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

[addictedtofreshkicks]

Originally Posted by DoubleJs07

Maybe Torts should have dressed Brashear so he could go after one of the FLyers non-fighting/skilled players

Brashear doesn't fight anymore, he just hugs people.

 

[physicx]

Originally Posted by PhilBalla09

FLYERS fan checking in.

I know we have a king, duck and Oiler fan.

but the Alantic Division dominates this thread

right here

came home from a concert last night and tuned into the highlights. i know we suck and all especially not having a single win since december, but that hurt

 

[addictedtofreshkicks]

I had no idea the Oilers were THIS bad... they were pathetic last night

 

[bjm5295]

If anything positive is coming from the Bruins sucking hard lately, i've learned, and I hope the team has learned, that Vlad Sobotka is a flat out hockey player. Dudes making like 650k or something and hustles down every puck, takes every body, fights out pucks on the boards and way more, while Dennis Wideman making 4 mil is half assing it up the ice.

 

[proshares]

[h3]Phaneuf for Kovlachuk?[/h3]
4:15PM ET

[h5]Ilya Kovalchuk | Thrashers | Interested: Islanders?, Flames?, Kings?, Flyers?, Bruins?, Maple Leafs?[/h5]
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[h5]Kovalchuk's rumored suitors[/h5]

• 
  Chicago Blackhawks: They might solve their cap issues this way... and they may be the favorite at this point.
  
  Washington Capitals: This has been buzzing quietly for a while. Ovechkin + Kovalchuk = Stanley Cup?
  
  Toronto Maple Leafs: They might save up and spend it all in one place.
  
  Los Angeles Kings: Coach Murray seems interested. GM Lombardi doesn't want a rental, though.
  
  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.
  
  Boston Bruins: Won't happen until February. A trade would include Blake Wheeler and Tuukka Rask.
  
  Colorado Avalanche -- Here's why.
  
  Pittsburgh Penguins -- No money, no space.
  
  New York Islanders -- GM Snow wants in on trade talks.

The Calgary Flames might have the right pieces to acquire Ilya Kovalchuk at the deadline -- if they're willing to part with Dion Phaneuf, TSN'sBob McKenzie. The Flames have been part of several rumors that havethem parlaying a defenseman for a forward, and also Phaneuf has beenpart of a rumor that says he's requested a trade. Today, we have wordthat the Flames may be "desperate" to trade Phaneuf, so we might seethis rumor gain traction in the next few days.

But if Phaneuf isn't on the block, the Thrashers might move onto an offer from the Blackhawks. They want to land Kovalchuk, too, and that trade would most likely involve Cam Barker and Kris Versteeg, as well as a few draft picks. Dave Bolland might also be in the trade.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings look like they'll get in on the fun, too. But GM Dean Lombardi has been saying that he won't trade for Kovalchuk as a rental.That might mean the Kings -- as with several other teams -- will waituntil Kovalchuk is a free agent after this season, then bid on him witha long-term deal. But that hasn't stopped Lombardi from reaching out tothe Thrashers. He reportedly traveled to Atlanta, perhaps speak toThrasher GM Don Waddell about a Kovalchuk trade, according to a "wellplaced source" for The Fourth Period.

Another team that may not want to pay the price for the rental is the Boston Bruins. They are reportedly very interested in Kovalchuk, but if have to give up G Tuukka Rask, it might be a deal breaker.

The Washington Capitalsmight be willing to pay for Kovalchuk as a rental because they feel hewould push them to a Cup. That might be why some league execs feel theCaps are the odds-on favorite to land Kovy.

The most recent Kovalchuk suitor is the New York Islanders, and they are in the same boat as the Kings and Bruins: They want him long-term. A source told the New York Post that GM Garth Snowleft a message for Thrashers GM Don Waddell, saying that if theThrashers don't close a deal with Kovy, he wants in on trade talks.

Waddell has said he and Kovy's agent can't agree on what Kovy shouldbe paid. Kovy wanted $11 million a year for 10-plus years. Waddellwon't give that much to one player.

http://[h3]Iginla trade? He's not untouchable[/h3]
2:17PM ET

[h5]Jarome Iginla | Flames[/h5]
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This one is unlikely -- very unlikely -- but it's worth mentioning that Jarome Iginla may no longer have the 'untouchable' label.

The New York Post writes that, "amid the rumors Calgary wants to do something significant ... even Jarome Iginla doesn't appear untouchable."

Of course, being the centerpiece of that franchise, it's unlikelythe Iginla would be involved in a trade -- especially since theredoesn't appear to be anything on the market that would merit such areturn. But something looks like it's brewing in Calgary, and they maypartner with the Devils for a trade. Flames GM Daryl Sutter and hisbrother/scout Ron Sutter were in Newark for the second straight game, as they watched the Devils beat the Panthers, 2-0.

However, the Devils and the Flames are both looking for a boost inscoring, so it'll be interesting to see what becomes of all this buzz.

http://[h3]Niedermayer trade buzz[/h3]
2:16PM ET

[h5]Scott Niedermayer | Ducks[/h5]
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Scott Niedermayer was supposed to stay in Anaheim, because GM Bob Murray said he wanted his captain to retire a Duck. But Niedermayer wasn't as sure about staying, which might've pushed the GM to start dealing.

The New York Postwrites that the Ducks have "turned serious about getting something fordefenseman Scott Niedermayer, after saying 'never' talk earlier." The New Jersey Devils are a definite possibility, but they won't be the only team in on the veteran.

We'll keep you posted on this one.

http://[h3]Canes getting poor returns?[/h3]
2:14PM ET

[h5]Carolina Hurricanes[/h5]
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The list of Carolina Hurricanes on the trading block is long, as expected.

But here's one reason they might get a worse return on their players than they normally might. The Globe and Mailwrites, "This year, the separation between the good and the bad cameearlier in half-a-dozen precincts, meaning the market could be deeperthan it has been." Given the Canes are already in seller's mode, itmight be interesting to see if they can part ways with all the vetsthey want to sell off.

TSN's Darren Dreger tweets that Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen, Stephane Yelle, Scott Walker, Andrew Alberts, Aaron Ward, Niclas Wallin and Manny Legaceare all available for trades. Of course, it's unlikely the Canes willbe able to part with all these guys. But as we told you yesterday, theymay do whatever is necessary to get rid of them by next season.

Dreger adds that Whitney and Wallin were asked to waive their no-trade clauses, but today the Raleigh News and Observer writes that they have yet to do so.

Meanwhile, the News and Observer gives us a list of untouchables on the Canes roster: Eric Staal, Cam Ward, Brandon Sutter, Tim Gleason and Tuomo Ruutu.In addition, the paper writes, "The guess here is that there could beone major surprise before the trade deadline. A tough year financiallyfor the team could dictate it."

http://[h3]Flames 'desperate' to move Phaneuf[/h3]
2:13PM ET

[h5]Dion Phaneuf | Flames[/h5]
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Dion Phaneuf may have asked for a trade and there may have been some buzz around the league about it. And the rumors were all denied by parties involved.

But a New York Postreport says the Flames are "desperate" to move Phaneuf and his $6.5million annual cap hit. One possible destination might be the New York Rangers, and players involved in the trade might be some combination of Wade Redden, Brandon Dubinsky and Michal Rozsival.

Previously, The Sporting Newswrote that Phaneuf's market value will never be higher than now, andthe Calgary defense is just fine without him. However, they needsecondary scoring: "Could Phaneuf be parlayed into a Vincent Lecavalier or Jason Spezza? Ilya Kovalchuk would be riskier because he's a pending UFA, but imagine the possibilities." The Kovalchuk possibility was mentioned earlier.

Phaneuf trade rumors have been in the air for a while, since he was rumored to be going to the Rangers. It's possible he's headed to the Flyers in a trade that involves Scott Hartnell.

http://[h3]Wings may be forced to trade[/h3]
2:08PM ET

[h5]Detroit Red Wings[/h5]
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The Detroit Red Wings might soon be forced to make a trade, because four injured players will soon return: Niklas Kronwall; Jason Williams; Tomas Holmstrom and Justin Abdelkader.

We'll turn it over to MLive.com for the explanation: "Assuming they have no additional long-term injuries and that defenseman Andreas Lilja(concussion) does not return, those four players will put the Red Wingsover the $56.8 million salary cap by close to $1.5 million. Sendingdown Abdelkader and Brad May still would leave the club over the cap by a slim margin (roughly $130,000).

"Somebody else would need to be traded or waived."

In short, a move is coming soon for the Wings. GM Ken Holland hashinted that he'll stand pat near the deadline, so he might just waive aplayer. But he might find some nice swaps out there, if he chooses thetrade route.

http://[h3]More on Blues, Canucks trade[/h3]
2:08PM ET

[h5]David Backes | Blues[/h5]
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The St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks appear to be working on a big trade, but nothing has come of it yet.

The Canucks may be eying Blues F David Backes, the Globe and Mail reports. Backes is a player that Canucks GM Mike Gillis has tried to sign via free agency. (The Blues matched the offer.) But The Province writes that it's unlikely the Blues will part with their young forwards, Backes, David Perron and Patrik Berglund. T.J. Oshie might be in that mix, too.

Meanwhile, there are reports that Blues president John Davidson isin Winnipeg scouting the AHL's Manitoba Moose, Vancouver's affiliate.The buzz is that they're scouting goalie Cory Schneider because, as the Globe and Mail writes, "The Blues have been trying to get by with the tandem of Chris Mason and Ty Conklin, a pair of 33-year-olds who have been backups more than starters over their careers. Prospect Ben Bishopseems to have fallen out of favour, and long-range prospect Jake Allenproved that he is not nearly ready for prime time with an abysmalperformance at the world junior championship in Saskatchewan earlierthis month."

Something appears to be brewing between these two clubs. We'll keep you posted.

http://[h3]Canucks may be eying Plekanec[/h3]
11:17AM ET

[h5]Tomas Plekanec | Canadiens[/h5]
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Vancouver CanucksGM Mike Gillis took several of his top assistants and scouts for a tripto Montreal this week. They watched a Habs-Blues game, and it'd be hardto convince us it was for aesthetic pleasure.

Gillis may be looking to trade with friend and Habs GM Bob Gainey. Possible targets are Habs defensemen Josh Gorges and Ryan O'Byrne.

But The Province writes, "One of Montreal's most intriguing trading chips is center Tomas Plekanec,a pending unrestricted free agent. Gainey has said he wants to re-signPlekanec but that's easier said than done. His name has been churningthrough the rumor mill."

Gillis might also be interested in the Blues' defensemen Darryl Sydor and Carlo Colaiacovo.

http://[h3]Leafs may stand pat, wait for Kovy[/h3]
11:08AM ET

[h5]Toronto Maple Leafs[/h5]
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The Toronto Maple Leafs may be cautious with any trades near the March 3 deadline because GM Brian Burke feels GMs make most of their mistakes during that time.

In fact, Burke told the Toronto Starthat he thinks the psychology of GMs is questionable when it comes tothe deadline. "It's a bizarre psychology," he said. "On Feb. 3, generalmanager 'A' will not give me a second-round pick for John Doe, but onMarch 3, he will give me a second-rounder when he could have had thatplayer for a month already helping his team make the playoffs."

With little shot of winning the title this year, the Leafs may stand pay and try to sign Ilya Kovalchuk in the offseason. There was much buzz this week that the Leafs were in Kovy's sights for free agency.

http://[h3]Blackhawks hint on trade plans[/h3]
10:17AM ET

[h5]Chicago Blackhawks[/h5]
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The Chicago Blackhawks may be content with standing pat at the deadline, GM Stan Bowman told the Chicago Daily Herald. But that's not going to stop them from exploring potential trades -- possibly one with the Thrashers for Ilya Kovalchuk.

Bowman told the Herald, "Right now we're playing, on balance, prettywell and we've got (Adam) Burish and (Dave) Bolland coming back. Butyou have to look at where we're going to be in March when the deadlinerolls around. It's probably easier to say what our needs are at thatpoint."

Bowman said that the Hawks have enough money under the cap to add aplayer without dropping one. But for now it looks like nothing is closeto being done. "What we're going to do over the next few weeks is meetand figure out where we think it makes sense to add, whether it's thattype of a player or a different style or a different position," he said.

 

[DeadsetAce]

Originally Posted by bjm5295

If anything positive is coming from the Bruins sucking hard lately, i've learned, and I hope the team has learned, that Vlad Sobotka is a flat out hockey player. Dudes making like 650k or something and hustles down every puck, takes every body, fights out pucks on the boards and way more, while Dennis Wideman making 4 mil is half assing it up the ice.

cosign man. i love vlad...110% hustle and always playing that physical style of hockey. and wideman, someone i LOVED last year, has just been a bum. he wasn't even great last year, i know, but he was at least producing and not as big a liability as he is this year. we need that olympic break and we need it fast...

 

[bjm5295]

I think Widemans gaudy plus minus last year made us think he's a hell of a lot better than he actually is.

 

[cquan05]

If Kovalchuk somehow makes it to Free Agency.....I will have NO problem if the Leafs decide to give him that 9-10 million that he wants.

 

[dland24]

Havent had a chance to watch Buffalo this year yet. How d they match up with the Sharks?

 

[DownByLaw]

I love when the trade deadline approaches, so many possible deals surface. Stan, pull the trigger and get Kovalchuk!

 

[ziostilon]

Originally Posted by FIRST B0RN

I love when the trade deadline approaches, so many possible deals surface. Stan, pull the trigger and get Kovalchuk!

Cap space?  messing up the chemistry.

Kovy is a puck hog, doesn't always come back on the back-check

 

[dmxfury]

C'mon Gagne, get off him. At least that goal was waved off........but man we need Fleury back

 

[dmxfury]

Gonchar, so important in the power play.

 

[doublejs07]

What do you all think about this....

There was a discussion during the intermission of the caps game last night, and one of the commentators said that he thought that the NHL taking a 2 week break for the Olympics was a bad idea. Not only do you have to put your league on hold, but guys are going to be playing some high-intensity hockey about every other night and there is a chance of injury during that tournament. When it's over, it's back to the home stretch of the NHL season....anyways, an idea was brought up of moving hockey to the Summer Olympics instead. To be honest, I don't think it's such a bad idea.

 

[dmxfury]

I just can't see them taking out of the Winter Olympics though, I mean it does suck but it is every 4 years. I don't know no real easy solution with it. Pens look great this period but Emery going nuts in goal

 

[useref15]

Rangers fan here.

About the whole Carcillo-Gaborik thing, I definitely agree that Girardi should have stepped in. Also, I know Gabby dropped his gloves first, but Carcillo should have never went after him. It's not like Gaborik is going to get into a scrum for Dubinsky and start pushing players. Gaborik just isn't that type of players. Why he dropped the gloves... I have no idea. Did anyone see what Carcillo said after the game? That he licked his chops when Gabby dropped his gloves. Brashear better be in the line up on March 14th when the Flygirls come to the Garden. I'd love to see Brashear run Brier, Carter, or Richards.

BTW, I think Tortorella is an embaressment. As a coach, you have to control what you say. I agree with that Larry Brooks said, hes an embaressment to the city.

Also, I'd love for the Rangers to get Phaneuf, especially if it means dumping Rozy. I don't think Avery and Phaneuf would work out though...because, well...you know what happened.

The Rangers could look so good for two games scoring 15 goal combined, then being shut out for their next two. We need a little more consistency on this team. I'd love to aquire Kovelchuck also, if it doesn't mean getting rid of all of our young prospects.

EDIT: I also forgot to mention with the whole Gaborik-Carcillo fight. If Bradley didn't step in for Ovechkin last week, do you think this would be such a big deal?

 

[dmxfury]

Nice! Hang on now!

 

[son of troy]

Solid win for the Pens today. Always a plus when beating our hated rivals too.

 

[smoke ya later]

we don't need no Kovalchuk

 

[kash55]

Canucks are hot right now! Playing some of the best hockey in the NHL right now.

 

[addictedtofreshkicks]

Originally Posted by useref15

Brashear better be in the line up on March 14th when the Flygirls come to the Garden. I'd love to see Brashear run Brier, Carter, or Richards.

Dude, he is not a threat to anybody anymore. Nobody is scared of Donald Brashear. I'm not even sure if he has won a fight yet this year.

 

[philballa09]

crosby sucks
  

 

[useref15]

Originally Posted by AddictedToFreshKicks

Originally Posted by useref15

Brashear better be in the line up on March 14th when the Flygirls come to the Garden. I'd love to see Brashear run Brier, Carter, or Richards.

Dude, he is not a threat to anybody anymore. Nobody is scared of Donald Brashear. I'm not even sure if he has won a fight yet this year.

He hasn't won a fight this year...I agree. I still think he has a type of presence though. I'd scratch Lisin and Start Brashear for the next game against the flyers. A fourth line of Voros-Boyle-Brashear. We know he can still deliver cheap shots though...like last year in the playoffs against Betts.

 

[DownByLaw]

Originally Posted by PhilBalla09


crosby sucks
  

Someone is salty

 

[dmxfury]

crosby sucks

, someone is wrong