April 19, 2007

Erik Johnson has been signed to entry level deal by the Blues and will be in the NHL this fall. Expect Phaneuf-like rookie numbers from the future star. He has been invited to play for Team USA at the Worlds.

Speaking of the Worlds, Jonathan Toews has been invited for Team Canada. 

Brad May has been suspended three games by the NHL for his punch Tuesday on Kim Johnsson. Wouldn't it be something if the team replaced him in the lineup by Bobby Ryan? The team has recalled Ryan after Portland was eliminated from playoff contention, so he IS available. Just give him a taste!

Doug McLean has been fired by the Blue Jackets. Dave Taylor, Craig Patrick, Rick Dudley and Steve Tambellini are being considered as replacements. 

Michel Therrien is leaning towards keeping Nils Ekman in the lineup for the second consecutive contest.

As I indicated yesterday and now the Detroit media is speculating – Jiri Hudler could get into the lineup for Game 4 and relegate Mikael Samuelsson to the press box.

Ramzi Abid was in the lineup last night as Martin Erat sat out with his leg injury. The Preds have their backs against the wall and it is tough to see Erat missing the next contest. No word on Steve Sullivan today, but I suspect there will be an update tomorrow.

Tomas Vokoun gave up three goals on 23 shots. It may be the time to give the nod to Mason now.

It is unfortunate for owners of a lot of Rangers players that they only played four games. They were scoring like gangbusters, but now you must sit and wait for a week while the rest of league catches and passes them in the scoring race. Jagr and Nylander have a combined 15 points. It is looking like TB-NJ will go seven and if the Lightning win, Martin St. Louis could be heading to Round 2 with 12 or 13 points under his belt.

Jussi Jokinen has an upper body injury and will miss the game tonight. Apparently Tippett is leaning towards replacing him with Krys Barch. However, if Eric Lindros can go, which is a possibility, then obviously the Big E will be in there.