The Hot List from the Hockey News

The Hockey News publishes a weekly list of top prospects. This week's entry can be found here.

1. Louis Leblanc, C – Lac St. Louis Lions (QMAAA): Leblanc is a sought-after commodity these days. The only non-major junior player invited to Canada’s Under-18 camp for the Ivan Hlinka tourney, Leblanc has also chosen Harvard over Val d’Or for the final step in his amateur career. In the meantime, the USHL and Omaha could be the next destination for the high-scoring pivot. Leblanc was the Quebec Midget AAA leading scorer and MVP this season, while passing Daniel Briere’s mark with 85 goals over two years. Draft eligible in 2009.

2. Patrick Wiercioch, D – Denver Pioneers (WCHA): Yup, Wiercioch is no longer headed to the Wisconsin Badgers. With a backlog of bodacious blueliners in Madison and David Carle’s situation in Denver, the Pios managed to pluck the highly touted defenseman from their conference rival.

Wiercioch, a second-round selection of the Senators in June, comes from the sturdy Omaha Lancers of the USHL, where, despite injuries, he was pleased with his environment.

“I was surrounded by one of the best teams in junior hockey,” he said. “We had 19 Division I scholarship players on the roster.”

The B.C. native was also happy to be selected by a Canadian franchise, especially one he sees himself playing for in the future.

“I think Ottawa is a good fit,” he said. “I’m an offensive defenseman, much like the first pick (Erik Karlsson).”

While Wiercioch had planned to spend the next few years in Wisconsin, the timeline likely doesn’t change for Denver, where he expects to grow his game at the proper pace and go pro when the time is right.

“Making the NHL is the No. 1 goal,” he noted. “If I feel I’m ready to make the jump, then I’ll be confident in that decision.”

In the meantime, Wiercioch brings a good deal of buzz and even more playmaking ability to the Mile High City. Drafted 42nd overall by Ottawa in 2008.

3. Stepan Novotny, RW – Kelowna Rockets (WHL): The fact Denver landed Wiercioch took the sting out of losing Novotny to the Dub. The Czech national started off his North American career as a star with prep school Shattuck-St. Mary’s before hopping over to the USHL to play tougher competition with the Indiana Ice. Those enemies will get meaner and nastier in the Western League, so Novotny will have a chance to really show what he’s made of. Draft eligible in 2009.

4. Steven Anthony, C – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL): The prized rookie didn’t blow the hinges off the door as a 16-year-old, but the Sea Dogs were a deep squad and he was only 16. With some attrition in the Saint John ranks, look for Anthony to get back to the offensively dominant player he was with Sidney Crosby’s old squad, the Dartmouth Subways. Draft eligible in 2009.

5. Jared Cowan, D – Spokane Chiefs (WHL): The upcoming season was supposed to be the Memorial Cup run for the Chiefs, but wouldn’t you know it, those darned kids caught fire too soon. The run for a repeat is now on and Cowan, all 6-foot-5 and 207 pounds of him, will be there for the defense. Draft eligible in 2009.

6. Patrik Berglund, C – Vasteras IK (Swe): The early buzz coming out of St. Louis is that the 6-foot-4 Berglund is coming to town and he plans on staying a while. With 45 points in 36 games this year, the young Swede brings a scoring dimension the Blues could use. Drafted 25th overall by St. Louis in 2006.

7. Josef Pontasch, LW – Detroit Belle Tire (MAHA): USA Hockey’s Select 17 festival wrapped up on the weekend and the leading scorer was Pontasch, who tied Beau Bennett of the L.A. Jr. Kings with 11 points, but scored five goals to Bennett’s four. Nonetheless, they’re two names to watch out for. Draft eligible in 2009.

8. Michael Frolik, C – Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL): With a sagging offense and a pivot spot available, look for Frolik to make a serious challenge for a roster spot in Florida this fall. The Czech center was dynamite alongside Jakub Voracek at the world juniors, but missed significant time with injury as well. Drafted 10th overall by Florida in 2006.

