Jokinen will ease pressure on Turris

From Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic:

The Coyotes' two first-round draft choices from a year ago have a chance to benefit from the trade that brought Olli Jokinen from Florida for defensemen Keith Ballard and Nick Boynton.

Center Kyle Turris, the third overall pick in 2007, will be able to gain a lot of insight from one of the high-powered centers in the NHL and not have to rush his learning curve.

Read the entire article here.

Kevin Allen of USA Today had an article on this topic earlier in the week and it is right on point. Adding Jokinen to the mix, alleviates much of the pressure on Turris and should allow him to fit in behind-the-scenes without much attention. More importantly, he won't have to go up against all the top centers in the league, which is something Wayne Gretzky stressed over the weekend.

Jokinen wasn't in high demand

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

It was surprising how little interest Olli Jokinen drew this weekend. The Panthers ended up trading him to the Coyotes for two defensemen and a second-round pick. Lots of clubs wanted nothing to do with a 90-point scorer. "Last guy on the ice for practice and first guy off it," is how it was put to me by one NHL exec. (No, not a Blue Jackets' exec.) Howson acknowledged he made a pitch to the Panthers, but wouldn't reveal his offer.

Read more tidbits from Portzline here.

Portzline does a good job of getting fans some inside information here. If Jokinen is indeed the last guy on and first guy off, then that, coupled with his lack of playoff experience, probably became a red-flag for many teams who initially coveted the big center.

NHL Morning Papers: Special Post-Draft Edition

Here are the morning papers from the Southeast Division:

• Olli Jokinen is no longer the longest standing member of the Panthers organization, writes Steve Gorten. David J. Neal of the Miami Herald sure doesn't like the move.
• The Hurricanes were happy to select speedy Zach Boychuk with the 14th pick on Friday night.
• The Thrashers have their young defenseman of the future after drafting impressive Zach Bogosian.
• The Caps traded Steve Eminger and draft choices last night in a very active first day at the draft.
• Let's not put too much pressure on Steven Stamkos just yet, writes Joe Henderson of the Tampa Tribune.

NHL Morning Papers: Special Post-Draft Edition

Here are the morning papers from the Pacific Division:

• Friday was a boring night for the Stars and those who write about the team, writes Mike Heika.
• After last night's draft, the Kings have quite the quartet of talented young defensemen for the future. To be able to take Colin Tuebert with the 13th pick in the first-round, the Kings had to trade Michael Cammalleri.
• It was a very quiet Day 1 of the draft for the Sharks last night, writes David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News.
• Brian Burke made a terrific trade, netting two first round picks for his 12th overall selection. Here is more information about Jake Gardiner, the Ducks first first-round pick.
• The Coyotes are ecstatic about acquiring Olli Jokinen, writes Jim Gintontio.

NHL Morning Papers: Special Post-Draft Edition

Here are the morning papers from the Northwest Division:

• Jordan Eberle grew up watching the Oilers, now he gets to be one, writes Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal. Apparently Eberle was exactly the type of player the Oilers were looking for.
• As Jason Botchford tells us, the Canucks almost dealt their first round pick to the Kings as part of a package for Michael Cammalleri.
• The Wild was happy it selected Tyler Cuma, however, the team was disappointed it just fell short in the Olli Jokinen sweepstakes.
• The Flames were very active last night as they traded Alex Tanguay and acquired Michael Cammalleri. Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun says the Flames are better off today than they were yesterday.

Gretzky has Jokinen's back

From Steve Gorten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel:

I asked Gretzky what about the notion some people have that Jokinen isn't a winner, that he fostered a losing culture in South Florida and that he was a major factor in the Panthers' inability to make the playoffs all seven seasons he played for them. I asked Gretzky if this was a concern, something he had to stop and consider before making a deal.

He responded quickly: "I’ve learned this after 35 years in the National Hockey League or whatever it is: One guy doesn’t win or lose Stanley Cups. I’ve always said that if that was the case, the Boston Bruins would have won 10 years in a row with Bobby Orr. You just have to have a team. Each and every guy has to be part of it. One guy does not win or lose the Stanley Cup."

Read more about the trade here.

I'm with Gretz on this one. I am not concerned at all about Jokinen's inability to make the playoffs. With the right team around him, I'm pretty sure it wouldnt be a problem.

Anyhow, I am still wondering how the Coyotes got Jokinen for what they gave up. I mean, Ballard is a good defenseman, but this will be his fourth NHL organization. When you are young and have already been with four organizations (Buffalo, Colorado, Phoenix and Florida) something seems off. Additionally, Boynton is a solid defenseman, who is good in the room, tough and can move the puck but this is for Olli Jokinen. The guy is a reliable power number one center. If this was the offer Florida accepted, what were the other offers they were receiving?

Bouchard offered up by Wild in package for Jokinen

From Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

According to two sources, the Wild offered 5-foot-10 Pierre-Marc Bouchard, 24, the slick, playmaking right winger who has scored 179 points the past three seasons.

However, while Panthers scouts like Bouchard's ability and future, the Panthers' management wasn't interested for the same reason Minnesota offered him, Florida sources said.

Read the entire story here.

With many teams chasing after Jokinen, it will probably take more than a package centering around PMB to get it done.

NHL Morning Papers: Special Pre-Draft Edition

Here are the morning papers from the Southeast Division:

• The Capitals are willing to trade up in the draft, but they most likely will stay put at 23, writes Tarik El-Bashir.
• Tony MacDonald of the Hurricanes scouting staff, gets to run the draft for the first time. In contract news, the Canes were happy to get Tim Gleason signed on for four more years.
• As has been written many times in this space, the Panthers are dangling Olli Jokinen as trade bait in order to get into the first round of this year's draft.
• The Thrashers are excited to have the opportunity to shore up their defense for years to come with the third selection tonight.
• Steven Stamkos is basically the perfect prospect, writes Erik Erlendsson.

Panthers should keep Jokinen

From Steve Gorten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel:

It’ll be interesting to see what the Panthers get for Jokinen. I doubt it’ll be
fair value. Besides Jokinen's struggles, Martin called him out repeatedly in the
season’s final months. That didn't raise his value. Now at the draft, teams know
Martin wants to dump Jokinen, just like they knew Keenan wanted to dump Luongo.

Read more from Gorten here.

I disagree with Gorten. The Panthers need to enter full rebuilding mode, and add a number of valuable young pieces in exchange for Jokinen. The big Finnish center is playing out the prime of his career, and he won't be winning anything in Florida; so, might as well deal him and build for the future.

More Jokinen speculation

From Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

Speaking of that team from South Fla., it wouldn’t be a draft if the Panthers
weren’t going to make a blockbuster, and it certainly appears Olli Jokinen’s a
goner. I just ran into one person in the know in the lobby, and he guesses “90
percent.”

Read other tidbits from Russo leading up to the draft here.

Let the Jokinen rumors continue...

Jokinen wants out

From George Richards of the Miami Herald:

Big news in Pantherland is that TSN is reporting that Olli Jokinen has "indicated" that he would like to be traded. If this is true, it's a complete reversal from things I have heard from Camp Jokinen. If it's true (and I don't really doubt the validity of the report), I think Olli figured he was gone anyway, might as well make it look like he had some control over things.

Read more Panthers news from On Frozen Pond here.

No surprise here. Jokinen has clearly had enough of the rumors about being on his way out of Florida so he has probably just let the organization know he wants out. Let the bidding continue...

Langkow deal basically done

From Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

It looks like Calgary’s re-signed Langkow already at four years, $20 million —
which the Wild wouldn’t have offered anyway. The Flames just can’t announce the deal until July 1 because it puts them over the $50.3 million cap, and the cap doesn’t go up until July 1 (like why the Wild and Bruins had to hold off on the Manny Fernandez trade at last year’s Draft; the trade put the Bruins over the cap until July 1).

Read more of Russo's Rants here.

There hasn't been any speculation regarding Langkow landing anywhere else or having any desire to leave Calgary, so this report makes sense. If the Flames could acquire Olli Jokinen, the Flames would be impressive up the middle.

Flames interested in Jokinen

From Jean Lefebvre of the Calgary Herald:

For years there's been speculation the Finnish centreman was Calgary-bound. The talk started long before Mike Keenan moved behind the Flames bench and certainly picked up steam afterwards, the veteran coach and Jokinen having enjoyed a solid relationship during their days together in South Florida.

Well, if it's ever going to happen, this coming week might be the time. The National Hockey League draft is on the docket next weekend in Ottawa and the annual gathering of team poobahs is often the scene of the first major transactions of the summer.

Read the entire article here.

The Flames will have some heavy competition for the services of Jokinen. I can see the Wild offering up a package including Pierre-Marc Bouchard, and a bunch of other teams will surely be in the fray. If the Flames do get their man, they are going to have to give up quite a fair number of assets; never mind, their cap situation. It should be an interesting summer for GM Darryl Sutter.

Jokinen rumors continue

From George Richards of the Miami Herald:

''He's no different than any other player,'' Martin said from his office at the team's arena in Sunrise. ``As a general manager, you're always looking to improve the club. There have been no specific talks about him, but I'll be talking to other general managers and see where teams want to improve themselves.''

One of the obvious suitors for Jokinen's services this time around is Calgary -- coached by former Panthers boss Mike Keenan. Jokinen has credited Keenan with turning his career around when he was an underachieving forward in 2002.

Minnesota, Vancouver, Dallas and Philadelphia also are thought to have serious interest in Jokinen.

Read the entire article here.

The list of teams noted are not surprising, as many of these teams have been said to have interest in Jokinen in the past. Also of note, is that Richards mentions in the piece that the Panthers would want a first round pick included in any package for the Finnish centerman.

I won't sit here and predict where Jokinen will go; however, I believe he will probably be traded before or at the Entry Draft next week in Ottawa.

Jokinen trade seems inevitable

From George Richards of the Miami Herald:

If the Panthers swing a deal for Jokinen, expect an impact player coming back in return, with a depth guy and a first round draft pick as well. There's talk there might be a three-team deal cooking, but who knows. These rumors are always on the grill about this time, and 95 percent of the time they never see the light of day.

There have been few Panthers who have been part of trade rumors more than Jokinen, who was rumored to be on the way out about the time he was negotiating a four-year deal at the 2006 trade deadline.

Just remember this: The Panthers don't have to trade Olli. A number of people in the organization don't want to trade Olli. And JM won't trade Olli unless the deal is right, at least in his eyes, for the Florida Panthers and their ability to make a playoff run this coming season.

Read the rest of the entry from On Frozen Pond here.

It seems only a matter of time before Jokinen is shipped out of South Florida. Whatever team lands this reliable centerman definitely won't regret it. As for the Panthers, the trade makes sense because this team is far from being a Stanley Cup contender. Why keep Jokinen through a couple more productive seasons when you don't have enough quality around him? Might as well get as many young assets as you possibly can.

Could Olli Jokinen be on the move?

From Steve Gorten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel:

Martin said Bouwmeester will not be traded. The same can't be said of center Olli Jokinen.

Martin said the captain's future is up in the air."We haven't made the playoffs here, so bottom line is we're looking to improve our hockey club," Martin said. "Is that with Olli back here or Olli not back here? I don't know at this point in time."

Read the entire article here.

Jokinen's name has been in and out of trade rumors for a couple of years. By reading closely, it appears Martin will be shopping Jokinen, or at least listening to trade offers. I believe Jokinen is a horse and a player that many teams will covet. Even though he hasn't made the playoffs since breaking into the NHL, I don't think that will make teams shy away from attempting to acquire him. The fact is, it is hard to come by big, strong centers who can control the play along the boards and generally don't get injured.

NHL Morning Papers--Eastern Conference (Thursday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• The Senators never seem to be able to beat the Leafs when it matters most, so they will try and conquer those demons tonight, writes Roy MacGregor of the Globe & Mail.
• The Leafs are looking forward to playing spoiler tonight, writes Dave Shoalts.
• If the Canucks are going to make the playoffs, they need the real Roberto Luongo to show up between the pipes, writes Cam Cole of the National Post.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today breaks down all the games that have playoff ramifications this weekend.
• Allen also details who is in the running for Steve Stamkos in Monday's upcoming draft lottery.

Here are the Atlantic Division morning papers:

• Special teams was the difference last night as the Penguins defeated the Flyers 5-2. Meanwhile, if it comes down to a shootout on Sunday, coach John Stevens isn't sure who he would tap to play goal.
• The Penguins got great performances from their superstar players and defeated the Flyers 5-2 to capture the Atlantic Division crown. In other news, the Penguins named Evgeni Malkin team MVP for the season.
• If the Rangers win tonight versus the Islanders then they will clinch a playoff spot, and as a result, will be able to give their top ailing players some much-needed rest. The Rangers three remaining games will determine the team's playoff seeding.
• With a 3-2 shootout win over the Bruins last night, the Devils moved closer to securing home-ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs. Lou Lamoriello is allowed to get nostalgic every once in a while.

**There were no Islanders articles this morning**

Here are the Southeast Division morning papers:

• The Lightning were disposed of quite easily last night by the Carolina Hurricanes, writes Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune.
• Olli Jokinen has played more regular season games than any other current NHL player without playing in a playoff game, but that does not mean he wants out of Florida, writes Steve Gorten. Meanwhile, a number of Panthers players are going to suit up for their respective countries at this year's World Championships.
• The Hurricanes moved that much closer to clinching a playoff birth last night with a 6-2 victory over the lowly Lightning.
• The Capitals organization are not alone in hoping their team makes the playoffs, writes Tarik El-Bashir. On the injury front, defenseman Shaone Morrisonn will not suit up tonight due to an upper-body injury.
• Craig Custance of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wonders if Thrashers fans should be hoping against their favorite squad come Saturday.

Here are the Northeast Division morning papers:

• The Bruins recorded one point yesterday versus New Jersey, but the good news is that they still control their own fate. The Bruins were not unhappy with the way they played last night, writes Stephen Harris.
• The Sabres were ecstatic with the results of last night's games because it means they still have a chance to make the playoffs. Jaroslav Spacek will be in the line up tonight for Buffalo.
• The Canadiens penalty kill has improved tremendously over the past month.
• If the Senators miss the playoffs, they will set a record for futility, writes Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun. "I'm confident we are going to win," said Senators superstar Jason Spezza heading into tonight's game versus the Leafs.
• Mats Sundin told Toronto reporters he will take some time after the season to decide whether he wants to return next season. The Leafs are definitely looking forward to ruining Ottawa's season tonight, writes Kevin McGran.

The Western Conference morning papers are soon to follow...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers--Eastern Conference (Monday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Gordie Howe just turned 80 year old and the Globe & Mail put together a picture compilation commemorating this fine day.
• The Habs are starting to get injured at the wrong time, writes David Shoalts of the Globe & Mail.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today has a terrific article about what made Gordie Howe so great.

Here are the Northeast Division morning papers:

• The Bruins were happy to salvage a point last night versus the Sabres, writes Fluto Shinwaza. There is only one week remaining in the regular season, yet there are still so many possibilities, writes Kevin Paul Dupont. In a nice story, Jeff Hogan was ecstatic to make his NHL debut last night at the age of 30.
• The Sabres avoided elimination last night by defeating the Bruins 2-1 in overtime. Much of the Sabres success can be attributed to the play of the team's rookie defense tandem.
• It appears that Pavel Kubina has played well enough that Cliff Fletcher no longer wants him traded. Kubina wants to remain a Leaf too.
• Bruce Garrioch tells readers that it is still possible for the Senators to miss the playoffs. Since the team's hot start to begin the season, the Senators are a .500 squad.
• Mike Komisarek guarantees that he will be in the Habs line up for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Unfortunately, the Canadiens may be without Saku Koivu for the beginning of the playoffs.

Here are the Atlantic Division morning papers:

• Kevin Weekes was the Devils' number one goaltender for one day, writes Colin Stephenson.
• The Islanders are letting their young players play and are still staying fairly competitive.
• The Rangers had way too many passengers yesterday afternoon, writes Larry Brooks. Meanwhile, John Dellapina of the NY Daily News questioned some of the officials' calls on Sunday.
• While the team won't come out and say it, the Flyers are attempting to move up to the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference so as to play a weaker first round opponent, writes Tim Panaccio.
• Petr Sykora compared yesterday's Penguins/Rangers tilt to a playoff game, which made the Penguins' 3-1 victory that much more sweet. Evgeni Malkin had a close call with a skate to the face last night.

Here are the Southeast Division morning papers:

• According to Craig Custance of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Thrashers rookie Boris Valabik won over his teammates on Saturday.
• Michel Ouellet has played a lot better since the trade of Brad Richards, but he does not know why, writes Erik Erlendsson.
• "We have to show our fans and ourselves how much it means to us to put the Panther jersey on, play with pride and finish the season strong," said Panthers captain Olli Jokinen. The Panthers may not be winning on the ice, but they are making winning contributions off of it.

**There were no Carolina Hurricanes or Washington Capitals articles this morning**

The Western Conference morning papers will be posted around 11:15 CST.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers--Eastern Conference (Saturday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail has an interesting article on NHL awards and the process involved with it.
• William Houston tells readers that Pierre Lebrun and Don Cherry are on opposite sides of the Jonathan Roy argument.
• The Leafs need to be overhauled, writes David Shoalts of the Globe & Mail.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today says that Team USA may have a very talented squad at this year's World Hockey Championships.

Here are the Atlantic Division morning papers:

• They almost blew it, but the Devils ended the team's five-game losing streak last night with a 5-4 shootout victory over the Flyers. Although he is usually not a fighter, defenseman Mike Mottau still stood up for his netminder on Friday night by dropping the gloves, writes Rich Chere.
• The Islanders have sent Jeff Tambellini back to Bridgeport of the AHL for the remainder of the season, writes Erik Boland.
• While first place in the Atlantic Division is a little far-fetched, if the Rangers play good hockey, they have a very good chance at gaining home-ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs. Off the ice, the NY Daily News is reporting that Sean Avery's name was found in a prostitute's black book. (Writer's note: Rumors persist that if Avery is suspended by the NHL for this finding that Elliot Spitzer will replace him in the Rangers line up.)
• The Flyers may have lost for the twelfth straight game at New Jersey, but they did earn a valuable point in the process, writes Ray Parrillo. "We're playing with a lot of confidence right now. It's still disappointing the way the game ended. You wish with such an effort you get two points. But we'll definitely take the point," said Daniel Briere after Friday's contest.
• Even with all their offense, the key to a Penguins playoff run is Marc-Andre Fleury. Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette thinks that Marian Hossa will be ready to play on Sunday versus the Rangers.

Here are the Northeast Division morning papers:

• Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron has officially been shut down for the rest of the regular season. With the prospect of facing the Habs or Penguins in the first round, the Bruins have their sites set on the sixth seed and a first round match up with the Hurricanes.
• Jerry Sullivan does not hold back in his analysis of the Sabres in this morning's Buffalo News. The Sabres continued to blow late-game leads last night as they lost 4-3 in overtime to Les Habitants, writes John Vogl.
• "If we were good with the leads, we'd be a .700 team. We blow those leads and that's why we're playing like a .500 hockey team right now," said Senators forward Jason Spezza about his team's recent propensity for blowing leads. On the injury front, the Senators will be without Cory Stillman (leg) for today's game versus Boston.
• Friday night's come from behind 4-3 shootout victory over the Sabres moved the Habs back into first place in the Eastern Conference. Meantime, Red Fisher acknowledges the Canadiens surprisingly successful season thus far, but warns fans that the playoffs are a whole new ballgame.
• Damien Cox thinks the Leafs are going to try a one-year turnaround in the standings and that they will fail in that attempt. As for the off-season, Mats Sundin has stated that he wants to retire a Maple Leaf, but the Leafs captain is unsure of what the future will bring.

Here are the Southeast Division morning papers:

• Vincent Lecavalier made a boy's dream come true yesterday at practice, writes Erik Erlendsson.
• "I haven't probably been as good a leader as people expect. I haven't played the level I am capable of playing every single game," said Panthers star Olli Jokinen about his recent poor play.
• The Hurricanes thoroughly dominated Atlanta last night and, as a result, came closer to winning the Southeast Division crown. Chad Larose returned to the Canes' line up last night after having been sidelined for seven weeks with a leg injury.
• The Thrashers took way too many penalties last night, writes Craig Custance. Apparently Don Waddell is encouraging his players to take part in the World Hockey Championships. (Writer's note: It would be even better if he encouraged his players to actually try during games for the remainder of the season.)
• Sergei Fedorov is determined to get his new team into the top eight spots in the Eastern Conference.

The Western Conference morning papers are soon to follow...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers--Eastern Conference (Friday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• There are reasons to be tense in every Canadian market right now, writes Roy MacGregor of the Globe & Mail.
• William Houston provides readers with Don Cherry's perspective on the Jonathan Roy incident in the QMJHL.
• Mark Spector of the National Post has an interesting article on fighting; in terms of who wants to keep it in the game and who does not.
• USA Today previews the important games upcoming over the weekend.
• Not only have the Sharks been good this year,
• Not only have the Sharks been good this year, but they have been good with the 27th ranked payroll in the NHL, writes Kevin Allen of USA Today.

Here are the Northeast Division morning papers:

• The Leafs are finally out of contention for a playoff spot after last night's 4-2 loss at Boston. GM Cliff Fletcher is already looking to improving the team for next season, writes Kevin McGran.
• Bryan Murray was not happy after his team blew a third period lead to the Sabres and ended up losing 4-3 in a shootout. Mike Fisher is not only one of the Senators' top scorers, but he also a Christian rock song written just for him.
• Habs winger Tom Kostopoulos cannot wait to get his first taste of playoff action in about two weeks, writes Herb Zurkowsky.
• The Bruins did not have a good second period last night, but they weathered the storm and played a strong third period to defeat the Leafs 4-2 at the Banknorth Garden. Peter Schaeffer scored one goal and added an assist last night, which is pretty impressive considering he was not even planning on being in the line up.
• The Sabres' playoff hopes are faint, however, they could have completely ended last night had it not been for a late third period goal by Paul Gaustad. If you have not noticed, Ryan Miller has been a horse all season long, and he has now played more games in one season than any other Sabres netminder.

Here are the Atlantic Division morning papers:

• Scott Gomez unexpectedly suited up for the Rangers last night and helped his team defeat the Devils for the seventh time in seven chances this season. Meanwhile, John Dellapina floats the possibility that Jaromir Jagr may leave to play in Russia next season.
• The Flyers will be looking to exorcise their Jersey demons tonight, writes Ed Moran. Apparently Derian Hatcher will only return this season if the Flyers advance two rounds in the playoffs.
• The Penguins did not even need scoring from Crosby, Malkin or Hossa last night, writes Dave Molinari. "It's not like we lost confidence in him," said Penguins coach Michel Therrien about his decision to move Ryan Whitney up to forward for the time being.
• To say the Islanders' line up is depleted would be an understatement, writes Greg Logan.
• Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger thinks the Rangers were lucky to come away with a victory against the Devils last night. In injury news, the Devils may have lost defenseman Bryce Salvador for the remainder of the season.

Here are the Southeast Division morning papers:

• Forget the game, Dan Boyle was more worried about his life last night, writes Erik Erlendsson. While the Bolts season is ending in less than two weeks, John Tortorella's season will continue as he is reportedly going to be the head coach for Team USA at the World Championships.
• The Panthers needed to win last night to keep their slight playoff hopes alive, but they lost 3-2 to the lowly Thrashers and can now start setting their tee times. In an interesting development, Jacques Martin called out Olli Jokinen on his recent poor play.
• The Thrashers remembered that you are allowed to win on the road last night, as they defeated the Panthers 3-2 in South Florida.
• The Hurricanes have not been giving Cam Ward any rest, writes Luke Decock.
• The Capitals got a huge overtime goal from Tomas Fleischmann last night, to remain only two points out of a playoff spot.

The Western Conference morning papers will be posted soon...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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