News You Can Use Late in the Day

-James Duthie comments on the growing peril that is pre-game soccer warmups.

-Paul Kariya is excited about the Blues' future.

-Eric Lindros is done, unofficially.

-Rick Nash is still unknown in Columbus.

-Tavares to Leafs, "Don't bother".

-Eric Duhatschek notes that Reebok is making some changes to a few players' Edge jerseys.

-Pierre Lebrun writes that Don Waddell is a busy man in Atlanta.

-Richard Bachman is Inside College Hockey's Player of the Week.

-Jack Blatherwick of Lets Play Hockey calls for a return to the old time methods of hockey training in order to make the game accessible again.

-Daymond Langkow is playing with renewed confidence.

-Carolina is off to a hot start.

-David Amber profiles his list of the 10 Dirtiest Plays in the NHL.

-The Erie Otters may send two players home for undisclosed disciplinary reasons.

-Stan Fischler wants Rangers fans to chill out.

-Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Sun writes that the Rangers are making a mistake by spending big.

-Yann Danis has started the season well in Hamilton.

-The Sabres have recalled Mike Weber from Rochester.

-It looks like the Wild had a plan when they didn't make a splash on the free agent market.

-Some nice pictures from SI's Photo Gallery.

-The Oilers are not thrilled at the prospect of hosting the Wild tonight.

-The Wayne State Warriors hope to have a strong final season.

-Stu Barnes is still contributing in Dallas.

-Crashing the Net assembles the All-Living team that will play host to the All-Dead team in next week's article.

-A look around the AHL.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

News You Can Use Late In the Day

-Darcy Tucker is out of the Leafs' lineup indefinitely with ligament damage in his right knee.

-Raffi Torres is fined for his hit on David Moss, avoids suspension.

-Wayne Primeau is out with a high ankle sprain.

-Ryan Smyth expects to "break down" during his return to Edmonton.

-Pierre Lebrun comments on a busy week for the Oilers. Also note that the article says Patrik Stefan will have to retire after re-injuring his hip.

-North Dakota remains on top of the college hockey polls. Note that while Lamoureux has been perfect so far this year, he also went 0-2 in one period versus Manitoba.

-The weekly Who's Hot and Who's Not in the CHL article from Sportsnet.

-The PEI Rockey have fired Yanick Jean.

-Paul Maurice suggests that he is insulted that other teams play their backups against the Leafs.

-The Panthers are seeking a talented enforcer. Maybe perennial PIM leader RP should apply?

-Steve Simmons says that if the 2005 NHL draft was a do-0ver, the first 4 would be Crosby, Stastny, Kopitar and Vlasic.

-Behind the Net has its first stat heavy post of the year.

-NHL Scouts are high on a number of Windsor Spitfires.

-Kyle Woodlief with an early look at the 2008 NHL Draft.

-The Prince Albert Raiders strip 3 players of letters.

-The Blackhawks may start televising their home games.

-A look at Rangers prospect Tom Pyatt.

-Members of the Devils weigh in on the new Prudential Center.

-Keith Tkachuk re-invents himself as a centre.

-Still no word from the NHL on Rick Tocchet's future.

-Fanhouse takes a look at Scott Gomez's troubles in NYC.

-Fanhouse feels Minnesota.

-Michael Farber of SI notes 5 people who help their teams without much recognition.

-Eric Burnside wonders who will be the next coach fired in the NHL.

-Igor Grigorenko avoids a trip to Siberia by joining the Red Wings.

-5 Games worth watching this week.

-Greg Dennis writes that a coach change is a risk/reward proposition.

-Kari Lehtonen is out 4 to 6 weeks with a groin strain.

-Tension mounts for the struggling Leafs.

-Andrew Ladd and Scott Walker were placed on injured reserve.

-Mike Brophy reveals that the Devils were seeing playing offense.

-The Score notes that Vinny Prospal is a streaky player. Stop the presses.

Prospect Pulse

The Rangers' Alex Bourret might be one of the best examples of a highly touted prospect flying under the radar. Originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Bourret continued to improve his play after his draft year, posting a nearly 30 point improvement in the 2005-2006 QMJHL season. Injured early in his first pro campaign, Bourret bounced back and was producing nicely for the Chicago Wolves when he was traded to the Hartford Wolfpack, the Rangers AHL affiliate.

He posted 18 points in the final 23 games with Hartford while skating on the top line with Nigel Dawes and Jarko Immonen. Bourret stepped up his game in the playoffs, going 3-8-11 in 7 games. The improved performance at crunch time may be Bourret's calling card, as he has produced at least a point per game in all the playoff series' in which he has been involved.

A combination of impressive skill and physical tenacity, Bourret does not shy away from the corners or traffic and can make plays in both of these areas. He will stick up for teammates and is not afraid to intimidate opponents with his size. The knock on Bourret is his consistency, but this can be said about any young player, so I don't know why scouts even bother anymore. Like other young players, Bourret will make bad decisions with and without the puck from time to time.

Bourret noted that his slow start in the AHL was partially due to the fact that he spoke no English and had trouble adjusting to life in Chicago. Wolves Coach John Anderson took the right approach, pairing him with a French teammate and giving him the odd game in the press box with an assignment to watch what players do in certain situations.

The Rangers expect Bourret to be a solid two way player who grows into his offensive game. If he can build on his impressive first year of pro hockey, he will be a legitimate top line forward who can score from anywhere. Currently playing well at Rangers' camp, Bourret may get an extended look from the Rangers thanks to his physical play and offensive prowess.

A video interview with Bourret can be found here.

UPDATE: Alex Bourret was sent back to Hartford by the Rangers.

News You Can Use in the Late Morning:

-Avs' prospect and Michigan alum TJ Hensick hopes to make the team out of camp.

-A look at the Rangers' top prospects from Hockey's Future.

-The Coyotes have their own MySpace page. Oh Phoenix, the rest of the world, including Illegal Curve, is on Facebook. Only pedophiles and Marc Hoe are left on MySpace.

-RDS reporting that the Sharks may be interested in Halak. If Price plays well in camp, Halak may be expendable.

-Martin Gerber stops 52 shots for a shutout in London, Ontario. This might help Ottawa move him, if thats what their intentions are.

-Oilers tough guy? Zach Stortini fighting for a job.

-The Sabres' Larry Quinn still mad at Edmonton for the Vanek offer sheet, won't consult Edmonton in preparation for the Ice Bowl. Also news in Buffalo, Quinn misses nap time, throws tantrum, gets sent to bed without supper.

-Former Prospect Pulse feature Marco Insam cut by the Regina Pats. May be headed to the USHL or Italian pro hockey.

-Top Ten Stories to watch in the OHL.

-Live-blogging from Capitals' camp.

-The WHL roundup from Taking Note.

-Interesting insight from the Bruins' Andrew Alberts.

-Jonathan Toews gives Chicago fans a taste of his talent. Also note that the Blackhaws returned Akim Aliu to junior.

-North Bay impresses. Maybe Jim Balsillie can move a team here?

-Kip Brennan takes down Zdeno Chara in a fight. Do the B's really want Chara fighting in the pre-season?

-Greg Wyshynski weighs in on expansion over at Fanhouse. Also note the Senators preview below main story.

-Offside looks at Dominik Hasek.

-The Wild look to start the year with clearly defined roles in net.

-Capitals pin their hopes on Nylander.

-A preview of the OHL.

-A Buffalo Sabres preview.

-The WHL Top Ten list.

-Voice of the Jets howling mad over his treatment by the Coyotes.

-An update on the Rob Ramage situation.

-Nick Foligno adjusting to the pro game.

-Wes Goldstein analyzes goalie competitions in the NHL.

-Tampa Bay still experimenting with line combinations.

-Lightning camp exhausting for players.

-Results from the minors and juniors.

-NHL Board of Governors agree to schedule changes.

-Naslund told to shoot more if he wants to increase production. I am labelling this one as obvious.

-Vokoun not concerned about poor outing in Edmonton.

-Coyotes hope a road trip will produce a clear cut #1 goalie.

-News and notes from Stan Fischler. Note that the NHL is moving its HQ in New York and will be opening a hockey store.

-Oilers and Leafs talk in the Six-pack.

-Team by team checklists from the Score. Note that the Blues have invited Mike Johnson to training camp.

Note: For our returning readers, we at Illegal Curve would be more than pleased if you had any comments on our articles or news stories. We have a plethora of writers who would love to discuss the topics and enlighten you with our always accurate opinions.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse

Coyotes' prospect Nick Ross, currently a member of the Regina Pats, intrigues me because he fits my fetish stereotype of a player who can play forward or defense. An offensive defenseman, Ross has good instincts for jumping into the rush and distribute the puck effectively. Once more highly touted than his defense partner Logan Pyett, Ross was moved to forward early in the Pats' season to jump start their slumbering offense.

A feared open ice hitter, Ross' offensive numbers do not yet match his potential. That being said, he plays a strong 2-way game and can contribute in other areas if he is not scoring. With that in mind, the Phoenix Coyotes selected him with the 30th overall pick in the 2007 draft. Not a well known player, Ross never-the-less caught the eye of Hockey Canada and he has participated in the World Under-18 Cup. Pats' Head Coach and Team Canada Assistant Coach Curtis Hunt notes that Ross has great talent but is still adjusting to playing against stiffer competition. He was relegated to a bottom pairing defenseman with Team Canada, a move that Coach Hunt feels will help Ross down the road by highlighting deficiencies in his game.

Still, Ross was able to compete with some relatively famous junior talent, including Thomas Hickey, Luke Schenn and Drew Doughty. Ross himself felt that observing the top talent from Europe helped him to improve his game, especially in regards to positioning. Though GM Don Maloney is pleased with Ross and his talent level, look for him to return to the Pats blueline this winter.

News You Can Use in the Late Morning:

-Battle of Alberta has a clarification on yesterday's Allan Maki story on the rising Canadian dollar. Lots of math here, so contact your friendly neighborhood Asian for help. ( I believe RP has Marc Hoe's contact info.)

-Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury excited to play a meaningful hockey game outdoors.

-A recap of the the USHL's trip to Quebec for the CCM Junior Classic.

-An interesting read on Coyotes' training camp. Very candid points by Don Maloney.

-Mirtle with a goaltending history lesson complete with charts and graphs. Also note the explanation of the no juniors in the minors rule.

-Coyotes with a local prospect in camp.

-Scheduling a hot topic at NHL Board of Governors' meetings. Also note that expansion came up, with the typical lip service paid to Winnipeg.

-Perhaps the greatest hockey name ever.

-A video montage of Ray Emery's greatest hits and an updated Caps' roster from On Frozen Blog.

-A Q and A with Cory Sarich.

-Flames vets talk about the old days of training camp.

-Rangers and Islanders previews.

-Islanders' alums watch their sons participate in camp.

-Darren Eliot notes that young stars are the straws that stir the drink in the Western Conference.

-NHL training camp notebook.

-Wickenheiser faces a setback in her goal to play men's hockey in Europe.

-Taking Note with some Odds and Ends.

-The Bubble Boys from Leafs' camp. I wonder if they know the Moops invaded Spain?

-Lafleur pats himself on the back, says Crosby reminds him of himself. Don't hurt your arm their Guy. I don't expect to see Sidney smoking in the concourse any time soon.

-A pre-game report for the Jackets-Blackhawks game.

-A quick note on Illegal Curve favorite, Antoine Vermette.

-Oilers get a new dressing room. 10,000 sq. ft? Wow.

-Manitoba Moose a major player in children's charities. RP and I did some work for the Yearling Foundation and their efforts are much appreciated in Winnipeg.

-Wes Goldstein sees parity in the Atlantic Division.

-Eastern media discovers thriving city in Western Canadian tundra. News at 11.

-Running game notes from last night's Oilers-Panthers game.

-Scores from the Minors and Junior.

-Notes from the Score.

-Notre Dame gets $15 million for a new hockey rink. They might as well stick to hockey, because not even Touchdown Jesus can save that football team.

-Sean Burke retires. He was a good one.

-Canadiens lose two prospects in last night's game. Kudos to Archer for answering the bell when Le Grand Georges came knocking.

-Sportsnet with a preview of three teams with the talent to make the Memorial Cup.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse

Today I let my wife pick the feature on Prospect Pulse. She is bored sitting at home recovering from surgery, and I thought it would give her something to do. The good news is that she chose an Oiler prospect, the bad news is that she chose a kid who looks like the lead in High School Musical: Stars on Ice. (Hat tip to Lowetide for the picture)

William Quist, taken in the 6th Round (157th overall) by the Oilers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, is a 6-3 185 pound winger from Sweden. Though he doesn't appear to have a myriad of offensive skill (judging by the numbers), he does have good size and reach. Said to possess a technically skilled game and be able to use his intelligence to his advantage, Quist seemsto fall under the Project label. Working in his favor is the fact that is he an above average skater with a long reach and good hands. While this doesn't automatically translate into a NHL career, it does suggest that if Quist can continue to mature and use his reach, hands and intelligence, he may play himself onto an NHL roster.

Other teams, most notably the Detroit Red Wings, have had success looking to Sweden in the late rounds of drafts. In an interview with the Pipeline Show, Quist mentioned that he was very excited to be drafted by the Oilers (a boilerplate answer, I am sure) and that he going to play one more year in Sweden with Tingsryd in the Swedish Junior league so that he can graduate from high school. He came to camp this year to get a taste of the North American game and get acclimated to the Oilers' style of play. Asked to describe himself as a player, Quist noted that he grew an inch to 6-4 and put on five pounds(for a total of 190) of muscle. He feels that he is a good two way player who can use his size effectively and is looking to make the jump to the Swedish Elite League this winter. He also noted he has a "good stick". I am sure the girls in Edmonton will be thrilled, especially following the news that Raffi Torres is going to focus on hockey this year.


News You Can Use in the Late Morning:

-Consider checking out the Pipeline Show on September 18th. Lots of great insight into WHL prospects.

-Oilers and Springfield Falcons new uniforms. I am not a fan, though I do like the orange. Check out the response by Oilers fandom here.

-Les Sabres have suspended Teppo Numminen for failing to report to camp in good physical condition. He has a heart condition. The Sabres' brass had better hire themselves a good PR firm, as this has disaster written all over it. First they lose both captains, and now this. Numminen doesn't deserve this kind of treatment.

-A link to every new jersey. (Hat tip, Mirtle)

-Oilers looking to forget last year. Me too.

-Kings open the pre-season with a win. New face Kyle Calder with 2 goals to pace the team, and Cloutier with stellar 7 of 10 goaltending.

-Good run-down of training camp activity by the Score. Note that Phil Kessel may be moved to center. Also note that Krys Kolanos (Flames), Adam Hall (Penguins) and Mark Smith (Rangers) are participating in training camps. Still no Mike Johnson...

-David Tanabe in camp with the Blues.

-Team Canada captain Milan Lucic may get an extended look by the Bruins.

-A preview of the Minnesota Wild. This is just for you, Pipers.

-A recap (pun intended) of the Caps first day of training camp.

-Steve Rucchin fails his physical at Thrashers camp.

-Six goalies vie for jobs at Coyotes camp. Can they use all six at once, just to keep it close?

-Luongo the comedian. Note his quote when asked to describe the collision with Cowan.

-More on the gayest hockey movie ever.

-Blackhawks preach puck possession. And if you don't like it, they will take their puck and go home.

-USA Today Hockey Power Rankings.

-Kevin Allen sees the East as a toss up.

-Trevor Linden discusses the changes in training camps over the years.

-A discussion of Eric Lindros' chances for the Hall of Fame.

-Simon Gamache looking for a job at Leafs camp.

