News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Rene Fasel will run unopposed for another term as IIHF President.
2. Fabian Brunstrom is in Dallas checking out the Stars.
3. Darren Dreger with a theory as to why overtimes aren't lasting very long.
4. A preview of Group A from the World Hockey Championships.
5. The weekly Junior Report.
6. An in-depth look at the draft eligible Michael Del Zotto.
7. Ian Winwood of the Guardian blogs on the disparate paths of the Red Wings and Avs.
8. Tony Gallagher calls this year's playoffs "the best in years".
9. Mike Sielski tells Flyers fans to stop whining.
10. Check out this video from the Onion.
11. An update on Darren McCarty's resurgence.
12. 10 good candidates for the Hall of Fame.
13. Adam Proteau blames the Game 3 loss on Tom Renney.
14. A good roundup of pre-WHL draft news. Its the 1993's that will be picked this year.
15. Elliotte Friedman thinks the Canadiens have to stick with Carey Price.
16. The Oilers and Joni Pitkanen have yet to open negotiations.
17. Team Canada hopes to break the curse of the host team.
18. A follow up to the Avery story and the fumbling of said story by the NY Daily News.
19. Eric Duhatschek comments on the World Championships coming to Canada.
20. Check out the Dallas Stars' zamboni.
21. In other injury news, the Penguins' Maxime Talbot may be out with a broken foot.
22. Michael Farber of SI discusses the differences between Zetterberg and Foote.
23. Jacques Demers credits Brett Hull for keeping the Stars loose.
24. Jim Kelley's musings on the playoffs.
25.The Alternative NHL Awards.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Bob McKenzie with his thoughts on the Canadiens powerplay and the Wings-Avs series.
2. Darren Dreger comments on the Derian Hatcher hit.
3. Memorial Cup history, 1936.
4. The Ice Sheet discusses Montreal's lack of intensity. A small contingent of Illegal Curve contributors predicted problems ahead for the Habs due to their Euro heavy roster.
5. Canada gets a wakeup call from the Russians, lose 4-1 in exhibition play.
6. Michel Therien is tough on the Penguins.
7. Pat Burns is enjoying being back behind the bench.
8. Wilkes-Barre captain and former Moose Nathan Smith apprehended for streaking.
9. Pat Quinn may be interested in the Ottawa job.
10. James Duthie likes the Stars' chances.
11. Barry Melrose to coach the Lightning?
12. Chris Osgood credits deconstructing his game with is resurgence.
13. Puck Rakers thinks that the Blue Jackets could step into the void in the West.
14. Ken Campbell wonders what happened to Carey Price.
15. Pierre Lebrun is learning a lot about the 8 remaining playoff teams.
16. Hal Gill tells Sean Avery that he wasn't hugged enough as a child.
17. The NHL names a committee to look at goalie equipment.
18. Jeff Marek talks playoff hijinks and double standards.
19. Watch one man break up with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
20. Justin Azevedo, of the Kitcher Rangers, wins the OHL's top player award.
21. Introducing David Littman, the newest blogger at the Hockey News.]
22. The weekly Hot List from the Hockey News.
23. The weekly release from the USHL.
24. Tim Schmitt insists that the Sabres must sign Nathan Gerbe to help restore their image.
25. The Blues hope to have T.J. Oshie signed soon.

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. Don't hold your breath waiting for an Oilers-Canucks deal. Kevin Lowe still seems ticked over the Nylander debacle.
2. Team Canada will unveil its new jerseys today in Toronto.
3. The Winnipeg Thrashers remain perfect at the Telus Cup. (I saw them play in the fall. Gritty little team)
4. Olaf Kolzig skipped the Capitals mandatory season ending meeting.
5. Stan Fischler likes the Rangers over the Penguins.
6. Damien Cox answers readers' questions.
7. EA Sports correctly predicted the first round of the playoffs. Click here for their second round predictions.
8. The Top 5 Avs-Wings playoff moments, brought to you by Youtube.
9. Kings' scout Robbie Laird offers his predictions on the 2nd Round.
10. Jeremy Roenick credits clean living for his resurgence.
11. Askmen.com features fitness tips from Chris Chelios.
12. John Buccigross with his thoughts on the first round.
13. Rory Boylen says people should stop criticizing Hockey Night in Canada.
14. Edward Fraser of the Hockey News hands out his 1st Round awards.
15. Brian Costello gives us 10 Players he didn't consider drafting in his playoff pool, but should have.
16. Have 7 minutes of your life that you are willing to waste? Watch Eklund's dog predict the 2nd round.
17. Sheldon Souray is blogging on the playoffs over at AskMen.com.
18. Memorial Cup History, 1932.
19. Terry Frei pronounces the Wings-Avs rivalry dead.
20. Team Canada adds Spezza, Heatley and Getzlaf. Team USA adds Mark Stuart and Adam Burish. BC standout Nathan Gerbe also garnered an invite.
21. Steven Stamkos tops the final rankings from Central Scouting. The complete list is here. A possible dark horse is #197, Edgars Lipsberg. Pure offensive talent, doesn't give a shit about defense.
22. Jim Kelley wonders if it is the GM, rather than the coaches who are to blame in Calgary.
23. Pierre Lebrun accurately captures the obvious; states the 2nd round will feature some tight series.
24. The always entertaining Darryl Reaugh introduces Stars fans to the Sharks' roster.
25. Ever see a goalie and a defenseman fight each other? What about if they are on the same team?

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Ed Chynoweth, former WHL president, has passed away. Bob McKenzie has a mini-obit here.
2. NBC and the NHL have extended their agreement through next season.
3. Adam Proteau calls out the officials from last night's Caps-Flyers game.
4. Scott Burnside with a postmortem on the Capitals.
5. Interesting piece on Brian Burke, as found in the National Post.
6. A comprehensive look around the NHL by Stan Fischler.
7. Five for Fighting (wasn't that a band?) updates the injury situation in Dallas.
8. Doug McLean wants to coach the Panthers...again.
9. The Red Deer Advocate calls for more nudity and less arson should the Canadiens win again. Jean Beliveau is upset with the rioting.
10. Another article on playoff beards.
11. The LA Kings have signed Oscar Moller to an entry level deal.
12. The Hot List.
13. HV71 wins the Swedish Elite League championship.
14. Willa Ford blogs on the Stars' first round victory.
15. The IHL lives to play another season.
16. Elliotte Friedman discusses the Mike Gillis hire.
17. The Slapshot blog looks back at some memorable Montreal-Philly matchups.
18. The USA wins the bronze medal at the World Under-18's.
19. The Leafs' GM wish list.
20. Canada hangs a dirty one on the Russians; win Gold Medal.
21. Sean Avery will intern at Vogue this summer, while the NHL looks to cash in on its new rule.
22. Scott Burnside breaks down the Wings-Avs series.
23. Bruce Boudreau has been given a new contract by the Washington Capitals.
24. Allan Muir has questions about the Sharks.
25. Interesting article about the demise of the NHL.

NHL Morning Papers: Non-Playoff Teams (Tuesday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the teams that did not qualify for the post-season:

• Sabres netminder Ryan Miller has joined the NHL competition committee.
• A lot of the Hurricanes are going to be participating in the World Hockey Championships in Quebec City and Halifax.
• The Islanders have signed prospect Tomas Marcinko the team's fourth round draft pick in 2006.
• Here is some news on the Lightning's pending sale. (Writer's note: Wake me up when this saga is over. No one wants to hear about this anymore.)
• Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star thinks Brian Burke will be the next GM of the Maple Leafs. Apparently the Leafs are offering Burke a whopping $23 million over 5 years!!!

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Darren Dreger wonders if we have seen the last of Hasek.
2. Bob Mckenzie points out that Ray Emery must go, regardless of whether the Sens' poor showing was his fault.
3. Sam McCaig looks at Danny Briere's hot start to the playoffs.
4. Spezza for Luongo?
5. Memorial Cup 1927.
6. Steve Rucchin considers retirement.
7. Canada finished the Preliminaries with a 6-0 defeat of Slovakia.
8. Larry Brooks writes about an interesting clause in Jaromir Jagr's contract.
9. Judd Zulgad calls out the Wild's annoucers as homers.
10. Evegeny Artyukhin may return to the Lightning.
11. The Rangers will attempt to address anti-gay slurs by its fans.
12. Brantford and Bentley advance to the semi-finals at the Allan Cup.
13. Robert Esche will tend goal for the United States at the World Championships.
14. Check out the video of the Top 10 Shootout goals. I'm not so sure Zach Parise's goal at #10 deserves to be on this list. Thoughts?
15. Rand Simon notes that offer sheets will be a little less risky this summer.
16. Bryan Murray says Ray Emery is not coming back.
17. You stay classy Boston.
18. Brent Sutter talks like my grandma.
19. Mike Rupp miked up.
20. An in-depth look at Ryan Clowe.
21. Tom Cavanagh (he was on Scrubs) blogs for the NHL.
22. A look at draft eligible prospect, Mikkel Boedker.
23. Remember Sami (What's) Kapanen?
24. The ECHL Update.
25. Jim Kelley with his thoughts on Joe Thornton, the Wings' goaltending, and more.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. The NHL has named its officials for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
2. The Canadian Women will be playing for Gold in China.
3. Did Ottawa Sun columnist Don Brennan place a bounty on Sidney Crosby's ankle?
4. Goal tending issues and the Ottawa Senators have become synonymous with each other.
5. Will NBC renew its NHL contract just to broadcast the outdoor game at Yankee Stadium?
6. Dave Gross notes that most Western Conference teams have a number of tough guys on the roster to combat Anaheim's lineup.
7. A few tips for those people who might be entering a playoff pool.
8. A number of Hollywood celebrities will be blogging on the NHL playoffs.
9. Mike Zeisgerber ranks the playoff goalies.
10. James Duthie predicts an early exit for a couple of favourites.
11. EA Sports predicts the San Jose Sharks will be Stanley Cup champs.
12. The Junior Hockey report from the NHL.
13. Previews of the Frozen Four Matchups can be found at USCHO.
14. Mike Brophy thinks Tampa Bay should trade the 1st overall pick.
15. Edward Fraser names a few rookies to watch in the playoffs.
16. Ken Campbell details why he is picking the Senators in the 1st Round.
17. Scott Morrison offers his first round predictions.
18. Scott Burnside thinks we can expect big things from Sidney Crosby.
19. An A-Z primer on the playoffs.
20. Team USA has announced its roster for the World Championships.
21. Just in case you thought I wouldn't find a Top 10 list, here you go.
22. Scott Cullen with a list of collegians who have left the NCAA for the NHL.
23. Vancouver gets the early jump on Spokane in the WHL playoffs.
24. A somewhat interesting, but rambling, British blog discussing the NHL playoffs.
25. Afraid of the dark? Need something to cuddle with? How about an NHL doll?

News You Can Use in the Morning

In Light of RP's illness, I will post this morning and try to come up with something for the afternoon.

1. Tom Glavine suggests that he would trade his Cy Young for a Stanley Cup.
2. Are the Senators partying too much?
3. ESPN profiles the Oilers, who had a fan beat up in Calgary on Saturday night.
4. David Amber gives us his Top 10 Gordie Howe moments.
5. Ken Hitchcock will coach Team Canada at the World Championships.
6. Canada's Women's team tries to shake off the jet lag and get ready to play in China.
7. The weekly release from the USHL. In a related note, long time Sioux City and Thunder Bay coach Dave Siciliano will retire after this season.
8. Calgary and Edmonton have thrown their hat into the ring for the 2012 World Juniors.
9. Kyle Turris has signed with the Phoenix Coyotes.
10. Andrew Raycroft will get his first start since January 20th.
11. Jim Matheson examines San Jose's acquisition of Brian Campbell.
12. The Top 10 David Amber Top 10 columns.
13. In a move that will surely impress his wife/girlfriend, Jeremy Williams stays up.
14. Damien Cox thinks the Leafs should use the minors, not buyouts to solve their problems.Good idea in theory, but may cause problems with the NHLPA and in attracting Free Agents.
15. The NHL Nickname challenge.
16. The video from "The Good Old Hockey Game"
17. An in-depth Q and A with Luca Cunti, a Tampa prospect currently playing in the USHL.
18. Terry Frei calls out Ryan Smyth.
19. The Oilers have signed Michigan State forward Bryan Lerg.
20. The weekly Hot List from the Hockey News.
21. Kyle Turris will play three games with the Coyotes and then return to Madison to finish his studies.
22. Puck That Hit gives us the Top 10 Fools in the NHL.
23. The April 1st edition of Campbellnomics.
24. A comprehensive look around the WHL with Gregg Drinnan.
25. Spector sees reason for optimism in Columbus.

EURO CURVE

Euro Curve chronicles the latest international hockey news.

Team Canada improved to 2-0-0 at the 2008 World Junior Hockey Championships in Pardubice with a quiet 2-0 victory over Team Slovakia on Thursday morning. It was the other games yesterday however which drew more attention. I discuss those as well as Friday's games in today's World Junior Hockey Championship/Spengler Cup report.

Team Canada will play an explosive Swedish squad tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. ET at the Pardubice Arena, a battle of two unbeaten teams. In the other marquee match-up, the host Czechs will play Slovakia at 10:00 a.m. ET at Pardubice Arena. This game will surely be one of the better games of the round robin tournament.

Other games tomorrow:

Kazakhstan vs. Finland, 10:00 a.m. ET., Tipsport Arena
Russia vs. USA, 2:00 p.m. ET., Tipsport Arena

Yesterday

- The Czech Republic responded from losing their first round-robin game to Canada by whooping lowly Denmark 5-2. 1st round draft picks Michael Frolik (Florida Panthers) and Jakub Voracek (Columbus Blue Jackets) each had impressive outings, not only registering on the scoresheet but by providing much needed leadership and poise for the home team. The Czechs were favoured going into this tournament because of their highly-talented forward corps and these two phenoms gave us a little taste of what they can bring.

- Russia seemed to take Kazakhstan rather lightly, winning 5-4. Alexei Cherepanov (2007 1st round draft pick of the New York Rangers) registered a goal in the game, making his NHL management and agents happy. Ditto for Finland, who needed a shootout to beat Switzerland? Yikes!


Friday

It was a light day at the WJC with only two games, one of which was a laugher. Sweden stomped Team Denmark 10-1. This is the first year that Denmark is in the top group at the World U-20 Junior Hockey Championships.

In the only other game, the United States defeated Switzerland 4-2 at the Tipsport Arena, with Philadelphia Flyers prospect James van Riemsdyk getting the game-winner.

- Team Canada is flying pretty high at the Spengler Cup hockey tournament after defeating HC Davos 6-2 Thursday afternoon. They are now 2-0 and look to stay undefeated when they host Salavat Yulaev Ufa on Saturday in Davos. Canada has meshed very quickly and are playing an extremely intelligent puck possession game. Serge Aubin and Yannick Tremblay played marvelously on Thursday, and are emerging as the co-offensive leaders on a talented Canuck squad.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.

EURO CURVE

Euro Curve chronicles the latest international hockey news.

As everyone continues to enjoy their holiday season, Illegal Curve provides hockey fans with excellent insight and analysis on the two major international hockey tournaments which take place every December; the 2008 U-20 World Junior Hockey Championships from Pardubice, Czech Republic and the 2008 Spengler Cup Hockey tournament, held in Davos, Switzerland.

- Canada is three-time defending champion at the 2008 World Junior Championships, and won their 19th consecutive game on Wednesday afternoon, defeating the host Czech Republic 3-0, on the strength of two John Tavares goals. The 17-year-old Oshawa General, who isn't draft eligible until 2009, leads a new youth movement for the Crazy Canucks, which also features 2008 draft hopefuls Steven Stamkos and Drew Doughty, two other 17-year-olds who played impressively in their first WJC games respectively.

Canada didn't bring their A-game for the opening contest but played well enough to win. Los Angeles Kings goaltending prospect Jonathan Bernier was the star of the game, stopping 44 shots and earning the goose egg. Canada will play Slovakia tomorrow morning, a team they beat in exhibition play last week.

Other Scores:

Sweden 4 Slovakia 3
USA 5 Kazakhstan 1
Russia 7 Finland 4

Tomorrow's games:

Canada vs. Slovakia, 10 a.m. ET, Pardubice Arena
Kazakhstan vs. Russia, 10 a.m. ET, Tipsport Arena
Czech Republic vs. Denmark, 2 p.m. ET, Pardubice Arena
Finland vs. Switzerland, 2 p.m. ET, Tipsport Arena

- The opening match at the Spengler Cup Tournament was entertaining to say the least, as Canada needed the overtime shootout to beat HC Pardubice 4-3. Dale MacTavish and Captain Serge Aubin had the shootout goals for Team Canada while Curtis Joseph provided superb goaltending, stopping everything in the extra fame. Manitobans Kirby Law and J.P Vigier put Canada ahead 3-2 late in the second period but the Czech Republic squared the contest in the third period on a 5-on-3 man advantage.

In the only other game of the day, Adler Mannheim upset host club HC Davos by a score of 3-2.

Tomorrow's games:

HC Moller Pardubice vs. Salavat Yulaev Ufa, 9:00 a.m. ET.
HC Davos vs. Team Canada, 2:15 p.m. ET.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Karl Alzer named captain of Canada's World Junior team.
2. Shawn Matthias, obtained by Florida in the Todd Bertuzzi deal, has inked an entry level deal with the Panthers.
3. David Shoalts has written what one can assume is only volume one in a series detailing the foibles of the Maple Leafs over the past 50 years.
4. Bernier and Mason are ready to be the tandem for Canada at the World Juniors.
5. Pierre Lebrun wonders if term limits on contracts will follow in the wake of the Dipietro and Richards deals.
6. Jason Jaffray was excited about his NHL debut, despite the loss to the Sharks.
7. The Philly-Pittsburgh rivalry has AHL roots.
8. Team Canada didn't waste any time in paring down its roster.
9. Bill Daly doubts that the NHL has a steroid problem, as least not to the extent seen in the MLB.
10. The new CBA hasn't had much of an effect on Detroit, who just keep on winning.
11. David Shoalts writes that Tomas Kaberle is starting to come around.
12. The NHL Notebook from Faceoff.com.
13. Friday's Water Cooler Notes.
14. Ernie Godden's goal scoring record still stands in the OHL.
15. The Stanley Cup gets in on the advertising blitz for the new National Treasure movie.
16. John Ferguson Jr. pleased with the Leafs winning, still being able to work.
17. The ECHL Report.
18. Oilspills.
19. The Hockey News feels that the NHL should be pro-active on the steroid issue.
20. NHLPA head Paul Kelly thinks most players will be wearing visors by 2011-12.
21. Adam Proteau's Mailbag.
22. Ken Campbell feels that the timing is right for the EIG to sell the Oilers.
23. On a related note, check out this profile that David Staples did on EIG Chairman, Cal Nichols.
24. Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings for the 2008 Draft.
25. The Panthers recalled Anthony Stewart, but he played only 1:52.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Team Canada has an intra-squad game tonight, which is expected to draw many spectators.
2. Bob McKenzie blogs to clarify a trade rumor attributed to him.
3. Stamkos and Tavares are looking to be the first 17 year olds since 2001 to make the World Junior team.
4. Pierre Lebrun wonders if Sidney Crosby can win the Lionel Conacher award.
5. Mathieu Schneider and Francois Beauchemin are drawing the most interest as the Ducks look to make a trade.
6. Craig Hartsburg has the task of weeding out the best of the best.
7. A look at Germany's Under-20 team.
8. Milan Lucic says thats its tough being out of the lineup
9. Double OT says the Lightning must make a deal.
10. Marc-Andre Fleury is out 6-8 weeks with a high ankle sprain.
11. Team Christmas from Inside College Hockey.
12. The Hockey News blog notes that the Penguins have a goalie problem.
13. Sergei Samsonov headlines the group of NHL forwards still looking for their first goal.
14. Taking Note tells us that former Red Wing goalie Greg Stefan is the new head coach of the Plymouth Whalers.
15. 6 Former USHL'ers are up for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award.
16. Michael Farber of SI says that the NHL has the power to get its product back on ESPN.
17. Fanhouse notes that Hillary Duff has a thing or two to learn about hockey.
18. Mark Recchi has something to prove.
19. Allan Muir thinks the NHL should allow teams to have first dibs on homegrown talent. I am sure Atlanta is thrilled!
20. In case you missed it, check out this sick goal.
21. SI's Power Rankings.
22. The Oilers are scoring in bunches now, but also letting in a steady stream of goals.
23. Pascale Leclaire's play has cooled considerably.
24. The undrafted Jason Jaffray is on his way to NHL, joining the Canucks in California.
25. Leland Irving wants the #1 job with Team Canada.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

EURO CURVE

Euro Curve takes a daily look at the latest international hockey news.

- Russianprospects.com gives us a detailed scouting analysis of 5 young prospects currently playing in the Russian Super League. Dmitri Pestunov, a center with Spartak Moscow, and a 2003 Phoenix Coyotes draft pick (3/80), gets a grade of B+. Pestunov had 5 goals and 18 assists in 53 games last season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. The talented playmaker may find it hard to get a crack with the Coyotes this season as other players, including Alexei Kaigorodov and Enver Lisin, are ahead of him on the depth chart.

- George Richard of the Miami Herald reports that Jamie McLennan is back from Russia (Metallurg Magnitogorsk) and wants a back-up job in the National Hockey League, possibly with his old team, the Calgary Flames.

- The 2013 IIHF World Men's Hockey Championships will be held in the Swedish cities of Malmö and Stockholm. The 2008 World Championship will be held in Canada for the first time ever, with Halifax and Quebec City as the host cities. This season marks the 100th anniversary of the World Championships. Team Canada are current World Champions.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.

Morning Musings: Canada/Russia Super Series leaves much to be desired

After Canada destroyed Russia 8-1 on Tuesday night in Winnipeg, one has to wonder why this tournament was put together in the first place. Now, I understand the long standing relationship between Canada/Russia dating back to the storied 1972 Summit Series, but that was 35 years ago, in a fierce political climate that no longer exists between the two countries. Since September 28, 1972, Canada has played Russia in a number of hockey championships, but it is not as if any of those games were more heated than say games against the United States. In fact, with Canada's close battles with the United States over the past couple of years, maybe they would have been better off staying on this continent and playing an eight game series throughout North America. I can guarantee you one thing, that series would not be this one-sided.

On to the morning papers:

• Craig Custance of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution discusses the negotiations that lie ahead for Don Waddell. Both Kari Lehtonen and Marian Hossa will be free agents in the summer of 2008.
• Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun provides an honest opinion for why the league has come out with new uniforms across the board.
• While Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun has the story behind Andrei Taratukhin heading back to Russia before his entry-level contract has been completed. Let's just say it is not like Darryl Sutter is going to lose too much sleep.
• A sense of excitement is percolating throughout the Columbus Blue Jackets dressing room, prompting one player to say the "dark ages are over." Maybe this is the year the Blue Jackets finally make the playoffs...
• Once a top prospect of the Detroit Red Wings, it appears Igor Grigorenko has made it all the way back from a serious car accident in 2003 writes George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press.
• Devastating news out of Edmonton last night, and as Terry Jones explains, Fernando Pisani's health is far more important than any on-ice results.
• Almost under the radar, Panthers' defenseman Jay Bouwmeester pleaded guilty of DWI on Tuesday in Edmonton. Let's hope that is the last time we hear about an NHL player and the law for the rest of the season.
• Excitement is abound for the newest Montreal Canadiens, says Pat Hickey in this morning's Montreal Gazette.
• The Predators have already sold 9,000 season tickets around 1,000 more than they had at the same time last year. Was everyone too quick to write off Nashville as a viable hockey market?
• Apparently Sens' goalie Ray Emery will be ready for the beginning of the regular season, but maybe not before that.
• The San Jose Mercury News previews the Jeremy Roenick era in the Bay Area and one has to wonder whether the Sharks would have been better off standing pat for the rest of the off-season.
• I'm sure it won't take Vesa Toskala long to realize that he isn't playing in San Jose anymore. Both Paul Hunter of the Star and Mike Zeisberger of the Sun have interesting pieces about the Finnish netminder and the challenges that await him in the pressure cooker that is Toronto.
• With all the troubles Mark Bell has gone through recently, according to the Toronto Sun he may yet be in the line-up to start the season.
• While Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province wonders if maybe this is the year Brad Isbister finally reaches his potential? Yours truly wonders, maybe not....

Canada pummels Russia 8-1 to clinch Super Series

I just got home from watching Team Canada annihilate Russia 8-1 in front of 13,000 + fans at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg and wanted to share a couple of my personal highlights.

During the first intermission I ran into New Jersey Devils Director of Scouting David Conte (widely considered one of the top scouts in professional hockey) and he told me to look out for New Jersey Devils 2006 2nd round Pick Alexander Vasyunov (#24 for Russia). Mr.Conte didn't disappoint this hardcore Devils fan, as Vasyunov scored Russia's lone goal and was a standout player in the game.

Team Canada's defence, led by 1st round draft picks Karl Alzner ( 2006, 5th overall, Washington) and Keaton Ellerby ( 2006, 10th overall, Florida) was absolutely sensational in stopping a decent Russian forward group. Although Team Russia outshot Canada 33-30 in the game, the lumbering Canuck D Squad kept most of the skilled Russians to the outside and made them pay when they dared to enter the Trolly Tracks.


The Super Series has been a fantastic display of international junior hockey. Although Canada swept all 4 games in Russia and New York Rangers 1st round draft pick Alexei Cherepanov has been sidelined since Game 2, the hockey has been competitive and fun to watch. Regardless of the fact Canada is now up 5 games to zilch, Russian Sport Minister Vladislav Tretiak has been a class act and has helped put together a wonderful tournament.

Winnipeg hockey fans still rank among the best in the world. The Phone Booth was nearly sold-out and the atmosphere was electric. The Super Series game, along with the 1999 World Junior Tournament and 2007 World Women's Championships, prove that Winnipeg takes a back seat to noone in it's support of Canadian hockey.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Ezra Ginsburg.