McLellan prepares for the season

From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:

Even before returning to San Jose, McLellan had been laying the groundwork for what lies ahead.

He and Doug Wilson, for example, have been assembling a staff of assistant coaches that is expected to be announced early next week. One name almost sure to be on the list is Trent Yawney, one-time coach of the Chicago Blackhawks and a former teammate of the Sharks' G.M.

McLellan also has been in touch with many of his players.

Read the entire article here.

By all accounts, McLellan should be a great hire in San Jose. The team has all the talent in the world, and is arguably the second-best team in the NHL heading into the 2008/09 season.

Leafs still expect to hire a new general manager

From Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun:

Peddie said there is a risk the next GM comes in with his own agenda and has to rid himself of Fletcher contracts he doesn't agree with. But it shouldn't be to the extent Fletcher was burdened by predecessor John Ferguson's big-ticket deals.

Read the entire article here.

If that is a concern, then why give Fletcher free reign to sign coaches and players to long-term contracts?

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.

Is Burke Next?

From Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail:

Does anyone honestly think a coach as good as Wilson would sign a contract with the Maple Leafs – even a four-year deal that would make him among the best-paid coaches in the NHL – if he did not have an inkling of who will eventually occupy the Leafs' GM chair? Especially if that someone just happens to be Burke, his old Providence College teammate and great friend?

Wilson was unemployed for, what, three days after the San Jose Sharks dumped him? And there are at least four other vacancies around the league.

It's well known that Leafs interim GM Cliff Fletcher is beloved by most in the NHL, but why on earth would Wilson not at least look into the other openings before casting his lot with a team that has no permanent GM in sight?

Perhaps we'll find out today at the news conference announcing Wilson's signing. He did say Sunday that Fletcher is in the midst of hiring “a team” of executives.

However, there is still no reason to think that that team will not be headed by Burke one day, whether it is when his contract as GM of the Anaheim Ducks expires a year from now, or perhaps in mid-July if Ducks owner Henry Samueli gives up his fight to keep Burke once the team is through the entry draft and free-agency period.

Read the entire article here.

I have to agree with Shoalts on this one. The hiring has to be part of a greater plan; a greater plan that involves Brian Burke. If not, then this doesn't make too much sense.

Ron Wilson better get ready for the media

From Damien Cox of the Toronto Star:

Wilson's NHL resumé does not include, however, being employed in an over-zealous hockey market like Toronto, which has a weird and wonderful and wacky dynamic shared in intensity by only a half-dozen other cities on the circuit.

It's one thing to coach in Orange County, or the District of Columbia, or deep in the Silicon Valley, and quite another to dip one's toe into the piranha-infested waters of places like Montreal, Vancouver, New York, Philadelphia and, of course, Toronto.

Wilson should be able to handle it. He's bright, experienced and articulate. Then again, he's already musing about those media persons he considers are out to "get" him, and made no friends at TSN during the playoffs for publicly roasting one of the network's reporters for asking a perfectly innocent question.

Paranoia and a thin skin won't help him here.

We'll see how Wilson handles it and handles himself. He's gone from being in markets where hockey's an afterthought to one in which the identity of those he assigns to fourth-line duty will be the subject of hot debate 24 hours a day.

Read the entire article here.

Wilson likes to get sarcastic with the media (and seemingly everyone else) but I see him being able to handle the constant media attention he will be under Toronto. The most important point for Leafs nation is that Wilson will provide some stability to an organization that truly needs just that right now.

Ron Wilson coaching in Canada=weird

From Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News:

And, no, I'm not exaggerating. Wilson has been one of the NHL's rare American coaches. And he's fiercely proud of it. During his time with the Sharks, he loved to tweak Canadians for their proprietary attitude toward hockey. This didn't make him popular in the Great White North.

Read the entire article here.

The article is quite humorous. I wonder how Wilson will react to the publicity he will receive on a daily basis. His last three coaching jobs have been in the hockey hot-beds of Anaheim, San Jose and Washington. So I'm pretty sure he will face more questions on his first day in Toronto than he has in his past ten years of coaching. For us non-Leafs fans, this should be quite an entertaining tenure.

Ron Wilson to coach the Leafs?

From TSN:

Toronto Maple Leafs interim general manager Cliff Fletcher says he's found the man he wants to coach the team and has offered him the job. Fletcher would not name the candidate, but sources tell TSN that former Sharls coach Ron Wilson is on his way to Toronto to meet Leafs officials.

Here is the full story.

It is hard to analyze this hiring because who will be on the ice playing for the Leafs next year is really anyone's guess. Will Mats Sundin be back? Will the team have an organizational youth movement? Who knows???? Regardless of that, unless the Leafs have a GM in line that will eventually get the job, I never understand why teams hire coaches before general managers. It just does not make a whole lot of sense to me.

Sharks Fire Ron Wilson

The San Jose Sharks have relieved Ron Wilson of his coaching duties. From more information, please click here. This move does not seem that surprising given the Sharks' recent post season struggles, despite their successful regular seasons. Let the Wilson to Toronto rumours begin!

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Saturday Edition)

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

Montreal versus Boston:

• The Habs brass was impressed with the play of veteran Patrice Brisebois in Game 1 of their series against Boston. The ugliness of coach Guy Carbonneau's Game 1 tie is still being talked about in Montreal. Meanwhile, Boston netminder Tim Thomas compares being in the Bell Centre for Game 1 with being a gladiator. Mike Boone of the Montreal Gazette wonders if the Bruins are due for a victory.
• The Bruins have made some changes to their forward lines for tonight's game, in an effort to increase their offensive output. Fluto Shinwaza of the Boston Globe thinks Claude Julien made a couple of poor line up decisions for Game 1. In positive news for Bruins fans, Marc Savard feels healthy heading into Game 2.

Pittsburgh versus Ottawa:

• Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has been extremely impressed with the play of Evgeni Malkin in the first two games of the playoffs. The Penguins made sure they didn't blow the game after giving up a three-goal lead last night, writes Dave Molinari. Injured Penguins defenseman Mark Eaton is hoping that the Penguins go far enough in the playoffs that he can return at some point.
• Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun opines that anyone who says goaltending is an issue for the Senators should put in last night's game tape, because it isn't the case. The Senators were extremely displeased with the officiating last night.

Washington versus Philadelphia:

• The Capitals impressively rallied from being down 4-2 to comeback and defeat the Flyers 5-4 at the Verizon Center last night. Mike Wise of the Washington Post says that Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington fans have a connection. There is something refreshing about coach Bruce Boudreau, writes Jason La Canfora.
• Alexander Ovechkin wasn't the only great player on the ice last night, writes Sam Donnellon. On the final goal of the night, the Flyers had a match up on the ice that they had been trying to avoid all night. Meanwhile, Phil Sheridan wonders if Martin Biron is good enough for the Flyers to win this playoff series.

New Jersey versus New York Rangers:

• "They definitely are taking control of this series, but we feel we're not far away," said Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur after his team's 2-1 home loss last night to the Rangers. The Devils were furious with a number of poor calls by the officials last night. If the Devils want to get this series turned around, they will need to improve on their powerplay, writes Colin Stephenson.
• The third periods have been the difference this season for the Rangers versus the Devils, writes Larry Brooks. Goals 23 seconds apart from Jaromir Jagr and Sean Avery was the difference last night.

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

Detroit versus Nashville:

• For some reason, Henrik Zetterberg is a star in Sweden but not in the United States. Nashville coach Barry Trotz has a lot of respect for the Red Wings' top line. Both Dallas Drake and Chris Chelios are relishing the opportunity of playing in the playoffs.
• If the Predators are to have a chance in this series, they will need to get production from their top line, writes John Glennon. The Predators are really going to miss Scott Nichol and all he brings to the line up, so the team is hoping David Legwand can return for Game 2 this afternoon.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• Mike Keenan was unhappy with the officiating in Game 2, and Ron Wilson was unhappy with his team's powerplay, writes David Pollak. Former Sharks center Mike Ricci admits that he really misses the game.
• The Flames were unhappy with the officiating on Thursday night, however, they know they have to stop giving the officials reasons to send them to the sin bin. Bruce Dowbiggen of the Calgary Herald thinks we have a series on our hands. Also, the Flames promise they are going to work harder to lessen Miikka Kiprusoff's heavy workload.

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• Here is some video of the Wild players post-game. It was an unlikely source, but the Wild will take an overtime goal from Keith Carney to send the series to Denver tied 1-1. People are starting to take notice of Mikko Koivu, writes Patrick Reusse.
• The Avalanche know they have to start playing better in the third periods, writes Adrian Dater. Apparently the Avalanche have yet to sell out Monday's playoff home game.

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• The Ducks need to stay away from the box if they want any chance of winning Game 2 tonight versus Dallas. There were not many positives to take from Game 1.
• Ducks forward Todd Marchant says he would have been more worried about Game 1 had his team played a good game and lost. The Stars are heading into Game 2 a very confident bunch, writes Mike Heika.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers: Playoff Teams (Wednesday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the Eastern Conference playoff matchups:

Montreal versus Boston:

• There are key players on both Montreal and Boston that are getting ready for their first NHL playoff experience. Craig Julien sees the role reversal that has taken place since the Habs played the Bruins in the playoffs in 2004. The expectations are high inside the Habs room, says Chris Higgins. Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette tells readers the key for the Habs will be getting Zdeno Chara off his game.
• Tim Thomas and Carey Price don't really have much in common, but the one thing they do have in common is that they both have never played an NHL playoff game. Here is some injury news on Patrice Bergeron and Marc Savard.

Pittsburgh versus Ottawa:

• Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette breaks down each area of the game and gives his grade as to whether the Sens or Pens are better in that aspect. It is on the Penguins to prove they have learned from their 2007 playoff experience. The city of Pittsburgh has Cup fever.
• All the pressure is on the Penguins to meet the expectations of the hockey world, says Senators coach/GM Bryan Murray. If Ottawa wants to win, the Senators must make sure they contain both Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. On the injury front, Cory Stillman (leg) looked a lot better at practice yesterday.

Washington versus Philadelphia:

• Sergei Fedorov sounds refreshed in Washington and is very much looking forward to Friday's first game versus the Flyers. With injuries to Shaone Morrisonn and Jeff Schultz, the Caps may have to rely on their depth defensemen to carry the load until their top six defensemen are all healthy.
• Here are predictions on the series courtesy of the Philadelphia Daily News. There have been no dates set for the returns of Derian Hatcher and Jason Smith. The Flyers are going to have to beat the impressive Cristobal Huet if they want to advance to the second round.

New Jersey versus New York Rangers:

• The Devils are a faceless team and they really don't mind it, writes Rich Chere. Here is an in depth preview of the Devils/Rangers series courtesy of the Star-Ledger. It's playoff time, which means the Devils stay in a hotel, even at home.
• Rangers beat writer Larry Brooks picks the Devils to win the series in six. Chris Drury thinks Rangers rookies Brandon Dubinsky and Marc Staal are going to flourish in the playoffs. John Dellapina of the NY Daily News picks the Rangers to win in six.

Here are the morning papers for the Western Conference playoff matchups:

Detroit versus Nashville:

• Apparently not many people think the Red Wings can win the Cup. In injury news, Brad Stuart will be ready for Game 1. The Red Wings have to make sure they solve Dan Ellis in the playoffs a lot better than they did in the regular season.
• The Predators are going to need energy and some scoring from their checking lines if they are going to upset the powerful Red Wings. In positive news, David Legwand is hoping to practice with the Preds today.

San Jose versus Calgary:

• The Sharks are ready for the Flames to bring a physical edge to their series, writes David Pollak. Boy is Jeremy Roenick glad he decided not to retire. Here's how the Sharks and Flames matchup. (If you crave more Sharks information, here is a video from the guys over at 2 Man Advantage helping you get to know Patrick Rismiller.)
• Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun provides readers with a great story from Jeremy Roenick's old days with Mike Keenan in Chicago. The fact is, Mike Keenan knows how to play to the referees.

Minnesota versus Colorado:

• The Wild haven't won a playoff series in five years, and Patrick Reusse of the Star Tribune tells readers that anything less than a first round victory will be a failure. Brent Burns is ready for his return to playoff action. With Nick Schultz ailing on the sidelines, Petteri Nummelin has been sprung into important minutes on the Wild blueline.
• Terry Frei of the Denver Post wonders if this is Joe Sakic's last season? Woody Paige has an entertaining article in this morning's paper.

Anaheim versus Dallas:

• Ducks netminder J.S. Giguere is feeling at his best heading into Thursday's first playoff game. This should be one rough series, writes Eric Stephens. On the injury front, Corey Perry (quad) could be available for Games 3 and 4 in Dallas.
• Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News likes the Ducks in 6. The Stars think their chances are better than Heika does, so long as they "lock it down." Anaheim will be ready for any adversity Dallas throws at them, writes Chuck Carlton.

The morning papers for the team's that did not make the playoffs are soon to follow...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers--Western Conference (Monday Edition)

Here are the Central Division morning papers:

• On Gordie Howe day at the Joe Louis Arena, Johan Franzen broke one of Howe's records to lead the Wings to a 1-0 overtime victory over Nashville. On the injury front, the Wings are expecting Tomas Holmstrom to return to the line up later this week.
• The Predators got an important point in Detroit yesterday, but John Glennon of the Tennessean wonders if it will end up being enough.
• The Blue Jackets had yesterday's game until Kris Russell lost an edge and the Blackhawks tied it up; the Hawks eventually went on to win in a shootout. The Jackets may be out of the playoff race in the NHL but the team's AHL affiliate in Syracuse is tearing it up.
• "We talked after the second period, and we said if we lose that our season was over," said Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp after his team's come-from-behind 5-4 shootout victory Columbus.

**There are were no St. Louis Blues articles today**

Here are the Northwest Division morning papers:

• After last night's 6-2 debacle in Vancouver, the Flames have left themselves basically no chance at winning the Northwest Division. The Flames lost Daymond Langkow prior to puck drop and Craig Conroy only minutes after, writes Randy Sportak.
• The veteran leaders took the bull by the horns last night in Vancouver's win over Calgary, writes Jason Botchford. Brad Zeimer of the Vancouver Sun says hope is back after last night's big win.
• The Wild beat the Avalanche in overtime on Sunday, which moved them closer to the Northwest Division title. Michael Russo of the Star Tribune has an interesting piece on Mikko Koivu's face-off strategy.
• "If they get in, they're going to be a tough opponent," said Wings GM Ken Holland about the prospect of facing the Oilers in the first round of the playoffs. Here are the results the Oilers fans are hoping for come Tuesday.
• The Avalanche, sans Peter Forsberg, was happy to at least earn one point in the team's 3-2 loss at Minnesota on Sunday. Jordan Leopold was also a scratch for last night's contest.

Here are the Pacific Division morning papers:

• Ryan Clowe's return ended in a 3-1 victory for the Sharks, writes David Pollak. With the Sharks having sewn up second place in the Western Conference, coach Ron Wilson has decided to spread out the ice time a little more between all four lines.
• The Stars lost 3-2 in a shootout yesterday to the Ducks and, as a result, backed up into a playoff spot.
• The Ducks defeated Dallas last night and moved to within two points of clinching home-ice in the first round of the playoffs, writes Dan Wood.

**There were no L.A. Kings or Phoenix Coyotes articles this morning**

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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

NHL Morning Papers (Wednesday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail thinks that the Chris Simon 30 game suspension handed down by the NHL fits the crime.
• USA Today provides a list of all Chris Simon's past suspensions in chronological order.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• The Atlanta Thrashers recorded a much-needed victory at home last night versus Tampa Bay. Meanwhile coach Don Waddell does not seem too concerned with the high amounts of ice-time rookie Tobias Enstrom has been logging so far this season.
• The Bruins came up a bit short last night versus the conference leading Senators and were defeated 3-2 on home-ice. In other Bruins news, Andrew Alberts continues to be kept out of the lineup with recurring headaches.
• The Sabres are set to get rock-solid defenseman Dmitri Kalinin back into their lineup tonight when they take on the Islanders.
• The Hurricanes shouldn't have been able to come back from a 2-1 deficit in the final minute of play, but the Leafs handed them the opportunity and they ran with it all the way to a 3-2 overtime victory.
• The Panthers completed their first winning road trip in four years last night with a 3-2 victory over the Canadiens. "We were the better team tonight and deserved to win. It's pretty simple,'' said goaltender Tomas Vokoun after the contest.
• Red Fisher of the Montreal Gazette says the Habs biggest issue was that they couldn't keep up with the Panthers speed.
• Roberto Luongo got the better of Martin Broduer and the Devils as the Canucks defeated New Jersey 5-0. According to Canucks coach Alain Vigneault the Devils are playing basically the same style they have for the last decade.
• The Rangers got back to playing tight defensive hockey last night and it worked as they dominated the Penguins with a 4-0 victory at MSG. "He's one of the best players in the league. And when we can shut him down like that, it goes a long way as far as our line's concerned," said Rangers winger Ryan Hollweg about shutting down Sidney Crosby.
• The Islanders are trying to turn their focus to their play on the ice, not on Chris Simon writes Katie Strang of Newsday.
• The Senators got a goal from Luke Richardson last night and to make thing special, his dad was on-hand in Boston to watch his son's team defeat the Bruins 3-2.
• The Flyers continued their inconsistent ways last night, blowing a 2-0 home lead to the Coyotes and losing the game 3-2.
• Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says after last night's performance, the Penguins were lucky to only lose 4-0 to the Rangers. Ryan Malone missed last night's game with the flu.
• The Lightning had another tough loss last night but coach John Tortorella wants them to remember that they have to stick-together moving forward.
• Alexei Ponikarovsky was the goat last night as the Leafs thought they had the game in the bag but ended up somehow losing in overtime.
• Capitals defenseman Jeff Schultz has developed a new half slapshot and it has accounted for his last four goals scored writes Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• The Ducks recorded their first shutout of the season last night by defeating the division-rival Sharks 2-0 in a game with a playoff type intensity.
• You can't be much hotter than the Flames right now as they defeated Columbus last night to cap off a 6-0 road trip. "That was a great road trip. The guys got to bond out here on the road and no better way to do it than winning. It came from a lot of hard work," said defenseman Cory Sarich after last night's 3-1 victory at Columbus.
• If the Blackhawks want to turn it around it will have to start with the team's slumping powerplay writes Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune.
• According to Adrian Dater of the Denver Post, Jordan Leopold will be out of the Avs lineup tonight because of a lacerated thigh.
• It is a fine line between winning and losing in the NHL and the Blue Jackets are currently on the wrong side of that line according to coach Ken Hitchock. One of the reasons for the Jackets poor play has been their futility on the powerplay writes Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch.
• The Oilers ran into a formidable shootout foe last night as the Stars visited Rexall Place and defeated Edmonton 2-1 in a shootout.
• Kris Draper will be back in the Wings lineup tonight after missing the past nine games with a sprained knee.
• The Oilers lost in a shootout last night but they weren't unhappy with the way they played writes Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal.
• The NHL's best team in Detroit faces-off against the L.A. Kings who are the NHL's worst team tonight in Motown.
• The Wild came back from a two goal third period deficit to defeat the Predators and record two points in Jacques Lemaire's 1000th career NHL game behind the bench.
• The Predators played a great first two periods but it was all for naught as the allowed three goals in the third and were defeated by the Wild 3-2 at the Xcel Center.
• The Coyotes continue to defy the odds and are now 4-1 on their current extended road trip after defeating the Flyers 3-2 last night at the Wachovia Center.
• Coach Ron Wilson was very unhappy with the way his team performed last night in their 2-0 loss to the rival Ducks.
• The Blues are not going to rush their youngsters' development writes Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Dispatch.
• Roberto Luongo didn't not look the least bit rusty last night after coming back from injury and helping the Canucks defeat the Devils 5-0.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Morning Musings

Here are the national morning papers:

• Brian Milner of the Globe & Mail has the details behind Reebok's attempt to modify the new NHL jerseys due to player complaints.
• The Leafs are looking forward to playing on the road and being able to get away from the unfriendly confines of the Air Canada Centre writes Dave Shoalts of the Globe.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers:

• The Ducks are finally looking a little healthier as Mathieu Schneider, Ryan Getzlaf and Rob Niedermayer are all expected to dress for tonight's game versus Columbus.
• Both Willie Mitchell and Jeff Cowan were hurt during practice yesterday for the Canucks and their statuses for the team's next game are up in the air.
• Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Dispatch has an interesting piece about fighting in the NHL.
• The Stars have to be sick of seeing Jason Williams of the Blackhawks, as the forward scored his second game-winning goal against them this season last night. After the game, veteran American Mike Modano and Amercian youngster Patrick Kane exchanged compliments.
• David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News has a great article about coaches and their penchant for always changing their line combinations.
• Avalanche fans are excited to see "Sid the Kid" tonight playing for the first time in Denver. Also in the Denver Post, Adrian Dater answers readers' questions about the Avs.
• The Blue Jackets proved that practice pays off last night in their 4-1 victory over the Kings. Here are the Jackets' expected lines for tonight's game at Anaheim.
• The Coyotes defense is starting to come together and develop chemistry writes Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic.
• Predators' forward JP Dumont will suit up tonight in Vancouver even though he broke the tip of his left ring finger in Calgary on Tuesday. Somehow, the Predators have only scored three goals combined in their five road games so far this season.
• The Stars blew their late period 4-3 lead and Mike Modano had his assist taken away post-game, as it seems Dallas just can't seem to catch a break these days.
• One of the reasons for the Wings success this season is their record in one-goal games writes Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.
• It looks like both Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra will return from injury tonight to face the Blues.
• The Kings' loss last night was their first in two weeks and the way the team lost left coach Marc Crawford steaming after the game. "You're not going to score on every shift. You have to recognize some shifts you've got to play well in your own end," said Crawford after the contest.
• Matt Greene's ankle snapped versus Detroit and the rugged defenseman will be out of the lineup for at least a couple of months. Coach Craig MacTavish still has confidence that his team can withstand the endless barrage of injuries they have faced so early in the season.

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers:

• For those wondering why Marian Hossa wasn't shooting second for the Thrashers' in their shootout victory over Montreal in the week it is because he turned down the offer from coach Don Waddell.
• With the injury to Manny Fernandez, goaltender Tim Thomas is looking forward to seeing more action starting tonight versus the Sabres. Here is the Boston Herald's scouting report for tonight's Bruins/Sabres contest.
• The Hurricanes were furious at the two diving calls that went against them last night in Florida writes Luke Decock of the News Observer.
• When the Sabres take the ice tonight versus Boston, they will be looking to score the first goal because they have fallen behind early in too many games this season. Toni Lydman has been named captain of the Sabres for the month of November.
• Florida took advantage of some late Carolina penalties to comeback from a 2-1 deficit and defeat the Canes 4-2. The Panthers were an extremely motivated group after special assistant to the GM Joe Nieuwendyk gave the team a serious pep-talk during the second intermission.
• Habs' coach Guy Carbonneau expects more from first-line winger Michael Ryder and that is why Ryder found himself riding the pine during the third period against the Thrashers.
• Brent Sutter backed off of his promise not to match lines and matched John Madden, Jay Pandolfo and Dainius Zubrus against the Lecavalier line last night. The switch worked worked well as Pandolfo had a hat trick and his checking line dominated the entire game leading the Devils to a 6-1 victory.
• Jaromir Jagr and Scott Gomez are still trying to find the chemistry that Jagr had with former teammate with Michael Nylander. Meanwhile, Rangers' agitator Sean Avery is almost ready to return from his shoulder injury.
• Mark Herrmann of Newsday talks about the excitement that surrounds Mike Sillinger's 1000th career game tonight.
• Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Jason Spezza will be out of the lineup for the Senators' game tonight.
• Tim Panaccio of the Philadelphia Inquirer has the details of Derian Hatcher's injury and subsequent surgery today.
• It looks like putting Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on the same line was quite a smart move by coach Michel Therien writes Shelly Anderson in this morning's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Post-Gazette is also reporting that Dany Sabourin will get the start between the pipes tonight in Denver.
• Coach John Tortorella says his team is not generating enough offense right now to allow the Lightning to win games.
• Capitals' winger Chris Clark was back on the ice at practice yesterday but didn't feel 100% and may still need more time to recover from his left ear injury.
• The Leafs paid the price for their lackluster effort against Washington in practice yesterday. In some very positive news, winger Jason Blake has not felt any different since being diagnosed with luekemia.

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.

Morning Musings

Due to the high volume of articles that appear in the Sunday papers I am not going to be posting any preambles on Sunday mornings.

On to the morning papers:

• Chuck Culpepper of the L.A. Times recounts the atmosphere in the O2 Arena in London yesterday for the Ducks/Kings contest. Meanwhile, Helene Elliot of the Times wonders if Jonathan Bernier is the answer to the long standing goaltending problem in Los Angeles.
• The Ducks' execution was poor and the team's inability to stay out of the penalty box was its downfall writes Dan Wood of the Orange County Register.
• Larry Brooks of the NY Post returns with his first Sunday hockey column in a while and is the first to give us the full details behind MSG's suit against the NHL.
• John Dellapina of the New York Daily News predicts who is on the rise and on the decline heading into the 2007/08 NHL season.
• The Islanders will be depending heavily on Bill Guerin and Mike Comrie this season writes Greg Logan of New York Newsday.
• Lou Lamoriello always admired Aaron Asham's playing style and jumped at the opportunity to add him to his team's roster this off-season; Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger has the story.
• According to Mark Everson of the NY Post, with the injury to Colin White's eye the Devils may be interested in signing UFA Danny Markov by using their salary cap injury exemption.
• The Predators were the better team on Saturday versus the Blue Jackets, however, Fredrik Norrena shut the door on their offensive attack and the Jackets prevailed 3-0.
• After last night's final exhibition contest versus Ottawa, Habs' coach Guy Carbonneau believes his team is ready to start the regular season. The Habs were defeated 5-4.
• The Wild made their final roster decisions on Saturday and Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune has all the details.
• Rob Globke has made the Panthers' roster heading into the regular season. The 2002 draft pick edged out Anthony Stewart and Kamil Kreps for the final available forward spot on the Panthers.
• Oilers' Mathieu Roy was carried off on a stretcher during last night's exhibition contest versus the Canucks. The good news is that he is believed to be okay.
• The Detroit Free Press tells us five things we've learned about the Wings after training camp. Perhaps not everyone is a Wings fan, as Barry Melrose believes the team is now in the second-tier amongst its Western Conference counterparts.
• As Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News explains, defense is the identity of the Stars heading into 2007/08.
• Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch has an interesting piece on the affect Ken Hitchcock can have on an organization.
• After leaving Denver University for the Colorado Avalanche last season, Paul Stastny has no regrets.
• Nikolai Khabibulin says the goal for the Blackhawks is to make the playoffs and with all the off-season acquisitions and draft picks coming through the system, the former Stanley Cup champion should have far more support than last season.
• Save for Fran Kaberle, the Canes dressed what should be their opening night lineup for last night's exhibition finale versus Columbus.
• Mike Keenan doesn't know a thing about the newest Flames' acquisition Mark Smith writes Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald.
• Steve Macfarlane of the Calgary Sun has a player-by-player report card for last night's exhibition contest versus the Sharks.
• Kevin Paul Dupont's special Sunday piece examines Cam Neely's quest for front office success in Boston. (registration required)
• Look for forward Phil Kessel to take a big step forward this season writes Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald.
• Tim Connolly practically begged his way into the lineup for last night's preseason game for the Sabres because he hadn't seen any game action heading into the season.
• George Solomon of the Washington Post has a great piece on the loyalty Olaf Kolzig has demonstrated towards the only organization he's ever known.
• Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province wonders whether both Mason Raymond and Ryan Shannon can make the Canucks final roster.
• Paul Maurice has yet to announce the Leafs' starting goaltender for Wednesday's opener versus the Sens.
• Youngster David Perron has made a good impression at Blues' camp and is hoping to beat out Martin Kariya, Mike Johnson and Mike Glumac for the final available roster spot.
• Not surprisingly, goaltending remains a concern at Bolts' camp.
• The Sharks have been winning in preseason play but as coach Ron Wilson says about wins and losses in exhibition season, they are "totally irrelevant."
• Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has notes from in and around Pens' camp heading into the season.
• Tim Panaccio of the Philadelphia Inquirer examines the chances of the Capitals heading into the season.
• The Flyers ended the preseason on Saturday with a 3-2 loss to the Rangers.
• The Coyotes were defeated by the Avs in exhibition action on Saturday.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.