from the Star-Ledger, Devils defenseman Anssi Salmela was taken off the ice on a stretcher in Philadelphia Monday night after getting hit by the Flyers' Jeff Carter just after scoring a short-handed goal for a 2-0 Devils lead. continued update 9:05pm, via Jay Grossman (player agent) Twitt

Let's forget the goals and saves this week and concentrate on just the hits from the past week in the NHL.

from Eric Stephens of Ducks Blog at the OC Register, Is Ducks general manager Bob Murray going to be a buyer or a seller when March 3 rolls around, or perhaps before that fateful date? It is one of the questions that's floating around in hockey circles as the Ducks sit precariously outside

from Mike Boone of Habs Inside/Out, Gainey said he had decided to resign as general manager after a "long and difficult period of reflection." With his contract due to expire in June, Gainey approached Pierre Boivin during the Christmas holiday period, telling the Canadiens' preside

Who can forget The Great One? No. 99 from the Edmonton Oilers and, of course, the LA Kings among others? In something of a no-brainer, Canadians want Wayne Gretzky (pictured) to carry the torch in the final leg of the of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games Friday night, according to a poll by The Globe

via Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun, Vancouver Canucks forward Pavol Demitra has left the team and returned to Vancouver to deal with a personal matter. "He has has a personal matter that he had to take care of so he flew back to Vancouver this afternoon," coach Alain Vigneault said af

Let's not judge Bob Gainey on the basis of Janne Niinimaa or Sergei Samsonov. And let's not compare him to Frank Selke or Sam Pollock. The team Gainey took over had gone 30-35-8-9 in 2002-'03. The Canadiens haven't been that bad since. Nor will they be that bad in Bob Gainey&

Turn and burn the page. Lindy Ruff has seen enough of the negligence both with and without the puck. He wants less talk and more action Tuesday night. He's demanding answers to his questions regarding 9, 26, 29, 19, 55, 41 to put their phobia associated with puck in the net. HOW SOON IS NO

Joel Perrault, after 73 games in San Antonio over the past two seasons, knows what can be at stake in this call-up. Perrault has battled back from a concussion and a recent high-ankle sprain, and he's ready to make a mark. "I guess I was a little bit surprised this year because I just cam

Word is, but not official, that the NHL Network will cover the Montreal press conference which is scheduled for 4:00pm ET today. If a stream is available, I will also post it. update 3:39pm, I have put a stream below that should show the press conference if you desire to watch it. It is not liv

from Will Harvie of The Press (New Zealand), Few Kiwis know much about ice hockey. Will Harvie explains what to watch for at the Winter Olympics. The skill of watching ice hockey on television is knowing where the puck is probably going, not focusing on where it is at any given moment. For ex

To say Saturday was an emotional day for the Toronto Maple Leafs could be the understatement of the century. Already reeling from blowing a lead in New Jersey on Friday night, they learned of the tragic death of GM Brian Burke's son, Brendan on an icy road in Indiana. Goonblog would like to ext

Update:8:28PM: Some twitter feedback on Brooklyn: The great Scotty Hockey says that it doesn't have enough seating and that you need to drive there. Read Scotty all the time here. Bronx Baseball Daily agrees that its not a good idea, saying that you can't get there without driving and think

The Philadelphia Flyers would like to bring the National Hockey League All-Star Game and Entry Draft and the to the City of Brotherly Love.

Tom Hicks was overseas when it was announced that HSG will use Galatioto Sports Partners to seek a potential new owner for the Stars, so he had the media into his office this afternoon to comment on the situation. He...

from Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail, When the Montreal Canadiens make the transition from Bob Gainey to Pierre Gauthier later today presumably on an interim basis to start I suspect the one question that everybody wants answered is one that won't be; and that is, what was the plan th

Fro about the last 1 1/2 hours, KK has been loading slowly. Once again, it is a hosting issue and hopefully will be resolved soon. Again, sorry for the issues in the last few days. update 2:44pm, from the folks who host KK, The issue was tracked to a storage system that failed to properly f

To say Saturday was an emotional day for the Toronto Maple Leafs could be the understatement of the century. Already reeling from blowing a lead in New Jersey on Friday night, they learned of the tragic death of GM Brian Burke's son, Brendan on an icy road in Indiana. Goonblog would like to ext

from Ansar Khan of Mlive, Forward Tomas Holmstrom (bruised left knee) was on the ice briefly at the start of practice but couldn't push off, so he left. He said he will skate Tuesday morning in St. Louis before a decision is made on whether he can play against the Blues. Defenseman Niklas K

Tom Hicks was overseas when it was announced that HSG will use Galatioto Sports Partners to seek a potential new owner for the Stars, so he had the media into his office this afternoon to comment on the situation. He...

Tom Hicks was overseas when it was announced that HSG will use Galatioto Sports Partners to seek a potential new owner for the Stars, so he had the media into his office this afternoon to comment on the situation. He...

Good evening, Gentle Readers! We're sorry to say that Monday night + Blersus no game diary. Instead, join us for an open thread!

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished. Preview : New Jersey Devils at Philadelphia Flyers , 7 p.m. EST . In the first of a

Queue the "he's only whining because the Penguins lost" tape (not that I agree with that). From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Rob Rossi: Reckless and disgraceful; no better words describe the NHL and NBC's decision to have the Penguins and Washington Capitals play Sunday a

Couldn't believe when I read this.I'm away on a work thing and won't be able to see any of this game. What a bummer.

Canadiens president Pierre Boivin (left) with newly appointed executive VP and general manager Pierre Gauthier . Pierre Obendrauf, Gazette AUDIO: Bob Gainey, Pierre Boivin and Pierre Gauthier (with the clicking of camera shutters as an intro) Jacques Martin Indefatigable Robert Le

"... the players arrive to work by bus, not limousine, so yes, there will be a game today." -- Legendary announcer Doc Emerick in opening Sunday's NBC Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals NHL Game of the Week.

Update:6PM: Gainey did step down at the news conference, but will stay on with the team as an adviser. At Sports Illustrated, Michael Farber breaks down the Gainey era in Montreal. Update:1:42PM: Craig Custance, of the Sporting News says that Bob Gainey is leaving quite the situation for Pierre Gau

From the Penguins: The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned forward Mark Letestu to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero. Letestu recorded his first career NHL goal (and point) in Pittsburgh's 5-4 v

Two Leafs players have food poisoning, so Nazem Kadri is an emergency call up for tonight's game. No word as of what line he will be playing on just yet, but one thing is for sure: this will be an interesting sneak peak at what Kadri and Kessel could bring to the club next season. This

Jaromir Jagr broke the Rangers single-season record for goals in 2005-06 by scoring 54, breaking Adam Graves record of 52. Through 59 games, Jagr had 42 goals. Through 59 games this season, Marian Gaborik has 35. Gaborik is projected to hit 49 goals. He is currently fourth in the NHL in goals score

NEW YORK (February 8, 2010) Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom have been named the NHL 'Three Stars' for the week ending Feb. 7.

IsDucks general manager Bob Murraygoing to be a buyer or a seller when March 3 rolls around, or perhaps before that fateful date? It is one of the questions that's floating around in hockey circles as the Ducks sit precariously outside the playoff picture entering tonight's game against the

Tom Pyatt has been called up from the Hamilton Bulldogs on Monday, whlle Ryan White and Brock Trotter have been sent back to the farm club.

The new general manager of the Montreal Canadiens plans to keep the team's top scorer. And its two young goaltenders. Pierre Gauthier, Bob Gainey's successor, says the Canadiens have talked to Tomas Plekanec's agent, Rick Curran, and a "process" is underway to keep Ple

from Ken Campbell of The Hockey News, The Capitals like to tell people they've tightened up defensively and coach Bruce Boudreau will vociferously defend his defenders, saying his team doesn't get enough props for how good it is defensively. Nice words, but we're not buying it. The Ca

Bob Gainey has resigned as GM of the Montreal Canadiens and it's basically being written that he was tired of the job and was turning it over to assistant Pierre...

via Bob McKenzie's Twitter, Rumors are rampant Bob Gainey is stepping down as GM of the Habs. I have asked the principals involved to confirm or deny. NO response. The Canadiens have called a 4:00pm ET press conference. added 12:37pm, Another tweet from Bob, Bob Gainey is stepping down

As soon as the words "important announcement regarding the Club's management" were read on the media advisory sent outMonday morning by the Montreal Canadiens , the immediate thoughts were that Bob Gainey would be out as the team's general manager. During a news conference this

Those anxiously waiting to learn the status of Cam Ward's back injury will have to wait a little longer. The goaltender underwent tests from a specialist in Charlotte today, where it was determined that Ward would need to a second appoint...

A collection of random Flyers thoughts that may occasionally make your head hurt. This Is What Simon Gagne Must Feel Like Right Now I haven't contributed anything to the Flyers discussion since January 19, which would suggest a prolific blogging drought on my part. For the last three weeks, I&#

After letting another lead slip through their fingers, this time allowing four unanswered goals by the Masshole's Kings, the Red Wings should be embarrassed by their performance Saturday afternoon. Typically, we'd be hearing Ozzie sound off that he felt good, but didn't get all the bo

This is the first episode of Midnight with Mike Aldred. On today's show, Vesa Toskala discusses his role on the ice, his trade to the Anaheim Ducks and other wildly revealing perceptions of his life. Let's just say things get a little out of control. Click Here to Watch the Video!

Canes general manager Jim Rutherford said today that the doctors treating Cam Ward's back injury want to observe him for a couple of weeks before making a decision on how to best move forward. "After a couple of weeks they'll have a better understanding of his condition," Ru

The Blues are looking to shop D-man Carlo Colaiacovo who will be a unrestricted free Agent on July First. Sources say GM Larry Pleau has notified every NHL GM that Colaiacovo is available via trade. Actions often speak louder than words and with Colaiacovo's role somewhat reduced as of late

After going through a recent skid in which he had only two goals and 10 points in 20 games, Leafs sniper Phil Kessel opted for a change in the stick department and it appears to be working.Kessel went from a Bauer X:60 stick to one made by Easton, believed to be an S19, for the game Jan. 29 agains

Random talking points on a variety of topics including Giguere's shutout streak, a refreshing new attitude, the Schenn/Phaneuf connection, pending UFAs and more. Two games into his Maple Leafs career, Jean-Sebastian Giguere already has more shutouts (2) than Vesa Toskala had this season (1)

Stick-tap to Puck Daddy's Ryan Lambert for the find: Penguins' 2009 3rd round draft pick Ben Hanowski scores to tie the game with .01 left on the clock for St. Cloud State vs. the University of Alaska Anchorage.

BUFFALO -- Good afternoon from HSBC Arena, where a handful of Bruins have concluded practice. David Krejci didn't skate, but was present for treatment on his injured right leg. Krejci said he felt much better today and that he's hopeful...

BUFFALO -- Good afternoon from HSBC Arena, where a handful of Bruins have concluded practice. David Krejci didn't skate, but was present for treatment on his injured right leg. Krejci said he felt much better today and that he's hopeful...

A collection of random Flyers thoughts that may occasionally make your head hurt. This Is What Simon Gagne Must Feel Like Right Now I haven't contributed anything to the Flyers discussion since January 19, which would suggest a prolific blogging drought on my part. For the last three weeks, I&#

Center Stephen Weiss practiced today and will be back Tuesday night against the Hurricanes after sitting out Saturday in Atlanta with a lower body injury that's been nagging him for the past three weeks. The Panthers are going to have...

With the Rangers off until Wednesday night, they went through a full practice today as they will tomorrow. The lines were the same as they have been, Marian Gaborik, Vinny Prospal and Erik Christensen, Olli Jokinen, Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan, Sean Avery, Artem Anisimov and Enver Lisin with

After letting another lead slip through their fingers, this time allowing four unanswered goals by the Masshole's Kings, the Red Wings should be embarrassed by their performance Saturday afternoon. Typically, we'd be hearing Ozzie sound off that he felt good, but didn't get all the bo

"Mike Milbury who?" (AP/The Washington Post) Today the NHL announced that Alex Ovechkin is its first star of the week and Nicklas Backstrom is the third. It's probably the Caps' least significant accomplishment all week, so... it's been a pretty good week. From a team release:

The Blues are looking to shop D-man Carlo Colaiacovo who will be a unrestricted free Agent on July First. Sources say GM Larry Pleau has notified every NHL GM that Colaiacovo is available via trade. Actions often speak louder than words and with Colaiacovo's role somewhat reduced as of late

So, Nik's still out tomorrow. Nearing "week to week" status. Franzen's still scheduled to return, though. Also, Holmstrom is a game-time decision and Eaves is doubtful. But Miller's supposed to play, so it's not all bad.

It's never a waste of time to talk to Ryan Miller. The media had to wait more than a half-hour today while Miller was meeting with some equipment company reps...

DETROIT -- Jimmy Howard will start for the 21st time in the last 23 games for the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday in St. Louis.Asked why he chose to start Howard instead of Chris Osgood, coach Mike Babcock said, "Because I...

The Philadelphia haven't had an easy past week. Besides the dismantling of the Calgary Flames a week ago today, they've hit yet another wall. The wall that currentlyrestricts themis the act ofscoring goals. The Flyerswere shutoutby the putrid Edmonton Oilers 1-0 last Wednesday, then scored

BUFFALO -- Good afternoon from HSBC Arena, where a handful of Bruins have concluded practice. David Krejci didn't skate, but was present for treatment on his injured right leg. Krejci said he felt much better today and that he's hopeful...

Center Stephen Weiss practiced today and will be back Tuesday night against the Hurricanes after sitting out Saturday in Atlanta with a lower body injury that's been nagging him for the past three weeks. The Panthers are going to have...

After going through a recent skid in which he had only two goals and 10 points in 20 games, Leafs sniper Phil Kessel opted for a change in the stick department and it appears to be working.Kessel went from a Bauer X:60 stick to one made by Easton, believed to be an S19, for the game Jan. 29 agains

With the Rangers off until Wednesday night, they went through a full practice today as they will tomorrow. The lines were the same as they have been, Marian Gaborik, Vinny Prospal and Erik Christensen, Olli Jokinen, Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan, Sean Avery, Artem Anisimov and Enver Lisin with

(Philadelphia, PA) Comcast SportsNet, the leader in local sports coverage, announced comprehensive coverage of the Philadelphia Flyers during the Olympic Break, including airing four instant classic games, two feature programs and exclusiv...

Here is John Buckley's blog"Tulip Frenzy" where he discusses "The Business of Happiness". Of course, John was my co author on the book so it was nice of him to make these personal statements. He also links to a nice CNBC interview from this morning. It too was an honor and p

Minor League Malarkey focuses on the goofy world of minor-league hockey; from the characters to the fights to the promotions to the die-hard fans that half-fill the stands. Know of a quirky upcoming hockey promotion? Drop us a line at puckdaddyblog@gmail.com . The grand tradition of ridicul

For up-to-the-second mini updates between blogs follow me on Twitter by clicking HERE This is going to be a fun week my friends.... This friday night at midnight will commence the Olympic Trade Freeze. It won't mean an end to rumors of course, anymore than the fact you aren't allowed to

Here's the release: The Dallas Stars announced today that the club has placed defenseman Mark Fistric on injured reserve (retroactive to Feb. 4). He will undergo arthroscopic surgery after suffering a knee injury on Feb. 4 at Columbus. He is expected to be out until after the Olympic Brea

Just like his father, Brendan was a gifted academic, a dean's list student at Miami who planned to study law and potentially enter politics. And, as his brother Patrick told the Boston Herald, being gay was far from what defined him."If he had been born straight, he would have come up with

"Mike Milbury who?" (AP/The Washington Post) Today the NHL announced that Alex Ovechkin is its first star of the week and Nicklas Backstrom is the third. It's probably the Caps' least significant accomplishment all week, so... it's been a pretty good week. From a team release: