Category Archives: Hockey News

Blues’ Reaves suspended 3 games for boarding Sharks’ Tennyson

St. Louis Blues forward Ryan Reaves was suspended three games Wednesday for boarding San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Tennyson.

Related - VIDEO: Blues' Reaves ejected for hit from behind on Sharks' Tennyson

Reaves received a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct Monday after nailing Tennyson face-first into the boards.

Tennyson appeared unconscious as his head slammed onto the ice, and is dealing with concussion-like symptoms.

The NHL Department of Player Safety cites the fact Tennyson was "never eligible to be checked" on the play as a primary reason for the supplemental discipline.

It's the first time Reaves has been suspended in 324 career NHL games. The 29-year-old has two goals in 49 games this season.

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Drug charges against Mike Richards stayed

Drug charges against Washington Capitals forward Mike Richards were stayed by a Manitoba judge Wednesday, according to multiple reports.

The ruling means the prosecution won't move forward with the case, though the charges can be brought back within one year, the CBC reports.

Richards was arrested in June and charged with possession of a controlled substance after Canadian border authorities found him in possession of oxycodone. The arrest led the Los Angeles Kings to terminate his contract, though he reached a settlement with the team after filing an NHLPA grievance.

The 31-year-old has one goal in 15 games since signing with the Capitals on Jan. 6.

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Report: Hudler, Russell, Colborne, among Flames ‘in play’ ahead of deadline

The Calgary Flames could be one of the more busier NHL clubs on trade deadline day.

There continues to be steady talk around the league surrounding Calgary as the Feb. 29 deadline approaches, with the likes of Kris Russell, Jiri Hudler, Joe Colborne, Josh Jooris, Jonas Hiller, and David Jones all reportedly being "in play" for a potential deal, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

Related: 3 teams that should target Jiri Hudler

The Flames have fallen out of any potential playoff race, and now sport the third-worst record in the Western Conference.

Calgary appears to be firmly in sell mode after dealing forward Markus Granlund to the Vancouver Canucks for Hunter Shinkaruk on Monday.

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3 reasons why Staal to the Blackhawks makes sense

The Carolina Hurricanes are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

The team sits within striking distance of punching its first ticket to the playoffs since the 2008-09 season, but faces uncertainty regarding captain Eric Staal's future.

The 31-year-old's best days may be behind him, but Staal remains an ample body up front who can provide offense, leadership, and skill to a lineup.

The Hurricanes could potentially lose their franchise cornerstone when he becomes a unrestricted free agent this summer. With no signs that an extension is coming, it would be in the club's best interest to deal Staal and further stock the cupboards for the future.

If the Hurricanes truly have that mindset, their most logical trade partner is the Chicago Blackhawks.

Here's three reasons why Staal to the Blackhawks makes sense:

Blackhawks 'aggressively' seeking top-line winger

Last week, TSN's Bob McKenzie reported that the Blackhawks are "very aggressively" looking to add a top-line left winger. The team has been satisfied with bruiser-turned-scorer Andrew Shaw, but would still like to add a more accomplished scorer to its top trio.

Next to Shaw and rookie sensation Artemi Panarin - who occupies the second contingent alongside Patrick Kane and Artem Anisimov, arguably the most productive threesome in the league - the left side is thin for the Blackhawks.

Andrew Desjardins and Bradon Mashinter currently occupy the third- and fourth-line duties, and have combined for just 10 goals and 12 points this season.

Staal is among a handful of names who are believed to be in play approaching the deadline, alongside Loui Eriksson, Andrew Ladd, and Mikkel Boedker. However, with Staal historically being the bigger producer in the playoffs, he seems like an ideal fit as a rental.

Of course, Staal is a natural centerman and would have to move to the wing. But on a roster such as Chicago's, and with the potential to play alongside Jonathan Toews on the top line, sliding over shouldn't be a problem.

Bowman's experience juggling the cap

This isn't Stan Bowman's first rodeo. And who better to pull off a coup for Staal than Chicago's GM?

Bowman has proved to be a wizard when it comes to playing within the boundaries of the salary cap, never letting it stop him from acquiring assets. Last season saw him trade for two-way forward Antoine Vermette and veteran defenseman Kimmo Timonen, who provided balance and depth to the eventual Cup-winning squad.

Even as Kane's and Toews' matching eight-year contract extensions kicked in this season, each with an average cap hit of $10.5 million, Bowman has been able to wheel and deal, icing a roster with the third-highest point total through 62 games.

The Blackhawks are expected to have just under $4.8 million in cap space on deadline day, according to General Fanager, so Bowman may have to pull another rabbit out of his hat.

It might be hard to bring on Staal's $8.25-million cap hit, but if there is a general manager who can create the room, it's Bowman.

Staal not the center of attention

Also making Chicago a fitting environment for Staal is the fact that he'd become part of the supporting cast, easing the pressure on him to produce consistently.

Staal for too long has been the lone notable star in Carolina. In Chicago, with a core built around the likes of Toews, Kane, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook, Staal would serve as an added boost to the league's seventh-most potent offense.

While Staal is on pace for his least productive season since his rookie campaign, he would be surrounded with more offensive talent than he's been accustomed to with the Hurricanes.

There appears to be a changing of the guard in Carolina. The club's young talent has begun shouldering the bulk of responsibility and more of the production.

Staal sits fifth on the team in scoring and it might be time for the Hurricanes to swap him for prospects and youngsters. In turn, Staal could have a real shot at another Cup in Chicago.

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NHL Power Rankings: Blues closing in on division leaders despite injury bug

The Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks remain the hottest teams in the league. However, the St. Louis Blues are joining the conversation, closing in on the Central Division leaders despite a banged-up roster.

Here are this week's NHL power rankings:

1. Washington Capitals
(Last Week: 1)

The Capitals became the fastest team to 44 wins in NHL history on Monday. With a matchup against the Canadiens on Wednesday, something tells us they'll be the fastest team to hit the 45-win mark too.

2. Anaheim Ducks ▲
(Last Week: 5)

Remember when the Ducks went 1-7-2 in October? They're 30-12-6 since, 12-1-1 in their last 14 games, and four of their next five contests are against the struggling Sabres, Oilers, Canadiens, and Coyotes.

3. St. Louis Blues ▲
(Last Week: 4)

Brian Elliott went 12-3-2 in 17 games during Jake Allen's absence, but the Blues just can't seem to shake the injury bug - placing the red-hot goalie and his vintage mask on long-term injured reserve. You're up, Jake.

4. Chicago Blackhawks ▼
(Last Week: 3)

The Blackhawks lost their second consecutive outdoor game - and third of four overall - on Sunday, getting embarrassed 6-1 by the Wild. To no one's surprise, Patrick Kane scored Chicago's lone goal, putting him 15 points clear of Jamie Benn in the Art Ross Trophy race.

5. Dallas Stars ▼
(Last Week: 2)

The Stars have dropped three of four games, giving up 18 goals in the process. You can only get so far with a potent offense, and general manager Jim Nill must make landing a top-four defenseman at the deadline a priority.

6. New York Rangers ▲
(Last Week: 9)

The Rangers are 4-1-1 in six games without their captain, thanks in large part to the suddenly unmovable Keith Yandle. The pending unrestricted free agent has a point in six of his last seven games.

7. Florida Panthers ▼
(Last Week: 6)

Enough said.

8. Tampa Bay Lightning ▲
(Last Week: 14)

After falling out of a playoff position, the Lightning have won four games in a row, clawing their way up the standings and putting pressure on the Atlantic-leading Panthers.

9. New York Islanders ▲
(Last Week: 11)

Thanks to their captain, the Islanders are 6-1-1 in their last eight games.

Tavares' impressive numbers should only get better: New York's next four games are against the Flames, Oilers, Canucks, and Jets.

10. Los Angeles Kings ▼
(Last Week: 7)

Anze Kopitar scored the game-winner in his return to the lineup Tuesday. The Kings have 11 goals in their last six games, and Kopitar has five of them despite missing over 100 minutes of action during that span. Note to Jeff Carter: Four goals in 31 games since Dec. 1 isn't good enough.

11. San Jose Sharks ▼
(Last Week: 9)

The Roman Polak era begins in San Jose on Wednesday. Adding to the excitement, the Sharks joined the Capitals as the only teams to clinch a winning road record this season.

12. Detroit Red Wings ▲
(Last Week: 13)

Red Wings legend Nicklas Lidstrom got a firsthand look at the kids carrying the torch in Detroit on Tuesday. Petr Mrazek got back on track with an impressive 28-save performance, while 21-year-old Andreas Athanasiou scored a beautiful shootout winner.

13. Nashville Predators ▲
(Last Week: 15)

Ryan Johansen's recorded just one assist in his last seven games, but that hasn't stopped Nashville from picking up critical points: The Predators haven't lost in regulation during his cold stretch.

14. Boston Bruins ▼
(Last Week: 10)

With seven goals in his last seven games, Loui Eriksson is certainly giving the Bruins something to think about ahead of the trade deadline.

15. Pittsburgh Penguins ▼
(Last Week: 12)

Gino's return can't come soon enough. The Penguins sit just one point up on a playoff spot heading into a massive tilt with the Bruins on Wednesday.

16. Minnesota Wild ▲
(Last Week: 25)

The Wild put on a show in front of 50,426 fans Sunday. They're finally playing good hockey again, winning four in a row - while scoring 20 goals - to jump back into the playoff race with their new bench boss.

17. Carolina Hurricanes
(Last Week: 17)

The Hurricanes are still alive with points in seven of 10, snapping Shayne Gostisbehere's record-setting point streak in the process.

18. Ottawa Senators ▲
(Last Week: 21)

Is a 21-3-3 run to end the season possible two years in a row? Winners of four straight, the Senators sit just four points back of a playoff spot with 21 games to go.

19. Colorado Avalanche ▼
(Last Week: 16)

The Avalanche have come back to earth after going 18-8-2 from Dec. 1 to Jan. 27, putting together a 4-5-1 stretch since the All-Star break.

20. New Jersey Devils ▼
(Last Week: 18)

Pretty much.

21. Philadelphia Flyers ▼
(Last Week 19)

With 34 points in 41 games as a rookie, Gostisbehere has been the lone bright spot in yet another disappointing season in Philadelphia.

Elite company.

22. Columbus Blue Jackets ▲
(Last Week: 23)

John Tortorella's Blue Jackets are playing themselves out of the Auston Matthews sweepstakes, going 7-2-4 for points in 11 of their last 13.

23. Buffalo Sabres ▼
(Last Week: 22)

The Sabres head west to take on the Ducks, Sharks, and Kings without leading scorer Ryan O'Reilly. Good luck with that.

24. Arizona Coyotes ▼
(Last Week: 20)

After going 3-6-1 in their last 10 games ahead of Monday's trade deadline, the Coyotes might want to rethink this strategy, and fast:

25. Montreal Canadiens ▲
(Last Week: 26)

P.K. Subban's response to Michel Therrien's ridiculous postgame comments? Back-to-back 30-minute performances to get the Canadiens three of four points. Fans certainly have reason to be upset with their star player, though: Montreal would already have locked up a top-three pick without him.

26. Calgary Flames ▼
(Last Week: 24)

The Flames dropped back-to-back games to the Ducks and Kings, giving them the second-worst road record in the NHL at 9-17-3.

27. Vancouver Canucks ▲
(Last Week: 28)

The Canucks surrendered five goals in four consecutive games over six days last week, leaving us all thinking the exact same thing:

28. Winnipeg Jets ▼
(Last Week: 27)

Andrew Ladd has likely played his last game in Winnipeg. With four straight losses and the Stars, Penguins, Panthers, and Islanders - all currently playoff teams - on the horizon, the Jets appear primed to add to their impressive prospect pool.

29. Toronto Maple Leafs ▲
(Last Week: 30)

They aren't winning on the ice, but Rich Clune and the Maple Leafs are certainly making headlines off of it - and a pair of second-round picks for Polak and Nick Spaling was an absolute steal.

30. Edmonton Oilers ▼
(Last Week: 29)

Five losses in a row make the once-laughable thought of Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews on the same team much less funny.

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Penguins’ Malkin expected to return Saturday vs. Jets

The Pittsburgh Penguins could get a gigantic boost ahead of a critical stretch of games as Evgeni Malkin is expected to return to the lineup Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets.

In the meantime, Malkin will miss his ninth consecutive game due to a lower-body injury Wednesday against the Boston Bruins.

The 29-year-old forward has 23 goals and 26 assists in 49 games this season.

The Penguins have gone 5-2-1 in his absence, sitting just one point up on the New Jersey Devils for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.

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Former Wild coach Yeo: Getting fired ‘buckled me’

Mike Yeo might have seen the writing on the wall before being fired by the Minnesota Wild, but the former head coach admitted Wednesday that it still affected him.

"I wasn't prepared for what it would feel like. ... When it first happened, it buckled me," Yeo told Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Yeo said things just didn't seem right, even when the Wild were winning earlier in the season.

"We had the best (first half) in franchise history, and things never felt right."

Even though the Wild's previous success ultimately played a role in his dismissal, Yeo said he was most proud of the fact that the Wild raised expectations.

Minnesota fired Yeo on Feb. 13 after suffering their eighth straight defeat, a 4-2 loss to the Boston Bruins.

After the game, the 42-year-old said, "I'm a realist. You can't lose every game and expect to think that there's not going to be changes."

Yeo conceded Wednesday that trade rumors proved to be a distraction, particularly the team's pursuit of Ryan Johansen before the forward was dealt to the Nashville Predators, according to Chad Graff of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

He also said the Wild would have made the playoffs had he not been fired.

As for the immediate future, Yeo has some big things on the agenda.

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Wild place Zucker on IR with concussion

Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

Zucker suffered a concussion when he was leveled by an open-ice hit from Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival during Sunday's Stadium Series game.

The news comes after interim head coach John Torchetti told reporters Tuesday that Zucker had not suffered a concussion.

With the 24-year-old sidelined, the club recalled forward Jordan Schroeder from the Iowa Wild.

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