9. Riku Helenius, G – Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL): At 6-foot-3, 203 pounds, Helenius covers a lot of net, which he’ll do once again for Seattle next season. The Finn’s first North American campaign was a success, if not one overshadowed by fellow Dub net stars Chet Pickard and Dustin Tokarski. Drafted 15th overall by Tampa Bay in 2006.

10. Brian Salcido, D – Portland Pirates (AHL): Technically, Salcido isn’t a Pirate anymore; when the season begins, he’ll either be with the new AHL affiliate Iowa Chops or the Anaheim Ducks. It goes without saying the offensively savvy defenseman would prefer to be a Duck. Drafted 141st overall by Anaheim in 2005.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. There is still playing time for grabs in Team Canada's lineup.
2. TSN is reporting that the Leafs have asked the Canucks for permission to speak to Dave Nonis.
3. The 3rd edition of the Sportsnet Playoff Magazine.
4. The Stars owe their 4-OT win to...pizza?
5. Mike Toth wonders about the timing of Paul Maurice's firing.
6. Fabian Brunstrom...blah, blah, blah...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
7. Looking back on the Dustin Penner signing.
8. Check out this Art Gallery of Nova Scotia page, featuring hockey art.
9. The Chicago Blackhawks are raising ticket prices.
10. Evgeni Malkin is old-timey.
11. Darren Eliot credits coach John Stevens with the Flyers resurgence.
12. In a move that should surprise no one, a Quebec publisher want the Canadiens to play more French language music at the Bell Centre.
13. Dany Heatley has been the show at the World Championships thus far.
14. In upset news, the Swiss defeated the Swedes and Norway downed Germany.
15. Jacques Lemaire, perhaps unable to find a new way to trap, may not coach the Wild next year.
16. Philly vs. Pittsburgh: The Tale of the Tape.
17. Damien Cox reminds us that the MLSE is still in charge in Toronto.
18. Darryl Reaugh butchers a Fergie song.
19. Jamie McClennan's Top Ten moments from Japan.
20. Chris Osgood is still looking to prove himself after all these years.
21. Ed Willes says the writing is on the wall for a Burke-Nonis reunion in Toronto.
22. Adam Thompson of the Wall Street Journal notes that hockey is back in a big way.
23. TSN is reporting that the Leafs have been denied permission to speak to Doug Wilson.
24. The New York Islanders have signed Robin Figren, who was impressive for Sweden at last year's World Juniors.
25. Ten NCAA teams to watch in 2009.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Team Canada's roster for the World Championships is almost complete.
2. A preview of the Clark Cup semi-finals in the USHL.
3. The AHL has eclipsed its mark for the longest game ever.
4. NCAA coaches are meeting with the NHL and NHLPA this week to discuss the early departures of college players for the NHL.
5. Check out Sportsnet's online playoff magazine.
6. Hockey.com thinks something is fishy in Detroit.
7. Elliotte Friedman with another installment of the From the Pressbox blog.
8. What a difference a year makes for JR.
9. Joe Pelltier has some interesting Stanley Cup history.
10. The Tampa Tribune thinks its time for Tortorella to go.
11. Canada adds Mike Green to its World Championship roster.
12. Seven lessons the Canadiens have to learn from the Boston series.
13. Jim Kelley thinks the NHL nixed the Brian Burke to Toronto proposal.
14. Pierre Lebrun suggests that Doug Armstrong would be a good fit in Toronto.
15. Spector discusses possible changes in store for teams who lost in the 1st round.
16. Interesting interview with Victor Chi of the Sporting News.
17. Adam Proteau answers Don Cherry's criticisms.
18. Cliff Fletcher is content with the "interim" tag.
19. David Staples with a good piece on why Stanley Cup finalists often tank the following season.
20. Wojtek Wolski may miss the remainder of the Wings-Avs series.
21. H2H examines the practice of player agents becoming General Managers.
22. Bobby Smith is enjoying life as owner of the Halifax Mooseheads.
23. 5 Priorities for Mike Gillis.
24. Sidney Crosby answers the diving allegations.
25. Andy Holloway discusses NHL ratings in the USA.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. The QMJHL is considering action against Jonathan Roy for his actions in a playoff brawl.
2. The Alberta Golden Bears are CIS Champions for the 13th time.
3. With Hell recently freezing over, the Flames and Oilers will be cheering for each other tonight.
4. Pierre Lebrun discusses the slim possibility that all 6 Canadian teams will make the playoffs.
5. The bracket for the 2008 NCAA Hockey Tournament.
6. Mike Toth with his thoughts on spicing up the Memorial Cup.
7. Top 10 Playoff contributions by Europeans. No Petr Klima?
8. Jason Kay talks bias.
9. Coaching tips by Brian Costello.
10. Scott Burnside on the up and down seasons of Chris Drury and Danny Briere.
11. U. Minnesota-Duluth captures the NCAA Women's Hockey Championship.
12. The Rangers have one fabulous gay mess on their hands.
13. A few players may be taking their last shots at winning a Stanley Cup this spring.
14. Behold the joy of an in-game F-bomb.
15. Darren Eliot profiles teams making a last minute push for the playoffs.
16. Cody Franson is enjoying a solid first year in the AHL.
17. Al Strachan likes scoring.
18. Ed Willes gives an assessment of trade deadline moves.
19. A recent discovery may push hockey's origins back into the 1600's, when Chris Chelios was just getting his start.
20. The Hobey Baker finalists.
21. Gary Thorne of USA Today gives us a few storylines to watch as the playoffs approach.
22. Fernando!
23. Dave Ellett, cowboy.
24. Mirtle updates us on the World Hockey Championships pools and groupings.
25. A series of posts at The Puck Stops Here, covering the Vezina race, goals per game and Manon Rheaume.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. The Senators have something to prove tonight. Like why the hell they are stopping the economic stimulus package.
2. The staff at TSN try to choose the best pest in the NHL.
3. JP Dumont has inked a 4 year extension with the Predators.
4. Guy Lafleur wants his case to be held by a jury of his peers. Because if there is one place you can find 12 chain smoking guys with nicknames like "The Flower", its Montreal.
5. John Kreiser looks at 5 good and 5 not-so good trades.
6. A look back at the Bruins-Rangers blockbuster trade from 1975.
7. A look at Greg Puhalski, coach of the Wheeling Nailers.
8. Mark Recchi still making a contribution in Atlanta.
9. The Oilers have traded Dick Tarnstrom to Columbus for left winger Curtis Glencross. This is a good move for the Oilers, whose depth on the 3rd and 4th lines was limited to about 23 or 24 role players.
10. Pierre Lebrun suggests 10 trades that would help out both teams invovled.
11. Jim Kelley of Sportsnet airs his grievances with the NHL. A Festivus for the rest of us!
12. A profile on Michigan Tech of the WCHA.
13. Eric Duhatschek examines the all-important race for the basement in the NHL.
14. Former Wisconsin Badger Robbie Earl will make his debut against the Senators tonight.
15. Simon Gamache has officially left the Maple Leafs.
16. Scott Cullen of TSN with a complete list of NHL rumors.
17. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette breaks down the number of former first rounders by team.
18. The unofficial USHL power rankings.
19. Team Rbk takes down Team CCM in the USHL All-Star Game.
20. Fanhouse tells us that NCAA hockey is considering adopting overtime.
21. Check out this video of Marty Turco pimping Matt Niskanen's ride, a Pontiac Sunfire, of all things.
22. A note on the prospects that are coming out of US High School hockey.
23. A sure sign of the coming apocalypse, Edmonton and Calgary join forces to bid for the World Junior Championships.
24. Georges Laraque eyes a career in fitness training after his NHL career is over.
25. Another installment in the Hockey News feature on Roseau.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Kalamazoo wins a game in the IHL when they score with 0.1 seconds left on the clock. Big deal. I can score and cuddle in 0.1 seconds.
2. A decision is expected today on the fate of John Ferguson Jr. Update: JFJ fired.
3. Hockey Hearsay reports that Ottawa almost made a trade. Big news day in Ottawa. I almost won the lottery, too.
4. The weekly release from the USHL.
5. Evanka Osmak of Sportsnet does some deep thinking on the All-Star Game. Save yourself the trouble and instead spend 30 seconds checking out her pictures.
6. Just like Regina girls, this guy loves the wood.
7. The Coyotes have inked Ilya "The Human Alphabet" Bryzgalov to a 3 year extension.
8. Evgeni Malkin will replace Sidney Crosby at the All-Star Game in Atlanta.
9. In an effort to make up for yesterday's worst fight ever, please enjoy this goalie fight featuring Illegal Curve favorite, David Reekie. The video is shakier than bigfoot footage, but you get the idea.
10. This week's ECHL update looks at Peder Skinner of the Phoenix Roadrunners. I think Peder Skinner ranks right up there with Corey Pecker as worst hockey name.
11. The Junior Report says that Belleville is the team to beat in the OHL and notes that David Reekie has helped turn around Lincoln's season in the USHL.
12. Cherie Piper has rejoined the Canadian Women's Team after a year-long battle with knee problems.
13. Tyler Cuma of the Ottawa 67's is looking to make an impact at the CHL Prospects game.
14. The Everett Herald examines the consequences for the WHL should Canadian schools join the NCAA.
15. Here is a review on the new documentary following the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the QMJHL.
16. Ken Campbell notes that internal divisions with the Leafs' braintrust may have cost them Fabian Brunstrom.
17. Good story on Jonathan Morrison, an official in the USHL.
18. Spector provides a list of NHL'ers who may be moved at the deadline.
19. The London Free Press with a story on Yvon Cournoyer. Also check out this video of The Roadrunner. You're welcome Mad Dog.
20. Things are getting testy in NYC.
21. The Hot Prospects list from the Hockey News.
22. Adam Proteau's vision of how the NHL should run.
23. An update on Montreal's prospects in the NCAA system from Hockey's Future.
24. Scott Wraight of SI gives some early predictions for the playoffs.
25. Finally, an article from the CBC not blaming W. for global warming, hangnails and papercuts.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. TJ Oshie pleads not guilty to disorderly conduct charges.
2. The IIHF has announced plans for a 12 team European Super League.
3. The weekly release from the USHL.
4. Bob McKenzie says that we can expect a resolution in the Cliff Fletcher - Maple Leafs saga within 24 hours. Much like the current season of America's Next Top Model, this situation can't end fast enough for me.
5. Sam Gagner and Alex Edler have been added to the Young Stars portion of the All-Star Game.
6. Scott Burnside wonders if Jaromir Jagr might be traded before the deadline rolls around.
7. The Dallas Stars have traded Junior Lessard to Tampa for Doug Jancevski. Thus ends Brian Burke's consecutive trades streak...
8. A smattering of blog links courtesy of Kukla's Korner.
9. The NHL's Junior Report gives us an in-depth look around the CHL and USHL.
10. Michael D'Orazio is featured in Draft Dandies.
11. Stamkos and Tavares will square off in the OHL All-Star game.
12. The NCAA has voted overwhelmingly in favor of allowing Canadian schools to compete in athletic conferences. I am sure some Canadian kids could challenge for top spot in the WCHA Peeing in an Elevator Cup.
13. Robin Bergman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish has left the school to return to Cedar Rapids of the USHL.
14. Possibly the best intermission entertainment I have ever seen. Makes me want to wax my zamboni...
15. Faceoff.com's around the league prospectus.
16. Peter Forsberg may try and test his rehabilitated ankle with Team Sweden. I don't think this rumor has a leg to stand on. I think he is more likely to hop to the NHL.
17. Former NHL'er Jere Karalahti has been busted in a sting on a Finnish meth operation. Interesting news, even though I don't karalahti about drug dealers...
18. Another installment from Milan Lucic's blog.
19. In related news, Jaroslav Modry also has a blog. Man, they will let anyone have one of these.
20. Ken Campbell looks at the best clutch performers in the NHL. Interesting read. Not to toot my own horn, but I was voted best clutch performer at 7 consecutive Jr. High dances.
21. The Hockey News gives us updates on Alex Pieterangelo, Kyle Okposo and Aaron Ness.
22. Mike Chen gives us his list of phrases that he feels should be banned from the hockey lexicon. Somewhere in Colorado, Ryan Smyth just became mute.
23. Mike Komisarek and Chris Higgins: Busom Buddies from Long Island.
24. Craig Simpson gives us some details on what Mathieu Garon has meant to the Oilers.
25. In an effort to keep out Leaf Content high, Scott Morrison takes us out with some words of wisdom.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. An interesting article from the Stars' website chronicling the origin of NHL team names.
2. Pensblog does a pretty humorous run-down of last weekend's outdoor game.
3. TSN has the story about tomorrow's Canada-USA world junior semi-final.
4. The NCAA rankings from Inside College Hockey.
5. Ryan Smyth is out for 8 weeks with an ankle injury.
6. Jonathan Toews will not require surgery on his knee.
7. The Globe and Mail is reporting that Kyle Wellwood will be again be a healthy scratch.
8. Tim Wharsby notes that USA Hockey could use a little PR refresher, after making only 3 players and the coach available to the media.
9. The Senators have assigned Nick Foligno to Binghamton.
10. Sheldon Souray is injured again, but Ales Hemsky is back skating.
11. Peter Loubardias details that well kept secret that is the World Under-17 Championships.
12. The SJHL announces its All-Star rosters.
13. Jim Matheson answers reader questions.
14. The NHL celebrates Willie O'Ree's 50th Anniversary.
15. Musings from the desk of Michael Farber.
16. The Flyers have put Jim Dowd and Rory Fitzpatrick on waivers.
17. Hockey has taken root in Atlanta.
18. Alan Muir of SI notes some changes that Canada should make in preparation of tomorrow's semi-final.
19. The Kings have told Manchester Monarch Brian Boyle that he is moving back to center from defense as the team searches for production.
20. Bob Snow takes a look around the NCAA Divsion 1 hockey programs.
21. Wisconsin Badger teammates are now rivals at the World Junior championships.
22. Jonathan Bernier is not happy with Team Canada's coaching staff.
23. The weekly release from the USHL.
24. Teppo Numminen's heart seems to be a-ok.
25. Former Flames' goalie Jamie McLennan tells us about playing hockey in Japan.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Scott Burnside ponders the answer to adding offense to the NHL.
2. EJ Hradek discusses the woes of the Ducks and Flyers.
3. Hockey Canada announces its 37 man roster for the World Junior Selection Camp.
4. Riley Cote is the latest Flyer to be suspended.
5. NHL.com names its 10 Smartest Players of the Modern Era.
6. A profile on the Sharks' Devon Setoguchi.
7. Interesting story about a band made up of current and former Ohio State players.
8. An NHL.com feature on Phil Esposito.
9. A prospect report on Will Weber of the Chicago Steel.
10. A look at Chris Stewart, currently playing with Lake Erie in the AHL.
11. Wes Walz has finally retired, ending the bizarre saga.
12. Angelo Esposito has no problems playing junior this season.
13. Sportsnet notes that Hockey Canada has passed on the 6 junior-aged players currently in the NHL.
14. The NHL names its 3-Stars for the month of November.
15. Pierre Lebrun writes that Ron Wilson has maintained his focus despite reports that his job is in jeopardy.
16. Patrick King observes that the Canada-Russia rivalry is getting boring.
17. Gene Principe writes that the search for a left-winger for Hemsky and Horcoff continues. Maybe try looking in Saskatchewan. A lot of left wingers there recently found themselves out of a job.
18. INCH with its weekly rankings of the NCAA hockey teams.
19. Jere Lehtinen could miss 8-10 weeks with an abdominal injury.
20. The Toronto Star weighs in on the possibility of Canadian universities joining the NCAA.
21. Sidney Crosby goes West.
22. Taking Note with an interesting take on healthy scratches for disciplinary reasons at the junior level.
23. Video of the zamboni that caught fire.
24. Mike Brophy thinks Calgary needs a new approach to improve their game.
25. Adam Proteau thinks the NHL Boards of Governors is wrong to assume everything is ok with the game.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

News You Can Use Late in the Day

Due to an exceptionally busy day, I will post a Prospect Pulse tomorrow and stick with the news this afternoon.

-Eric Duhatschek feels that Mikka Kiprusoff is not to blame for the Flames poor play this year.
-Mike Brophy wonders if the Leafs should trade
-The sultry Martine Gaillard examines NHL rivalries.
-Nik Backstrom is making the most of his opportunity with the Wild after paying his dues in Europe.
-The Sharks have locked up Matt "Hot" Carle with a new 4 year deal.
-Kukla with some reasons to be thankful for hockey.
-The Hockey News with the Top 10 Reasons for trading Tuuka Rask.
-Alex Ponikarovsky becomes a Canadian citizen.
-The Hockey News with mini-profiles on some hot prospects.
-The Regina Pats call up some prospects on their western road swing.
-Tortorella is fined $10 large for his comments on league officials.
-The Miami Herald reports trouble in the Panthers dressing room.
-An update on former Red Wing Jiri Fischer.
-The Thrashers have enjoyed a revival under Don Waddell.
-Kevin Lowe admits the Oilers are rebuilding.
-NHL Power Rankings from Sports Illustrated.
-NCAA Power Rankings from INCH.
-Stan Fischler wonders if the Devils are on the verge of making a deal.
-The Score looks at the decline in the number of Russians in the NHL.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

News You Can Use Late in the Day

-Fernando Pisani is back skating with some of the Oilers, and plans on playing this year.
-Gary Bettman will host a show on XM Satellite Radio.
-Jason Spezza has resumed skating with the Ottawa Senators.
-The Hockey Hall of Fame welcomes a distinguished class.
-A look around the CHL.
-Canada wins the Four Nations Cup in women's hockey.
-Canada West captures its second straight World Jr. A Challenge.
-NHL.com profiles Flyer's prospect Jonathan Matsumoto.
-Former Philadelphia Phantom Ben Stafford joins the Marines.
-North Dakota slips to #5 in this week's college hockey rankings. Note the story about Joe Finley allegedly slashing a Badger as they made their way to their dressing rooms.
-The Bruins send Matt Lashoff and Tuukka Rask back to Providence.
-The Leafs have recalled Stefan Kronwall.
-The Offside Blog reports that the Hawks may be scouting Bryan McCabe.
-Garth Snow insists he is not stockpiling defensemen, despite his recent re-acquisition of Freddy Meyer.
-Taking Note examines the possibility that Casey Pierro-Zabotel, a Penguins 3rd rounder, may ditch his NCAA commitment to play for the Vancouver Giants.
-The Moose Jaw Warriors and Kamloops Blazers swap Florida Panther's draft picks. Keaton Ellerby for Brady Calla.
-Some Torontonians have invented leaf-blower hockey.
-Bill Guerin will sit out tonight after suffering an eye injury.
-Randy Sportak notes that the Flames confidence is suffering due to their 5-game losing streak.
-Darren Eliot writes that the current edition of the Blackhawks bear some similarities to the 1992 Cup Finalist team.
-Vincent Lecavalier is named top star for the week.
-Wade Belak mentions that someone is eventually going to "kill" Sean Avery.
-News You Can Use noted last week that the LA Kings were involved in an Amazing Race type bonding exercise. Here is a partial list of their tasks.
-Tucker v. Avery. Slayen, there is no need to look this up on Westlaw. Its a hockey fight bra.
-Stan Fischler with a few interesting tid-bits from around the NHL.
-The Score with a list of questions for NHL goalies.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

