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Posts Tagged Detroit Red Wings

Evgeni Nabokov Activated from Injured Reserve

Dec 13

Posted by EB in Fantasy, News, Rumors | No Comments

The 14th placed New York Islanders have activated goaltender Evgeni Nabokov off injured reserve. With very little fantasy owners owning him, he may be worth looking into for some depth.

The 36 year-old Nabokov began the season with a horrible 1-5-0 record in 8 games started. Of the time played, Nabokov has a rather high 2.83 goals against average and a .910 save percentage. So why in the world would any fantasy owner be interested in him?

Nabokov’s career has been played with the San Jose Sharks where he won the Calder Memorial Trophy for rookie of the year in 2000-2001. Since then, his stats have not been Patrick Roy like, but still a solid number one net-minder. In his 571 games played he has a winning record of 294-183-29-51 with a 2.39 goals against average and a .912 save percentage. Furthermore, his playoff stats have been 2 games over .500 with 40 wins and a 2.29 goals against average with a .913 save percentage.

OK, the stats have been pumped but why is Nabokov a potential steal in fantasy pools? Nabokov is a solid net-minder despite lacking a team in front of him with the New york Islanders. He may not get as many wins as some other goalies but he will definitely get a decent save percentage by facing an average of 31.1 shots per game (21st in the NHL). The Islanders are still young and developing, they can only get better as a team. The real possibility however comes in the possibility of a trade.

Last year Nabokov made headlines by being signed as a free agent by the Detroit Red Wings. However, due to his play oversees, Nabokov needed to clear waivers before re-entering the NHL. This is where the New York Islanders came to pick him up and tried to work out a trade. Nabokov on the other hand refused to play, eventually was suspended and sat out the remainder of the year. Well he is back, the Islanders still need a goaltender and the Red Wings may be willing to trade. Backup Ty Conklin has only seen 4 starts, a 1-3-0 record with a 3.26 goals against average. Ouch!

Conklin may not be a trade interest for the Islanders, however, the Red Wings do have 22 year-old Thomas McCollum. McCollum is young, currently playing in the ECHL with the Toledo Walleye. His stats are not quite there but the Red Wings have belief in his potential. Not needing a goalie for quite some time with 27 year-old Jimmy Howard, on top of possibly willing to trade winger Dan Cleary, the Red Wings may be interested in Nabokov once again.

Nabokov is not going anywhere for a while, not until he starts posting a few wins. Be on the lookout for buzz about a possible trade. Once that starts to hit the headlines Nabokov might be of interest.

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Alexander Semin Trade Rumors Growing

Dec 6

Posted by Matt in News | 1 Comment

Alexander Semin and the Washington Capitals

Alexander Semin has been scrutinized a lot by the coaches in Washington this season, now the trade rumors are getting hot

As it turns out, Washington Capitals winger Alexander Semin does not have a shoulder injury. Instead, new coach Dale Hunter has told media sources that Semin has been a healthy scratch the past two games. Semin has been practicing with the team, so news of his scratches has put fuel on the Alexander Semin trade rumor fire that has existed for a while now.

One possible suitor for Alex Semin would be the Detroit Red Wings. Rumors have swirled in the past with Jiri Hudler or Dan Cleary being involved in a deal for Semin. Hudler has not been the same since his return from the KHL. His off-season training program this past summer has gotten him off to a better start than last year, but he’s still not quite the 60 point player the Wings had before he left. Cleary has been struggling this season as well, and could potentially need a change of scenery. His grit and work ethic would be a good addition to a Capitals club looking to build for the playoffs. This trade would suit the Red Wings nicely as it would give them a scoring threat with huge potential, in addition to being surrounded by a mature team with plenty of Stanley Cup experience. Semin could thrive playing alongside fellow countryman Pavel Datsyuk, and all he would have to do is find open ice and wait for the pass. Beyond this season, the Red Wings would have additional salary cap space free to either re-sign Semin, or pursue a bigger free agent such as Shea Weber or Zach Parise.

Another rumored landing spot is Los Angeles. The Kings, however, have much less cap space available currently. They would be forced to make a pretty bold trade in order to acquire Semin. Nashville has been included in rumors as well, and would add a great scoring threat to the team. They have plenty of cap space available. The New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes are being thrown into the mix too. The Islanders have a lot of young talent they could offer to the Capitals, but Washington is probably looking for players who can contribute to a long playoff run. The Hurricanes are in a similar spot with plenty of cap space, but not a lot in terms of trade bait.

While it seems the Caps would love to unload Semin sooner rather than later, his $6.7 million per season salary will make him difficult to trade. However, it is possible that the team could waive Semin in an attempt to remove his salary. If no other teams claim him, Semin would join the Hershey Bears in the AHL where his salary would not count against the big club.

Where do you think Semin will land? Leave us a note in the comments with your thoughts on his future.

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Healthy players could provide Fantasy Hockey boost

Dec 3

Posted by Chris in Fantasy | No Comments

Fantasy Hockey owners looking for an upgrade to their lineup could find it this weekend if they act fast and take advantage of several of the news announcements made recently for games this weekend.

It appears as if Montreal’s power play will get a huge boost as defenseman Andrei Markov is expected to return from injury tonight when they visit the Kings. For Fantasy owners, Markov is a high-risk, high-reward type player recently. He missed most of last season with several injuries, but when he is in the lineup he is one of the better points producing defenseman in the league and a staple on Montreal’s power play. Markov is available in roughly 42% of Yahoo Fantasy Hockey leagues, so consider picking him up if you need a boost in power play points.

The St. Louis Blues, winners of seven of their last 10 games, will also get a boost when forward David Perron returns to the lineup after missing 97 games due to a concussion sustained early last season. This is great news for Perron and for the Blues and comes right on the heels of the return of Sidney Crosby, another player who was down for an extended period of time due to a concussion. In 10 games last season, Perron posted five goals and two assists before going down with the injury. He scored 20 goals and 47 points the season before and could be even better. Keep an eye on him when he returns tonight.

Speaking of concussions, it appears as if Mike Richards may have suffered one during Thursday’s game against the Florida Panthers. Although the team is remaining mum on Richards’ condition and the extent of the injury, the team did place Richards on IR today meaning he will miss at least seven days. If you need a replacement for the time being, consider tapping Valtteri Filppula. Not only is Filppula red hot this season with seven goals and 20 points in 23 games, including four goals in his past five games, but the Red Wings will also play four times next week and have 14 games left in the month of December (if Richards stays out long term). Filppula remains available in 60% of Yahoo Fantasy Leagues and is well on his way to a career year.

Other options include Shawn Horcoff, who has seven goals and 10 assists and is owned in only 12% of Yahoo leagues, and Tim Connolly, who has 12 points in 13 games. Connolly is injury-prone, however, so exercise caution before you pick him up.

And good news for Toronto fans as goalie James Reimer has been cleared to play and will be available for tonight’s contest against Boston. Although he will likely serve as the backup for his first game back, Reimer started the season strong with four wins and one shutout in six starts before going down with concussion-like symptoms  and it shouldn’t take long for coach Ron Wilson to get Reimer back between the pipes soon.

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NHL realignment talks on tap for Governors meeting next week

Dec 2

Posted by Chris in Soap Box | No Comments

With the NHL Board of Governors meeting next week in Pebble Beach, California, fans may finally get their long-awaited answer as to how the league plans to deal with realignment next season after the Atlanta Thrashers moved to Winnipeg this past summer, throwing the league out of whack as Winnipeg is playing in Atlanta’s Eastern Conference spot but should rightfully be a Western Conference team.

It appears as if there are two front-running suggestions right now. The first involves an even swap where Detroit would move to the East and Winnipeg to the West. This would be the simplest move for the NHL to make, which means it will never happen.

The other suggestion involves a complete realignment that shifts away from the two-conference, six-division standard and instead implements a four-division league where two of the divisions have seven teams and the other two have eight. If this idea is agreed upon, it’s likely that the Board of Governors will also alter the schedule so that each team plays every other team at home and on the road at least once during the regular season.

As a hockey fan, I’m more intrigued by the complete reformation. It would certainly be more fun from a fan’s point of view to play every team at home at least once. That way, fans all over can see Steve Stamkos, Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin and countless others at their home arena once every season. Plus, this proposal would also include two rounds of divisional playoffs – something that should increase the bad blood between division rivals. If this strategy could produce rivalry playoff matchups even remotely to the level of Detroit-Colorado in the late 1990’s, I’m all for it.

The problem is that two-thirds of the Board of Governors has to approve whatever method they propose. That’s probably the most likely reason why they will not adopt a simply strategy where Detroit moves to the East and Winnipeg to the West. Too many Western Conference general managers like having Detroit come to their arena twice a season to help draw in fans. Add in the fact that each team will also play host to Crosby, Ovechkin and Stamkos and you’re looking at a big increase in profits during those games.

The other reason why I believe they will adopt a complete restructuring involves the Phoenix Coyotes. The city of Glendale, where the Coyotes’ arena resides, has stated they will not pay for the Coyotes any longer. Unless there is a buyer in place by the end of this season, the Coyotes will likely be on the move. If the general managers agree to a straight Detroit-for-Winnipeg swap, they could be in the exact same position next season if Phoenix moves East (although I hear Las Vegas and Washington are possible destinations if Phoenix moves).

For the time being, however, I am still holding out hope that the league will adopt my strategy that drops two teams completely and moves to four, seven-team divisions. Sorry Phoenix and Columbus, you are the weakest links. Goodbye.

 

 

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Jarome Iginla trade makes sense for Flames

Dec 2

Posted by Chris in News | No Comments

In 14 years with the Calgary Flames, Jarome Iginla has only been to the Stanley Cup Finals once. That was also the only time he has been a part of a Flames team that advanced beyond the Conference Semi-Finals. Despite being a consistent scorer, the Flames have continually failed to provide Iginla with the proper supporting cast to make a legitimate run at the Stanley Cup. At 34-years-old, Iginla is on pace for one of his worst statistical seasons and the Flames will likely miss the playoffs for a third straight year. It’s time that the Flames do their star player a favor and trade him to a contender.

The problem with trading a player like Iginla involves how that move will impact his legacy in Calgary. Although not drafted by the Flames, Iginla played his first NHL game in a Flames sweater and has been with the club ever since. The fans adore Iginla thanks to his hard work ethic, his on-ice production and his humble nature. It probably doesn’t hurt that he will throw down the gloves for a good scrap every once in a while either. Needless to say, the thought of trading Iginla is viewed as a sacrileges act among the Calgary faithful.

But at some point, as a fan or as a general manager, you need to weigh the importance of building a winner versus keeping your star athlete. The payback on Iginla should certainly help the Flames begin building a winning franchise. After so many seasons where they just weren’t good enough, the Flames need to make the necessary moves to get themselves over the hump and begin seriously competing with the big guns in the West.

Besides, the Flames will have 12 free agents at the end of this season including Olli Jokinen, Scott Hannan, David Moss, Lee Stempniak and Cory Sarich. This season may provide the best time for Calgary to begin the rebuilding process as they can trade away a good number of players for draft picks and prospects and begin building for the future. Unfortunately, if that does happen, Calgary may be looking at a rebuilding process that could take a few seasons before they are truly a contender. Iginla is only signed through next season, but does he really want to go waste a valuable season at the end of his career with a rebuilding franchise?

The problem, as with almost any trade of a significant player, is finding a competitive team who can absorb his salary. And Iginla’s $7 million cap hit certainly doesn’t make that easy. Perhaps a team like the Nashville Predators could make a run at Iginla. The team needs more offense and a move of that caliber would be telling that the team is serious about building a winner, possibly providing incentive for free agents Shea Weber and Ryan Suter to stick around for longer. The Carolina Hurricanes have roughly $13 million in available cap space and would probably love to get their hands on a veteran scorer like Iginla.

Don’t count out a team like the Detroit Red Wings either. The Wings have roughly $5.5 million in available cap space and it’s been rumored that they would love to bring another scorer into their top-six. If Iginla becomes available, he could be a target for the Wings.

According to reports from Hockey Night in Canada, Iginla hasn’t outright asked for a trade, but he has stated that he is beginning to think about life with a team besides the Calgary Flames. That’s a huge step for someone who has been with the team for the better part of 14 years. With the amount of pending free agents in Calgary at season’s end, the Flames need to seriously consider selling assets and moving into rebuilding mode. Although Iginla’s contract doesn’t expire until the end of next season, moving him this year makes sense for the club and for Iginla himself.

What do you think? Should the Flames trade Iginla this season? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment or by visiting our Facebook page to join the discussion!

 

 

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Fantasy Debate: Pavel Datsyuk

Nov 21

Posted by EB in Fantasy, News | No Comments

The beginning of the NHL season has been a unique one to say the least. The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers were leading the league while other teams seemed to falter. One such team, the Detroit Red Wings, left many fans to wonder if this will be the season that their playoff streak ends. Have no fear as both Toronto and Edmonton begin to drop while the Red Wings slowly climb the Western Conference Standings. Despite the Red Wings recent success, a question arises for fantasy owners, what to do with Pavel Datsyuk?

Pavel Datsyuk is one of the best players in the game with takeaways and dangles that few players can match. But 19 games into the season, will Datsyuk put up big numbers to help your fantasy team?

Some may argue that he has 15 points in those 19 games, a respectable tally for any player. But currently on pace for 64 points, a point total that fantasy owners expect to be nearer to 90, some owners might want to look at their options. Factor in Datsyuk has nearly a quarter of his total points in the last 2 games, it may be time to dump the Datsyuk.

On the flip side, to cast more confusion in your Datsyuk debate, Pavel is still one of the top players in the league. Coming off of a 2 game, 4 point performance, perhaps the dam has finally broken. Surely Datsyuk will not keep up a two point night, but Datsyuk has yet to let any of his fantasy owners down. Last year he was out for part of the season, only playing 56 games and he still put up 59 points. The 2009-2010 season saw him take a dip, only to 70 points, but the 4 season previous he did not fall below 87 points.

Well, what to do what to do? Datsyuk could be his dependable self, or perhaps he is slowly declining in his point production. As a fantasy owner you need to make a decision soon on what to do. If you so choose to make a trade offer, now is the time, coming off of a good couple of games, a point total respectable to the amount of games played, and the Red Wings are starting to win again. But if you so choose to hold onto him, the future is unknown, but hope for bluer skies red lit lamps.

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Michigan, Michigan State, and Olympia Entertainment Extend Deal

Nov 18

Posted by Eddie in News | No Comments

Earlier this week, the University of Michigan and Michigan Sgtate University extended a deal to continue playing games against each other at Joe Louis Arena for three more seasons. The pact ensures the rivalry game at the home of the Detroit Red Wings will continue until the 2013-2014 season.

The Michigan State-Michigan hockey rivalry is just as intense as the football rivalry between the two largest schools in the state of Michigan.

The Wolverines and Spartans have met in Detroit at least once per season since 1990. During the series at The Joe, Michigan has held a slight series edge with 10 wins compared to Michigan State’s nine. Four games have ended in a tie. University of Michigan AD David Brandon can add this to the list of deals he has struck in his short time in Ann Arbor. ““I’m excited that we have extended our relationship with Olympia Entertainment, ensuring our fans that Michigan vs. Michigan State hockey games will be played at Joe Louis Arena for many years to come,” he said.

Despite a sub-par season in 2010-11 by the Spartans under former coach Rick Comley, they posted a 2-1 victory in front of over 18,000 fans January 29, 2011. The two teams will meet this season Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to this single game, the College Hockey in the D series at Joe Louis Arena this season consist of staple events like the Great Lakes Invitational and the CCHA Championship. The 2011 edition of the Great Lakes Invitational, set to be staged at Joe Louis Arena on December 29 and 30 of this year. Boston College and Michigan Tech will join Michigan State and Michigan for the right to hoist the MacInnes Trophy later this year.

The Mason Cup will be awarded to the CCHA tournament champion. And the champion will be awarded Saturday, March 12, 2012 after the semifinals the day before. This season, the Wolverines carry a 7-3-2 overall and 3-3-2-1 CCHA records heading into this weekends home series with Ohio State. The Spartans are only three points behind in conference with a 3-3-0-0 record. Their overall record is 6-4 as they travel to Marquette, Mich. to take on Northern Michigan.

““Our rivalry with Michigan is the greatest rivalry in our state, and as the most-played rivalry in all of college hockey, it allows us to add a chapter each year in one of the most exciting buildings in the National Hockey League. This partnership also allows us to showcase our programs, and engage our fans in the Detroit area.””- Michigan State Athletic Director Mark Hollis

” “It allows us to showcase one of the most exciting rivalries in college hockey in one of the grandest hockey venues in the state of Michigan, and also provides terrific exposure for both of these storied hockey programs.””- University of Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon

HWB is participating in “Movember” to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Make a difference, make a donation.

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Michal Handzus, Sharks mourn the loss of Lokomotiv players and friends

Nov 16

Posted by Chris in News | No Comments

Nearly 10 weeks have passed since the devastating plane crash that killed 36 members of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team and took the lives of 44 people total. Despite the passage of time, San Jose Sharks forward Michal Handzus still holds a heavy heart for the loss of his former teammate and good friend Pavol Demitra.

The last time that Handzus saw Demitra was at a charity event to raise money for wheelchair-confined children.

“He was always doing stuff like that,” Handzus said, “That’s why everybody loved him.”

Handzus first learned of the crash that claimed the life of his friend while at his home in Slovakia. His wife called to tell him there had been a crash, but details were still sketchy at the time. Handzus remained calm, believing his friend hadn’t been on board.

“But then I learned that they were going to their first game, and that was when I realized,” he said. “I knew.”

Handzus and Demitra grew up in different cities in Slovakia and didn’t know one another growing up. But that changed when Handzus became a member of the St. Louis Blues in 1998 and Demitra took his fellow countryman under his wing.

“I was a young guy who didn’t know what to expect,” said Handzus. “I was by myself. But he watched out for me and was such a big help. Those were some of the best years I’ve ever had in the NHL. He was a huge part of my career.”

Handzus and Demitra played together for three seasons with the Blues, as well as on several national teams for Slovakia. Handzus was the best man at Demitra’s wedding and Demitra was present when Handzus got married this past summer.

The close bond that the two shared makes the tragic loss of Demitra and the rest of the members of the Lokomotiv team even more personal for Handzus.

“Nothing has changed,” he added. “I play hockey and forget what happened for a little bit, and then suddenly it hits you again. You just don’t believe it’s true.”

Handzus received special permission from the Sharks to attend Demitra’s funeral and be there to support his family.

“It was important to me because I needed to be there to honor him,” he said.

Handzus continues to honor the memory of his friend and the Lokomotiv hockey team by wearing a red “Love for Lokomotiv” wrist band on his right wrist. Those same red wrist bands will be sold this Thursday on the HP Pavilion’s main concourse when the San Jose Sharks host the Detroit Red Wings, who also lost several members of their extended family in the crash, including former assistant coach Brad McCrimmon. The wrist bands will be sold by the Sharks’ wives and girlfriends with proceeds of the bands, which cost $10 apiece, going toward the families of the victims. Donations can also be made at www.loveforlokomotiv.com

HWB is participating in “Movember” to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Make a difference, make a donation.

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Skating With The Wings

Oct 30

Posted by Eddie in Media | No Comments

As cold as it is in Sweden during majority of the year, not everyone plays hockey. They are quite impressive in other sports as the Swedish soccer teams are highly ranked in the world. The men’s team is ranked 14th in the latest FIFA rankings while the women are fifth. On the ice, the men’s team is ranked third in the latest IIHF rankings while the women are fourth.

They aren’t as impressive on the basketball court, but one of the best players to come from Sweden just happens to play for a sports town known for star players from Sweden. Standing at 6’10″ and 232 lbs., Detroit Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko has made a name for himself in the Motor City. He’s the second Swedish-born player in the NBA after Miles Simon in 1999. Jerebko was drafted in 2009 by the Pistons and was very impressive, averaging nine points and six rebounds in 28 minutes of action in 80 games. He was in the starting lineup in 73 of those in season where he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

Just like the NHL in 2004-05, the NBA is currently in a lockout. And just like the NHL then, games are being canceled and there is a high chance there would be no NBA season. Jerebko missed all of last season when he suffered a injury to his Achillies’ tendon in the preseason. He is currently healthy and ready to go back on the court but because of the lockout he has to occupy his time in other fashions. Assuming he’s bored of IKEA [because there's only so much you can do there], he took the ice for a morning skate with the Detroit Red Wings. He’s been spotted at games several times since he’s been in Detroit, as there are seven Swedes on the 25-man roster. He’s made friends with several of them, including Niklas Kronwall. Kronwall lent Jerebko some of his gear when the basketball player took to the ice. He didn’t look too bad when shooting the puck, but he still needs to work on his skating and balance.

Jerebko won’t be giving up his day job anytime soon, but if he were to Jerebko would be the tallest player to ever play in the NHL. He would be one inch taller than 6’9″ Zdeno Chara. Check out this NHL.com video from earlier this week when Fox Sports Detroit caught Jerebko skating with the Red Wings.

<a href='http://www.foxsportsdetroit.com/pages/video?UUID=5d8ede39-0c99-4b77-8467-b40e6385b94b&#038;src=SLPl:embed::uuids' target='_new' title='Jonas on Ice'>Video: Jonas on Ice</a>

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Nicklas Lidstrom Reaches 1,500 Games Milestone

Oct 22

Posted by EB in News | No Comments

Nicklas Lidstrom, the Captain of the Detroit Red Wings, will reach the 1,500 regular season games played milestone tonight against the Washington Capitals. Leading into the game, Lidtsrom has a regular season output of 255 goals, 856 assists to total 1,111 points. His production matches his smart play as he has a plus 432 rating, the highest plus-minus rating in the NHL since 1991-1992.

Lidtsrom’s milestone is accompanied by his resume of success. Seven Norris Trophys in the last 10 seasons of play, first European-born player to win the Con Smyth Trophy (2002) and has risen the Stanley Cup 4 times (1997, 1998, 2002, 2008).

The 1,500 games played milestone will put Lidstrom at 14th overall, surpassing last year’s teammate Mike Modano who has 1,499. Lidstrom’s next jump will come at 1,514 games which would tie long-time teammate and friend Steve Yzerman. It is possible that Lidtsrom at the completion of this season, could surpass 10th overall Alex Delvecchio at 1,549 games. It seems like the records are Detroit Red Wings dominant. Chris Chelios is 5th overall with 1,651 games while the most games played is held by Mr. Hockey himself Gordie Howe. Howe has played 1,767 games.

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