Will goalies begin to head overseas?

From Kevin Allen of USA Today:

My prediction is that this league will have superior goalkeeping. There are only 30 starting goalie spots in the NHL, and there are more than 30 quality goalies in the world.

Rather than take backup money in the NHL, a talented goalie may seek his fame and fortune in the Continental League. Four goalies are already doing that, and more are sure to follow. Can't you see Nikolai Khabibulin over there in 2009-10? I'm guessing teams in that league will pay him more than NHL teams will after his struggles in Chicago.

Read Allen's entire post from Mucking and Grinding here.

Very interesting observation from Allen; his points are extremely valid. There are many very good netminders playing back up roles in the NHL and they may move overseas to make more money and get more ice-time. That said, I don't see any top of the line netminders opting out of the NHL.

Looking at the remaining free agents

From Kevin Allen of USA Today:

Jaromir Jagr is going to Russia. Marian Hossa left $50 million on the table from other suitors to play one season for the Detroit Red Wings for $7.45 million. The Tampa Bay Lightning have changed a third of their roster.

The league has changed dramatically since the start of free agent signing season, but there still are desirable players:

•Pavol Demitra: At 33, he is a proven scorer who can play center and wing. He's going to produce points, and he has several teams bidding for him. "We are weighing a couple of different situations," said his agent, Matt Keator. "Like with all veteran free agents, winning, style of play and his family come into play."

Read the entire article here.

Almost all the significant free agents remaining are veteran players who have been through the wringer over the years. A couple of them may still be game-changers (Sakic, Selanne, Sundin), but most will be solid players who provide more "name recognition" than actual on-ice value.

NHL Morning Papers (Monday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• This year's version of the Leafs just makes too many excuses, writes Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail.
• According to Allen Panzeri of the National Post, Martin Gerber appears to have a stranglehold on the number one goaltender spot for the Senators.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today has an interesting piece on how the Lightning may be able to quickly replace Brad Richards.
• A.J. Perez of USA Today recaps the exciting Ovechkin/Crosby duel from Sunday afternoon.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• The Thrashers have been sitting Alexei Zhitnik and playing Joel Kwiatkowski, writes Craig Custance of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
• The Bruins were playing their third game in four nights on Sunday, so they weren't displeased to earn a point in their 1-0 shootout loss at MSG. Bruins rookie David Krejci had two assists for his squad on Saturday but his performance came at the expense of his front teeth, writes Kevin Paul Dupont.
• Thomas Vanek has only one goal in his last thirteen games and will need to get going if the Sabres are going to make the playoffs. Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News believes it is eighth place or bust for the Sabres.
• Nigel Dawes had the only shootout goal, and only goal of the game, in the Rangers' 1-0 shootout victory over the Bruins. Jaromir Jagr is at peace with his pending contract situation, writes Larry Brooks. Unhappy with a penalty call, Rangers forward Sean Avery took out his anger on a water bottle, which ended up spraying a couple of Rangers fans.
• The Flyers power play has been the team's strong point all year, so it's no surprise that the team relied on the man-advantage to get out of its slump.
• The Penguins got lucky yesterday, when Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom accidentally scored into his own net with less than a minute remaining in the game. The Penguins always seem to have the Capitals' number, writes Dave Molinari.
• "That was officially heartbreaking," said Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau after yesterday's 4-2 home loss to the Pens.
• Mike Smith wasn't at his best on Sunday, as the Lightning were defeated by the Blue Jackets in Columbus. Former Bolt, Fredrik Modin has had a very frustrating season, writes Erik Erlendesson.
• The Leafs aren't giving up until they are mathematically eliminated, writes Mark Zwolinkski. The Flyers need to sweep their upcoming two-game series versus the Flyers, or their season is over, writes Lance Hornby.
• The Senators are back on the east coast and are looking to put the struggles from their recent road trip behind them, writes Bruce Garrioch.
• Rick DiPietro wasn't able to help his team in his return to the lineup, writes Greg Logan.
• The Devils feel like the team to beat down the stretch run in the Eastern Conference, writes Rich Chere.
• The Habs' laziness was their downfall in Anaheim last night, writes Pat Hickey.
• Wade Belak held a fighting lesson at practice yesterday, writes Steve Gorten.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• Ryan Getzlaf knows he has to pick up the slack for injured teammate Corey Perry, and he got off to a good start last night, leading the Ducks to a 3-1 home victory over the Canadiens. Perry's replacement Bobby Ryan quietly did a solid job last night, writes Mark Whicker.
• Flames defenseman Corey Sarich is just excited to be playing in the lineup, after being a healthy scratch twice last week, writes Scott Cruickshank.
• The Blue Jackets recorded their first win at home yesterday since January 15th, writes Aaron Portzline. The highlight of yesterday's game was career minor-leaguer Derek MacKenzie's first NHL goal.
• The Stars came out with a more physical game in their rematch with the Avalanche and it paid off, as they went on to win 3-0 on home-ice.
• Nicklas Lidstrom proved how valuable he is to the Wings last night, as his return helped his team defeat the Predators 4-3 at the Joe Louis Arena. With Tomas Holmstrom out of the Wings lineup, Johan Franzen is doing his best to fill-in.
• Dean Lombardi took time yesterday to answer the questions of many of the club's season ticket holders; Lisa Dillman of the L.A. Times has the story.
• The Wild lost 3-2 in a shootout yesterday, but were happy to at least earn a point after being down a goal with less than a minute remaining in regulation. The Wild's play is improving, at least according to coach Jacques Lemaire.
• Early penalties got the Predators in a whole that was just too deep to climb out of last night, as the team lost 4-3 at Detroit. Even after yesterday's loss, the Predators finished their road trip last night with a positive outlook on their chances for the playoffs, writes John Glennon.
• The Sharks made in nine victories in a row last night, with a 3-2 shootout victory at Minnesota.
• When the season ends, the Blues are going to take a very close look at why they can't score any goals, writes Jeremy Rutherford.
• Brendan Morrison is hoping he will be able to play on the Canucks' upcoming four-game road trip, writes Ben Kuzma.
• The future looks bright in Edmonton, especially after watching the kids dominate in Chicago yesterday, writes Jim Matheson.
• The Avalanche lost yesterday at Dallas, but the team has bigger concerns on the injury front, writes Adrian Dater.
• The Hawks recorded one point yesterday versus visiting Edmonton, but that just isn't enough at this juncture in the season, writes Chris Kuc.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers (Thursday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Eric Duhaschek of the Globe & Mail profiles Ken Hitchcock and the job he's done in Columbus.
• Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail wonders if the Leafs GM job is too much responsibility for just one person.
• Bruce Arthur of the National Post says the chances of the Leafs making the playoffs are awfully slim.
• Jim Dowd is still playing in the NHL after being counted out so many times, writes Chuck Gormley.
• The Eastern Conference playoffs look to be a complete coin toss, writes Kevin Allen of USA Today.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• The Leafs have to stop calculating the numbers and just win every game from here on out, writes Paul Hunter. Come next season, the Leafs will have more grit in their lineup.
• Carey Price will get the start tonight for Les Habitants as they face-off in Phoenix. Meanwhile, Bruce Dowbiggen believes the Habs are Canada's best hope for the Stanley Cup this season.
• The Senators lost 3-2 in overtime to the Sharks, but were very happy with the play of Martin Gerber. The Sens blew two one-goal leads, and proved that they still don't have their confidence back.
• Alex Picard, the defenseman the Bolts acquired as part of the Vaclav Prospal trade, is happy to be playing important minutes in Tampa.
• "We just talk, talk, talk in the locker room, and then we don't do anything on the ice. It was up to us; we lose, and now we're almost out. We're going to battle to the last game, but — I don't know," said Ilya Kovalchuk after last night's 6-3 home loss to Carolina. Meantime, Mark Bradley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wonders if Don Waddell should be replaced in his role as GM and coach.
• Chad Kilger has been suspended without pay by the Panthers for failing to report to the club. (Writer's note: Clearly the issue with Kilger is serious, so hopefully he can return to hockey, if not this season, then next.)
• Lou Lamoriello is not concerned with the Devils' struggling offense, writes Rich Chere.
• Ted Nolan has yet to announce who will be starting in net tonight for the Islanders when they finish off their home-and-home with the Rangers.
• Boston players were put through a video tutorial prior to yesterday's practice, writes Stephen Harris. The Bruins have to make sure they take care of business in March, so that April actually matters.
• The Sabres lost, once again, at home yesterday and need to improve their play at the HSBC Arena if they have visions of making the playoffs. One of the main reasons for their home struggles is the team's terrible home power play, writes Mike Harrington.
• The Hurricanes continued their strong play yesterday with a 6-3 road victory over Atlanta. The Canes turn right around after last night's game and host the Wild tonight at the RBC Center.
• The Rangers just want to make the playoffs because they know that once you are in, anyone an make the finals.
• Alexander Ovechkin continues to be super-human, as he scored two more goals last night to lead the Caps to a 3-1 road victory over Buffalo.
• Daniel Briere is hoping to return to the Flyers' lineup by Saturday, writes Tim Panaccio.
• Jeff Taffe has found himself comfortable in an unfamiliar role in Pittsburgh, writes Shelly Anderson. Jordan Staal (ribs) should be able to suit up tonight.

I am heading to a funeral today, so I won't be able to post the Western Conference morning papers. The usual format will return tomorrow morning. Have a great day.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers (Wednesday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• With the acquisition of Marian Hossa on Wednesday, Eric Duhatschek tells us the future is now in Pittsburgh.
• Stephen Brunt of the Globe & Mail says Cliff Fletcher did the best he could with the mess left to him by John Ferguson Jr.
• Tim Wharnsby of the Globe & Mail gives us his winners and losers from trade deadline day.
• William Houston recaps the television coverage of the trade deadline.
• Cliff Fletcher is clearly frustrated by the direction of the Maple Leafs, writes Dave Shoalts.
• Mark Spector of the National Post says the Leafs players are only looking out for themselves.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today provides his perspective on the deadline.
• Allen also lists 15 teams that made strides at the deadline.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• Craig Custance recaps the Marian Hossa trade and the players coming back to Atlanta in this morning's Journal-Constitution. Apparently the Thrashers played a hockey game after the Hossa trade, but you wouldn't have known after their performance in Montreal.
• The Bruins were apparently in the mix to acquire Marian Hossa before he was dealt to the Penguins. The Bruins demonstrated they may not have needed any deadline day tinkering, as they went out an easily defeated the Senators 4-0.
• John Vogl has the Buffalo perspective of the Brian Campbell trade. Mike Harrington has Campbell's former teammates' comments about the trade. Now that Campbell is a Shark, the Sabres need to get back to the business of making the playoffs.
• Carolina addressed its need at center yesterday with the acquisition of Tuomo Ruutu for Andrew Ladd. Not only did the Canes acquire Tuomo Ruutu yesterday, but he somehow made it to Carolina for the game, writes Luke Decock. The Canes got a big 2-1 overtime victory over the conference leading Devils last night.
• Larry Brooks of the NY Post gives his take on the two Rangers deals yesterday. While John Dellapina of the NY Daily News also reviews the Rangers deals.
• Vinny Prospal is excited to be a Flyer, but isn't looking to sign an extension just yet.
• The Penguins sent a serious message to the rest of the league yesterday, writes Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Penguins didn't get Hossa without pay a price, and the players going the other way had a tough time saying goodbye.
• Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post reviews the three trades made by the Capitals yesterday and what affect the moves will have on the team's playoff chances.
• Damien Cox thinks the Leafs need a GM like Bob Gainey. It is fair to say that Pavel Kubina is not long for Toronto, writes Dave Perkins. Lance Hornby captures Fletcher's anger/disappointment in this article.
• The rumors were tossed around for a while, but the Bolts' big four is now down to a big three after the team dealt Brad Richards to Dallas yesterday. Vincent Lecavalier was sad to see his best friend go, writes Erik Erlendsson.
• The Senators 4-0 embarrassing loss at Boston yesterday won't do much to lessen the talk of John Paddock's job being in jeopardy. Bruce Garrioch tells readers the Senators weren't willing to pay top dollar for the big-time players and were limited to only trading for Martin Lapointe.
• Greg Logan recaps the top minor deals pulled off by the Islanders on Tuesday.
• The Devils lost yesterday at Carolina, but coach Brent Sutter was fine the team only made one deal and that was acquiring Bryce Salvador from the Blues.
• Cristobal Huet can't lie and say he wasn't surprised to be dealt yesterday, writes Pat Hickey. The newest number goalie in Montreal made a good first impression on Tuesday by leading his team to a 5-1 victory.
• Steve Gorten provides readers with the background on the two Panthers acquisitions.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• The Ducks made a few minor moves at the deadline yesterday but nothing earth shattering, writes Dan Wood.
• Now that GM Darryl Sutter has decided that his team has what it takes, the pressure is on the players to prove their worth, writes George Johnson. Meanwhile, Bruce Dowbiggin tells readers that time will tell whether Sutter was right to take a pass on the action.
• Aaron Portzline describes the craziness of trade deadline day from the Blue Jackets perspective. Michael Arace thinks the Jackets should have pulled the trigger on the Brad Richads trade.
• Tim Cowlishaw tells Dallas fans the Stars mean business.
• Detroit GM Ken Holland thinks that newest Wing Brad Stuart is a perfect number four defenseman.
• The Kings may have dealt Brad Stuart and J.S. Aubin, but the bigger news was that Rob Blake stayed put.
• Michael Russo has the details behind the Wild's trade for Chris Simon.
• The Predators picked up a couple depth forwards for the stretch drive; John Glennon has the story.
• The Sharks organization is ecstatic to add Brian Campbell to its lineup, writes David Pollak.
• The Blues dealt off two of their defensemen yesterday, and there appears to be some confusion as to whether Bryce Salvador would have resigned with the club.
• The Blackhawks traded their longest tenured player yesterday, as GM Dale Tallon dealt Tuomo Ruttu to Carolina for Andrew Ladd.
• Peter Forsberg could be back in action by Saturday night, writes Adrian Dater. Forsberg must think he never left, as he will be coming back to a Colorado team that has Adam Foote back on its blue line.
• The Oilers see themselves building for the future, so they didn't feel a need to make a move at yesterday's deadline. In fact, Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun applauds Kevin Lowe's decision to remain inactive at the deadline.
• Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic gives readers some information on the newest Coyote acquisitions.
• The Canucks made one small move on Tuesday and that has Jason Botchford wondering if the Canucks are a write-off.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers (Wednesday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Downsizing goaltending equipment is once again a topic of concern at the GM meetings in Florida, writes Mark Spector of the National Post.
• Damien Cox of the Toronto Star says the NHL has declared war on goalie equipment.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today provides readers with trade facts with less than a week to go before the trading deadline.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• Bobby Holik is not bothered by the trade rumors in Atlanta, writes Craig Custance.
• The Bruins blew a two-goal lead with less than two minutes remaining in the third period to Carolina, but came back to win 3-2 in a shootout, writes Fluto Shinwaza. Bruins defenseman Aaron Ward is hoping he doesn't get traded before Tuesday.
• Derek Roy will suit up tonight for the Sabres versus the Lightning. Apparently defenseman Brian Campbell is not close to signing a contract extension.
• The Hurricanes came back to earn one point, and extended their Southeast Division lead to three points in their 3-2 shootout loss to the Bruins.
• The Panthers blew a two-goal lead for the second straight game and lost 3-2 at Pittsburgh last night, writes Steve Gorten.
• There are comebacks, then there are COMEBACKS, and last night the Habs pulled off their greatest regular season comeback in team history by defeating the Rangers 6-5. Last night marked the twelfth straight game that Jaromir Jagr hasn't scored.
• "I think they took on some responsibility themselves," said coach Brent Sutter about the Devils recent winning surge. As a reward, coach Sutter gave the Devils a mini-break.
• Larry Brooks shows no mercy in his critique of the Rangers' blowing a five-goal lead. Last night's loss was the Rangers worst blown lead in team history.
• Andy Sutton will be out of the Islanders line-up for 4-6 weeks with a hamstring problem.
• John Paddock's hunch to play Ray Emery last night paid off as the Senators defeated the Flyers 3-2. Meanwhile, Senators winger Antoine Vermette says the trade rumors have bothered him a bit.
• Tim Panaccio of the Philadelphia Inquirer has the details behind the Jaroslav Modry trade. On the ice, the Flyers continued their struggles by losing their eighth game in a row.
• The Penguins pulled off a 3-2 victory last night, after being down 2-0 to the Panthers entering the third period. Both the Penguins and Panthers have been faced with a fair amount of injuries this season.
• Lightning defenseman Brad Lukowich has undergone surgery for a sports hernia.
• The Leafs defeated the Blue Jackets 3-1 last night but it didn't come without a cost, writes Paul Hunter.

I'm running late today, so I won't be able to post the Western Conference papers. The usual format will return tomorrow.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers (Friday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• William Houston of the Globe & Mail tells us about the negotiations going on for the services of play-by-play man Jim Hughson.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today examines the growing number of players from the sun-belt states who are making a name for themselves on the hockey landscape.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• After last night's 5-4 loss to the Islanders, the Leafs now sit 29th overall in the NHL standings and the Steve Stamkos watch may as well officially be underway. As long as they continue to lose honestly, the Leafs are better off for it, writes Dave Perkins of the Toronto Star. On the trade front, Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun claims Mats Sundin holds the key to the Leafs' future.
• The Habs are hoping to have Roman Hamrlik back in the line-up this weekend for their home-and-home with the Flyers.
• James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen wonders if John Paddock is closing in on a decision regarding his number one netminder. Coach Paddock has asked his secondary scorers to step-up and take some of the pressure off the top line to score all the time, writes Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.
• The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has an interview with Marian Hossa.
• Injured center Patrice Bergeron continues to try and rehab his concussion, writes Fluto Shinwaza of the Boston Globe. Stephen Harris runs down all the Bruins' injury details in this morning's Boston Herald.
• Patrick Kaleta is enjoying his first goal a lot more now that he knows Richard Zednik is okay.
• The Hurricanes recorded a big win over the Penguins last night, but it was overshadowed by the loss of captain Rod Brind'Amour for the season to a torn ACL.
• Larry Brooks of the NY Post has the details behind the Rangers' search for a top puck moving defenseman. The recent break in the schedule for the Rangers has worked wonders for Brendan Shanahan.
• Last night's loss to the Lightning made it five losses in a row for the slumping Flyers. The improved play of R.J. Umberger this season is apparently all mental, writes Sam Donnellon of the Philadelphia Daily News.
• "They were more desperate than us," said Penguins forward Maxim Talbot after his team's 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes on Thursday. It didn't take long the Pens to recall Tyler Kennedy.
• Alexander Ovechkin seems even more focused with the playoffs in his sights.
• The Lightning recorded their seventh road victory in their past eight road games last night with a 5-3 win at Philadelphia. Off the ice, GM Jay Feaster said the team's impending sale will have no impact on what he does prior to the trade deadline.
• The Islanders capitalized on their seven powerplay chances with four powerplay goals, on their way to a 5-4 win at Toronto.
• Martin Brodeur can expect to play most, if not all, of the remaining games on the Devils' schedule, writes Colin Stephenson.
• The Panthers are hoping that Stephen Weiss (flu) can play tonight because they are already without many key offensive contributors.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• The Flames' late game heroics may end up being the difference between making and missing the playoffs, writes Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald. Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun provides readers with the perspective of the Flames' veteran healthy scratches.
• Special teams was the deciding factor last night as the Oilers went into San Jose and came away with a nail-biting 3-2 victory. In roster news, Mathieu Roy was called up as insurance for the Oilers because a couple of the team's defensemen have lingering injuries; however, he has yet to get into game action. Sharks forward Jody Shelley admits he was intrigued by rumors that he may be on his way to Edmonton before he was traded to San Jose.
• The Canucks continued their recent struggles last night with a 5-4 shootout loss to rival Minnesota. The Canucks may not have prevailed, but at least the quality of hockey in the third period was exciting, writes Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province.
• The Ducks play their first home game tonight, in what seems like forever, as they are hosting the Stars at the Honda Center.
• Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash has called the team's upcoming road trip "make or break." Here are some notes about the Jackets/Red Wings heading into tonight's game.
• The Stars were streaking one way, and the Coyotes the other, but that's why you play the games, writes Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic. For those poolies wondering why Shane Doan struggled to start the season, here's why.
• Here is the transcript from a Detroit radio show interview with USA Today writer Kevin Allen about the Red Wings. Meanwhile, coach Mike Babcock has switched up his lines for tonight's contest versus Columbus.
• Lisa Dillman of the L.A. Times gives readers the Dan Cloutier perspective in this morning's paper.
• The Wild gave themselves a small bit of breathing room last night with a 5-4 shootout victory over Vancouver, writes Michael Russo of the Star Tribune. Russo's colleague-- Kent Youngblood--has an interesting article about the top prospects being churned out of the State of Minnesota these days.
• After dominating the Red Wings in the first period of their last game, the Predators were given a taste of their own medicine last night as the Blackhawks jumped on them early and eventually coasted to a 6-1 victory. In other roster news, the Predators have re-assigned Kevin Klein to the minors.
• Playing their final home game before their upcoming road trip, the Sharks looked flat all night, writes David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News. On the injury front, the Sharks are hoping to have Doug Murray back in their line-up when they start their eight game road trip on Sunday.
• The Blues played a heck of a lot better in Colorado last night than they did on December 9th, writes Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Meanwhile, with Hanu Toivonen starting in the AHL, the Blues have assigned Marek Schwarz to the ECHL to get some minutes in.
• The Blackhawks made it two road blowouts in a row last night, with a 6-1 dominating performance at Nashville, writes Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune.
• The return of Ryan Smyth to the Avalanche line-up didn't result in a victory, as the Blues came into Denver and defeated the Avs 4-1 last night. The pressure is square on the shoulders of Joel Quenville to ensure that the Avs make the playoffs, writes Mark Kislza of the Denver Post.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Montreal has demoted Carey Price and Kyle Chipchura to Hamilton of the AHL.
2. The Carolina Hurricanes have claimed Sergei Samsonov off of re-entry waivers.
3. Al Strachan gives us the good, the bad and the ugly from the NHL.
4. Hall of Fame Referee John Ashley has passed away at age 77.
5. Chris Chelios will become the 2nd oldest player ever to lace 'em up in the NHL sometime this week. I believe he is also 77.
6. The Moose Jaw Warriors have acquired Ty Wishart from the Prince George Cougars.
7. Eric Duhatschek says the Wayne Gretzky should be the leading candidate for the Jack Adams trophy. I don't see a problem with this. The Coyotes have a record above .500 with 19 guys you have never heard of and that guy the Oilers should have drafted instead of Steve Kelly.
8.The New York Rangers will have a younger lineup tonight, with Greg Moore, Nigel Dawes and Parenteau drawing into the lineup.
9. The Toronto Maple Leafs tried using Alex Steen as a defenseman at today's practice.
10. Ken Campbell lists the top UFA's for next summer. Watch for Mike Comrie to sign in California. He's not much of a golfer, though I hear he likes to Duff every so often. (Booooo to myself for that one).
11. Jim Kelley gives us his mid-season award winners, Sportsnet style.
12. A profile on Tyler Ennis of the Medicine Hat Tigers.
13. This week's ECHL profile takes a gander at Swiss goalie Daniel Manzato.
14. Andrew Ference tackles global warming. Does anyone else find it funny that he travels around in the off-season to encourage people to be carbon neutral? Does his plane fly on happiness and gumdrops?
15. The Lightning Strikes blog wonders if the Bolts would benefit from missing the playoffs.
16. John MacKinnon feels that it is unfair to deny NHL shooters a statistic for shootout goals.
17. Mason Raymond will take Markus Naslund's spot on the Canucks top line.
18. Brian McGrattan and Ray Emery make up via text message. Like, OMG! Ru cmng to dinner? Plz??? Letz b BFF's 4ever. Cul8er. Hugz, Razr
19. Pierre Lebrun looks at the first half surprises from the NHL.
20. Interesting story about Jeff Bes, member of the 1993 World Junior team for Canada.
21. Terry Koshan of Sun Media gives us a very early draft preview.
22. The starting lineups for the 2008 All-Star Game in Atlanta.
23. Check out this article and video on bubble hockey.
24. Michael Farber of SI notes that teams are riding their high prices goalies (thats what she said?) more than ever before, in the modern era.
25. Kevin Allen of USA Today gives us a list of draft eligible players who helped their cause at the World Junior Championships.