January 15, 2008
Dobber Sports
2008-01-15
Some time over the next 48 hours, the site will be down. Probably twice and probably for a couple of hours. I will know about the time as it approaches. The forum may be down even longer. But it is just as I change hosts. Once I change hosts, the site will be more reliable. Last week's fiasco doesn't sit well with me so I am taking action.
Jeff Friesen has signed with Lake Erie of the AHL
Speculation on a new Leaf GM? We have it right here!
Do you like throwing darts? Junior Lessard. The Stars traded him to the Lightning. They picked up some defensive help for their farm team in Iowa in exchange for Lessard, but that doesn't matter. What should matter to you is the fact that TB has four forwards who can score and they are desperate to try anything to find a cheap fifth. Jan Hlavac failed. The jury is still out on Michel Ouellet – he had his moments. But now, let the Lessard experiment begin. It's a long shot, but you never know. He is a good producer in the AHL and an excellent one back in college.
Tarik El-Bashir confirmed it. The correspondant for the Washington Post has confirmed that Nylander will go under the knife and will be out for several months. I think the Caps will acquire somebody to replace him, but in the meantime I think Fleischmann will get more opportunity.
This Nylander rumor just won't go away. I first reported it a few days ago (thanks to JP over at Japer's Rink) that he may have a torn rotator cuff. Now I'm hearing it again. Is he out for the season? As soon as I hear from the Washington correspondant I will report it here.
Chris Clark (groin) is questionable for today's game against the Sens.
Shaone Morrisonn is plus-13 since he was paired with Mike Green November 22.
Michal Nylander was given practice off yesterday. He logged a ton of minutes Sunday, so I would guess that he's fine though.
Interesting – when Mark Eaton came back last season midway through, it kicked off a huge run that pushed the Penguins well into the playoffs with one of the best second-half records in the league. This year, his knee injury took him out of the lineup and since then the Pens have not lost in regulation. He underwent surgery yesterday and is out for the season. The Pens are 9-0-1 in their last 10 and 8-0-1 without Eaton.
Freddie Modin finally did a full, hard practice yesterday and should be back in the lineup by this coming weekend.
Both Scott Walker (knee) and Matt Cullen (head) should be back in Carolina's lineup by this weekend.
Boston line combo: Krejci with Schaefer and Kobasew. As I pointed out to you with a bold projection in the midseason guide, Krejci is probably in Boston to stay this time and should contribute 20 points the rest of the way.
The Preds have recalled Rich Peverley, who has 38 points in 36 AHL games. He may have some decent short-term value, as the team likes to spread out their offensive lines.
The Kings have placed Mike Cammalleri on the IR retroactively (meaning they can activate him any time, I still expect him back this week). But they did it so they can recall Teddy Purcell, the AHL's top scoring rookie. He is one to watch, although I doubt they'll throw him on a top line right away. Just a one or two game cup of coffee.
LA also recalled defenseman Peter Harrold. This guy is going nutty in the 'A'. He has 38 points in 39 games – and he's a defenseman! Like I said about Purcell, I don't see them throwing him into the fire right away but it's good to see the organization acknowledge the great things that they have done.
The Blues sent down Toivonen and recalled Schwarz. I don't see Schwarz getting a start – this is more to help Toivonen get his confidence back.
The Sens announced the Emery will start tonight.
Ryan Callahan has four points in three games for Hartford of the AHL since being sent down. He is also a plus-3. He's still a solid prospect who should be a lock to get 65 points in the NHL one year fairly soon.
Ty Conklin stopped 43 of 44 shots last night.
Surprisingly, Marc Savard's addition to the All-Star Game yesterday was his first. Despite 97 and 96 point seasons, he has never been invited before.