earning a bye to the semi-finals. Oscar Moller of the WHL's Chilliwack Bruins has been especially impressive.


CANADA WINS SPENGLER CUP

- The game ended only two hours ago, but will still be enjoyed by Canuck fans as it is broadcast on tape-delay on Rogers Sportsnet later this afternoon. Canada beat Salavat Yulaev Ufa 2-1 on goals by Ryan Keller and Kirby Law, taking the tournament for the first time since 2003 and for the 11th time in the tournament's history. Canada won all five of their games, beating international club teams from Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic and Russia.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.

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Friday, December 28, 2007

EURO CURVE

Euro Curve chronicles the latest international hockey news.

Team Canada improved to 2-0-0 at the 2008 World Junior Hockey Championships in Pardubice with a quiet 2-0 victory over Team Slovakia on Thursday morning. It was the other games yesterday however which drew more attention. I discuss those as well as Friday's games in today's World Junior Hockey Championship/Spengler Cup report.

Team Canada will play an explosive Swedish squad tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. ET at the Pardubice Arena, a battle of two unbeaten teams. In the other marquee match-up, the host Czechs will play Slovakia at 10:00 a.m. ET at Pardubice Arena. This game will surely be one of the better games of the round robin tournament.

Other games tomorrow:

Kazakhstan vs. Finland, 10:00 a.m. ET., Tipsport Arena
Russia vs. USA, 2:00 p.m. ET., Tipsport Arena

Yesterday

- The Czech Republic responded from losing their first round-robin game to Canada by whooping lowly Denmark 5-2. 1st round draft picks Michael Frolik (Florida Panthers) and Jakub Voracek (Columbus Blue Jackets) each had impressive outings, not only registering on the scoresheet but by providing much needed leadership and poise for the home team. The Czechs were favoured going into this tournament because of their highly-talented forward corps and these two phenoms gave us a little taste of what they can bring.

- Russia seemed to take Kazakhstan rather lightly, winning 5-4. Alexei Cherepanov (2007 1st round draft pick of the New York Rangers) registered a goal in the game, making his NHL management and agents happy. Ditto for Finland, who needed a shootout to beat Switzerland? Yikes!


Friday

It was a light day at the WJC with only two games, one of which was a laugher. Sweden stomped Team Denmark 10-1. This is the first year that Denmark is in the top group at the World U-20 Junior Hockey Championships.

In the only other game, the United States defeated Switzerland 4-2 at the Tipsport Arena, with Philadelphia Flyers prospect James van Riemsdyk getting the game-winner.

- Team Canada is flying pretty high at the Spengler Cup hockey tournament after defeating HC Davos 6-2 Thursday afternoon. They are now 2-0 and look to stay undefeated when they host Salavat Yulaev Ufa on Saturday in Davos. Canada has meshed very quickly and are playing an extremely intelligent puck possession game. Serge Aubin and Yannick Tremblay played marvelously on Thursday, and are emerging as the co-offensive leaders on a talented Canuck squad.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.

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Thursday, December 27, 2007

FROZEN ASSETS

HO HO HORRIBLE HOMESTANDS AND ROAD WARRIORS


Note: This article was written during the NHL Christmas break.



The holidays are meant to be a time to relax and reflect. That is why there are no NHL games scheduled for the 24th and 25th. We can relax knowing that certain teams we have bet on will put their inevitable tailspin on hold for a few days so we can eat turkey with family and friends. We can reflect on the bets we have made over the first 3 months of the season – the early season caterpillar of optimism that has not yet blossomed into the broken-winged butterfly of despair.


The last two weeks have seen a few of our favorite teams enter their cocoon and emerge with broken wings.


Columbus Blue Jackets:


The High:


After a decisive 3-0 win against St. Louis, I was convinced the Jackets were going to make a run this year. Ken Hitchcock had given the Blue Jackets a calm confidence, the Rick and Nik show was in full effect, and Pascal Leclaire was 7-2-0, leading the NHL with 5 shutouts. “Everyone’s just buying into the system and believing in Hitch’s game plan,” said Rick Nash.


Back to reality:


Now 15-14-6, Columbus is in 11th place, Rick Nash is “injured”, and Ken Hitchcock is going with the hot goaltender (right now it is Fredrik Norrena). Most disappointing has been the Blue Jackets’ play in December, where they are playing 11 out of 14 at home. So far they are 4-4-2 during a time where they needed to grab a firm hold of a playoff spot and hold on during a road heavy January and February.


Analysis:


I once loved the value Columbus provided at +12500 and +10000. Now I am trying desperately to “sell” my shares in Columbus (How I sell shares) at a betting exchange at -9000. Jeff Rimer and Danny Gare, our affair was brief and left a bad taste in my mouth. While Columbus is not out of contention, their path to the playoffs will be a steep uphill battle. Carib has Columbus available at +10000.


Boston Bruins


The High:


After a December 12 road win against the Thrashers, the Bruins were 17-10-3. Even more remarkable was that 19 of their first 30 games were on the road (10-7-2). The Bruins were playing a boring, gritty style of hockey, aided by the emergence of Marc Savard as a two-way forward (sorry Flames fans). They were available at +10000. Hopes were high as Boston began a 5-game homestand.


Back to Reality:


The Bruins finished their homestand 1-3-1, scoring their lone victory over (who else but) Columbus. They are currently 18-14-4 and on a four game losing streak. Two of those losses have come to eternal journeyman Ty Conklin. During this streak Boston has given up an average of four goals per game – not the results one would expect from a hockey club focusing on defense.


Analysis:


It’s not time to panic yet. The Bruins are still fourth in the conference, but in a suddenly tight Eastern Conference four points separate them from the thirteenth place Philadelphia Flyers (wait, weren’t the Flyers just leading the Atlantic?). Betsson is offering odds on the Bruins to win the Stanley Cup at +6000. I am selling my shares in the Bruins at -5000.


Honorable Mention:


Philadelphia Flyers – Sat Oct. 20, 6-1-0, last 6 games, 0-4-2. +3100 at Betfair.


From the ashes of our broken dreams comes a new generation of caterpillars.


Calgary Flames


The Low:


Following a December 6th loss to Pittsburgh, the Flames were 11-13-5, including a mediocre 7-7-2 record at home where they had lost only 9 games in regulation last season. “We know how desperate of a situation we’re in,” lamented Craig Conroy. “We have to get points and we have to get them whenever we can.” Things looked bleak for Calgary as they began a six-game Eastern road trip.


The Streak:


The Flames ran the table on their road trip, including a 9-goal outburst in Tampa Bay. Kristian Huselius had multiple 5 point games and Jarome Iginla is on pace for the best statistical season of his career. Calgary is on a 6-0-2 run and is now 17-13-7, good enough for 7th place in the West, 3 points behind Colorado and Vancouver for the division lead. Most surprisingly, Calgary has scored the fourth most goals in the Conference. One has to wonder if the term “Flamesing it in” (used to describe either the game winning goal in a 2-1 victory or the lone goal in a 2-1 defeat where the puck goes in off a body part or skate of a Flames player) is becoming obsolete.


Analysis:


Before the season I thought it would be unlikely if the Flames were available at odds of over +3000. After their horrible start the odds climbed to over +4000. Now, Calgary has not lost in regulation in 8 games and occupies a playoff spot. Take them at +4000 at Centrebet. Once those odds are gone, they will not climb to above +3000.


Buffalo Sabres


The Low:


Following a 3-2 loss to Ottawa, the Buffalo Sabres were 6-10-1. Ryan Miller was slumping, and the losses of Daniel Briere and Chris Drury were evident as Buffalo was slumping offensively. Lindy Ruff called out Maxim Afinegenov for his inconsistent play, and the Sabres were tied with the Capitals for the worst record in the Conference.


The Streak(s):


After the loss to Ottawa, Buffalo won 5 games in a row (3 over Montreal). Now, Buffalo is on a 6 game winning streak and are 19-14-1, good enough for 6th place in a tight Eastern Conference. The Sabres were successful last year largely because of depth at forward, and this year they have 9 forwards with 15 or more points.


Analysis:


The Sabres are back! Because of their loss to Ottawa in the Conference finals last year it is easy to forget they are one year removed from winning the President’s Trophy. +4000 at Centrebet is an excellent price to get on a team that is 13-4-0 in their last 17 games.


Honorable mention:


Phoenix Coyotes – Nov. 15 (after 6-0 loss to San Jose) 7-10-0. Now 17-16-1 – 4-0-1 in last 5. +25000 at Centrebet.


For illegal curve, I’m Ari Baum-Cohen

About the writer: Ari-Baum Cohen's first sports betting victory came at age 8 when he won his father's office pool. He screamed like a 14 year-old girl at a Justin Timberlake concert when Tampa Bay (had at +3500 to win Cup) and Calgary (had at +15000 to win Cup) made the Stanley Cup finals.


FROZEN ASSETS December 14, 2007
FROZEN ASSETS December 7, 2007
FROZEN ASSETS November 29, 2007
FROZEN ASSETS November 22, 2007
FROZEN ASSETS November 15, 2007
FROZEN ASSETS November 9, 2007
FROZEN ASSETS November 1, 2007
FROZEN ASSETS October 25, 2007
FROZEN ASSETS October 18, 2007
FROZEN ASSETS October, 11, 2007
FROZEN ASSETS October 4, 2007
FROZEN ASSETS September 27, 2007
FROZEN ASSETS September 20, 2007

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Wednesday, December 26, 2007

EURO CURVE

Euro Curve chronicles the latest international hockey news.

As everyone continues to enjoy their holiday season, Illegal Curve provides hockey fans with excellent insight and analysis on the two major international hockey tournaments which take place every December; the 2008 U-20 World Junior Hockey Championships from Pardubice, Czech Republic and the 2008 Spengler Cup Hockey tournament, held in Davos, Switzerland.

- Canada is three-time defending champion at the 2008 World Junior Championships, and won their 19th consecutive game on Wednesday afternoon, defeating the host Czech Republic 3-0, on the strength of two John Tavares goals. The 17-year-old Oshawa General, who isn't draft eligible until 2009, leads a new youth movement for the Crazy Canucks, which also features 2008 draft hopefuls Steven Stamkos and Drew Doughty, two other 17-year-olds who played impressively in their first WJC games respectively.

Canada didn't bring their A-game for the opening contest but played well enough to win. Los Angeles Kings goaltending prospect Jonathan Bernier was the star of the game, stopping 44 shots and earning the goose egg. Canada will play Slovakia tomorrow morning, a team they beat in exhibition play last week.

Other Scores:

Sweden 4 Slovakia 3
USA 5 Kazakhstan 1
Russia 7 Finland 4

Tomorrow's games:

Canada vs. Slovakia, 10 a.m. ET, Pardubice Arena
Kazakhstan vs. Russia, 10 a.m. ET, Tipsport Arena
Czech Republic vs. Denmark, 2 p.m. ET, Pardubice Arena
Finland vs. Switzerland, 2 p.m. ET, Tipsport Arena

- The opening match at the Spengler Cup Tournament was entertaining to say the least, as Canada needed the overtime shootout to beat HC Pardubice 4-3. Dale MacTavish and Captain Serge Aubin had the shootout goals for Team Canada while Curtis Joseph provided superb goaltending, stopping everything in the extra fame. Manitobans Kirby Law and J.P Vigier put Canada ahead 3-2 late in the second period but the Czech Republic squared the contest in the third period on a 5-on-3 man advantage.

In the only other game of the day, Adler Mannheim upset host club HC Davos by a score of 3-2.

Tomorrow's games:

HC Moller Pardubice vs. Salavat Yulaev Ufa, 9:00 a.m. ET.
HC Davos vs. Team Canada, 2:15 p.m. ET.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.



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Monday, December 24, 2007

Happy Holidays!

On behalf of the Illegal Curve team, I would like to wish all our readers a very Happy Holiday season and a Happy New Year. Most of our contributors are on vacation enjoying the holiday season; thus, the site will return to its usual posting schedule on January 3rd, 2008.

All the best,

Richard Pollock

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Friday, December 21, 2007

NHL Morning Papers (Friday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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Thursday, December 20, 2007

FROZEN ASSETS


Frozen Assets will return next week THURSDAY DECEMBER 27th.

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EURO CURVE

Euro Curve chronicles the latest international hockey news.

You won't find pictures of Jessica Simpson here, but you will find Team Canada's roster for the upcoming 2008 Spengler Cup hockey tournament (December 26-31) to be played in Davos, Switzerland. The Spengler Cup is an annual hockey tournament played in Davos, Switzerland which features Canucks playing in Europe (along with others imported from the AHL, ECHL, etc), a club team from Switzerland [HC Davos], Russia [Salavat Yulaev Ufa],Germany [Adler Mannheim], Czech Republic [HC Moeller Pardubice].


Canadian Roster

Coaches: Sean Simpson (head), Dougy Gilmour (assistant), Jim Koleff (assistant)

Goaltenders

Wade Flaherty (Terrace, BC)
Curtis Joseph (Keswick, Ontario)


Defensemen

Andre Benoit (St.Albert, Ontario)
Mark Giordano (Toronto,Ontario)
Shawn Heins (Eganville, Ontario)
Curtis Murphy (Kerrobert, Saskatchewan)
Mike Siklenka (Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan)
Danny Syvret (Milgrove, Ontario)
Yannick Tremblay (Pointe-aux-Trembles, Quebec)

Forwards

Ramzi Abid (Montreal, Quebec)
Serge Aubin (Val-d'Or, Quebec)
Hnat Domenichelli (Edmonton, Alberta)
Simon Gamache (Thetford Mines, Quebec)
Travis Green (Castlegar, British Columbia)
Kirby Law (McCreary, Manitoba)
Dale McTavish (Eganville, Ontario)
Marty Murray (Deloraine,Manitoba)
Domenic Pittis (Calgary, Alberta)
Yves Sarault (Valleyfield, Quebec)
Jeff Toms (Swift Current, Saskatchewan)
J.P Vigier (Notre Dame de Lourde, Manitoba)


Expert Analysis: This team is experienced in goal with Joseph and Flaherty, solid on the bluelines with the likes of Tremblay, Heins, Giordano and Syvret and packed with Euro and Spengler experience at the forward positions with Domenichelli, Pittis, Aubin and Murray.
Look for Canada to be in heavy contention for the Cup this year.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.



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NHL Morning Papers (Thursday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock. (Illegal Curve's Adam Gutkin contributed the Western Conference papers this morning.)

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Wednesday, December 19, 2007

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. In other suspension news, Hurricanes forward Craig Adams has received a 2-game break for hitting Alex Steen on the head with his stick.
2. No links available yet, but Minnesota radio stations are reporting that Kyle Okposo will leave the Gophers and join the Islanders following the World Junior tournament. Link now available.
3. Todd Bertuzzi felt like he was "expected" to fight the night he injured Steve Moore.
4. A look around the SJHL, with a focus on the Weyburn Red Wings.
5. Spector lays out the recent trade rumours.
6. A Q and A with IIHF President Rene Fasel.
7. Mike Brophy thinks (wishes?) that the NHL will never abandon the Instigator Rule.
8. Blogger David Staples offers up some good reading. Its Oiler heaving, but interesting all the same.
9. Canada's women's team has invited 21 chicks to its tryout camp.
10. Sean Avery paints his nails black and may be involved with Mary-Kate Olson.
11. A tourney that could only happen in Toronto, with players divided up by race in the name of multi-culturalism.
12. SI writer Alan Muir is taking the new Euro Super-league seriously.
13. Peter Schaefer is happy to be in Boston, and Milan Lucic has earned the nickname Gino.
14. The NHL continues its slide back to a clutch and grab league.
15. A collection of some funny (and some really stupid) hockey stories. (H/T Kukla)
16. Wednesday's Water Cooler Notes.
17. Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau uses movies to motivate his players.
18. Winkler Flyers forward Jared MacIntosh is now a published author.
19. An interesting look at the Asian Ice Hockey League.
20. A story on Trevor Smith of the Utah Grizzlies.
21. Fanhouse reacts to the Mike Brophy article on the Instigator Rule.
22. The NHL's Hot List.
23. A look at 10 Players exceeding expectations this season.
24. A profile on Lyon Messier of the Lincoln Stars.
25. Bruins rookie Vladamir Sobotka is getting noticed for his feistiness.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior.

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NHL Morning Papers (Wednesday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Life in Pro Hockey with Rob Schremp (Third Entry)

Note: Periodically throughout the season, Oilers' prospect and current Springfield Falcons' winger Rob Schremp will provide Illegal Curve readers with a unique insight into the world of professional hockey.

For Rob's third entry, he agreed to another quick Q & A about his season thus far.

Here is the interview:

Illegal Curve: Hey Rob. The first thing we wanted to ask you is how have you enjoyed the move to Left Wing?

Rob: I have adjusted to playing the wing pretty well. It was hard at first because you always want to creep down in your own zone and help your teammates out but the key is to keep your own coverage because if you don't everything gets all messed up.

Illegal Curve: You are currently in the Top 10 in AHL scoring; as a result, have you set winning the AHL scoring championship as one of your end of season goals?

Rob: It is something that I would like to achieve and it is a goal that is well within my reach. I just need to stay consistent every night if I am going to stay up there with players like Marty St. Pierre and Teddy Purcell.

Illegal Curve: It is said that every young player needs to work on their defensive game and we at Illegal Curve were wondering what adjustments have you made to your defensive game over the course of the season?

Rob: Nothing too big really. I just try to keep my focus on communicating and making sure I take care of my responsibilities before I try to help out in other areas.

Illegal Curve: With a call up only a phone call away, do you consistently keep an eye on the Oilers during the course of the season?

Rob: My roomate Danny Syvret and I watch a lot of games on the Center Ice package; which is pretty good seeing as how they rarely show NHL games on regular cable in the U.S. I do keep an eye on the Oilers just to see who is hurt or if there is a possibility of a call up. Also, I like to watch my buddies like Gilby (Tom Gilbert) and Nilsson (Robert Nilsson).

Illegal Curve: With the aforementioned possibility of a call up, do you have any kind of timeline for when you expect to be called up to the NHL?

Rob: No because you can never really know when, or if, you are going to get called up. If I were to set a timeline for myself, I think it would be more of a distraction than anything. I'd probably be thinking about it all the time; instead, I just focus on taking care of what I need to do here in Springfield.

Illegal Curve: Finally, for something a little fun. If you could pick two linemates from your hockey career, past or present, who would they be and why?

Rob: That is a tough question. I'd have to say Robert Nilsson just because of the chemistry we had together last season in Wilkes-Barre. I would have to pick two other ones and they would be Drew Larman and Dan Fritsche who were both my linemates in London (OHL) the season we won the Memorial Cup.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

(www.illegalcurve@gmail.com)

Rob's Second Entry.
Rob's First Entry.

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News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Steven Stamkos has topped the ISS mid-season rankings.
2. The family of Keith Magnuson has asked a judge to spare Rob Ramage a prison sentence.
3. Todd Bertuzzi's testimony is about to become public, likely this afternoon.
4. Ken Holland and Larry Pleau have been named honorary captains for the AHL All-Star Game.
5. Shawn "Scorcoff" Horcoff's new approach to the game is paying dividends.
6. The Vancouver Giants are finding ways to win, despite losing all 5 of their top scorers from last year.
7. Alex Steen doesn't mind comparisons to his father.
8. Thomas McCollum has gone from dud to stud for the Guelph Storm.
9. INCH's weekly power rankings.
10. Pierre Lebrun writes that the transfer agreement problems are a more pressing concern for the NHL than the proposed new Euro Super League.
11. Larry Brooks has some ideas for making suspensions hurt.
12. Taking Note gives us the CHL Power Rankings.
13. An interesting look at scouting by Mike Smith, courtesy of his blog.
14. Stan Fischler tells us that Chris Osgood would like to be a bullpen catcher with the Tigers after he finishes his playing career.
15. Kukla's Korner looks at the NHL's top play by play men.
16. Luca Cunti's career in college hockey looks to be over. Watch for him to join the USHL's Chicago Steel.
17. Ken Campbell of the Hockey News looks at clutch players.
18. Fanhouse thinks that the ECHL is a good factory for goons and grinders.
19. Craig MacTavish has the luxury of having two hot goalies.
20. The Flames Eric Nystrom has grabbed hold of a roster spot and doesn't want to let it go.
21. The Maple Leafs have recalled Jiri Tlusty.
22. Morris Dalla Costa looks at Canada's Under-17 team.
23. Bob Probert got a little surprise when he showed up to film a cameo in an upcoming movie.
24. John Paddock hearts Zdeno Chara.
25. The Hockey News profiles the hot prospects.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior.

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EURO CURVE

Euro Curve chronicles the latest international hockey news.

Writers Note: Euro Curve has been appearing sporadically as of late on www.illegalcurve.com, as I have been enjoying my vacation, which has consisted of me youtubing 1990's WWF home videos. Don't fret Euro Curve readers ( Kyle and a passionate fan from Iceland), a busy December schedule will keep my keyboard busy. With the upcoming 2008 World Junior Hockey Championships, the 2008 Spengler Cup, and rumblings of a Russian Super Super? League, please stay tuned to the hottest column in the blogosphere.

- Pierre Lebrun of the Globe and Mail writes about the IIHF/NHL transfer agreement, and the potential new league in Russia.

- Russia won the Channel One Cup on Sunday, part of the European Hockey tour, defeating the Czech Republic 5-1. Russia also won the Karjala Cup, the first tournament of the Euro hockey season. Russian won all three of their games, and only surrendered two goals, while scoring 11. Fedor Fedorov, Sergei's younger brother, scored twice in the final game.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.
(ezra.ginsburg@gmail.com)

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NHL Morning Papers (Tuesday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Ballhype: hype it up!