Official NHL Regular Season Thread... Capitals win President's trophy

Captain Ovechkin...
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Congrats on 10k ATFK
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Blackhawks 4, Wild 1
Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) -Marian Hossa scored two goals for the second straight game as the surging Chicago Blackhawks won their fourth straight and took over the NHL points lead by beating the Minnesota Wild 4-1 on Tuesday night.

Chicago (30-10-3) has 63 points, two more than Eastern Conference-leading New Jersey and San Jose.

Cristobal Huet made 19 saves as the Blackhawks improved their home record to a league-best 20-4-1.

Patrick Kane extended his scoring streak to nine games with a power-play goal early in the third that made it 3-1, and Hossa finished the scoring by following in his own rebound from the crease. Minnesota's Guillaume Latendresse opened the scoring, and the Blackhawks' John Madden also had a goal in the first period.

Moments after he checked Josh Harding off the puck when the Wild goalie went behind the net, Chicago's Patrick Sharp took a carom pass from Brian Campbell and found Hossa open in the left circle for the go-ahead score at 12:38 of the second.

The goal came after Huet stopped a breakaway by Latendresse. He then snuffed Kyle Brodziak at the end of the Wild's 3-on-1 break minutes later.

Latendresse scored at 13:52 of the first, taking a centering pass and beating Huet from in front.

Minnesota backup Harding, who entered with a 3-1 career record against Chicago, finished with 29 saves, including a diving glove stop of Kane after he cut across the crease in the first period.

But the Blackhawks broke through when Madden took a nice pass from Kris Versteeg, and after hitting the post on his first tip-in attempt, scored on his second to tie it.

Kane's shot from the left circle came seconds after a two-man advantage for the Blackhawks expired.

NOTES: The Wild have lost four straight. ... Hossa, who missed the first 22 games following shoulder surgery, has 10 goals. ... D Niklas Hjalmarsson, who missed two games after being hit with a puck while sitting on the bench, returned to the Blackhawks lineup. D Cam Barker was scratched for Chicago, and Owen Nolan sat out for the Wild.

That's 4 straight, we are looking real solid right now. I have a feeling this is going to be a very special season
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Bergeron out 2-3 weeks... bad luck continues...
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Could be worse, I suppose.

Wheeler tonight.
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[h3]Habs want to keep Plekanec[/h3]
10:30AM ET

[h5]Tomas Plekanec | Canadiens[/h5]
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There was speculation that the http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=1933Tomas Plekanec trade talks might heat up near the trade deadline, especially if Plekanec makes it clear that he wants upward of $7 million -- a number the Montreal Canadiens don't want to deal with.

But GM Bob Gainey told the Montreal Gazette, "We would like to keep all our good players and I think you have to mark Tomas Plekanec down on the list of players we would like to keep. There isn't only one player that we want to keep. There are a lot of different pieces to the puzzle. We'll work to fit them together before July 1."

Previously, CyberPresse wrote that because of all the things Gainey wants to do in the offseason, including retaining Carey Price, he may not have the money to keep Plekanec.

One previously rumored trade was between the Montreal Canadiens and http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=phiPhiladelphia Flyers, according to a user on the Habs Inside/Out blog, who writes that he has a "reliable source" who tells him the Flyers are looking to send http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=89Brian Boucher and http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=2383Jeff Carter over to Montreal for Plekanec, http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=305Hal Gill and http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3116Jaroslav Halak. This deal would solve a handful of problems for both teams, especially at goalie.

http:// [h3]Trade value of Kovalchuk[/h3]
10:26AM ET

[h5]Ilya Kovalchuk | Thrashers | Interested: Flames?, Kings?, Flyers?, Bruins?, Maple Leafs?[/h5]
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[h5]Kovalchuk's rumored suitors[/h5]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torToronto Maple Leafs: They might save up and spend it all in one place.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=losLos Angeles Kings: There was a lot of buzz about this one, but two sources say this rumor is false.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyCalgary Flames: Calgary GM Mike Gillis' denied the rumors, as did other Flames sources in the media, but it's possible they are playing this one close to the vest.

KHL: KHL president Alexander Medvedev might also swoop in with a huge deal. He said he's already talked to Kovalchuk and can offer a better deal than the NHL because of tax laws.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=bosBoston Bruins: Won't happen until February. A trade would include Blake Wheeler and Tuukka Rask.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colColorado Avalanche -- Here's why.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=pitPittsburgh Penguins -- No money, no space.

Several teams have been rumored to be interested in trading for Ilya Kovalchuk, but what will it take to get him?

Chicago Daily News writer Tim Sassone has an answer: "I'm thinking possibly two top-nine forwards, a defenseman and maybe a high draft pick or two."

It's a high price, Sassone writes, so his hometown Blackhawks may not end up trading for the 26-year-old. The idea was first brought up when one Western Conference executive told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun that he wouldn't be surprised of Chicago went after Kovalchuk. A trade would have to involved the Blackhawks dumping some long-term contracts, given their money troubles.

If Kovalchuk doesn't agree to a contract with the Thrashers, he will likely be traded during the draft weekend in June, according to the Hockey News.

Kovalchuk will be hoping to go to a stable franchise with a bright future -- something he doesn't think he has in Atlanta.

The Blackhawks will likely use Kovalchuk as a short-term rental to boost them to a Stanley Cup this season. They will likely try to get rid of some of their big contracts, like Cam Barker and Kris Versteeg, LeBrun writes.

LeBrun writes that other potentially interested teams include: Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Boston.

http:// [h3]Timetable for Lehtonen trade[/h3]
10:19AM ET

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http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=atlAtlanta Thrashers goalie Kari Lehtonen will probably play an NHL game in two to three weeks, coach John Anderson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. But when he gets his starts, it may only be for the purposes of showcasing the 26-year-old for a trade.

Last month, it was rumored that the Thrashers put Lehtonen on the market. And it was rumored that it would cost opposing teams a conditional draft pick.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3502Ondrej Pavelec and http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=1142Johan Hedberg have proven to be a solid one-two combo for the Thrashers, so unless something unexpected happens, he'll be dealt. But as of late, Pavelec has struggled, which might push the Thrashers to hold onto Lehtonen -- maybe even for the long-term.

One more thing: The Hockey News writes that despite his $3 million salary, Lehtonen's suitors will only have to pay part of his salary.

http:// [h3]Parent may need surgery[/h3]
10:13AM ET

[h5]Ryan Parent | Flyers[/h5]
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Despite the optimism of the Philadelphia Flyers, D Ryan Parent may end up needing surgery.

The Flyers think he'll be back in two weeks, but a source told the Philadelphia Daily News that Parent has a herniated disk in his back. The Daily News cites a medical source when writing, "The difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc is that bulging disc can be aided by rest and physical therapy, while a herniated disc is past the point of no return -- the only real fix is surgery. Anything else is just temporary."

So Parent may be back in a few weeks, thanks to cortisone shots, but he may end up needing surgery in the long-run.

http:// [h3]Devils may try to add Koivu[/h3]
9:59AM ET

[h5]Saku Koivu | Ducks[/h5]
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The New Jersey Devils want to make sure their strong core of talent doesn't go to waste so the New York Post writes that GM Lou Lamoriello might call up the Anaheim Ducks for some of their veterans.

Yesterday we told you the Ducks are looking to deal a handful of players -- including Teemu Selanne, Scott Niedermayer and Saku Koivu -- if they aren't in contention in a few weeks. Today, the Post suggests the Devils may deal for Koivu and Niedermayer.

It may be a longshot to bring on both veterans, considering they are a collective $10 million cap hit, so if this happens the Devils will have to send big contracts back.

http:// [h3]Pens' youngster might stick[/h3]
9:32AM ET

[h5]Luca Caputi | Penguins[/h5]
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Luca Caputi, 21, might be adding to the Pittsburgh Penguins' arsenal of young talent. He was called up to replaced the injured Chris Kunitz and he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette he hopes to stick on the team this time around.

He got a five-game audition last season, but with one extra year of seasoning and a solid AHL resume thus far, he might be ready to become a big part of the team.

For the Baby Penguins, Caputi had 13 goals and 13 assists in 36 games. His game plan is quite simple for his NHL shot, which will last at least until after the Olympic break next month: "I basically just stand in front of the net and clean up the garbage. Go to the net hard, try get my stick on pucks whenever I can and be solid in front, be hard to move from the front of the net and just provide offense when I can."

http:// [h3]DiPietro may play this week[/h3]
9:18AM ET

[h5]Rick DiPietro | Islanders[/h5]
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Rick DiPietro will likely play in one of the three upcoming road games this week for the New York Islanders.

When Chris Botta of Islanders Point Blank asked coach Scott Gordon about it, he grinned and told him, "Maybe."

Tonight the Isles play at Colorado, Friday they play in Dallas and Saturday they play in Phoenix.

Botta predicts DiPietro will start one of those games, but it'll be interesting to see if he'll play the entire game since he hasn't played an NHL game in one year. If he proves he can capably tandem with Dwayne Roloson, Martin Biron trade talks will surely be buzzing.

http:// [h3]Ovechkin's plan for captaincy[/h3]
9:10AM ET

[h5]Alex Ovechkin | Capitals[/h5]
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As expected, Alex Ovechkin was named the new Washington Capitals captain after former captain Chris Clark was traded.

The team appears quite happy about the decision. Coach Bruce Boudreau told the Washington Post the team cheered when he announced the decision.

But Ovechkin may not be the vocal leader Boudreau said he was going to pick. He told the Post, "We have lots of guys that can speak up, but if I need to say something, I'm going to say something. I'm just going to show it on the ice, and if they need someone to help them, I will."

That might mean, if Boudreau needs something conveyed to the team, he might tell the more vocal Brooks Laich or the veteran Mike Knuble. Still, most Caps players probably knew Ovechkin was a shoe-in for the role.

http:// [h3]The Blues' new style[/h3]
9:05AM ET

[h5]St. Louis Blues[/h5]
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New coach Davis Payne's style is coming into focus as the St. Louis Blues has their first practice with him yesterday. The biggest difference, according to players, was best described by David Backes, who told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "He does have Xs and O's and there's systems and things like that. But there's a lot more on passion and trusting your teammates and playing as a group."

Rumor was that former coach Andy Murray did not unleash his younger players, but it appears Payne is willing to do just that -- especially since he spent his time in the AHL trying to harness young players' talent.

T.J. Oshie told the Post-Dispatch, "It's nice to hear, 'Go out there and make plays. Just play hockey.' He was talking to me and Erik Johnson on the power play and was just telling us to play hockey."

http:// [h3]Rangers' goalie plan[/h3]
9:04AM ET

[h5]New York Rangers[/h5]
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Despite all the buzz that the New York Rangers are going to trade for a backup goalie, it might be put on hold as the Rangers have found another solution: rotating between two young goalies.

Chad Johnson was called up yesterday from the AHL, replacing Matt Zaba, after playing well for the Hartford Wolf Pack. Previously, Zaba was called up to replace Johnson.

This situation started when goalie Steve Valiquette was sent down to the minors after struggling as Henrik Lundqvist's backup. Though this might be the solution for now, it will be interesting to see what the Rangers do once players like Martin Biron and Kari Lehtonen become available. But with the Rangers planning on playing their backup just 10 games the whole season, they might end up standing pat.

http:// [h3]Calgary may be shopping Phaneuf[/h3]
8:35AM ET

[h5]Dion Phaneuf | Flames[/h5]
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After a previous report said http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=2282Dion Phaneuf asked for a trade, some people have done som digging and found it may be true.

Hendricks Hockey's source with the Edmonton Oilers told the website that Oilers president of hockey operations Kevin Lowe "was told by other GMs that Calgary had phoned them discussing Phaneuf."

There's a lot to be skeptical about here, considering there are lots of confidential sources throwing around rumors. But this is the third time a a Phaneuf trade rumor has surfaced or been confirmed -- the first was a trade rumor last month, which had him going to the http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=nyihttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=nyiNew York Islanders or http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=nyrhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=nyrNew York Rangers. Obviously, nothing came of that.

Calgary GM Daryl Sutter might be looking for a lot in return for Phaneuf, because he think he'll turn into a superstar soon.

http:// [h3]Oilers-Rangers trade is close[/h3]
8:26AM ET

[h5]New York Rangers[/h5]
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A trade between the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers might be close to being done, and it might involve sending Oilers C Andrew Cogliano to New York.

According to Hendricks Hockey, the Rangers are talking to a handful of teams but they are closest to making a deal with the Oilers. The website talked to Oilers coach Pat Quinn, who said the team isn't mortgaging its future, but they aren't ready to give up on this season. In short, they want young players for a low price.

Hendricks Hockey also adds that a handful of Oilers players might be moved, including Patrick O'Sullivan, Steve Staios, and Ethan Moreau. They Oilers have been rumored to be trying to move Shawn Horcoff, as well, but league GMs may feel he is overpriced.
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Originally Posted by Proshares


http:// [h3][/h3]
The Blues' new style
9:05AM ET

[h5]St. Louis Blues[/h5]
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New coach Davis Payne's style is coming into focus as the St. Louis Blues has their first practice with him yesterday. The biggest difference, according to players, was best described by David Backes, who told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "He does have Xs and O's and there's systems and things like that. But there's a lot more on passion and trusting your teammates and playing as a group."

Rumor was that former coach Andy Murray did not unleash his younger players, but it appears Payne is willing to do just that -- especially since he spent his time in the AHL trying to harness young players' talent.

T.J. Oshie told the Post-Dispatch, "It's nice to hear, 'Go out there and make plays. Just play hockey.' He was talking to me and Erik Johnson on the power play and was just telling us to play hockey."

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THANK YOU.
 
This is either one of two things.

A. The injuries/slumping/craptasticness is getting out of the way now for a deep run come March and on.

or

B. The Hockey Gods hate us.

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please be A


nah some good news tho, bjm. bergeron's return looking better than first expected...only 10-14 days now. i guess they panicked a bit with the originalestimate
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[h3]Souray heading back East?[/h3]
3:04PM ET

[h5]Sheldon Souray | Oilers | Interested: Capitals?[/h5]
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The Washington Capitals have a two-fold problem: Jose Theodore can't seem to recapture some of the mojo with which he started the 2009-10 season, and they could use a little more firepower.

Ring ring! "Hello there, it's Kevin Lowe," a conversation may have started. "I'm trying to get younger and I'm paying Sheldon Souray massive dinero right now, even with the exchange rate. Want him?"

We're not sure that's exactly how the phoner went down, but there is a rumor -- courtesy of Hockey Buzz -- linking Souray to the Caps. In exchange, the Caps will send the Oilers Theodore, Eric Fehr, Stefan Della Rovere and some picks.

Goalies in the Eastern Conference do not want any part of a Souray-Green-Ovechkin combo on the power play.

http:// [h3]Avs looking to trade Liles, others[/h3]
2:42PM ET

[h5]Colorado Avalanche[/h5]
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The Colorado Avalanche are looking to trade a handful of guys, including John-Michael Liles. After speaking to GM Joe Sacco, the Denver Post's Mark Kiszla writes, "It's seems to be no secret that the Avs would like to trade Liles to Mystery, Alaska, for a bag of pucks."

Others who might be on the block include Darcy Tucker, Marek Svatos and Ruslan Salei. Along with Liles, they make a collective $12 million.

The Avs have been rumored to be looking at a trade for Kris Versteeg, but that might not happen until the offseason. It's unlikely, though, that the cap-challenged Blackhawks will want to take one any of Colorado's bad salaries.

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[h5]EJ Hradek[/h5]
Hold on there
"I think the rumors are overblown at this stage. If Colorado can do something that makes sense for them both financially and on the ice they will. But I don't see them doing a big reshuffle."
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http:// [h3]Monster talks on hold[/h3]
10:58AM ET

[h5]Jonas Gustavsson | Maple Leafs[/h5]
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to wait -- maybe until the end of the season -- to negotiate and extension for rookie goalie Jonas Gustavsson.

Nicknamed "The Monster," the Leafs won the bidding for this Swedish goalie's services in the offseason. However, he is a restricted free agent so it's unlikely another one of his former suitors will come back and try to acquire him.

The Toronto Sun reports that the Leafs have not even begun preliminary discussions with Gustavsson, but they may be waiting to see what develops near the trade deadline and early offseason. Vesa Toskala, the other goalie on the roster, will likely not be retained when he becomes and UFA this offseason but the Leafs might try to trade him to a contender needing a short-term rental. Also, the Leafs will certainly try to acquire draft picks, after they lost two first-rounders and a second rounder when they traded for Phil Kessel.

http:// [h3]Captain Markov for Habs?[/h3]
10:27AM ET

[h5]Andrei Markov | Canadiens[/h5]
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The Montreal Canadiens have not named a captain thus far this season, and it could well go unfilled for the rest of the season. But now there's buzz out of Montreal that Andrei Markov may be given the role.

Markov told the Montreal Gazette he would accept the role if he was offered it. But he said, thus far, no one has said anything to him about it.

The 'C' has been left in the equipment room ever since Saku Koivu left for Anaheim. Some speculated that during a meeting yesterday, the team would gather and vote a player to that position. However, coach Jacques Martin said the captain won't be decided that way -- instead, he and GM Bob Gainey will sit down with some other people and come up with a name.

Brian Gionta and Mike Cammalleri are other possibilities, and early on in the season, Scott Gomez was thought to be learning French so he could address the local media if he were name captain.

http:// [h3]Rangers trading for Cogliano?[/h3]
9:40AM ET

[h5]New York Rangers[/h5]
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A trade between the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers might be close to being done, and it might involve sending Oilers C Andrew Cogliano to New York.

That was what Hendricks Hockey reported yesterday, but a source told the website that the Rangers are talking to a handful of other teams, as well.

The website talked to Oilers coach Pat Quinn, who said the team isn't mortgaging its future, but they aren't ready to give up on this season. In short, they want young players for a low price.

Hendricks Hockey also adds that a handful of Oilers players might be moved, including Patrick O'Sullivan, Steve Staios, and Ethan Moreau. They Oilers have been rumored to be trying to move Shawn Horcoff, as well, but league GMs may feel he is overpriced. We wrote earlier today that all of those players may be hard to move for various reasons.

http:// [h3]Oilers trade status[/h3]
9:37AM ET

[h5]Edmonton Oilers[/h5]
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The Edmonton Oilers were rumored to be working on some deals yesterday with the New York Rangers, but nothing's come of that yet. However, they may have a hard time making some of the move they want to make.

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal writes that Sheldon Souray still has trade value and could be moved. But others, like Ethan Moreau, Steve Staois and Patrick O'Sullivan, will be tough sells on the trade market.

Matheson writes about the veterans Moreau and Staois: "Moreau and Staios are good soldiers, and they've been here longer than anybody (Moreau since 1999, Staios since 2001), but what complicates their trade possibilities with other teams is another year on their contracts after this season: Moreau at a cap hit of $2 million, Staios at $2.7 million."

As for O'Sullivan, the 24-year-old: "[Scouts'] almost universal opinion is his compete level for the puck has to improve quite a bit."

http:// [h3]Gonchar could return to Pens[/h3]
9:27AM ET

[h5]Sergei Gonchar | Penguins[/h5]
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There was much buzz that the http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=pitPittsburgh Penguins would let http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=313http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=313http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=313Sergei Gonchar become a free agent this offseason, because they can't afford to keep him, as reported by the Edmonton Journal.

But the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that negotiations are still ongoing and they hope to retain both Gonchar and Kris Letang.

One way to make this work might be to use a loophole in the CBA to sign Gonchar to a long-term deal. However, the Pens don't want to commit money to a 35-year-old player.

Gonchar wants his $5 million a season, while the Penguins want to make sure they can pay Letang, who is a restricted free agent and will probably demand between $3 million and $4 million a season, the Buffalo News reports.

There are other option on the table, though. The Penguins could offer Gonchar a contract with performances bonuses, which might appease both sides. Or Gonchar could give the Pens a hometown discount -- but don't count on it.

Also, rumors have been floating around that Gonchar may get big offers from the KHL. ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun writes, "KHL money is big and tax-free, so that's an option Gonchar can't completely ignore, even if his heart is very much in Pittsburgh."

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[h5]Puck Prospectus[/h5]
Health vs. Skill
"The decision to keep Sergei Gonchar or not will come down to weighing the value of health versus skill. Pittsburgh was lucky to have the 35 year old veteran's 0.20 GVT per game back in their lineup in time for their championship run in 2008-09, but will they be as fortunate with the oft-injured blueliner this season and next? Gonchar seems a risky proposition, but he's probably worth it. With the championship core the Pens have right now, it would be hard to say 'Do svidaniya' to Sergei without a sure thing to replace him." -Timo Seppa
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http:// [h3]Jackets' plan for Mason[/h3]
9:23AM ET

[h5]Steve Mason | Blue Jackets[/h5]
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The Columbus Blue Jackets might mull over axing coach Ken Hitchcock, but the Globe and Mail's Eric Duhatschek writes that firing Hitchcock isn't the answer.

The solution might be to get goalie Steve Mason back to last season's form. Mason, 21, won the Calder Trophy last season after a league-leading 10 shutouts but he has struggled mightily this season. Hinging your season on a goalie who is barely of legal drinking age is probably not a formula for success, but for the future of the franchise, the best thing might be to turn around the youngster, not fire an experienced coach, Duhatschek writes.

So here's what they might do: Send Mason down to the minors and let him regain his confidence. There is some precedent for this: After Tom Barrasso won the Calder with the Sabres, he struggled his sophomore season so coach Scotty Bowman sent him to the minors to regain his mojo. Perhaps the Jackets will soon do the same.

http:// [h3]Sharks may struggle after Olympics[/h3]
8:58AM ET

[h5]San Jose Sharks[/h5]
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The San Jose Sharks may struggle after the Olympics, given the large number of their players who will participate in the Games.

ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun writes, "The question, of course, is whether a Stanley Cup contender like the Sharks wants to have that many core players at the Olympics, given the possible wear and tear, or even injury. But the answer from the Sharks' organization is unequivocally, yes, it's very much worth it."

The Sharks will send eight players to the Olympics -- most out of any team in the NHL. (The Anaheim Ducks send seven, so they're close behind.) LeBrun makes a historical reference that might be relevant this year.

He writes, "It's been a conversation largely triggered by the 2005-06 Detroit Red Wings, a powerhouse team that was knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by underdog Edmonton. Looking back, many people wondered if having their Swedish contingent win it all at the 2006 Torino Games in any way wore them out in the second half."

http:// [h3]Anderson could be axed[/h3]
8:54AM ET

[h5]Atlanta Thrashers[/h5]
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Atlanta Thrashers coach John Anderson may be on the hot seat as his team is currently on a nine-game losing streak.

But as a fan writes in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, GM Don Waddell should be the one under fire. Let's put that aside for a second and look at Anderson. The Thrashers, despite their skid, are second in the Southeast division and still have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. The team looks like it could contend in a few years.

But just one problem: Ilya Kovalchuk. The star free-agent-to-be is negotiating an extension as we speak, and he has made clear that team stability is important. Firing a coach might end up pushing him out. Firing a GM most certainly will send up red flags.

So it will be interesting to see what happens if this losing streak extends to historic lengths. Just for you folks keeping track at home, the NHL record for a losing streak is 17 games, by 1974-75 Washington Capitals and 1992-93 San Jose Sharks.

http:// [h3]Canes embracing youth[/h3]
8:44AM ET

[h5]Carolina Hurricanes[/h5]
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The signs that the Carolina Hurricanes are embracing the young players is quite prominent. Not only have they put several, or perhaps all, of their veteran on the trading block. But as Red and Black Hockey points out, a full one-third of their roster started the season in the AHL.

Now, another young AHL star may get a chance, after Eric Staal has taken a leave of absence. Jerome Samson will likely replace him, and he'll join young forwards Brandon Sutter, Zach Boychuk and Patrick Dwyer.

It will be interesting to see how ice time is split up as the season progresses. Will the youngsters get their chance to grow and stumble, or will the remaining vets still play? Early signs say it'll be the former.

http:// [h3]Sens may trade for Pitkanen[/h3]
8:37AM ET

[h5]Joni Pitkanen | Hurricanes[/h5]
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Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray appears to be interested in trading for Carolina Hurricanes D Joni Pitkanen. That's what the blog Senshot is hearing, adding that he could be a replacement for Filip Kuba.

The Hurricanes are certainly looking to dump players, and GM Jim Rutherford as said the trade market had begun to move. Chances are, the Senators will have to send over draft picks and prospects because at this point that's all the Hurricanes may want.

http:// [h3]Debate on Kovy's price tag[/h3]
8:31AM ET

[h5]Ilya Kovalchuk | Thrashers | Interested: Flames?, Kings?, Flyers?, Bruins?, Maple Leafs?[/h5]
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[h5]Kovalchuk's rumored suitors[/h5]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torToronto Maple Leafs: They might save up and spend it all in one place.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=losLos Angeles Kings: There was a lot of buzz about this one, but two sources say this rumor is false.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyCalgary Flames: Calgary GM Mike Gillis' denied the rumors, as did other Flames sources in the media, but it's possible they are playing this one close to the vest.

KHL: KHL president Alexander Medvedev might also swoop in with a huge deal. He said he's already talked to Kovalchuk and can offer a better deal than the NHL because of tax laws.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=bosBoston Bruins: Won't happen until February. A trade would include Blake Wheeler and Tuukka Rask.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colColorado Avalanche -- Here's why.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=pitPittsburgh Penguins -- No money, no space.

All the trade rumors aside, whoever ends up with Ilya Kovalchuk is going to have to give him a new contract. So how much should he be paid?

Rumor is that he's demanding a max contract, worth $11.36 million a year, but the Thrashers might not want to pay him that much money every year for, say, 10 years. CBC's Mike Milbury writes that Kovalchuk isn't worth a max contract because "Kovy is no Crosby. Kovy is more Kovalev."

But if he hits the trade market, his value will be incredibly high. One GM told The Sporting News that he couldn't think of a better player who was available for a trade near the trade deadline. The Sporting News added that the Kings might be favorites right now to land Kovy.

As far as a potential trade, Chicago Daily News writer Tim Sassone predicted what will be went to Atlanta for Kovy: "I'm thinking possibly two top-nine forwards, a defenseman and maybe a high draft pick or two."

It's a high price, Sassone writes, so his hometown Blackhawks may not end up trading for the 26-year-old. The idea was first brought up when one Western Conference executive told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun that he wouldn't be surprised of Chicago went after Kovalchuk. A trade would have to involved the Blackhawks dumping some long-term contracts, given their money troubles.

Souray in Washington is just unfair.
 
Alex Burrows back-to-back hat trick
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. I thought his last season was afluke, to be honest. Guess not
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PS. Henrik Sedin leading the league in scoring
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Originally Posted by Proshares

Liking my Matt Carle pickup...goal and 2A's tonight.
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Man, !$#@ Matt Carle. I dropped that dude for a reason. He went scoreless for like 3 weeks straight
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PP would be SICK with the addition of Souray...but he sucks defensively.
So does Mike Green
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The Sedins have been BEASTING since Daniel came back. They've been the best duo in the NHL over the past month. They have combined for 61 pts in the last18 games
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