Projected Standings: (Team–Projected Point Total–Point Differential From Last Season–Seed Differential From Last Season)

1) New York Rangers 115 Points –>+22 Points –> +7 Spots

2) Boston Bruins         102 Points –> -1 Point –> +1 Spot

3) Florida Panthers    93 Points –> +21 Points –> +12 Spots

4) Pittsburgh Penguins 106 Points –> EVEN –> EVEN

5) Philadelphia Flyers  102 Points –> -4 Points –> -3 Spots

6) New Jersey Devils 98 Points –> +17 Points –> +5 Spots

7) Ottawa Senators 94 Points –> +20 Points –> +6 Spots

8) Winnipeg Jets 88 Points –> +8 Points –> +4 Points

9) Washington Capitals 87 Points –> -20 Points –> -8 Spots

10) Buffalo Sabres 86 Points –> -10 Points –> -3 Spots

11) Tampa Bay Lightning 84 Points –> -19 Points –> -6 Spots

12) Toronto Maple Leafs 82 Points –> -3 Points –> -2 Spots

13) New York Islanders 81 Points –> +8 Points –> +1 Spot

14) Carolina Hurricanes 80 Points –> -11 Points –> -5 Spots

15) Montreal Canadiens 73 Points –> -23 Points –> -9 Spots

STATS:

–> Largest Points Improvement …..     New York Rangers (+22)

–> Largest Seeding Improvement …..  Florida Panthers (+12)

–> Worst Points Drop-Off           …..     Montreal Canadiens (-23)

–> Worst Seeding Drop-Off       …..      Montreal Canadiens (-9)

If Sidney Crosby (Above) makes a return to the Pittsburgh lineup, these number may change drastically.

–> Now, things can always change rapidly and a team could fall completely out of the playoff race or one could jump right into it by putting together a nice winning streak, making this system far from a perfect prediction tool.

–> Last season, it took 93 points from the New York Rangers to secure the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot. This year it looks like 90 will once again be the magic number with one or two teams perhaps finishing below that mark and still sneaking into the dance.

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Despite being mired in the Eastern Conference basement with the league’s worst road record, Kirk Muller’s bunch of hard-working Hurricanes had managed to amass a 3-0-0 record against the Northeast division-leading Boston Bruins thus far this year. “It seems like they bring out the best in us” said Cam Ward of the Black and Gold. Much to the dismay of the 17,565 that packed into TD Garden, that trend did not change on Thursday when the ‘Canes invaded TD Garden for the fourth and final showdown of the season for these two Eastern Conference foes. Backstopped by 47 saves from netminder Cam Ward, Carolina again bested the B’s, this time via a 3-0 shutout.

The ‘Canes would get on the board first as Jiri Tlusty would find a wide open Eric Staal in front after taking down Johnny Boychuk in the corner.  The Carolina Captain made no mistake, blasting it past Boston’s goaltender Tuukka Rask for his 12^th goal of the season. Despite an early Boston surge, including a 22-shot onslaught in the first frame, the ‘Canes stood their ground and entered the first intermission with a 1-0 lead.

 ”As the period went on they got a lot of shots, took a lot of point shots, and Wardo (Cam Ward) was really sharp. And then we adjusted well after the first, tightening up defensively and limiting some of the shots, and then putting pucks in areas where we can get them back and create some offense at the other end. – Eric Staal

“To walk away out of the first period with a 1-0 lead, we felt good about that and improved our play in the second period.” – Cam Ward

In what became an unfortunate theme for Boston, the ‘Canes were able to cash in once again after a defensive zone breakdown by the B’s and extend their lead to 2-0 at the 16:41 mark of the second period. Completing a solid two-point night it was durable pivot Brandon Sutter who would tack on an insurance goal for Carolina when he went upstairs with a wrister on Rask after a beautiful centering feed from Tuomu Ruutu.

The three tallies would be more than enough for Cam Ward who was in top-form all night, denying each and every scoring chance that the Black and Gold could throw his way. The first overall selection in last year’s all-star game fantasy draft, Cam Ward has been absent from the national hockey scene for quite a while now. Often overlooked by many across the league – perhaps due to his playing in a non-traditional hockey market on a struggling team—Ward may be the most underrated goaltender in the league. The 27-year-old Saskatoon native admittedly felt great between the pipes tonight, and it showed in his 47-save shutout performance.

“I felt really comfortable. I felt like I was seeing the puck well and for the most part I was really happy with my rebound control and we had to get off to a good start because we know that they play extremely hard, especially in their building.” – Cam Ward

With the loss the B’s dropped their record to a pedestrian 6-5-1 since their 4-3 loss to Vancouver in a Stanley Cup Finals rematch back on January 7. B’s players have recognized the errors in their play over the past month and are aware of what they must do in order to right the ship. An especially disgruntled Shawn Thornton had this to say during his post-game media scrum:

“Not good enough, – same thing we’ve been talking about for the last however long. Absolutely fell asleep in the second period – not good enough at all. I don’t think we had everyone going again. Seems to be the same old story – we’re not that good that we can come out and go through the motions and expect to be successful. When we were on top of our game, it’s because everyone was working and that’s not happening right now.” – Shawn Thornton

That about sums it up for the way the B’s have been playing lately. It won’t get any easier for the Black and Gold as they prepare for weekend matinees with Malkin’s red-hot Penguins and Alex Ovechkin’s Caps.

KEY STATS

Goals–                CAR (3)   BOS (0)

Shots–                CAR (31)   BOS (47)

Power-Play–    CAR(0-4)   BOS (0-2)

Penalty-Kill–   CAR (2-2)   BOS (4-4)

Ben’s Three Stars….. 3.) Eric Staal …..2.) Brandon Sutter…..1.) Cam Ward

What’s Next?

Boston will finish up their current three-game home-stand on Saturday afternoon when they host the red-hot Pittsburgh Penguins at TD Garden before heading to Washington for a Super Bowl Sunday Matinee with the Capitals. The Hurricanes will return home to the RBC Center for a Saturday evening tilt with Anze Kopitar and the Los Angeles Kings.

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Tonight’s Line-Up (Subject To Change):

FORWARDS

Marchand–Bergeron–Seguin

Lucic–Krejci–Peverley

Pouliot–Kelly–Hamill

Paille–Campbell–Thornton

DEFENSE

Chara–Boychuk

Seidenberg–Corvo

Ference–McQuaid

GOALTENDER

Rask

Thomas

Scratches– …… Kampfer (Healthy) , Caron (Healthy) , Horton (Concussion)

NEWS & NOTES

– This season the lowly ‘Canes have thoroughly dominated Boston this season, outscoring the Black and Gold by an 11-5 margin en route to a 3-0-0 record. This will be the second game played at TD Garden between these two squads. The first took place back on October 18 when Joni Pitkanen’s three point night lead the Hurricanes to a 4-1 victory.

– The last-place ‘Canes currently sport a conference-worst 5-13-6 road record as well as the NHL’s 29th ranked goal differential, an astoundingly low -32.  On the other end of that spectrum, the Bruins have recorded a 17-7-2 mark from the confines of TD Garden and amassed a whopping +70 goal differential.

– This one could be a sneak preview for a few Carolina players who have been rumored to be available at the deadline. As I suggested in my piece last week, free-agents-to-be Tuomo Ruutu and Bryan Allen are two guys I could see as perfect fits for this Bruins’ squad.

– In the three games against Carolina this season the B’s have accumulated an astounding total of 78 penalty minutes. That number is good for the most surrendered by Boston against any Southeast division team this year.

– Nathan Horton is expected to miss his third straight game this evening after suffering a concussion last Sunday. Defenseman Andrew Ference will also make his return this evening after serving his three game suspension for boarding Rangers’ blueliner Ryan McDonagh.

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5.) —–> To Chicago: Hal Gill, Travis Moen, 5th Round Pick

—–> To Montreal: Kyle Beach, Brandon Saad, 2nd Round Pick

– Seemingly going nowhere this season it may be time for the Habs and GM Pierre Gauthier to start thinking about unloading some pieces in an attempt to build for the future. Both Gill and Moen are set to become unrestricted free agents this summer and could provide a Cup-hunting Blackhawks team with some added depth and grit for a playoff run this spring. Neither Moen nor Gill give you much in the way of flash or skill, but both are very durable players who have a Stanley Cup on their resume. For Montreal, both Beach and Saad fit the mold of what the Habs need the most: big, strong power forwards who can put the puck in the net. While neither will give Montreal much in the way of immediate assistance, they both have the potential to become cogs in the Canadiens’ lineup for years to come.

4.) —–> To Boston: Tuomo Ruutu, Bryan Allen

—–> To Carolina: Jordan Caron, Matt Bartkowski, 2nd Round Pick

– For a team that has simply run roughshod on the Eastern Conference since the start of November there really aren’t many glaring holes on a roster full of Stanley Cup winners. However, like we saw last February, GM Peter Chiarelli isn’t afraid to tinker with his team in order to add the necessary depth to make another run at Lord Stanley. This trade makes perfect sense for a Boston team that still relies on an inexperienced Steven Kampfer as it’s seventh defenseman. The hard-nosed Bryan Allen isn’t known much for his offense (0G/7A in 51 games this season) but can provide a solid defensive presence in his end of the ice, as well as log some valuable time on the penalty kill. Like Allen, the 28-year-old Ruutu will be a free agent on July 1. The Finland native seems to have been cut from the same mold as Boston winger Rich Peverley in the way that he can be trusted in any situation. Ruutu has posted fifteen goals and added eleven assists in 51 games this season while being shuffled up and down the Carolina lineup.

3.) —–> To Philadelphia: Ryan Suter, 3rd Round Pick

—–> To Nashville: James Van Riemsdyk, Brayden Schenn, Andrej Meszaros, Jody Shelley, 1st Round Pick

– Now, I’d put this trade as the least likely to happen, at least not until this summer. A deal like this makes perfect sense for a Flyers team that will be without captain Chris Pronger for the remainder of the season. Ryan Suter is perhaps the most underrated defenseman in the entire NHL. Often overshadowed by Shea Weber, Suter has quietly stacked together one all-star season after another and is slated to finally cash in this summer when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The question still remains as to if the cash-strapped Predators can re-sign Suter to a long term deal to keep him in Nashville. However, if GM David Poile comes to the realization that he will not be resigning with the Preds, he would be better served to deal him now than let him walk for nothing this July. The package I’ve presented seems like quite a hefty price for one player but keep in mind, true number one defensemen simply do not grow on trees. While I really can’t see this one happening before the deadline, if Suter is adamant about not re-upping in Nashville, I can’t see any better scenario for the Predators’ franchise both now and into the future.

2.) —–> To Toronto: Jeff Carter, 3rd Round Pick

—–> To Columbus: Luke Schenn, Nikolai Kulemin, 2nd Round Pick

– There’s no question that Jeff Carter’s brief stay in Ohio’s capital is coming to an early end. Reportedly frustrated by the entire situation, the former Flyers star has put up only seventeen points (10G/7A) in 30 games this season while playing for the league-worst Columbus Blue Jackets. While many teams would be skeptical of accepting any player with ten years left on his contract, the Leafs have been on a league-wide search for a true number one center since Brian Burke took the helm in November of 2008. It’s my belief that if Carter is surrounded by a talented team (like he was in Philadelphia) he will once again be able to return to his elite form. While many could think of this as an overpayment for Carter, I would argue that while Schenn still looks like a future all-star, he seems to be the odd man out on a Leafs’ blueline already manned by Dion Phaneuf, Mike Komisarek and John-Michael Liles — all of whom are signed to lucrative contracts. Kulemin is a young player with loads of skill and potential who seems to be struggling under the hockey-crazed pressure cooker that is Toronto. Perhaps a change of scenery would do him a world of good. In Toronto, Maple Leafs’ fans may be foaming at the mouth with the thoughts of putting an elite pivot in between all-star wingers Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul.

1.)  —–> To Minnesota: Zach Parise

—–> To New Jersey: Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle, Jonas Brodin, 2nd Round Pick

– This trade simply makes too much sense. With Parise still unsigned and the Devils’ ownership situation still uncertain, it’s easy to suggest that New Jersey will be unable to retain Parise at year’s end. Recent speculation has suggested that the 5’11″ Minneapolis would like nothing better than to return to his home state to continue his career, making him a perfect fit for the Wild. However, a former 40-goal scorer with extensive leadership qualities simply does not come cheap. With this package the Devils pick up a solid return for a guy who will likely be gone for nothing on July 1. Devin Setoguchi is a solid young winger who can play top-six minutes and provide some pop playing across from Ilya Kovalchuk. In Coyle and Brodin New Jersey receives two former first round selections who look to be sure bet NHL contributors in the near future. Parise should provide the right type of boost for a Wild team trying to work themselves off of the playoff fringe.

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However, something happened on the way to making the NHL more palatable to the masses. You might have noticed that your favorite player or players have been missing in action quite a bit this season.As of Thursday, 51 NHL players have been lost to concussions this season. On that list is the player many believe is the league’s best, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby has played in just eight NHL games since suffering a concussion on Jan. 5, 2011.

That list has become a gargantuan story this season, much to the alarm of the league and teams, who have in the past attempted to minimize what independent medical experts have been citing for years: hockey has a concussion epidemic on its hands.

< READ MORE ON CBS New York >

Other pieces on CBS by BD:

HOW PLAYERS, NOT THE ISLES COACH WILL WALK PLANK THIS SEASON

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE? TELL THAT TO NY ISLANDERS FANS! 

In 29 games this season, Kaberle, 33, has zero goald and nine assists and a 12 plus/minus rating. After a very rough start, he has notched four assists and a +2 rating in the last two games. As for Spacek, he has been on the injury reserve since November 16th because of an upper-body injury. Spacek has only played 12 games in an injury-filled season, recording three assists and a +2 rating.

Kaberle, who was acquired by the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline last season, won his first ever Stanley Cup before heading to free agency on July 1st. With Kaberle’s acquisition, the Habs now have six Stanley Cup champions (Gionta, Gomez, Cole, Gill, Moen and Kaberle).

After a rough start, the Hurricanes, who had recently hired Kirk Muller has their new head-coach to replace Paul Maurice, are starting to re-build around Cam Ward, Jeff Skinner and Eric Staal. Carolina’s general manager Jim Rutherford simply made this move to get rid of Kaberle’s contract, which only ends in 2013-14. Spacek will provide veteran leadership to a young defensive squad in Carolina comprising talented young players such as Jamie McBain, Justin Faulk and Derek Joslin.

Kaberle, who is known for his offensive capabilities, was mainly acquired after Andrei Markov suffered another setback during his recovery from knee surgery. Markov, who was nearing a return last week, will miss an additional 4-6 weeks after undergoing a minor surgery to drain the excess liquid in his rehabilitating knee. The Canadiens’ inefficiency was also another reason why Pierre Gauthier decided to pull the trigger on Kaberle. The Canadiens are ranked 28th in the NHL on the man-advantage with a mediocre 11.4% after finishing 7th overall in 2010-11.

Kaberle had scored 38 points in 58 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs before the Bruins acquired him at the deadline, after which, he only registered 9 points in 24 games.

After the trade, the Canadiens sent Frederic St-Denis down to their AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, to make room. St-Denis who scored his first NHL goal yesterday night against the Vancouver Canucks was victim of the numbers.

With Kaberle’s acquisition, the Habs’ blue line is about to get clogged as Chris Campoli is also nearing a return; add in the mix Hal Gill, Josh Gorges, PK Subban, Alexei Emelin, Raphael Diaz and Yannick Weber and you have eight healthy defenseman at your disposal. The odd man out is most likely Weber, who was made a healthy scratch against the Canucks after playing poorly in the last few games.

What do you think of this trade? Do you think Kaberle is the solution to the Habs’ woes on the power play?

—
Fred is a freelance sports write and translator, as well as a featured Montreal Canadiens blogger on http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/ and a baseball columnist on http://www.dobberbaseball.com/. Fred also joined HabsAddict.com in time for the 2011-12 season.

Follow Fred on Facebook and Twitter

That new line combination, has allowed Jacques Martin to play Thomas Plekanec on a line with Brian Gionta and whichever winger was on fire lately. Travis Moen filled in admirably for a few games until Mike Cammalleri was reinserted in the line-up yesterday against the Hurricanes and took his spot on the Habs’ second line.

When Cole faced his former teammates at the Bell Centre in a 4-0 domination of the Hurricanes, he didn’t seem too disturbed as shown in the video below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

In the meantime, Cole’s former teammate, Eric Staal, seems lost on the ice and he’s having the worst season of his prolific career so far, scoring only four goals and four assists for eight points in 18 games. But what’s even more surprising is his league-leading -18 +/- differential, on pace for a mediocre -78 over 82 games. Staal, who had been playing with grinder Chad Larose and phenom Jeff Skinner for a while, was moved to the wing to play with two-way center Brandon Sutter and Larose, not the most talented players on Earth. Cole’s departure created a gaping hole on Carolina’s top two lines, as they filled the hole by signing underachiever Alexei Ponikarovsky who has only four points in 19 games.

Staal has averaged 0.90 point/game during the six-plus seasons when he and Cole have been teammates. Without him, his productions to 0.69 point/game. Quite a dip that the Hurricanes could have foreseen, but they decided to re-sign players like Chad Larose, Joni Pitkanen and Jussi Jokinen instead. They also signed as a UFA overrated defenseman Tomas Kaberle to a three-year deal that is already looking bad as Kaberle only has four assists this season with the slumping Canes.

As for Cole, he’s gaining confidence each and every game and he might be well the power forward the Canadiens have been seeking to complement youngster Max Pacioretty as the only two forwards with some grit and size in the Canadiens’ top six (Desharnais, Gionta, Cammalleri and Plekanec are all under 6’0” and 200 lb). If the Oswego-native keeps playing with determination and spite, he might well approach or surpass last year’s totals of 26 goals and 26 assists for 52 points in 82 games (he’s on pace for 41 points after his slow start).

Do you think Cole will play all season with Pacioretty and Desharnais?

———————————-
Fred is a freelance sports write and translator, as well as a featured Montreal Canadiens blogger on http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/ and a baseball columnist on http://www.dobberbaseball.com/. Fred also joined www.habsaddict.com in time for the 2011-12 season.

Follow Fred on Facebook and Twitter

GOON:

In our support of the lack of hockey movies, comes this info from the movie company to us.

“We have a great throwback hockey movie coming out and we would love to get your support. Its violent and insanely funny.”

Starring Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill and Liev Schreiber
Written by Jay Baruchel, Evan Goldberg (SUPERBAD and  PINEAPPLE EXPRESS)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Synopsis
Labelled an outcast by his brainy family, a bouncer overcomes long odds to lead a team of underperforming misfits to semi-pro hockey glory, beating the crap out of everything that stands in his way.

The film opens on VOD on 2/24 and In Theatres 3/30

Based from the book “Goon: The True Story of an Unlikely Journey into Minor League Hockey”

www.goonthemovie.com

Official Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/GoonFilm

Some more on the movie comes from Slash Film

Realignment Plan According To Canada's CBC

With the recent re-instatement of the Winnipeg Jets, the NHL and it’s Board of Governors will face a tough decision at December’s annual winter meetings. As it is not economical to leave the Jets in the SouthEast division any longer than one year, due to the absurd amount of traveling they must endure simply to play their divisional games, the league must create a re-alignment plan. The decision as to how to re-align the league’s divisions in order to accommodate the Jets, as well as a few other disgruntled teams will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the league and it’s future.

Not only must the league adjust their divisions in order to make life easier on the Jets, they must re-align a few other Western Conference franchises who have complained to the league about their schedule. Such franchises like the Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators and Columbus Blue Jackets have notably disputed their position in the West due to the amount of Western road trips they must make each year. For Columbus & Nashville, it is fairly obvious as to why they would request a change, because playing one third of their games in the Pacific time zone –meaning that the puck doesn’t drop until 9-10 PM local time– can be a serious detriment to two teams trying to expand their fan bases.  As far as  the Red Wings are concerned, they are relying on an under-the-table type promise made by the commissioner to the Ilitch family (Owners of the Red Wings) when the current division format was established in 1998 that they would be returned to the Eastern Conference as soon as it became possible.

The picture above shows the  re-alignment plan proposed by Commissioner Bettman that is allegedly “gaining steam amongst the NHL’s Board of Governors”, according to CBC’s Elliotte Friedman. According to this plan, the league is looking to adapt a new 4-division format, with two divisions of 8 and two divisions of 7. Despite the success of the current 6-division format, it appears that the only way to successfully accommodate most of the parties involved it to create a four-division layout.

While I do agree with most of the format displayed by Friedman, there are a few slight changes I would make to his plan. Here is my idea for an NHL re-alignment plan. Keep in mind, there is no plan that can satisfy all parties involved, what is important is being able to accommodate the majority.

Atlantic Division     NorthEast Division     Central Division      Pacific Division

PHILADELPHIA          MONTREAL                     CHICAGO                    SAN JOSE

NEW JERSEY               TORONTO                        NASHVILLE               ANAHEIM

NY RANGERS              OTTAWA                          DALLAS                       LOS ANGELES

NY ISLANDERS          DETROIT                          ST. LOUIS                  COLORADO

WASHINGTON           BUFFALO                         MINNESOTA             VANCOUVER

PITTSBURGH             BOSTON                           WINNIPEG                CALGARY

TAMPA BAY               CAROLINA                       COLUMBUS               EDMONTON

FLORIDA                                                                                                      PHOENIX

The tweaks in my plan, as opposed to the plan displayed on CBC include swapping Pittsburgh with Carolina. While it may not be geographically correct to have the ‘Canes in the “NorthEast (Or whatever they call the new division), it is imperative to have the Penguins in the “Atlantic” Division. This is to preserve the new-found rivalry between Pittsburgh and the Caps, as well as the natural rivalries the Penguins have in Philadelphia and New York.

I chose to put the Wings into the “NorthEast”, to attempt to  re-energize their Original Six rivalries with Montreal, Boston and especially Toronto. The new “NorthEast” division also preserves the great feuds between the Bruins & Canadiens, as well as the classic border battles between the Sabres & Maple Leafs.

In the West, I did not edit much, only placing Columbus into the “Central” division, and keeping the “Pacific” division the same as Friedman had it. Under this plan, each team in the “Central” division will play in the Central or Mountain time zone, while seven of the eight “Pacific” division teams (With Colorado as the exception) will  play in the Pacific time zone.

As Friedman detailed, under the 4-division format, every team will play a home-and-home set with each team that is NOT in their division, and will play the remainder of their games squaring off with divisional foes. Also, the new playoff format would allow for the first two rounds of the post-season to take place within each division (No. 1 Seed vs. No. 4 , No. 2 Seed vs. No. 3) with the winners advancing to the Conference Finals.

Of course this new format is not perfect, and likely is only a temporary solution. No matter how realistic or unrealistic the idea may sound, rumors have it that the NHL and Commissioner Bettman’s ultimate plan is to expand to become a 32-team league featuring eight divisions of four, much like the NFL.

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Each month we will update you on the relevant news and notes of all five Southeast Division teams.

Washington Capitals – 7-1-0 – 14 points

Check out the Caps season preview, “Game On:  Back to Hockey” – Read the full story here.

The Caps started fast and you can get all the details in, “Ice Chips:  Off on the Right Foot” – Read the full story here.

Are the Caps a one line show? – Read the full story here.

Who would the Caps players call if they were thrown in jail? – Watch it here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Florida Panthers – 5-4-0 – 10 points

Hockey Independent’s Rudi Genovese gives you a season preview of the new look Florida Panthers in his post, “Here We Go.” – Read the full story here.

Genovese also discusses the Panthers strong start. – Read the full story here.

How long it will take for the Florida Panthers to play as a team after acquiring 12 new players? Find the answer in “How Long For the Team to Gel?” – Read the full story here.

The Panthers have already made a big trade. – Read the full story here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tampa Bay Lightning – 4-4-2 – 10 points

Hockey Independent gets you ready for the Lightning season with the season preview, “Master Chef Yzerman is Whipping up a Winner.” – Read the full story here.

HI also questions Bolts coach Guy Boucher’s decision making in. “Did Boucher Outsmart Himself and Cost the Bolts a Point?” – Read the full story here.

The Bolts decided to keep rookie Brett Connolly. Was it the right decision? – Read the full story here.

You can also follow the Lightning in Hockey Independent’s “Tampa Bay Lightning Week in Review” series. – Read the latest weekly review here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Carolina Hurricanes – 4-3-3 – 11 points

The ‘Canes special teams are clicking. – Read the full story here.

Although he didn’t make the team out of training camp, Brett Sutter is back in Carolina now. – Read the full story here.

For the Hurricanes, a six-day, three-game road swing produced a 1-1-1 record. There were good moments and bad on the ice. – Read the full story here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Winnipeg Jets – 3-5-1 – 7 points

Now that Mark Scheifele has been sent down, do the Jets need to replace him? – Read the full story here.

Tempers flare between the Jets and Shaw Cable. – Read the full story here.

Jets assistant coach is flying high with his new team. – Read the full story here.

Winnipeg fans still on cloud nine. – Read the full story here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Follow me on Twitter @LightningShout and “Like” Hockey Independent.com on Facebook.

On Tuesday evening, the Boston Bruins (2-3-0 (4 Points)) will look to build off Saturday’s  impressive 3-2 shootout victory against the Chicago Blackhawks, when they host Eric Staal and the Carolina Hurricanes (2-2-1 (5 Points)). This will be the second time the Bruins will face off against the ‘Canes in 2011-’12, the first of which was won 3-2 by Carolina at the RBC Center in Raleigh last Wednesday.

Defenseman Adam McQuaid is expected to return to the Boston lineup this evening, after missing Saturday’s contest due to injury. It is assumed that McQuaid will be ready to go for tonight’s game. However, if he is not ready, it will be Matt Bartkowski filling in for him, for the 2nd consecutive game. Blue-liner Steven Kampfer has returned to practice after recovering from a knee injury, but indications are that he is not yet available to participate in games. Bruins’ center David Krejci returned to practice this morning, but was not performing line rushes with his teammates. Krejci is not expected to play in tonight’s game. The Czech-born pivot remains day-to-day with a “core injury”. Tonight’s Lineup is Projected to look like this (Subject To Change):

FORWARDS

Lucic–Seguin–Horton

Marchand–Bergeron–Peverley

Pouliot–Kelly–Caron

Paille–Campbell–Thornton

DEFENSE
Chara–Boychuk

Seidenberg–Corvo

Ference–McQuaid

GOALTENDER
Rask

Thomas

Scratches…. Kampfer , Bartkowski

Tuukka Rask was first off the ice at today’s morning skate, and is expected to get his second start of the season. Saskatoon native Cam Ward is expected to oppose him for Carolina.

Tonight’s game can be seen on NESN (Edwards, Brickley) beginning at 7 PM EST. The game can also be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub (Goucher, Beers), the flagship radio station of the Boston Bruins.

Notes & Stats

– Bruins’ winger Nathan Horton has 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) and a whopping 54 PIMs in 40 career games against the ‘Canes. His 54 Penalty minutes are the most Horton has against any team in the NHL.

– The Hurricanes are 3-10-1 in their last 14 games against Boston, including a 1-3-0 record last season, versus the B’s.

– Former Bruins’ d-man Tomas Kaberle, who signed a 3-year/ $12.75  Million deal with Carolina over the off-season,  will receive his Stanley Cup Championship ring, prior to tonight’s game. Tonight will also mark Kaberle’s first appearance at TD Garden since Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final.

 Thanks For Reading!

Be Sure To Follow Me On Twitter: @BWoodward_HI and “LIKE” the HockeyIndependent FaceBook Page

HOCKEY LEGENDS PAT LAFONTAINE AND STEVE WEBB TO RIDE 550 MILES FOR W20
FOUNDATION AND COMPANIONS IN COURAGE FOUNDATION

NEW YORK (September 19, 2011) –NHL alumnus Steve Webb and Hockey Hall
of Fame inductee Pat LaFontaine began a 550-mile bike ride this morning
from the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto in route to the NHL Powered by
Reebok Store in New York City in support of their respective charitable
efforts, the W20 Foundation and the Companions in Courage Foundation. Both
are expected to complete their historic ride on Wednesday, September 21 at
12:00 p.m. ET with a special celebration at the NHL Powered by Reebok Store
in midtown Manhattan.

“The NHL is proud to support these two hockey legends as they embark
on this epic charitable ride. On behalf of the NHL family we proudly salute
Pat and Steve, and wish them the best of luck” said Ken Martin, Jr., NHL
Vice President of Community Affairs.

LaFontaine’s Companions in Courage Foundation is an official
philanthropic partner of the National Hockey League (NHL) and helps to
create “Lion’s Den/NHL Legacy Classrooms” featuring Cisco System’s online
conferencing system, WebEx, which allows young patients to connect to
family, friends, schools and teachers anywhere in the world during a
hospital stay.

The Foundation has now opened 12 Lion’s Den rooms throughout North
America, including two with the NHL in Boston, Calgary and Montreal. The
NHL unveiled the first fully functional “NHL Legacy Classroom” at North
Carolina Children’s Hospital to commemorate the 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend.
Plans for an “NHL Legacy Classroom” in Pittsburgh were unveiled during the
2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic to commemorate the outdoor game.

Webb’s W20 Foundation provides young student ice hockey players with
partial academic scholarships to continue the pursuit of their hockey
dreams. Now the organization also highlights athletes as influential agents
of change and creates opportunities for athletes to give back in their
communities. Webb will also commit a portion of the ride’s proceeds to fund
Alzheimer and dementia research in Ontario.

The riders will be joined by a support team that includes Graham
Fraser, founder of Centurion Cycling, host of North America’s premier
series of distance bicycling events.

For more information on how you can support this please visit
www.CiC16.org
or www.w20Foundation.org.  To follow the progress of the ride, fans are
encouraged to visit www.W20Foundation.blogspot.com. ]]> http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/bdgallof/38698/feed/ 0 http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/slasher98/38347/ http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/slasher98/38347/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:49:39 +0000 Fred Poulin http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/?p=38347 Forty-three people have died in a Yakovlev Yak-42 passenger plane crash near the city of Yaroslavl in Central Russia. The majority of victims were members of the local ice hockey team Lokomotiv of the Kontinental Hockey League. The plane crashed on take-off after hitting an air traffic tower at the airport and witnesses are reporting that the plane was reduced to a pile of charred metal. It is also reported that the plane broke off in two and one half fell into water and another one on the ground. So far 31 bodies have been recovered from the river, local rescue services say.

Several of the victims were foreign players for the club. The squad includes players from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Sweden. Among the victims, former NHL players Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei, Karel Rachunek, Karlis Skrastins, and Josef Vasicek, as well as goaltender Stefan Liv who was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2000. Former Red Wings assistant coach Brad McCrimmon is also among the victims.

Demitra played 847 games in the NHL with the Senators, Blues, Kings, Wild, and Canucks scoring 304 goals and 464 assists for 768 points. He reached the 60-point plateau six times. Demitra played in the KHL last season.

Rachunek played 371 games in the NHL with the Senators, Rangers and Devils notching 22 goals and 118 assists for 140 points. Rachunek has been playing in the KHL since the 2008-09 season.

Salei played 917 games in the NHL with the Ducks, Panthers, Avalanche and Red Wings notching 45 goals and 159 assists for 204 points. He reached the Stanley Cup finals with the Ducks in 2002-03. Salei played for the Red Wings last year.

Skrastins played 832 games in the NHL with the Predators, Avalanche, Panthers and Stars recording 32 goals and 104 assists for 136 points. He played for the Stars last season.

Vasicek played 460 games in the NHL with the Hurricanes, Predators and Islanders recording 77 goals and 106 assists for 183 points. He played for the Stars last season. He reached the Stanley Cup finals with the Hurricanes in 2001-02.

The Yaroslavl HC Lokomotiv were Russian Champions in 1997, 2002 and 2003. The squad was to play a match against Mink HC Dinamo on Thursday. Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov was rumored to join Lokomotiv this summer, but chose NHL instead. A very wise decision.

Condolences to the KHL, the friends and families of all involved.

Video of the crashed plane here.

Source: SovSports and Reuters

Follow me on Twitter for more information on this terrible plane crash as the information comes along.

A native of Slovakia, Budaj was a second-round selection, 63rd overall, by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. The 6’1”, 200 lb, goalie has 101 career wins in 217 starts all with the Avalanche.

Known as a hard-worker and a great teammate, Budaj is a very talented goalie who simply needs to be more consistent to be more efficient as he had horrid stretches last season with Colorado. He should get around 20 starts with the Habs as the Canadiens to rest Carey Price more than last season, during which he played in 72 regular-season games in addition to seven playoff games.

——————————————————

After signing Budaj, Habs GM Pierre Gauthier turned his attention to UFA Erik Cole from the Carolina Hurricanes. Gauthier managed to sign Cole late in the afternoon to a deal worth $18 M over the next four years ($4.5M cap hit). Cole, who played most of his career with the Canes has been a Hab-killer over the years, scoring 14 goals and adding 11 assists for 25 points in 28 regular-season games.

Cole, a native of Oswego, New York, bounced back after an injury-riddled 2009-10 to score 26 goals and 26 assists in 2010-11 where he carried a cap hit of $2.9 million. In 620 career games, Cole has scored 184 goals and added 206 assists for 390 points (0.63% PPG ratio). He has added 35 game-winning goals.

The 32-year-old forward who has the same agent as Brian Gionta will likely line-up with Tomas Plekanec and Michael Cammalleri on the Canadiens’ first line.

Current line-up (taking into account the RFAs):
FORWARDS
Cole-Plekanec-Cammalleri
Pacioretty-Gomez-Gionta
Kostitsyn-Desharnais-Darche
Moen-Eller-White*

REARGUARDS
Markov-Gorges*
Gill-Subban
Spacek-Emelin/Weber

GOALTENDERS
Price
Budaj

According to Capgeek, Montreal still has $8,304,490 to re-sign Gorges and White and add other players. The team will most likely add a depth forward with size and grit, and a defenseman as an insurance-policy.

Former Habs:
Benoit Pouliot now with the Boston Bruins
Jeff Halpern and Roman Hamrlik now with the Washington Capitals
Alex Auld now with the Ottawa Senators

For updates on the Canadiens signings, follow me on Twitter.

Participants: Fred Poulin, Cris Cohen, Lawrence Duchenski, John Scott Moore, Jeremy Scriven, Alexander Monaghan, Jamie Fraser, Andre Garabedian, WB Philp, Al Cimaglia, Adrian Fung, Gordon Fall, Kevin Vanstone, Su Ring

Round 1
LAWRENCE 1 Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are proud to select, from the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
We believe that Ryan will be an elite player in this league for years to come. He has both the vision and the passing ability to centre our first line and we are happy to bring him into the organization.

JOHN 2 Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are proud to select, from Skelleftea HC in Sweden, Adam Larsson. The Avs most pressing issue besides a net-minder is defense. Larsson is the big man on the blue line that this team needs to be competitive. With newly acquired Erik Johnson and veteran John-Michael Liles, Larsson will complete a core of defense that should last for years. Larsson’s highly rated skating for a 6-3, 200 pound blueliner is just what the team needs. Also noted is his poise and patience with the puck, a good quality to see this early.

JAMIE 3 Panthers
The Florida Panthers select Gabriel Landeskog of the OHL’s Kitchener Ranger. Gritty. Determined. Physical. Tough. Mean. These are characteristics not common to the average Swedish hockey player. Gabriel Landeskog is truly a made in Canada Swede. He’s physical mature player who’s the most NHL ready in the draft. Landeskog is pure leadership material, he’s a difference maker every time he’s on the ice. This past season he scored 66 points (36-30) in 53 games. Here’s Landeskog take on his style “I’m a powerful guy who likes to play rough and tough,” “But I do see myself as a skilled guy but it still comes down to hard work and being gritty and being in your face. That’s what I want to do.”

JAMIE 4 Devils
The New Jersey Devils select 4th overall Jonathan Huberdeau of the Saint John Sea Dogs. Huberdeau an excellent two-way forward recently won the Memorial Cup with Saint John. He draws comparisons to Jason Spezza but with a better defensive hockey mind. Huberdeau has assets that you can’t teach such as vision, his 6’1″ frame and his ability to play under pressure. Truly a great fit for a Devils trap system. Scoring 105 points(43-62) this season in the QMJHL he has the offensive abilities to command at 1st/2nd line duties in the future.

ANDRE 5 Islanders
With the 5th selection of the 2011 entry draft, the NY Islanders are proud to select, from the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Sean Couturier. This was a very tough choice. Hamilton, Couturier, Strome, Murphy are all gifted players who can help fill a need for the Islanders and were right there for us, but the feeling was that adding a player of Couturier’s skill set, combined with his size made him a sensible choice. Not only is he a top player, but he also fills a need for size on a relatively small Islander team. He is gifted offensively, but also has displayed a commitment to the defensive side of the ice making him a solid 2-way prospect. Much of his time was spent against opposing top lines — giving him the oppor tunity to dominate at both ends of the ice. He is size speed and skill — all of the tools the Islanders need.

The “knock” on Sean was that he was coasting this season, and does not have the “commit” level that he should. We feel Sean is committed to both ends of the ice, and we are sure he will be a proud part of the Islander family for many years to come. We feel Sean is an excellent player that adds to a dynamic core of players in our development system.

JAMIE 6 Senators
With the 6th pick overall in the NHL 2011 entry draft the Ottawa Senators select Ryan Strome. Ottawa needs help for that 2nd line centre position. Ryan Strome lacks the size of Sean Couturier, but this kid put up 106 points(33-73) with the OHL’s Niagara Ice Dogs. He draws similar skill sets to Patrick Kane. Strome is a player who is at his biggest part of his game with the puck on his stick and will often make opposing defenders look absolutely ridiculous in YouTube highlight reel moments. While many of his goals belong on highlight reels, Strome has a great shot and excellent hockey sense. Make sure to follow Ryan Strome on twitter @strome18

FRED 7 Thrashers (Winnipeg Jets)
The Winnipeg team is proud to select, from the Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL, defenseman Dougie Hamiilton. His strong and smooth st aking abilities allow him to skate out of trouble in own zone. Can quarterback the power play thanks to great vision and accurate shot. The team also needs more size on defense to complement Dustin Byfuglien. Hamilton scored 12 goals and added 46 assists for 58 pts in 57 games this season. The 6’4” 195 lb rearguard could very well become a top-2 defenseman in a near future.

FRED 8 Flyers from the Blue Jackets
The Philadelphia Flyers are proud to select from Djurgarden of the Swedesih Elite League, centre Mika Zibanejad. After trading two quality centers in Mike Richards and Jeff Carter on Thursday, the Flyers need to restock their middle lane with top-end prospects. A very intelligent two-way player with a great shot, Zibanejad has an above-average sense of hockey and anticipation. He uses his 6’2”, 190 lb frame to his advantage and his strength to battle pucks along the boards. He is not afraid to play physically and likes to initiate contact. He has excellent faceoffs skills and great skating abilities. He draws some comparisons to Ryan Kesler and Mike Fisher.

FRED 9 Bruins from the Maple Leafs
The Boston bruins are proud to select from the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, defenseman Ryan Murphy. An exceeding talented puck-moving defenseman, the diminutive Murphy draws comparisons to Ryan Ellis and former NHLer Brian Rafalski. In 63 games last season, the offensive defenseman scored an impressive 26 goals and 53 assists for 79 points. A good fit for the Bruins as the team really needs a power play quarterback, Murphy is an outstanding skater and puck carrier a la PK Subban. He is very agile, possesses soft hands and boasts a hard and accurate slapshot. The 5’11, 175 lb will be a steady fixture on the Bruins’ blueline for years to come.

CRIS 10 Wild
The Minnesota Wild take, from the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, Sven Bartschi. The Wild, after being a defense-first team under Jacques Lemaire their first 7 seasons and losing Marian Gaborik to Free agency in 2009, this team needs offense. Havlat with 22 goals was their leading scorer this past season and no other Wild hit the 20-goal plateau. Bartschi, and excellent skater possesses good passing and stickhandling skills and a good, quick shot. He will need to work on the defensive side of his game, though.
JOHN 11 Avalanche from the Blues
With the 11th pick the Colorado Avalanche are proud to pick Duncan Siemens of the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades. The 6’3″, 192 lbs defenseman is just too good for the Avs to pass up. Despite needs on offense, the big D-man will be an asset to the Avs in the future and possibly forming a formidible defensive core for years. Naming Scott Stevens as his favorite player, Siemens will lay a hit and even fight. But better yet he is a shutdown defenseman with mobility.

SUE 12 Hurricanes
With the 12th pick, the Carolina Hurricanes are proud to select Joseph Morrow of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. We like Morrow for his strong skating, great speed and talented two-way game. He has the uncanny ability to see the entire ice and create smart plays and scoring chances.
He’s also very strong on both the power play and penalty kill and uses his size to every advantage on the ice. He played a key role in helping the Winterhawks clinch the WHL’s US Dvision and Western Conference titles during the regular season and helped propel the team to the WHL Championships, which they lost to the Kootenay Ice.

SUE 13 Flames
With the 13th pick, the Calgary Flames are pleased to select Mark McNeill from the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. McNeill can play Center but he also has experience at Right Wing. He’s big, smart and an accurate shot, whether it comes to scoring or passing. His size also makes him strong defensively- this kid is not afraid to go after the puck. McNeill led the Raiders to their first playoff appearance since the 2006-2007 season.

ALEXANDER 14 Stars
With the 14th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Dallas Stars take Rocco Grimaldi, Center, USA Under-18-USHL. After losing a great player like Brad Richards, we felt our organization took the best player available and added a great deal of skill. If not for his size, Grimaldi likely could have gone in the top 10 as he displays an excellent amount of agility, top speed and overall skill. In addition, we find Rocco to be a hard-working, determined individual who can eventually play on our top line. Picking at number 14, we are quite pleased to select a player of his stature.

CRIS 15 Rangers
With the 15th pick the New York Rangers select from the USHL Tyler Biggs. He brings a size (6′ 2″, 210) that most of the forwards in the Rangers’ system do not possess. He’s willing to hit opponents and fight when necessary. While not overly impressive from an offensive standpoint (19G, 12 A in 55 games) and not speedy, his size and strength should provide more room for offensively skilled teammates he could be paired with to be free to do their thing.

The second part of the mock draft will be posted later today. Stay tuned!

Jakub Voracek, 1st round pick, and....3rd round pick...(Opens Envelope) Name 3 things traded for Jeff Carter!

This year, once again with the assistance of my good friend Andrew R (and some Bitches Brew…..both the beer and the music), I sat down to do my NHL Mock Draft.  As per usual, trades were considered, and by a phenomenal stroke of luck we called Carter to Columbus for Voracek and the 8th pick….so we’re ready to go.

This was fun and challenging, as always, but especially this year, because it’s such a fluid draft and people are seriously all over the place.  I’ve seen guys ranked top 10 in some drafts and out of the 1st round in others.  I’m sure some of these picks will sound stupid, but I’m sure I’ll be wrong a lot….but hey, nobody thought Dylan McIlrath would go before Cam Fowler last year.

Without further ado, here we go…

1. Edmonton Oilers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Red Deer (WHL)

I think there are a few question marks about Nugent-Hopkins, specifically his size and willingness to go to the dirty areas, but despite this the Oilers think he’s too good to pass up at #1.  They hope he and Taylor Hall form a dynamic duo for years to come.

2. Colorado Avalanche: Gabriel Landeskog, W, Kitchener (OHL)

We agonized over this pick, but we thought at the end of the day the Avalanche would be seduced by the size, heart, grit, and NHL readiness of Landeskog.  He’s a Chris Stewart type – the kind of player you hold on to, and never trade, come hell or high water!  Wait….what?

3. Florida Panthers: Sean Couturier, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)

Dale Tallon is a well-known fan of big players, and he overlooks the “analysis paralysis” in the scouting community to jump on Sean Couturier.  Back-to-back 96-point seasons (despite having mono at the start of this year), experience at the WJC, winning the Mike Bossy Award, and his size (6’4) make him the right move for the Panthers.

4. New Jersey Devils: Adam Larsson, D, Skelleftea (SEL)

The Devils, by most accounts, should have lost their 1st round pick this year in the Kovalchuk chicanery.  Instead, they won the draft lottery, and Lou Lamoriello looks like the cat who ate the canary after Larsson falls to him at 4.  He had a sub-par year in the SEL by most standards, but Larsson’s talent and hockey sense will make him the best Devils blueline prospect since Scott Niedermayer.

5. New York Islanders: Ryan Strome, C, Niagara (OHL)

I can already hear the Dougie Hamilton fans sharpening their knives, but hear me out.  In addition to resembling Mr. Burns (according to Niagara fans), I believe Strome is the best long-term fit for the Islanders.  He projects as a top center with playmaking ability and creativity, and the Islanders justify this pick by citing his higher projection.  At the end of the day, when you pick 5th, you want the guy who will be the better player down the road, not the biggest positional need or the guy who will calm Josh Bailey’s nerves about being replaced.  I’ve had a hunch about Strome for a while, and I will not back off from it like I did last year with Nino Niederreiter.

Here’s a Strome highlight reel goal:

Highlight Reel Goal From Strome

6. Ottawa Senators: Jonathan Huberdeau, C, St. John’s (QMJHL)

Huberdeau slips to Ottawa despite his incredible playoff run with the Memorial Cup champions, and Bryan Murray is glad he did (especially since Brian Burke is nowhere to be seen and can’t take the pick out of spite).  Huberdeau projects as a flashy offensive player, and he’ll be a good one for Ottawa.

7. Winnipeg Not Yet Jets: Dougie Hamilton, D, Niagara (OHL)

Gary Bettman was much like the father in this famous Simpsons scene recently:

The NHL has indeed gone back to Winnipeg, and they bring this hulking (6’4) d-man with them.  Hamilton is a smart player who will be a good fit on this team.

8. Philadelphia Flyers (From Columbus): Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon (WHL)

I had this as a mock trade, and now it’s a real trade.  Siemens is big (6’3), mean, and a hard hitter….just the kind of kid the Flyers love.  They pick him over my other option here, Mika Zibanejad, and hope Chris Pronger’s influence helps him become a star.

9. Boston Bruins (From Toronto): Ryan Murphy, D, Kitchener (OHL)

Fresh off their Cup win, the Bruins add Ryan Murphy, whose suspect D is more than balanced out by skilled offense.  He could be a true difference-maker on the Bruins PP for years to come, and they could always hide him with a defensive d-man in even strength situations to mask his weakness.

10. Minnesota Wild: Nathan Beaulieu, D, St. John’s (QMJHL)

The Wild step up to grab mobile but raw D prospect Nathan Beaulieu, whom some scouts have ranked above Hamilton, continuing a run on defense in this part of the draft.  Beaulieu is a few years away but the Wild fans will cheer this one tomorrow night at the Xcel Energy Center.

11. Colorado Avalanche (From St. Louis): Jamieson Oleksiak, D, Northeastern University (NCAA)

The Avalanche have their forward and possible future captain in Landeskog.  Now, playing with house money, they feel like they can reach just a bit for the hulking (6’7) defender Oleksiak, and give him time to develop at his own pace that he might not have received if he were a team’s top pick.  He may leave Northeastern to play major junior next year; let’s keep an eye.

12. Carolina Hurricanes: Mika Zibanejad, President of Iran C/W, Djurgarden (SEL)

Zibanejad finds a home with the Carolina Hurricanes, who still need depth at every position and grab the best player available.  Some teams have him ranked top 5, but he slips due to being 2nd choice for a few of the teams above (Islanders, Winnipeg, Flyers, Avalanche).  The Canes are glad to have this tough, hard-nosed player, and their fans will be as well.

And I ran......I ran so far away....

13. Calgary Flames: Joel Armia, W, Assat Pori (FIN)

The Flames go for the home run by picking Armia, one of the more talented Finnish forward prospects in the last 10 years.  There are some questions about his work ethic, but the Flames love his talent too much to let him slip away.

14. Dallas Stars: Sven Bartschi, W, Portland (WHL)

The Stars jump on The Other Swiss Winterhawk, Sven Bartschi, who was a force of nature in this year’s Memorial Cup playoffs.  Some are surprised to see him slip so far, but he was again second choice for many teams, and the Stars practically pinch themselves on the way to the podium.

15. New York Rangers: Nicklas Jensen, RW, Oshawa (OHL)

The Islanders have a Dane, and now the Rangers have one too. Jensen’s hockey sense is off the charts, and the Rangers, after targeting D in the first round in previous years, think he’s the right move at 15 this year.

16. Buffalo Sabres: Oscar Klefbom, D, Farjestad (SEL)

The Sabres go for the BPA with Oscar Klefbom, a mobile, agile, and incredibly smart Swedish defenseman.  He has the potential to be the steal of the 1st round at this slot.

17. Montral Canadiens: Rocco Grimaldi, F, US NTDP

The Canadiens have trouble finding a forward taller than 5’3, and this does not get better with Grimaldi, who would be the shortest player in the NHL should he make it (yes, even smaller than Nathan Gerbe…who is a gnat).  However, he may be the most skilled player in the whole draft, and you can’t doubt his will to make it.  The Habs will look for size elsewhere….or not…

18. Chicago Blackhawks: Matt Puempel, W, Peterborough (OHL)

Puempel is a pure goal-scorer, and the Blackhawks go for the home run in continuing the rebuild of their farm system.  There are questions about his consistency, but Puempel is a great call here.

19. Edmonton Oilers: John Gibson, G, US NTDP

The Oilers have many goaltenders in the system, including Devan Dubnyk and Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers, but none project as a solid #1 goaltender.  Therefore, with Nugent-Hopkins in the fold, the Oilers jump up and take Gibson, hoping he will stabilize the crease for years to come.

20. Phoenix Coyotes: Mark McNeill, C, Prince Albert (WHL)

McNeill is strong in the corners, kills penalties well, and generally drives hard to the net.  The Coyotes have some danglers in the system, and McNeill projects as a strong, safe pick….they’re glad to have him.

21. Ottawa Senators (From Nashville): Brandon Saad, LW, Saginaw (OHL)

Ottawa is also playing with house money after nabbing Huberdeau at 6, and they can afford to take a flyer on Brandon Saad.  Saad will either be a home run power forward or a groundout, but with Huberdeau hogging all the attention as a top pick the Senators can let the Pennsylvania native find himself without a lot of pressure.

22. Anaheim Ducks: Joe Morrow, D, Portland (WHL)

Joe Morrow rocketed up the draft board due to his hockey sense, tenacity, and offensive potential.  The Ducks grab him and hope he’ll anchor the blueline for years alongside Fowler and Sbisa.

23. Pittsburgh Penguins: Tyler Biggs, RW, US NTDP

Even though the Penguins absolutely deplore violence in all its forms, they can’t resist another boom or bust type in Biggs.  He has size and a great net-front presence, and they hope he develops into his full potential.

24. Detroit Red Wings: Jonas Brodin, D, Farjestad (SEL)

This is almost too easy.  Smooth-skating, intelligent but raw d-man out of Sweden?  The Red Wings live for picks like this.  Brodin oozes talent and potential, and in Detroit he may have the best chance to harness them.

25. Toronto Maple Leafs (From Flyers): David Musil, D, Vancouver (WHL)

At a time, the hulking Musil was rated a potential top 5 pick in this draft.  His performance steadied, and he fell amid concerns his ceiling is not as high as originally thought.  He still plays a mean game and has offensive potential beyond that of his father, Frank, and he’s just truculent enough to fit Brian Burke’s bill.

26. Washington Capitals: Alexander Kochlachev, C, Windsor (OHL)

This is another almost no-brainer, as we know the Capitals LOVE their Russians.  Kochlachev oozes skill and pure offense, making him a potential home run pick this late in the draft.

27. San Jose Sharks: Mark Schiefele, C, Barrie (OHL)

The Sharks pick Schiefele as best player available, slightly ahead of J.T. Miller from the US NTDP.  Schiefele has discipline, playmaking ability, and  great net-front presence, making him a good complement to the current crop of prospects in the South Bay.

28. Tampa Bay Lightning: Connor Murphy, D, US NTDP

Murphy is a big, competitive 2-way winger who will do a little bit of everything for Steve Yzerman’s club in Tampa.  He’s best available for them.

29. Vancouver Canucks: Scott Mayfield, D, Youngstown (USHL)

He’s big, he’s smooth, he’s poised with the puck, and he’ll be a great fit in Vancouver.

30. Toronto Maple Leafs (From Boston): Zach Phillips, C/W, St. John’s (QMJHL)

Toronto closes out the pick by making it a trio from the Memorial Cup champions.  Phillips is a smart player with great puck skills and an ability to score.  Good fit for what they’re building in Toronto.

Each month we will update you on the relevant news and notes of all five Southeast Division teams.

Florida Panthers (30-40-12, 72 points, 5^th in the Southeast)

• Executive Vice President & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that Kevin Dineen has been named the 11th head coach in the club’s history. Full story.
• Dale Tallon also announced that the club has agreed to terms with right wing Jack Skille on a two-year contract. Full story.
• New Panthers coach Kevin Dineen’s philosophy as a head coach is pretty simple. Full story.
• The Panthers have agreed to terms with LW Garrett Wilson on an entry level contract. Full story.
• Sunrise Sports & Entertainment today announced “We See Red” – the Florida Panthers’ marketing campaign which launches today, June 6, and will continue through the 2011-12 NHL season. Full story.
• Video:

  Click here to view the embedded video.

Atlanta Thrashers / Winnipeg (34-36-12, 80 points, 4^th in the Southeast)

• NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated, ““We can’t compensate for lack of ownership and markets that are too small.” And with that, the Atlanta Thrashers were no more. Enter the Winnipeg Jets? Moose? Something else?
• Hockey Independent’s Mark Willoughby (TheViewFrom111) tells us the lessons that should be learned from Atlanta’s loss of an NHL franchise for the second time, in his post, “Gone With the Winn(ipeg).”
• Winnipeg named Kevin Chelveldayoff it’s General Manager. Full story.
• Here are the latest updates on all things Winnipeg hockey. Full story.
• Video:

  Click here to view the embedded video.

Carolina Hurricanes (40-31-11, 90 points, 3^rd in the Southeast)

• Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager, today announced that Dave Lewis and Rod Brind’Amour have each been named to the team’s coaching staff for the 2011-12 season. In addition, Rutherford announced that Ron Francis has been named director of hockey operations and Tom Rowe has been added to the team’s pro scouting department. Full story.
• The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce announced recently that former Hurricanes captain and current Director of Forwards Development Rod Brind’Amour has been selected by its Leadership Raleigh graduates as “Distinguished Leader of the Year.” Full story.
• Jason Karmanos, Vice President and Assistant General Manager, announced that the team has signed defenseman Tommi Kivisto and forward Mattias Lindstrom to three-year entry-level contracts. Full story.
• Jon Chase, Director of Community Relations and Promotions , today announced details for the team’s 2011 NHL Entry Draft Party at Rudino’s Sports Corner on Friday, June 24. Full story.
• Video:

  Click here to view the embedded video.

Washington Capitals (48-23-11, 107 points, 1^st in the Southeast, lost in the Eastern Conference Semifinal)

• Hockey Independent’s own Jeremy Scriven tells us,” There are still other issues at the center position” in Washington in his post, “The Void at Center Returns.”
• Scriven also writes, “The odds of a player saying they want to return to their team the next year, following a ghastly playoff performance and exit are just about as high as the Capitals not winning the Stanley Cup,” in his article, “Laich Says he Wants to Stay in D.C..”
• “Semyon Varlamov’s future with the Washington Capitals has become a bit more cloudy over recent days as rumblings persist that the restricted free agent may either bolt to the KHL, or that the Capitals may not be as high on Varly as they were a year ago,” says Scriven in his post “Varlamov’s Future in D.C. Unclear.”
• The Washington Capitals have donated a pair of captain Alex Ovechkin’s autographed, game- worn skates to benefit Soles4Souls’ relief efforts in Japan. Full story.
• Video:

  Click here to view the embedded video.

Tampa Bay Lightning (46-25-11, 103 points, 2^nd in the Southeast, lost in the Eastern Conference Final)

• Yours truly, WB Philp covered the Lightning’s run to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals in a series of articles detailing the games and the press conferences..
• I also look at what is next for the Bolts after their Game 7 loss to the Boston Bruins in my post, “Looking Into the Lightning’s Crystal Ball.”
• Hockey Independent writer Fred Poulin discusses Sean Bergenheim and Teddy Purcell’s surprising play in the playoffs in his article, “Unexpected NHL Playoff Heroes.”
• The Game 7 loss was especially painful for Bolts superstar Steven Stamkos. Full story.
• Listen to coach Guy Boucher’s exit interview here.
• Video:

  Click here to view the embedded video.

Follow me on Twitter @LightningShout, “Like” Hockey Independent Lightning and HockeyIndependent.com on Facebook.

The NHL’s Southeast Division was formed in 1998 as a part of the Eastern Conference due to expansion. It has had two Stanley Cup winning teams, the 2004 Tampa Bay Lightning and the 2006 Carolina Hurricanes.

Each month we will link you to the relevant news and notes of all five Southeast Division teams.

Florida Panthers (30-40-12, 72 points, 5th in the Southeast)

• At the World Championships, defenseman Dmitry Kulikov played a role in the Russian victory over Slovenia by scoring a goal, giving them a 3-2 lead 6:15 into the third period. He finished with a goal on two shots and a minus-1 on 14:21 of ice time. Full story.
• Winger Jack Skille and defenseman Clay Wilson helped the USA team come from behind and defeat Norway at the World Championships. Full story.
• Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov had a rough game as the Russians beat Slovakia 4-3 at the World Championships. Kulikov had one shot on goal, a penalty and was a -2 in 10:40 of ice time.  Full story.
• Former NHL player Paul Healey was named Director of Coaching for the Florida Junior Panthers. Full story.
• Forward Jack Skille finished with two shots on net and a minus 2 in 13:37 of ice time (17 shifts) while Clay Wilson had a shot on net and a minus-1 in 15:14 of ice time as the USA fell to Sweden at the World Championships. Full story.
• Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov finished a minus 1 with 12:46 of ice time (17 shifts) as the Russians outlasted the Danes, 4-3 at the World Championships. Full story.
• Quote:  “He finally emerged this year and showed he can be a full-time NHL defenseman in the future. The way he played in the last half of the season showed some confidence with the puck. It made sense, he can be in our top seven and contribute regularly.’’ – Panthers Assistant General Manager Mike Santos on newly signed defenseman Keaton Ellerby.
• Video:  A Randy Moller tribute.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Atlanta Thrashers (34-36-12, 80 points, 4th in the Southeast)

• Evander Kane and Tim Stapleton never would have guessed that they’d be perfect linemates. Full story.
• The Thrashers have seven players suiting up for their respective countries at the 2011 IIHF World Championships. See how they’re doing. Full story.
• Quote:  “There are some people we are talking to, but nothing that is far enough along at this stage that it deserves further comment.” – Michael Gearon Jr., Part Owner Atlanta Thrashers.
• Quote:  “Atlanta is my first option. Like I said, I like it here. I have been here only for a short time but a great experience. I see the future as very bright. They were at the eighth spot for a lot of the season. I strongly believe we have a great chance next year.” - Unrestricted free agent forward Radek Dvorak.
• Video:  Will the Thrashers relocate?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Carolina Hurricanes (40-31-11, 90 points, 3rd in the Southeast)

• The ‘Canes have agreed to terms with defenseman Justin Faulk on a three-year, entry-level contract, beginning with the 2011-12 season, Full story.
• Forward Jeff Skinner has been selected as one of three finalists for the 2010-11 Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year. Full story.
• Goaltender Cam Ward has been selected by his teammates as Carolina’s nominee for the 2010-11 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. It marks the second time that Ward has been nominated for this honor, which is annually awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy contribution in his community. Full story.
• Quote:  “I’m confident in my abilities. I can play at this (AHL) level, I know. And hopefully in the next year or two I can make the jump.” – Jared Staal, Hurricanes prospect.
• Video:  A May 6 anniversary.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Washington Capitals (48-23-11, 107 points, 1st in the Southeast, lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals)

• Hockey Independent’s own Jeremy Scriven writes about another Capitals playoff failure in his article The Capitals Fooled us Again. Full story.
• Capitals defenseman Mike Green, Los Angeles Kings center Dustin Brown and Vancouver Canucks forwards Daniel and Henrik Sedin are the finalists for the 13th Annual NHL Foundation Player Award, the National Hockey League announced today. The award recognizes an NHL player who applies the core values of hockey – commitment, perseverance and teamwork – to enrich the lives of people in his community. Full story.
• The Washington Capitals raised $17,920 for Washington Capitals Charities through the team’s first Mystery Mini-Helmets fundraiser, which took place at the Caps game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on May 1. The fundraiser featured 450 Capitals replica mini-helmets, autographed by various Capitals players that sold for $40 each. The mini-helmets went on sale at 6 p.m. when the doors opened to Verizon Center and sold out before the start of the game. Full story.
• Capitals owner Ted Leonsis congratulated the Tampa Bay Lightning and gave a hint about the teams future in his blog “Teds Take.” Full story.
• Quote:  “Someone said he’s not a ‘playoff coach.’ There’s no difference between a ‘playoff coach’ and a ‘regular-season coach.’ You’re either a good coach or you’re not. He’s a good coach.” – Capitals General Manager George McPhee on Bruce Boudreau.
• Video:  Happier times.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tampa Bay Lightning (46-25-11, 103 points, 2nd in the Southeast, Eastern Conference finalists)

• Yours truly, WB Philp runs down the Lightning’s surprising sweep of the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference semifinals with a game by game summary of articles. Full story.
• Forward Sean Bergenheim has stepped into a leading role with the Lightning. Full story.
• The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) announced today that Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks, Daniel Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks and Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning have been selected as finalists for the 2010-11 Ted Lindsay Award. The Ted Lindsay Award is presented annually to the “Most Outstanding Player” in the NHL, as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA. Full story.
• Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeffrey Vinik had no idea the Bolts turnaround would be so quick. Full story.
• Quote:  “Most athletes, they tend to think of the results a little too much. You turn your motivation and your activation level so high at some point because you think of the end result that you become very anxious and anxiety doesn’t send you in the right direction.” - Lightning Coach Guy Boucher.
• Video:  The Lightning win the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Click here to view the embedded video.

First, Montreal got blanked 2-0 on home ice against division rivals, the Buffalo Sabres, providing a less than stellar effort in front of their home fans. While the Habs shot 31 times at Ryan Miller, none of them was a very good scoring chance. The Canadiens were also undisciplined as they tend to be most nights taking five minor penalties during the game. The team was still without Brent Sopel, Jeff Halpern, Tomas Plekanec and Mathieu Darche.

Two days later was the biggest game of the season in Boston against the Bruins. A game that was supposed to be very important for a team trying to catch up the division leader and against Zdeno Chara, who had viciously checked into the stanchion one of their teammates, Max Pacioretty. Well, they didn’t same to care, as the Canadiens played their worst game of the season, getting destroyed 7-0. The Bruins took an early 3-0 lead in the first period and never looked back, chasing Carey Price midway through the third frame, scoring five goals on 33 shots against the All-Star goalie. Back-up Alex Auld didn’t fare much better allowing two goals on only eight shots in relief.

To add insult to injury, Chara finished the night with three assists and a +3 plus/minus rating and was named the game’s 1st star. Mike Cammalleri and Tomas Plekanec each finished the evening with a dismal -4 plus/minus ratio, while Scott Gomez (getting more and more useless) played more than 20 minutes once again and took two dumb penalties that nullified any chance the Habs had to come back in the second period.

Hell, Tim Thomas, despite receiving 24 shots, was seen laughing all night with the referees… while Jacques Martin remained stoical as his usual self in spite of the carnage.

One would have thought this humiliation would wake up the Habs from their slumber in light of their imminent match-up with the red hot Washington Capitals who had just been blanked 2-0 on Friday in Ottawa. Well think again, the Canadiens were hapless and uninspired during the whole game and were about to be blanked for a third consecutive game, a first since 1949!! Rookie netminder Braden Holtby earned the easiest shutout of his young NHL career, stopping only 18 shots, none of them being much of threat.

The Caps took an early 1-0 lead 1:24 into the game when Marco Sturm buried a rebound past Price. They never looked back as they a methodical road game putting the game out of reach 16:24 into the third frame on a beautiful goal by Alexander Semin.

Over the past three games the Canadiens have averaged only 8.3 even strength scoring chances per game, down from the 12.3 scoring chances they averaged during the ten games prior to the 6-3 loss against the Rangers. The Canadiens went 7-3-0 in that span and scored 2.2 even strength goals per game, meaning they cashed in once for every 5.6 scoring chances. On special teams, the Canadiens went 8-for-32 on the power play in the 10-game sample and have gone 0-for-10 over the past three games.

It was finally enough to convince Martin to hold a practice on Sunday, usually a day-off for the players, during which he ordered his hapless team to skate more than they did the previous three games combined…

Martin began his practice without pucks, by skating his team 25 laps at a gradually increasing pace, forward and backward. He then asked for sprints – from goal line to blue line, then centre ice, then the far blue line, then to the top of the far face-off circle. Without a break, Martin started running one-on-one rushes, then two-on-zero. Soon he had two hard-skating trailers in pursuit of the two up front, muscles burned for 17 minutes before he called the first short timeout for water.

After, the coach ran a series of fast-paced line drills, then sent his team into hard, physical one-on-one battles, grinding with purpose along the boards and in front of the net, an area unknown for most of the Habs forwards. After almost an hour, he ran another set of gradually lengthening start-and-stop sprints to end the practice and send his players gasping for air and water.

With only three wins in their past nine games, and only six games left on the season, only two at home, there is no margin for error for Jacques Martin and his struggling team. And invisible veterans like Brian Gionta, Mike Cammalleri and Scott Gomez will have to start producing offensively if the Habs hope to make the playoffs and win at least one round.

The Canadiens will host the Atlanta Thrashers on Tuesday and fly to Raleigh to visit the dangerous Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday in what would prove to be a very game for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Montreal will then visit the New Jersey Devils in Newark on Saturday.

Currently tied for 6th place with the Rangers with 87 points in 76 games, Montreal is now seven points behind the Bruins for the division lead. They can still catch the Tampa Bay Lightning for fifth place (91 points), but it’s more likely they will finish 6-7-8 in the conference. The Hurricanes are currently ranked 9th with 80 points in 75 games.

You can follow me on Twitter to get updates on the Habs and the NHL in general.

As a weathered Thrashers fan, you are quite familiar with the insidious history of the Atlanta Thrashers to play like world beaters in the months of November and December, only to find them playing like fools in February — fools that piss away an entire half season of progress in the process. As recently as last season, the Thrashers had us believing that things would be different, but this time, the annual Thrashers collapse was initiated earlier than usual when the boys lost 8 straight games to end 2009 and then ushered in 2010 with a thud by losing 2 of 3 games by a margin of 13 to 3. However, the team somehow got its act together and played just well enough over the next 16 games (prior to the Olympic Games) to entice Thrashers fans into thinking a post-Olympic “March to the Playoffs” was indeed a possibility.

Well, right out of the gate, the Thrashers won two straight and their convincing win over the lowly Islanders was just enough to trick us into thinking “miracles do happen”. But such thinking really is insidious when it comes to Thrashers hockey as it serves only to batter, then beat and then scar your mental composition, sometimes irrevocably. Despite a 6-game winless streak after the win over the Long Island Fishermen, the Thrashers managed to ramp up hopes again by the middle of their “March” with an ensuing 4-game win streak, which set up a pivotal game against the visiting Boston Bruins, a game that would ultimately bestow 8^th place in the standings as its victory spoil to the winner. Of course, as soon as we started to think that the Thrashers might do the unthinkable, they then proceed to yank the rug out from under our silly, gullible asses by “pooping the bed” in a big game. But who could blame us for wanting to believe? The team had managed to overcome a bad stretch of hockey to not only win four in a row, but also vanquish theretofore “kryptonitic” nemesis, the Philadelphia Flyers, in improbable fashion, winning back to back games against their usually unbeatable antagonist.

Strangely, the Thrashers arrived at that point in their schedule last season with an eerily similar record of 29 – 29 – 11 before winning 3 more games to get to 75 points in 72 games. They found themselves taking the ice for a game against the Bruins to see who would leave it as the 8^th place team in the standings. As you well know, the Thrashers left that game as merely a 9^th place team, one that had foolishly dared to dream only to be punished by some sort of karmic historical force, which seems to take unusual delight in watching the fans of expansion hockey franchises suffer great mental anguish and harm before ever tasting the spoils of victory in big games beyond the Ides of March. Today, the 15^th of March has arrived once again with the Thrashers confronting historical inevitability as they prepare for tonite’s important contest with the New Jersey Devils at 7pm. Has there ever been a more apropos moment and place for a young team to face its franchise’s historical demons as the Ides of March at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ??

Tonite, the Thrashers stand on the precipice of their tumultuous season staring headlong into the abyss of spoiled opportunity and unrealized potential. Will this Thrashers team simply crumble under the weight of history once again and slip into that despair-inducing, dark abyss? Or can they continue to build on the progress they’ve made thus far in March, a month in which they’ve shaken off the frustration and disappointment of a 2 – 7 – 2 February, to win three of their last four games?

Since the 4 to 1 disaster on the road in Buffalo on the 23rd of February, the T-birds have cobbled together a good stretch in which their hard work and determination has actually yielded points in the standings. With the dramatic, come from nowhere, overtime win over Philadelphia on Saturday, the Thrashers earned (stole) their 9^th and 10^th points out of the last 16 available on the schedule. Once again, the Thrashers arrive at a crossroads in their season with a record of 29 – 28 – 12 for 70 points (through 69 games), exactly one overtime point ahead of where they were last year after beating Buffalo 4 to 3 on March 16, 2010. A week later though, the Thrashers were beaten soundly (4 to 0) by Boston and any further thought of making the playoffs was eradicated with a miserable 4 to 1 defeat at the pads of Cam Ward and the Canes (go figure, did Erik Cole score the game-winner??).

For this Thrashers team, the final few nails have not yet been driven through the coffin door. But the graveyard caretaker can be seen in the distance and his hand is full of nails. There are just 13 games to go before the season is etched into the history book for all time. If the Thrashers are to pull a fast one on the ominous, lurking caretaker, they will need to win at least 9 games in the final month of the season. But, they haven’t won 9 games in any 30 day span since the win over Nashville on my birthday (December 6th) gave them 9 wins in only 26 days. It took them until January 26^th – just 51 days later! – to win 9 more. Since then, the boys have only tasted success five times out of 17 tries. But 3 of the wins have come in the last four. Perhaps this is the start of a magical run to the playoffs? History would say to doubt that potential outcome greatly. However, the Thrashers may not need magic to pull this off.

Two of the teams (New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes) they are chasing have been struggling since February 1^st much like the Thrashers. The Rangers are 7 – 10 – 1 since the All-Star Game and the Canes have slumped to a 6 – 9 – 4 record since then. The Thrashers, who occupied 8^th place as recently as February 13^th, have won one game fewer than the Canes since that time, but now can catch their division rival  with a win tonite and a loss by Carolina in Buffalo. Of course, it might be better if Carolina were to beat Buffalo so the Thrashers can hopefully close the 6-point gap on the Sabres with wins over Jersey (tonite), Philly on Thursday and Buffalo on Saturday. See, the Thrashers don’t need to rattle off 8 or 9 straight wins to make the playoffs. Win games two through four in a row this week and they will find themselves tied with Buffalo, who only plays Carolina before then, by week’s end possibly. No one expected the Thrashers to come back from a 3-goal deficit Saturday nite, so no one should count Atlanta out of the playoff picture just yet.

Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that they do in fact win these next 3 games and find themselves enjoying a share of 8^th place with Buffalo on Sunday, March 20^th. That means the Thrashers would have 76 points through 72 games and suddenly on pace for 87 points. Last season, 88 points was enough to get into the playoffs so to think that the Thrashers could earn 12 more points over their final 10 games is not all that farfetched. A record of 6 – 3 – 1 would be enough for 89 points and possibly the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Thus, the “magic number” for the Thrashers appears to be 4 as in four losses. Anymore than that and the Thrashers’ playoff aspirations are cooked.

I know what you’re thinking: “come on Jason, you know better than to even think about making the playoffs!!” Of course I do, but I’m not afraid to hope for a short run of success in the near term so that a young Thrashers team (keep in mind we have 12 players at or below the age of 26 and several others who have never even played in a playoff game) can play as many meaningful games as possible down the stretch and thus be better off in the long term. See, it doesn’t really matter if the Thrashers come up short of the playoffs as this is not the team, as currently constructed, that we will see battle for a top 8 spot next season and beyond. While the core components are in place, the team as a whole is far from complete. Hopefully the experience they can gain from this next dozen or so games will help them develop a sense for how to win critical games and prepare them for a more successful year next season. But, in the meantime, why not foil the creeping undertaker and keep those 4 remaining nails in his pocket for the forseeable future?

NHL clubs made 16 trades involving 35 players today prior to the 3 p.m., ET, trade deadline. Following is a list of the transactions:

• Anaheim traded C Maxim Lapierre and C MacGregor Sharp to Vancouver for C Joel Perrault and Vancouver’s 3rd-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.
• Atlanta traded RW Niclas Bergfors and LW Patrick Rissmiller to Florida for RW Radek Dvorak and Carolina’s 5th-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft (previously acquired).
• Atlanta traded G Drew MacIntyre to Montreal for D Brett Festerling.
• Atlanta traded LW Fredrik Modin to Calgary for Calgary’s 7th-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft.
• Boston traded D Jeff Penner and RW Mikko Lehtonen to Minnesota for G Anton Khudobin.
• Carolina traded LW Sergei Samsonov to Florida for D Bryan Allen.
• Chicago traded C Ryan Potulny and a 2nd-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft to Ottawa for D Chris Campoli and a conditional 7th-round pick in 2012.
• Colorado traded D Kevin Montgomery to Edmonton for D Shawn Belle.
• Columbus traded D Rostislav Klesla and LW Dane Byers to Phoenix for LW Scottie Upshall and D Sami Lepisto.
• Columbus traded LW Tom Sestito to Philadelphia for C Michael Chaput and RW Greg Moore.
• Edmonton traded RW Dustin Penner to Los Angeles for D Colten Teubert, Los Angeles’ 1st-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft and a conditional 3rd-round pick in 2012.
• Florida traded D Dennis Wideman to Washington for C Jake Hauswirth and Washington’s 3rd-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft.
• Florida traded LW Chris Higgins to Vancouver for D Evan Oberg and Vancouver’s 3rd-round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft.
• New Jersey traded C Jason Arnott to Washington for C David Steckel and Washington’s 2nd-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.
• St. Louis traded LW Brad Winchester to Anaheim for Anaheim’s 3rd-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.
• Toronto traded C John Mitchell to NY Rangers for the Rangers’ 7th-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.

There also were three waiver claims today:

• Atlanta claimed C Rob Schremp from NY Islanders.
• Calgary claimed D Brett Carson from Carolina.
• Ottawa claimed G Curtis McElhinney from Tampa Bay.

Trade Deadline Activity Since 1979-80

Season Date Trades Players
1979-80 March 11, 1980 3 5
1980-81 March 10, 1981 12 22
1981-82 March 9, 1982 5 11
1982-83 March 8, 1983 1 1
1983-84 March 6, 1984 2 2
1984-85 March 12, 1985 4 7
1985-86 March 11, 1986 8 14
1986-87 March 10, 1987 5 9
1987-88 March 8, 1988 8 12
1988-89 March 7, 1989 9 21
1989-90 March 6, 1990 10 16
1990-91 March 5, 1991 14 33
1991-92 March 10, 1992 11 22
1992-93 March 22, 1993 9 14
1993-94 March 21, 1994 18 35
1994-95 April 7, 1995 19 32
1995-96 March 20, 1996 13 21
1996-97 March 18, 1997 18 35
1997-98 March 24, 1998 19 38
1998-99 March 23, 1999 21 30
1999-00 March 14, 2000 12 23
2000-01 March 13, 2001 17 31
2001-02 March 19, 2002 17 35
2002-03 March 11, 2003 24 46
2003-04 March 9, 2004 20 32
2005-06 March 9, 2006 25 40
2006-07 February 27, 2007 25 44
2007-08 February 26, 2008 25 45
2008-09 March 4, 2009 22 47
2009-10 March 3, 2010 31 55
2010-11 February 28, 2011 16 35

First, the Columbus Blue Jackets have claimed veteran defenseman Craig Rivet from the Buffalo Sabres on re-entry waivers. Rivet, an impending unrestricted free agent, will bring leadership and experience to an inexperienced Jackets team. The Sabres will be responsible for half of his $3,500,000 salary prorated on the remainder of the season.

Also, the Philaldephia Flyers claimed rearguard Nick Boynton from the Chicago Blackhawks. That move was necessary due to their lack of space and the loss of their 7th defenseman, Oskars Bartulis, for the remainder of the year due to a shoulder injury. That means Adam Foote, is not in the Flyers’ plans anymore. Strange move by the Hawks as Boynton his only earning $500,000 this year (the league minimum salary).

Then, in a strange move, the Los Angeles Kings put winger Marco Sturm on waivers to clear cap space in anticipation of the next 48 hours. Sturm was claimed by the Washington Capitals, who desperately needed scoring help on their second line. The Kings had acquired Sturm from the Boston Bruins earlier this season.

The following players were put on waivers today (most notables in bold):

Jason Jaffray (ANA), Tim Stapelton (ATL), Brett Carson (CAR), Nathan Lawson (NYI), Robbie Schremp (NYI), Pascal Leclaire (OTT), Ty Conklin (STL), Curtis McElhinney (TB), DJ King (WAS).

Schremp will likely get picked up by a team looking to add depth up front. As for the other ones, I highly doubt there is a market for them. Back-up goalies are not in high demand this season… Conklin lost his back-up job to giant Ben Bishop, who earned his first NHL shutout yesterday against the Oilers. Leclaire’s season has been riddled by injuries and inconsistent play. McElhinney (acquired in exchange from Dan Ellis from the Ducks) has been dreadful so far this year and with Mike Smith (who cleared re-entry waivers) and Dwayne Roloson in front of him, the Lightning doesn’t need his services.

The Atlanta Thrashers have extended forward Chris Thorburn. The deal is three years at an average salary of $867,000 (2.6M total). The rugged winger has 7 goals and 9 assists for 16 points in 62 games for the Thrashers. He was slated to become a restricted free agent at season’s end.

With Chris Pronger slated to miss tonight’s game, the Philadelphia Flyers were forced to recall rearguard Erik Gudbranson from the AHL to take his spot. As a result, they had to send a player down, and James Van Riemsdyk was reassigned temporarily to the AHL. He will miss tonight’s game in Ottawa, and with Blair Betts nursing an injury, Nikolay Zherdev will draw back into the line-up despite having gone unclaimed on waivers earlier this week.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly been offered a first and third round pick for forward Clarke MacArthur who’s a RFA after the season. Negotiations are ongoing, but GM Brian Burke is not willing to meet MacArthur’s salary expectations following a strong season. Burke is also seeking defensive help, and he’s willing to give a 3rd rounder in exchange for an offensive d-man. The Colorado Avalanche is asking a 2nd round pick in exchange for John-Michael Liles.

As told by Jamie Fraser, the Ottawa Senators are still negotiating with impending UFA Chris Phillips in an attempt to extend the veteran defenseman. If a deal is not reached before Monday’s deadline, expect the rearguard to be traded to a contender.

UPDATE: via Bob MacKenzie, the Florida Panthers have just traded Bryan McCabe to the New York Rangers for a 3rd round pick and Tim Kennedy.

The numbers in bold indicate the team’s best season attendance-wise.
NHL attendance since the lock-out (Downloadable Excel format)

Here you can find a link to all the current NHL arenas and their capacity

Below you will find the team ranking by division:
Northeast Division:
1. Canadiens
4. Maple Leafs
6. Senators
8. Sabres
19. Bruins

Atlantic Division:
3. Flyers
10. Rangers
16. Penguins
27. Devils
30. Islanders

Southeast Division:
11. Lightning
20. Capitals
21. Hurricanes
24. Panthers
28. Thrashers

Northwest Division:
5. Flames
7. Canucks
9. Wild
17. Oilers
22. Avalanche

Central Division:
2. Red Wings
12. Blackhawks
18. Blues
25. Blue Jackets
26. Predators

Pacific Division:
13. Sharks
14. Stars
15. Kings
23. Ducks
29. Coyotes

Conclusions: All Canadian cities fare very well, five of them ranking in the top-seven teams in attendance, with the exception of the Edmonton Oilers, mainly because Rexall Place has a seating capacity of only 16,839 fans (albeit each game has been sold-out since the lock-out). Rexall Place, built in 1974, is also the third oldest arena only behind the Madison Square Garden and the Nassau Veterans Coliseum. Thus, the need to build a new facility in Edmonton.

Among the Sunbelt cities, only the Tampa Bay Lightning, the San Jose Sharks, the Dallas Stars and the Los Angeles Kings rank in the top fifteen teams in attendance since the lock-out.

Unsurprisingly, the New York Islanders, the Phoenix Coyotes, the Atlanta Thrashers, the Nashville Predators and the Florida Panthers are among the worst in attendance. Each of these teams has had moderate success on the ice since the lock-out, having problems qualifying for the playoffs.

The only exception being the New Jersey Devils, ranked 27th in the league despite being perennial playoffs team since the lock-out thanks to Martin Brodeur, among others.

Eight NHL teams are having their best season so far at the gates, such as the Nashville Predators, whose attendance numbers have improved by more than a thousand so far this year. Teams with ownership uncertainty like the Dallas Stars, have experienced the biggest drop in attendance this year, a drop of almost 3,000 fans per game.

Finally, only three teams have had an average attendance below 80% of their arena’s capacity since the lock-out. Without much surprise, these teams are the Islanders, the Coyotes and the Thrashers, three of the most unstable NHL organizations these past recent years.

You can also follow me on Twitter for more information on the NHL.