Marleau expected to stay in San Jose

From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:

Today, for example, General Manager Doug Wilson could send captain Patrick Marleau to another team before the no-trade clause in his two-year, $12.6 million contract extension takes effect Tuesday. Rumors over the past two months have had Marleau wearing several different jerseys next season.

But a source familiar with the situation said Sunday that Marleau is not the subject of any trade talk, making it all but certain he will remain a Shark.

Read the entire article here.

I'm sure this is just a break from the usual number of Marleau rumors that circulate during the season.

Marleau to the Blue Jackets rumors continue

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

A long-rumored trade that would send San Jose center Patrick Marleau to the Blue Jackets for a package including right winger Nikolai Zherdev could finally be taking shape.

NHL sources say the Blue Jackets and Sharks do not have an offer in place, and they have not had substantive trade talks. But Marleau has become the Blue Jackets' No. 1 target for a center to play alongside left winger Rick Nash.

Marleau's availability hinges on two factors: the Sharks' ability to re-sign defenseman Brian Campbell, which would force the Sharks to move Marleau for budgetary reasons, and the Blue Jackets' willingness to move the No. 6 pick.

Read the entire article here.

These are the same rumors we have been reading about for weeks now, so I'll believe it when I see it.

Expect the Blue Jackets to be active

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

On July 1, free agency opens with the Blue Jackets having between $16
million and $20 million in play money. They won't be going after role players
this summer.

Howson has said he'll consider all roads possible toward improving the Blue
Jackets -- trades, free agent signings, offer sheets to restricted free agents,
etc.

"It's an exciting time," Howson said. "The pressure comes internally as
much as externally. We have a lot of work to do. It's a big challenge. But
there's a lot of anticipation as we draw closer to the time when the activity
really starts to pick up."

Read the entire article here.

The Blue Jackets have been linked to a lot of possible free agent signings and trades over the past few weeks. Most of the time, the rumors have centered around acquiring Patrick Marleau and Ryan Malone. Time will tell if those players are suiting up in Ohio next season; but this much is certain, Scott Howson is a smart man who will not let a chance at short-term success get in the way of his long-term plan.

Apparently Ron Wilson and Patrick Marleau don't mind each other

From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:

The question of his relationship with Patrick Marleau came up and Wilson went on at some length. I focused on that in a print edition story tomorrow, but here’s what the coach had to say.

Shortly after his May 12 firing, Wilson said, Marleau left him a message.

“Patty thanked me for everything I did for him, in helping him grow more as a person than as a hockey player, and that he would play for me any time, any place,” Wilson said.

The coach acknowledged the two had a difficult time during the 2007 post-season … “”Patty struggled in the playoffs, I might have overreacted — I certainly did.” But Wilson said the two quickly patched things up.

Read all the details from Working the Corners here.

For years, it was rumored that these two had a very poor working relationship. While this seems to put all the controversy to rest, I'm sure many still believe that Wilson and Marleau are better off apart. Regardless, unless the Leafs pull the trigger for Marleau, this separation will probably not result in any sort of reunion.

The details of the Marleau rumor

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

The rumor over the weekend was Nikolai Zherdev, Dan Fritsche or Stefan Legein and the No. 19 pick to San Jose for Patrick Marleau. I spent most of Saturday pursuing this and was told by a handful of close-to-the-situation sources that there's no truth to it, that the two clubs have not put together the framework of any specific trade as of yet. No names have been mentioned.

Here is the entire posting from Puck-Rakers.

Portzline gives you all you need to know about this possible transaction. This is a good-read.

Is Patrick Marleau going to be traded?

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

One NHL source said: "(Sharks center) Patrick Marleau is going somewhere by July 1, it's just a matter of where. I could see Columbus, definitely." Marleau has a no-trade clause that kicks in July 1. The Senators are willing to trade center Antoine Vermette and are planning to let defenseman Wade Redden walk away via free agency, NHL sources say.

Here is the entire article courtesy of the Columbus Dispatch.

Portzline mentions a number of other players possibly on the move in this Sunday morning piece. I am not surprised Marleau's name is being tossed around, and I do think he'd be a nice fit in Columbus. The Jackets have been in need of a talented, offensive center for a long time now.

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Tuesday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups:

Detroit versus Nashville:

• One of the biggest benefits of beating the Predators in six games is that the Wings get a couple days to recharge their batteries, writes Helene St. James. Here are some quotes by Mike Babcock from his interview with the Fan 590 in Toronto. The Detroit Free Press takes a look at the two possible opponents for the Red Wings.
• Jason Arnott was extremely disappointed that the couldn't be out there to help his teammates for Games 6 and 7, writes John Glennon. Heading into the off-season, the Predators have some depth in net and on the blueline, so except a couple transactions. Not that there was ever any doubt, the Predators have re-signed their entire coaching staff to extensions.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• It's win or go home for the Sharks tonight, writes David Pollak. The Sharks are surprisingly loose heading into Game 7 tonight. In roster news, veteran forward Jeremy Roenick can't wait to get back in the line up for tonight's tilt.
• The Flames roster has much experience with Game 7s so expect them to draw on that for tonight's game. What can we expect from big-game Jarome Iginla tonight? Mike Keenan absolutely loved the way Kristian Huselius played in Game 6.

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• Jacques Lemaire provides the press with his review of the season. Here is GM Doug Risebrough's to-do list over the off-season, writes Michael Russo.
• The Pepsi Center was rockin' like the old days in the first round, writes Mike Chambers. If the Avalanche play the Stars in he second round, the series won't begin until Saturday.

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• The Ducks have some competition for Brian Burke's services, writes Eric Stephens of the L.A. Times.
• The Stars are very happy with their current Co-GM arrangement between Les Jackson and Brett Hull.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Thursday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the Western Conference playoff match ups:

Detroit versus Nashville:

• Once again, quick goals led to Detroit's downfall last night, writes Helene St. James. After last night's performances by Dominik Hasek and Chris Osgood it looks like we have a full-fledged goaltending controversy on our hands in Detroit. Steve Schrader of the Detroit Free Press wonders why the same script happens to the Wings every year?
• With last night's impressive 3-2 home victory, the Predators have turned this series into a best-of-three, writes John Glennon. With the offensive production the Predators have been getting from their defensive corps, who needs forwards? Quick goals are the Predators' specialty.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• With his grit and determination, Patrick Marleau has proven to the hockey world why he is the captain of the Sharks, writes Ann Killon. Meanwhile, the San Jose defense wants to continue doing what it's doing, as the team kept the Flames to a meager ten shots on goal in Game 4. Apparently a lot of the Sharks did not even know about Evgeni Nabokov's post Game 3 comments.
• Robyn Regehr thinks some of his teammates have more to give on the ice, writes Erik Duhatschek. It is fairly simple, the Flames need to get more shots on net, writes Randy Sportak. The frustration in Calgary boiled over yesterday, as assistant coach Rich Preston and Jarome Iginla got into a bit of a yelling match.

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• The Wild has only led for four minutes in their entire series with Colorado, yet the series is tied at two with a big Game 5 tonight, writes Michael Russo. The Avalanche are not in this series to fight, writes Kent Youngblood. Furthermore, any talk of the Avalanche looking for revenge in Game 5 is unfounded.
• Jordan Leopold picked just the right time to get into coach Joel Quenville's good books, writes Terry Frei. Look for Game 5 to be a physical affair. Beware Wild fans, Mark Kiszla is back for more!

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• The Ducks know the key to their series with Dallas is to not cross the line. Anaheim looks like it'll be getting a huge boost with the expected return of Corey Perry to the team's line up for Game 4.
• Dave Tippett couldn't care less that the Stars have a poor home record in the American Airlines Center. Mike Heika has covered the Stars all season long but he says he does not have a clue what to expect from this team. In a more serious story, hockey is surely not the most important thing on Joel Lundqvist's mind, writes Heika.

The morning papers for the teams that did not qualify for the playoffs are soon to follow...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

"That Sarich, He's Unbelievable"

Kelly Hrudey: Did that guy ever get up?
Ron MacLean: Yes!!!

Here is Cory Sarich brutalizing Patrick Marleau and then steamrolling Quinn Hancock back in junior hockey.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Probably the most eloquent written description of hockey you will see today, courtesy of William Faulkner and the 1950's.
2. Scott Burnside goes behind the scenes with the Flyers as they close in on a playoff spot.
3. Pat Quinn will coach Team Canada at the World Under-18's.
4. The weekly release from the USHL.
5. The new arena in Edmonton is another step closer to reality.
6. The Ottawa Senators have recalled Brian Lee.
6. Patrick Roy earns himself a 5 game suspension for the playoff melee.
7. Pierre Lebrun writes that the NHL may re-visit its rules on no-touch icing. The rule Pierre advocates for is currently in use by the USHL.
8. All Things Avs is not a Dion Phaneuf fan. Expect Pierre McGuire to rescue his monster.
9. Check out this shaving cream prank gone wrong, courtesy of Fanhouse.
10. John Buccigross picks his award winners and answer reader's mail.
11. Ken Campbell says the culture in junior hockey needs to change.
12. The weekly Hot List from the Hockey News.
13. Ken Campbell with his thoughts on no-touch icing et al.
14. The Top 10 Fighters in the NHL, Part 1.
15. Adam Portzline feels an infusion of skill and heart will help the Bluejackets.
16. Gordie Howe talks old-time hockey.
17. The Oilers have recalled Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers.
18. Some juicy NHLPA emails have finally been released. More on this from the Toronto Star.
19. A look at Patrick Marleau's resurgence in San Jose.
20. Brian Sutter has resigned as head coach of the Red Deer Rebels, to be replaced by Jesse Wallin.
21. Bob Duff talks to Adam Graves.
22. All 30 coaches compared to Star Wars characters.
23. The Lightning may allow former captain Tim Taylor to play one final game in a Bolts uniform.
24. NHL Free Agent Day will remain July 1st, despite a request by the NHL to move the day back.
25. I am a little tardy on these Easter themed links, but check out biographies on Rabbit McVeigh and Bunny Laroque.

Fantasy Watch: Buy/Sell

BUY

F Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Marleau has been awful this year, but appears to be turning a corner in the New Year, scoring in four of his last five games. He has also been producing on San Jose's power-play unit, registering four assists in his last five games. Although this could just be a tease, a player with Marleau's talent is worth to take a gamble on. You don't lose the ability to become an 80 point player in the NHL overnight, and even though Marleau won't put up anything close the 78 points he did last year, the forward could still be in for a pleasant second half.

F Cory Stillman, Carolina Hurricanes
Stillman started the season on fire, scoring 31 points in his first 23 games but has struggled to keep up that astonishing pace and is currently enduring his worst month of the season. With only two points in his last eight games, Stillman's value has plummeted and may be in the trading block in your league. His recent scoring slump does bring a cause for concern, but with a potent Carolina lineup featuring three other 40+ point players, Stillman's slump should end in no time. If you can get Stillman for below market value, then do so now as he could heat up at any moment.

SELL

F Todd Bertuzzi, Anaheim Ducks
After enduring two unsuccessful stints with both Florida and Detroit, no one was sure how Bertuzzi would perform in his first year with the Ducks. Scoring only two points in his first seven games with Anaheim, Bertuzzi's miserable start was put to an end early after suffering yet another concussion. Unsure if Bertuzzi would ever step foot back on the ice, owners acted quickly and dropped the forward in favor of other options. Returning over a month later, Bertuzzi got off to another slow start but has since picked it up, scoring 13 points in his last 10 games. Due to his rugged style of play, Bertuzzi puts himself at an extreme risk of another serious injury that could end his season prematurely. With his value as high as it might be all season, it's advised to ship Bertuzzi off for other options.

F Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Minnesota Wild
Bouchard has been extremely streaky this year, often going several games without registering a point only to bounce back and post the odd multi point game, making owners shrug off his inconsistency.
After scoring only three points in his last seven games, Bouchard bounced back and posted his first four point night, much to the dismay of owners who probably had him on their bench after his awful week beforehand. My advice? Trade Bouchard to another team, avoid his scoreless nights and the headaches that come with debating whether or not to start him for the week.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Buy/Sell

BUY

F Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Marleau struggled to begin this season, scoring only four points in the first month of the season. After averaging around a point per game the last two seasons, owners began wondering what was wrong with Marleau? Regulated to the bench on most fantasy teams, Marleau has since gotten hot, scoring six points in his last four games. While he still only has 11 points on the year, Marleau's recent outburst shows that he can still be a consistent fantasy scorer. Due to a slow start Marleau's overall points may dip a bit, but nonetheless, expect a big second half for the forward.

F Alexander Radulov, Nashville Predators
Radulov began this season in Nashville and after a slow start to his sophomore year, the forward was heavily criticized over poor conditioning in the off-season. After only scoring seven points in October,
Radulov has since gotten hot, as he has already eclipsed his point total from October. With three goals and eight points in November, it appears that the former first round pick has overcome his early season struggles. With the potnetial to be one of the NHL's top players, Radulov has to have owners furious with only 15 points on the year. Try to see if you can make a deal for the forward as he is in line to have a big second half.

F Ryan Smyth, Colorado Avalanche
Smyth is having a disappointing season in Colorado, scoring only 13 points in his first 19 games. Nonetheless, if you can get Smyth for cheap in your league than do so. The forward has always been around a point per game pace player and should develop better chemistry with his line mates as the season goes on. Expect a significant turnaround for the former Oiler once he gets more comfortable playing in Colorado.


SELL

F Mike Comrie, New York Islanders
Comrie got off to a fast start this season scoring six points in his first two games, which had owners immediately checking the waiver wire for his availability. While he is currently averaging a point per game, Comrie's scoring has become rather inconsistent as of late. With only two points in his last five games, Comire has failed to show the offensive burst that he displayed earlier in the season. Although the former Coyote may end up finishing the season with around 50+ points, it's advised to trade him for a more proven scorer.

G Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix Coyotes
Bryzgalov's stock may never get higher than it is right now. After being claimed off of waivers by the Phoenix Coyotes, Bryzgalov was named the starter for Phoenix's next game and immediately posted a shutout. Although Bryzgalov will probably receive the bulk of the starts in Phoenix, owners should not expect this kind of performance regularly. When playing for a much more talented Anaheim team, Bryzgalov was nothing more than mediocre, as his 10-8-6 record in 2006 shows that he was only a decent backup. It's advised to try and trade Bryzgalov now, because when the losses start coming, no one is going to take him.

F Jere Lehtinen, Dallas Stars
Lehtinen is currently Dallas' second leading scorer with 19 points in 20 games. Receiving significant playing time on Dallas' squad, Lehtinen's sudden offensive has been a surprise to many. After having an off year last season, it was thought that Lehtinen's stats would take another hit, as he is getting up their in age. On pace to eclipse his career high in points, it may seem silly to unload Lehitnen, but with his stock so high, now is the best time to do it. Already at age 34, Lehtinen has never scored more than 52 points in a season, and although it may look like he could break it, players of Lehtinen's age always tend to slow down.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

NHL Morning Papers

I just wanted to let our readers know that the name of my morning papers roundup has been changed from Morning Musings to the NHL Morning Papers, just so nobody gets confused. Additionally, I will be out of town tomorrow morning and therefore be unable to post the Sunday morning papers. The regular format will return on Monday.

Here are the national morning papers:

• Eric Duhatshek of the Globe & Mail provides readers with his usual Saturday notes column.
• In the National Post, Red Fisher tells readers there is no doubt who is in charge in Jersey this season.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• The Ducks have a chance to make a statement over their next ten games writes Curits Zupke of the Orange County Register.
• Thanks in large part to Matthew Lombardi, it appears the Flames no longer have a secondary scoring problem.
• Blackhawks' winger Martin Havlat is expected to return from injury during the team's upcoming four-game home-stand. Meanwhile, Ed Sherman of the Chicago Tribune thinks the Chicago ownership could do more to broadcast home games if they really wanted.
• Woody Paige of the Denver Post compares Sidney Crosby with Wayne Gretzky.
• The Blue Jackets/Ducks game on Thursday was a game with a playoff-like intensity and Ken Hitchcock believes the point his team received after losing overtime was "a great point for our hockey club."
• The Stars were defeated by the Coyotes 5-0 on Friday night and after the game team captain Brenden Morrow said, "This is rock-bottom for us."
• The Red Wings believe they are a tougher team to play against than in the past write Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.
• Not only did the Oilers lose the game against the Predators last night, but they lost yet another defenseman to injury as Mathieu Roy separated his shoulder.
• The Kings rode a terrific 45 save performance from J.S. Aubin to defeat their division rival Sharks 5-2 last night.
• The Wild will be looking to dig deep and end their slump tonight as they host the Flames in St. Paul.
• Dan Ellis is doing his best to create a goalie controversy in Nashville as he turned aside 31 of 32 shots last night to lead the Preds to a 4-1 victory over the Oilers.
• The Coyotes continued to get solid goaltending last night, as Mikael Tellqvist led the team to a 5-0 shutout over Dallas.
• The Sharks were defeated 5-2 by the Sharks last night and the team has to stop saying it's still early before it gets too late says Patrick Marleau.
• Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Dispatch profiles Blackhawks' rookie Jonathan Toews in this morning's paper.
• Both Kevin Bieksa and Sami Salo will be lost to the Canucks for over 6 weeks and maybe longer writes Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• The Capitals lost, once again, last night to the Flyers and with the losses mounting they are trying to do their best to limit their frustration.
• The Leafs wasted a solid road effort last night with a couple late third period lapses and were defeated by the Devils 3-2. The Leafs are going to dismantle their powerplay because as coach Paul Maurice said, "it's costing us games."
• The struggling Lightning have an important division stretch coming up writes Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune.
• The Penguins have finally received their expected production from Sidney Crosby, however, the team is not receiving any scoring from the majority of their forwards.
• The Flyers' Mike Richards has totally redefined his role this season continued his success on Friday night leading the Flyers to a 3-2 victory over the Capitals.
• Jason Spezza won't suit up for the Senators' game tonight versus Boston, but that doesn't mean he isn't ecstatic about his new seven year contract extension.
• It should be quite the scene tonight on Long Island as legendary coach Al Arbour returns to the Island to coach his 1500th game.
• John Dellapina of the New York Daily News has information on the Rangers' attempted injunction against the NHL.
• John Madden continued his terrific play this season against the Maple Leafs last night, leading his team to a 3-2 victory. Martin Brodeur looked like the Brodeur of old versus the Leafs last night write Rich Chere of the Newark Star Ledger.
• Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette says the Habs have a good opportunity to continue their hot streak tonight against the struggling Leafs.
• The Panthers are now 3-0 against teams they have played for the second time this season after defeating the Sabres 4-2 in Buffalo last night. Richard Zednik led the way with two goals.
• Sabres' backup goalie Jocelyn Thibault got a rare start last night and afterwards he was not happy with his play in his team's loss to the Panthers.
• Craig Custance of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has an interesting piece about Don Waddell and his belief that there is an American Revolution in hockey.
• The Hurricanes need to improve their penalty killing which is ranked 28th ranked in the league.
• Patrice Bergeron is in worse shape than originally believed and Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli is taking exception with anyone who says that the Bruins' forward is partly to blame for his injury.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Morning Musings

I don't have time for a preamble this morning, the usual format will return tomorrow.

Here are the morning papers:

• The Bruins almost squeaked out a win versus the Ducks last night, but a late Francois Beauchemin goal gave the Ducks a 2-1 victory at the Honda Center. The Bruins played the contest without Marc Savard who was held out of last night's game with a groin injury. If the Bruins are to breakout offensively, they need Glen Murray to return to old form writes Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald.
• Dan Wood of the Orange County Register details the momentum changing shift that Ryan Getzlaf and Chris Kunitz had for the Ducks midway through the 2nd period. The game was almost second fiddle for most Ducks' fan as the team raised the Stanley Cup banner prior to the game. Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne were both on hand for that celebration.
• The Sabres have been endlessly working on their defensive play in practice since their two early season losses to the Islanders. Just because Ryan Miller's cousin has passed away, it doesn't mean he won't continue to be an inspiration for Miller and those who knew him and his story.
• Kris Draper was admittedly in awe of his teammates Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg after their terrific performance in the Wings' 4-2 victory over Calgary on Wednesday. Sometimes it is an adjustment for European players to come to the NHL and be told to shoot, shoot, shoot writes Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.
• The Datsyuk line thoroughly outplayed the Iginla line admitted Iginla himself in this morning's Calgary Sun.
• As Lisa Dillman of the L.A. Times explains, the Kings kept giving the puck away last night versus the Stars and, as a result, were on the losing end of a 5-1 score.
• Niklas Hagman's promotion to a scoring line was a rousing success as the winger scored twice leading the Stars to a 5-1 victory over the Kings.
• The Wild continued their recent domination over the Oilers last night with a 2-0 victory; Michael Russo of the Star Tribune has the story. Russo also has a great story about the respect and admiration that Oilers' defenseman Sheldon Souray has for his former coach Jacques Lemaire.
• Oilers' head coach Craig MacTavish thought the Oilers played a good road game writes Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun. Shawn Horcoff was a little bit more critical saying, "if we're going to make the playoffs, we have to beat teams like this."
• John Glennon of the Tennessean explains that the Predators fell about nine minutes short of their goal in last night's game at St. Louis. While Predators' coach Barry Trotz was not impressed with his team's defensive performance saying, "We left (goaltender) Mason to the Wolves."
• The Flyers thoroughly dominated the Canucks in every aspect of the game leading to an easy 8-2 victory. Former Canuck R.J. Umberger was awfully excited to defeat the team that he could never agree to a contract with writes Ed Moran of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
• Flyers' enforcer Jesse Boulerice cross-checked Ryan Kesler in the face in the 3rd period of last night's game and Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province thinks the repeat offender deserves more than a 15 game suspension.
• Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette believes that the Habs' great goaltending torch has now been passed to Carey Price after his impressive 3-2 victory over the Penguins last night.
• While the Penguins were impressed with Carey Price's debut, they believe their mental mistakes were the real reason they lost 3-2 to the Habs on Wednesday night. Although nothing has been confirmed, it looks like the Penguins may be opening up 2008/09 in Prague versus the Senators.
• The Leafs are only four games into this young season but there is already a sense of urgency surrounding the club explains Mark Zwolinski in this morning's Toronto Star. Catching nobody by surprise, Leafs' coach Paul Maurice plans on giving his lineup quite the face lift for the team's big game versus the Islanders tonight.
• After Chris Gratton scored both Tampa's goals in their 2-1 victory over the Panthers, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune wonders if the Panthers now regret trading the big centerman. However, the real star of the game was Lightning goaltender Johan Holmqvist who turned away 30 of 31 shots for the victory.
• Even though they have hardly counted on the scoresheet, the Panthers are taking solace in the fact that they are generating scoring chances. Craig Anderson was in net on Wednesday night meaning Tomas Vokoun will be back in between the pipes tonight.
• Capitals' coach Glen Hanlon is happy with the Caps 3-0 start but believes his team still has "a long way to go," starting with the team's slumping powerplay.
• Even though Blues' President Dave Checketts didn't guarantee a home opener victory this season, the Blues pleased their boss anyways with a decisive 4-1 victory over Nashville. Prior to Wednesday's home opener, Blues' rookie defenseman Erik Johnson tried to beg his way into the lineup, even though he has a hairline fracture in his foot.
• Milan Michalek was happy to be reunited with Steve Bernier and, more importantly, Patrick Marleau for last night's tilt in Chicago. The young winger's happiness was evident as he scored the only two Sharks' goals in the team's 2-1 victory. Sharks' defenseman Douglas Murray was a healthy scratch for last night's contest.
• The Hawks didn't win their home opener but their stud rookie Jonathan Toews opened some eyes with his gorgeous first period goal.
• Coyotes' coach Wayne Gretzky believes his team is letting their opposition dictate the pace at the start of games.
• The Thrashers were beaten by rookie Brian Elliot and the Ottawa Senators 3-1 last night writes Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
• Daniel Alfredsson was impressed by John Paddock's decision to start Elliot in between the pipes, saying, "the coach looks like a genius." Meanwhile, Jason Spezza's agent Rick Curran tells Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen that negotiations on a contract extension for his client will not be done in public.
• Bryan Berard had quite the return to Long Island scoring the game winning goal in his team's 2-1 victory over the rival Rangers.
• The Rangers have produced nothing on the offensive side of the puck since the season began last week writes Larry Brooks of the NY Post. With so many new faces in town, Jaromir Jagr says the chemistry is not yet there on Broadway.
• Richard Matvichuk has been placed on the trading block by Lou Lamoriello because coach Brent Sutter has opted for a more mobile defense. The GM believes he can complete a deal quite quickly.
• The Hurricanes can roll out three lines that have the ability to score writes Luke Decock of the News Observer.
• Adrian Dater of the Denver Post provides readers with a Q & A with Joe Sakic. Sakic's GM for all his prime years Pierre Lacroix, was elected into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Morning Musings: Don't overreact

To all fans and poolies out there, I have just one suggestion: Don't overreact! While some teams haven't even played their first games yet, other teams' fans are already calling the season a write-off. Yes, I am talking to you Leaf fans. But honestly, if a player scored a hat trick in the thirty second game of the season on a random Wednesday night, would you be starting to pencil him in for 80 goals? The fact of the matter is that games in the beginning of the season are the same as games during the middle/end of the season. Just because Jason Arnott scored twice on Thursday night doesn't suddenly mean he is in for some crazy career year. Fans need to take everything in stride and exude at least some semblance of patience during the early part of the season. And to Leaf fans, do you think every team in the league is as good as Ottawa? Thought so.

On to the morning papers:

• After the Oilers' come from behind victory on Thursday night, the team is feeling great about itself writes Dan Barnes in this morning's Edmonton Journal. The Oilers' youngsters really handled themselves well and weathered the storm after Joe Thornton tied the score in the dying seconds. One of the aforementioned youngsters, Kyle Brodziak, was happy to get the monkey off his back early in the season by scoring the Oilers' second goal.
• While there was lots of excitement surrounding the Oilers' performance, Sharks' coach Ron Wilson felt the his team is capable of playing a lot better than it did on Thursday night. (Writer's note: I am wondering how long Ron Wilson will leave Patrick Marleau on the first line. The line creates a ton of chances but it really hinders the team's secondary scoring capabilities.)
• The Flames shoddy first period was the difference in the team's 3-2 loss to the Flyers last night. Even though the team only scored two goals, Craig Conroy is very confident in the Flames' offensive skill level. Enforcer Eric Goddard did his best to try and change the momentum of the game last night by taking on Jesse Boulerice in a big-time showdown that left many in the arena awfully impressed.
• On the Flyers' end, Daniel Briere is already proving to be worth all the money the team threw at him this past summer. While R.J. Umberger is out of the lineup, 22 year old Denis Tolepko will occupy his spot in the lineup.
• Damien Cox of the Toronto Star says the Leafs let yet another game slip away last night in their 3-2 loss to Sens. Coach Paul Maurice is concerned the team is taking too many stick penalties writes Kevin McGran of the Star. While Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun believes that Maurice is handling the team's goalie situation improperly.
• Sens' coach John Paddock was happy with the way his team battled and gutted out the victory versus the Leafs writes Chris Stevenson of the Ottawa Sun. Meanwhile, Bryan Murray and Jason Spezza's agent have already had talks regarding a contract extension for the team's star center.
• The MSG faithful booed the Rangers off the ice after the second period of the team's home opener on Thursday night. It sure woke up the Broadway Blueshirts as they went on to score four goals in the third period and defeat the Panthers 5-2 in their home opener.
• Tomas Vokoun's debut for the Panthers was anything but pretty writes Ethan Skolnick of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
• The Avalanche were shutout 4-0 by the Predators on Thursday night, meaning another pointless game for the top line of Sakic-Smyth-Hejduk. Nonetheless, coach Joel Quenville is not in the least bit worried about his top line's early season struggles; Adrian Dater of the Denver Post has the story.
• Nashville netminder Chris Mason was nervous and excited to get the opening night start versus the Avs on Thursday and did not disappoint writes John Glennon in this morning's Tennessean.
• The Lightning were very happy with the play of Johan Holmqvist in the team's 3-1 opening night victory versus the Devils.
• The Devils kept the big line of Lecavalier-St. Louis-Prospal at bay until the final minutes of the third period writes Rich Chere of the Newark Star Ledger. Devils' fans may have been caught off guard by the fact that John Madden was not matched up against Vincent Lecavalier all night. Meanwhile, Devils' defenseman Richard Matvichuk was stunned when he found out he would be a healthy scratch.
• The Blues played a poor first forty minutes in the desert last night leading to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Coyotes. After playing in his first NHL game last night, Erik Johnson became just the eleventh teenager to ever suit up for the Blues; Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch has the story. Although the team struggled in its season debut, Jeff Gordon of the Post Dispatch explains that front office teamwork has been the key to the organizational turnaround that has taken place in Missouri.
• Coyotes' coach Wayne Gretzky was very impressed with the play of his backstop Mikael Tellqvist saying that the goaltender played with great confidence.
• If not for the tremendous play of Niklas Backstrom on Thursday night, the Wild would not have escaped their home opener with a victory. The Finnish netminder turned aside 27 shots to lead the Wild to a boring 1-0 victory over the Blackhawks.
• While Blackhawks coach Denis Savard was pleased with his team's performance versus the Wild, but he is very concerned about the injury status of Martin Havlat who left the game in the third period with a shoulder injury.
• As Dan Wood of the Orange County Register writes, it has been a whirlwind past few weeks for the Ducks as they face-off in Columbus tonight in the second of three consecutive home openers.
• Craig Custance of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution provides readers with five issues surrounding the Thrashers heading into 2007/08.
• Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald has a preview of the Bruins heading into Friday's opening night contest. You'll be interested to read that Phil Kessel of the Bruins continues to use a lightweight junior shaft in the NHL.
• After undergoing his third medical procedure on his heart, it has been an extremely emotional time for Sabres' defenseman Teppo Numminen writes Tim Graham of the Buffalo News. (Writer's note: Illegal Curve wishes Teppo all the best)
• The Hurricanes' brass want to see more consistency from Cam Ward and will be watching him closely as the team takes on Sidney Crosby and the Penguins Friday night. In other Canes' news, former star Ron Francis has been named the team's assistant general manager.
• Without any expectations upon them this season, the Blue Jackets are looking to prove all the prognosticators wrong writes Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.
• According to Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News, the Stars are not expecting a sellout for tonight's home opener versus the Bruins. (Writer's note: It is just getting worse and worse for the NHL. )
• Henrik Zetterberg is encouraging youngster Jiri Hudler to shoot more writes George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press.
• The Kings may have a goalie problem on their hands, and as Lisa Dillman writes in this morning's L.A. Times, that is definitely not a bad problem to have.
• As Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette tells us, Guy Carbonneau intends to go with a four line rotation this season.
• It is time for Miroslav Satan to fill the gap left by Jason Blake opines Greg Logan in this morning's edition of New York Newsday.
• The new RBK jerseys have garnered much league attention apparently are going to undergo some changes. It appears that when Sidney Crosby complains, people listen.
• The Canucks will finally be playing in a game that matters tonight, for first time since May writes Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.