-Six players to watch. Just days ago it was 5 Players to Watch!

-Doug Janik impresses with his speed at Lightning camp.

-Bruins positive to start the season. Related: Chiarelli looks to make Bruins relevant in Boston's sportscape.

-Finally, a comprehensive look at what team employs tarts to clean the ice. Meow.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse

Max Pacioretty, the Montreal Canadiens 2nd 2007 First Rounder, is headed for the University of Michigan this fall ( I wonder if he can play football?). Last year's USHL rookie of the year, Pacioretty is projected as power forward, with good around the net instinct and a quick release. Also shows good aptitude on the power play, where he can run the offense from the half boards by making smart passes and distributing the puck with intelligence. Proficient in the face-off circle, he was a participant in USA Hockey's Junior evaluation camp and hopes to represent his country at the World Junior's this Christmas.

Capable of playing a two way game, Max lists Jed Ortemeyer as his favorite player but models his game after Keith Tkachuk. McKeen's projects that he will be NHL ready in a couple of years, but needs to work on consistency (like all young players), strength and defensive awareness. (Sidebar: I truly hope I live to see the day that an NHL coach will just come out and say, "Player X is an offensive talent and I intend to use him in that capacity". I am a little tired of stifled creativity.) Pacioretty himself acknowledges his need for more upper body strength, but wants to maintain his speed and agility. He also wants to improve his goal scoring efficiency. Max has actually improved his offensive totals in each of his last 3 years of hockey.

Of note, Pacioretty was born in California and moved to Connecticut as a child. He is the only member of his family to play hockey. His parents signed him up for skating and he kept pushing himself to get better, including moving away from home to attend Taft Prep School. Max credits his coaches at Taft for making him the player he is today, and further credits Dave Siciliano of the Sioux City Musketeers with teaching him about intensity and attention to detail.

The Montreal Canadiens feel that Pacioretty will address their need for a pure power forward. Noting the success that players such as Eric Cole have had against their club, the Habs sought out the 6-1, 200 lb. forward to fill this niche. Prospect Pulse feels that a couple of years in Michigan under Red Berenson will have Pacioretty in the bleu, blanc et rouge in no time.

News You Can Use in the Late Morning:

-Hawks fans have reason for optimism this year. Time for all two of you to get out the closet and embrace this team, they should be fun to watch under Denis Savard.

-Flames Prospect Brandon Prust will have to postpone his debut til he is 100%. (TSN Broadband)

-Clement Jodoin attempts to rebuild the Oceanic in the post-Crosby era.

-Blues optimistic about the future. JD has done a great job.

-Lyon Messier traded from the Oil Kings to the Rockets. No Moose Jr. for Oil fans this year.

-The Leafs unveil their new jerseys. Pretty nice all together.

-SI's Allan Muir notes 15 players to watch in training camps. I would not be shocked if Commie-seeking missile Brandon Sutter got a look this fall.

-The new Avs jerseys. Meh.

-Illegal Curve noted yesterday that FA Brent Sopel was in Red Wings camp. Babcock now sees his as a Top 4 d-man.

-Man bites dog. George W. and Hilary caught in romantic tryst. In other news, Refs play hockey.

-Rangers prospect Alex Bourret has something to prove.

-The Avs cut 11 players, most notably Peterborough's Trevor Cann, a highly touted goalie.

-A run down of Canucks prospects.

-Benjamin Rubin reaches compromise that will allow him to play this season. On that note, a pleasant Rosh Hosannah to our Chosen Readers.

-Former Moose Jaw Warrior Robin Big Snake arrives in Texas. This is a little off the NHL's radar, but I love that name.

-Former Prospect Pulse feature Marco Insam still in the mix at Regina Pats' camp.

-Top pick Erik Johnson ready to go.

-Transaction report from last night.

-Carol Alt not missing Yashin that much. I wonder if Alt is teaching Lundqvist about the 5-hole?

-Patrick Roy, Rbk and Zellers team up for a new line of footwear. Perfect for walking out on the Canadiens or kicking your wife.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior.