Patrice Bergeron progressing well

From Fluto Shinwaza of the Boston Globe:

Bergeron has been symptom-free all summer and has been working out six times a week, mimicking the workouts he has gone through during previous offseasons.

"It does feel like routine," Bergeron said. "I've been working out like this every summer since I've been playing pro. The only thing that's different is that I started a little bit earlier."

The Bruins are hoping a healthy Bergeron can play behind Marc Savard as the No. 2 center, serving as a two-way pivot (possible linemates include Marco Sturm and Chuck Kobasew) who can produce offense and skate against top opposing forwards.

Read the entire article here.

This is great news for Bruins fans and hockey fans anywhere for that matter. Bergeron is a tremendously talented player that will help the Bruins in all aspects of the game, so long as he can stay concussion free.

One scout's view of Michael Ryder

From the Boston Globe:

Here's a short take from one Eastern Conference scout on the Bruins' latest pickup, highlighting the X-factor of Claude Julien:

"A one-dimensional player that if he's not scoring, he doesn't do anything else. He started the year in a slump, and on a team that plays up-tempo, he became not a [Guy] Carbonneau guy because suspect work ethic and skating issues were magnified with lack of scoring. They will put him with [Marc] Savard, and with his release and the prior relationship with Julien, it has a chance."

Read more about from Bruins Blog here.

I thought the Bruins gave Ryder too much money considering his production last season. That being said, he is still capable of lighting the lamp and could fit in nicely beside Marc Savard on the team's top line and on the power play.

NHL Morning Papers--Eastern Conference (Wednesday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail wonders if it is worth it for the Leafs to bring back Mats Sundin.
• Ken Hitchcock was hired as the head coach for Canada's World Championships entry on Tuesday; Eric Duhatschek has the details behind the move.
• The Senators are in serious choking territory, writes Roy MacGregor of the Globe & Mail.
• Joe Thornton has been extremely dominant over the past month, writes Mike Brehm of USA Today.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today provides readers with a list of players who have committed to play for Team USA at the World Championships.

Here are the Southeast Division morning papers:

• Last night's 3-2 loss to the Panthers may have been Johan Hedberg's final start for the Thrashers, writes Craig Custance. On the scouting front, Thrashers GM Don Waddell has been impressed with UND prospect Andrew Kozek who was the team's second round pick in 2005.
• The Hurricanes saw their lead evaporate in the Southeast Division last night as they lost 4-1 at Washington; however, the team still controls its own destiny, writes Luke Decock. Justin Williams' return to the line up lasted less than a period, as the feisty winger threw out his back in the first period.
• The Capitals recorded a huge victory on Tuesday, in what was arguably the team's most important game in five years. Meanwhile, Mike Wise of the Washington Post has high praise for Alexander Ovechkin & Co.
• Lightning President Ron Campbell defended Jay Feaster in response to his last place rankings in the Hockey News' GM rankings.
• Most of the Panthers may be planning their respective tee times, but not Craig Anderson, writes Steve Gorten. In sad news, it appears Chad Kilger is considering retirement.

Here are the Atlantic Division morning papers:

• "It's nice to not have to think about (clinching a playoff spot) and to take care of our own business. We're in the playoffs now and we move on to bigger things," said Martin Brodeur after his team's overtime victory over the Islanders last night. Meantime, coach Brent Sutter has been unhappy with the play of Andy Greene at times this season.
• Joey MacDonald was the only reason the Islanders recorded a point last night, writes Greg Logan.
• If the Rangers have secured a specific slot in the Eastern Conference standings, coach Tom Renney is unsure of whether he would rest his players. John Dellapina tells readers about the progress displayed by Christian Backman.
• The Flyers have three games left on the schedule to decide their fate, writes Ed Moran. In fact, the Flyers can finish as high as fourth in the Eastern Conference standings or as low as tenth.
• The Penguins have demonstrated to their opponents that Mellon Arena is a difficult place to play, writes Dave Molinari. In injury news, rugged winger Gary Roberts is shooting for a Sunday return to the Penguins line up.

Here are the Northeast Division morning papers:

• The Sabres won a tight game last night at Toronto to keep their slight playoff chances alive; however, if both Boston and Philadelphia win tonight, the Sabres will be eliminated. With Teppo Numminen coming back from open heart surgery, Lindy Ruff has a tough decision on his hands when it comes to playing time.
• The Bruins will get Andrew Alberts back in their line up tonight for the first time in three and a half months, reports Fluto Shinwaza. On the injury front, it appears that Marc Savard will miss the remainder of the regular season with a back injury but the playmaker is shooting for a postseason return.
• The Habs guaranteed themselves at least the second spot in the Eastern Conference last night, writes Pat Hickey.
• "We just have to stay positive. We can't pout or feel for ourselves," said Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson after his team's 3-0 loss to the Habs last night. If the Senators do make the playoffs, Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun wants to see them face-off versus the Habs.
• Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star wonders if Mats Sundin has played his last game. However, if you ask Cliff Fletcher he has a feeling the captain will return.

The Western Conference morning papers are soon to follow...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers--Eastern Conference (Sunday Edition)

Here are the Southeast Division morning papers:

• The Hurricanes lost last night to the Lightning, making Tuesday's showdown versus Washington that much more important. With Bret Hedican ailing, Canes defenseman Dennis Seidenberg was happy to get back into the line up. Meanwhile, it looks like two of the Staal brothers could very well be meeting in the first round of the playoffs.
• "We can only do what we can do. But if we keep winning, something good is going to happen. If we continue to play like we're playing, someone is going to falter once, and we're going to be there to jump on it," said Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau after his team's 3-0 victory over the Panthers on Saturday.
• Karri Ramo was terrific last night as he turned aside 38 shots and led the Lightning to defeat the Hurricanes 2-1.
• The Panthers were officially eliminated from playoff contention last night but, as evidenced by their play, the Panthers had accepted their fate prior to last night's game. Off the ice, Steve Mondator's contract is over at season's end but the versatile defenseman wants to return to the Panthers next season.

**There were no Atlanta Thrashers articles this morning**

Here are the Atlantic Division morning papers:

• The Flyers were admittedly scoreboard watching last night and understood that they needed to beat the Islanders to keep a small playoff cushion, writes Tim Panaccio. Also in this morning's Philadelphia Inquirer, Panaccio takes a look around the NHL.
• Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tells readers that some Penguins believe Sergei Gonchar is the team's MVP. In positive news, Marian Hossa's injuries are not serious and he will be in the line up this afternoon versus the Rangers.
• If today is Jaromir Jagr's last game in Pittsburgh, he sure does not seem overly emotional, writes Larry Brooks. If you think that Sean Avery's reported off-ice exploits are going to distract the Rangers, the players say it won't.
• A couple of Islanders players were playing their fourth game in four nights on Saturday, writes Greg Logan.
• The Devils were given the weekend off by coach Brent Sutter, writes Rich Chere.

Here are the Northeast Division morning papers:

• After yesterday's embarrassing 4-0 loss to the Bruins, the Senators held a fifteen minute players-only meeting. "We haven't played well for some time here," said Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson after yesterday's game.
• The Canadiens not only lost the game last night to Toronto, but they may also have lost captain Saku Koivu for an extended period of time, writes Pat Hickey. Meanwhile, rookie defenseman Ryan O'Byrne wants to do his best to become very much like Mike Komisarek.
• Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star was happy to see the youngest members of the Leafs come to play last night. While Damien Cox of the Star wonders if the Leafs' whole GM search is just a PR stunt.
• Even though the Sabres have a "must-win" game today, for all intents and purposes the team cannot make the playoffs. At least there is some positive news around the Sabres as Teppo Numminen is scheduled to return to the line up for the final week of the season.
• With the absence of Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins have extremely impressed with the play of David Krejci. Here is Kevin Paul Dupont's weekly Sunday article.

The Western Conference morning papers are soon to follow...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

Pre-Game Report

Here are some roster notes heading into tonight's games:

• Kristian Huselius (healthy scratch) is out for tonight's game against Vancouver.
• Marc Savard (back) is out for tonight's game at Toronto.
• Here are the Hurricanes' projected lines for tonight's game versus Washington.
• Justin Williams (ACL) may be in the line up tonight for Carolina.
• Here is how the Stars lined up at their morning skate.
• Kris Russell (groin) will not play tonight against Nashville.
• Pascal Leclaire (head) is out for tonight's game.
• Tomas Holmstrom (groin) will be out of action for another week.
• Valtteri Filppula (groin, knee) is out tonight.
• Dominik Hasek (flu) did not fly with the team to St. Louis for tonight's game.
• Andrew Ference (leg) is out tonight for Boston's important game versus Toronto.
• Jonathan Cheechoo (head, neck) is out for tonight's game against the Coyotes.
• Patrick Rismiller (lower-body injury) will play for the Sharks tonight.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

NHL Morning Papers (Saturday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• In his weekly notebook, Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail discusses the importance of the NHL Entry Draft, among other things.
• Tim Wharnsby of the Globe & Mail provides readers with details on Fabian Brunnstrom, a player the Leafs may very well have blown their chance to sign last summer.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• "He'll be out this weekend, and we expect him back next week sometime," said Thrashers coach and GM Don Waddell in reference to Ilya Kovalchuk's knee injury he sustained this past week.
• Marc Savard has been steady as a rock for the Bruins all season long, writes Barbara Matson of the Boston Globe. The Bruins have a statement game on their hands tonight, as the best team in the NHL, the Detroit Red Wings, comes to town.
• The Sabres blew a 4-3 lead in Atlanta last night with less than twenty seconds remaining in regulation and ended up losing 5-4 in a shootout. Sabres netminder Jocelyn Thibault may be forced into action over the next few games because Ryan Miller injured his leg in last night's contest.
• The Hurricanes are going to be without Matt Cullen for an extended period of time because the forward is having trouble with blurred vision.
• With last night's 3-1 victory over the Devils, the Rangers are now 5-0 versus New Jersey on the season, writes Mark Everson of the NY Post. The Rangers are getting closer to signing Henrik Lundqvist to a contract extension writes John Dellapina of the NY Daily News.
• The Flyers are looking at tonight's game versus the Ducks as a big test to see where they stand in the NHL hierarchy. Flyers winger Joffrey Lupul is expecting to return to the line up next week from post-concussion syndrome.
• After being picked up on waivers three times in three weeks, Kris Beech readily admits that he has had about as unpredictable a season as one could imagine. In other Penguins news, Marc-Andre Fleury is confident he will return before the 10-14 days the team has projected for him.
• Suffice it to say that Alexander Ovechkin is blowing the minds of his Washington teammates.
• Mike Berardino of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel thinks Roberto Luongo should have been a Panther for the rest of his career. Even though Luongo may be the best goaltender in the NHL, last night newest Panther goalie Tomas Vokoun demonstrated why he was selected to the All-Star Game as he led the Panthers to a 4-3 shootout victory over the Canucks.
• The Habs have decided to ride Cristobal Huet for as long as he can take them and, as a result, the veteran netminder is probably earning himself a lot of money come this off-season.
• After last night's 3-1 loss to the Rangers, the Devils have now lost ten straight games versus the two New York teams, writes Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger.
• Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune talks about Brad Richards and his case of mono.
• With the Senators facing off against the Leafs tonight, Mark Zwolinkski of the Toronto Star says the match up is not what it used to be. In other Leafs news, the team is not going to get an apology from the NHL for its video review calls on Thursday.
• In Ottawa, Jason Spezza has matured to a point where John Paddock's public call out of him, doesn't shake his confidence.
• Ted Nolan says his team's effort has to improve, writes Erik Boland of Newsday.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• The Ducks lost 1-0 to the Blues in a shootout as Manny Legace and J.S. Giguere took part in an intense goaltending battle last night in St. Louis, writes Dan Wood of the Orange County Register.
• Not even Craig Conroy the interviewer can get Dion Phaneuf to talk about his possible contract extension, writes Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald. Meanwhile, Steve Macfarlane of the Calgary Sun thinks the Flames may be best off letting Daymong Langkow and Kristian Huselius walk this summer.
• Blackhawks coach Denis Savard let his players vote on who would be the alternating captains in February, writes Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune.
• Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch takes a closer look at the new fighting trends in the NHL. Reed's colleague Aaron Portzline analyzes the Jackets trade of Curtis Glencross to Edmonto for Dick Tarnstrom. Here are the Jackets' probable lines for tonight's contest versus Minnesota.
• The Stars got Jere Lehtinen back in the line up last night and he helped them defeat the Oilers 4-1 at Rexall Place. Marty Turco was tremendous last night, writes Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.
• Dominik Hasek recorded his 80th career shutout last in his team's 2-0 victory over the Avalanche. The Red Wings continue to dominate the NHL and their long-sustained success is no fluke, writes Kevin Allen of USA Today.
• Wild coach Jacques Lemaire is not letting his team get overly excited about their last victory, a 5-1 dominating performance against the defending Stanley Cup champion Ducks.
• The Blues defeated the Ducks 1-0 on Friday night, but Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Dispatch wonders if the team can sustain its success without consistent scoring output. In other Blues news, rookie David Perron was a healthy scratch last night.
• Newest Sharks forward Jody Shelley is excited to debut with his new team but understands that he has to play within his role to be successful.
• The Coyotes acquired Radim Vrbata from the Blackhawks this off-season in what was an unheralded move, but boy has it paid off.
• John Glennon of the Tennessean provides readers with the details behind J.P. Dumont's newly signed contract extension.
• The Oilers lost to the Stars 4-1 last night but they deserved a better fate, writes Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal. Oilers fans will appreciate this spoof of the newest NHL commercial. (Writer's note: Thanks to Illegal Curve friend Dave Staples of Cult of Hockey for sending this along.)

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

illegalcurve@gmail.com

NHL Morning Papers (Monday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• As Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail tells us, it didn't take long for the new boss of the NHLPA to have a disagreement with Gary Bettman.
• Shoalts provides readers with a recap of yesterday's All-Star Game.
• Mark Spector of the National Post has an interesting article on the modesty and humbleness of NHL players.
• Mike Brehm of USA Today gives the players' perspective of all these long-term contracts being signed in the NHL.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• Bill Tiller of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution gives an Atlanta perspective of All-Star weekend.
• After getting booed all weekend long, Marc Savard was happy to score the winning goal for the Eastern All-Stars and finally hear some cheers in Atlanta, writes Fluto Shinwaza of the Boston Globe. After being scored on twice early in the third period, Tim Thomas made sure to remember that the All-Star Game is supposed to be fun.
• Brian Campbell increased his price tag once again last night, writes Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News.
• Eric Staal is being used to advertise for the NHL and, as a result, he has come to the realization that he is one of the young marketable stars of the NHL.
• Making his second All-Star appearance, Panthers goalie Tomas Vokoun wasn't as nervous as he was in his first appearance in the All-Star Game a few years ago and just made sure to enjoy himself over the weekend.
• With the 2009 All-Star Game slated for Montreal, Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette provides readers with the history of the game in Montreal.
• Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger wonders what the Devils are going to do for a netminder once Martin Brodeur hangs up his blades.
• Sidney Crosby was clearly missed by both the fans and fellow players in Atlanta this weekend.
• Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star bashes the NHL Skills Competition. (Writer's note: This article raises many of the same points that Illegal Curve's Andrew M. brought up in his Cold Hard Rants yesterday.)
• Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun speculates that the NHL might cancel the All-Star Game altogether after 2009.
• Alexander Ovechkin always enjoys himself playing hockey, writes Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun has an interesting piece on the evolution of Mike Keenan as a NHL coach. Meanwhile, George Johnson of the Calgary Herald provides readers with Jarome Iginla and Dion Phaneuf's perspectives of the All-Star Game.
• Terry Frei of the Denver Post suggests the Avalanche should attempt to make a trade for Thrashers superstar Marian Hossa.
• Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch believes Rick Nash has missed out on the All-Star Game MVP two years in a row because he is playing for the Blue Jackets.
• Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News examines the dynamic between co-GMs Les Jackson and Brett Hull and their possible plan of attack before the upcoming trade deadline.
• After watching yesterday’s NHL All-Star Game, Helene Elliot of the L.A. Times (should demand a pay-raise) thinks the league is in good hands with all its young talent.
• Sharks coach Ron Wilson sees Jacques Lemaire as the perfect tutor for Marian Gaborik even if the speedy Slovak sometimes craves more freedom.
• Ron Wilson was happy to be able to get to know other players around the NHL that he hadn’t had an opportunity to meet throughout the years.
• The Blues still see themselves contending for a playoff spot but the organization is not going to mortgage its future for a short-term fix, writes Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

On With the Recap: Marc Savard is a Beast

A set of six games on tonights schedule, the Kings/Bruins score-fest had me staying up late. Every time I would change the channel to the NLCS, I'd come back and there would be a new goal. In case you are wondering, I am cheering for the Rockies this playoffs and against the Red Sox.

Now on with the recap:

• Jaromir Jagr had his coming out party for the 07-08 season. He added 3 helpers in the Rangers 3-1 win over the Washington Capitals. The Rangers were able to get their powerplay going and went 2 for 7. Scotty Gomez scored one of those PP goals, his first as a Ranger.
• Down 2-0, Chicago scores three unanswered against the Red Wings. Former Wing Robert Lang had two points, including the game winner. The Blackhawks win it over the Red Wings 3-2.
• The St. Louis Blues have won their third straight, defeating the Avs 4-1. Dan Hinote had two goals for the Blues and Paul Stastny recorded his 9th point for the Avs.
• Holy Matthew Lombardi Batman! He scores the tying goal and the OT winner for the Flames, they burn up the Stars 3-2.
• After losing 8-2 to the Flyers and getting called out by GM Dave Nonis, the Canucks bounce back vs the Oilers. They drain the Oil 5-2, Alex Burrows was on the scoresheet with a goal and an assist. With one goal on the year, he needs two more to tie last years total. Way to go Alex!
• The goal judge was very busy in Los Angeles as the Bruins eat up the Kings 8-6. Marc Savard is the BEAST* of the night with 5 points in his return from injury. Sophomore Phil Kessel nets his first career hat-trick. Penalty killing was non existent in this game, Boston was 3/5 and LA was 3/6 on the powerplay. Goaltending (what a surprise) and defense have been a major problem this year for the Kings, in five games they have allowed under four goals only once and they have given up 18 in the past three.

There are a healthy 13 games on the schedule tommorow (all times Eastern)
7:00pm: WSH@BUF, TB@FLA, PIT@TOR, NJ@ATL, NYI@PHI, OTT@NYR, CAR@MTL
8:00pm: CGY@NSH
8:30pm: DAL@CHI
9:00pm: CLB@COL
10:00pm: EDM@VAN, MIN@PHX
10:30pm: BOS@SJ

Game I will have my eye on:
OTT@NYR; Since last weeks contest in Ottawa, the Rangers have developed some chemistry on offense and have been able to score goals on the powerplay. This time the Rangers have home advantage, and Ottawa is looking to bounce back from their first loss, this one should be a doozie.



*previously I had given out the MONSTER of the night, as a tribute to TSN/NBC commentator Pierre McGuire, and the extravagant enthusiasm he has for the game of hockey. It was only temporary until I would be able to create a name of my own. Each night the best player or whomever I deem worthy, will now be proclaimed, the BEAST of the night. Capital letters can only describe the extraordinary excitement I feel for that player (or whomever else may be the BEAST of the night).

Morning Musings: Taking off Sundays

As Michael Remis of Illegal Curve pointed out last night, the NHL has made a smart decision by not attempting to compete for ratings with the NFL on Sundays. The fact is, with the NFL being the biggest sporting entity in the United States, the NHL doesn't need to go up against the league and fight for ratings. As well, with MLB playoffs underway, the NHL will already be hard pressed to get casual fans to pay attention to their product. I am firmly convinced that anymore than one game on Sundays is too many for the NHL. Even in Canada, where teams can get huge ratings on a Sunday night, the NHL would be better off leaving those games for the second half of the season when the NFL is into its offseason and the ratings possibilities are far greater. Think about it, there are 82 NHL games in a season and only 16 NFL games. Teams like the Cowboys/Giants play each other twice all season long. Whereas, the Rangers/Devils play each other 8 times in one season! If Joe Fan has to choose between the two, most right-minded people would favor the NFL. That is why the NHL is smart to avoid imposing such decision-making on even their most hardcore fan.

On to the morning papers:

• Reuniting Milan Hedjuk with Paul Stastny worked perfectly for the Avs last night as they handily defeated the Sharks 6-2. In order to get Jeff Finger into the lineup, coach Joel Quenville decided to make the NHL's former ironman Karlis Skrastins a healthy scratch.
• Sharks' coach Ron Wilson say that only one of his team's lines played well last night and it wasn't Joe Thornton's. After getting down 6-1, Wilson took the opportunity to get the Sharks' new backup goaltender Dimitri Patzold into some game action.
• The Devils' defensemen are trying to adjust to the freedom that new coach Brent Sutter is implementing in the team's new high-pressure system. A goal scorer in juniors and the minors, John Madden is looking to create more offense under coach Sutter's new system.
• Larry Brooks of the NY Post is reporting that the Rangers will be without forward Sean Avery for at least a month with a shoulder separation. In his spot, it appears that Marcel Hossa will make his season debut Wednesday night.
• Chris Campoli is attempting to make Ted Nolan's decision very difficult as to who will come out of the lineup if/when Bryan Berard is signed to a contract.
• Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun says there are three reasons why the Senators have played so well thus far in this young NHL season.
• Tim Panaccio of the Philadelphia Inquirer follows Brennan's lead and lists three things that stand out while watching the Flyers through the season's first three games. After their loss to the Oilers on Saturday night, the Flyers headed out to Whistler for some team building exercises; Ed Moran of the Inquirer has the story.
• Coach Wayne Gretzky is happy with the Coyotes' work ethic writes Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic.
• As Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette explains, the Penguins' forward line combinations are ever-changing and Sidney Crosby is quite used it by now.
• Without the help they have been getting from their veteran teammates, the Blues' youngsters may not be having the early season success they have enjoyed in the early going of the 2007/08 campaign.
• While the season is still awfully young, there is much to be excited about for the Lightning after an impressive 2-0 start to the season.
• Jason Blake is not worried that he hasn't scored in the Leafs' first three games writes Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star. In other Leafs' news, coach Paul Maurice has been very impressed with the play of Ian White so far this season. Meanwhile, maybe Tomas Kaberle and Pavel Kubina aren't best friends as Kubina had thought...
• With a renewed commitment to defense, Alexander Ovechkin has earned coach Glen Hanlon's trust and is no longer glued to the bench when the Caps are protecting a lead to end a game.
• After Shea Weber was injured by catching a rut in Nashville's poor ice, his teammates are suggesting the need for a dehumidifier at the Sommet Center writes John Glennon of the Tennessean.
• Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette opines that the dynasties of the past are long gone in today's NHL.
• Apparently coach Jacques Lemaire believes Eric Belanger can register 80 points this season.
• After sustaining the criticism that comes with arbitration, Michael Cammalleri has his eyes on the playoffs writes Lonnie White of the LA Times. (Registration required)
• The Panthers were scheduled for an off-day on Sunday, but after two lackluster performances to start the season, coach Jacques Martin cancelled the off-day and put the team through an intense practice.
• Robert Tychkowski explains the importance of a positive start for a young team like the Oilers in this morning's Edmonton Sun. Meanwhile, the Oilers are hoping Andrew Cogliano can be their version of Paul Stastny writes Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal. (Writer's note: Keep hoping Oil fans. These two players are not in the same class.)
• George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press tells us which teenager's dad made him get a photo taken with Dominik Hasek after the Hawks/Wings game on Saturday night. Also from Wings' camp, as Michael Remis of Illegal Curve reported last night, Johan Franzen will be lost to the team for 3-4 weeks with a knee sprain.
• With a season under his belt, Jeff Halpern feels more comfortable in Dallas and is hoping his increased comfort level leads to an increase in offensive output; Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News has the story.
• As Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch details, the Blue Jackets have been very happy with Nikolai Zherdev's work ethic through the first two games of the season.
• The Hurricanes have three games in Canada this week and, according to Lorenzo Perez of the News Observer, should have a better read on whether they can avoid the early season slump they played through last season.
• The Flames have to develop more consistency to their game says coach Mike Keenan. Meanwhile, Flames' backup netminder Curtis McElhinney is out of the lineup at least 1-2 weeks with a blown-out knee.
• After last season, Jaroslav Spacek told Lindy Ruff has was misused and was disappointed he didn't play a bigger role. As a result, Ruff has put Spacek on the Sabres' powerplay and the defenseman has thrived.
• Bruins' GM Peter Chiarelli doesn't think Marc Savard will play on Wednesday versus the Ducks. Look for Glen Metropolit to take Savard's place on the number one line.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.