News You Can Use Late in the Day

-The likelihood of a Forsberg comeback has diminished, as TSN is reporting his ankle is not holding up in practice.
-Steven Stamkos tops the Mckeen's 2008 Draft List.
-Ilya Kovalchuk named the NHL's First Star of the Week. Lundquist and Gaborik are 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
-Kyle Wellwood and Mark Bell will rejoin the Leafs tomorrow night.
-In related news, Jason Spezza will miss his third straight game tomorrow night.
-The Blue Jackets Pascale Leclaire has been the surprise of the NHL thus far.
-The NHL's Rookie Watch looks at Nick Foligno.
-Mel Bridgman with a look at Mike Cammalleri. Note to Mike. If you read this site and are bored in LA in the near future, look up my sister-in-law. She will be temporarily out of work due to the writers strike and needs something to do. I won't be able to handle family functions if she marries an actor or poet.
-A look at Team's WHL and OHL for the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge.
-Gene Principe wonders if the Oilers are cursed.
-A look at Blue Jacket prospect Derick Brassard, who was named the AHL Rookie of the Month for October.
-Henrik Lundqvist is leading the Rangers resurgence.
-INCH with their weekly college hockey rankings. Miami of Ohio remains on top.
-Lyle Richardson with an article on the early season reluctance of some GM's to make a trade.
-Eric Duhatschek discusses the same subject.
-Ken Campbell suggests that the Ottawa Senators make a play for Mats Sundin. Sure thing Ken, and Stephen Harper will be caught having a 3-way with Taliban Jack Layton and Belinda Stronach. (For our American and foreign readers, that means not bloody likely)
-Becky Kellar has returned to the Canadian Women's Hockey team after the birth of her 2nd child. And I can't even get Amanda to strap on the pads to play shinny in the basement.
-Newsday notes that the Penguins scouts are following the Dallas Stars.
-Taking Note with a roundup of weekend action in the WHL.
-Fanhouse discusses the return of the 2 minute major, complete with a dig at Joni Pitkanen.
-Stan Fischler reports that Paul Kelly aims to expand NHL tv coverage in the US.
-Sean Avery is in mid-season form, calling out Martin Brodeur and challenging Zach Parise to a fight.
-Adrian Aucoin is adapting to life as a Calgary Flame.
-Did Brian Bellows throw a tantrum when his kid was cut from the squirts team?
-ESPN notes that Martin Havlat is close to returning.
-The Tampa Bay Lightning are also bad in the minors.
-Adam Proteau's mailbag.
-The NHL Notebook, courtesy of the National Post.
-Yahoo christens the Twin Cities as the new Hockeytown.
-A look at the surprises and disappointments of the first month in the NHL.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

News You Can Use Late in the Day

Due to a large number of late day transactions at my place of business, this post is wayyyyy late. The good news is that we will have some exciting new features very shortly. Until then, here are a few late night tidbits.

-Jason Spezza has suffered a groin pull and is day to day.
-Derian Hatcher could miss a month with suspected cartilage damage in his knee.
-NHL.com looks at the emerging talent in the Swedish Elite League.
-Predators owner Craig Leopold has extended the deadline for a local group to purchase the team.
-The excitement is growing in Chicago.
-Bruins goaltender Jordan Sigalet, who suffers from MS, has been recalled from Providence.
-Paul Maurice bag skates the Maple Leafs.
-Saku Koivu forced to defend his lack of French language skills. Montreal fans should thank their lucky stars Esa Tikkanen isn't their captain. Could he speak any language?
-Pierre Lebrun with a list of best and worsts from the first month of the season.
-Eddie Belfour wins his Swedish Elite League debut.
-Matt Greene is out for 3 months with a broken ankle. The Oilers are about 1 injury away from scouting the Adult Safe Hockey League.
-Scott Morrison says there will be no easy answers in the Rick Tocchet situation.
-Inside College Hockey looks at the early favorites for the Hobey Baker.
-The Score notes that Jannik Hansen is expected to be recalled by the Canucks. Do they really need a soft Dane with few offensive skills that badly?
-Ontario man may have the puck that won the 1972 Summit Series.
-A rash of injuries will test the Oilers depth.
-Adam Proteau with a vain attempt to tie Halloween to Hockey.
-The Clarkson Cup, awarded to the top women's team in Canada, faces an uncertain future.
-TJ Oshie is the WCHA Player of the Week.
-Solid drafting helps the Wings win in the salary cap era.
-Harvey Rosen with a look at the accomplishments of some Jewish hockey players.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

News You Can Use Late in the Day

-James Duthie comments on the growing peril that is pre-game soccer warmups.

-Paul Kariya is excited about the Blues' future.

-Eric Lindros is done, unofficially.

-Rick Nash is still unknown in Columbus.

-Tavares to Leafs, "Don't bother".

-Eric Duhatschek notes that Reebok is making some changes to a few players' Edge jerseys.

-Pierre Lebrun writes that Don Waddell is a busy man in Atlanta.

-Richard Bachman is Inside College Hockey's Player of the Week.

-Jack Blatherwick of Lets Play Hockey calls for a return to the old time methods of hockey training in order to make the game accessible again.

-Daymond Langkow is playing with renewed confidence.

-Carolina is off to a hot start.

-David Amber profiles his list of the 10 Dirtiest Plays in the NHL.

-The Erie Otters may send two players home for undisclosed disciplinary reasons.

-Stan Fischler wants Rangers fans to chill out.

-Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Sun writes that the Rangers are making a mistake by spending big.

-Yann Danis has started the season well in Hamilton.

-The Sabres have recalled Mike Weber from Rochester.

-It looks like the Wild had a plan when they didn't make a splash on the free agent market.

-Some nice pictures from SI's Photo Gallery.

-The Oilers are not thrilled at the prospect of hosting the Wild tonight.

-The Wayne State Warriors hope to have a strong final season.

-Stu Barnes is still contributing in Dallas.

-Crashing the Net assembles the All-Living team that will play host to the All-Dead team in next week's article.

-A look around the AHL.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

News You Can Use Late in the Day

- The Oilers placed Sheldon Souray on the IR today.

-Henrik Zetterberg tops the Hot List on NHL.com.

-Ken Hitchcock talks leadership with Bruce Springsteen.

-Bryan McCabe is probable for tonight's game versus the Penguins.

-The Slovaks are being very proactive in getting their team ready for the World Juniors.

-Cristoph Schubert wants to establish himself as a defender.

-Illegal Curve's own Richard Pollock turns 24 today. He is still single, so if you are a nice young Jewish girl or my sister in law, contact Illegal Curve for the blind date of your life.

-Clement Jodoin and Jonathan Bernier have been reunited.

-Tony Salmeleinen takes his puck and goes home.

-Jiri Tlusty will make his NHL debut tonight.

-Michael Farber with an interesting story on Chris Simon.

-Mats Sundin is miffed about the alleged trip by Hedberg in the shootout.

-The Dallas Stars get a new team plane.

-Check out Mirtle's Fantasy disappointments and surprises.

-A Maclean's magazine article on concussions has given the NHL a headache.

-The Rangers Ryan Callahan is out indefinitely.

-The NHL Notebook.

-Brandon Bochenski has been sent down for conditioning.

-David Aebischer has cleared waivers.

-If anyone is interested in a course on hockey literature, head up to Nipawin, SK.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

News You Can Use Late In the Day

-Darcy Tucker is out of the Leafs' lineup indefinitely with ligament damage in his right knee.

-Raffi Torres is fined for his hit on David Moss, avoids suspension.

-Wayne Primeau is out with a high ankle sprain.

-Ryan Smyth expects to "break down" during his return to Edmonton.

-Pierre Lebrun comments on a busy week for the Oilers. Also note that the article says Patrik Stefan will have to retire after re-injuring his hip.

-North Dakota remains on top of the college hockey polls. Note that while Lamoureux has been perfect so far this year, he also went 0-2 in one period versus Manitoba.

-The weekly Who's Hot and Who's Not in the CHL article from Sportsnet.

-The PEI Rockey have fired Yanick Jean.

-Paul Maurice suggests that he is insulted that other teams play their backups against the Leafs.

-The Panthers are seeking a talented enforcer. Maybe perennial PIM leader RP should apply?

-Steve Simmons says that if the 2005 NHL draft was a do-0ver, the first 4 would be Crosby, Stastny, Kopitar and Vlasic.

-Behind the Net has its first stat heavy post of the year.

-NHL Scouts are high on a number of Windsor Spitfires.

-Kyle Woodlief with an early look at the 2008 NHL Draft.

-The Prince Albert Raiders strip 3 players of letters.

-The Blackhawks may start televising their home games.

-A look at Rangers prospect Tom Pyatt.

-Members of the Devils weigh in on the new Prudential Center.

-Keith Tkachuk re-invents himself as a centre.

-Still no word from the NHL on Rick Tocchet's future.

-Fanhouse takes a look at Scott Gomez's troubles in NYC.

-Fanhouse feels Minnesota.

-Michael Farber of SI notes 5 people who help their teams without much recognition.

-Eric Burnside wonders who will be the next coach fired in the NHL.

-Igor Grigorenko avoids a trip to Siberia by joining the Red Wings.

-5 Games worth watching this week.

-Greg Dennis writes that a coach change is a risk/reward proposition.

-Kari Lehtonen is out 4 to 6 weeks with a groin strain.

-Tension mounts for the struggling Leafs.

-Andrew Ladd and Scott Walker were placed on injured reserve.

-Mike Brophy reveals that the Devils were seeing playing offense.

-The Score notes that Vinny Prospal is a streaky player. Stop the presses.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

-John Buccigross with his thoughts on last week in the NHL.

-TSN is reporting that Jochen "What the" Hecht has signed a 4-year extension.

-The Ottawa Senators have signed the other Robitaille.

-Pierre Lebrun notes that Peter Chiarelli is sticking with his game plan in Boston.

-Hamilton Predators still taking deposits for seasons tickets.

-Inside College Hockey tracks the debuts of some players who didn't get the limelight in college.

-Al Strachan with a closer look at Paul Kelly.

-Eric Duhatschek feels that new NHLPA head will have a tough time getting the two sides together.

-The LA Times reports that the Ducks are looking for some forward depth. I bet Burke is on the phone with Lowe as we speak.

-George Gillett battling with the city of Montreal over a tax assessment.

-Damien Cox wonders if the Leafs will do the merciful thing and trade Bryan McCabe.

-The Detroit Free Press notes that the Wings and Kris Draper have opened negotiations.

-The Alberta Junior League hopes to build on the recent success of Junior A. I did not know that Mason Raymond was on an unpaid tryout with the Moose.

-Fanhouse with NHL Rookie Review #1.

-NHL Players back the recent suspensions.

-Vinny Lecavalier donates $3 million to a Tampa area children's hospital.

-A look at Tim Taylor's long road to recovery.

-Mike Keenan and Kristian Huselius are best buds.

-Mike Chen thinks that Chicago can make a comeback.

-Detroit and Grand Rapids are on the same philosophical page.

-Lindy Ruff wants to coach Team Canada in 2010.

-Power Rankings of Hockey Blogs.

-Matthew Lombardi's line can play it any way Keenan likes it.

-This just in, Luke Richardson still alive.

-The Toronto Star looks at health issues, post-hockey.

-Bill Lankoff says Bryan McCabe is doing his best to handle the boos.

-Despite the injuries, there is reason for optimism in Chicago.

-Another installment of the Bowman to Toronto rumor mill.

-A gameday report on the Kings from Battle of California.

-Stan Fischler sees Larry Robinson as the man behind the Devils right now.

-Bruins are hoping to create a buzz in Boston with their home opener.

-The Panthers have recalled Anthony Stewart.

-A report on Claude Giroux and a look around the CHL.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior.

Prospect Pulse: Nigel Williams

Williams, a Colorado draft pick, started last season with the University of Wisconsin Badgers. Upset with his lack of ice time, 1 game played, he bolted for the Ontario Hockey League over the Christmas break, and proceeded to tear it up, registering 36 points in 46 games as a defenseman.

Williams has followed up that success with a hot start in Sagninaw. In 7 games, he has registered 9 points. Standing 6'5 and weighing 225 pounds, Williams is that rare combination of size and skill. He has improved his point totals as he has progressed through hockey without sacrificing his mean streak.

Once projected to go as high at 11th overall in the NHL draft, Williams slipped to the 2nd round because of his problems at Wisconsin. Though the program was upset with Williams for leaving, he felt that he needed to play in order to develop. He has the size and speed to be an NHL defender but his decision making has not caught up with his puck skills. An avid roller hockey player, Williams is said to be fearless and easily coachable.

Though Williams is likely a few years away from the NHL, he continues to climb up the Avalanche list of top prospects, currently sitting at #6. Keep an eye on this one.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-Bob McKenzie feels that the NHL should have no problem handing Jesse Boulerice a long term suspension.

-After one game, Carey Price is the new Saint Patrick.

-The St. Paul police name Dwayne Roloson an honorary officer.

-Inside College Hockey names its pre-season All-Americans.

-Eric Duhatschek doesn't think that Boulerice's apology will help him.

-No link yet, but TSN was reporting that the Penguins and Lightning will indeed open next season in Prague.

-Oilers blogger Lowetide reports that Ethan Moreau's bruised foot may in fact be broken.

-The WHL has approved the sale of the Kamloops Blazers.

-Rocky Wirtz re-assigns Bob Pulford.

-Rob Ramage found guilty on all five counts. Loses US residency.

-Panthers prospect Shawn Matthias figures he can work himself into the NHL.

-Dave Scatchard is with the Rangers on a try-out basis.

-The Devils expect to be able to deal Richard Matvichuk soon.

-The Top 10 teams in Canadian college hockey.

-Mirtle with a look at each team's most used power play players.

-No sophomore jinx in sight for Paul Statsny.

-Ray Emery sent down to Binghamton for conditioning. Somebody warn the drivers.

-Niitymaki hopes to stick with the Flyers.

-A dandy of a fight courtesy of Fanhouse.

-On Frozen Blog notes that the NHLFA is enjoying its 10th Anniversary.

-Steve Yzerman tells the crowd in South Bend that they may be the new Hockeytown.

-Fanhouse wonders if fighting is on the rise in the NHL.

-Stan Fischler takes a look at what is ailing the Rangers. Maybe Scott Gomez could stop counting his money long enough to put up some points?

-The Sioux City Musketeers have put a lot of thought into nicknaming their lone French player. Please write to Illegal Curve and collect your 10 cents if you guessed Frenchy.

-The Beaver County Times reports that Michel Therien is furious over the Penguins lack of effort.

-Lightning Strikes notes that the Ottawa Senators are the second choice for who will play the Penguins in Prague next season.

-Two ex-Medicine Hat Tigers meet up in Motown.

-Suicide watches abound in Toronto as the Leafs are already in must-win territory.

-News and notes from around the AHL. Notice that the Moose make their debut tonight a full 8 days after the rest of the AHL.

-Mats Sundin still has hope for the season.

-John Buccigross' mailbag.

-Interesting website for the hockey fanatic.

-Battle of Alberta with a list of questions they would like to ask a coach.

-Scott Morrison laments on what the Boulerice incident will do to hockey.

-Razor will a slap in the face letter from Dallas to Buffalo.

-Ten Questions for the Bruins.

-The NHL will use a compresses schedule in 2008-2009.

-Marc Savard will continue to sit and rest his groin.

-Covered in Oil with thoughts on last night's snooze-fest in St. Paul.

-The Dallas Stars have activated Mike Ribeiro.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse: MIA Today

I am under the weather today, so Prospect Pulse will return tomorrow.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-The schedule, lack of physical play and the economy all cited as reasons for poor attendance at the Joe Louis Arena.

-Wild goalie Josh Harding not worried about when he will start.

-All 59 NCAA Division I college hockey teams ranked.

-Blues defender Erik Johnson is out with a broken foot.

-The Canucks have demoted Alex Edler to Manitoba.

-Eric Duhatschek writes about the importance of chemistry.

-Paul Maurice shuffles the deck chairs on the good ship Maple Leaf.

-The Oilers battle the Wild in a showdown for 1st place in the NW.

-David Shoalts notes that Kid Rock may have been gives a Stanley Cup ring.

-Alex Ponikarovsky injured at Leaf's practice.

-The NHL Store is set to open in New York. This might be a better fit in Toronto.

-Kyle Beach of the Everett Silvertips is leading the Western League with 47 PIMS.

-Real Paiment sets the record for most games coached in the QMJHL.

-A feature on Steven Stamkos.

-A preview of the CHA, entering its final year.

-Oilers blogger Lowetide with the second part of his review of Oiler drafts, covering 2004 to 2007.

-The San Jose Sharks may try and sign Sandis Ozolinsh.

-Wheat Kings d-man Daryl Boyle turns down the Baby Bruins to return to Brandon.

-The Kitchener Rangers are unbeaten this season.

-The new and improved Todd Bertuzzi is still old and injured.

-Gretzky discusses Nash.

-Fanhouse sees Paul Statsny as an "under the radar star".

-Frank Deford of SI thinks the NHL should drop the Olympics.

-Interviews with Andrew Cogliano and Sam Gagner.

-Marian Hossa is out with a groin strain.

-Ever wanted to know the life story of Glen Metropolit? The Boston Herald made it happen!

-News and Notes from around the NHL. Interesting story near the bottom which notes that no one has seen nor heard from Darren McCarty. If he misses an alimony payment, I am sure his ex-wife will find him.

-Jose Theodore is ready to go. So much for the Avs hot start.

-The Offside blog notes that the Blackhawks have a long ways to go if they want to win back fans.

-The Tennesseean writes that Paul Kariya supplies the Blues with respectability.

-Sam Gagner is working hard to solidify his hold on a roster spot.

-The Manitoba Moose are aiming for a 3rd straight 100 point season.

-The Leafs are a team in disarray.

-Stan Fischler is eagerly anticipating tonight's Rangers-Islanders game.

-ESPN's Scott Burnside ranks the NHL's coaches.

-Wes Goldstein expects growing pains as Sutter teaches the Devils to forget the trap.

-Jonathan Toews will skate tonight against the Sharks.

-ESPN's John Buccigross with his thoughts on the season. I appreciate him laughing at Oiler-hater Mick McGeough.

-Jackie Friedman writes that Richard Zednik adds zip to the Panthers top line.

-A look at defenseman Richard Petiot in the AHL Notebook.

-Dan Boyle skating again, but can't participate in all the drills.

-Chuck Kobasew finally getting his chance in Boston.

-Keith Ballard does it all in Phoenix.

-Either Aaron Downey or Matt Ellis will take Johan Franzen's spot in Detroit's lineup.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse:Teddy Purcell

Teddy Purcell, a Newfoundlander, a graduate of SJHL's Notre Dame Hounds as well as the USHL's Cedar Rapids Roughriders, is a LA Kings prospect who figures to start the season in Manchester of the AHL. A lanky, playmaking center, Purcell put up 43 points in 40 games with the Maine Black Bears as a freshman.

At 6'2, 175 pounds, Purcell still needs to add some muscle to his frame to adapt to the pro game. Last season, he showed a willingness to improve his all around game and made great strides with his shot and acceleration. He has stated that he wants to increase his size and strength so that he can continue to develop at the pro level.

An undrafted player, Purcell so impressed the Kings with his talent that they persuaded him to leave college after only one year. Purcell was pursued by about a dozen NHL teams, but chose Los Angeles because he grew up idolizing Luc Robitaille. The Kings feel he possesses Top-6 talent and can contribute offensively after some seasoning in the minors. A solid contributor at every level he has played at, Purcell will be thrust into a scoring role in the American League this season.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-The Islanders signed defenseman Radek Martinek to a three-year extension today.

-The Flyers are optimistic after an opening night win.

-Burnside and Cox discuss the Devils playoff hopes in Friday Face-off.

-Teppo Numminen has returned to Buffalo to rehab.

-Ryan Shannon excited to start life as a Canuck.

-A look at the WCHA.

-Don Cherry disagrees with Burke, does not envision the Oilers in the sewer.

-Jose Theodore to make a rehab start in the American League tonight.

-The Sioux Falls Stampede welcomes a local product to the team.

-A preview of the Philadelphia Phantoms.

-Cape Breton Screaming Eagles' coach gets a two-game suspension for jumping on the ice.

-Hockey's Future previews the QMJHL.

-A look at the Sabres' AHL prospects.

-Rocky Wirtz is now in control of the Blackhawks.

-In the bottom story of the day, no news from Scott Niedermayer.

-Prospects to watch in the WHL.

-Alain Vigneault says he will spare no feelings in Vancouver.

-Fanhouse wonders if the Roberto Luongo deal is the worst trade in hockey.

-Shea Weber out with a dislocated kneecap.

-Leafs are looking to knock off the Habs for their first win.

-The Oilers will apparently bring up Brian Burke's outburst to Gary Bettman. I say let it go. The NHL needs some press in the US right now.

-Speaking of Bettman, he promises to make the NHL All-Star Game interactive. Good deal, I would like to play Left Wing please.

-An Interview with Sean Simpson.

-A story about Torrey Mitchell's road to the NHL.

-Interesting story about a trainer taking every precaution to prevent player deaths.

-Varsity hockey returns to Carleton University.

-Dan Barnes surmises that JF Jacques may be on the trading block. How are they going to replace his 3 minutes a night?

-The daily roundup from the Score. Note that Mike Peca doesn't figure to dress for the Blue Jackets.

-Some predictions from Hockey Rants.

-The Bruins focusing on special teams going into the season.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse: Ben Blood

In addition to having a very hockey name, Ben Blood also possesses a strong hockey acumen. A strong defensive prospect, this Senators prospect is currently playing in the USHL for the Des Moines Buccaneers. Drafted 120th overall in 2007, Blood will play the current season in Des Moines before moving on the University of North Dakota.

Strong on his skates and sound positionally, Blood is a calm presence on the blue line. As such, he is used extensively on specialty teams. Offensively, Blood has a cannon of a shot that he is able to unload quickly. He distributes the puck well and can be used as a shooter. In his own zone, Blood is able to clear the front of the net effectively and uses his strong positional play to angle off opponents. Though Blood could use his 6'3, 215 lb frame a little more, but this is a minor flaw in his game.

Scouts also note that while Blood lacks a little quickness and lateral movement, he more than makes up for it with his overall game. In watching him last weekend, I did not notice any deficiencies in the speed department. The game was very up tempo and he was right in the thick of it at all times. In addition to his hockey skill, Blood is said to be an excellent communicator and projects to be a future captain.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-The Blues have signed free agent Mike Johnson.

-Deliberations in the Rob Ramage trial have been delayed.

-Ron Francis has been named Assistant GM in Carolina.

-James Sheppard his waiting on immigration paperwork in St.Paul.

-Check out Craig MacTavish's comments about Brian Burke at TSN Broadband.

-The Sharks open the season on the road at Rexall Place in Edmonton.

-A preview of the CCHA, featuring national champion Michigan State.

-Jeff Gordon profiles 10 High Profile Free Agents in the NHL.

-Alan Ryder with some unsolicited advice for NHL coaches.

-86 Players in the NHL will make more than $4 million this year.

-Kristian Huselius feels he can have another stellar year offensively.

-Montreal's power-play moves along despite Sheldon Souray's absence.

-The Boston Globe highlights their three picks for who is most likely to be traded.

-Taking Note with a look at the WHL's Western Teams.

-Evan Grossman writes that there is no end in sight to the career of Niklas Lidstrom.

-DJ Gallo provides a crash course in the NHL for the uneducated.

-Victor Chi weighs in on the developing Oilers-Ducks feud.

-Sidney Crosby tells Reebok to fix the jerseys.

-Alan Muir of SI with 19 predictions.

-Brad Ziemer wonders how Alain Vigneault will improve upon last season.

-Martin Havlat learning to dive by playing soccer.

-Radulov to start the season on the 3rd line in Nashville. This should help draw fans.

-Sabremetrics comes to hockey.

-Tim Cronin notes that the Blackhawks can silence critics with a quick start.

-Dwayne Roloson says having a competent backup won't change his gameplan. Maybe not, but it could change his address. If the Oiler falter, look for Roloson to go to a contender at the deadline.

-Daniel Briere says he is ready to earn his keep in Philadelphia.

-Tom Gilbert knows he has to play consistently to stay in the NHL.

-Paul Maurice is keeping his goalie moves a secret.

-The Leafs assign Kronwall to the Marlies.

-Interesting article on Phil Esposito.

-Kevin Paul Dupont looks at the evolution of hockey coaches.

-Scotia Bank becomes the official Canadian bank of the NHL. I guess RBC couldn't afford it.

-A Rangers cheerleader files a sex harassment suit against MSG.

-An injury will keep Toews out of the lineup for the Hawks tonight.

-The Penguins name a trio of alternate captains.

-Is a goaltending controversy brewing in LA?

-Stephen Weiss and Bryan Allen get "A"'s in Florida.

-Three things that the Bruins can do to make the playoffs. This article ignores the fact that the Bruins need to be in the top 8 in the east, point-wise, to make the playoffs.

-Is the Lightning's window to win closing?

-Black Dog Hates Skunks is not impressed with recent Kevin Lowe quotes.

-A look at the top young guys from around the NHL.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse: Nico Sachetti

Nico Sacchetti, the 50th overall pick by the Dallas Stars in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, is a native of Virginia, Minnesota. While playing in the Iron Range, Sacchetti scored an astounding 90 points in 25 high school games his senior year. After also representing the United States at the World Under-18 championships (4 gp, 1-1-2), he graduated to the USHL. Sacchetti, who will suit up for the Omaha Lancers, is a good skater who plays bigger than his 5'11, 189 lb frame.

In the games I witnessed, it was clear that he possesses an abundance of skill and hockey sense. He also seems to be blessed with a number of intangible qualities that should make him a prized prospect. He will play in traffic, he competes hard and he sees the ice very well. I saw him dominate down low on a powerplay for nearly the full two minutes, and the puck seems to follow him around.

There is precious little information about Sacchetti on the internet, but it looks like the future Minnesota Golden Gopher will be a good one. Watch for him in the WCHA next year.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-Andrew Raycroft will get the start tonight for the Buds.

-A 16 year old hockey player from St.Louis has collapsed and died during a practice.

-A season preview for the Binghamton Senators.

-Craig Leopold will have to search for another buyer, as the Preds' deal is expected to collapse.

-The Vancouver Canucks claim defenseman Mike Weaver off the waiver wire.

-The wife of former NHL'er Emile Francis is found alive.

-Eric Duhatschek answers some pressing questions.

-The Bruins have made it official by signing veteran forward Glen Metropolit.

-Stephen Brunt reports on the haves and the have-nots of the hockey world.

-The Regina Pats pick up talented forward Tim Kraus from the Vancouver Giants.

-The St. Louis Blues have demoted Petr Cajanek to Peoria and are expected to sign Mike Johnson.

-The Columbus Blue Jackets placed Kris Beech on waivers.

-Hockey Rants has some interesting discussion on the impending collapse of the Predators' sale.

-On Frozen Blog with a point form season preview.

-Damien Cox wonders whether the Hawks or the Leafs will have a longer streak of futility.

-In news only my wife cares about, Kelli Pickler has dumped Jordin Tootoo. Apparently he was tootoo timing her.

-nhl.com gets a new look.

-Michael Farber with a look around the league.

-Season opening rosters for all 30 NHL teams.

-The National Post with 15 Questions about the NHL Season. This is a huge improvement over the usual 10.

-Mike Zeisberger compares the Leafs to a soap opera.

-Burke still angry with the Oilers. I realize this has been posted and discussed already, but I feel Burke really needs to let this one go. Its over, you have your draft picks and you have made your point already. Letting this get in the way of your job is doing a disservice to your team.

-The BlueJackets feel they are a playoff team. Yeah, and I feel that my wife should make me cookies every day. Doesn't mean its going to happen.

-Leaf's broadcaster Joe Bowen to be honoured for 25 years of service.

-11 Stories to watch in the NHL this year. Note that there are apparently attendance problems in Detroit this year.

-The Philadelphia Flyers have signed Jesse Boulerice and Jim Dowd.

-The Minnesota Wild get no respect.

-David Branch discusses the OHL's new penalty designed to limit shots to the head.

-One lawyer accuses another of lying in the Canucks saga.

-A preview of the Montreal Canadiens.

-A good mix of youth and experience on Canada's Women's hockey roster.

-Rob Rossi notes that the Penguins are built for long term success.

-Tom Powers hopes that the Wild bring relief for suffering Minnesota sports fans.

-Chuck Kobasew is hoping to stick on the 2nd line with Sturm and Bergeron.

-Chris Gratton hopes a contact lens will allow him to play in the season opener.

-The Boston Herald notes that no fan fare accompanied the decision to keep Milan Lucic.

-Wes Walz looks to get time on the top line. Only on Jacques Lemaire's team...

-The season preview from the New York Times.

-Craig Custance wonders which rookie will make the biggest impact in Atlanta.

-BREAKING NEWS: The Senators have signed Dany Heatley to a 6 year, $45 million extension.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse: Prediction Time

Due to the fact that I am from Saskatchewan, the Manitoba contingent of Illegal Curve saw fit to exclude me from the morning predictions. Basically, they are the UN and I am Israel. In the face of their demagoguery and elitist policies, I will nevertheless summon the courage to post my predictions.

Stanley Cup Champion- The Ottawa Senators. Cue the suicide watch on Bay Street.
Eastern Conference Champion - The Ottawa Senators of Kanata. I don't foresee a major hangover here. They are still a deep and talented team, now with bonus experience. I think the Penguins finish first in the East, but Ottawa takes them out in the playoffs.
Western Conference Champion- The Detroit Red Wings. They play in a weak division and I feel they will have the benefit of coasting through the regular season and remaining fresh for a long run. I see the Sharks as the Senators of a few years ago, all hype no finish.
Art Ross - Vincent Lecavalier - plays in a weak division and I feel he has something to prove.
Calder Trophy- Sam Gagner. I really like Toews and Kane, but they are going to have to do it all in Chicago. MacTavish has turned a corner philosophically, and will put Gagner in a position to succeed.
MVP- Sidney.
Most Surprising - Martin Gerber has a big rebound (no pun intended) year and bounces Sugar Ray from the starting position.
Disappointing - Flip a coin between Gomez and Drury. Actually, take Gomez. Too much money for this guy. It will weigh him down.
Most Surprising Team - Edmonton Oilers. Already written off for dead, they will not be the pushover/Phoenix clone everyone is expecting.
Most Disappointing Team - The New York Rangers. Jaromir is not going to like sharing the puck or the spotlight. Watch for a step backwards in Manhattan, despite the near constant fellating of this team by a few media types. I think Calgary will blow too, but I am never disappointed when that happens.


Prospect Pulse will return tomorrow with a look at another standout from the USHL's Fall Classic Tournament.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-The Edmonton Oilers send Zach Stortini and Ladislav Smid to the minors. The Oilers also name Ethan Moreau captain.

-The sale of the Predators is in trouble.

-A preview of the #1 ranked University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux.

-Good turnout for Bill Wirtz's funeral.

-A preview of the Southeast Conference. Note to the NHL, could you please rename these divisions? There are many deserving hockey luminaries who could lend their name to the divisions. Orr Division, Gretzky Division, Richard Division, Howe Division, Harvey Division and the Morenz Division. Discuss amongst yourselves.

-Denis Gauthier is a victim of the salary cap in Philadelphia. Mike Rathje is also placed Expect this to become commonplace.

-Mirtle with a list of youngsters who have made their respective clubs.

-Patrice Brisebois is back skating.

-The AHL suspends Steve Downie for one month.

-Mark Bell has been reinstated by the NHL.

-Former Leaf is Borje Salming is now art. Who says Illegal Curve offers no culture?

-The New Jersey Devils claim Sheldon Brookbank off the waiver wire.

-The Dallas Stars are still unsure where their goals will come from.

-Senators prospect Jim O'Brien has joined the Seattle Thunderbirds.

-An in-depth look at the Penguins from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

-Illegal Curve favorite Toby Petersen was cut by the Dallas Stars. He will report to Iowa.

-Jeremy Roenick says he is ready to be a cheerleader for the team. I wonder if they will be able to hear him from the restaurant he is eating at?

-The Red Wings are prepared to go with youth. Watch for Chris Chelios to tell the youngsters to stay the hell off his lawn.

-Bobby Holik is the new captain of the Atlanta Thrashers.

-Not to be outdone, Pavol Demitra is the new captain of the Minnesota Wild.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior