- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres are off to a 3-8-2 start, GM Darcy Regier has said he doesn’t want to fire coach Lindy Ruff, so it might be roster moves are needed to shake the team up. He’s been working the phones, but not liking the offers. He doesn’t want to give players away, such as Tim Connolly. Connolly is taking heat from fans, and writer Gleason for his turnovers/bad decision making.
- Adrian Dater on Versus: Dater runs through 5 coaches who could be on the Hotseat. Ron Wilson: if the Leafs are out of it at some point this year, it could be Wilson’s last year. Lindy Ruff and Randy Carlyle: both of their GM’s have said their jobs are safe for now. Scott Gordon: after a good start, the Islanders have lost 5 in a row. Todd Richards: he’s under some pressure in Minnesota to win now.
- Cory Masisak of CSN Washington: Alexander Semin signed a 1 year, $6 million deal in the off-season, and will be looking to cash in on a lucrative long-term deal. He’s a UFA at seasons end, the Capitals can’t negotiate with him until after January 1st. Can Washington afford him? They have $36 million committed to 13 players next year.
“I really don’t think is focused too much on that,” Gandler said. “From the conversations I’ve had with him, he would rather just play hockey. Obviously it is important and it was important last year. This year the reason Alexander signed a one-year deal was not to become an unrestricted free agent necessarily. It was part of the strategy but only because we didn’t think he could get a long-term deal at the money we thought he should get.”
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Atlanta Thrashers lost 3-0 last night in front of only 8,461 fans, their lowest total ever, 2nd record low in the last 15 days.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Scouts from Avs, Sens, Leafs, Coyotes, Canucks, Blackhawks, Lightning, Stars were at the Thrashers-Blue Jackets game. I wonder if they were included in last night’s record low attendance in Atlanta.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Johan Franzen was on the ice yesterday for the Red Wings practice, but figures to be ready for tonight.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Minnesota Wild forward Guillaume Latendresse is now week-to-week with a groin injury.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Zach Parise will be put on IR in the next couple days. Brian Rolston will practice on either Sunday or Monday.
- Globe and Mail Audio: Eric Duhatschek, James Mirtle, and Darren Yourk discuss the New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, and if Jarome Iginla could get traded.
- Puck Daddy Radio: Question of the Day….“Who is the best hitter in the NHL”? (05:00) Sidney Crosby drops the gloves (07:45) Cal Clutterbuck, Minnesota Wild RW (10:30) Bobby Holik (24:00) Puck Headlines (37:30)
- Fan 590 Audio: OHL Commissioner David Branch on Prime Time Sports discuss concussions and the overall safety in the game of hockey.
- Fan 590 Audio: Glen Healy on Prime Time Sports discussing the good and the bad in the hockey world.
- Joe Thornton blindsided David Perron last night, NHL will likely review. If the league is serious about blindsided hits, it will give Thornton a suspension, maybe 2 games. I don’t necessarily think it was a ‘2 game’ hit, maybe a 1 game suspension, but it could send a message that all players can get suspended, even the stars.