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Lemaire steps down as Devil coach again … Zetterberg to miss start of series, Kronwall to return … Bolland could be back in round 1 … Changes coming in Dallas, Carolina?
Mark Easson
Mark Everson of the NY Post: Jacques Lemaire has once again stepped down as the New Jersey Devils head coach. Lemaire took over from John MacLean who was fired on Dec. 23rd after posting a 9-22-2 record. The Devils were 29-17-3 under Lemaire, and posted a 23-3-2 run.
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg is battling a knee injury. “I don’t expect him to start the series,” Babcock said. “But he’s really pushing things, and he’s working hard at it, and he’ll be ready to go as soon as he can.” Niklas Kronwall should be ready for Game 1 after missing the last 5 games with an upper-body injury.
Craig Custance via twitter: Blackhawks coach Joel Quennville on center David Bolland, “Hopefully he can be a part early in this first series.”
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Sergei Bobrovsky will be the starting goalie for the Flyers in their 1st round match-up against Ryan Miller and the Buffalo Sabres. Bobrovsky was 28-13-8 with a 2.59 GAA and .915 SV%. Miller was 34-22-8 with a 2.59 goals-against average and .916 SV%.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk now faces the tough decision on whether they want to re-sign Brad Richards, and if they can afford to sign him. Other Stars UFA’s are Jamie Langenbrunner, Karlis Skrastins, Brandon Segal, Jason Williams, Brian Sutherby and Jeff Woywitka. They also have to decide if they want to make a coaching change or not.
Eric Francis in the Toronto Sun: Don’t expect to hear any updates on Alex Tanguay and the Calgary Flames talks from Tanguay’s agent, Steve Kotlowitz. A decision should be made by May if ESPN and the NHL can come to terms on a TV deal.
Katie Strang via twitter: Free agent Zenon Konopka is optimistic a deal will get down with the Islanders. It will be 8 weeks of rest with no surgery for several of his injuries.
Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: The Carolina Hurricanes could have a different look next year as Eric Cole, Joni Pitkanen, Jussi Jokinen, Chad LaRose, Cory Stillman, Pat Dwyer and Jay Harrison are UFA’s. GM Jim Rutherford said that re-signing Cole is a priority. They may be looking to make changes on their blueline, so Joni Pitkanen could be gone.