Wings in negotiations to bring back Brad McCrimmon

From John Niyo of the Detroit News:

Former Red Wings defenseman Brad McCrimmon likely will be back on the bench at Joe Louis Arena next season. General manager Ken Holland confirmed he's in negotiations with McCrimmon to fill the vacant assistant coaching position on Mike Babcock's staff.

Read the entire article here.

McCrimmon is a well-respected coach around the NHL and should serve as a suitable replacement for the departed Todd McLellan.

Mike Babcock signs 3 year contract with Wings

From Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press:

The Red Wings will hold a press conference Wednesday morning to announce a new three-year contract for Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock.

The deal is believed to average around $1.5 million a season. Babcock, 45, guided the Wings to the Stanley Cup exactly one week ago, when the Wings won at Pittsburgh, clinching their fourth straight series on the road.

Read the entire article here.

No brainer for both sides. The chance was less than 0.1% that this deal wasn't going to happen. Babcock is an absolutely terrific head coach--the best in the NHL in my opinion. On the other hand, the Wings are the best organization in the NHL. What more could both sides want?

NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Wednesday)

Here are the morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which resume tonight at Mellon Arena...

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

• Bob McKenzie of TSN does not think the Penguins have as much momentum as some are saying. After trailing 2-0 in Game 4, the Wings are looking to get off to a hot start tonight, writes Helene St. James. Meanwhile, Drew Sharp is still angry about the refereeing on Monday night. Mike Babcock did not like the officiating in overtime either. Nonetheless, the Wings head coach believes his team will win, if it doesn't panic after the result of Game 4.
• Ryan Malone's willingness to sacrifice his body has certainly not gone unnoticed by his Penguins teammates. Petr Sykora may not have been as confident he was going to score as he seemed to be. Playing on one night's rest after a marathon Game 5 is as much a mind-game as anything else, writes Chuck Finder. Are the Penguins on their way to creating a new miracle on ice?

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Friday)

Here are the NHL morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which resume tomorrow night...

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

• The Red Wings certainly are not feeling down after losing Game 3 on Wednesday night. If Mike Babcock has a question about something, he just asks Scotty Bowman. The Wings need better performances from Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, writes Damien Cox of the Toronto Star. One thing is forsure, Chris Osgood is a real bargain between the pipes for the Red Wings organization. In injury news, Tomas Holmstrom does not feel so good, however, he is still expected to suit up for Game 4 on Saturday night.
• The Penguins believe they can improve on their Game 3 performance, writes Dave Molinari. Brooks Orpik is sure raising his off-season contract expectations with his play in the playoffs. Not only does Sidney Crosby score, but he does the little things too. Detroit coach Mike Babcock wants his top line to lower their average time per shift.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Wednesday)

Here are the morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which continue tonight at 8pm EST:

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

• In Detroit, it all starts with defense, writes John Niyo of the Detroit News. Did you know Pavel Datsyuk leads the Red Wings with 46 hits during the post-season. In contract news, Brad Stuart would like to stay in Detroit after this season and it sounds like the Red Wings would like to have him. Here are the five favorites for the Conn Smythe Trophy if the Red Wings continue their winning ways. Finally, the Wings' Cup run has been good for Detroit's struggling economy.
• Dave Molinari from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette lists his three keys to the game tonight. Penguins coach Michel Therien thinks the Wings get away with a little too much obstruction. When playing against the Red Wings, you always feel like you are chasing the puck, says Pens winger Gary Roberts. Here is a Q & A with Kris Letang. For Game 3 tonight, Mike Babcock says he won't be matching forward lines as closely as he did in Games 1 and 2.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Tuesday)

Here are the morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which resume tomorrow night:

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus the Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

• The Red Wings are destroying the NHL's dream match up with their dominant play, opines Bob Wojnowski. Apparently Johan Franzen thinks he kind of deserved Gary Roberts' hit to the face. Meanwhile, Michel Therien thinks that Chris Osgood is a good diver. The Penguins' line up changes did not work, writes George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press. Here is Mike Babcock's post-game interview.
• It is not looking good for the Penguins right now, writes Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Gene Collier wonders where all the Pittsburgh superstars have been hiding? Meantime, Ron Cook of the Post-Gazette wonders if he can select the Wings to take the series in three games? Finally, Georges Laraque was not happy that he was healthy scratched for Game 2, however, the big winger was professional about it.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Monday)

Here are the morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which resume tonight at 8pm EST:

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

• The Red Wings want to make sure they continue to play well on the penalty kill, writes Helene St. James. In injury news, Johan Franzen is expected to suit up for the Wings within the week. Bob Wojnowski profiles Chris Osgood's road back to the Wings. The NHL has to be happy with the television ratings from Game 1. It was so loud at Joe Louis Arena during Game 1 that Wings coach Mike Babcock said, "I thought we were in Canada."
• The Penguins have changed their lines for Game 2 tonight. The Red Wings just controlled the middle of the ice and the neutral zone for most of Game 1, writes Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Wings' penalty killing attack seemed to have thrown off the Penguins a bit on Saturday night. Things are looking up for Mario Lemieux these days, writes Chuck Finder.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers: Stanley Cup Finals Edition (Saturday)

Here are the morning papers for the Stanley Cup Finals which begin tonight at 8pm EST:

Detroit Red Wings (1) versus Pittsburgh Penguins (2):

• This series is the classic case of age versus experience. The Detroit Free Press profiles both team's head coaches Mike Babcock and Michel Therien. In injury news, Johan Franzen will not play in Game 1 tonight but is likely to return during the Finals. Here is a video roundtable of Ken Holland and a couple Detroit sportswriters. This series could be one for the ages, writes John Niyo.
• Dave Molinari wonders whether the Penguins can win one of the first two games on the road. Colby Armstrong is still a little bit upset that he was traded from the Penguins just minutes before the trade deadline. The city is going crazy over the Pens, writes Anya Sostek. Meanwhile, Gary Roberts may not crack the team's line-up for Game 1.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers: Conference Finals (Wednesday Edition)

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

Pittsburgh (2) versus Philadelphia (6):

• The Penguins easily defeated the Flyers 4-1 last night but still feel they have room for improvement, writes Dave Molinari. Philadelphia does not really have the answers for their poor play, writes Shelly Anderson. Meanwhile, a couple of Penguins had special fans in attendance last night. In other news, it appears Flyers coach John Stevens is not opposed to mandatory visors for entry-level players.


• Let's face it, the Penguins have been the best in the Eastern Conference by a large margin, writes Sam Donnellon. Steve Downie has cost the Flyers with his terrible turnovers. Home-ice advantage in hockey is a lot different than home-court advantage in basketball, writes John Smallwood. It is fair to say that Sidney Crosby has impressed Ed Barkowitz.

Detroit (1) versus Dallas (5):

• The Wings will be playing Game 4 tonight without the services of sniper Johan Franzen (concussion). They may get all their notoriety from the offensive side of the puck, but it is their defensive savvy that make Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg such special players. Meantime, former Wings coach Scotty Bowman thinks this year's version of the team is as dominant as a Wings team has ever been. The Wings are allowing a paltry 23.5 shots on net per game so far this playoffs.


• As Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News points out, Wings coach Mike Babcock takes advice from the aforementioned Bowman. The Stars' young defensemen have flourished all year, but have hit some speed bumps during their series with the Red Wings. If the Stars want to have any chance of coming back in this series, they have to hold their head up high. Tim Cowlishaw does not expect the Stars to pull a Shark-like mini-comeback.

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

NHL Morning Papers--Western Conference (Saturday Edition)

Here are the Northwest Division morning papers:

• The coaches did a good job of lightening the mood yesterday at practice, writes Joanne Ireland. Apparently Oilers netminder Mathieu Garon is not 100%.
• Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun is not a big believer of "turning on the switch" but he wonders if the Flames are on their way to doing just that.
• The Canucks blew a chance to take the Northwest Division lead last night, with a 2-1 loss on home-ice to the Wild. Canucks captain Markus Naslund believes the team need to cut down on their penalties come playoff time.
• In Avalanche news, Paul Stastny is going to play today versus Edmonton, and Peter Forsberg remains a game-time decision.
• Not only did the Wild beat the Canucks last night but they also managed to impress their coach, writes Michael Russo.

Here are the Central Division morning papers:

• The sometimes rocky relationship between Jason Chimera and Ken Hitchcock is all about Hitchcock trying to get the best out of his speedy winger. Meanwhile, Blue Jackets winger Alexandre Picard is finally starting to feel like his knee is back to normal.
• It appears Chris Chelios will be back sporting the winged wheel next season, writes Helene St. James. Meantime, if the Red Wings don't get Mike Babcock signed to a contract extension soon, the team will wait until after the playoffs to resume negotiations.
• Barry Trotz usually is not known for a quick hook with his netminders, but this season has been different than past ones, writes John Glennon.
• Here are some news and notes about the St. Louis Blues.
• Even if the Blackhawks do not make the playoffs, the important playoff-like games they have played in the past few weeks will only serve their youth well in the long run.

Here are the Pacific Division morning papers:

• The Stars are looking forward to getting Steve Ott back in the line up, as the feisty winger returns from suspension to face-off versus the Kings.
• Here is a short preview of the Kings/Stars game today, courtesy of the L.A. Times.
• "We didn't play very good. I'll tell you that," said Ducks coach Randy Carlyle after last night's 2-1 loss at San Jose.
• Wayne Gretzky is making sure his team does not take the Ducks lightly tonight.
• The Sharks have played tremendously as of late, and they validated their recent play last night versus Anaheim.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers--Western Conference (Wednesday Edition)

Here are the Northwest Division morning papers:

• The Oilers continued to make the playoff race more interesting last night, with an exciting 8-4 victory over the visiting Coyotes. Ilya Brygalov was shaky last night, writes Derek Van Diest. Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal has an interesting article on the new breed of tough-guy in the NHL.
• The Flames finished their four-game road trip in Columbus last night with a 3-0 loss, writes Jean Lefebvre.
• The Canucks cannot wait to take on the streaking Oilers on Thursday, writes Ben Kuzma. Meanwhile, apparently the Sedin twins don't mind being split up.
• If the Avalanche want to make the playoffs, then they are going to have to improve on their porous power play.
• As Michael Russo tells readers, the Wild are going to put a lot of pressure on their checking line for the remainder of the season.

Here are the Central Division morning papers:

• The Blue Jackets played a perfect Ken Hitchcock game last night and came away with an impressive 3-0 victory on home-ice. Danny Fritsche backed up his tough pre-game talk with his performance in last night's game. Here are the Blue Jackets' projected lines for tonight's contest versus the Red Wings.
• The Predators continued their slide from the playoffs into golf tee-times last night, writes John Glennon. At least the organization can take solace in the fact that Wednesday's game was a sell-out.
• With the Red Wings beginning to get healthier, coach Mike Babcock has some difficult decisions to make on the blue line, writes Helene St. James. On the injury front, don't expect Kris Draper or Tomas Holmstrom back before the end of the week.
• Tonight's Blackhawks/Capitals game will be an exhibit of youthful NHL talent.
• The Blues finally ended their six-game losing streak last night in Montreal, writes Jeremy Rutherford. Last night's victory was most exciting for Quebec native David Perron.

Here are the Pacific Division morning papers:

• The Stars/Ducks game tonight should not lack any intensity, writes Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.
• It sure did not take the Sharks long to get back into the win column, as they defeated L.A. 2-1 last night. On the injury front, the Sharks should be getting Curtis Brown back in the line up after the forward has missed 25 games with a thumb injury.
• The Kings will continue so long as they don't get production from top scorers, writes Dan Arritt.
• The Ducks have their mind on getting home-ice for the playoffs when they visit the Stars tonight.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Playoff positioning is extra tight in the East. Thats what she said?
2. The Flyers will be without Derian Hatcher and RJ Umberger for the season and the next two weeks, respectively.
3. Is Malkin better without Crosby?
4. Jim Kelley weighs in on the Pronger suspension.
5. Don't look now, but the Panthers are surging.
6. A preview of the CHL Playoffs, with a look at the favourites.
7. The weekly release from the USHL.
8. Minnesota Gophers Forward Tom Pohl has surgery to relieve bleeding on the brain.
9. ECHL'er Robin Gomez may face charges for sucker punching Chris Ferraro.
10. The Hockey News catches up with Fred O'Donnell.
11. Want to know more about a player you never heard of? Check this out.
12. The weekly Hot List from the Hockey News.
13. Meet the consensus #1 pick in the OHL Draft.
14. The Canadian Press pegs the Pacific Division as the race to watch.
15. The weekly Campbellnomics post.
16. A preview of the CIS Men's Hockey Championships.
17. A list of some of the more creative nicknames in the NHL.
18. A look at the internet hype created by NHL goalie equipment.
19. The Blue Jackets are having trouble staying healthy.
20. Someone made a documentary about the Whalers.
21. Detroit is abuzz with Babcock rumours.
22. Darren Eliot tabs Marty Brodeur as the best goalie ever.
23. Erik Ersberg is the latest puck stopper in the Kings Dial-a-Goalie system.
24. Mary Buckhelt gives her opinion on the tie game in the Michigan High School championship.
25. Joe Pelletier's Top 10 Defenders.

NHL Morning Papers (Tuesday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• As Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail tells us, Leafs' coach Paul Maurice has made a number of line adjustments in an effort to spark some more offense out of his club.
• Jack Todd of the National Post gives a summary of Larry Robinson's retired number ceremony in Montreal last night.
• The USA Today has a Q & A with veteran Ducks' defenseman Mathieu Schneider in this morning's paper.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• Not only did the Ducks acquire a new fourth line center yesterday but they are also hoping to have both Todd Bertuzzi and Mathieu Schneider back in their lineup for Wednesday's game against Dallas.
• Mike Keenan finally cracked the whip yesterday at practice writes Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun. After taking a puck to the head from Canucks' defenseman Lukas Krajicek, Robyn Regehr is going to tough it out and will be in the lineup tonight versus Colorado.
• Hawks' winger Jason Williams is listed as questionable for the team's next game later this week with a strained groin. In positive Hawks' news, oft-injured forward Martin Havlat is expected to return to the team's lineup next week.
• Jose Theodore is slated to get the start tonight for the Avalanche as they take on the Flames in Calgary.
• Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch suggests Blue Jackets' GM Scott Howson is in the market to improve his team's secondary scoring. Meanwhile, the Jackets are hoping to have Mike Peca return to the lineup in the near future after the center has missed the past five games with a groin injury.
• The Stars are starting to turn their season around as they were able to exact their revenge on the Kings last with a 3-0 victory in Dallas. A move to Mike Modano's wing has sparked Jeff Halpern who now has three points in three games playing with the all-time leading American scorer.
• Wings' coach Mike Babcock is hoping Johan Franzen's shootout winner over the weekend will help him get out of his huge slump.
• Oilers' defenseman Mathieu Roy was back at practice yesterday attempting to rehab his injured shoulder. Meanwhile, Kyle Brodziak's knee is almost back to normal and the checking winger is expected to play tonight against the Canucks.
• Last night's 3-0 shutout at Dallas marked the first time the Kings had been shutout in two consecutive games since the 2001/02 season.
• Wild goaltending coach Bob Mason likes to make sure both of the netminders he works with keep an even keel writes Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune.
• The Predators were defeated last night by their ex-teammate Paul Kariya and the St. Louis Blues 3-0. Jason Arnott missed last night's game for the Predators with an injured neck.
• Coyotes' coach Wayne Gretzky doesn't want rookie Peter Mueller to get down about his lack of ice-time last game writes Jim Gintonoio of the Arizona Republic.
• Anyone hoping there was steam to that Patrick Marleau to the Flames rumors, shouldn't get too excited as David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News reports that no one from the Calgary front office has even called about the former Seattle Thunderbird.
• The Blues have won four straight games, but Blues' winger Paul Kariya thinks the team can play much better than it has in its last two contests. In other Blues' news, winger Martin Rucinsky has seen his offensive opportunities greatly reduced in recent games.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• The Capitals lost 4-3 to Florida last night and their struggles are reaching the point of no-return with only 13 points registered in 20 games played.
• The Leafs are hoping to play a lot better in Boston this time around than they did in their first trip to Massachusetts. Mark Zwolinkski wonders if former Leafs' prospect Tuukka Rask will get the start tonight for Boston.
• The Lightning were not happy with the officiating in their 4-3 overtime loss to the Thrashers last night in Atlanta. John Tortorella thinks the key to Jan Hlavac scoring on a consistent basis is a matter of confidence.
• Sidney Crosby was busy shooting a commercial and some pictures for ESPN the Magazine yesterday writes Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "That's a luxury," defenseman Mark Eaton said in reference to the Penguins extra time available to practice.
• "Physically, I feel pretty good, but the symptoms are still there," said Flyers' winger Simon Gagne in reference to his recent concussions.
• The Senators played the role of spoiler in their 4-2 victory last night over the Habs on Larry Robinson night. James Duthie thinks that Senators fans are dreaming if they think that the market is there for a Ray Emery trade. Meantime, Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun has an interesting piece on Senators' forward Chris Kelly.
• The Islanders made it three straight over the Rangers last night with a 2-1 at MSG writes Greg Logan of Newsday.
• "We allowed them to frustrate us and we got away from our structure that's been successful," NYR winger Brendan Shanahan said after last night's loss. Off-season acquisition Chris Drury is starting to become frustrated that he has been unable to develop chemistry with any of his linemates.
• Brent Sutter has gone with his gut in moving Patrik Elias to the middle to play center for first time since he was a child back in the Czech Republic.
• The Senators proved last night in Montreal why they are 1st in the Eastern Conference writes Pat Hickey in this morning's Montreal Gazette.
• The Panthers got some confidence after finally holding on to a third period lead on Monday writes Steve Gorten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Additionally, winning in Washington allowed for the Cats to put an end to their road woes.
• It has come to a point where the Hurricanes can't even get through a practice without sustaining an injury writes Luke Decock of the News Observer.
• The Thrashers have gotten all the way back to .500 after their overtime victory over the Lightning last night.
• Bruins' coach Claude Julien is out to fix the defense in front of goalie Tim Thomas writes Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.