tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61035146722676739692024-03-02T11:29:00.935-06:00Illegal CurveIllegal Curve surfs the web for hockey news for you the reader. Each morning we post articles from over 45 North American newspapers and continue to update with hockey news throughout the day. Our goal is to be the most efficient hockey resource on the web.Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.comBlogger1841125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-30078622414449986342009-06-17T09:47:00.004-05:002009-06-17T09:50:38.704-05:00Of note to readers<p><span style="font-size:130%;">While we're getting the new server going for the new site, you can always <a href="http://www.partybets.com/">bet online</a>.<br />It's a fantastic way to use your hockey knowledge to pass the time, not to mention make a little extra cash. It's almost as entertaining as a great hockey game...almost.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Give it a shot.</span></p>Rockyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06726823420213667513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-44377406288784310612008-07-28T09:00:00.000-05:002008-07-28T09:13:28.901-05:00WE'VE MOVED!!!<span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thank you to everyone who has supported us at the blogspot address. Illegal Curve has moved to to a new address. Please update your bookmarks and rss feeds accordingly.<br /><br />Our new address is </span><a href="http://www.illegalcurve.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.illegalcurve.com/</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">We have a redesigned our site to better serve all of our readers.<br /><br />Thank you again for your support and we hope to see all of you at our new location.</span></span>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-85965415543267639832008-07-28T08:36:00.003-05:002008-07-28T09:12:19.074-05:00Having technical difficulties<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Hi everyone,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">We are currently having some server issues with our new site that we hope to have ironed out within the next hour or so. Once we fix this problem, the new site will be up and runnning.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Sorry for the delay.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">We appreciate your patience,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Richard</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Update: Our new site is now up and running.</span></strong>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-54254424065562872202008-07-26T13:24:00.001-05:002008-07-26T13:25:45.560-05:00Lack of posts<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Just wanted to let everyone know that the reason for the lack of posts is because we are working feverishly to have the new site ready for Monday morning. </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Thanks,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Richard</span>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-74898403484327564472008-07-26T08:50:00.001-05:002008-07-26T08:52:48.544-05:00Regier happy for Cunneyworth<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From John Vogl of the Buffalo News:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Cunneyworth, who has coached the Sabres’ AHL team in Rochester for the past eight seasons, was hired as an assistant coach by the Atlanta Thrashers. Cunneyworth joins the staff of new Thrashers head man John Anderson.<br /><br />“I’m very happy for him,” Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said Friday. “It’s well-deserved, and he’ll do a terrific job.”<br /></span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire article </span><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabresnhl/story/400220.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Cunneyworth paid his dues in the AHL and will be a good addition to the Thrashers bench. Eventually, the former NHL forward should become a solid NHL head coach.</span></em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-70802791895193105202008-07-26T08:40:00.003-05:002008-07-26T08:44:27.289-05:00Pierre-Marc Bouchard signs five-year deal<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Pierre-Marc Bouchard and the Wild avoided a Monday arbitration hearing when<br />Bouchard agreed to a five-year, $20.4 million contract minutes before midnight<br />tonight. Thank goodness my hangout of choice is right across the street from my home. Although, I think I did re-break my foot hobbling back to write a frantic story.<br /><br />The $20.4 million is $600,000 smaller than Nick Schultz’s six-year package, which was the largest sum of money in one contract. Of course, next up is Marian Gaborik, and if the Wild can get him inked, that $21 million with be shattered.<br /></span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire post from Russo's Rants </span><a href="http://ww3.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/2008/07/25/bouchard-re-signed/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Nice work by the Wild. There were rumors that Bouchard would sign a one-year deal and be shopped by the club, but in the end, both sides came to a reasonable agreement. Bouchard has to be happy he has a long-term deal at fair dollars and the Wild has to be happy that it has maintained arguably its second most talented offensive player for the next half-decade.</span></em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-7039129090451982402008-07-25T17:10:00.003-05:002008-07-25T17:15:40.084-05:00A couple small signings<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From TSN:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The Nashville Predators signed center </span><a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=6005"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Rich Peverley</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> to a two-year contract and goaltender </span><a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=4905"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Pekka Rinne</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> to a one-year contract extension, the team announced Friday.</span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire article </span><a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=244373&lid=sublink03&lpos=headlines_nhl"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From TSN:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The New York Islanders have added to their defence corp by signing defenceman </span><a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=3529"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Bruno Gervais</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> to a three-year, US$2.2225-million contract on Friday.</span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire article </span><a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=244365&lid=sublink06&lpos=headlines_nhl"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From TSN:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The Montreal Canadiens have announced the signing of centreman </span><a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=2131"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Yanick Lehoux</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> to a one-year contract.</span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire article </span><a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=244389&lid=sublink04&lpos=headlines_nhl"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Just some smaller signings to pass along.</span> </em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-90614289974861426372008-07-25T17:07:00.003-05:002008-07-25T17:09:52.708-05:00Brylin has agreed to terms with KHL team<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Sergei Brylin, the classy three-time Stanley Cup champion, returned to New Jersey today to pick up his personal effects before heading to Russia to sign a three-year contract with St. Petersburg of the Continental League.<br /><br />"I haven't technically signed," Brylin told me, "but we've agreed to terms. I've heard good things about the team. Igor Larionov will be involved with the team. Maybe it's a change I needed. Being here for so long, I wouldn't say it puts you to sleep, but I got used to things. This will shake things up."<br /></span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire article </span><a href="http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2008/07/brylin_says_goodbye_to_new_jer.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Brylin was an important part of all three Stanley Cup championship teams and was really one of the more underrated players in the NHL during his entire career.</span> </em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-67169725626344065602008-07-25T15:35:00.003-05:002008-07-25T17:05:44.956-05:00Alexei Zhitnik Signs with Moscow Dynamo<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">A Russian source is reporting that former Atlanta Thrasher </span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman" href="http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fsport.gazeta.ru%2Fsport%2F2008%2F07%2Fa_2793200.shtml&hl=en&ie=UTF8&sl=ru&tl=en"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Alexei Zhitnik</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> has signed with Moscow Dynamo of the KHL.<br /><br /></span><h2 class="article" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span onmouseover="_tipon(this)" onmouseout="_tipoff()" style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><blockquote>On Friday, leaders of HK "Dinamo" (Moscow) signed a "trial" contract with the famous defender Alexei Zhitnikom, speaking for many years in NHL.</blockquote></span></h2><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Check the article out, even just to see the hilarious translation.</span>kanadienkylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594634704914681549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-23139886500726683432008-07-25T13:45:00.002-05:002008-07-25T13:47:49.696-05:00Svatos re-signs with Avalanche<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From TSN:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The Colorado Avalanche announced the signing of forward </span><a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=2398"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Marek Svatos</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> to a two-year contract, thereby avoiding arbitration.<br /><br />"</span><a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=2398"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Marek Svatos</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> has been a key ingredient to our success the last few years," said<br />Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Francois Giguere in a statement. "He's scored many big goals for this club and we expect him to be a strong force for us again this season."<br /></span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire article </span><a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=244366&lid=sublink03&lpos=headlines_main"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Svatos, when healthy, is a very effective scoring winger. He will be an integral part of the Avalanche's youth movement moving forward and it was a good decision for the Avs to avoid going to arbitration with him.</span></em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-85588686999449953102008-07-25T10:25:00.002-05:002008-07-25T10:28:10.256-05:00TSN looking to replace Mibury<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From William Houston of the Globe & Mail:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">TSN may be looking at Ray Ferraro, formerly of NBC and Sportsnet, as well as former NHL coach Marc Crawford and retired defenceman Larry Murphy as potential hockey analysts. </span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read more from Houston </span><a href="http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080724.wspttruth24/GSStory/GlobeSportsOther/home"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">All solid replacements, however, I'd give the nod to chicken-parm Ray Ferraro.</span> </em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-15905365883348663992008-07-25T10:12:00.002-05:002008-07-25T10:14:54.036-05:00Oilers defense pairing for next season<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From Dave Staples of the Cult of Hockey:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Charlie Huddy told </span><a href="http://www.630ched.com/Channels/Reg/InsideSports/Story.aspx?ID=1017823" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Dan Tencer</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> of 630 CHED that the Oilers plan to go with Smid<br />paired up with Denis Grebeshkov to start, also Lubomir Visnovsky and Tom<br />Gilbert, as well as Steve Staios and Sheldon Souray. </span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire post </span><a href="http://communities.canada.com/edmontonjournal/blogs/hockey/archive/2008/07/24/pure.aspx"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Looks like a pretty solid top six to me.</span></em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-24675537380156608522008-07-25T10:04:00.002-05:002008-07-25T10:08:55.433-05:00Michel Therrien's contract extension is a nice change<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">That's why it was so refreshing to see Therrien get a big new contract last week. A year ago, after he had led the Penguins to a 47-point improvement and their first playoff spot in six years, general manager Ray Shero gave him just a one-year extension. This time, after the team made it to the Cup final, Shero tore up the one year remaining on Therrien's contract and gave him three years at around $1 million per season.<br /><br />Now, finally, the odds are on Therrien's side. He's still not a lock to get through the next two seasons; there will be extraordinary pressure on him and the team considering the expectations the run to the Cup final generated. But at least he has a shot because of the commitment from management.<br /></span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire article </span><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08207/899447-61.stm?cmpid=penguins.xml"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I agree with Cook. With NHL coaches having such a short shelf-life, it was nice to see Therrien get rewarded for two great seasons as the Penguins' head coach.</span></em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-73384543240282368612008-07-25T10:00:00.002-05:002008-07-25T10:04:01.230-05:00Tortorella to interview with Islanders on Sunday<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From Greg Logan of Newsday:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The big ticket on the carousel of coaching candidates that </span><a class="taxInlineTagLink" id="PESPT006873" title="Garth Snow" href="http://www.newsday.com/topic/sports/garth-snow-PESPT006873.topic"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Garth Snow</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> is running this summer belongs to former Tampa Bay coach John Tortorella, who is scheduled to meet with the Islanders' general manager on Sunday.<br /><br />Because he stands to collect $1.3 million for the remaining year of his Lightning contract, Tortorella can well afford to be choosy about his next job. That salary is slightly more than twice as much as former Isles coach </span><a class="taxInlineTagLink" id="NY050920088547" title="Ted Nolan" href="http://www.newsday.com/topic/sports/ice-hockey/ted-nolan-NY050920088547.topic"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Ted Nolan</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> was believed to be making, but that's what a 2004 Stanley Cup victory will get you. The Lightning's obligation to Tortorella would be offset by whatever salary he makes in a new job this season.<br /></span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire article </span><a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spisles255776740jul25,0,7583945.story?track=rss"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Tortorella is certainly a qualified candidate to take over for the Islanders. He is an in-your-face coach who prefers to play an up-tempo, aggressive forechecking game, that makes watching the game exciting for fans. His passion and demand for accountability may be just what the organization needs as it tries to turn around its fortunes and rebuild for the future.</span></em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-57898529653435864632008-07-25T09:55:00.003-05:002008-07-25T09:58:54.853-05:00Blue Jackets sign Mike York<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The Blue Jackets have signed veteran NHL center Mike York to a one-year contract, The Dispatch has learned.<br /><br />It's a two-way contract that will pay York $750,000 with the Blue Jackets and $100,000 with the minor-league Syracuse Crunch.<br /></span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire article </span><a href="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2008/07/25/cbjsign.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">York used to be a useful player early in the 2000's but over the past few seasons he has been extremely ineffective. Columbus GM Scott Howson knows him from his days in Edmonton and probably figures he is worth the low risk two-way contract.</span></em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-16478381036491376442008-07-25T09:21:00.002-05:002008-07-25T09:23:32.392-05:00Regina Pats Name Dale Derkatch New Head Coach<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The Regina Pats have replaced the departed Curtis Hunt with former player </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=ccab13b9-a8cb-46ff-b5e7-8940dc7dbd2b"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dale Derkatch</span></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">.</span><br /><br /></span><p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><blockquote><p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">As the Pats' head coach, Derkatch hopes to employ a formula similar to the one that worked so well in Wilcox.</span></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">"I want to be the highest-scoring team, I want to be the lowest goals-against, and we want to be third or fourth in the league in penalty minutes,'' Derkatch, 43, said during a media conference at the Brandt Centre.</span></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">"Now, people are thinking I'm crazy, saying, 'Why do you want to be third or fourth in the league (in penalty minutes)?' Because I want guys to play hard and I don't want them to be scared when they play hard that if they take a penalty, I'm going to be upset with them. I'm not upset with them. They're going to take penalties for playing hard.''</span></p></blockquote><p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">Any coach that wants to lead the league in goals and be near the top in penalty minutes is alright with me.</span></span>kanadienkylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594634704914681549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-48390360687322124002008-07-25T08:59:00.003-05:002008-07-25T09:02:52.862-05:00Erik Cole Arrives in Edmonton<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Winger </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://forums.edmontonoilers.com/index.php?automodule=blog&blogid=2&showentry=14"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Erik Cole</span></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">, recently acquired from Carolina, arrived in Edmonton yesterday with his wife, and is saying the right things.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-family: times new roman;">It's a brief trip, but a busy one as Erik Cole hits Edmonton for the first time since becoming a member of the Oilers. He has been here before, of course, as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2006 Stanley Cup Final; he most vividly remembers the atmosphere around Game 6, a game that he says "wasn't all that memorable" for the Canes (4-0 win for the Oilers). First and foremost Cole and his wife are here to buy a house. The Cole's will be making the move together with their 2 young children sometime in late August. They're looking to find a house fast because they need to get back to New York for their son's 4th birthday party this weekend.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Chatting with Cole this morning at Servus Credit Union Place in St. Albert, where he made a stop to sign autographs for the young participants in the Oilers Hockey School, it didn't take long to realize that he and his family are truly eager to start their new life in Edmonton. "There's a big buzz and everyone that I've talked to within the organization is really excited about the upcoming season," Cole said. "The way they finished last year, it's an exciting time to be an Oiler. My wife and I are really excited to be here."</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: times new roman;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;">Hopefully Cole puts up a few points and finds some chemistry in the Top 9. Having another offensive option certainly won't hurt the Oilers.</span></span>kanadienkylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594634704914681549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-92027004634564732882008-07-24T15:08:00.003-05:002008-07-24T15:18:20.878-05:00Illegal Curve's new site will debut on Monday morning<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">We at Illegal Curve are excited to announce the unveiling of our new look website on Monday morning. As part of the process for unveiling the new site, </span><a href="http://www.illegalcurve.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">www.illegalcurve.com</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> will be down from Thursday evening through Monday morning. However, during that time, readers can still access all of our daily postings at </span><a href="http://www.illegalcurve.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">www.illegalcurve.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">. </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Once the site debuts early on Monday, the blogspot URL will be obsolete and we will strictly be using </span><a href="http://www.illegalcurve.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">www.illegalcurve.com</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Thanks to all of our readers for supporting us on blogspot; without you, we'd be nothing. Additionally, I'd like to thank all of you who emailed us with your suggestions for the new look site.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Sincerely,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Richard Pollock</span>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-26426003652464642052008-07-24T14:59:00.002-05:002008-07-24T15:01:34.827-05:00Murray clears waivers<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From Fluto Shinwaza of the Boston Globe:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Glen Murray, placed on unconditional waivers yesterday, was not claimed by any team prior to today's 12 p.m. deadline. </span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the short entry from Bruins Blog </span><a href="http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2008/07/murray_clears_w.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">No shock here. The only surprise would have been if Murray had gotten claimed. The team will buy him out tomorrow and he will be free to sign wherever he chooses.</span></em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-72041995197022807462008-07-24T14:57:00.001-05:002008-07-24T14:59:23.440-05:00Tampering charges still under review<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From Dan Wood of the Orange County Register:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">It’s probably not at the top of the NHL’s to-do list, but the league hasn’t shelved the tampering charge filed by Ducks General Manager Brian Burke (right) against Edmonton GM Kevin Lowe.<br /><br />NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed in an E-mail this morning that the league has received a formal request to investigate but has not concluded its probe.<br /><br />“It is being processed internally,” Daly wrote. “No further update at this time.”<br /></span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire post </span><a href="http://ducks.freedomblogging.com/2008/07/24/no-update-on-burke-tampering-charge/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I can't foresee there being any discipline being handed down by the NHL for this tampering charge.</span></em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-64933236131830551602008-07-24T14:53:00.003-05:002008-07-24T14:57:02.396-05:00Paul Kelly wants more Canadian franchises<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From TSN:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">NHLPA Executive Director Paul Kelly weighed in on the side of NHL expansion into Canada and increased revenue sharing on Team 1040 radio in Vancouver on Thursday.<br /><br />"We're very supportive of the Canadian franchises, not only because of the history and tradition, but also because of the results," Kelly explained on the TEAM 1040.<br /><br />"I mean the Canadian fans are like no others," he continued. "They're passionate, they come out and support it, they buy the merchandise, and they're knowledgeable about the sport. And it seems to us a no-brainer that if you're going to expand or you're going to relocate, that you first and foremost have to consider some of the major hubs here in Canada. You know, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Quebec City, perhaps Halifax if they had an arena that could sustain an NHL team. But I think there are locations in Canada that would strongly support the NHL game."<br /></span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire article </span><a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=244287&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_main"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I couldn't agree more with Kelly. The game needs to move back to its roots and where it matters most. There are many successful American NHL franchises, but the ones in the south that have been struggling for some time are the most likely candidates for any franchise relocation.</span> </em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-60373592902316260162008-07-24T11:29:00.002-05:002008-07-24T11:31:17.862-05:00Happy Birthday Ezra!<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From all the contributors at Illegal Curve, we'd like to wish our own Ezra Ginsburg a Happy 26th Birthday!!! Have a great day big guy!!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From The Boys at Illegal Curve.</span>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-31168096820419385852008-07-24T11:11:00.001-05:002008-07-24T11:12:57.864-05:00Dallas Stars Ice-Girls Auditions<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">In case you have been dying to see how the Stars' Ice-Girls are going to look next year, click </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnpqwOAhiuc&eurl=http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;">.</span></span>kanadienkylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03594634704914681549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-87240252696014255872008-07-24T09:31:00.003-05:002008-07-24T09:32:56.930-05:00Do the Canucks have a plan B?<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">- The Issue: If Mats Sundin opts to retire or play elsewhere.<br /><br />- The Question: What is Plan B?<br /><br />- The Quote: "We have secondary layers of planning that we went through before July 1 and we're comfortable that those secondary layers of planning will be sufficient one way or the other. We'll see where it (pursuit of Sundin) goes. We're going to look at every possibility. Part of our secondary planning is that a couple of guys are ready to play or close to being ready to play on this team and making a contribution."<br /></span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire article </span><a href="http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/canucks/story.html?id=82d70b49-6b29-472b-b004-9a5a7ec7a4af"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">You would have to think the team's plan B would be to just keep on given'er.</span></em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6103514672267673969.post-79314070980073891382008-07-24T09:26:00.002-05:002008-07-24T09:30:02.943-05:00Auld brings a good attitude to Senators<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From Hugh Adami of the Ottawa Citizen:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Martin Gerber can probably breathe a little easier with Alex Auld and not Ray Emery waiting in the wings to be the Ottawa Senators' No. 1 goalie.<br /><br />Auld, signed to a two-year, $2-million U.S. contract on July 1, didn't hide his desire yesterday to become the starting goalie for the Senators, but he made it pretty clear he'll accept the backup role, too. So fans shouldn't expect him to throw any temper tantrums or show up late for practice if Gerber can hold onto to the No. 1 job.<br /></span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Read the entire article </span><a href="http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/senators/story.html?id=760aba52-c204-496d-b324-17b41e980b73"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The Senators have certainly added some good character players this off-season, which was a goal of Bryan Murray's at the start of the season.</span> </em>Richard Pollockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14823648384852881670noreply@blogger.com0