Wednesday’s Ice Report for Nov. 9th
 Wednesday’s Ice Report Red-hot Stars set for Showdown with Pens: The Dallas Stars (11-3-0, 24 pts) defeated the Washington Capitals (9-4-0, 18pts) 5-2 on Tuesday night, extending their winning streak to four games and now boast the best record in the NHL. It was a matchup of the No. 2 and No. 3 goal scoring teams and the Stars pulled away in the third period, scoring three unanswered goals en route to a 5-2 win. Dealing with bankruptcy and losing star center Brad Richard to free agency this past off-season, the Stars have been the story of the NHL season. Dallas measured up quite well against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night and Friday night they get another matchup with
Eastern Conference Preview: Few teams rival Pens depth in deep conference
Atlantic Division 1. Pittsburgh Penguins Storyline:All eyes are on the return of Sidney Crosby that should come in November as long as things continue on the upswing. The top storyline right now is Evgeni Malkin’s who’s presence makes the Penguins a top contender in the Eastern Conference even without Crosby. Notable Additions: Steve Sullivan, Richard Park, Steve MacIntyre Sullivan at age 37 still has the skill to be a factor on a nightly basis but injury concerns will follow him all season. The Penguins are banking on a top-6 role and top power play time for Sullivan. The 35 year old Park will provide depth as an extra forward and gives the Penguins speed up front and excellent penalty killing
NHL: Friday’s Draft Day Rumblings
Friday’s NHL RUMOR MILL
NHL Free Agency Buzz: “Clock is Ticking” on Capitals, Brooks Laich
Latest on Brooks Laich, Andrei Markov, & Alexei Ponikarovsky Capitals not moving fast to lock up Laich Among potential free agents, who is the No. 2 rated forward behind Brad Richards? In league circles, Capitals forward Brooks Laich gets the nod. Laich, 27, is Mr. versatile and could hit the open market widely believed as the most complete player in the free agent pool. Laich who has the ability to play center and wing at a high level, had 16 goals and 32 assists for 48 points, including a +14 rating for the Capitals in 2010-2011. From 2007-2008 through 2009-2010, Laich posted three straight 20-goal seasons, collecting a career high 25 goals in 09-10. Laich can help a team in
Latest NHL Buzz: Agents in no rush to establish market
Around the NHL *Several agents and GM’s (including Pens GM Ray Shero) are in Slovakia for the World Championships and discussions are going on but don’t look for a flurry of signings for impending free agents to happen in the next couple weeks. With it being early May, there is no incentive for agents to establish the market. Most agents like to wait until after the draft to engage in serious negotiations with a players current team before July 1 hits. The reason is there’s so much tampering that goes on during draft weekend, agents often get a good idea which teams are going to be hot after their client. *The Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers each getting swept in
Pens playoff positioning uncertain going into final week of the season
After an off-day on Sunday, the Penguins head into the final week of the season with some uncertainty but one thing the team knows is that they control their destiny for home-ice in the first round. The Penguins (46-25-8, 100pts) and Tampa Bay Lightning (44-24-11, 99pts) are neck and neck for the No. 4 seed as Pittsburgh holds just a 1 point lead over Tampa Bay in the standings, going into the final week of action. The streaking Lightning collected their fifth straight win on Sunday to pull within one point. Both teams have three games remaining. The Penguins finish the season against New Jersey (36-37-5, 77pts), New York Islanders (30-37-12, 72pts) and the Atlanta Thrashers (33-33-12, 78pts). Pittsburgh figures
NHL Rumors Thursday: The Latest Buzz around the League
DePaoli’s NHL Thursday Rumor Roundup — Darren Dreger of TSN.CA reports the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs are inching closer to a deal that would send Tomas Kaberle to Boston. The deal could be finalized as early as Friday. The Bruins have been actively seeking a puck moving defenseman and this will address a serious need. To make room for Kaberle, the Bruins are trying to move Blake Wheeler. Several teams showing interest, including the Atlanta Thrashers. The New Jersey Devils who were among Wheeler’s top choices when he was let go by the Phoenix Coyotes two summers ago, also have interest.
Capitals sign Alexander Semin to a one year extension
For the second straight year, the Washington Capitals have resigned Alexander Semin to a one year extension. The deal is worth $6.7 million and the 26 year old winger is signed through the 2011-2012 season.
Capitals putting too much focus on being a “defensive minded” team?
As the Washington Capitals (24-13-7, 55 pts) continue their makeover into a defensive minded team, there’s some sense that too much of the Capitals focus is being put towards defense that is taking away from their once push the play high-octane offensive attack.
Winter Classic: Bylsma & Boudreau Press Conferences
Here is full audio (links below) of Dan Bylsma’s and Bruce Boudreau’s Press Conferences from today at Consol Energy Center.