Coyotes lose $10.8 million since July 1
Per court documents in the Phoenix bankruptcy case that were released last week, the Phoenix Coyotes have lost $10.8 Mil since July 1, to go along with losses of over $100 million since the lockout.
The NHL is doing all they can to keep the Coyotes in Phoenix but it’s getting to the point where it might be time to pull the plug and seriously consider relocating.
As for the on-ice product, Dave Tippett has the Coyotes (9-4-0) playing great hockey and the NHL is going to do what they can to get the Coyotes in the playoffs.
Ownership issues also continue for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers. According to the Miami Herald, Florida Panthers owner Alan Cohen is in discussions with minority owners Cliff Viner and Stuart Siegel about a plan that would increase their ownership stakes and allow Cohen to step down as general partner.
The Herald also reports that Cohen’s ownership group has lost over $100 million since assuming control in 2001.
Stamkos emerging as a star
Steven Stamkos, the 2008 1st overall pick is emerging as a star in just his second season. The 19 year old forward leads the Lightning with 10 goals and 15 points on the season.
The vibe around the league is that the Lightning are becoming Stamkos’s team, despite the presence of Vincent Lecavalier.
In Tampa Bay, Ryan Malone (8 pts) is off to his best start of his career and Martin St. Louis (15 pts) is off to a strong start.
Lecavalier only has one goal on the season and Lightning ownership would still love to get rid of his contract.
Forsberg just won’t go away
Petr Forsberg is making another comeback. The former M.V.P. is making a comeback with the Sweden national team for the Karjala Cup.
The Flyers, Capitals, Blackhawks and Avalanche are already getting mentioned as potential suitors. CSNPhilly.com reports, Philadelphia Flyers scout Ilkka Sinisalo will be heading to Sweden to watch Forsberg play in the Karjala Cup.
Stuggles continue for the Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes have lost nine straight games and they can’t keep the puck out of their net. They have scored only 28 goals on the season and have surrendered 50 goals in 13 games played.
In the Hurricanes past three losses they have given up 16 goals and the news keeps getting worse for Carolina.
GM Jim Rutherford told the Raleigh News Observer on Monday that star center Eric Stall will miss several games with an upper body injury.
Rutherford has been very active in trade talks.