Modano still considering a return

From Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News:

Modano said getting to the conference finals has him thinking this team can make one more push for the Stanley Cup. That, more than anything, is his biggest consideration.

He said if the Stars had gone out in the first round as they had done in their last three trips to the playoffs, he would have retired.

Here is the full story from the Dallas Morning News.

Modano is not the player he once was, however, he is still an above-average NHL player and can contribute to his team both on and off the ice. I suspect Modano will return next season.

NHL Morning Papers: Conference Finals (Thursday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the four remaining playoff teams:

Detroit (1) versus Dallas (5):

• The Wings obviously did not want to lose last night, but the loss will serve some good, writes Michael Rosenberg. Mitch Albom clearly did not agree with the referees' decision to disallow a Wings goal because Tomas Holmstrom was allegedly in the crease. It looks like Johan Franzen (concussion) can take a step forward in his rehabilitation process. In other Wings news, the team has signed Swedish goaltender Daniel Larsson to a two-year contract.
• The Stars caught a break with the Holmstrom call last night, writes Brandon George. Stars coach Dave Tippett reunited an old AHL line last night and the decision paid off. It is fair to say that Mike Modano is still the man in Dallas. Meanwhile, Stars owner Tom Hicks has been extremely pleased with the fan reaction to the Stars' recent playoff run.

Pittsburgh (2) versus Philadelphia (6):

• It took a while, but the Marian Hossa trade is sure working out for the Penguins, writes Dave Molinari. Heading into tonight's game, the Penguins want to make sure they do not get ahead of themselves. Let's be honest, who expected the Penguins to be this dominant in the playoffs?
• The Penguins defense has been the story of this series, writes Rich Hofmann. The Flyers can still comeback in this series, writes Ed Barkowitz. Barkowitz's optimism is curbed by the fact that every time the Flyers have been down 3-0 in a series, they have lost. Meantime, it appears some people are selling counterfeit Conference Finals tickets.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Tuesday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups:

Detroit versus Nashville:

• One of the biggest benefits of beating the Predators in six games is that the Wings get a couple days to recharge their batteries, writes Helene St. James. Here are some quotes by Mike Babcock from his interview with the Fan 590 in Toronto. The Detroit Free Press takes a look at the two possible opponents for the Red Wings.
• Jason Arnott was extremely disappointed that the couldn't be out there to help his teammates for Games 6 and 7, writes John Glennon. Heading into the off-season, the Predators have some depth in net and on the blueline, so except a couple transactions. Not that there was ever any doubt, the Predators have re-signed their entire coaching staff to extensions.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• It's win or go home for the Sharks tonight, writes David Pollak. The Sharks are surprisingly loose heading into Game 7 tonight. In roster news, veteran forward Jeremy Roenick can't wait to get back in the line up for tonight's tilt.
• The Flames roster has much experience with Game 7s so expect them to draw on that for tonight's game. What can we expect from big-game Jarome Iginla tonight? Mike Keenan absolutely loved the way Kristian Huselius played in Game 6.

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• Jacques Lemaire provides the press with his review of the season. Here is GM Doug Risebrough's to-do list over the off-season, writes Michael Russo.
• The Pepsi Center was rockin' like the old days in the first round, writes Mike Chambers. If the Avalanche play the Stars in he second round, the series won't begin until Saturday.

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• The Ducks have some competition for Brian Burke's services, writes Eric Stephens of the L.A. Times.
• The Stars are very happy with their current Co-GM arrangement between Les Jackson and Brett Hull.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Wednesday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups:

Detroit versus Nashville:

• Mike Babcock has demonstrated terrific composure when under pressure, writes Michael Rosenberg. The return of Michigan native David Legwand has caused headaches for the Red Wings, writes Helene St. James. Nashville coach Barry Trotz likes tough hockey and that is why he saw no problems with Niklas Kronwall's hit on Radek Bonk in Game 3.
• John Glennon of the Tennessean is wondering how the Predators will react in Game 4 after their comeback victory on Monday night. The return of David Legwand has really given the Predators the scoring depth they lacked to end the season.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• You could see the relief on Joe Thornton's face after he scored arguably the biggest goal of his NHL career last night. Thornton saved the series for the Sharks last night, writes Mark Purdy. To reference Evgeni Nabokov's post-game comments on Sunday, the boys became men on Tuesday night.
• Calgary only mustered a measly ten shots on net last night, writes George Johnson. The intensity of last night's game was apparent from the outset, writes Scott Cruickshank. The remaining best-of-three series will be decided by which team's stars want it most, opines Eric Francis.

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• Don't count Michael Russo of the Star Tribune among those surprised by the Wild's letdown game last night. Jacques Lemaire did not hold back from blaming his defensemen for their poor play on Tuesday. Apparently controversial Denver Post columnist Mark Kiszla was forecasting the future for the Wild, writes Patrick Reusse.
• The Avalanche took control of yesterday's game early on, writes Adrian Dater. Woody Paige was not impressed with the Wild's pity violence to end Game 4. If the Avalanche want to win this series, they need more from Paul Stastny, opines Terry Frei.

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• With all the pressure squarely on their shoulders, the Ducks came out with a dominating first period in Dallas and went on to a 4-2 victory. You can't put a price on experience, writes Mark Whicker.
• The Stars came out with a very unimpressive performance in the first two periods last night, writes J.J. Taylor. Marty Turco put the onus on himself for not making some big saves early on. The Stars may have been able to pull off an impressive comeback had they been able to score on a four-minute power play in the third period.

The morning papers for teams that did not make the playoffs are soon to follow...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Monday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups:

Detroit versus Nashville:

• Tomas Holmstrom is looking a lot healthier as the games go on and his game is really coming together as a result. At practice, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg practiced both together and apart. The Wings sure don't lack experience in net with Dominik Hasek between the pipes.
• The Predators know that one key moment can change a series, writes John Glennon. On the injury front, David Legwand will be a game-time decision for tonight's contest.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News wonders if the Sharks can recover from their collapse last night at the Saddledome. You knew what was coming if you were a Sharks fan last night, writes Purdy. "It takes men to play this sport, not a bunch of boys," said Sharks netminder Evgeni Nabokov after last night's 4-3 loss.
• When the Flames started to bully, the Sharks did not fight back, writes George Johnson. Cory Sarich's big hit was what turned the whole game around, writes Jean Lefebvre. Curtis Joseph pitched a shutout in his relief appearance last night and that was enough to hold the Flames in the game until they got the lead late in the third period. Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun thinks Sarich's hit may have turned the Flames' whole season around. (Writer's note: Here is the hit if you have not seen it.)

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• The Wild know they are fortunate to be tied 1-1 without any production from sniper Marian Gaborik, writes Michael Russo. No coach creates more line combinations than the old master Jacques Lemaire.
• Peter Forsberg missed practice on Sunday, but Avalanche fans need not worry, as the veteran was just getting some rest for tonight's tilt. Across the ice, the Wild's playmakers have yet to prove they can play at the level of the Avs playmakers, writes Mike Chambers. With the Avalanche finally back home, the Pepsi Center should be rocking tonight.

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• It has been a tough start to the playoffs for Anaheim, so the Ducks just want to focus on winning the next period of their series with the Stars, writes Dan Wood. If the Ducks have any aspirations of winning this series, the team's defense needs to be play up to its capabilities.
• Brad Richards and Loui Eriksson have found chemistry at the perfect time, writes Mike Heika. There is a different feel around this version of the Stars says Mike Modano.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

Nightly Recap: Modano becomes all time American leading scorer

-Jeff Carter and Joffrey Lupul score on two of the first three shots for the Flyers. Philadelphia, who went 0-8 last season vs Pittsburgh are now guaranteed to do better this year as the Flyers defeat the Penguins 3 - 1.

-Buffalo defeats Boston 2 - 1 in overtime. Clarke MacArthur, who had just been called up earlier in the day from Rochester scored the winning goal. Ales Kotalik popped in the first goal for the Sabres, who snapped a three game losing streak. Here is a video of the MacArthur's overtime winner, the always enthusiastic Rick Jeanneret provides the play-by-play and Harry Neale does his best with the color commentary.

-Tampa Bay wins 3 - 1 over Florida. It was only the third victory for the Lightning in the past twelve games. Vinny Lecavalier had a goal and an assist for the Lightning, Marty St. Louis and Jan Hlavac also chipped in with a goal each.

-Detroit, in their first game since Nov 1 were up 2 - 0 on goals by Dan Cleary and Jiri Hudler. Ryan Suter and JP Dumont netted goals to tie it up in the third. The game had to be decided in a shootout Pavel Datsuyk put home the winner. Detroit 3 - Nashville 2 (SO).

-In a 3:57 span in the third period, Jonathan Toews, Brent Seabrook and Duncan Kieth score to give Chicago the 5 - 2 win over Columbus. Tuomo Ruutu, Rene Bourque and Toews had two points each, it was the rookie Toews's first multi point game of the season.

-Ian Laperriere scored two goals and had one assist during regulation, but goals by Wojtek Wolski and Marek Svatos won it for the Avs in a shootout. Colorado 4 - Edmonton 3 (SO)

-BEAST of the night Peter Mueller scored his first career hat trick for the Coyotes and Steven Reinprecht pocketed three points in the Coyotes 6 - 5 overtime win over the Ducks. The overtime winner was scored by Shane Doan, it was his third goal of the year.

-It was a milestone night for Mike Modano, he scored two goals to pass former Winnipeg Jet Phil Housley's record for points by an American player. Marty Turco was a rock in the net stopping 38 of 39 for the Stars in the 3 -1 win over the Sharks.

Tomorrow's Games
7:00pm TB@CAR, PHI@NJ, PIT@NYR,
7:30pm MTL@BOS (TSN), WSH@OTT
9:00pm VAN@CGY, DAL@PHX

Morning Musings

Here are the national morning papers:

• Brian Milner of the Globe & Mail has the details behind Reebok's attempt to modify the new NHL jerseys due to player complaints.
• The Leafs are looking forward to playing on the road and being able to get away from the unfriendly confines of the Air Canada Centre writes Dave Shoalts of the Globe.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• The Ducks are finally looking a little healthier as Mathieu Schneider, Ryan Getzlaf and Rob Niedermayer are all expected to dress for tonight's game versus Columbus.
• Both Willie Mitchell and Jeff Cowan were hurt during practice yesterday for the Canucks and their statuses for the team's next game are up in the air.
• Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Dispatch has an interesting piece about fighting in the NHL.
• The Stars have to be sick of seeing Jason Williams of the Blackhawks, as the forward scored his second game-winning goal against them this season last night. After the game, veteran American Mike Modano and Amercian youngster Patrick Kane exchanged compliments.
• David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News has a great article about coaches and their penchant for always changing their line combinations.
• Avalanche fans are excited to see "Sid the Kid" tonight playing for the first time in Denver. Also in the Denver Post, Adrian Dater answers readers' questions about the Avs.
• The Blue Jackets proved that practice pays off last night in their 4-1 victory over the Kings. Here are the Jackets' expected lines for tonight's game at Anaheim.
• The Coyotes defense is starting to come together and develop chemistry writes Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic.
• Predators' forward JP Dumont will suit up tonight in Vancouver even though he broke the tip of his left ring finger in Calgary on Tuesday. Somehow, the Predators have only scored three goals combined in their five road games so far this season.
• The Stars blew their late period 4-3 lead and Mike Modano had his assist taken away post-game, as it seems Dallas just can't seem to catch a break these days.
• One of the reasons for the Wings success this season is their record in one-goal games writes Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.
• It looks like both Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra will return from injury tonight to face the Blues.
• The Kings' loss last night was their first in two weeks and the way the team lost left coach Marc Crawford steaming after the game. "You're not going to score on every shift. You have to recognize some shifts you've got to play well in your own end," said Crawford after the contest.
• Matt Greene's ankle snapped versus Detroit and the rugged defenseman will be out of the lineup for at least a couple of months. Coach Craig MacTavish still has confidence that his team can withstand the endless barrage of injuries they have faced so early in the season.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• For those wondering why Marian Hossa wasn't shooting second for the Thrashers' in their shootout victory over Montreal in the week it is because he turned down the offer from coach Don Waddell.
• With the injury to Manny Fernandez, goaltender Tim Thomas is looking forward to seeing more action starting tonight versus the Sabres. Here is the Boston Herald's scouting report for tonight's Bruins/Sabres contest.
• The Hurricanes were furious at the two diving calls that went against them last night in Florida writes Luke Decock of the News Observer.
• When the Sabres take the ice tonight versus Boston, they will be looking to score the first goal because they have fallen behind early in too many games this season. Toni Lydman has been named captain of the Sabres for the month of November.
• Florida took advantage of some late Carolina penalties to comeback from a 2-1 deficit and defeat the Canes 4-2. The Panthers were an extremely motivated group after special assistant to the GM Joe Nieuwendyk gave the team a serious pep-talk during the second intermission.
• Habs' coach Guy Carbonneau expects more from first-line winger Michael Ryder and that is why Ryder found himself riding the pine during the third period against the Thrashers.
• Brent Sutter backed off of his promise not to match lines and matched John Madden, Jay Pandolfo and Dainius Zubrus against the Lecavalier line last night. The switch worked worked well as Pandolfo had a hat trick and his checking line dominated the entire game leading the Devils to a 6-1 victory.
• Jaromir Jagr and Scott Gomez are still trying to find the chemistry that Jagr had with former teammate with Michael Nylander. Meanwhile, Rangers' agitator Sean Avery is almost ready to return from his shoulder injury.
• Mark Herrmann of Newsday talks about the excitement that surrounds Mike Sillinger's 1000th career game tonight.
• Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Jason Spezza will be out of the lineup for the Senators' game tonight.
• Tim Panaccio of the Philadelphia Inquirer has the details of Derian Hatcher's injury and subsequent surgery today.
• It looks like putting Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on the same line was quite a smart move by coach Michel Therien writes Shelly Anderson in this morning's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Post-Gazette is also reporting that Dany Sabourin will get the start between the pipes tonight in Denver.
• Coach John Tortorella says his team is not generating enough offense right now to allow the Lightning to win games.
• Capitals' winger Chris Clark was back on the ice at practice yesterday but didn't feel 100% and may still need more time to recover from his left ear injury.
• The Leafs paid the price for their lackluster effort against Washington in practice yesterday. In some very positive news, winger Jason Blake has not felt any different since being diagnosed with luekemia.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Sens re-open negociations with Heatley

• The Ottawa Senators have re-opened negotiations with Dany Heatley. The Senators need to re-sign this dynamic forward, he is worth the money. The sides are reported to be $1 million apart, but he is worth the $8 or $9 million. If a deal is not completed before the beginning of the season Heatley will become an unrestricted free agent.
  
• Leafs defenseman Carlo Coliacovo will miss both games vs the Senators this week with a knee.
• Spezza, Alfredsson and Heatley have been reunited as a line. Wow, I didn't see this one coming.
• The Maple Leafs are looking to get off to a quick start to open the season. I can't express how excited I am to watch them get shellacked by the Sens tomorrow night on TSN
• Remember when Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison were good? Alain Vigneault does, and is looking for them to have a rebound year. The Canucks really need them to rebound as scoring was a scarce commodity for the Canucks during the year and especially in the postseason
• In his 18th season, Mike Modano only needs 7 points to pass former Winnipeg Jet Phil Housley for most points among Americans
  
• The Buffalo Sabres have gone with a rotating captaincy to replace the departed Chris Drury and Daniel Briere. Jochen Hecht will be the first to wear the "C" this season
  
• Roman Hamrlik will be playing his first game in a Habs uniform on Wednesday. It will also be his 1,000th career NHL game.
• David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail is quite realistic and does not share the same optimism for the Maple Leafs that Coach Paul Maurice has.
• ESPN's NHL Power rankings. The San Jose sharks occupy the top spot, with the Coyotes at the bottom.
• Jeremy Roenick is very excited for the Sharks season. Personally, I'm very excited for him to pull a Brett Hull and retire mid season and move to the TSN broadcast booth. Would he hang 'em up already?
• The Edmonton Oilers are looking to rebound after a horrendous 06-07 season

Only 18 more hours until the season begins