April 21, 2010
Dobber Sports
2010-04-21
The Leafs have signed undrafted goaltender Jussi Rynnas. Minors for next year.
Philly.com is reporting that both Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne will miss Game 5. Carter blocked a shot with his shin and only played 33 seconds after that last night. Ville Leino will get back into the lineup.
Simon Gagne left last night’s contest with a possible broken toe. He may play Thursday, but consider him doubtful.
Troy Brouwer took the biggest hit from Chicago’s lineup changes last night, getting bumped off the top line and playing just seven minutes. Kris Versteeg took his spot on the line with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Since the ‘Hawks lost, it’s anyone’s guess as to what the combos will look like next contest.
The streaky David Legwand picked the right time to get hot again. He had 18 points in 18 games between mid-November and mid-December. He had 15 in 46 after that. But he now has five points in three playoff contests.
Dustin Boyd was again in the Preds lineup because Patric Hornqvist couldn’t dress. Boyd was considered one of Nashville’s best forwards in Game 2. Production-wise, however, he’s been a non-factor.
Dan Boyle scored two goals in a 1:13 span. One was in OT into his own net, and the next one came 1:12 into last night’s contest. The team wired another 45 shots at Craig Anderson and snuck two by him. That makes 96 shots faced in two games, and he has allowed two of them.
Kevin Porter did not get into the lineup after all. In fact, the Sharks beat the Avs 2-1 and the Avs were without Mueller, Hejduk, Porter, Stoa and Jones. Marek Svatos got into his first game and had four shots on goal in 13 minutes of ice time.
John-Michael Liles has 11 shots in four playoff games. That’s nearly double his season average.
Thomas Vanek is wearing a walking boot. I wouldn’t expect him back for Game 4. The Sabres recalled tough guy Cody McCormick.
Marc Savard has been cleared to practice. On a rushed schedule, I figure he will only miss two or three more games (best case).
Habs inside/out is reporting that Carey Price will get the call. What a giant mistake. I’m a big Price fan but the team is taking a huge risk here. Confidence can make or break a goalie’s development and putting the team’s near-impossible chances on his shoulders against the firepower of the Caps could kill his career. And all so they could have a 10% chance of winning instead of 9%. On the other hand, if they do win it will be thanks to Price, which would obviously turn his career in a positive direction. But the downside is too likely – and too great.
The Tennessean reports that the Preds have signed UFA Swedish forward Linus Klasen. It’s a one-year, two-way deal so I would be surprised if he makes the squad in the fall. He was fifth in SEL points, but at just 5-8 it doesn’t look promising. Not with so any kids knocking on the door there.
Look at this beauty Johan Franzen pass: