News You Can Use Late in the Day

-Mario Lemieux is about to receive a $21 million dollar paycheque.

-The Atlanta Thrashers have added Kari Lehtonen to the injured list.

-A profile on Mitch Wahl of the Spokane Chiefs.

-A look at the refereeing in NCAA hockey.

-Eric Duhatschek looks at how booing affects performance.

-Pierre Lebrun notes that Brad Boyes is off to a hot start in St. Louis.

-Fluto Shinzawa takes a look at Milan Lucic.

-Alan Ryder breaks down Bryan McCabe's performance.

-Alan Maki wonders how successful the Rocket would be in today's NHL.

-Mikka Kiprusoff wants to remain in Calgary, but wants top dollar.

-A story on Martin Biron and his mask.

-Des Moines is a special teams powerhouse.

-Denis Gauthier is patiently waiting for a chance to return to the NHL.

-A look at some slow starters around the NHL.

-James vanRiemsdyk starts his collegiate career in New Hampshire.

-Lyon Messier has made his way to the OHL, where he is skating with the Erie Otters.

-The Detroit Free Press examines the possibility of Igor Grigorenko going back to Russia.

-Cory Murphy finally gets to play hockey in his home town.

-Fanhouse takes a look at Marc-Andre Fleury and Chris Campoli.

-Alan Muir of SI with a look at what junior aged players will stick.

-A feature on Columbus prospect Will Weber.

-Gary Bettman goes on the IR.

-The AHL suspends Dale Purinton for 25 games.

-A report on the widening gap between rich and poor in the NHL.

-The Canucks have recalled Mason Raymond.

-Daymond Langkow sets a record in Calgary.

-The US selects its Women's team for the 4 Nations Cup.

-Joanne Ireland with a look at the Oilers.

-Roman Voloshenko tells the Wild he wants to return to Russia.

-The Flyers have recalled Stefan Ruzicka.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior.

Prospect Pulse: Nigel Williams

Williams, a Colorado draft pick, started last season with the University of Wisconsin Badgers. Upset with his lack of ice time, 1 game played, he bolted for the Ontario Hockey League over the Christmas break, and proceeded to tear it up, registering 36 points in 46 games as a defenseman.

Williams has followed up that success with a hot start in Sagninaw. In 7 games, he has registered 9 points. Standing 6'5 and weighing 225 pounds, Williams is that rare combination of size and skill. He has improved his point totals as he has progressed through hockey without sacrificing his mean streak.

Once projected to go as high at 11th overall in the NHL draft, Williams slipped to the 2nd round because of his problems at Wisconsin. Though the program was upset with Williams for leaving, he felt that he needed to play in order to develop. He has the size and speed to be an NHL defender but his decision making has not caught up with his puck skills. An avid roller hockey player, Williams is said to be fearless and easily coachable.

Though Williams is likely a few years away from the NHL, he continues to climb up the Avalanche list of top prospects, currently sitting at #6. Keep an eye on this one.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-Bob McKenzie feels that the NHL should have no problem handing Jesse Boulerice a long term suspension.

-After one game, Carey Price is the new Saint Patrick.

-The St. Paul police name Dwayne Roloson an honorary officer.

-Inside College Hockey names its pre-season All-Americans.

-Eric Duhatschek doesn't think that Boulerice's apology will help him.

-No link yet, but TSN was reporting that the Penguins and Lightning will indeed open next season in Prague.

-Oilers blogger Lowetide reports that Ethan Moreau's bruised foot may in fact be broken.

-The WHL has approved the sale of the Kamloops Blazers.

-Rocky Wirtz re-assigns Bob Pulford.

-Rob Ramage found guilty on all five counts. Loses US residency.

-Panthers prospect Shawn Matthias figures he can work himself into the NHL.

-Dave Scatchard is with the Rangers on a try-out basis.

-The Devils expect to be able to deal Richard Matvichuk soon.

-The Top 10 teams in Canadian college hockey.

-Mirtle with a look at each team's most used power play players.

-No sophomore jinx in sight for Paul Statsny.

-Ray Emery sent down to Binghamton for conditioning. Somebody warn the drivers.

-Niitymaki hopes to stick with the Flyers.

-A dandy of a fight courtesy of Fanhouse.

-On Frozen Blog notes that the NHLFA is enjoying its 10th Anniversary.

-Steve Yzerman tells the crowd in South Bend that they may be the new Hockeytown.

-Fanhouse wonders if fighting is on the rise in the NHL.

-Stan Fischler takes a look at what is ailing the Rangers. Maybe Scott Gomez could stop counting his money long enough to put up some points?

-The Sioux City Musketeers have put a lot of thought into nicknaming their lone French player. Please write to Illegal Curve and collect your 10 cents if you guessed Frenchy.

-The Beaver County Times reports that Michel Therien is furious over the Penguins lack of effort.

-Lightning Strikes notes that the Ottawa Senators are the second choice for who will play the Penguins in Prague next season.

-Two ex-Medicine Hat Tigers meet up in Motown.

-Suicide watches abound in Toronto as the Leafs are already in must-win territory.

-News and notes from around the AHL. Notice that the Moose make their debut tonight a full 8 days after the rest of the AHL.

-Mats Sundin still has hope for the season.

-John Buccigross' mailbag.

-Interesting website for the hockey fanatic.

-Battle of Alberta with a list of questions they would like to ask a coach.

-Scott Morrison laments on what the Boulerice incident will do to hockey.

-Razor will a slap in the face letter from Dallas to Buffalo.

-Ten Questions for the Bruins.

-The NHL will use a compresses schedule in 2008-2009.

-Marc Savard will continue to sit and rest his groin.

-Covered in Oil with thoughts on last night's snooze-fest in St. Paul.

-The Dallas Stars have activated Mike Ribeiro.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse: Nico Sachetti

Nico Sacchetti, the 50th overall pick by the Dallas Stars in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, is a native of Virginia, Minnesota. While playing in the Iron Range, Sacchetti scored an astounding 90 points in 25 high school games his senior year. After also representing the United States at the World Under-18 championships (4 gp, 1-1-2), he graduated to the USHL. Sacchetti, who will suit up for the Omaha Lancers, is a good skater who plays bigger than his 5'11, 189 lb frame.

In the games I witnessed, it was clear that he possesses an abundance of skill and hockey sense. He also seems to be blessed with a number of intangible qualities that should make him a prized prospect. He will play in traffic, he competes hard and he sees the ice very well. I saw him dominate down low on a powerplay for nearly the full two minutes, and the puck seems to follow him around.

There is precious little information about Sacchetti on the internet, but it looks like the future Minnesota Golden Gopher will be a good one. Watch for him in the WCHA next year.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-Andrew Raycroft will get the start tonight for the Buds.

-A 16 year old hockey player from St.Louis has collapsed and died during a practice.

-A season preview for the Binghamton Senators.

-Craig Leopold will have to search for another buyer, as the Preds' deal is expected to collapse.

-The Vancouver Canucks claim defenseman Mike Weaver off the waiver wire.

-The wife of former NHL'er Emile Francis is found alive.

-Eric Duhatschek answers some pressing questions.

-The Bruins have made it official by signing veteran forward Glen Metropolit.

-Stephen Brunt reports on the haves and the have-nots of the hockey world.

-The Regina Pats pick up talented forward Tim Kraus from the Vancouver Giants.

-The St. Louis Blues have demoted Petr Cajanek to Peoria and are expected to sign Mike Johnson.

-The Columbus Blue Jackets placed Kris Beech on waivers.

-Hockey Rants has some interesting discussion on the impending collapse of the Predators' sale.

-On Frozen Blog with a point form season preview.

-Damien Cox wonders whether the Hawks or the Leafs will have a longer streak of futility.

-In news only my wife cares about, Kelli Pickler has dumped Jordin Tootoo. Apparently he was tootoo timing her.

-nhl.com gets a new look.

-Michael Farber with a look around the league.

-Season opening rosters for all 30 NHL teams.

-The National Post with 15 Questions about the NHL Season. This is a huge improvement over the usual 10.

-Mike Zeisberger compares the Leafs to a soap opera.

-Burke still angry with the Oilers. I realize this has been posted and discussed already, but I feel Burke really needs to let this one go. Its over, you have your draft picks and you have made your point already. Letting this get in the way of your job is doing a disservice to your team.

-The BlueJackets feel they are a playoff team. Yeah, and I feel that my wife should make me cookies every day. Doesn't mean its going to happen.

-Leaf's broadcaster Joe Bowen to be honoured for 25 years of service.

-11 Stories to watch in the NHL this year. Note that there are apparently attendance problems in Detroit this year.

-The Philadelphia Flyers have signed Jesse Boulerice and Jim Dowd.

-The Minnesota Wild get no respect.

-David Branch discusses the OHL's new penalty designed to limit shots to the head.

-One lawyer accuses another of lying in the Canucks saga.

-A preview of the Montreal Canadiens.

-A good mix of youth and experience on Canada's Women's hockey roster.

-Rob Rossi notes that the Penguins are built for long term success.

-Tom Powers hopes that the Wild bring relief for suffering Minnesota sports fans.

-Chuck Kobasew is hoping to stick on the 2nd line with Sturm and Bergeron.

-Chris Gratton hopes a contact lens will allow him to play in the season opener.

-The Boston Herald notes that no fan fare accompanied the decision to keep Milan Lucic.

-Wes Walz looks to get time on the top line. Only on Jacques Lemaire's team...

-The season preview from the New York Times.

-Craig Custance wonders which rookie will make the biggest impact in Atlanta.

-BREAKING NEWS: The Senators have signed Dany Heatley to a 6 year, $45 million extension.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse: Prediction Time

Due to the fact that I am from Saskatchewan, the Manitoba contingent of Illegal Curve saw fit to exclude me from the morning predictions. Basically, they are the UN and I am Israel. In the face of their demagoguery and elitist policies, I will nevertheless summon the courage to post my predictions.

Stanley Cup Champion- The Ottawa Senators. Cue the suicide watch on Bay Street.
Eastern Conference Champion - The Ottawa Senators of Kanata. I don't foresee a major hangover here. They are still a deep and talented team, now with bonus experience. I think the Penguins finish first in the East, but Ottawa takes them out in the playoffs.
Western Conference Champion- The Detroit Red Wings. They play in a weak division and I feel they will have the benefit of coasting through the regular season and remaining fresh for a long run. I see the Sharks as the Senators of a few years ago, all hype no finish.
Art Ross - Vincent Lecavalier - plays in a weak division and I feel he has something to prove.
Calder Trophy- Sam Gagner. I really like Toews and Kane, but they are going to have to do it all in Chicago. MacTavish has turned a corner philosophically, and will put Gagner in a position to succeed.
MVP- Sidney.
Most Surprising - Martin Gerber has a big rebound (no pun intended) year and bounces Sugar Ray from the starting position.
Disappointing - Flip a coin between Gomez and Drury. Actually, take Gomez. Too much money for this guy. It will weigh him down.
Most Surprising Team - Edmonton Oilers. Already written off for dead, they will not be the pushover/Phoenix clone everyone is expecting.
Most Disappointing Team - The New York Rangers. Jaromir is not going to like sharing the puck or the spotlight. Watch for a step backwards in Manhattan, despite the near constant fellating of this team by a few media types. I think Calgary will blow too, but I am never disappointed when that happens.


Prospect Pulse will return tomorrow with a look at another standout from the USHL's Fall Classic Tournament.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-The Edmonton Oilers send Zach Stortini and Ladislav Smid to the minors. The Oilers also name Ethan Moreau captain.

-The sale of the Predators is in trouble.

-A preview of the #1 ranked University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux.

-Good turnout for Bill Wirtz's funeral.

-A preview of the Southeast Conference. Note to the NHL, could you please rename these divisions? There are many deserving hockey luminaries who could lend their name to the divisions. Orr Division, Gretzky Division, Richard Division, Howe Division, Harvey Division and the Morenz Division. Discuss amongst yourselves.

-Denis Gauthier is a victim of the salary cap in Philadelphia. Mike Rathje is also placed Expect this to become commonplace.

-Mirtle with a list of youngsters who have made their respective clubs.

-Patrice Brisebois is back skating.

-The AHL suspends Steve Downie for one month.

-Mark Bell has been reinstated by the NHL.

-Former Leaf is Borje Salming is now art. Who says Illegal Curve offers no culture?

-The New Jersey Devils claim Sheldon Brookbank off the waiver wire.

-The Dallas Stars are still unsure where their goals will come from.

-Senators prospect Jim O'Brien has joined the Seattle Thunderbirds.

-An in-depth look at the Penguins from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

-Illegal Curve favorite Toby Petersen was cut by the Dallas Stars. He will report to Iowa.

-Jeremy Roenick says he is ready to be a cheerleader for the team. I wonder if they will be able to hear him from the restaurant he is eating at?

-The Red Wings are prepared to go with youth. Watch for Chris Chelios to tell the youngsters to stay the hell off his lawn.

-Bobby Holik is the new captain of the Atlanta Thrashers.

-Not to be outdone, Pavol Demitra is the new captain of the Minnesota Wild.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

To retire, or to not retire?

• Taking a page out of the books of Roger Clemens, Brett Favre and most recently, teammate Scott Niedermayer. Teemu Selanne has sure been taking his sweet ass time contemplating retirement. Even though the two future hall of famers are coming off a Stanley Cup win, training camps have begun. They really are leaving the Ducks hanging. Luckily the Ducks have taken the proper precautions by signing fellow member of the tribe Matthieu Schneider and the son Brian Burke never had Todd Bertuzzi. Even if the two do not return, or just one of the two, the Ducks are still primed for another run at the Cup.
• The Atlanta Thrashers are optimistic about their chances at making the playoffs... I'm pretty optimistic that they will not get past the first round.
• The Flyers are expecting a huge improvement over last season. I would have to agree, Paul Homgren has done an outstanding job since he stepped in as GM. After suffering through years with the gruesome twosome of Antero Niittymaki and Robert Esche He has accquired a number one goaltender in Marty Biron, signed Daniel Briere, traded for Joffrey Lupul, Jason Smith, Kimmo Timmonen and Scott Hartnell. I'd look for the Flyers to make some noise this upcoming season. I expect Simon Gagne to post huge numbers this year, with Daniel Briere setting him up instead of oft-injured Peter Forsberg. Over the past year Forsberg has spent more time in rehab than Lindsey Lohan.
• As always, there is a significant amount of pressure on the Leafs to make the playoffs. The Globe and Mail reports that John Ferguson Jr. " is acutely aware that his future will be in doubt should the Maple Leafs miss the playoffs for a third consecutive season". Who are we kidding? As Richard profiled earlier this week the Leafs chances of making the playoffs are slim and none. They should get the ball rolling and fire JFJ already, what are they waiting for? The much overhyped signing of Jason Blake will not get the Leafs into the playoffs
• The Detroit Red Wings are loving the Drake. Really? I didn't know the former Winnipeg Jet was still kicking around. Ansar Khan reports "When Drake's on the ice, opponents better keep their head up." Ya, forsure.

-remis