News You Can Use Late in the Day

-Tampa Bay called up former UND defender Matt Smaby.
-Rick Tocchet will meet with Gary Bettman this week.
-A look at Sportsnet's Goals of the Week.
-Who's Hot and Who's Not in the CHL.
-INCH looks at the benefits of a 2-referee system.
-The Bruins and Devils take big dives in this week's Power Rankings.
-The Canadiens call for a rule change in the wake of Boullion's injury.
-Simon Gagne is still hampered by concussion-like symptoms.
-Robbie Ftorek takes over as the head coach of the Erie Otters. No word on the status of his awesome sweaters.
-Hockey Rants examines what ails the Ducks.
-The WHL Power Rankings courtesy of Taking Note.
-Ted Montgomery of USA Today profiles his 10 Most Overrated Players in the NHL.
-A Q and A with Chris Vande Velde.
-Fanhouse notes that there are problems brewing in Vancouver.
-A profile on Islanders prospect Jason Gregoire.
-Anaheim GM Brian Burke is a proponent of the bear hug.
-A look at top-rated WHL prospect Zach Boychuk.
-Claude Julien wants to change attitudes on the Bruins and make them tough to play against.
-The Omaha Lancers are dominating the USHL.
-Jeff Gordon sees the Brad Boyes deal as one of the keys to the resurgence of the Blues.
-A story about the travels of a Thrashers' fan.
-Sidney Crosby returns to Minnesota.
-Pierre Lebrun with a look at back at October in the NHL.
-Mason Raymond has been sent back to Manitoba.
-The Score notes that Jonathan Toews has a 9-game point scoring streak to start his NHL career.
-A rumor roundup from the Hockey News.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse: MIA Today

I am under the weather today, so Prospect Pulse will return tomorrow.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-The schedule, lack of physical play and the economy all cited as reasons for poor attendance at the Joe Louis Arena.

-Wild goalie Josh Harding not worried about when he will start.

-All 59 NCAA Division I college hockey teams ranked.

-Blues defender Erik Johnson is out with a broken foot.

-The Canucks have demoted Alex Edler to Manitoba.

-Eric Duhatschek writes about the importance of chemistry.

-Paul Maurice shuffles the deck chairs on the good ship Maple Leaf.

-The Oilers battle the Wild in a showdown for 1st place in the NW.

-David Shoalts notes that Kid Rock may have been gives a Stanley Cup ring.

-Alex Ponikarovsky injured at Leaf's practice.

-The NHL Store is set to open in New York. This might be a better fit in Toronto.

-Kyle Beach of the Everett Silvertips is leading the Western League with 47 PIMS.

-Real Paiment sets the record for most games coached in the QMJHL.

-A feature on Steven Stamkos.

-A preview of the CHA, entering its final year.

-Oilers blogger Lowetide with the second part of his review of Oiler drafts, covering 2004 to 2007.

-The San Jose Sharks may try and sign Sandis Ozolinsh.

-Wheat Kings d-man Daryl Boyle turns down the Baby Bruins to return to Brandon.

-The Kitchener Rangers are unbeaten this season.

-The new and improved Todd Bertuzzi is still old and injured.

-Gretzky discusses Nash.

-Fanhouse sees Paul Statsny as an "under the radar star".

-Frank Deford of SI thinks the NHL should drop the Olympics.

-Interviews with Andrew Cogliano and Sam Gagner.

-Marian Hossa is out with a groin strain.

-Ever wanted to know the life story of Glen Metropolit? The Boston Herald made it happen!

-News and Notes from around the NHL. Interesting story near the bottom which notes that no one has seen nor heard from Darren McCarty. If he misses an alimony payment, I am sure his ex-wife will find him.

-Jose Theodore is ready to go. So much for the Avs hot start.

-The Offside blog notes that the Blackhawks have a long ways to go if they want to win back fans.

-The Tennesseean writes that Paul Kariya supplies the Blues with respectability.

-Sam Gagner is working hard to solidify his hold on a roster spot.

-The Manitoba Moose are aiming for a 3rd straight 100 point season.

-The Leafs are a team in disarray.

-Stan Fischler is eagerly anticipating tonight's Rangers-Islanders game.

-ESPN's Scott Burnside ranks the NHL's coaches.

-Wes Goldstein expects growing pains as Sutter teaches the Devils to forget the trap.

-Jonathan Toews will skate tonight against the Sharks.

-ESPN's John Buccigross with his thoughts on the season. I appreciate him laughing at Oiler-hater Mick McGeough.

-Jackie Friedman writes that Richard Zednik adds zip to the Panthers top line.

-A look at defenseman Richard Petiot in the AHL Notebook.

-Dan Boyle skating again, but can't participate in all the drills.

-Chuck Kobasew finally getting his chance in Boston.

-Keith Ballard does it all in Phoenix.

-Either Aaron Downey or Matt Ellis will take Johan Franzen's spot in Detroit's lineup.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior